■<^.N 






./ 



HISTORY 



OF 



J 



RAWFORD AND RICHLAND COUNTIES. 



WISCONSIN. 



toqetheu with sketches of theiu towns and villages, educational, civil, mili- 

TAItY AND political HISTOKY; POKTRAITS OF PROMINENT PERSONS, AND 
biographies of REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



<"y (_' 



7 



■ i-i^i-^-i. 



EMBRACING ACCOUNTS OF THE PRE-HISTORIC EACES, AND A BRIEF ACCOUNT 
OF ITS TERRITORIAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS. 



ILLUSTRATED. 




SPRINOFIELD. ILL. 
lINrON PKBLISHINO COMPANT. 

1884. 



n . TO THE PIONEERS 



f iV.^^ 



9)^ OF 



'u 



CRAWFORD AND RICHLAND COUNTIES. 

THIS VOLUME IS 

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 

WITH THE HOPE THAT YOUR VIRTUES MAY BE EMULATED AND YOUK TOILS 

AND SACRIFICES DULY' APPRECIATED BY' COjMING 

GENERATIONS. 



.?7y 






PREFACE. 



This work was commenced, and has been carried forward to com])letii>n, witli a s])(MMlic 
object in view, which was, to place upon record in a reliable manner and in pcnniiiiinl I'.om, 
whatever incidents of importance have transpired within what are now the limits of Crawford 
and Richland counties, since their first settlement. As preliminary lo the narrative j. roper, it 
was thought best to give a succinct history of the State at large, including an account of its pre- 
historic earthworks, of the early visitations of ti.e fui-trader and missionary, and of the jurisdic- 
tions exerciseil over this region by different governments; also of the important incidents trans- 
piring here wliile the Territory of Wisconsin was in existence. fThis part of the work is from 
» the pen of Prof. C. W. Butterfield, of Madison./ 

In the general history of the two counties, as well as in those of their cities, towns and 
villages, the reader will find that incidents, reminiscences and anecdote.' are recorded with a 
variety ajtd completeness commensurate with their importance. Herein is furnished (and this is 
said with confidence) to the present generation and to those which follow it, a valuable reflex of 
the times and deeds of the pioneers. It has been truly said that "a people that takes no pride 
in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything to be remembered 
with pride by remote descendants." It is believed that, in the following pages, there is erected 
to the pioneer men and women of Crawford and Richland counties a lasting monument. 

The resolutions passed by Congress in 18Y6 in reference to the preparation and preservation 
of local history, and the proclamation from the President recommending that those resolutions 
be carefully observed, have met with the very general and hearty approval of the people. In- 
deed, so acceptable has seemed this advice from our law-makers, that steps have already been 
taken in almost every thoroughly organized community throughout the land to chronicle and 



IV PREFACE 



place in permanent form the annals of each neighborhood, thus rescuing from oblivion mncli 
interesting and valuable information that is irretrievably lost each year tlirotigli the deatli of old 
settlers, and the decay and ravages of time. It was thought there could be no good reason why 
the history of Crawford and Richland counties should not be placed upon as enduring a founda- 
tion as those of surrounding counties; and, to this end, no expense or pains has been si)arcd to 
render it worthy the patronage of its citizens. A number of experienced writers upon local his- 
tory under the guidance, and aided by C. W. Butterfield in Crawford county, and George A. 
Ogle in Richland county, have had the work in charge from its inception to its close ; and, iipcjn 
completion of their labor, before any portion of the manuscript was sent to the press, the whole 
was submitted to county and town committees of citizens for revision, thus insuring correctness 
and adding materially to the vulue of the book. 

The labors of all engaged in this enterprise have been cheered by the cordial assistance and 
good-will of many friends, so many, indeed, that, to attempt to name them, would, in this con- 
nection, be impracticable; to all of whom, grateful acknowledgement;; are tendered. Tlie officers 
of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, have, from the first, been unremitting in their en- 
deavors to aid the undertaking. The press of both counties is entitled to sjiecial mention for their 
help and encouragements so generously tendered. 

UNION PUBLISHING COMPANY. 

April, 1884. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE. 

PKRHISTOllIC AND SETTLEMENT 17 

Kii'St Exploi-ntiim of tbe Northwest 18 

VV seonsin visited by fur trailers iiml Jesuitmisslon- 

aries 19 

Kou tilling of Jesuit missions in Wisconsin 20 

Wisnonsin unrler French domination 21 

Wisconsin under English supreniaey 23 

Wisconsiti as a part of the Northwest Territory 25 

Wisconsin as a part of the Territory of Indiana 27 

Wisconsin as a part of Illinois Territory 29 



CHAI'TEU II. 



WISCONPIN AS A TEKlirmUY. 

Sieri-laiics 

r Mi led Stales Attorneys 

I'liited States Marshals 



CHAPTEH III. 
WISCONSIN AS A STATE 



I'AOE 

34 

. . 35 

35 

35 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. WISCON 



.IN 



CHAPTER I. 

A IIEA. POSITION AND PHYSICAL FEATURES . 

Area • •• 

Position ; 

Physical Eeatures 

The Kivers of the County 

CIIAI'TERII. 

TOPOtiltAPHY ANDGEOLOGY 

CHAPTER HI. 

ANCIENT INHABITANTS 

Mound Huilders 

The Sioux 

Sa<-s and Koxcs 

Indian Conflicts within the County 

The Winnebnsoes 

CHAPTER IV. 

EARLY EXPLOUATIONS 

Expedition of I,i>uis .loliet 

Expedition of Michael Accau 

i:xpcditionof Dnluth 

Perrol's Voyajre to the West 

I,a I'erriert^ liuilds a Eort on LakcPopin 

TheJourneyof Jonathan Carver .'.. . 

Observatioiis of Major Pike 

Up the Mississippi in isili 

CHAPTER V. 

THE W A U OF 1812-15 

Anderson's Journal 1814 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE WINNEBAGO WAK 

Murder of Gagaierand Lipcap 



88 
fc8 
94 
«5 
99 
103 



129 
129 
13(1 
132 
132 
132 
133 
140 
142 



147 

1.54 



I'.l'.l 
199 



I' 

A Winnebajro debauch 

The tirst battle of Dad Ax 

Arrival of K-ovcrninent troops 

ne-Kau-rav's imprisonment 

.lames H. Lockwood's aeeountof the Winnebago War 

Last act of the Wiunehajfo W»ir 

Mrs. Coasm Cherrier's aeeountof the Uajfuierinur- 

der '. ■ 

CHAPTER VII. 

THE DLACK HAWK WAK 

liattleof Stillman'sKun 

IJattle of Pecatonlea 

Haltlp of Wisconsin Heights 

Itattle of Had Ax 

Up and down the Mississippi before the Black Hawk 

War 

Death of Ulack Hawk 

CHAPTER VIH. 

UNITED STATES LAND SURVEYS 

CHAPTER IX. 



KV, V. 
199 

2011 
201 
3(11 
211 



220 
22(i 
227 
282 
236 

238 
253 



257 



284 



PRIVATE LAND CLAIMS 

CHAPTER X. 

FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY 280 

Of the first live settlers ^1 

Names of early settlers 281 

An unsolx-ed problem *81 

W here the fl rst settiericnt was made ;W1 

Firtrlv customs and habits 288 

Crawford C(ninty in 18UB ^ 

Traditions and recollections of Prairie du Chlon 290 

Settli-rs between l.siil and 1840 294 

Residents who were livinif here in 183» 295 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Settlers in 1837, 1838 iind ISW 396 

i^ioneer times 296 

Incidents of pioneer history 299 

Prominent pioneers 300 

CHAPTER XI. 



I'UIXEERLIFE 

Tb(^ Ioh: cabin 

I'loiieer iLirnitiirc. . 
Primitive cookery. 
Primitive tliresliing 

Goinf*- to mill 

Wild animals 



307 
307 



308 
309 



CHAPTER Xir. 



FlKSTTHlNGS 

Milit-^ry road 

The tirst school 

Thirst postal arranjrcment 

First Sunday School 

First prot^&tant meetjny-s 

CHAPTER XIII. 

FORM A'L' ION AND OUGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 

AN n L( )f AT I N G TH E COUNTY SEAT 

Forming- and naming the County 

CHAPTER XIV. 

MILlTAire OCCUPATION 

• 'The French Fort"— a myth 

The lirst Foit Crawford 

William Harris < 'rawford 

A reij?n of terror 

A milder reign 

The first Fort Crawford In 1833 

Zachary Taylor 

Notable events 



313 
3U 
314 
314 
315 



329 
3:!9 
334 
334 
3:a 
336 
337 
337 
337 



CHAPTER XV. 

TEKUITORIAL, STATE AND CONGKESSIONAL REP- 
RESENTATION 

Congressional delegates from Michigan Territory. . . 
Congressional delegates from Wisconsin Territory. . . 

Members of the Council of Wisconsin Territory 

Members of the Assembly of Wisconsin Territory. . . 

Constitniioual conventions 

Members of the Senate 

Members of Congress. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

THE COURTS, PAST AND PRESENT 

A model justice 

A lawyer ■ 'squashod" 

First term of the County Court 

A tribute to the late H. L. Dousraan 

Territorial Circuit Court 

Holding court under ditKcuItie^i 

A special session of the Circuit Court 

state Circuit Court \ 

' Circuit .judges. 

County Court of Crawford County 

Clerks of the Territorial Countj- Court 

Clerks of the United S'ates District Court 

Clerks of the State Circuit Court 

CHAPTER XVII. 

THE BAR, PAST AND PRESENT 

Present County orticials 



c;hapter XVIII. 



RAILROADS. 



3.5.5 
3.55 
355 
355 
3.56 
3.5t) 
357 
358 



359 
363 
.364 
364 
369 
373 
373 
374 
383 
383 
386 
3«0 
390 
390 



391 
401 



403 



chapter XIX. 



AGRICULTURE AND THE AGRICULTURAL SOCI- 
ETY 408 

CHAPTER XX. 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 423 

CHAPTER XXt 

PIONERK REMINISCENCES 430 

My .bhn .-^hiiw 430 

By .lames H. Lockwood 4.33 

l!y William . I. Snelling 440 

ByS.M. Palmer 467 



CHAPTER XXII. 

PAGE 

THE SCHOOLS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 470 

CHAPTER XXIII. _ 

VARIOUS THINGS 475 

A Pioneer Incident 475 

The Vast Illimitable changing West 475 

Crawford County, in 1873 477 

The fur trade in Crawford County 479 

In Memoriara 491 

Attempted removal of the County Seat 492 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE WAR FOR THE UNION 495 

Crawford County Pensioners 531 

CHAPTER XXV. 

THE NEWSPAPER PRESS .534 

Prairie du Chien Patriot 534 

The Crawford County Courier .535 

The Prairie du Chien Leader 539 

The Prairie du Chien Union 540 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

EARLY CUUNTV GOVER.VMENT 544 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

TOWN OF BRIDGEPORT 5.59 

Recollections of Mrs. Joseph Atherton 5.59 

Village OF Bridgepoht .562 

Reminiscence of Theresa Barret te ? .564 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

TOWN OF CLAYTON -573 

Village OF SOLDiEU's GitoVE 580 

Village OF Kingston 581 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

TOWN OF EASTMAN .588 

CHAPTER XXX. 

TOWN OF FREEMAN .594 

DeSoto V1LL.1GE .598 

Village OF I'EKRYViLLE 603 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

TOWN OF HANEY OH 

Village OF Bell Centek 61.) 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

TOWN OF MARIETTA "20 

Reminiscence of Nancy Wayne 624 

VILI.AGE OF BOYDSTOWN 625 

Village OF Georgetown 626 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN— TOWN AND CITi.' 635 

City OF Pbaikie DU Chien 637 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

TOWN OF SCOTT 693 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

TOWN OF SENECA 712 

Village OF Sr.NECA 717 

Village OF Lynxville 719 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

TOWN OF UTICA 728 

N'lLLAGE OF MtH'NT >^TERLING 734 

Village of Towehvillb 736 

Village of Risixg Sus 739 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

TOWN OF WAUZEKA 750 

VILL.4GE OF WAUZEKA 732 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



/^ 



Ackorley, ,lohn 

Adams, Thomas 

Akin. Vininus E 

Allen, .larob 

Alien, .I.U. 

Allen, Lemuel H 

Ames, Boi'sev I* 

Anns, Pliilenu 

Arnistrohg, Samuel 

Ateheson, ,Sr. William 
Atherton, Josepli 

liailey, Charles A 

Uailey, Andrew 

Itaker Isaac 

Baker, Charles Wesley. 

Itaker, George C 

Halrirhard, A , 

Harry, J. S 

Uarrette, Henry 

linrrette, Sr. Peter 

Uarrette, Charles 

Itarrctte, Samuel 
Karthdlomew, Peter... 

Ilassett, Harvey 

Itaxter, I)r 

Iteach, Ale.vauder >I . . 

lieaeh, S. S 

Beaumont. William 

Beeseeker, Andrew J. 

Beekwar, Andrew 

Beier, Georj^e 

Benedict, Alonzo 

Bensou, H. ,1 

Bennett, Charles P 

Biederman, C. Eliza... 

liijfelow, J. S 

Bishop, Blind T 

Blair, A. V 

Bonne.v, I^eonard 

Bosch, Andrew 

Bowen, Ethan A 

Brace, P. It 

Braman, Amos 

Breidenbaeb, .Michael.. 

Briifgs, J.J 

BrigKS, Darius \V 

Brii-'ht, Thomas C 

Bri^'htman, Prank 

Hrower, Arthur 

Brower, Thomas L... , 

Brown, S. L 

Brunson, Alfred 

Brunson, Ira B 

Brunson, Emma 

Urunner, H 

Bull. Benjamin 

Bullock, Walter U.. . 

Burrell, ,Iohn 

Burkholder, David 

Biu-nett. Thomas P. ... 
Bntterflell. LeRojT... 

(]lallawav. J. M 

Camplxll, Will G 

Campltell. Peter 

Camphell, .lamesE 

Case, Lawrence 

Casey, Dr 

Caswell. Oliver A 

Ca\'a, Louis 

< iiya, Miteh»ll 

Chapek, Prank ... 



PAGE 

.. eSiflhapek, Mathias ."^ 

.. 741 Christopheison, Sever 

.. (iOli Chiircliill, GeorK-e W. ... 
. . iS- Clark, Samuel Adams. ... 
.. 0:14 Clemen tson, George 

727 Coalljurn. Deitriek 

60:i Coalburu, Charles F 

. . 5(;7'Coleniau, .Johu P 

7'.il Coleman, Harrison 

. 7iiUjCollins, Kred. E 

. . ofJliK Sonant, John 

^,-^u;^ook, Pizarro 

■ • l^ijilCopper, Ralph 

■„.,^ Cothren, Montgomery M. 

('urran. James .\ 

Curts, Jr., William . . 



.581 
5tB 
5!)a 
427 
5B4 
■iBJ 
r)«4 
Ottt 
BOil 
.505 
428 
4U1 
42;) 
4-W 
.571 
.5!>2 
7«U 
424 
fi.S4 
.5S: 
lil8 
724 
805 

;(».• 
5'j:i 

077 
71J4 



Dallam, James B 

Daugherty, .1. W.. 

Davis, William 

Davis, (ieorge W 

Da.v, Jeremiah 

Day, John 

Dean, George 

Dognan. Jr., James 

Denio, Aaron 

Dickson, William. 

Dickson, Thomas 

Dinioek, Redmond 0. 

Dinr^dale. James 

Dinszale, Dr 

Dousman, Jane F 

Dousiuan, llercules L 

Doyli'. Peter 

Drew, David 

Duncan. Robert 

Dutcher, William 



Eastman, B. D 

Eddy, Edward S... 

Eitsert, Henry 

;„;! Elliott, Edward C 
s^jiElwee-, Dr 



582 



Evans, William H. 



74' 



; Evert, Fred. 



■j^j^lEyers, , Robert. 



.581 



, Fairbanks, Harry. 



J I'airlield, (ieorpre. . 
l''anifclion. .lulius. 



Ii'<2 
(1 

.5s:i 
:!in 

liHl) 

3tti 
42U 

iSlt Ferrel, Stephen S 



Feldnumn, John Nicholas. 

Fenton, D. (i 

Kerrel, James M 

Ferrel, J. T 

Feriell, S. S 



r'u'-iFlsh, Seyniour 

'-(),. Fisher, James. .. . 

.'«,. Flint, Edwin 

■ftori Folsom, John H. . ., 
"■"'Foster, (ieorg.- W... 
632;Fri>nk, AlphcusE... 
402 Friedorieli, Marcus. 
KiO Frltsche, Charles... 
B77 Fuller, Charles S.... 
67» 

428 Gale, George 

741 Gander, David 

722 Gander, G.J 

722 Gardiner, Stephen.. 
7.50Garvey, Brothers... 



688 
585 
70' 
073 
380 

7as 

702 
70:i 
617 
572 
420 
722 
IIOII 
:18;5 
74.S 

no'.i 

3!)2 
03! 

cm 

74<i 
424 

097 
723 
7.5^| 
402 
725 
724 
685 
580 
428 

■mA 

:iOU 

3D8 
592 
701 

:«»7 

42(1 
08.5 
60;; 
701 

4281 

4i'li 

on: 

702: 

4251 
508 i 
074 
700 
3!l:i, 
02!l 
028! 

628' 
5a5 
5!ll 

assj 

072, 

Olio 
400 
670 
.567 
400 

3R4 
58:j 
584 
629 

088 



Garvey, Robert 

Gay, T. W 

Go\ers, Chri.stoph. , 
Gilbert, William.. . 

Glover, R. E 

Graham. Jacob 

Grelle. Charles 

Grelle, Christopher 
Guiekan, James.. .. 



Haggerty, J. A 

Haisted, L. C 

Flalverson, Ole 

Hamuierly. Leonard... 
Hamilton, Henry... . 

Harris, De.\terG 

Harris. William.. 
Harrington, George E 

Haz.en, Sanun'l 

Helgerson, Henry 

Helgerson, Martin... . 
Helgersou, Thomas... - 

Hunt, B. T 

H\uiter, J. D 

Hudlnit, I. D 

Hurlbut, John J. 

Hurlbut. John R... ... 

Hutchinson, Buel E 

Hughbanks, WilliaTn.. 



PAGE 

72*' 

'.. 747 

. . 002 

. . 702 

, . 425 

. . 705 

. 074 

.. 074 

. . 0331 



Levi, Albert 

Levi, Nathan H.. ... . 

Lewis, W. D. C 

Lockart, Edward P 

Lockwood, James H..,. 

Lockwood, .lohn S 

Lowry, Edward. 

McAuley, William 

MeCrillis. .loseph E 

^,„!.MoCullick,L. II 

;o"|MiT)(makl, James H .. .. 
/ri McDonald, Jane 



Ingham, James 

.Tackson, Mortimer M. 

Jaokson, Orson 

Jacobia, George E 

Jaeger, Fiederick 

,Iames, Hi^nr.v T 

Jetter. Jacob 

Johnson, Daniel H.... 

.lobnston, John 

,Johns<m, Ole 

Jonet;, Joel Dart 



740 
742! 
017 
li.O 
032 
OSS 
.501 
I'll 1.5 1 
.587 
74>- 
3061 
.587 
5421 
7001 
7IKI 
393 
708 



383 

68: 



McDonald, William 

McDougal, Charles. ... 

McDougal.J. W 

.McHarg, John 

Mclnlyro, D:n ifl 

Marsden.Sr., Thomas.. 
Marsdon.Jr., Thomas. 

.Mason, Darius 

.Mai hews, Charles A 

Matibews, Richard G.. 

.Maynard. llc'nr.v <,: 

Meimrd, Mary Ann 

.\Ienges, Michael 

Merrill, Willard 

Merrell, William D .... 

Miller, Andrew 

Millar, H. C 

Miller.G L 

Miller.John 

Miller. North .. 

.Mills, A. E. 



^f|.';iMills, Fergus.. 
^j,:jMills, George_ 

005 



700 

394; 



Mills, Joseph T 

Mindham. WilMam... 
.Mitchell, Mahlon G... 



•>nr,'Momo, Grtliriel 

iJiV .M ontgomery, Archibald . . 



5841 
424 



-Mook, David. 



Kast, Henry CO . ... 

Kast, Ira F 

Kast, J. N 

Kast, Jeremiah N 

Kast, William V. N... 

Kahler. Charles 

Kelly, F. W 

Ivenneson, Marstiii S. 

Kenyon, Lewis 

Kinder. J. It 

King, Henry C 

Kingsland, John S 

King, Lynum 

King, Rufus 

Knops, John 

Knowlton, Wiram. .. 
Knutson, Ole 



Newton, William 
Newton, John A. 



i Moore, Dr. 

6:i4 Morgan, G 

010 Morris, Robert 

400; Mumtord, Charles N.. 

2|^flNewick, Walter 

50; 

ijS Niekcrson, Marcus F 
i:.; Noggle, David... 

,..;- Volan, Peter 

.±; Norris, M. E .... 

V'lj^Norris.T.n 

i;:,. Nugent, Thomas 
:J;j;lNnfer, Eli 

087 otto, Henry . . 



>Ar.E 
. 601 
. 692 
. 617 
, 673 
. 391 
070 
3iii; 

. 7:',o 
. om 

. 705 

. 089 

609 

609 

, 428 

700 

' 680 
571 
■571 
42.5 
6811 
6tti 

, .568 
42.1 
682 
;»I4 
537 
759 
42.3 
401 
706 
725 
747 
720 
400 
385 
704 
740 
74M 
581 
582 
427 
426 
72:! 
758 



Patten, James. 



H. 



La Force, Louis. . 
Lampkins, .X D 
Langdon, William 

l.alhrop. L. L 

I.athriip, Piatt A 

Laurence, Richard B 
Lawrence, Thomas.. 

I^awson S 

Learned, Charles.. . 

Leclerc, Leander 

Lester,, David K 

Lester, Hern'v C 



383 

^''*'' Patten. J. 

722 Pease, G. W 

187 Peek, Cyrus 

017 Peterson, Hoorer M 
7.57 Peterscm, Nelson O 

018 Peterson, Peter N . . 
70<i Phillips, AnilrcwC . 
aBlPhillips, A. D 
5>V) Phillips, Friend A 
393 Phillips, Abraham 
;bi3 Pickett, Theodore F.. 

742 Pittsle.v,. lohn 

749lPorter,C. V 




VIII 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Portci-, Samuil C 

Pose}', James 

Putnam, James 



RaflfauC, Jac 

Ke te iieyer. A. H .. 

Rice, Cliri8li-in 

Hichardsoii. John G 

Hk'bman, H. L 

Kogvrs, Alfred A.... 

liDg-ers, Kdwai-d 

Itojrers, Jonathan ... 

Kosenhanni, S 

Rounds. Charles R... 

Rowan, M. \V 

Kussell. A. (J 

Rutter, John 



Samufls, Alexander F . 
Schumann. Theodore. . . . 
Schweizer. iohn George. 

."■'earlc. A. N 

Sears. .Archibald 

Sharman.Sr., William.. . 



Sheridan, Philip 

Sherwood, H. i 

Sime, TostenT 

t^mereina, Frank... 
Smethurst, James.. 

.Smelhui>t. John 

SiiiiUi. ( Icorge A . - . . 

Smith, Ralph 

Speck, Charles H .. 

Spencer, J. R 

Steele, Chauncey H . 

Stefify, J 

Steiger, Emil 

Steiner, Adam 

Stein er, John G 

Sterling-, William T., 
St. Johns, Charles.. 

Stowell.J. L 

Strayer, Jacob 



».VOE 

.58:3 
74(1 
600 
689 
617 
7411 
581 
75B 
401 
702 
630 
746 
42B 
591 
677 
7:J0 
4:;ii 
58a 
571 : 



PACK 

Thomas, O . B 392 

Thompson, Ambrose T^i 

Thompson, Edwin 741 

Tichnor, Dealton . ..... 397 

Tilmont, Joseph 684 

Tower, John H 609 

Tower,Jr.,John H 610 

Trott, Hannah 599 

True, Dr 428 

Turk, James. . . 703 

Turner, Samson 748 



Vanderbelt, John .. .. 
Van Vickie, Edson W. 
Vaughan, Aaron C B.. 

Vaughan, O. P 

Vaiighan, W. A 

Viele,L. F. S 



728 
689 
740 
759 

758 
.397 



Taft, Seymour 619, Wachter, George 687 

Tat't, Sr., Alanson 618 Walton, J. B 400 

Tallman, Nelson A 745 Walton, William B 704 

Taylor, James 726, Wannemaker, Samuel L.. 631 



PAGE 

Ward.T.V 401 

Wayne, James N 627 

Wayne, Lewis 628 

Wayne, Nathaniel 62S 

Wayne, William 627 

Webster, Baniel 397 

Webster, Myron M 399 

Weniger. Henry 691 

Whalev. Edward A 678 

Whittemore,J. F 586 

Whitney, J.J 435 

Widman, John G 760 

Wilbur, George M 746 

Wilcox, Joseph 398 

Wilt, William 705 

\V inegar, Ferdinand .593 

Withee.A. B 726 

Withee, Daniel 727 

Wood,E. B 424 

Wolcott,Alden E 728 

Wright, E. M 681 

Young, Alexander 604 

Young, Henderson 701 



PORTRAITS. 



Brower, Thomas L 183 

Case, Lawrence 217 



PAGE PAGK 

IDousman, H. L 285 



Dousman, Mrs 286 



PAGE 

King, H. C 319 

Merrill, William D 133 



Otto, Henry. 



PAGE 



TABLE OF C ONTENTS. 



IX 



H 1 STORY OF RICH LAND CO UN 1 Y. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE. 

INTKOIU'CTOllY "fil 

Topography 7(J'^ 

Oiogiaphy imd Geology 702 

CHAPTER H. 

MOL'ND iiUILDEItS AND INDIAN OCCUPANCY 7r.B 

CHAPTP^R in. 

E A l{ I,Y S ETTLE M KNT Tll'l 

(.)r;:finization of Ihc County 775 

Fiist EycMits. 7711 

CHAPTER IV. 

COUNTY GOVERNMENT 7a3 

CHAPTER V. 

VARIOUS OFFICIAL MATTERS 7!W 

CHAPTER VI. 

PO1.ITICAL STATISTICS SU 

CHAPTER Vn. 

NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTA- 
TION 823 

Congressional 82) 

Legislative 821! 

County Clerk 827 

Clerks of Court 828 

Register of Deeds 828 

County Treasurers 8:i0 

Sheriffs 8;!1 

County Judges Si3 

Proseeuting Attorneys 8;j;j 

County Superintendents 8;h 

Cou nty Surveyors 834 

Coroners 8;j.t 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE COURTS OF HICHLAND COUNTY 8.!0 

CHAPTER IX. 

THE RAH OK RICHLAND COUNTY 858 

CHAPTER X. 

EDUC.\T10NAL 867 

CHAPTER XI. 

GOVERNMENT SURVEYS 8«!l 

CHAPTER XII. 

REMINISCENCES OF EARLY DAYS 873 

BvLevIHouts 874 

By William Wulllng... 876 

Bv A. Hnseltine 878 

BvSalma Rogers 881 



PAGE. 

By George H. Babb 882 

ByA.L. Hateh 884 

Byd.L.Laws 8K) 

BvJ. M. Reid 886 

By J. H. Waggoner 888 

By .lanifs H. Miner 890 

Bv Rev. John Walwortli 8!I2 

By Rev. J. H. Mathers 893 

By Mrs. Cvrus D. Turner 896 

By IsraelJanney 898 

CHAPTER XIII. 

WAR FOR THE UNION iKB 



CHAPTER XIV. 



930 



THE HONORED PIONEER DEAD 

CHAPTER XV. 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 940 

CHAPTER XVI. 

RAILWAY AND TELEGRAPH LINES 948 

CHAPTER XVII. 

DARK DEEDS 9.J1 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE PRESS 9fil 

Richland Count J' Observer , 962 

Riehland Counlj' R epublican 964 

Republican and Observer 964 

'I he Live Republican 965 

The Observer 966 

Satt's Pine River Pilot 906 

The Richland Democrat 966 

The Uii hland Rustic 967 

Uiihland County Democrat 907 

The Zouave 967 

The Sentinel 908 

Thr 1 11.1. -pendent 968 

The Richland Union Democrat 988 

Lone Rock Pilot 970 

CHAPTER XIX. 

TOWN OF AKAN 971 

CHAPTER XX. 

TOWN OF BLOOM 981 

ViLi.AOK OF Sphi NO Valley 98:! 

Village OP West Li.MA 981 

CHAPTER XXI. 

TOWN OF BI'ENA VISTA 989 

Richland City 993 

Lo.vE Rock 994 

CHAPTER XXII. 

TOWN OF DAYTON 1012 

Village OF BoAz 1015 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

PAGE. 

^ TOWN OF EAGLE 1023 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

TOWN OF FOREST ]{M3 

Village OF VioL.\ 104.5 

CHAPTER XXV. 

TOWN CF HENRIETTA 1031 

Early St-ttlement 1051 

Eflucatioiial 10.W 

Religious 105i 

Village OF Woodstock 10.56 

ViLLAGf; CF i'DB.l 1058 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

TOWN OF ITHACA 1070 

Early Settlement lOTO 

Religious lOTB 

Elucational 1078 

Organic 1079 

Village OF Pktf.ksuurg 1080 

Village OF Neitune 1080 

Village OF Ithaca 1081 

Village of Se.xtonville 1083 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

TOWN OF MA USH ALL 1107 

Early Settlement 1107 

First Things 1109 

Educational 1110 

Religious 1111 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

TOW.v OF OlilON 11.30 

Enrlv Settlement 11.50 

FirstTliings 1132 

Educational 1I3;; 

Religious 1132 

VILL.AGE OF Obion llSl 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

TOWN OF RICHLAND 1U7 

Richland Center 1149 

The Beginning .. 1149 

Business Development 1151 

Business Directory 1153 

Industrial Enterprises 11.56 

Village GoTcrnment 11.57 

Temperance Movement 1166 



page. 

Educational 1169 

Religious 1170 

Societies 1173 

CHAPTER XXX. 

TOWN OF RICH WOOD 1216 

Early Settlement 1210 

First Events 1217 

Industrial Enterprises 1318 

Religious 1219 

Educational 1219 

ViLL.tGE OF Port Andrews 1220 

Village OF Excelsior 1221 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

TOWN OF ROCKBRIDGE J237 

Early Settlement 12:i7 

Organic 1241 

Educational , 1242 

Religious 124;) 

Items of Interest 1244 

Village of Rockbridge 12U 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

TOWN OF SYLVAN 1200 

Early Settlement 1260 

Various Matters i:'.l>i 

Schools 126-i 

Religious 1263 

Organic 1303 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

TOWN OF WESTFOUD 1268 

Early Settlement 1268 

First Events .. 1270 

Organic 1270 

Educational 1271 

Religious 1271 

Village OF Cazenovia 1272 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

TOWN OF WILLOW 1281 

Early Settlement 1281 

Educational 1284 

Religious 1383 

Historical Items 1286 

Village op LoYD 1287 

CHAPTER XXXV. 
EARLV EVENTS IN RICHLAND COUNTV I:a5 



PORTRAITS. 



page 

Carswell, John H 996 

Cai-swell. Mary U 99; 

Clark, H. J 117' 

Downs, D L 1213 



Fogo, W. M... 
Gribhle, Iivin 



page 

. . 1159 James, D. G.... 

I 

. 1195,ivmilcr, Peter. 



page 

. . 845 Miner, James H. 



I Walworth, John 913 

879iWhitcomb, Myron 811 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



XI 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



PAOF. 

Aknii. Willimn lllis! 

Allen. H. H 1U'1L> 

Allison. W ().. ll-.'7 

A Iwoi 111. Kil wa n\ M laiOj 

AndersiU), .Ahrnhain l».^4 

Andeison. Diivid.. ]2.')4 



Alliii rsiin. Jaoiili 
Andrews. Thoinus. 
Api)l"It.v. ,Ijinn.-s .. 
Atkins, CHrri M . 
Atkinson. L. E.~. . 

Austin, E. 1' 

Austin, llinini 



12-.'l 
8:14— siwl 
12711 
IS*! 
125S 
1247 



BHbh. Goorjre H. 
Hachti'nIun-iRM-, James 

liaili V. II T 

Itakf'r, W \V 

Ilal-iley, William A.. -. 

Itancroft. .1. C 

Uarncs, William M 

Harron, W. C. S 

Uarn tt, Alexander. .. 

BaxtiT, L. W 

Bi-ai-. D W 

Behove. E. W 

liellville, C. U, 

liencicr, Daniel 

Iteiider. William 

Bennett, Geoijfe E 

Bennett. .Jaeob 

Henin-tt. Van S 

Benton. Josepil 

Benton, Geoive 

Benton, .Ii-., .loscph .. 
Ber^fer. Philip Daniel. 

Berr> man. .1. H 

lievier. Zenas \V 

Ililile, Moses 

Biektord. A. W 

Bills, .lames A 

Blaek, Winfleld Scott . 

Bliiek, O. K 

Black, .\le.\antier. ... 

Blake. Simon S 

lioek. Hugo N 

Bovee, Elisba 

Bovce, Durfoe 

Biiwen, 1". P 

Boweu. W..I 

Braee. Cnr-(ls E 

ISradv, .lames 

Jirad:'lia\v, ,1. W. 

Brewer, I*. E 

Brewer, I\ S 

Brewer. It. K 

BriKt-s. Ja.v W. 

Brimer, B<'?i.iamin F. . 

Brimer. .Jacob 

Ilrimer, J. X. 

Britton. Orrin I,. . .. 
BrowTU'lI. Ben,jamln B 
Buchanan. ,lr.. Knbcrt 

Buchanan. Itobert 

Bnnell. .Icsse (i 

Burnhain. V . W, . . , 

Burnhain. .1. W 

Burnham. Horace L 
Burwitz. Cliristian.. 

Itush. A H 

Bn-*b.v. Harry ... 

Button. Leonard 

Byrd. I). H 



l:;ti5 
!)7!t 

lisw 
lal.-l 
nai 

1007 
1023 
1198 
104; 

131: 
1040 
941 

828 
1047 
1047 
12117 
1U0';1 
834 
!i:i."i 
1247 
1123 
114', 

8ti:i 

10111 
1271! 
1141 
IIKL'l 
8(i0| 
8t!2 
8«l! 
1143 
lOIOi 
1181 
118^ 
118S 
118S 
lOOB: 
H77' 
'.I.SS' 
1103: 
1104, 
lllll 
1021 
114.'. 
Old' 
I>40 
10871 
1203' 

12:it 

12;c; 
12071 
so I 
1204' 
1101 
114.1 

8: ill 
.s:t2 
1002 
8:i0 



HAOE 

Carson, .Alonzo 1220 

Carswell, George J 1004 

Carswell. .John A lOWi 

Carswell. ,lohn H lOOS, 

Carpenter, JSilas L . 12.>i 

Carver, Itandolph L 937 

Casey, F. P »4li 

Cass, George W 1003 

Cass, ,James M 1001 

Cass. Osnum - .- .... 04 1 

Gate. H. W 12.W 

Chandler, I). O 1180 

Chesemore, Stephen W.... 1318 

Chishulm, Ale.\ander 1256 

Clark, P. M 12.57 

i lark, E. I) 1230 

Clark. Homer J 864 

Clark, Edmund 1231 

Clark, J. S 12:30 

Clarson. John 12.5.') 

Cleveland, J A 1210 

Cline, Samuel 1291 

Closson, C. E 978 

Coates, W. H 1232 

Coates, H. F 12J2 

Coates, J. T.. 1232 

Cotlinbcrrv, J. W 856 

Collins, Henry 1184 

Collins, WillinmF. 1180 

Conner. Henry 12:i7 

Cook. Levi H . . llOli 

Cooper. William 1031 

Cornwall. Horace 1039, 

Coulter. William 113:> 

I'ouinbe. J. Hobert 1231 

Cratsenbersr, William iO.Mi 

Crawford, Williau: 830 

Crumbecker, A. M 1208; 

CunniUKham, M.H B. ... 12461 

Davis, John C 931 

Davis, Samuel 931 

Davis, AbijahS 1005 

Davis, George 1124 

David, O. F 1236: 

Dawson, William Henry.. 1141 

Dedcrich. Anthony 1102 

DeHart. Henry B. 931 

D< Lap. It. H «i;i 

Deinmer. .lohn Henry 114.T 

Dewey. David 12*1 

DiUKnian. Jcremiali 1220 

Di.von. William 1103 

Dobl.s. Lewi« »7(i 

Dornihoe, J(thn 1275 

Do,, ley. William 1136 

r)i,udna. W. V ]20fi, 

Doniliia. Isaac 1126 

Dove. .lames 1208) 

Dowling. James 9:34' 

Downs. D. L 940, 

Down<. William H ... IBl 

Dri'ikill, Oliediah 1206' 

Durnloril. Alfred 862 

Dunn. John 1068 

Eastland, H. A 86] 

Easllanrl. A. C 8.56 

Ka-'tland. H.W 1199 

Easthuid. K. W 801 

Kilwanls. Thomas J 087 

Eldreil, 1(. S 1007 

Elliott, Joseph 1238 



PAGE. 

Elliett. Randolph 1236' 

Kllswi,rth. H. B 1236 

Ellswnrlh, J. S 1:J38 

Ellsworlh. M. 1)^ 1329 

;Ellsworth, Thoi^Tas J 1339 

Ellsworth, Eli 1011 

Ellsworlh, Wallace 1011 

Knishoir. llenrv 1141 

'Ewers, ,|i.hn 1364 

Ewiuf, Joshua. . . o:i4 



Fay, John 1185 

Fcrebee, Samuel 10:35 

Ferguson, John W 1067 

Flamme. John I14ti 

Fbeknor, Peter 960, 

Fogo, ,John Ill 

F(,!ro, John 9:35 

Fogo, W M 965 

Fogo. George 1346 

Ford, Nathan 1193 

Fowler, F. D 1209 

Fowler, John 1066 

Fowler. Allison 1067 

Fowler, Burgess 1067 

Fowler, John W 1007, 

Francis, William. 1254 



PAflE. 

Hanzlik, Wenz<'l J 1278 

Harris, .\braham 1017 

Harnng, J. D jaio 

Harlan. SaEUuel. 1021 

Harn, Thomas 1287 

Harl, John 1120 

Hart, Lvnian 1126 

Hart, T M 1191 

Harfer, Andrew 1008 

Hart-ihoni. Dr 940 

Haseliine. IraS 1183 

Hascltiiie, Alden 938 

'lascltine, Hascal 827 



Hawkins, U. C 831 

Hayward, J. G. S 9:33 

j Haseliine, Oriii I2i5 

Heal, William 1267 

Herbert. Joseph 9.SC 

Helm, John ii 912 

Hendricks, Samuel 1257 

Heuthorn, William 1366 

Hice.. William 1200 



''rnncois, Jules ]3S,sl 

Freeborn, S. 1 1091 

Freeman, .Morris. 1340 

Freeman. Morris 931 

French. James 1388 

Fries, J. C 1204 

Fries, A. S 1304 

Fries, 0. C 1204 

Fries. Henrv W 8:33 

Furev. William f 967 

Furey, W. P 9:i6 

GarJleld, William W 1061 

(iartield, William W 9:(4| 

Garner, E. S I02I1 

Garner, J. W 12:351 

Gault, Samuel B 10;t6| 

Ghormlev. Michael 9:311 

iilasier. H. W 1204 

(.ileason. OtisL 1274 

Gi,ir, Thonuis WiO 

G<,yer, Joseph 94:3 

Grafton, Alexander B. ... 1105 

Graham, Charles 1119 

Graham, Thomas 1118 

Gray, Enoch 12.5:3 

Greaves, Bronson 1062 

Grilible. Irvin S65 

Glim, \athanii-l 1265 

(Jrover, Amasa 1089 

Groves, Samuel 12tW 

G fosse, Hernnui 1280 

Guess. Oliver 1263 

Guess, Albert W 1047 

Gunnell. Thomas 1037 

Hale, /achariah 9:t:f 

Hall. Calvin 1367 

Hall. William H KKIS 

llallin. B. C ... 1187 

Hamilton, Hichard Wade. 1251 
Hamilton, Herman T .. . 1350 

Hamilton, Hoswell It 1017 

Hamilton, D. S .. 828 

Haney, J.W lOox 

Hanson. Nels 1327 



Higgiubotham, N. 

Hills, F.G . 

Hillberry, George H 

(Hiilberi'v, George 

IHiliman, W.J ' 

'Hitchcock, William A.... 

Hitchcock, J. B 

Hoke, George ] 

Holcoinb. A . Jj . .. . 

Householdei-, Daniel 

Houts, O 

Hurless, Jobe M. 



1265 

988 
1:;;h 
1037 
1212 
1143 
944 
1090 
1008 
9:34 
941 
985 



Hurless, Henry H 10:15 

Huston, .John I0a5 

Hyatt, Alfred 1194 

Hyatt, S. C 1194 

Hyde, A.P ]245 

Hynek, Wensel UKi8« 

Irish, Joseph E 834 

James, N. L 1191 

James David G 1192 

James, George H 1193 

James, .\. G ; 1197 

Jaiuiey, Lot P 1115 

Jauney, William 1115 

Janncy, Israel 1244 

Janncv,John F' 1345 

Jaquish, David 9:10 

Jarvis, George 861 

Jarvis, George 1374 

.Ja.\. John .M 127S 

Jewell, John J 986 

Johns, G. A. ..■ 930 

Johnson. Sr., Isaac 1351 

Johnston, James 1292 

Jones, Samuel IIOO 

Jones. Hezckinh 114:1 

Jones, Jcdtuhaa 1189 

Jones, J. W 12ai 

Jones, Warrington 12:11 

.lones, John 1). 13:t1 

Joslin, W. H 1181 

Joslin, Carlos 1061 

Joslin, William H 831 

Kcane, John 1278 

Kell.v, John 97B 

ICi'pler, Henrv ... 1125 

Keyes, James D 1003 

Kincannon, Marion M 1226 



XII 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Kincaunon, William M... 1225 

Kinder, Peter 1224 

Kiuney, Thoiiiaa It:i4 

Kimciii, Biidiiigton 1250 

KlinVler, John 1185 

Kiiit-'bt, Joseph 1201 

Koeh, Jeremiah lOtifi 

Koeiiig-. Kev. Henry 10' 

^vr0U!?kop, Georg-e 1184 

Krouskop, Jacob 93;^ 

Krouskop, William 100;j 

Kuykeadall. Alfred .... 10(U 

Lamberson, J. G 1090 

Lane. A. D 1184 

Larson, August 1310 

Laws, James 1140 

Laws. G. L 827 

Lawrence, Fred B J2 

Lawton, Isaac R 1049 

Leather berry, Thomas J.. 1063 

Leiber.John, 1292 

Le^vis. James 1142 

Lewis. Andrew 9:i9 

Le^v'is, James. . . 860 

Lewis. William F. . . 100' 

Lincoln, O^^car B 1280 

Lincoln, Levi J 1104 

Logan. T, P 1333 

Logan, James 1233 

Looker. Edmund B 1128 

Long, Samuel 1003 

Loveless. A 829 

Lucas, James 1036 

Lunenschloss, William. .. . 1097 
Lybrand.J. W 1200 

McCarthy, Patrick H 1060 

McCarthy, Conelius 936 

McCaskev,Josiah 85' 

McCorkle, William 1092 



Miller, William 1030 

Miller, Jacob J 1030 

Miller, George 'Hi 

Miller.R. M 946 

Millison, Levi 1264 

Miner, James H Si;3 

Minctt. William Ill 



.Misslich, William 

Mitchell, G. K 946 

Moody.E. L 8:e 

Moody,Joseph 1277 

Moore,C. J 12.35 

Moore,R. S 1009 

-Moon, Joseph : . . 1123 

Morrison, Henr.y J 1003 

Moyes, James 12V9 

Muhler, George.. 10.50 

Mubler, Jr. , Amadeus 1050 

Munson, Oliver G 1210 



PAGE 

Kiec, Daniel 1186 

Richards, William 1131 

Rizer, John H 977 

Rolierts, Jehiel W 1293 

Hobinson, William 1033 

Hotiiiison, William 1018 

Ki'l.ilisoti. Hiiirv 1019 



lli'.lN Hnl.iii^.iii. \Villi:nii F -.-. 1019 

Uo.lolph. FriMik G 1030 

Rodolph, Charles G 859 

Rogers, Salma 1048 

Rose, Sidney 1185 

Ross, W. D. S 1201 

Ross, 1334 

Roth. George F 1040 

iiunimery. Thomas J 1039 

Kunyan, Levi 1008 

Rulau, John 827 



McCorkle, C . .M 829 

McCorkle, Joseph C 1103 

McCulhim, J. L. H 1088 

McCollum, Asa lOSS 

McCord,B. F 988 

McDonald, Daniel 1250 

McGrew, J. B 11: 

McKay, R. N 1311 

McKee, J. L 1186 

MoMahan, Isaac 936 

McMillan, Samuel 938 

McMurtrie, Joseph 833 

McMurtrey, Lee 1207 

McNelly. Henry 940 

McNurlen. William 1005 

Mainwaring, John ... . 1140 
Manning.ErasmusDarwin 1038 

Manchester, T. A 1042 

Manlev.Menzies Phelps 1095 

MarshiS. B 1231 

Marshall. Joseph 1115 

Marshall, George L Ill" 

Martin, James 1199 

Mark ham. Edward 1292 

Mason, Thomas 1063 

Mason, James Edward 1063 

Mathews, Hubert 1034 

Malh'ws, Thomas 1135 

Matthews, John J 831 

Ma vfield, David :.... 1137 

Mayfleld, Green ,. 1137 

Meeker, John A 1060 

Meeker, Robert Douglas,. 1066 

Merrill, Henty ... 1124 

Mickel,George N 1290 

Miller, Abrara 1143 

Miller, John 1144 

Miller, Henry 1227 



.Munson, Martin 


. . . . 9 '4 


Murray, William 


.... 1391 


.Murphy, Daniel 


... 1287 


Murphy, Edward . -. 


.... 12.-.3 


Murphy. Michael 


.... SU4 


Neefe, Charles A 


.... 986 


Neff, Alberts 


.... 10113 



Newburn Jeremiah B.... UWt ^,.,)iindt, FrederickC. 

Nicliols D P.. It"': Schuruu n, William 

.\oble, WjlliamJ 1115 • . . ■ - 

Noble,Daniel 1121 

>f oble, Samuel 1334 

Norman, Sr., George 1064 

Norman, George 1064 

Norman, Caleb H 1064 

Norman 



Sttltsman, WilUam 1126 

alisburv, John 1389 

Sands. John G 1359 

Sanfont, Frank 1309 

Sargent, George L 1011 

Scholl, ClnistDpher.. 1358 

Srlmiitz, Mathias Joseph. 1105 

Seliniitz, Mrs. M.J 1105 

1144 
1182 

Scott, John S 1352 

Sellers, James A 985 

Se.\ton, E. M 8.5' 

Sexton. Morris 931 

Shaffer. John - . 1037 

Shambaugh. Adam 941 



.loshuaJ W^f Sherman, Frederick IKiS 

Norman. J -imes OWI^ijcrman, M. L 1207 

Nourse, Elijah lyi'? Shireman, Ammi 1191 



Nudd, Amos 859 

Ogden, William 1263 

~ " 1104 

1050 

829 
1068 



Ostrander, D. B.. 
Ott, Isaac G. B 

Page, Andrew J 

Palmer, Oswald 

Palmer, L. B 

Partrey, Edward 

Paifrey, A. 

Parsons, DavidE 

Parsons, Thomas 

Patch, Francis M 

Pease, Myron C 

Pease, E 

Peckhara, Levi 

Pecknam. W. R 

Pepin, Cleophus 

Persinger, Levi 

Phoenix, Ludger 

Pickard, W. J 

Pickard, S. W 

Pickering, William... 

Pierce, Converse 

Pierson, Charles B ... 

Powell, Joseph 

Pratt, Richard . 

Pratt. \V. E 

Priest, Henry 

Priest, Daniel B 



Shontz, John A 1098 

Shookman Philip 1258 

Schuerman, Henry 1139 

Sigrist, Henry 1139 

Simons, Jacob 931 



Simpson, William., 
i^ipp.v, Joseph — 
834isires, Alexander. 

1306 stater, (ieorge 

13iii; Slaughter, A. B . 

831 .-^l.ieuin, C. W 

313.j;smith, B.N.. 



1099 
1093 

930 
1032 

828 
1315 
1311 
1020 
1097 
12U 
1099 
1138 
1135 
1249 
1266 

8:30 



1017 Smith, Frank O. 
936 Smith, Mathias M.. 

1305 Smith, Whitney 

1134 Smith. IsuacO 

SSu^Smith, Philip 

1050 Smith, John 

1228 Smith, .Vngus 

1275 Smith, David 

1193Smith, 0. H 

lli'7;smith, Henry J 934 

1034 Smith, Edward. 1234 

1279. Smith, Jerry A 
S'O Smyth. John H 1291 

1032 Snow, Daniel 125-, 

1-53 Soule. James J u.^o 

1301 Southard, Ransom E 1087 

"I Southard, James 108' 

858 Spaugler, GeorgeL 1308 

Stayton, John . . 1347 

Stewart, R. B 1287 

Stewart, Mahlon 987 

Stewart, J.imes H 988 

Stewart, Charles D 860 

Stevenson, F. M 12,59 

Stockton, J. C 1188 

Storms, Daniel 1197 

]0."..«'>ituwi-ll, Anson 106.'' 

louii stockwell, Robert M 1065 



PAGE. 

Strang, George H 1310 

Straight. Albert J 1354 

Stratton, A. M... 132!i 

Stroud. A. E 861 

Stuart, Charles 1256 

Surrem, JohnE 1031 

Sutton, K 865 

Sweet, W.S 864 

ladder, German . 938 

Telfair, Byron W 857 

relfair, R. L 945 

Thomas, L. G 1006 

Thomas, J. M 1102 

Thompson, A. P 8.57 

Thorp, L. M 1337 

Tinker, Allen 1376 

Toms, Henry 1204 

Totton, Jonathan 936 

Towsley. A. W 1009 

Tracy, Lucius 1089 

Travers, .\rthur W 1065 

Travers, H enry 1065 

Truesdale, John 1127 

Tubbs, R. A 1049 

Turgasen, .lohu 975 

Turner, Jonathan 1049 



VanDuscn, Lawrence. 
Van Pool. Jacob 



a59 
1030 



Queen, Benjamin W.. 

Ragles, .\b'-l 

Randall, Miles., 

Reagles, Ezra 

Reeob, William 

Recob, William.. 

Rcnick, Lattiraore 

Reynolds, Jctterson J iiu„„,i »., m^, 

Rhodes, Joseph H 1007, Stoddard, Valentine 128 



1119 

1100 
931 

1291 
937 

1034 



Waddell, John 1183 

Waggoner, Peter 13.56 

Waggoner, Caleb 1189 

Waggoner, William J 1049 

Walworth. John 1301 

Wail H. J 946 

Wallace, John 1003 

Wal lace David 938 

Walker, J. F 1197 

Waller, George W ... 1040 

Walser, Henry T 1068 

Walser, Hiram H 1068 

Wanless, Archibald 1120 

Ward, Edgiir 979 

Washburn, James 1358 

Washburn, B. F 1235 

Watt, James 1266 

Webb, Robert ; 978 

Weldy. James D 1038 

Wenker, Sebastian 1379 

Welton, Hiram 833 

Weltoii, S 12.51 

West, Edward 1376 

West, Moses B 1349 

Wheaton, Theodore 1041 

Wherry, Demas 10(33 

Whitcomb, C. U 1224 

Vv'hitcomb, Myron 1225 

Whitcraft, Thomas J 1190 

White, George C 8:il 

White, Marvin 838 

Wildermuth, David 1289 

Wilev, William 1356 

Willis, John W 1394 

Wilson. John S ... 859 

Wiltrout, Adam A 1048 

Winn, John 1193 

Winterburn, Benjamin... 1101 

Winton, Nathan 1332 

Wolf, Abraham 1009 

Wright, T. J 1191 

Wright, .luhn 1388 

Wright, J. 947 

Wright, W. C 86 1 

Wulting, E. C 861 

Wulting, William 1182 



Young, E. P. 



930 



Certificates of Crawford and Richland Counties. 



We the undersignei members of the committee appointed to revise and correct the General History of ( rnwford 
County. Wisconsin, do hereby certify that the manuscript of said history was S'lhmitted to us and that we made all the 
ehansres and additions that wo, in oiir judx-ment, deemed necessary: and as corrected, we are satislled with and approve 
the same. Prairie du Chien, Jan. 29. 1884. [Signed.] Wm. T. sterling, 1 

B. W. lirisbois, I 

James Fisher I 

John H. Tower, J Committee. 

Wm. I). Merrell. 
Alexander M. Beach, 
John R. Hurlbut, 



We the undersigned committee appointed for the purpose of correcting the History of our respective towns for the 
tory .)f Crawford County, hereby eerlity that the manu-<cript has been read to us, and that to the best of our recoUec- 



IIi-_ „ _ _ ,. ... 

tion, with the corrections arid additions we have made, the same is a correct history. 



H. C. King, 

H. Barrette, 

Mrs. Lydia Atherton. 

Bridycimrt . 

G. A. Smith, 
C. W. Baker. 



Z. Beach, 

James Fisher, 
A. N. Hazen. 



CUiylim, 



Kcmlman . 



John H. Tower, 
Henry Eibret. 



W. D. C. Lewis, 
J. N. Kast. 



Freeman, 



Samuel A. Clark, 
John Folsom, 
T. A. Savage. 

Prairie du Chicn. 



nancy. 



S. L. Wannomaker, 
S. S. Kerrel, 
J. M. Callaway. 



Marietta . 



J. H. Hurlbut, 
Chancey Kast, 
Charles Coalburn. 



Scott. 



Edward Garvey. 
Samuel Armstrong. 



James .\. Cnrran, 
William T. Sterlinj; 



Kalph Smith. 
Mrs. K. Smith. 



Srucca . 



Utica. 



fVauzcha. 



We, the undersigned, members of the committee appointed to re\nse and correct the general chapters of the History of 
Richland county, Wisconsin, compiled bv the Union I'ulilishing Company of Sprins-llcld, Illinois, hereby certify that the 
saiil manuscript was submilled to us; that wc examined aTid hoard the same read, and that we have made all thechanges, 
corrections and additions tliat wi' in our judgment and to the best o( our rccollecti<jn deem necessary, and as corrected we 
are satistled with and approve of the same. 

Richland Center, Jan. 8, 1884. [Signed.! D. I,. Downs. 

James H. Miner, 

J. M. Thonms, ycommittee. 

R. M. Miller. 

Israel Janney. 



1 



ico 



Jns. Bnchtenkirchor, 
James Brad.v, 
John Torgerson. 

Akan. 

Wm. Pi/.er, 
J. M. Hurless, 
D. V. DeHart. 

Ol'iom. 

Samuel Long, 
J. W. Fuller, 
L. G. Thomas. 

Buena Vista. 

J. T. Barnes, 
Jacob Berger. 

Dayton. 

J. n. Newliurn, 
George Miller, 
William Robinson. 

Eagle. 



Salma Rogers, 
h. Clift. 

Forest. 

L. Renick. 
J. M. Garfield. 
P. H. McCarthy. 

Henrietta. 



William Dixon, 
C. G. Thomas, 
Peter A. Micklc, 
E. Devoe. 

RJtaca. 



Daniel Noble. 
Archibald Wanless. 
W. F. Kepler. 

MargliaU. 



Thomas Mathews. 
William Doolc.v, 
H enry Sigrist. 

Orion . 



James H. Miner, 
David G. James. 
D. Strickland, 
David Mayfiold. 
Richland 



Samuel Noble, 
R. M. Miller, 
Joseph Elliott. 

Rich wood. 



Abel P. Hyde, 
George Fogo, 
J. S. Scott. 

Riickltriil^ic . 



Asahel Savage. 
Geo. H. Babb. 
N. Grim. 



.■^(/Imii- 



.Tohn Donahoe. 
A. Tinker, 
Moses Bible. 

frr.sl fori) . 



James French. 
R. B. Stewart. 
V. Stoddard. 



ITiil.iic. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



^ 



CHAPTER I. 



PRE-HISTORIC AND SETTLEMENT. 



AT a remote period there lived in this coun- 
try a people now desi<fnated mound build- 
ers. Of their origin nothing is known. Their 
liistory is lost in the lapse of ages. The evi- 
dences, however, of their existence in Wiscon- 
sin and surrounding States are numerous. 
Many of their earth works — the so-called 
mounds — are still to be seen. These are of 
various forms. Some are regularly arranged, 
forming squares, octagons and circ'es; others are 
like walls or ramparts; while many, especially 
in Wisconsin, are imitative in figure, having 
tlie shape of implements or animals, resembling 
war clubs, tobacco pipes, beasts, reptiles, fish 
and even man. A few are in the similitude of 
trees. 

In selecting sites for many of their earth 
works, the mound-buililiTs appear to liave been 
influenced by motives which prompt civilized 
men to choose localities for tlieir great marts; 
hence, Milwaukee and other cities of the 
west are founded on ruins of pre-existing struc- 
tures. River terraces and river bottoms seem 



to have been favorite places for these mounds. 
Their works are seen in the basin of the Fox 
river, of the Illinois, and of Rock river and its 
branches, also in the valley of the Fox river of 
Green bay, in that of the Wisconsin, as well as 
near the waters of the Mississippi. As to the 
object of these earth works, all knowledge rests 
upon conjecture alone. It is generally believed 
that some were used for purposes of defense, 
others for the observance of religious rites and 
as burial places. 

In some parts of Wisconsin are seen earth 
works of a different character from those usu- 
ally denominated "mounds." These, from their 
supposed use, are styled "garden beds." They 
are ridges or beds about six inches in height, 
and four feet in width. They are arranged 
methodically and in parallel rows. Some are 
rectangular in shape; others are in regular 
curves. Tliese beds occupy fields of various 
sizes, from ten to a hundred acres. 

The mound builders have left other evidences 
besides mounds and garden beds, to attest their 



18 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



presence in this country, in ages past. In tiie 
Lake Superior region exist ancient copper 
mines, excavations in the solid rock. In these 
mines have been found stone hammers, wooden 
bowls and shovels, props and levers for raising 
and supporting m.a88 copper, and ladders for 
descending into the pits and ascending from 
them. 

There are, also, scattered widely over the 
country, numerous relics, evidently the handi- 
work of these pre-historic people; such as stone 
axes, stone and copper spear-heads and arrow 
heads, and various other implements and uten- 
sils. As these articles are frequently discov- 
ered many feet below the surface of the ground, 
it argues a high antiquity for the artificers. 
These relics indicate that the mound builders 
were superior in intelligence to the Indians. 
None of their implements or utensils, however, 
point to a "copper age" as having succeeded a 
"stone age." They all refer alike to one age, 
the indefinite past; to one people, the mound 
builders. 

There is nothing to connect "the dark back- 
ward and abysm" of mound-buildiug times with 
those of the red race of Wisconsin. And all 
that is known of the savages inhabiting this 
section previous to its discovery, is exceedingly 
dim and shadowy. Upon the extended area 
bounded by Lake Superior on the north. Lake 
Michigan on the east, wide-spreading prairies 
on the south, and the Mississippi river on the 
west, there met and mingled two distinct In- 
dian families, Algonquins and Dakotas. Con- 
cerning the various tribes of these families, 
nothing of importance could be gleaned by the 
earliest explorers; at least, vei'y little has been 
preserved. Tradition, it is true, pointed to the 
Algonquins as having, at some remote period, 
migrated from the east, and this has been con- 
firmed by a study of their language. It indi- 
cated, also, that the Dakotas, at a time far be- 
yond the memory of the most aged, came from 
the west or southwest, fighting their way as 
they came; that one of their tribes once dwelt 



upon the shores of a sea; but when and for 
what purpose they left their home for the 
country of the great lakes there was no evi- 
dence. This was all. In reality, therefore, 
Wisconsin has no veritable history ante-dating 
its discovery by civilized man. The country 
has been heard of, but only through vague re- 
ports of savages.* There were no accounts at 
all, besides these, of the extensive region of 
the upjjer lakes; while of the valley of the 
upper Mississippi, nothing whatever was known. 

FIRST EXPLORATION OF THE NORTHWBST. 

The history of Wisconsin commences with 
the recital of the indomitable perseverance and 
heroic bravery displayed by its first visitant, 
John Nicolet. An investigation of the career 
of this Frenchman shows him, at an early age, 
leaving his home in Normandy for the new 
world, landing at Quebec in 1618, and at once 
seeking a residence among the Algonquins of 
the Ottawa river, in Canada, sent thither by 
the governor to learn their language. In the 
midst of many hardships, and surrounded by 
perils, he applied himself with great zeal to 
his task. Having become familiar with the 
Algonquin tongue, he was admitted into the 
councils of the savages. 

The return of Nicolet to civilization, after a 
number of years immured in the dark forests of 
Canada, an excellent interpreter, qualified hini 
to act as government agent among the wild 
western tribes in promoting peace, to the end 
that all who had been visited by the fur-trader 
might remain firm allies of the French. Nay, 
further: it resulted in his being dispatched to 
Nations far beyond the Ottawa, known only by 
heresay, with whom it was believed might be 
opened a profila' le trade in furs. So he started 
on his perilous voyage. He visited the Hurons, 
upon the Georgian bay. With seven of that 
Nation, he struck boldly into wilds to the north- 
ward and westward never before visited by civ- 
ilized man. He paddled his birch canoe along 

•Compare Champlaiu'8 Voyages, 1632, and his map of that 
date; Sagard's, Histoire du Canada: he Jeune Relation, 1633. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



19 



the eastern coast of Lake Huron and up the St. 
Mary's Strait to the falls. He floated back to 
the Straits of Mackinaw, and courageously 
turned his face toward the west. At the Sault de 
Ste. Marie, he had — the first of white men — set 
foot upon the soil of the northwest. 

Nicolet coasted along the northern shore of 
Lake Michigan, ascended Green Bay, and finally 
entered the mouth of Fo.x river. It was not 
until he and his swarthy Hurons had urged their 
frail canoes six days up that streain, that his 
western exploration was ended. He had, mean- 
while, on his way hither, visited a number of 
tribes; some that had never before been heard 
of by the French upon the St. Lawrence. 
With them all he smoked the pipe of peace; 
with the ancestors of the present Cbippewas, 
at the Sault; with the Menomonees,theWinneba- 
goes, the Mascoutins, in what is now the State 
of Wisconsin; with the Ottawas, upon the Man- 
itoulin Islands, and the Nez Ferces, upon the east 
coast of Lake Huron. He made his outward 
voyage in the summer and fall of 16.34, and re- 
turned the next year to the St. Lawrence. He 
did not reach the Wisconsin river, but heard 
of a "great water" to the westward, which he 
mistook for the sea. It was, in fact, that stream, 
and the Mississippi, into which it pours its 
flood. 

"History cannot refrain from saluting Nicolet 
as a distinguished traveler, who, by his explora- 
tions in the northwest, has given clear proofs 
of his energetic character, and whose merits 
have not been disputed, although, subsequently, 
they were temporarily forgotten." The first 
fruits of his daring were gathered by the Jesuit 
fathers, even before his death; for, in the autumn 
of 1641, those of them who were among the 
Hurons at the head of the Georgian bay of 
Lake Huron, received a deputation of Indians 
occupying the "country around a rapid [now 
known as the 'Sault de Ste. Marie'], in the midst 
of the channel by wliich Lake Superior empties 
into Lake Huron," inviting them to visit their 
tribe. These "missionaries were not displeased 



with the opportunity thus presented of knowing 
the countries lying beyond Lake Huron, which 
no one of them had yet traveled;" so Isaac 
Jogues and Charles Raymbault were detached 
to accompany the Chippewa deputies, and view 
the field simply, not to establish a mission. 
They passed along the shore of Lake Huron, 
northward, and pushed as far up St. Mary's 
strait as the Sault, which they reached after 
seventeen days' sail from their place of starting. 
There they — the first white men to visit the 
northwest after Nicolet — harrangued 2,000 
Cbippewas and other Algonquins. Upon their 
return to the St. Lawrence, Jogues was captured 
by the Iroquois, and Kaymbault died on the 
22d of October, 1642, — a few days before the 
death of Nicolet.* 

WISCONSIN VISITED BY FUR TRADERS AND JKS0IT 
MISSIONARIES. 

Very faint, indeed, are the gleams W'hich 
break in upon the darkness surrounding our 
knowledge of events immediately following the 
visit of Nicolet, in what is now the State of 
Wisconsin. That the Winnebagoes, soon after 
his return, made war upon the Nez Perces, kill- 
ing two of their men, of whom they made a 
feast, we are assured.* We also know that in 
1640, these same Winnebagoes were nearly all 
destroyed by the Illinois ; and that the next 
year, the Pottawattamies took refuge from their 
homes upon the islands at the mouth of Green 
bay, with the Cbippewas. f This is all. And 
had it not been for the greed of the fur trader 
and the zeal of the Jesuit, little more, 
for many years, probably, would have been 
learned of the northwest. However, a ques- 
tioning missionary, took from the lips of an 
Indian captainj "an account of his having, in 
the month of June, 1658, set out from Green 
Bay for the north, passing tiie rest of the sum- 
mer and the following winter near Lake Supe- 

* History of tlic di-^covcry of tlie uortliwest by John Nico- 
let in lti;)4, with a skctcti ol his life, by C, W. Uutterfleld, 
Cincinniiti. tiobertClarlte &Co., 1881. 

•LeJoune, Kelation, llilifl. 

tCol. Hist. New Yoric ix, 161. 

i Not ' 'captive, " as some local histories hare It. 



go 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



rior ; so called iu consequence of being above 
that of Lake Huron. Thia Indian informed the 
Jesuit of the havoc and desolation of the Iro- 
quois war in the west ; how it had reduced the 
Algonquin Nations about Lake Superior and 
Green bay. The same missionary saw at Que- 
bec, two Frenchmen who had just arrived 
from the upper countries with 300 Algon- 
quins in sixty canoes, laden with peltries. These 
fur traders had passed the winter of 1659 on the 
shores of Lake Superior, during which time they 
made several trips among the surrounding 
tribes. In their wanderings they probably vis- 
ited some of the northern parts of what is 
now Wisconsin. They saw at six days' jour- 
ney beyond the lake toward the southwest, 
a tribe composed of the remainder of the Hurons 
of the Tobacco Nation, compelled by the 
Iroquois to abandon Mackinaw and to bury 
themselves thus deep in the forests, that they 
could not be found by their enemies. The two 
traders told the tales they had heard of the 
ferocious Sioux, and of a great river upon which 
they dwelt — the great water of Nicolet. Thus 
a knowledge of the Mississippi began to dawn 
again upon the civilized world."* 

The narratives of the Indian captain and the 
two Frenchmen induced further exploration two 
years later when Father Rene Menard attempted 
to found a mission on Lake Superior, with eight 
Frenchmen and some Ottawas. He made his 
way in 1660 to what is now Keweenaw, Mich. 
He determined while there to visit some Hu- 
rons on the islands at the mouth of Green bay. 
He sent three of his companions to explore the 
way. They reached those islands by way of 
the Menominee river, returning to Keweenaw 
with discouraging accounts. But Menard re- 
solved to undertake the journey, starting from 
the lake with one white companion and some 
Hurons ; he perished, however, in the forest, in 
what manner is not known, his companion 
reaching the Green bay islands in safety. 
White men had floated upon the Menominee, 

* History Northern Wisconsin, p. 39, 



SO that the northeastern part of what is now 
Wisconsin, as wellas its interior by'Nicolet in 
1 634, had now been seen by civilized white manf. 

FOUNDING OF .JESUIT MISSIONS IN WISCONSIN, 

In August, 1665, Father Claude Allouez 
embarked on a mission to the country visited 
by Menard. Early in September he had 
reached the Sault de Ste. Marie, and on the 
first day of October, arrived in the bay of 
Chegoiraegon, at a village of Chippewas. 
Here he erected a chapel of bark, establishing 
the first mission in what is now Wisconsin 
to which he gave the name of the Holy Spirit. 
While Allouez had charge of this field, he 
either visited or saw, at Chegoimegon, scattered 
bands of Hurons and Ottawas ; also Pottawat- 
tamies from Lake Michigan, and the Sacs and 
Foxes, who lived upon the waters of Fox river 
of Green bay. He was likewise visited by the 
Illinois, and at the extremity of Lake Superior 
he met representatives of the Sioux. These 
declared they dwelt on the banks of the river 
"Messipi." Father James Marquette reached 
Chegoimegon in September, 1 669, and took 
charge of the mission of the Holy Spirit, 
Allouez proceeding to the Sault de Ste. Marie, 
intending to establish a mission on the shores 
of Green bay. He left the Sault Nov, :!, 1669, 
and on the 25th, reached a Pottawattamie cabin. 
On the 2d of December he founded upon the 
shore of Green bay the mission of St. Francis 
Xavier, the second one established by him 
within what are now the limits of Wisconsin. 
Here Allouez passed the winter. In April, 
1670, he founded another mission ; this one 
was upon Wolf river, a tributary of the Fox 
river of Green bay. Here the missionary 
labored among the Foxes, who had located upon 
that stream. The mission, the third in the 
present Wisconsin, he called St. Mark. 

In 1671 Father Louis Andre was sent to the 
missions of St. Francis Xavier and St. Mark, as 
a co-worker with Allouez. At what is now the 

t Bancroft, in his History of United States, evidently mis- 
takes the course pursued from Keweenaw, by Menard. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



21 



village of DePere, Brown Co., "Wis., was located 
the central station of the mi.ssion of St. Francis 
Xavier. This mission included all the tribes 
inhabiting the vicinity of Green bay. A rude 
cha]iel, the third one within the present limits 
of Wisconsin, was soon erected. Allouez then 
left for other fields of labor ; but Andre re- 
mained here, working with zeal during the 
summer of 1671. However, during a temporary 
absence his chapel was burned, but he speedily 
erected another. Then his dwelling was de- 
stroyed, but although he erected another, it 
soon shared the same fate. He was at this 
time laboring among the Menomonees. When 
he finally left "the bay tribes" is not known. 
In 1076 Father Charles Albanel was stationed 
at wiiatis now DePere, where a new and better 
chapel was erected than the one left by Andre. 
In 1680 the mission was supplied by Father 
James Eryalran, who was recalled in 1687. 
When he left, his house and chapel were burned 
by the Winnebagoes. It was the end of the 
mission of St. Francis Xavier. The mission of 
the Holy Spirit was deserted by Father James 
Marquette in 1671. It was the end for 170 
years of a Konian Catholic mission at Che- 
goimegon. 

WISCO.NSIN UNDKK KIJENCII DOMINATIO.N. 

In the year 1671, France took formal posses- 
sion of the whole country of the upper lakes. An 
agent, Dauniont de St. Liisson, was dispatched 
to tlie distant tribes, pi'oposing a congress of 
Indian Nations at the Falls of St. Mary, between 
Lake Huron and Lake Superior. The principal 
chiefs of the Wisconsin tribes were gathered 
there by Nicholas Perrot. When all were assem- 
bled, it was solemnly announced that the great 
northwest was placed under tlie protection of 
the French government. Tiiis was the begin- 
ning of French domination in what is now Wis- 
consin. Tile act of Dauniont de St. Lusson, at 
the Falls of St. Mary, in 1071, in establishing 
the right of France to tlie regions beyond Lake 
Michigan, not being regarded as sufficiently def- 
inite, Nicholas Perrot, in 1689, at the head of 



Green bay, again took possession of the country, 
extending the dominion of New France, not only 
over the territory of the upper Mississippi, but 
'•to other places more remote;" so that then, all 
that is now included within the boundaries of 
the State of Wisconsin (and much more) passed 
quietly into the possession of the French king. 

No fur-trader or missionary, no white man, 
had as yet reached the Mississippi above the 
mouth of the Illinois river. But the time for 
its exploration was at hand. Civilized men were 
now to behold its vast tribute rolling onward 
toward the Gulf of Mexico. These men were 
Louis Joliet and James Marquette. Jolietcame 
from Quebec, having been appointed by the gov- 
ernment to "discover" the Mississippi. He found 
Mar(juette on the north side of the straits of 
Mackinaw, laboring as a missionary among the 
Indians. The latter was solicited and readily 
agreed to accompany Joliet upon his expedition.* 
The outfit of the party was very simple: two 
birch-bark canoes and a supply of smoked meat 
and Indian corn. They had with them five 
white men. They began their voyage on the 
I7thday of May, 1673. Passing into Lake Mich- 
igan, they coasted along its northern shore, and 
paddled their canoes up Green bay and Fox 
river to the portage. They then crossed to the 
Wisconsin, down which they floated, until, on 
the 17th of June, they entered the Mississippi. 
After dropping down the river many miles, they 
returned by way of the Illinois and Lake Mich- 
igan to Green bay, where Marquette remained 
to recruit his strength, while Joliet returned to 
Quebec to make known the extent of his dis- 
coveries, j 

Fontenac's report of Joliet's return from a 
voyage to discover the South sea, dated Nov. 
14, 1674, is as follows: 

"Sieur Joliet, whom Monsieur Talon advised 

me, on my arrival from France, to dispatch for 

•That Count Fontenac, governor of New France, andM. 
Tolon, intenrtant, should have expressed a wish to Joliet 
that Father .Manjuette be invited to accompany him in his 
contemplated journey, is to be inferre*! from the words of 
the missionary; but nutliing inlheorderK i if lliese officers to Joliet 
is found to cfintirm the statement . 



22 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



the discovery of the South sea, has returned 
three months ago, and discovered some very 
fine countries, and a navigation so easy through 
the beautiful rivers he has found, that a person 
can go from Lake Ontario and Fort Fontenac 
in a bark to the Gulf of Mexico, there being 
only one carrying place, half a league in length, 
where Lake Ontario communicates with Lake 
Erie. These are projects which it will be pos- 
sible to effect when peace shall be firmly estab- 
lished and whenever it will please the king to 
prosecute these discoveries. Joliet has been 
within ten days' journey of the Gulf of Mexico, 
and believes that water communications could 
be found leading to the Vermilion and Cali- 
fornia seas, by means of the river that flows 
from the west [the Missouri] into the grand 
river [the Mississippi] that he discovered, 
which runs from north to south, and is as large 
as the St. Lawrence opposite Quebec. 

"I send you by my secretary the map he has 
made of it, and the observations he has been 
able to recollect, as he has lost all his minutes 
and journals in the shipwreck he suffered with- 
in sight of Montreal, where, after having com- 
pleted a voyage of twelve hundred leagues, he 
was near being drowned, and lost all his papers 
and a little Indian, whom he brought from 
those countries. These accidents have caused 
me great regret. Joliet left with the fathers at 
the Sault de Ste. Marie, in Lake Superior, copies 
of his journals; these we cannot get before next 
year. Tou will glean from them additional 
particulars of this discovery, in which he has 
very well acquitted himself." 

It is not known that the copies of Joliet's 
journals, mentioned in Frontenac's report, were 
delivered to the French government; but an ac- 
count of the voyage by Marquette was published 
in 16S1 by Thevenat. This fact has caused an 
undue importance to be attached to the name 
of the missionary in connection with the dis- 
covery of the Mississippi, and at the expense of 
tlie fame of Joliet.* 

•"The Count of Frontenae," says Shea (Wis Hist. CoU.,Vol. 
VII, page 119), "oa the Uth of November, [1671] in a (lis 



Explorations begun by Joliet were continued. 
La Salle, in '[619, with Father Louis Hennepin, 
coasted along the western shore of Lake Michi- 
gan, landing frequently. The return of Henry 
de Tonty, one of La Salle's party, down the 
same coast to Green bay, from the Illinois, fol- 
lowed in ]680. The same year. Father Henne- 
pin from the upper Mississippi, whither he had 
gone from the Illinois, made his way across 
what is now Wisconsin, by the Wisconsin and 
Fox rivers to Green bay.* 

He was accompanied by Daniel Greysolon 
Duluth, who,on his way down the Mississippi bad 
met Hennepin in September, IGTS. Duluth left 
Quebec to explore, under the authority of the 
governor of New France, the region of the up- 
per Mississippi, and establish relations of 
friendship with the Sioux and their kindred, 
the Assiniboines. In the summer of Idld he was 
in the Sioux country and early in the autumn 
of that year at the head of Lake Superior hold- 
ing an Indian council. In June, 1680, he set 
out from that point to continue his explorations. 
Going down the Mississippi he met with Henne- 
pin, as stated above,journeyed with him to the Je- 
suit station, near the head of Green bay, across 
what is now the State of Wisconsin. Follow- 
ing the voyages of Hennepin and Duluth was 
the one by Le Sueur, in 1683, from Lake Michi- 
gan to the Mississippi, ascending that river to 
the Sioux country in the region about St. An- 
thony, and his subsequent establishment, said 
to have been in 1693, at La Pointe, in the pres- 
ent Ashland Co., Wis. He was, at least, a 
voyageur stationed at Chegoimegon during that 
year. He continued to trade with the Sioux at 
intervals to the yenr l702.f 

patch to Colbert announced the successful issue of JoUet's 
expeclition;"butSheathen adds; "They had to wait forfullde- 
tailstill the aceountdrawn up by Father Marquette should be 
sent down, " as tboug:h such an account was really expected: 
but the fact was, as stated by Fontenac himself, that cople 
of Joliet's journals were what was looked for. 

*Hist. of Northern Wis., page 44. 

tibed. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



2S 



Nicholas Perrot was again in the northwest 
in 1684. He was commissioned to have chief 
commanci, not only "at tlie bay," but also upon 
the Mississippi, on the east side of which 
stream, at the foot of Lake Pepin, he erected 
a post. Here he spent the winter of 1685-6. 
Tiie next year he had returned to Green bay. 
He vibrated between Montreal and the west 
until 1697. In 1699 St. Cosme and his com- 
panions coasted along the west shore of Lake 
Michigan. Other explorations followed, but 
generally in the tracks of previous ones. 
Except at "the bay," there was not so long as 
tlie French had dominion over the northwest, 
a single post occupied for any length of time by 
regular soldiers. This post was called Fort St. 
Francis. There were other stockades. — one at 
La Pointe in 1726, and, as we have already seen 
one upon the Mississippi; but neither of these 
had cannon. At the commencement of the 
French and Indian War, all three had disap- 
peared. At the ending of hostilities, in 1760, 
there was not a single vestage of civilization 
within what are now the bounds of Wisconsin, 
except a few vagrant Frenchmen among the 
Indians; there was no post; no settlement, west 
of Lake Michigan. But before dismissing the 
subject of French supremacy in tlie northwest, 
it is proper to mention the hostility that for a 
number of years existed between the Fox Ind- 
ians and Frenchmen. 

In the year 1693, several fur-traders were 
plundered by the Fox Indians (located upon 
Fox river of Green bay), while on their way to 
the Sioux; the F'oxes alleging that the French- 
men were carrying arms to their ancient 
enemies. We hear no more of their hostility 
to the French until early in the spring of 1712, 
when they and some Mascoutins, laid a plan to 
burn the fort at Detroit. It was besieged for 
nineteen days by these savages, but the besiegers 
were obliged finally to retreat, as their provis- 
ions had become exhausted. They were pursued, 
however, anil near Lake St. Clair suffered a signal 
defeat at the bands of M. Dubisson and his 



Indian allies. The Marquis de Vaudreuil, now 
that the Foxes continued their hostilities, de- 
termined on a war of extermination against 
them. De Lourigny, a lieutenant, left Quebec 
in March, 1716. He made his way with alacrity, 
entering Green bay and Fox river, it is said, 
with a force of 800 French and Indians, en- 
countering the enemy in a pallisaded fort, 
which would have been soon reduced had not 
the Foxes asked for peace. Hostages were 
given, and Lourigny returned to Quebec. In 
1721 the war was renewed, and in 1728 another 
expedition was organized against these savages, 
commanded by Marchemd de Lignery. This 
officer proceeded by way of the Ottawa river of 
Canada and Lake Huron to Green bay, upon 
the noithern shore of which the Menominees, 
who had also become hostile were attacked and 
defeated. On the 24th of August, a Winnebago 
village on Fox river was reached by De Lignery 
with a force of 400 French and 750 Indians. 
They proceeded thence, up the river to the 
home of the Foxes, but did not succeed in meet- 
ing the enemy in force. The expedition wa« 
a signal failure. But the march of Neyon de 
Villiers, in 1730, against the Foxes, was more 
successful, resulting in their defeat. They 
suffered a loss of 200 killed of warriors, and 
three times as many women and children. Still 
the Foxes were not humbled. Another expedi- 
tion, this time under the direction of Capt. De 
Noyelle, marched against them in 1735. The 
result was not decisive. Many places have been 
designated upon Fox river as points where 
conflicts between the French and their allies, 
and the Foxes and their allies took place; but 
all such designations are traditionary and un- 
certain. The Sacs and Foxes finally became 
connected with the government of Canada, and 
during the French and Indian War were 
arrayed against the English. 

WISCONSIN UXDER ENGLISH SUPREMACT. 

On the 9lh day of September, 1760, Governor 
Vaudreuil surrendered Canada to General Am- 
herst, of the British army, and^the supremacy 



24 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



over the northwest passed from France to 
Great Britain. But in what is now Wisconsin 
there was little be.sides savages to be affected by 
the change. The vagrant fur-trader represented 
all that there was of civilization west of Lake 
Michigan. Detroit was soon taken possession 
of; then Mackinaw, and finally, in 1761, a 
squad of English soldiers reached the head of 
Green bay, to garrison the tumble-down post, 
where now is Fort Howard, Brown Co., Wis. 
This was on October 12 of the year just men- 
tioned. Lieut. James Gorrell and one ser- 
geant, one corporal and fifteen privates con- 
stituted the "army of occupation" for the 
whole country west of Lake Mich.igan from 
this time to June 21, 1763, when the post 
was abandoned by the commandant on ac- 
count of the breaking out of Pontiae's War, 
and the capture of the fort at Macki- 
naw by the savages. The cause of the 
war was this : The Indian tribes saw the dan- 
ger which the downfall of the French interests 
in Canada was sure to bring them. They 
banded together under Pontiac to avert their 
ruin. The struggle was short but fierce — full 
of " scenes of tragic interest, with marvels of 
suffering and vicissitude, of heroism and en- 
durance ;" but the white man conquered. The 
moving incidents in this bloody drama were 
enacted to the eastward of what is now Wis- 
consin, coming no nearer than Mackinaw, but 
it resulted in the evacuation of its territory by 
British troops, who never after took possession 
of it, though they continued until 1796 a nominal 
military rule over it after Mackinaw was again 
occupied by them. 

No sooner had the soldiers under Gorrell 
left the bay than French traders seized upon 
the occasion to again make it headquarters for 
traffic in furs to the westward of Lake Michi- 
gan. Not that only, for a few determined to 
make it their permanent home. By the year 
1760 there were some families living in the de- 
cayed Fort Edward Augustus and opposite 
thereto, on the east side of Fox river, where 



they cultivated the soil in a small way and in 
an extremely primitive manner, living, now 
that peace was again restored, very comfort- 
alily. Of these French Canadians, no one can 
be considered as the pioneer — no one is entitled 
to the renown of having first led the way, be- 
coming, therefore the first settler of the State, 
much less the father and founder of Wisconsin. 
It was simply that "the bay," being, after Pon- 
tiae's war, occupied by Canadian French fur- 
traders, their station finally ripened into a per- 
manent settlement — the first in Wisconsin — the 
leading spirits of which were the two Lang- 
lades, Augustin and Charles, father and son. 
It had all the characteristics of a French settle- 
ment. Its growth was very slow. The indus- 
tries were few and simple. Besides the em- 
ployments of trading and transporting goods 
and peltries, the inhabitants engaged in hunt- 
ing and trapping. Attention was given to the 
cultivation of the soil only incidently. Gardens 
were cultivated to some extent for a supply of 
vegetables. Gradually, however, a few persons 
turned their chief attention to agriculture.* 

In 1783 four white persons occupied in a per- 
manent manner the tract of land where now is 
Prairie du Chien, in Crawford Co., Wis. They 
were soon followed by a number of persons 
who located there. These became permanent 
traders with the Indians. 

Besides the settlement at "the bay" and the 
one at Prairie du Chien some French traders 
were located where Milwaukee now is in 1795, 
but they could hardly be called settlers. Ten 
years before that date Laurence Barth lived at 
the portage between the Fox and Wisconsin 
rivers, now the site of Portage, Columbia Co., 
Wis., where he was engaged in the carrying 
trade. But his residence could not fairly be 
termed a settlement; so that when, in 1796, the 
English yielded possession of what is now Wis- 
consin to the Americans (a nominal one, how- 
ever,) there were really but two settlements — 
Green Bay and Prairie du Chien. 

*Hi8t. Northern Wis., p. 49. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



95 



WISCONSIN AS A PART OF THE NORTHWEST TER- 
RITORY. 

The Congress of the United States, by tlieir 
act of the 6tli day of September, 1780, recom- 
mended to the >('V( ral States in the Union hav- 
ing claims to waste and unapi)ropriated lands in 
the western country, a liberal cession tothegen- 
er.jl government of a portion of their respective 
claims for the common benefit of the Union. 
The claiming States were Connecticut, New 
York and Virginia, all under their colonial char- 
ters, and the last mentioned, in addition thereto, 
by right of conquest of the Illinois country. 
The region contended for lay to the northwest 
of the river Ohio. Virginia claimed territory 
westward to the Mississippi and northward to a 
somewhat indefinite extent. New York, and 
especially Connecticut, laid claim to territory 
streiching away to an unbounded extent west- 
waid, but not so far to the south as Virginia. 
The last mentioned State, by virtue of conquests 
largely her own, extended her jurisdiction over 
the Illinois settlements in 1778, and the year 
after, and erected into a county enough to in- 
clude all her conquests. But, what is now the 
State of Wisconsin, she certainly did not exor- 
cise dominion over. The three States finally 
ceded all llicir rights to the United States, leav- 
ing the general goveinmeiit absolute owner of 
th<> whole country, subject only to the rights, 
such as they were, of the Indian Nations who 
dwelt therein. 

Under a congressional ordinance, i>assed in 
1785, for ascertaining the mode of disposing of 
lands in the western territory, the geographer 
<il' the United States was directed to commence 
the survey of them immediately beyond the 
Ohio river, upon the plan which has ever since 
been followed by the general government, re- 
sulting in regular latitudinal and longitudinal 
lines being run, so as to circunisiMJbe every 640 
acres of land, not only in Wisconsin but in all 
the west, wherever these surveys have been" 
brought to completion. Two years subse(|uent 
to the passage of the first ordinance, was that of 



another and more famous one, providing for the 
government of the territory northwest of the 
river Ohio. This is familiarly known as the 
ordinance of 1787; and to this day it is a part of 
the fundamental law of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Michigan and Wisconsin, the five states since 
formed out of the region included within the 
limits affected by its provisions; — an act of Con- 
gress, passed in 1789, having adapted it to the 
constitution of the United States. But neither 
the treaty with Great Britain of 1783, nor the 
ordinances of Congress which followed, gave the 
United States anything more 'ban constructive 
possession of the whole of its western territory. 
The mother country, it is true, recognized the 
northern lakes as the boundary between her 
possessions and those of the now independent 
states, but finding an excuse in the fact of some 
of her merchants not being paid their claims as 
stipulated by the treaty of 1783, she retained 
possession of the whole northwest, including 
what is now Wisconsin, until 1700. 

By the ordinance of 1787, the United States 
in Congress assembled d«clared that the teni- 
tory northwest of the Ohio, should, for the j)Ui- 
])oses of tem])orary go\erninent, be one district, 
subject, however, to be divided into districts, as 
future circumstances might, in the opinion ol' 
Congress, make it ex|)edieiit. It was ordained, 
that a governor, secretary and three judges 
should be appointed for the territory; a general 
assembly was also provided for; and it was de- 
clared that religion, morality and knowledge, 
being necessary to good government and the 
happiness of mankin<l, schools and the means of 
education should forever l)e eneourageil. It 
was also ordained that tl)ei-e should be neither 
slavery nor involuntary servitude in the terri- 
tory, "otiierwise than in the punisliinent of 
crimes whereof the party shall |]a^■e been duly 
convicted." But this organic law was of cour.-'c 
nugatory over tiiat portion of the territory 0( - 
cnjiied by the British, and so continucil until 
the latter yielded possession, and in tact, for 
some time subsequent thereto. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



By the treaty agreed upon in l'I9i, between 
the United States and Great Britain, usually 
known as the Jay treaty, the evacuation of the 
posts and places occupied by British troops and 
garrisons in the northwest, was to take place on 
or before the Ist day of June, 1796. All set- 
tlers and traders within the precincts or juris- 
diction of these posts were to continue to enjoy 
unmolested, all their propeity of every kind, 
and to be protected therein. They were at full 
liberty to remain there, or to remove with all 
or any part of their effects; and it was left free 
to them to sell their lands, houses, or effects, or 
to retain the property thereof, at their discre- 
tion. Such of them as should continue to reside 
there were not to be compelled to become citi- 
zens of the United States, or to take any oath 
of allegiance to the government thereof; but 
were at full liberty so to do if they thought 
proper; and they were to make and declare their 
election within one year after the evacuation of 
the posts by the military. Persons continuing 
after the expiration of one year without having 
declared their intentions of remaining subjects 
of his Britannic majesty, were to be considered 
as having elected to become citizens of the 
United States. It is believed that no citizen of 
Wisconsin, either in the settlement at "the bay" 
or at Pi-airie du Chien made such a declaration 
but that all who remained, became thereby citi- 
izens of the new government. 

The Indian war in the west; which followed 
the Revolution, was brought to an end by the 
victorious arms of Gen. Anthony Wayne, upon 
the banks of the Maumee river, in what is now 
the State of Ohio, in the year 1794. The treaty 
of Greenville was entered into the next year 
with twelve western tribes of Indians, none of 
which resided in Wisconsin. Nevertheless, one 
of the provisions of the treaty was that, in con- 
sideration of the peace then established and 
the cessations and the relinquishments of lands 
made by the Indian tribes there represented, 
and to manifest the liberality of the United 
States, claims to all Indian lauds northward of 



the Ohio, eastward of the Mississippi, and west- 
ward and southward of the great lakes and the 
waters uniting them, were relinquished by the 
gencal government to the Indians having a 
right thereto. This included all the lands 
within the present boundaries of Wisconsin. 
The meaning of the relinquishment by the 
United States was that the Indian tribes who 
had a right to those lands were quietly to enjoy 
them, hunting, planting and dwelling thereon 
as long as they pleased, without any molesta- 
tion from the general government; but when 
any tribe should be disposed to sell its lands, 
or any part of them, they were to be sold only 
to the United States; and until such sale, the 
general government would protect all the In- 
dian tribes in the quiet enjoyment of their laiid 
against all citizens of the country, and against 
all other white persons who might intrude upon 
them. And if any citizen of the United States, 
or any other white person or persons should pre- 
sume to settle upon the lands then relinquished 
by the general government, such citizens or other 
persons should be out of the protection of the 
United States; and the Indian tribe on whose 
land the settlement might be made might drive 
off the settler, or punish him in such manner as 
they might think fit; and because such settle- 
ments made without the consent of the general 
government would be injurious to them as well 
as to the Indians, the United States should be 
at liberty to break them up, and remove and 
punish the settlers, as they might think proper. 
The titles of the Indians to their lands were 
thus acknowledged; and they were unquestion- 
able, because treaties made, or to be made 
with the various tribes had been declared by 
the constitution of the United States, the su- 
preme law of the land. But those titles could 
only be yielded to the general government. 
The principal question to be afterward deter- 
mined was, what lands were each tribe the 
rightful owners of. So long as Wisconsin 
formed a part of the northwestern territory, no 
treaty was made by the United States with any 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



37 



tribe or tribes occnpying any portion of the 
the country now lying within the limits of Wis- 
consin. 

When, in l/f'H. Great Britain yielded posses- 
sion of the noiiliwest by withdrawing its garri- 
sons from the military posts therein, in pursu- 
ance of the Jay treaty of 1794, and the United 
States took formal possession thereof, the 
change in the political relations of the few set- 
tlers of Green Bay and Prairie du Chien was 
not felt by them. They had become the adop- 
ted citizens of the United States without any 
realization further than a bare knowledge of 
the fact. British authority had been so little 
exercised in their domestic affairs, that its with- 
dra-w'al was unnoticed, while that of the United 
States only reached them in name. Nearly all 
who were engaged in the fur trade were agents 
or employes of the British fur companies, and 
their relation to these remained unbroken. No 
intercourse for several years sprung up with 
the Americans. 

Under the ordinance of 1787, Arthur St. Clair 
wa.s appointed governor of the northwestern 
territory. At different periods counties were 
erected to include various portions of that 
region of country. By the governor's procla- 
mation of the 15th of August, 1796, one was 
formed to include the whole of the present 
area of northern Ohio, west of a point where 
the city of Cleveland is now located; also all of 
the present State of Indiana, north of a line 
drawn from Fort Wayne, "west-northerly to 
the southern part of Lake Michigan," the whole 
of what is now the State of Michigan, except 
the extreme northwest corner on Lake Superior; 
a small corner in the northeast part of the pres- 
ent State of Illinois, including Chicago; and so 
much of what is now Wisconsin as is watered 
by the streams flowing into Lake Michigan, 
which included an extensive portion of its area, 
taking in the territory now constituting many 
of its eastern and interior counties. To this 
county was given the name of Wayne. The 
citizens at the head of Greeu bay, from 179(3, 



until the 4th of July, 1800, were, therefore, res- 
idents of Wayne county, Northwest territory. 
But the western portion of the present State of 
Wisconsin, including all its area watered by 
streams flowing northward into Lake Superior, 
and westward and southwestward into the Mis- 
sissippi, was during those years attached to no 
county whatever. Within this part of the State 
was located, of course, the settlement of Prairie 
du Chien. 

WISCONSIN AS A PART OF THE TERRITOKT OK 
INnlANA. 

After the fourth day of July, 1800, all that 
portion of the territory of theUniled States north- 
west of the Ohio river, lying to the westward 
of a line beginning upon that stream opposite 
the mouth of the Kentucky river and running 
thence to what is now Fort Recovery, in Mer- 
cer Co., Ohio, thence north until it intersected 
the territorial line between the United States 
and Canada, was for the purposes of temporary 
government, constituted a separate territory, 
called Indiana. Within its boundaries were 
included not only nearly all of what is now the 
State of Indiana, but the whole of the present 
State of Illinois, more than half of what is 
now Michigan, a considerable portion of the 
present State of Minnesota,and the whole of Wis- 
consin. The seat of government was estab- 
lished at "Saint Vincennes on the Wabash." 
now the city of Vincennes,Ind. Upon the form- 
ation of a State government for the State of 
Ohio, in 1802, all the country west of that State, 
but east of the eastern boundary of the territory 
of Indiana, was added to the latter ; so that 
then the area norlliwest of the Ohio river in- 
cluded but one State and one territory. After- 
ward, civil jurisdiction was exercised by the 
authorities of Indiana territory over the Green 
bay settlement, in a faint way, by the appoint 
ment, by Gov. William Henry Harrison, of 
Charles Reanme as the justice of the peace 
therein. Prairie du Chien was also recognized 
by the new territorial government by tlie 
appointment of two persons to a like oflice — 



28 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



Henry M. Fisher and a trader by the name of 
Campbell. 

As American emigration was now rapidly 
dotting the wilderness to the westward of the 
State of Ohio wilh settlements, a treaty with 
some of the Indian tribes who claimed 
lands in that region extending northward into 
what is now Wisconsin, was a necessity, for as 
yet, none of these Nations had met any au- 
thorities of the United States in council. At 
the close of the contest between France and 
Great Britain so disastrous in North America to 
the former, the Sacs and Foxes readily gave in 
their adhesion to the latter, asking that English 
traders might be sent them. The two Nations, 
then about equally divided, numbered about 
Too warriors. Neither of the tribes 

took part in Poniiac's war, but they befriended 
the English. The Sacs had, by that date emi- 
grated some distance to the westward, while 
the Foxes, at least a portion of them, still re- 
mained upon the waters of the river of Green 
bay, which perpetuates their name. A few 
years later, however, and the Sacs were occu- 
pants of the upper Wisconsin also to a consid- 
erable extent below the portage between that 
stream and Fox river, where their chief town 
was h)eated. Further down the Wisconsin was 
the upper village of the Foxes, while their 
lower town was situated not far from its mouth, 
near the site of the present city of Prairie du 
Chien. 

Not long after Wise nsin had been taken 
possession of by the British, its northern por- 
tion, including all that part watered by the 
streams flowing north into Lake Superior, was 
the home of the Chippewas. The country 
around nearly the whole of Green bay, was the 
hun ing grounds of the Menomonees. The ter- 
ritory of Winnebago lake and Fox river was 
the seat of the Winnebagoes, while, as just 
stated, the Sacs and Foxes had the region of 
the Wisconsin river as their dwelling place. 
During the war of the Revolution, these 
two tribes continued the firm friends of the 



English, although not engaged in active hostili- 
ties again.«it the Americans. When finally Eng- 
land delivered up to the United States the pos- 
session of the northwest, the Sacs and Foxes had 
only a small portion of their territory in Wis- 
consin, and that in the extreme southwest. 
Their principal possession extended a consider- 
able distance to the south of the mouth of the 
Wisconsin, upon both sides of the Mississppi 
river. 

On the 3d of November, 1804, a treaty was 
held at St. Louis between the Sacs and Foxes 
and the United States. These tribes then ceded 
to the general government, a lage tract of land 
on both sides of the Mississippi, extending on 
the east from the mouth of the Illinois to the 
head of that river, thence to the Wisconsin. 
This grant embraces, in what is now Wisconsin, 
the whole of the present counties of Grant and 
La Fayette, and a large portion of those of Iowa 
and Green. It included the lead region. These 
tribes also claimed territory on the upper side 
of the Wisconsin, but they only granted away 
a tract two miles square above that stream, near 
its mouth, with the right of the United States 
to build a fort adjacent thereto. In considera- 
tion of the cession of these lands, the general 
government agreed to protect the two tribes in 
the quiet enjoyment of the residue of their 
possessions against its own citizens and all oth- 
ers who should intrude on them ; carrying out 
the stipulations to that effect embodied in the 
Greenville treaty, of 1795. Thus begun the 
quieting of the Indian title to the eminent do- 
main of Wisconsin by the United States, which 
was carried forward until the whole territory 
(except certain reservations to a few tribes) had 
been fairly purchased of the original proprie- 
tors. 

So much of Indiana territory as lay to the 
north of a line drawn east from the southern 
bend of Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, and east 
of a line drawn from the same tend through 
the middle of the first mentioned lake to its 
northern extremity, thence due north to the 



mSTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



29 



northern boundary of the United States, was, 
for the purposes of temporary government, on 
the 30th of June, 1805, constituted a separate 
and distinct territory, called Michigan. This 
new territory did not include witliin its boun- 
daries any part of Wisconsin as at present de- 
fined. 

WISCONSIN AS A PART OF ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 

On the 3d of February, 1809, an act of Con- 
gress, entitled an act for dividing the Indiana 
territory into two separate governments, was 
approved by the President and became a law. 
It provided that from and after the 1st day of 
March thereafter, all that part of the Indiana 
territory lying west of the Wabash river and 
a direct line drawn from that stream and "Post 
Vincennes" due north to the territorial line be- 
tween the United States and Canada, should, 
for the purpose of temporary government, con- 
stitute a separate territory and be called Illinois, 
with the seat of government at Kaskaskia, on 
the Mississippi river, until it should be other- 
wise ordered. By this law, all of what is now 
Wisconsin was transferred from Indiana terri- 
tory to that of Illinois, except that portion lying 
east of the meridian line drawn through Vin- 
cennes. This fraction included nearly the 
whole area between Green bay and Lake Mi- 
chigan and remained a part of the territory of 
Indiana. When, in 1816, Indiana became a 
State, this narrow strip, as it was neither a por- 
tion of Michigan territory on the east or Illinois 
territory on the west, remained without any 
organization until 1818. In that year it became 
a part of Michigan territory. 

In 1809, an effort was made by John Jacob 
Astor, of New York city, to extend the Ameri- 
can fur-trade by way of the lakes to Wiscon- 
sin and parts beyond; but the monopoly 
of the British fur companies was too 
strong. He could only effect his object by uni- 
ting with the northwest company of Montreal, 
in I8I1, to form out of the American and Mack- 
inaw companies, a new one, to be known as the 
Southwest company, of which Astor owned a 



half intererest, with the arrangement that, after 
five years, it was to pass into his hands alto- 
gether, being restricted in its operations to the 
territories of the United States. This company 
was snsi>ended by the war with Great Britain, 
which ininiedintely followed. At the close of 
hostilities, British traders were prohibited by 
law from pursuing their calling within the 
jurisdiction of the United States. The result 
was the southwest company closed up its affairs, 
and the American fur company re-appeared un- 
der the exclusive control of Astor, who estab- 
lished his western headquarters at Mackinaw, 
operating extensively in what is now Wiscon- 
sin, especially at La Pointe, upon Lake Sujierior, 
where large warehouses were erected; a siock- 
ade built, lands cleared, farms opened, dwell- 
ings and stores put up. But English traders 
evaded the law by sen .ing their goods into the 
United States in the name of American clerks 
in their employ. These goods being of supe- 
rior quality to those furnished by Astor, they 
continued to command the Indian trade to a 
large extent. It was only when the American 
prince of fur-traders was enabled to import 
goods to New York of equal quality and send 
them by way of the lakes, that he could success- 
fully compete with his rivals and in the end 
drive them from the fieM. 

At the commencement of the war with (iieat 
Britain the few settlers at Green Bay and 
Prairie du Chien depended largely u])i m the 
fur trade for their living, monojiolized, as we 
have seen, at that period, by British traders. 
At the beginning of hostilities this depeiidency 
was proniptlj' secured to the latter by the ca])- 
lure, from the Americans, of the post at Macki- 
naw. Naturally enough most of the people of 
Wisconsin, limited in number as they were, ad- 
hered to the English during the continuance of 
hostilities. As to the Indian tribes, witliin 
what are now the limits of the State, it may be 
said that, in a measure, they, too, all arraye<l 
themselves on the side of Great Britain. The 
Menomonees and Winnebagoes took part in the 



30 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



capture of Mackinaw, and subsequently in other 
enterprises against the Americans. Indeed, 
all the tribes in the northwest were firmly at- 
tached to the English by reciprocal interest Iti 
the fur trade, from which ihey derived their 
supplies. Great Britain had never ceased since 
the Revolution to foster their friendship by the 
liberal distribution annually of presents; hence, 
they were ready when the War of 1812-15 was 
inaugurated to take up the hatchet against the 
Americans. Just before hostilities began, the 
English traders were especially active in excit- 
ing the Indians against the Americans, more es- 
pecially against American traders. Robert 
Dickson, a resident of Prairie du Chien, an 
Englishman by birth, was among the foremost 
in stirring up the animosity of the savages. 
Soon after the declaration of war he collected a 
body of Indians at Green Bay for the purpose 
of rendering assistance to the British forces in 
their operations on the lakes and in the north- 
west; they were principally Pottawattamies, 
Kickapoos, Ottawas, Winnebagoes and Sacs, 
the last mentioned being Black Hawk's band. 
This chief was made commander-in-chief of the 
savages there assembled, by Dickinson, and 
sent to join the British army under Proctor. 

The English early succeeded in securing the 
Wisconsin Indian tribes as their allies in this 
war; and having taken Mackinaw in Jul}', 1812, 
they were, virtually, put in possession of what 
is now the eastern portion of the State. Early 
in 1814, the government authorities of the 
United States caused to be fitted out at St. 
Louis a large boat, having on board all tiie men 
that could be mustered and spared from the 
lower country, and sent up the Mississippi to 
protect the upper region and the few settlers 
therein. The troops landed at Prairie du Chien, 
and immediately proceeded to fortify. Not 
long after. Col. McKay, of the British army, 
crossing the country by course of the Fox and 
Wisconsin rivers, with over 500 British and In- 
dians, received the surrender of the whole 
orce. The ofiicers and men were paroled and 



sent down the river. This was the only battle 
fought upon Wisconsin soil during the last war 
with England. The post at Prairie du Chien 
was left in command of a captain with two 
companies from Mackinaw. He remained there 
until after the peace of 1815, when the place 
was evacuated by the British. 

On the 3d of August, 1814, an expedition of 
about 300 men. under command of Maj. Zachary 
Taylor, left St. Louis in boats for the upper 
Mississippi. When they arrived at Rock Is- 
land they found the British there, apparently 
in force, with a battery on shore commanding 
the river. A severe fight took place, but after 
sustaining a loss of several killed and wounded 
the Americans returned to St. Louis. The 
British afterwards left Rock Island, and upon 
the signing of the treaty of peace by the envoys 
of the two governments, and the ratification of 
the same, the whole northwest, including Fort 
McKay at Prairie du Chien, was evacuated by 
British forces. 

When it was made known to the Indian 
tribes of the west some of them upon the Miss- 
issippi wei-e willing and eager to make treaties 
with the United States. A lucrative trade 
sprung up between the merchants of St. Louis 
and the traders and Indians up that river. 
Goods were periodically sent up the river to 
traders, who in turn transmitted in payment, by 
the same boats, furs and lead. But, generally, 
the savages hovered sullenly around the now 
rapidly increasing settlements in the territoiies 
of Michigan and Illinois, and the general gov- 
ernment began to consider in earnest how the 
influence of British intercourse might be 
checked, for the savages were still encouraged 
by English traders in their unfriendly disposi- 
tion and supplied with arms by them. Accord- 
ingly, in the winter after the close of the war. 
Congress prohibited foreign trade in the ter- 
ritory of the United Slates; and, in the summer 
following, steps were taken to make this policy 
effectual, by establishing a chain of military 
posts near the Canadian frontier and upon the 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



31 



principal lines of communication thence into the 
interior. The.se posts were to be occupied by 
Indian agents, with factories, or government 
stores, de.signed to supply the place of the pro- 
hibited traffic. 

On the 2l8t of June, 1816, United States 
troops took possession of the fort at Prairie du 
Chien. During the next month three schooners 
entered Fox river of Green bay, under the 
American flag, displaying to the astonished 
inhabitants of tiie small settlement upon that 
stream near its mouth, their decks covered with 
government troops. They were under command 
of Col. John Miller, of the Third United States 
Infantry, whose purpose was the establishment 
of a garrison near the head of the bay. The 
rendezvous of the troops was upon the east side 
some distance up the river, and was called 
"Camp Smith." At the end of two months the 
garrison was established in barracks enclosed 
with a stockade. Camp Smith was occupied 
until 1820, when a more substantial struc- 
ture was erected on the west side of the 
stream near its mouth, and named Fort Howard. 

The settlement at Green Bay was made up at 
the close of the war, of about forty or fifty 
French Canadians. The inhabitants (as at 
Prairie du Chien) were now for a time the 
subjects of military rule. "They received the 
advent of the troops in a hospitable spirit, and 
acquiesced in the authority asserted over them, 
with little evidence of discontent, mainfaiiiiiig 
a character for docility and freedom from tur- 
bulence of disposition remarkably in contrast 
with their surroundings. Military authority 
was, in the main, exerteii for the preservation 
of order." There was no civil authority worth 
speaking of. It was at a period when important 
changes were taking place. That sonielinu-s 
military authority, under such circumstances, 
should iiave been exercised in an arbitrary 
manner, is not at all a matter of surprise. "The 
conduct of the soldiery was also sometimes 
troublesome and offensive ; as a rule, how- 
ever, harmonious relations existed between 



them and the citizens. The abuses were only 
such as were unavoidable, in the absence of any 
lawful restraint on the one hand, or means of 
redress on the other." This state of affairs did 
not long continue, as initiatory steps were not 
long after taken to extend over the community 
both here and at Prairie du Chien the pro- 
tection of civil government. 

The Indians of Wisconsin, upon the arrival 
of United States troops at Prairie du Chien and 
Green ba>, gave evident signs of a disposition 
to remain friendly, although some thought the 
advent of soldiers an intrusion. An Iiulian 
agency under John Boyer and a United States 
factory, well supplied with goods, with Major 
Matthew Irwin at its head, were soon established 
at the bay ; a factory at Prairie du Cliien, 
under charge of John W. Johnson, was also 
started. The Menemonee and Winnebago tribes, 
the former upon Green bay, the latter upon the 
Fox and Wisconsin rivers, were now brought 
into nearer relations with the United Stales. 

WISCOXSIN AS A PART OF MICHIGAN TBRRITORY. 

Upon the admission of Illinois into the 
Union, in 1818, all "the territory of the United 
States, northwest of the River Ohio," lying west 
of Michigan territory and north of the States of 
Indiana and Illinois, was attached to and made 
a part of Michigan territory; by which act the 
whole of the present State of Wisconsin came 
under the jurisdiction of the latter. At the 
close of the last war with Great Britian, Wis- 
consin began in earnest to be occui>ie<l by 
Americans. But the latter were still ftw in 
number when the country west of Lake Michi- 
gan was attached to Michigan territory. Now, 
however, that tlie laws of the United States were 
in reality extended over them, they beg.in to 
feel as though they were not altogether beyond 
the protection of a government of their own, 
notwithstanding they were surrounded by 
Indian tribes. On the 20th of Cctober, 1818, 
the governor of the territory erected by ])iocia- 
mation three counties lying in whole or in part 
in what is now Wisconsin— Brown, Crawford 



32 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



and Michilimackinac. The county of Michili- 
mackinac not only included all of the present 
State of Wisconsin lyinsr nortli of a line drawn 
due west from near the head of tiie Little Noquet 
bay, but territory east and west of it, so as to 
reach from Lake Huron to the Mississippi river. 
Its county seat was established "at the Borough 
of Michilimackinac." The wliole area in Michi- 
gan territory south of the county of Michili- 
mackinac, and west of Lake Michigan formed the 
two counties of Brown and Crawford; the 
former to include the area east of a line drawn 
due nortli and south through tlic middle of the 
portage between the Fox river of Green bay and 
the Wisconsin; the latter to include the whole 
region west of that line. Prairie du Chien was 
designated as the county seat of Crawford; 
Green Bay, of Brown county. On the 22d of 
December, 1820, a county named Chippewa was 
formed from the northern portions of Michili- 
mackinac, including the southern shores of Lake 
Superior throughout its entire length, and ex- 
tending from tlie straits leading from that lake 
into Lake Huron, west to the western boumlary 
line oS ^Michigan territory, with the county seat 
"at such point in the vicinity of the Snult de 
Ste. Marie, as a majority of the county com- 
missio-ers to l)i- ap[)oiTited shall designate." 
Embraced within this county — its southern 
boundary being the parallel of 46 degrees 81 min- 
utes north latitude- was all the territory of the 
]jresent State of Wisconsin now bordering on 
Lake Superior. Brown and Crawford counties 
were .soon organized, the offices being filled by 
.■ippointTuents of the governor. County courts 
were also established, to which appeals were 
taken frinn justices of the peace. In January, 
i-S23, a distiict court was established by an act 
of Congress, for the counties last mentioned, 
including also Michilimackinac. One term 
iluriiig the year was held in eacli county. James 
Duatie Doty was the judge of this court to May, 
18;!2, when he was succeeded by David Irvin. 

1 he United States were not unmindful of her 
citizens to the westward of Lake Michigan, in 



several other important matters. Indian agencies 
were established; treaties were held with some 
of the native tribes, and land claims of white 
settlers at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien 
adjusted. Postmasters were also appointed at 
these two places. 

In 1825 and the two following years, a general 
attention was called to the lead mines in what 
is now the southwestern portion of the State. 
Different places therein were settled with 
American miners. In June, 1827, the Winne- 
bago Indians became hostile; this caused the 
militia of Prairie du Chien to be called out. 
United States troops ascended the Wisconsin 
river to quell the disturbance. There they were 
joined by Illinois volunteers, and the Winneba- 
goes awed into submission. Fort Winnebago 
was thereupon erected by the general govern- 
ment at the portage, near the present site of 
Portage, Columbia Co., Wis. A treaty with the 
Indians followed, and there was no more trouble 
because of mining operations in the "lead 
region." On the 9th of October, 1829, a county 
was formed of all that part of Crawford lying 
south of the Wisconsin, and named Iowa. In 
1831 the United States purchased of the Men- 
omonees all their lands east of Green bay, 
Winnebago lake and the Fox and Milwaukee 
rivers. The general government, before this 
date, had, at several periods, held treaties with 
the Sac and Fox Indians. And the time had 
now come when the two tribes were to leave 
the eastern for the western side of the Misssi- 
sippi river; but a band headed by Black Hawk 
refused to leave their village near Rock Island, 
111. They contended that they h;id not sold 
their town to the United States; and upon their 
return early in 1831, from a hunt across the 
Mississippi, finding their village and fields in 
possession of the whites, they determined to 
repossess their homes at all hazards. Tliis was 
looked upon, or called, an encroachment by the 
settlers; so the governor of Illinois took the 
responsibility of declaring the State invaded, 
and asked the United States to drive the refrac- 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



S3 



.tory Indians beyond the Mississippi. The 
result was, the Indian village was destroyed by 
Illinois volunteers. This and the threatened 
advance across the river by the United States 
commander, brought Black Hawk and his fol- 
lowers to terras. They sued for peace — agree- 
ing to remain forever on the west side of the 
Mississippi. But this truce was of short dura- 
tion. 

Early in the spring of 1832, Black Hawk hav- 
ing assembled his forces on the Mississippi in 
the vicinity of the locality where Fort Madison 
had stood, crossed that stream and ascended 
Rock river. 'Ihis was the signal for war. The 
governor of Illinois made a call for volunteers, 
anil in a brief space of time 1,800 had 
a.ssenibled at Beardstown, Cass county. They 
maiched for the mouth of Rock river, where a 
council of war was held by their officers and 
Brigadier-General Henry Atkinson, of the reg- 
ular forces. The Indians were sent word by 
General Atkinson that they must return and re- 
cross the Mississippi or they would be driven 
back by force. When the attempt was made to 
compel them to go back a collision occurred 
between the Illinois militia and Black Hawk's 
braves, resulting in the discomfiture of the 
former with the loss of eleven men. Soon af- 
terward the volunteers were disdiarged, and 
the first campaign of Black Hawk's War was at 
an end This was in May, 1832. In June fol- 
lowing a new force had been raised and put 
under the command of General Atkinson, who 
commenced his march up Rock river. Before 
this there had been a general "forting" in the 
lead region, in Illinois, and including the whole 
country in what is now Southwest Wisconsin, 
notwithstanding which a number of settlers 
had been killed by the savages, mostly in Illi- 
nois. Squads of volunteers, in two or three in- 
stances, had encountered the Indians, and in 
one with entire succes.s — upon the Pecatonica, 
in the present Lafayette Co., Wis. — every sav- 
age (and there were seventeen of them) being 
killed. The loss of the volunteers was three 



killed and wounded. Atkinson's march up 
Rock river was attended with some skirmish- 
ing, when, being informed that Black Hawk 
and his force were at Lake Koshkonong, in the 
southwest corner of what is now JeflEorson Co., 
Wis., he itnmediately moved thither with a 
portion of his army, where the whole force was 
ordered to concentrate. But the Sac chief, 
with his people, had flown. Colonels Henry 
Dodge and James D. Henry, with the forces 
under them, discovered the trail of the savages, 
leading in the direction of Wisconsin river. It 
was evident that the retreating force was large, 
and that it had but recently passed. The pur- 
suing troops hastened their march. On the 
21st of July, 18T2, they arrived at the hills 
which skirt the left bank of that stream, in 
what is now Roxbury town (township), Dane 
county. Here was Black Hawk's whole force, 
including women and children, the aged and 
infirm, hastening by every effort to escape 
across the river. But that this might now be 
effected it became necessary for that chief to 
make a firm stand, to cover the retreat. The 
Indians were in the bottom lands when the ]>ur- 
suing whites made their appearance upon the 
heiglits in their rear. Colonel Dodge occupied 
the front and sustained the first attack of the 
Indians. He was soon joined by Henry with 
his force, when they obtained a complete vic- 
tory. The action commenced about 5 o'clock 
in the afternoon and ended at sunset. The 
enemy sustained a loss, it is said, of about sixty 
killed and a large number wounded.* The loss 
of the Americans was one killed and eight 
wounded. During the following night Black 
Hawk made his escape down the Wisconsin. 
He was pursued and finally brought to a stand 
on the Mississippi near the mouth of the Bad 
Axe, on the western boundary of what is now 
Vernon Co., Wis.; and on the 2d of August 
attacked on all sides by the Americans, who 
soon obtained a complete victory. Black Hawk 
esca))ed, but was soon after captured. This 
ended the war. 

*lllack thiwk ^ivrQ ii \ ri-y rtlfforoitt n<'ooniit ap to hi:^ 
Inss "In Ibis skiiniisli." snys lie, "with Itfty braves I de- 
fcn'UHl and Hcconiplisht-d my i)U«sago over thi* Wisconaiii 
with a loss of nuly sijt men." 



34 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



The survey of public lands to which the In- 
dian title had been extinguished; the erection 
of Milwaukee county from the southern part of 
Brown; the changing of the eastern boundary 
of Fowa county to correspond with the western 
one of Milwaukee county; the attaching, for 
judicial purposes, of all the country west of the 
Mississippi river and north of the State of Mis- 
souri to the territory of Michigan in 1834, and 
the division of it into the two counties of Des 
Moines and Dubuque, were the important events 
following the close of the Black Hawk war. 
The prospective admission of the State of 



Michigan into the Union, to include all that 
part of the territory lying east of Lake Michi- 
gan, caused, on the 1st of January, 1836, a ses- 
sion (the first one) of the seventh territorial 
council, to legislate for so much of the terri- 
tory as lay to the westward of that lake, to be 
held at Green Bay, when a memorial was 

adopted, asking Congress for the formation of 
a new territory, to include all of Michigan ter- 
ritory not to be admitted as a State. This re- 
([uest, it will now be seen, was soon complied 
with by the National Legislature. 



CHAPTER II. 



WISCONSIN AS A TERRITORY. 



The Territory of Wisconsin* was erected by 
act of Congress of April 20, 1836, to take effect 
from and after the 3d day of July following. 

♦Wisconsin takes its name from its principal river, 
which drains an extensive portion of its surface. It rises in 
Ijake Vieux Desert (which is partly in Michigan and partly 
In Wisconsin), flows generally a south course to Portage in 
what is now Columhia county, where it turns to the south- 
we-t, and after a further course of 118 miles, with a rapid 
cuiTCnt. reaches the Mississippi river, four miles below Prai- 
rie du Chien. Its entire length is about iriO miles, descending, 
in that distance, a little more than 1,000 feet. Along the 
lower portion of the stream are the high lands, or river hills. 
Some of these hills present high and precipitous faces to- 
ward the water. Others terminate ia knobs. The name is 
supposed to have been taken from this feature: the word 
being derived from ?7ii-s-i.s, great, and ns-sin, a stone or rock. 

Compare Shea's Discovoil fold Explnratinn of the MissiJi- 
sinpi. pp. 6 (note* and 2fi8; Foster's Mississippi VaUeu, p. 2 
motel; Schoolcraft's Tliirty Tears with the Indian Tribe)!, p. 
2'nand note. 

Two definitions of the word are current — as widel.v differ- 
ing from each other as from the one just given. (See Wis. 
Hist. Soc. Coll., Vol. I , p. Ill, and (Vebster's Die, Una- 
bi-idged. p. 16-32.) The first— "the gathering of the waters"— 
has no corresponding words in Algonquin at all resembliug 
the name; the same may be said of the second— "wild rush- 
ing channel." (See Otchipwe Die. of Kev. P. Baragii. 

Since first used by the French the word ' 'Wisconsin" has 
'inderg(^ne considerable change. On the map by Joliet, re- 
cently brought to light by Gravier, it is given as "Miskon- 
«'ng " In Marquette's journal, published by Thevenot. in 
Paris. 1681. it is noted as the "Meskousing." It appeared 
ihereforthe first time in print. Hennepin, in 1683, wrote 
••Qnisconsin" and "Misconsin;" Charlevoix. 1743. "Ouis- 
consin:" Carver. 1766, "Ouisconsin" (English— "Wiscou- 
sin"); since which last mentioned date the orthography has 
been uniform.— Butterfleld's IHacmx/ry of Wi« Nurthwest in 



It was made to include all that part of the late 
Michigan territory described within boundaries 
"commencing at the northeast corner of the 
State of Illinois, running thence through the 
middle of Lake Michigan to a point opposite 
the main channel of Green bay; thence tlirough 
that channel and the bay to the mouth of the 
Menomonee river; thence up that stream to its 
head, which is nearest the lake of the Desert; 
thence to the middle of that lake; thence down 
the Montreal river to its mouth; thence with a 
direct line across Lake Superior to where the 
territorial line of the United States! ast touches 
the lake northwest; thence on the north, witli 
the territorial line, to the White Earth river; 
on the west by a line drawn down the middle 
of the main cliannel of that stream to the Mis- 
souri river, and down the middle of the main 
channel of the last mentioned stream to thf 
northwest corner of the State of Missouri; and 
thence with the boundaries of the States of 
Missouri and Illinois, as already fixed by act of 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



35 



Congress, to the place or point of beginning." 
Its counties were Brown, Milwaukee, Iowa, 
Crawford, Dubuque and Des Moines, witli a 
portion of Chippewa and Michiliraackinac un- 
organized. Henry Dodge was commissioned 
governor April :S0, li^-SC; Charles Dunn, chief 
justice, and David Trvin and William C. Frazer 
associate justices; by Andrew Jackson, Presi- 
dent of the United States. The following were 
the secretaries, attorneys and marshals, with 
the dates of their commissions who held 
office while the territory was in existence : 

SBCRBTARIES. 

John S. Horner, May 0, 1836; William B. 
Slaughter, Feb. 16, 1837; Francis I. Dunn, Jan. 
25, 1841; Alexander P. Field, April 23, 1841; 
George Floyd, Oct. 30. 1843; John Catlin, Feb. 
24, 1846. 

UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS. 

W. W. Chapman, May 6, 1836; Moses M. 
Strong, July 5, 1838; Thomas W. Sutherland, 
April 27, 1841; William P. Lynde, July 14, 

1845. 

UNITED STATES MARSHALS. 

Francis Gehon, May 6, 1836; Edward James, 
June 19, 1838; Daniel Ilugunin, March 15, 
1841; Charles M. Prevost, Aug. 31, 1844; John 
S. Rockwell, March 14, 1845. 

The first important measure to he looked af- 
ter by Governor Dodge upon his assuming, in 
the spring of 1836, the executive chair of the 
territory was the organization of the territorial 
Legislature. A census showed the following 
population east of the Mississippi : Milwaukee 
county, 2,893; Brown county, 2,706; Crawford 
county, 850; Iowa county. 5,234. Total, 1 1,683. 
The enumeration for the two counties west of 
the Mississippi was — Des Moities, 6,257; Du- 
buque, 4,274. Total, 10,531. The population, 
therefore, of both sides of the river aggregated 
22,214. The legislative apportionment, made 
by the governor, gave to the territory thirteen 
councilmen and twenty-six representatives. 
These, of course, were to be elected by the peo- 
ple. The election was held Oct. 10, 1836. 



Belmont, in the present county of Lafayette, 
Wis., was appointed as the place for the meet- 
ing of the Legislature, where the first session 
began October 25. A quorum of each house 
was in attendance. Henry S. Baird, of Green 
Bay, wai elected president of the council, and 
Peter H. Engle speaker of the house. 

The following persons served as presidents 
of the council while Wisconsin was a territory : 

First session, first Legislative Assembly, 
Henry S. Baird, Brown county. 

Second session, first Legislative Assembly, 
Arthur R. Ingraham, Des Moines county. 

Special session, first Legislative Assembly, 
Arthur R. Ingraham, Des Moines county. 

First session, second Legislative Assembly, 
William Bullen, Racine county. 

Second session, second Legislative Assembly, 
James Collins, Iowa county. 

Third session, second Legislative Assembly, 
James Collins, Iowa county. 

Fourth (extra) session, second Legislative 
Assembly, William A. Prentiss, Milwaukee 
county. 

First session, third Legislative Assembly. 
James Maxwell, W^alworth county. 

Second session, third Legislative Assembly, 
James Collins, Iowa county. 

First session, fourth Legislative Assembly, 
Moses M. Strong, Iowa county. 

Second session, fourth Legislative Assembly, 
Marshal M. Strong, Racine county. 

Third session, fourth Legislative Assembly, 
Moses M. Strong, Iowa county. 

Fourth session, fourth Legislative Assembly, 
Nelson Dewey, Grant county. 

First session, fifth Legislative Assembly, 
Horatio N. Wells, Milwaukee county. 

>'pecial session, fifth Legislative Assembly, 
Horatio N. Wells, Milwaukee county. 

Second session, fifth Legislative Assembly, 
Horatio N. Wells, Milwaukee county. 

The following persons served as speakers of 
the House during llie t-.intinu.iiioe i>f Wisi-ou- 
sin territorv : 



36 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



First session, first Legislative Assembly, 
Peter H. Engle, Dubuque county. 

Sec.ontl session, first Legislative Assembly, 
Isaac Leffler, Des Moines county. 

Special session, first Legislative Assembly, 
William B. Sheldon, Milwaukee county. 

First session, second Legislative Assembly, 
John W. Blackstone, Iowa county. 

Second session, second Legislative Assembly, 
Lucius I. Barber, Milwaukee county. 

Third session, second Legislalive Assembly, 
Edward V. Whiton, Rock county. 

Fourth (extra) session, second Legislative 
Assembly, Nelson Dewey, Grant county. 

First session, third Legislative Assembly, 
David Newland, Iowa county. 

Second session, third Legislative Assembly 
David Newland, Iowa county. 

First session, fourth Legislative Assembly, 
Albert G. Ellis, Portage county. 

Second session, fourth Legislative Assembly, 
George H. Walker, Milwaukee county. 

Third session, fourth Lesjislative Assembly, 
George II. Walker, Milwaukee counly. 

Fourth session, fourth Legislative Assembly, 
Mason C. Darling, Fond du Lac county. 

First session, fifth Legislative Assembly, 
William Shew, Milwaukee county. 

Special session, fifth Legislative Assembly, 
Isaac P. Walker, Milwaukee county. 

Second session, fifth Legislative Assembly, 
Timothy i3urns, Iowa county. 

Each of the tiiree branches of the infant gov- 
ernment was now (October, 1836) in working 
order, except that it remained for the Legisla- 
tive Assembly to divide the territory into three 
judicial districts, the number required bv the 
organic act, and make an assignment of the 
judges. This was speedily done. Crawford 
and Iowa constituted the first district, to which 
the chief justice was assigned; Dubuque and 
Dc'S Moines the second, to which judge Irvin 
was assigned; and Judge Frazer to the third, 
consisting of Milwaukee and Brown counties. 
The principal matters engaging the attention 



of the legislators were the permanent location 
of the capitol, the erection of new counties and 
the location of county seats. Madison was fixed 
upon as the seat of government; and nine coun- 
ties were erected east of the Mississippi: Wal 
worth, Racine, Jefferson, Dane, Dodge, Wash- 
ington, Rock, Grant and Green. West of the 
river six counties were set off: Lee, Van 
Buren, Henry, Louisa, Muscatine and Cook. 
The Legislature adjourned sine die, Dec. 9, 
1886. Tiie first term of the supreme court was 
held at Belmont on the the 8th day of Decem- 
ber, of that year. The appointment of a clerk, 
crier and reporter, and the admission of several 
attorneys to practice, completed the business of 
the first term. The following persons served 
as clerks while Wisconsin was a territory: 

John Catlin, appointed at December term, 
1836; Simeon Mills, appointed at Jul)' term, 
18.39; La Fayette Kellogg, appointed at July 
term, 1840. Gov. Dodge, appointed Dec. 8, 18.36, 
Henry S. Baird, as attorney general. His 
successors were as follows: 

Horatio N. Wells, appointed by Gov. Dodge, 
March :30, 1839; Mortimer M. Jackson, ap- 
pointed by Gov. Dodge, Jan. 26, 1842; William 
Pitt Lynde, appointed by Gov. Talimage, Feb. 
22, 1845; A. Hyatt Smith, appointed by Gov. 
Dodge Aug. 4, 1845. Upon the organization of 
the territory in 1830, it was necessary that it 
should be represented in the National Legisla- 
ture; so on the day of the election of the terri- 
torial Legislature, George W. Jones, of Iowa 
county, was chosen a delegate in Congress. His 
successors were: 

James Duane Doty, elected Sept. 10, 1838; 
James Duane Doty, elected Aug. 5, 1840; Henry 
Dodge, elected Sept. 21, 1841; Henry Dodge, 
elected Sept. 25, 1843; Morgan L. Martin, 
elected Sept. 22, 1845; John H. Tweedy, 
elected Sept. 6, 1847. 

At the close of the year 1836, there was no 
land in market east of the Mississippi, except a 
narrow strip along the shore of Lake Michigan, 
and in the vicinity of Green bay. The residue 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



37 



of tlie country south and east of the Wisconsin 
and Fox rivers was open only to pre-emption by 
actual settlers. Tiie Indian tribes still claimed 
a larye portion ot the lands. On the north were 
located the Chippewas. The soutliern limits 
of their possessions were defined by a line drawn 
from a point on that stream in about latitude 
46 degrees 31 minutes in a southeasterly direc- 
tion to the head of Lake St. Croix; thence in 
the same general direction to what is now 
Stevens Point, in tlie present Portage Co., W's.; 
thence nearly east to Wolf river; and thence in 
a direction nearly northeast to the Menomonee 
river. Between the Wisconsin river and the 
Mississippi, and extending north to the south 
line of the Chippewas was the territory of th» 
Winnehagoes. Eastof the Winnebagocs in the 
country north of the Fox river of Green bay 
were located the Menomonees, their lands ex- 
tending to Wolf river. Sucli was the general 
outline of Indian occupancy in Wisconsin terri- 
tory, east of the Mississippi, at its organization. 
A portion of the country east of Wolf river and 
north of Green bay and the Fox rivei'; tiie 
wliole of the area lying south of Green bay, 
Fox river and the Wisconsin, ctmstituted the 
extent of country over which the Indians Iiad 
no claim. In this region, as we have seen, was 
a populatian of about 12,000, it was made np 
of the scattered settlers at tiie lead mines; 
the military establishments, (I'ort Crawford, 
Fort Winnebago and Fort Howard), and settli- 
ments at or near them; and the village of 
Milw aukee; these were about all the parts of 
the territory east of the Mississippi, at that 
date, occupied to any extent by the whites. 

The second session of the first Legislative As- 
sembly of the territory of Wi.<consin, began at 
Burlington, now the county seatof Des Moines 
Co., Iowa, Nov. 0, 1837, and adjourned .Tan. -JO, 
183H, to the second Monday of June following. 
Tlu' |)rincipal acts passe 1 were, one for taking 
another census; one al)olishing imprisonment for 
debt; another regulating the s;ile of scliool 
lauds and to prepare for organizing, reg- 
ulating and perfecting schools. There 
was also one passed incorporating the 



Milwaukee and Rock River Canal Company. 
This was approved by the governor, Jan. 5, 
1838. By an act of Congress approved June 18 
of the same year, a grant of land was made to 
aid in the construction of the canal. The grant 
consisted of the odd-numbered sections on a 
belt of ten miles in width from Lake Michigan 
to Rock river, amounting to 139,190 acres. Of 
those lands 43,447 acres were sold at public 
sale in July, 1839, at the minimum price 
of $2.50 per acre. W^ork was commenced on 
the canal at Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee 
river for a short distance from its outlet was 
improved by the construction of a dam across 
the river, which was made available for manu- 
facturing and other purposes. A canal was 
also built about a mile in length and forty 
feet wide, leading from it down on the west 
bank of the river. Much dissatisfaction subse- 
(juently arose; the purchasers at this sale, and 
others occupying these canal and reserved 
lands felt the injustice of being compelled to 
pay double price for their lands, and efforts 
were made to repeal all laws authorizing fur- 
thersales, and to ask Congress to repeal the act 
making this grant. The legislation on the sub- 
ject of this grant is voluminous. In 18G2 the 
Legislature of the State passed an act to ascer- 
tain and settle the liabilities, if any, of Wis- 
cotisin and the company, and a board of com- 
missioners was appointed for that purpose. At 
the session of the Legislature in 1SC3, the com- 
mittee made a report with a lengthy opinion of 
the attorney-general of the State. The views 
of that officer were, that the company had no 
valid claims for damages against the State. In 
this opinion the commissioners concurred. On 
the 23d of March, 1875, an act was approved by 
the governor, giving authority to the attorney- 
general to discharge and release of record any 
mortgage before executed to the late territory 
of Wisconsin given to secure the purchase 
money or any part thereof of any lands granted 
by Congress to aid in the construction of this 
canal. 'I'he quantity of lands unsold was sub- 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



seqnently made a part of the 500,000 acre tract 
granted by Congress for school purposes. It is 
believed the whole matter is now closed 
against further legislative enactments. 

There was another important act parsed by 
the territorial Legislature of 1837-8, by which 
fourteen counties were erected, but all of them 
west of the Mississippi. The census having 
been taken in May, a special session of the 
first Legislative Assembly was commenced June 
11, 1838, at Burlington, continuing to June 25, of 
that year. This session was pursuant to an 
adjournment of the previous one, mainly for 
the purpose of making a new apportionment of 
members. The population of the several 
counties east of the Mississippi was, by the 
May census, 18,149. By an act of Congress, 
approved June 12, 1838, it was provided that 
from and after the 3d day of July following, all 
that part of Wisconsin territory lying west of 
that river and west of a line drawn due north 
from its headwaters or sources to the territorial 
line for the purposes of a territorial govern- 
ment should be set apart and known by the 
name of Iowa. It was further enacted that 
the territory of Wisconsin should thereafter 
extend westward only to the Mississippi. Be- 
cause of the passage of this act, the one passed 
at the special session of the territorial Legisla- 
ture making an apportionment of members, be- 
came nugatory — that duty now devolving 
upon Gov. Doty. On the third Monday of July, 
1838, the annual term of supreme court was 
held at Madison this, of course, being the first 
one after the re-organization of the territory; 
the previous one was not held, as there was no 
business for the court. On the 18th of October, 
Judge Frazer died, and on the 8th of Novem- 
ber, Andrew G. Miller was appointed his suc- 
cessor, by Martin Van Buren, President of ilie 
United States. 

The Legislature of the re-organized territory 
of Wisconsin met at Madison for the first time 
— it being the first session of the second Legis- 
lative Assembly — Nov. 26, 1838. Its attention 



was directed to the mode in which the commis- 
sioners of public buildings had discharged their 
duties. There was an investigation of three 
banks then in operation in the territory — one 
at Green Bay, one at Mineral Point, and the 
other at Milwaukee. A plan, also, for the 
revision of the laws of the territory was con- 
sidered. A new assignment was made for the 
holding of district courts. Chief Justice Dunn 
was assigned to the first district, composed of 
the counties of Iowa, Grant and Crawford; 
Judge Irvin to the second, composed of the 
counties of Dane, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth 
and Green; while Judge Miller was assigned to 
the third district, composed of Milwaukee, 
Brown and Racine counties — including therein 
the unorganized counties of Washington and 
Dodge, which, for judicial purposes, were, 
when constituted, by name and boundary, at- 
tached to Milwaukee county. 'I he Legislature 
adjourned on the 22d of December, to meet 
again on the 21st of the followinsr month. Tiie 
census having been taken during the year, it 
was found that the territory had a population 
,.f 18,130, an increase in two years, of 6,-147. 
The second session of the second Legislative 
Assembly began Jan. 21, 1839, agreeable to 
adjournment. An act was passed during this ses- 
sion legalizing a revision of the laws which had 
been perfected by a committee previously; this 
act took effect July 4, and composed the princi- 
pal part of the laws forming the revised statutes 
of 1839. The session ended March 11, 1839. 
On the 8th of March of this year, Henry Dodge, 
whose term for three years as governor was 
about to expire, was again commissioned by 
the President of the United States. At the 
July term of the supreme court, all the judges 
were present, and several cases were heard and 
decided. A seal for the court was also adopted. 
From this time, the supreme court met annu- 
ally, as provided by law, until Wisconsin be- 
came a State. 

The next Legislature assembled at Madison, 
on the 2d of December, 1839. This was the 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



39 



third session of the second Legislative Assem- 
bly of the territory. The term for which raem- 
berB of the house were elected would soon 
expire ; it was therefore desirable that a new 
apportionment should be made. As the census 
would be taken the ensuing June, by the 
United States, it would be unnecessary for the 
territory to make an additional enumeration. 
A short session was resolved upon, and then 
an adjournment until after the completion of 
the census. One of the subjects occupying 
largely the attention of the members, was tlie 
condition of the capitol, and the conduct of the 
commissioners intrusted with the money ap- 
propriated by Congress to defray the cost of its 
construction. These commissioners were James 
Duane Doly, A. A. Bird and .John F. O'Neill. 
They received their appointment from ttie 
general government. Work began on the 
building in June, ISST, the corner stone being 
laid witii appropriate ceremonies July 4. During 
that year and the previous one, Congress ap- 
propriated %40,00n, Dane county S4,00(i, and 
the territorial Legislature, about §16,000, for 
the structure ; so that the entire cost was about 
$60,000. The building, when finished, was a 
substantial structure, wliiuh, in architectural 
design and convenience of arrangement, com- 
pared favorably with the ca])ito!s of adjacent 
and older Slates. Tlie capitol proving inade- 
quate to the growing wants of the Slate, the 
Legislature of I S.iT provided for its enlarge- 
ment. By this act, the commissioners of school 
and university lands were directed to sell the 
ten sections of land appropriated by (Congress 
"for the completion of public buildings,'' and 
apply the proceeds toward enlarging and im- 
proving the State capitol. The State also ap- 
propriated $.30,000 for the same object, and 
ISO, 000 was given by the city of Madison. 
The governor and secretary of Stale were 
made commissioners for conducting llie work, 
which was begun in the fall of 1857, and con- 
tinued from year to year until 1869, when the 
dome was completed. The Legislature of 18^2 



appropriated $200,000 for the construction of 
two transverse wings to the capitol building, 
one on the north and the other on the south 
sides thereof, in order to provide additional 
room for the State historical society, the 
supreme court, the State library, and for the 
increasing work of the State offices. The gov- 
ernor, secretary of Slate, attorney general, 
with others, representing the supreme court 
and the historical society, were made commis- 
sioners for carrying out the work. The cost 
will be within the amount appropriated by the 
State. The total appropriations for the en- 
largement of the capitol and for the improve- 
ment of the park, to the present time, are $629, 
992.54. This does not include the sum of 
$0,500 appropriated in 1875, for macadamizing 
to the center of the streets around the park, 
nor the $200,000 appropriated in 1882. The 
park is 914 feet square, cornering north, soulli, 
east and west, contains fourteen and four-tenths 
acres, and is situated on an elevation command- 
ing a view of the third and fourth lakes and 
the surrounding country. In the center of tlie 
square stands the capitol. The height of the 
building from the basement to the top of tin- 
flag staff is 225^ feet, while the total length of 
its north and south wings, exclusive of steps 
and porticoes, with the addition of the new 
wings, is 396 feet, and of the east and west 
wings, 226 feet. 

Tiie Legislature of 18.39-40, adjourned Janu- 
ary 13, to meet again on the 3d of the ensuing 
August. The completion of the federal census 
of 1840 showed a population for the territory of 
30,744. Upon the re-assembling of the Legisla- 
ture — which is known as the extra session of 
the second Legislative Assembly — some changes 
were made in the apportionment of members to 
the House of Representatives. The session 
lasted but a few days, a final adjournment 
taking place Aug. 14, 1840. The first session 
of the third Legislative Assembly began Dec. 7, 
1S40, and ended Feb. 19, 1841, with only three 
members who had served in the previous Assem- 



40 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



bly. All had recently been elected under the 
new apportionment. 

On the 13lh of September, 1S41, Gov. Dodge 
was removed from office by John Tyler, then 
President of the United States, and James 
Duane Doty appointed in his place, the com- 
mission of the latter being dated the 5th of 
October following. 

The second session of the third Legislative 
Assembly began at Madison, on the 6th of 
December, 1841. Gov. Doty, in his message to 
that body, boldly avowed the doctrine that no 
law of the territory was effective until expressly 
approved by Congress. This construction of 
the organic act resulted in a lengthy warfare 
between the governor and the Legislative As- 
sembly. On the nth of February, 1842, an 
event occurred in the Legislative council, caus- 
ing a great excitement over the whole territory. 
On that day, Charles C. P. Arndt, a member 
from Brown county, was, while that body was 
in session, shot dead by James R. Vineyard, a 
member from Grant county. The difficulty 
grew out of a debate on a motion to lay on the 
table the nomination of Enos S. Baker to the 
office of sheriff of Grant county. Immediately 
before adjournment of the council, the parties 
who had come together, after loud and angry 
words had been spoken, were separated by the 
by-standers. When an adjournment had been 
announced, they met again ; whereupon Arndt 
struck at Vineyard. The latter then drew a 
pistol and shot Arndt. He died in a few mo- 
ments. Vineyard immediately surrendered him- 
self to the sheriff of the county, waived an ex- 
amination, and was committed to jail. After a 
short confinement, he was brought before the 
chief justice of the territory, on a writ of habects 
corpus, and admitted to bail. He was after- 
ward indicted for manslaughter, was tried and 
acquitted. Three days after shooting Arndt, 
Vineyard sent in his resignation as member of 
the council. That body refused to receive it, 
or to have it read even ; but at once expelled 
him. The second and last session of the third 



Legislative Assembly came to a close Feb. 18, 
1842. 

For the next six years there were seven ses- 
sions of the territorial legislature, as follows: 
First session, 4th Legislative Assembly, com- 
menced Dec. 5, 1842, ended April 17, 1843; 
second sesssion, 4th Legislative Assembly, com- 
menced Dec. 4, 1843, ended Jan. 31, 1844; 
third session, 4th Legislative Assembly, com- 
menced Jan. C, 1845, ended Feb. 24, 1845; 
fourth session, 4th Legislative Assembly, com- 
menced Jan 5, 1 846, ended Feb. 3, 1846; first ses- 
sion, 5th Legislative Assembly, commenced Jan. 4, 
1847, ended Feb. 11, 1847; special session, 5th 
Legislative Assembly, commenced Oct. 18, 
1847, ended Oct. 27, 1847; second session, 5th 
Legislative Assembly, commenced Feb. 7, 1848, 
ended March 13, 1848. 

The members of the first session of the 
fourth legislative assembly had been elected 
unded a new apportionment based upon a 
census taken in June, showing a total popula- 
tion of 46,678. In each house there was a 
democratic majority. Gov. Doty was a 
whig. It was a stormy session. After the two 
houses had organized, the governor refused to 
communicate with them, as a body legally 
assembled, according to the organic act, he 
claiming that no appropriation for that object 
had been made by Congress. The houses con- 
tinued in session until the 10th day of December, 
when they adjourned until the 13th of January, 
1843, they having meanwhile made representa- 
tion to the National Legislature, then in session, 
of the objections of the governor. It was not 
until the -fth of February that a quorum in both 
houses had assembled. Previous to this. Con- 
gress had made an appropriation to cover the 
expenses of the session; and the governor, on 
the 13th of January, had issued a proclamation 
convening a special session on the 6th of March. 
Both houses in February adjourned to the day 
fixed by the governor, which ended the troubles; 
and the final adjournment look place, as already 
stated, April 17, 1843. Nathaniel P. Tallmadge 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



41 



was appointed governor in place of Doty on 
the 21st of June, 1844, his eomniission bearing 
(late the ICtli of September. .Tame.s K. Polk 
having been elected President of the United 
States in the fall of that year, Henry Dudge 
was again put in the executive chair of the ter- 
ritory, receiving his appointment April 8, 1845, 
and being commissioned May 13 following. 

It was during the fourth session of the fourth 
legislative assembly that preliminary steps 
were taken, which resulted in the formation of 
a State government. The first Tuesday in 
April, 1846, was the day fixed upon for the 
people to vote for or against the proposition. 
When taken it resulted in a large majority 
voting in favor of the measure. An act was 
passed providing for taking the census of the 
territory, and for the ipportionment by the 
governor of delegates to form a State constitu- 
tion, based upon the new enumeration. Tiie 
delegates were to be elected on the first Mon- 
day in September, and the colivention was to 
assemble on the first Monday in October, 1846. 
The constitution when formed was to be sub- 
mitted to the vote of the people for adoption or 
rejection, as, at the close of the session, the 
the terms of members of the council who had 
been elected for four years, and of the house, 
w ho had been elected for two years, all ended. 
Tiie legislature re-organized the election dis- 
tricts, and conferred on thegovernor the power 
and duly of making an apportionment, based on 
the census to be taken, for the next Legislative 
Assembly, when, on the .3d of February, is^o, 

both houses adjourned sine die. The census 
taken in the following June showed a popula- 
tion for the territory of 155,217. Delegates 
having been elected to form a constitution for 
the proposed new State, met at Madison on the 
5th day of October. After completing their 
labors, they adjourned. This event took place 
on the 16th of December, 1846. The constitu- 
tion thus formed was submitted to a popular 



vote on the first Tuesday of April, 1847, and 
rejected. A special session of the legislature, 
to take action concerning the admission of Wis- 
consin into the Union began Oct. 18, 1847, and 
a law was passed for the holding of another 
convention to frame a constitution. Delegates 
to the new convention were elected on the last 
.Monday of November, and that body met at 
Madison the 15th of December, 1847. A census 
of the territory was taken this year, which 
showed a population of 210, .546. The result of 
the labors of the second constitutional conven- 
tion was the formation of a constitution, 
which, being submitted to the people on the 
second Monday of March, 1848, was duly ratified. 
On the 29th of May, 1848, by act of Congress, 
Wisconsin became a State. 

It may be here premised that the western 
boundai-y of the new State left out a full oi- 
ganized county, with a sheriff, clerk of court, 
judge of probaie, and justices of the peace. A 
bill had been introduced ai, a previous session 
in Congress, by Morgan L. ]\Iartin,the delegate 
from Wisconsin, to organize a territorial govern- 
ment for Minnesota, including the district left 
out on the admission of Wisconsin; but which 
failed to become a law. The citizens of what 
is now Minnesota were very anxious to obtain a 
territorial government, and two public meetings 
were held — one at St. Paul, and the other at 
Stillwater — advising John Catlin, who was 
secretary of Wisconsin, to issue a proclamation 
as the acting governor, for the election of a 
delegate to represent what was left of the 
territory of Wisconsin. Mr. Catlin repairol to 
Stillwater and issued a proclamation accordingly. 
H. H. Sibley was elected; nearly 400 votes hav- 
ing been polled at the election. Sibley was 
admitted to his seat on the floor of Congress by 
a vote of two to one. His admission facilitated 
and hastened the jiassage of a l)ill for the or- 
ganization of a territorial government for Min- 
nesota. 



42 



HISTORY OP WISCONSIN. 



CHAPTER III. 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 



The State of Wisconsin is bounded on the 
north by Minnesota and Mi(;higan; on the east 
by the State last mentioned; on the south, by 
Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota; and on the west, 
by the two last named States. Its boundaries, 
as more particularly described, are as follows: 
Beginning at its northeast corner of the State 
of Illinois, that is to say, at a point in the center 
of Lake Michigan, where the line of forty-two 
degrees and thirty minutes of north latitude, 
crosses the same; thence running with the boun- 
dary line of the State of Michigan, through Lake 
Michigan [andj Green bay to the mouth of the 
Menomonee river; thence up the channel of the 
said river to the Brule river; thence up said 
last mentioned river to Lake Brule; thence along 
the southern shore of Lake Brule, in a direct 
line to the center of the channel between Mid- 
dle and South islands, in the Lake of the Desert; 
thence in a direct line to the head waters of the 
Montreal river, as marked upon the survey made 
by Captain Cram; thence down the main chan- 
nel of the Montreal river to the middle of Lake 
Superior; thence through the center of Lake 
Superior to the mouth of the St. Louis river; 
thence up the main channel of said river to the 
first rapids in the same, above the Indian vil- 
lage, according to Nicollett's map, thence due 
south to the main branch of the River St. Croix; 
thence down the main channel of said river to 
the Mississippi; thence down the center of tin- 
main channel of that river to the northwest 
corner of the State of Illinois; thence due east 
with the northern boundary of the State of 
Illinois to the place of beginning. The gen- 
eral shape of Wisconsin is that of an 



irregular pentagon. Its land area is 53,- 
924 square miles; and, in respect to size, it 
ranks with the other States as the 15th. It is 
known as one of the North Central States, east 
of the Mississippi. It extends from 9 degrees 
50 minutes to 15 degrees 50 minutes west longi- 
tude from Washington city, and from 42 de- 
grees 80 minutes to about 47 degrees 80 minutes 
north latitude. It has Lake Michigan on the 
east. Green bay, Menomonee and Brule rivers. 
Lake Vieux Desert, the Montreal river. Lake 
Superior and the St. Louis river; on the north- 
east and north; and, on the west, the St. Croix 
and the Mississippi rivers* The average length 
of the State is about 260 miles; its average 
breadth 215 miles. The surface features of 
Wisconsin present a configuration between the 
mountainous, on the one hand, and a monoto- 
nous level, on the other. The State occupies a 
swell of land lying between three notable de- 
pressions: Lake Michigan, on the east; Lake 
Superior, on the north; and the valley of the 
Mississippi, on the west. From these depress- 
ions the surface slopes upward to the summit 
altitudes. Scattered over the State are promi- 
nent hills, but no mountains. Some of these 
hills swell upward into rounded domes, some 
ascend precipitously into castellated towers; and 
some reach prominence without regard to beauty 

' '*The boundary of Wisconsin is commonly (riven as Lalie 
Superior and the State of Micliigan on the north, and Michi- 
igan and Lalte Michigan on the east, and sometimes, also, 
the Mississippi river is given as a part of the western boun- 
dary. These boundaries are not the true ones. The Stnte of 
Wisconsin extends to the center of Lakes Michigan and Su- 
perior, and to the cenierof the main channel of theMis-sis- 
sippi river. As the States of Wisconsin and Michigan meet 
in the center of Lake Michigan, it is not Lake Michigan that 
bounds Wisconsin on the east. buttheState of Michigan, and 
so on. The correct boundary of Wisconsin in general ti'rms. 
is as follows: Wisconsin is bounded north by Minnesota and 
Michigan, east by Michigan, south by Illinois, and west by 
Iowa and Minnesota."— 4. O. Wright. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



43 



or form or convenience of description. The 
highest peak, in the southwestern part of the 
State, is tlie West Blue Mound, 1,151 feet above 
Lake Michigan; in the eastern part, Lapham's 
Peak, 824 feet; in the central part, Rib Hill, 
1 ,263 feet; while the crest of the Penokee Range, 
in the northern part, rises upward of 1,000 feet. 
The drainage systems correspond, in general, to 
the topographical features before described. 
The face of the State is the growth of geologic 
ages furrowed by the teardrops of the skies. 

The constitution of Wisconsin provided for 
the election of a governor, lieutenant governor, 
secretary of State, treasurer and attorney gen- 
eral, as the officers of State. The first State 
election was held May 8, 1848, when, not only 
State officers were chosen, but members of the 
Legislature and members of Congress. The fol- 
lowing are the names of the governors elected 
and the terms they have served, since Wisconsin 
became a State: Nelson Dewey, June 7, 1848 
to Jan. 5, 1852; Leonard J. Farwell, Jan. 5, 
1852, to Jan. 5, 1854; William A. Barstow, Jan. 
2, 1854, to March 21, 1856; Arthur McArtliur, f 
March 21, to March 25, 1850; Coles Bashfoid, 
March 25, 1856, to Jan. 4, 1858; Alexander W. 
Randall, Jan. 4, 1858, to Jan. 6, 1862; Louis P. 
Harvey, Jan. 0, 1862, to April 19, 1862; Edward 
Solomon, t April 19, 1862, to Jan. 4, 1804; 
James T. Lewis, Jan. 4, 1864, to Jan. 1, 1866; 
Lucius Farchild, Jan. 1, 1866, to Jan. 1, 1872: 
C. C. Washburn, Jan. I, 1872, to Jan. 5, 1874; 
William R. Taylor, Jan. 5, 1874, to Jan. -i, 1876; 
Harrison Ludington, Jan. 3, 1876, to Jan. 7, 1878; 
William E. Smith, Jan. 7, 1878 to Jan. 2. 1882, 
Jeremiah M. Rusk, Jan. 2, 1882, and still in 
office. 

The gubernatorial vote of Wisconsin since its 
admission into the Union was as follows: 

1848. 

Dewey, democrat 19, .'538 

Tweedy, whig 14, 449 



1849. 

Dewey, democrat 16,649 

Collins, whig 11,317 



Dewey's majority 5, 832 

1851. 

Fiuwell, whig 22,319 

Upham, democrat 21, 812 



Faiwell's majority. 



507 



1853. 



Barstow, democrat 30,405 

Holton, republican 21, 886 

Baird, whig 3,334 



Biirstow's plurality 8,519 

1855. 

Barstow, democrat 36, 355 

Baehford, republicau 36,198 



Barstow's majority. 



»1,57 



1857. 

Rtindall, republican 44,693 

Cross, democrat 44,239 



Randall's majrrity. 



454 



1859. 



Randall , republican 59, 99U 

Ilobart, democrat 52, 539 



Randall's majority 7.460 

1861. 

Harvey, republican 53,777 

Ferguson, democrat 45, 456 



Harvey's majority 8,321 

I 1863. 

Lewis, republican 72,717 

Palmer, democrat 49, 053 



Lewis' majority 23, 664 

1865. 

Fail child, republican 58, 332 

Hobart, democrat 48,330 



Dewey's majority. 
fEx-Offldo. 



Fairchild's majority 10. 002 

1867. 

Fairchi.d, republican 73,637 

Tallmadge, democrat 68,878 



5,089 Fairchild's majorily 4,764 

•rhis certltleate was set aside by the supreme court. 



44 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



1869. 

Fail-child, republic«n 69.502 

RobinsoB, democrat 61,339 

Fairchilds' majorily 8,263 

1871. 

VVa3hl)Uiii, republican 78,301 

Doolitlle, democrat 68,910 

Washburn's majoi it}' 9,391 

1873. 

Taylor, democrat 81, 599 

Washburn, republiciin 66,224 

Tajlor's raajoiity 15,375 

1875. 

Ludington, republican 85,1.55 

Tajlor, democrat 84,814 

Ludington's majority 841 

1877. 

Smith, republican 78,759 

Mallory, dcmocral 70.486 

Allis, gree;iback 26,216 

Smith's majority 8,273 

1879. 

Smitb, republicaa 100. 535 

.Jenkins, democrat 75,080 

May, greenback 12,090 

Smith's majorily over both 12.509 

1881. 

Husk, republican 81 , 754 

Fratt, democrat 69, 797 

Kanouse. proliibition 13, 225 

Allis, greenback 7. 002 

Rusk's plurality 11, 957 

The following are the name.s of the lieuten- 
ant governors atid their terms of service, since 
Wisconsin became a State; John E. Holmes, 
June 7, 1848, to Jan. 7, 1850; Samuel W. Beall, 
Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan. 5, 1852; Timothy Burns, 
Jan. 5, 1852, to Jan. 2, 1854; James T. Lewis, 
Jan. 2, 1854, to Jan. 7, 1856; Arthur McAvthur, 
Jan. 7, 1856, to Jan. 4, 1858; E. D. Campbell, Jan. 
4, 1858. to Jan. 2, 1860; Butler G. Noble, Jan. 
2,) 1860 to Jan. 6, 186-2; Edward Solomon, Jan. 
6, 1862, to April 19, 1862; Gerry W. Hazolton, 
(ex-officio), Sept. 10, 1862, to Sept. 26, 186'j; 



Wyraan Spooner, Jan. 14, 1863, to Jan. 3, 1870; 
Thaddeus C. Pound, Jan. 3, 1870, to Jan. 1, 
1872; Milton H. Pettit, Jan. 1, 1872, to March 
23, 1873: Charles D. Parker, Jan. 5, 1874, to 
Jan. 7, 1878; James M. Bingham, Jan. 7, 1878, 
to Jan. 2, 1882; Samuel S. Fifieid, Jan. 2, 1882, 
and still in office. 

The following are the persons that have been 
elected secretaiies of State, with their terms of 
office, since the State was admitted into the 
Union: 

Thomas McHugh, June 7, 1848, to Jan. 7, 1850; 
William A. Barstow, Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan. 5, 
1852; CD. Robinson, Jan. 5, 1852, to Jan. 2, 
1854; Alexander T. Gray, Jan. 2, 1854, to Jan. 
7, 1856; David W. Jones, Jan. 7, 1856, to Jan. 

2, 1860; Louis P. Harvey, Jan. 2, 1860, to Jan. 

6, 1862; James T. Lewis, Jan. G, 1862, to Jan. 

4, 1864; Lucius Fairchild, Jan. 4, 1864, to Jan. 

1, 1866; Thomas S. Allen, Jan. 1, 18')6, to Jan. 

3, 1870; Llywelyn Bree.se, Jan. 3, 1870, to Jan. 

5, 1874; Peter Doyle, Jan. 5, 1874, to January 

7, 1878; Ham B. Warner, Jan. 7, 1878, to Jan. 

2, 1882; Ernest G. Timme, Jan. 2, 1882 and 
still in office. 

The treasurers, with their terms of office, 
have been as follows: 

Jairus C. Fairchild, June 7, 1848, to Jan. 5, 
1852; Edward H. Janssen, Jan. 5, 1852, to Jan. 
7, 1856; Charles Kuehn, Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan 4. 
1858; Samuel D. Hastings, Jan. 4, 1858, to Jan. 
1, l866;WilliamE. Smith, Jan. 1, 1866, to Jan. 3, 
1870; Henry Baetz, Jan. 3, 1870 to Jan. 5, 1874; 
Ferdinand Kuehn, Jan. 5, 1874, to Jan. 7, 1878; 
Richard Gucnther, Jan. 7, 1878, to Jan. 2, lss2; 
Edward C. McFetridge, Jan. -2, 1882 and still in 
office. 

Attorneys-General, with their terms of office, 
have been elected as follows: 

James S. Brown, June 7,1848, to Jan. 7, 1850; 
S. Park Coon, Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan. 5, 1852; Ex- 
perience Estabrook, Jan. 5, 1852, to Jan. 2, ]S54; 
George B. Smith, Jan. 2, 1854, to Jan. 7, 1S56; 
William R. Smith, Jan. 7, 1856, to Jan. 4, 1858; 
Gabriel Bouck, Jan. 4, 1858 to Jan. 2, 1860; 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



45 



James H. Howe, Jan. 2, 1860, to Oct. 7, 1862; 
Winfield Smith, Oct. 7, 1862, to Jan. 1, 1866; 
Charles R. Gill, Jan. 2, 1866 to Jan. 3, 1870; 
Stephen S. Barlow, Jan. 3, 1870, to Jan. 5, 1874; 
A. Scott S'oan. Jan. 5, 1874, to Jan. 7, 1878;' 
Alexander Wilson, Jan. 7, 1878, to Jan. •', 1882; 
Leander F. Frisby, Jan. 2, 18o2, and still in 
office. 

The constitution divided the State into nine- 
teen senatorial and sixty-six assembly districts. 
In each of these districts, on the 8.th of May, 
1848, one member was elected. 

The first Legislature of the State began its 
session at Madison, the capital, where all subse- 
quent ones have convened. The commencement 
and ending of each session, with the names of 
the speakers, were as follows. 

Ninean E. Whiteside, June 5, 1848, to Aug- 
ust 21. 

Harrison C. Hobart, Jan. 10, 1849, to April 2. 
Moses .M. Strong, Jan. 9, 1850, to February 1 1 . 
Frederick W. Horn, Jan. 8, 1851, to March 17 
James M. Shafer, Jan. 14, 1852, to April 10. 
Henrv L. Palmer, Jan. 12, 1853, to April 4. 
Henry L. Palmer, June 6, 1853, to July 13. 
Frederick W. Horn, Jan. 1 1, 1854, to April 3. 
Charles C. Sholes, Jan. 10, 1855, to April 2. 
William Hull, Jan. 9, 18.56, to March 31. 
William Hull, Sept. 3, 1856, to October 14. 
Wyman Spooner, Jan. 14, 1857, to March 9. 
Frederick S. Lovell, Jan. 13, 1858, to May 17. 
William P. Lyon, Jan. 12, 1859, to March 21. 
William P. Lyon, Jan. 11, 1860, to April 2. 
Amasa Cobb, Jan. 9, 1861, to April 17. 
Amasa Cobb, May 15, 1861, to May 27. 
James W. IJeardsley, Jan. 8, 1862, to April 7. 
JamesW. Beardsley, June 3, 1862, to June 17. 
James W. Beardsley, Sept. 10, 1862, to Sept. 
26. 

J. Allen Barker, Jan. 14, 1863, to April 2. 
William W. Field, Jan. 13, 1864, to April 4. 
William W. Field, Jan. 11, 1865, to April 10. 
Henrv I). Barron, Jan. 10, 18C6, to April 12. 
Angus Cameron, Jan. 9, 1867, to April 1 1. 



Ale.xander M. Thomson, Jan. 8, 1868 to 
March 6. 

Alexander M. Thomson, Jan. 13, 1869, to 
March 11. 

James M. Bingham, Jan. 12, 1870, to March 



William E. Smith, Jan. II, 1871, to March 25. 
Daniel Hall, Jan. 10, 1872, to March 26. 
Ilf-nry D. Barron, Jan. 8, 1873, to March 20. 
(iabe Bouck, Jan. 14, 1874, to March 12. 
Frederick W. Horn, Jan. 13, 1875, to March 6. 
Samuel S. Fifield, Jan. 12, 1876, to March 14. 
.John B. Cassoday, Jan. 10, 1877, to March 8. 

Augustus R. Barrows, Jan. 9, 1878, to March 
21. 

Augustus R. ]5arrows, June 4, 1878, to June 7. 

David M. Kelley, Jan. 8, 1879, to March 6. 

Alexander A. Arnold, Jan. 14, 1880, to 
March 17. 

Ira D. Bradford, Jan. 12, 1881, to April 4. 

Franklin L. Gilson, Jan. 11, 1882, to March 31. 

Earl P. Finch, Jan. 10, 1883, to April 4. 

The constitutiiMi divided the State int) two 
congressional districts, in each of which one 
member of CoTigress was elected May 8, 1848. 
The first district embraced the counties of Mil- 
waukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Racine, Walworth, 
Rock and Green; the second district was com 
posed of the counties of Washington, Sheboy- 
gan, Manitowoc, <^'aliimet. Brown, Winnebago, 
Fond du Lac, Marquette, Sauk, Portage, Colum- 
bia, Dodge, Dane, Iowa, Lafayette, (^rant, 
Richland, Crawford, Chijipewa, St Croix and 
La Pointe — the counties of Richland, Cliii)pfwa 
and La Pointe being unorganized. (It may 
here be stated that the first Legislature ch.iiigeii 
the apportionment, making three distiicts; 
other apportionments have been made at each 
decade, so that there are now nine congress- 
ional districts.) The first members were elected 
to the XXXth Congress, which expired March 4. 
1849. The members elected from Wisconsin to 
that and subsequent Congresses are: 



46 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



XXXth Congress, 1847-9. 
First District —William Pitt Lyude. * 
Second District. — Mason C. Darling. * 

XXXIst Congress, 1849—51. 
First District. — Charles Durkee. 
Second District.— Orsamiis Cole. 
Third District. — James Duane Doty. 

XXXIId Congress, 1851-53. 
First District. — Charles Durkee. 
Second District. — Ben. C Eastman. 
Third District.— John B. Macy. 

XXXIIId Congress, 1 853-55. 
First District — D.iuiel Wells, Jr. 
Second District — Ben C. Eastman. 
Third District— John B. Macy. 

XXXIVth Congress, 185.5-57. 
First District. — Daniel Wells, Jr. 
Second Dis'rict. — C. C. Washburn. 
Third District. — Charles Billinghurst. 

XXXV th Congress, 1857-59. 
Firsi District— John P. Potter. 
Second District. — C. C. Washburn. 
Third District. — Charles BilliDghurat. 

XXXVIth Congress, 1859-61. 
First District.— John F. Potter. 
Second District. — 0. C. Washburn. 
Third District. — Charles H. Lvrrabee. 

XXXVIIth Congress, 1861-63. 
First Dislrict.—JohnF. Potter. 
Second District. — Luther Hanchett, f Waller Mc- 

Indoe. 
Thitd District. — A. Scott Sloan. 

XXXVIIIth Congress, 1863-65. 
First District. — James S. Brown. 
Second District. —Ithamar C. Sloan. 
Third District. — .\niasaCobb. 
Fourth District— Charles A. Eldredge. 
Fifth DIsliict.— Ezra Wheeler. 
Si-xlli District.— Walter D. Mclndoe, 

XXXIXth Congress, 1865-67. 
P'irst District. — Halbert E. Paine. 
Second District. — IthamarC. Sloan. 
Third District — Amasa Cobb. 
Fourth District. — Charles A. Eldredge. 
Fifth District. — Philefus Sawyer. 
Sixth District. — Walter D. Mclndoe. 

* Took their seats June 5 and 9, 1848. 

+ Died Nov. 34, IS&J; Mcludoe elected to All tbe vaoauoy, 
Deo. 30. 1863 



XLth Congress, 1867-69. 
First District— Halbert E. Paine. 
Second District. — Benjamin F. Hopkins. 
Third District. — Amasa Cobb. 
. Fourth District — Charles A. Eldredge. 
Fifth District. — Philelus Sawyer. 
Sixth District. — Cadwallader C. Washburn. 

XLIst Congress, 1 869-7 1 . 
First District. — Halbert E. Paine. 
Second District. — Benjamin P. Hopkins. X 

David At wood. 
Third District. — Amasa Cobb. 
Fourth District. — Charles A. Eldredge. 
Fifth District. — Phietus Sawyer. 
Sixth District — Cadwallader C. Washburn. 

XLIId Congress, 1871-73. 
First District. — Alexander Mitchell. 
Second District. — Gerry W. Hazeltoti. 
Third District. — J. Allen Barber. 
Fourth District. — Charles A. Eldredge. 
Fifth District. — Philetus Sawyer. 
Sixth District. — Jeremiah M. Rusk. 

XLIIId Congress, 1873-75. 
First District. — Charles 6 Williams. 
Second District. — Gerry W. Hazelton. 
Third District. — J. Allen Barber. 
Fourth District — Alexander Mitchell. 
Fifth District.— Charles A. Eldredge. 
Sixth District. — Philetus Sawyer 
Seventh District. — Jeremiah M. Rusk. 
Eighth District.— Alexander S. McDill. 

XLIVth Congress, 1875-77. 
First District.— Charles G. Williams. 
Second District. — Lucien B. Caswell. 
Tliird District.— Henry S. Magoon. 
Fourth District.- William Pitt Lynde. 
Fifth District.- Samuel D. Burchard. 
Si.Mh District. — Alanson M. Kimball. 
Seventh District. — Jeremiah M. Rusk. 
Eighth District.— George W. Cate. 

XLVth Congress, 1877-79. 

First District.— Charles G. Williams. 

Second District. — Lucien B. Caswell. 

Thi'd District. — GeorgeC. Hazelton. 

Fourth District. — William Pitt Lynde. 

Hfth District.— Edward S. Bragg. 

Sixth District. — Gabriel Bouck. 

Seventh Di'itrict. — Herman L. Humphrey. 

Eighth District.— Thaddeus C. Pound. 

% Died Jan. 1,1870. and David Atwood elected tofil vacancy 
Feb. 1.5, 1870. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



47 



XLVIth Congress, 1879-81. 
First District.— Charles G Wiliiams. 
Sei-ond District. — Lucien B. Caswell. 
Third District— George C. Hazelton. 
Fourth District.— Peter V. Deusler. 
Fifth District. -Edward 3. Bragg. 
Sixth District,— Gabriel Bouck. 
Seventh District.— Herman L. Humphrey. 
Eighth Di-lrict — Thaddcus C. Pound. 

XLVIIth Congress, 1881-83. 
First District.— Charles G. Williams. 
Second District. — Lucien B. Ciiswill. 
Third Distiict. — George C. Hazelton. 
Fourth District. — Peter V. Deuster. 
Fifth District.— Edwards. Bragg. 
Sixth District. — Richard Guenther. 
Seventh District. — Herman L. Humphrey. 
Eighth District — Thaddeus C. Pound. 

XLVIIIth Congress, 188.3-85. 
First District. — John Winans. 
Second District. — Daniel H. Sumner. 
Third District. — Burr W. Jones. 
Fourth District. — Peter V. Deuster. 
Fifth District. — Joseph Rankin. 
SLxth District —Richard Guenther, 
Seventh District. — Gilbert M. Woodward. 
Eighth District.— William T Price. 
Ninth District. — Isaac Stephenson. 

The lirst Legislature in joint convention, 
on ttie 7tli of June 1848, canvassed, in accord- 
ance with tlie constitution, the votes given on 
the 8th of May, for the State officers, and the 
two representatives in Congress. On the same 
daj the Slate officers were sworn into office. 
The next day Gov. Dewey delivere<1 his 
first message to the Legislature. The first im- 
portant business of the first State Legislature 
was the election of two United States senators; 
Henry Dodge and Isaac P. Walker, botli 
democrats, were elected. The latter drew the 
sliortterin; so that his office expired on the 4tli 
day of Marc)), 1849, at the end of the thirtecntli 
Congress; as Dodge drew tlie long term, his 
office expired on the 4th day of March, 1851, 
at the end of thirty-first Congress. Botli were 
elected, June 8, 1848. Their successors, with 
the date of tlieir elections, were as follows: 
Isaac P. Walker, Jan. 17, 1849; Henry Dodge, 
Jan. 20, 1851 ; Charles Durkee, Feb. 1, 1855; 



James R. Doolittle, Jan. 23, 1857; Timothy O. 
Howe, Jan. 23, 1861; James R. Doolittle, Jan. 
22, 1863; Timothy O. Howe, Jan. 24, 1867; 
Matthew H. Carpenter, Jan. 26, 1869 ; Timothy 
O. Howe, Jan. 21, 1873; Angus Cameron, Feb. 
3, 1875 ; Matthew II. Carpenter, Jan. 22, 1879; 
Philetus Sawyer, Jan. 26, 1881 ; Angus Cam- 
eron, March 10, 1881. 

The constitution vested the judicial power of 
the State in a supreme court, circuit court, 
courts of probate, and justices of the peace, 
giving the Legislature power to vest such juris- 
diction as should be deemed necessary in mu- 
nicipal courts. Judges were not to be elected 
at any State or county election, nor within 
thirty days before or after one. The State was 
divided into five judicial circuits, Edward V. 
VVhiton being chosen judge at the election on 
the first Monday in August, 1848, of the first 
circuit, composed of the counties of Racine, 
Walworth, Rock and Green as then constituted; 
Levi Hubbell, of the second, composed of 
Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane; 
Charles II. Larrabee, of the third, composed of 
Washington, Dodge, Columbia, Marquette, 
Sauk and Portage, as then formed; Alexander 
W. Stow, of the fourth, composed of Brown, 
Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Winne- 
l):igo and Calumet; and Mortimer M. Jackson, 
of the fifth, composed of the counties of Iowa, 
I^aFayette, Grant, Crawford and St Croix, as 
ll en organized ; the county of Richland being 
attached to Iowa county ; the county of 
Chippewa to the county of Crawford ; and 
the county of LaPointe to tlie county of 
St. Croix, for judicial ))ur])os;es. In 1850, a sixth 
circuit was formed. IJy an act, which took ef- 
fect in 18.54, a seventh circuit was formed. On 
the 1st dsy of January, I85.=>, an eighth and 
ninth circuit was formed. In the same year 
was also formed a tenth circuit. An eleventh 
circuit was formed in 1864. By an act which 
took effect the 1st day of January, 1871, the 
twelfth circuit was formed. In 1876 a thir- 
teenth circuit was "constituted and re-organ 



48 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



ized." At the present time John M. Went- 
worih is judge of the first circuit, «hich is com- 
posed of the counties of Walworth, Kacine, and 
Kenosha; Cliarles A. Hamilton of the second, 
which includes Milwaukee county; David J. 
Pulling of the third, composed of Calumet, 
Green Lake and Winnebago; Norman S. Gil- 
son of the fourth, composed of Sheboygan, Mani- 
towoc, Kewaunee and Fond du Lac; (George 
Cleraentson of the fifth, composed of Grant, 
Iowa, La Fayette, Hichland and Crawford; 
Alfred VV. Newman of the sixth, composed of 
Clark, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Trem- 
pealeau and Vernon; Charles M. Webb of the 
seventh, composed of Portage, Marathon, Wau- 
paca, Wood, Waushara, Lincoln, Price, and Tay- 
lor; Egbert B. Buiidy of the eighth, composed 
of Huffalo, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, and 
St. Croix; Alva Stewart of the ninth, composed 
of Adams, Columbia, Dane, Juneau, Sauk, 
M rquette; George H. My res, of the tenth, 
composed of Florence, Langlade, Outagamie, and 
Shawano; Solon C. Clough of the eleventh, 
composed of Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, 
Chippewa, Douglas, Polk, and Washburn; John 
K. iJennettof the twelfth, composed of Rock, 
Green, and Jefferson; A. Scott Sloan, ot thethir- 
teenth, composed of Dodge, Ozaukee, Washing- 
ton, and Waukesha; Samuel D. Hastings of the 
fourteenth, composed of Brown, Door, Mainette 
and Oconto. 

The first Legislature provided for the re-elec- 
tion of juilges of the circuit courts on the first 
Monday of August, 1848. By the same act it 
was provided that the first term of the supreme 
court siiould be held in Madison, on the sec- 
ond Monday of January, 1849, and thereafter 
at the same place and on the same day, 
yearly ; afterward changed so as to hold 
a January and June term in each year. 
Under the constitution, the circuit judges 
were also judges of the supreme court. One 
of their own number under an act of June 29, 
1S4S, was to be, by themselves, elected chief 
justice. Under this arrangement, the following 



were the justices of the supreme court, at the 
times indicated: Alex. W. Stow, C. J., fourth, 
district, Aug. 28, 1848, to Jan. 1, 1851; Edward 
V. Whiton, A. J., first circuit, Aug. 28, 1848, 
to June 1, 1853; Levi Hubbell, A. J., 
elected chief justice, June 18, 1851, second 
circuit, Aug. 28, 1848, to June 1, 1853; Charles 
H. Larrabee, A. J., third circuit, Aug. 28, 1848, 
to June 1, 1853; Mortimer M. Jackson, A. J., 
fifth circuit, Aug. 28, 1848, to June 1, 1853; 
Timothy O. Howe, A. J., fourth circuit, Jan. 
1, 1851, to June 1, 1853; Wiram Knowlton, A. 
J., sixth circuit, organized by the Legislature in 
1850, Aug. 6, 1850,to June 1, 1853. In 1853, the 
supreme court was separately organized, the 
chief justice and associate justices being voted 
for as such. The following persons have con- 
stituted that court during tbe terms indicated, 
since its separate organization: Edward V. 
Whiton, C. J., June 1, 1853, to April 12, 1859; 
Luther S. Dixon, C. J., April 20, 1859, to June 
17 1874; Edward G. Ryan, C. J., June 17, 1874, 
to Oct. 19, 1880; Orsamus Cole, C. J., Nov. 11, 
1880, (in oflice); Samuel Crawford, A. J., June 
1, 1853, to June 19, 1855 ; Abraham D. Smith. 
A. J., June 1, 1853, to June 21, 1859; Orsamus 
Cole, A. J., June 19,1855, to Nov. 11, 1880; 
Byron Paine, A. J., June 21, 1859, to Nov. 15, 
1864; Jason Downer, A. J., Nov. 15, 1864, to 
Sept. 11, 1867; Byron Paine, A. J., Sept. 11. 
1867, to Jan. 13, 1871; William P. Lyon, A. J., 
Jan. 20, 1870, (in oflice); David Taylor, A. J., 
April 18, 1878, (in office); Harlow S. Orton, A. 
J., April 18, 1878, (in office); John B. Casso- 
day, A. J., Nov. 11, 1880, (in oflice). 

The act of Congress entitled "An act to eiia 
ble the people of Wisconsin territory to form a 
constitution and State government, and for the 
admission of such State into the Union," ap- 
proved Aug. 6, 1846, provided for one I nited 
States judicial district to be called the district 
of Wisconsin. It was also provided that a dis- 
trict court should be held therein by one judge 
who should reside in the district and be called 
a district judge. The court was to hold two 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



49 



terms a year in the capital, Madison. This was 
afterward changed so that one term only was 
lield at the seat of the State government, wliile 
the other was to be held at Milwaukee. Special 
terras could be held at either of these places. 
» On the 12th day of June, 1848, Andrew G. 
Miller was appointed by the President district 
judge. By the act of Congress of July 15, 1862, 
a circuit court of the United States was created 
to be held in Wisconsin. The district judge 
was given power to hold the circuit court in 
Wisconsin in company with the circuit judge 
and circuit justice, or either of them, or alone 
in their absence. Wisconsin now com])08es a 
portion of the seventh judicial circuit of the 
United States, Thomas Drummond being cir- 
cuit judge. He resides at Chicago. The cir- 
cuit justice is one of judges of the United States 
supreme court. Two terms of the circuit court 
are held each year at Milwaukee and one term 
in Madison. 

In 1870 tlic State was divided into two dis- 
tricts, the eastern and western. In the westerii 
district, one term of the United States district 
court each year was to be held at Madison and 
one at La Crosse; in the eastern district, two 
terms were to be held at Milwaukee and one at 
Oshkosh. On the Otli day of July, 1870, James 
C. Hopkins was appointed judge of the western 
district, Andrew G. Miller i-emaining judge of 
the eastern district. The latter resigned to 
take effect Jan. 1, 1874, and James H. Howe 
was ajipointed to Kll the vacancy; but Judge 
Howe soon resigned, and ('liarles E. Dyer, on 
the 10th of February, 187-5, appointed in his 
place. He is still in office. Judge Hopkins, of 
the western district, died .Sept. 4, 1877; when, 
on the 1.3ih of October following, Romanzo 
Bunn was appointed his successor, and now fills 
that office. 

An act was passed by the first Legislature pro- 
viding for the election and defining t!ie duties 
of a State superintendent of public instruction. 
The persons holding that office, with the terra 
of each, are as follows: Eleazer Root, from 



Jan. 1, 1849, to Jan. 5, 1852; Azel P. Ladd, 
from Jan. 5, 1852, to Jan. 2, 1854; Hiram A. 
Wright, from Jan. 5, 1854, to May 29, 1855; 
A. Constantine Barry, from June 26, 1855, to 
Jan. 4, 1858; Lyman C. Draper, from Jan. 4, 
1858, to Jan. 2, 1860; Jpsiah L. Pickard, from 
Jan. 2, 1860, to Sept. 30, 1864; John G. Mc- 
Mynn, from Oct. 1, 1864, to Jan. 6, 1868; Alex- 
ander J. Craig, from Jan. 6, 1868, to Jan. 3, 
1870; Samuel Fallows, from Jan. 6, 1870, to 
Jan. 4, 1874; Edward Searing, from Jan. 4, 
1874, to Jan 7, 1878; William C. Whitford, 
from Jan. 7, 1878, to Jan. 2, 1882; Robert Gra- 
ham, from Jan. 2, 1882, (now in office.) By the 
same Legislature, a State University was estab- 
lished. The school system of Wisconsin em- 
braces graded schools, to be found in all the 
cities and larger villages, the district schools, 
organized in the smaller villages and in the 
country generally, besides the University of 
Wisconsin, (located at Madison, the capital of 
the State). The university has three depart- 
ments: the college of letters, the college of arts, 
and the college of law. It was founded upon a 
grant of seventy-two sections of land made by 
Congress to the territory of Wisconsin. That 
act required the secretary of the treasury to set 
apart and reserve from sale, out of any public 
lands within the territory of Wisconsin, "a 
quantity of land, not exceeding two entire towi:- 
ships, for the support of a university within the 
said territory and for no other use or purpose 
whati^oever; to be located in tracts of land not 
less tlian an entire section corresponding witli 
any of the legal divisions into which the public 
lands are authorized to be surveyed." The 
territorial Legislature, at its session in 1838, 
passed a law incorporating the "University of 
the Territory of Wisconsin," locating the same 
at or near Madison. In 1841 a commissioner 
was appointed to select the lands donated to 
the State for the maintenance! of the university, 
who ppr'ormi'd the dutv assigned to him in a 
most acceptable ni;imii'r. Section a of article 
X of tlu' State i-onstilutioii prii\idi's thai "pro- 



3 



50 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



vision shall be made by law for the establish- 
ment of a State University at or near the seat of 
government. The proceeds of all lands that 
have been or may hereafter be granted by the 
United States to the State, for the support of a 
University shall be and remain a perpetual fund, 
to be called the 'University fund,' the interest 
of which shall be appropriated to the support 
of the State University." Immediately upon 
the organization of the State government an 
act was passed incorporating the State Univer- 
sity, and a board of regents appointed, who at 
once organized the institution. 

The Uniyfersity was formally opened by the 
public inauguration of a chancellor, Jan. 16, 
1 850. The preparatory department of the Uni- 
versity was opened Feb. 5, 1849, with twenty 
pupils. In 1849 the regents purchased nearly 
200 acres of land, comprising what is known as 
ihe "University Addition to the City of Madi- 
son," and the old "University Grounds." In 
1851 the north dormitory was completed, and 
the first college classes formed. In 1854 the 
south dormitory was erected. Owing to the 
fact that the lands comprising the original grant 
had produced a fund wholly inadequate to the 
support of the university, in 1S54 a further 
grant of seventy-two sections of land was made 
by Congress to the State for that purpose. In 
1866 the University was completely re-organized, 
so as to meet the requirements of a law of Con- 
gress passed in 1862, providing for the endow- 
ment of agricultural colleges. That act granted 
to the several States a quantity of land equal to 
30,000 acres for each senator and representa- 
tive in Congress, by the apportionment under 
the census of 1860. The objects of that grant 
are fully set forth in sections four and five of 
said act. The lands received by Wisconsin 
under said act of Congress, and conferred upon 
the State University for the support of an agri- 
cultural college, amounted to 240,000 acres, 
making a total of 322,160 acres of land donated 
to this State by the general government for the 
endowment and support of this institution. Up 



to the time of its re-organization, the University 
had not received one dollar from the State or 
from any municipal corporation. In pursuance 
of a law passed in 1866, Dane county issued 
bonds to the amount of $40,000 for the pur- 
chase of about 200 acres of land contiguous to 
the University grounds for an experimental 
farm, and for the erection of suitable buildings 
thereon. The next winter the Legislature passed 
a law which appropriated annually for ten years 
to the income of the University Fund, $7,308.76, 
that being the interest upon the sum illegally 
taken from the fund by the law of 1862 to pay 
for the erection of buildings. 

In 1870 the Legislature appropriated $50,000 
for the erection of a female college, which is 
the first contribution nyade outright to the up- 
building of any institution of learning in this 
State. In order to comply with the law grant- 
ing lands for the support of agricultural colleges, 
the University was compelled to make large 
outhiys in tilting up laboratories and purchas- 
ing the apparatus necessary for instruction and 
practical advancement in the arts immediately 
connected with the industrial interests of the 
State, a burden which the Legislature very gen- 
erously shared by making a further annual ap- 
propriation in 1872 of $10,000 to the income of 
the University Fund. The increased facilities 
offered by improvements in the old and by the 
erection of a new college building proved 
wholly inadequate to meet the growing wants 
of the institution. In its report for 1874, the 
board of visitors said: "A hall of natural sci- 
ences is just now the one desideratum of the Uni- 
versity. It can never do the work it ought to do, 
the work the State expects it to do, without 
some speedily increased facilities." 'J he Leg- 
islature promptly responded to this demand, 
and at its next session appropriated $80,000 for 
the erection of a building for scientific pur- 
poses. In order to permanently provide for de- 
ficiencies in the University Fund income, and to 
establish the institution upon a firm and endur- 
ing foundation, the Legislature of 1876 enacted 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



61 



"That there shall be levied and collected for 
the year 1876 and annually thereafter, a State 
tax of one-tenth of one mill for each dollar of 
the assessed valuation of the taxable property of 
this State, and the amount so levied and col- 
lected is hereby appropriated to the University 
Fund income, to be used as a part thereof." 
This is in lieu of all other appropriations for 
the benefit of this fund, and all tuition fees for 
students in the regular classes are abolished by 
this act. 

'I'he fourth section of the act of 187(5, to per- 
manently provide for deficiencies in the Uni- 
versity Fund income, is as follows: "From and 
out of the receipts of said tax, the sum of$!3,000 
annually shall be set apart for astronomical 
work and for instruction in astronomy, to be 
expended under the direction of the regents of 
the University of Wisconsin, as soon as a com- 
plete and well equipped observatory shall be 
given the University, on its own grounds with- 
out cost to the State: Provided, that such ob- 
servatory shall be completed within three years 
from the passage of this act." The astronomi- 
cal observatory whose construction was provided 
for by tliis act, was erected by the wise liber- 
ality of ex-Gov. Washburn. It is a beautiful 
stone building, finely situated and well fitted 
for its work. Its length is eighty feet, its 
breadth forty-two feet, and its height forty- 
eight feet. Over the door to the rotunda is a 
marble tablet bearing this inscription: "Erected 
and furnished, A. D. 1878, by the munificence 
of Cadwalladcr C. Washburn, and by him pre- 
sented to the University of Wisconsin; a tribute 
to general science. In recognition of this gift, 
this tablet is inserted by the regents of the 
University." The telescope has a sixteen inch 
object-glass. The size is a most desirable one 
for the great mass of astronomical work. In 
1881 a students' observatory was erected and a 
wing was added to the east side of the Wash- 
burn observatory. 

In the fall of 1848 there was a Presidential 
election. There were then three organized 



jjolitical parties in the State — whig, democrat 
and free-soil, each having a ticket in the field ; 
but the democrats were in the majority. The 
successful electors for that year and for each 
four years since that date, were as follows : 

184S. Elected November 7. 

Al Large — Fiancis Huebschmann. 

Wm. Dunwiddie. 
First District— David P. Maples 
Second District — Samutl F. Nichlos. 

1852. Elected November a. 

At Large — Montgomery M. Cothren. 

Satierlee Clark. 
First District— Phllo White. 
Second District — Beriah Brown. 
Third District — Charles Billinghurst. 

1856. Elected November 4. 

At Large— Edward D. Holton. 

James H. Knowlton. 
First District— Gregor Mencel. 
Second District— Waller D. Mclndoe. 
Third District— Bille Williams. 



I860. Elected November 6. 

At Large— Walter D. Mclndoe. 

Bradford Rixford. 
Kirst District — William W, Vaughan. 
Second District — J. Allen Barber. 
Third District — Herman Lindeman. 



1864. Elected November 8. 

.\tLarge— William W. Field 

Henry L. Blood. 
First District — George C. Northrop. 
Second District — Jonathan Bowman. 
Tliird District — Allen Warden. 
Fourth District — Henry J. Turner. 
Fifth Di.stricl— Henry F. Belitz. 
Sixth District — Alexander S. McDill. 



1868. Elected November 3. 

At Largi— Stephen S. Ilailow. 
Henry D. Barron. 



52 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



First District— Elihu Enos. 
Second District— Charles Q. Williams. 
Third District — AUeu Warden. 
Fourth District — Leander F. Frisby. 
Fifth District— Williiira G. Ritch. 
Sixth District— William T. Price. 



18'72. Elected November 5. 

At Large — William E. Ci'amer. 
Frederick Fleischer. 
First District — Jerome S. Nickles. 
Second District — George G. Swain. 
Third District — Ormsby B. Thomas. 
Fourth District — Frederick Hilgen. 
Fifth District— Edward C. McFetridge. 
Sixth District — George E. Hoskinson. 
Seventh District — RomanzoBunn. 
Eighth District — Henry D. Barron. 



1876. Elected November 7. 

At Large — William H. Hiner. 
Francis Campbell. 
First District— T D. Weeks. 
Second District — T. D.Lang. 
Tbird District — Daniel L. Downs. 
Fourth District — Casper M. Sanger. 
Fifth District — Charles Luling. 
Sixth District — J.ames H. Foster. 
Seventh District— Charles B. Solberg. 
Eighth District — John H. Knapp . 



1880. Elected November 2. 

At Large — George End. 

Knud Langland. 
First District — Lucius S. Blake. 
Second District — John Kellogg. 
Third District— George E. Weatherby. 
Fourth District — William P. McLaren. 
Fifth District— C. T. Lovell. 
Sixth District — E. L Browne. 
Seventh District— F. H. Kribbs. 
Eighth District — JohnT. Kingston. 

The popular vote cast for President at each 
of the Presidential elections in Wisconsin, and 



the electoral vote cast for each successful can- 
didate, were as follows : 



Kl 



1848 
1852 
1856 
1860 

1864 
1868 
1872 

1876 
1880 



CANDIDATES. 



Zachary Taylor 

Lewis Cass 

Martin Van Buren. . . . 
Franklin Pierce 

Winfield Scott 

John P. Hale. . 

James Buchanan 

John C. Fremont. . . . 

Milhiril Fillmore 

Abraham Lincoln 

John C. Breckinridge. 

John Bell 

8. A. Douglas 

Abraham Lincoln 

Geo B, McClellan 

Ulyspcs S. Grant 

Horatio Sey.nour 

Ulysses S, Grant 

Horace Greeley 

Charles O'Connor. . . . 
Rutherford B. Hayes... 

Samuel J Tilden 

Peter Cooper 

G C. Smith 

James A Garfield . . . . 

Winfield S. Hancock. 

J. B. Weaver 

Neal Dow 

J B. Phelps 



o 



o 



86, 



65, 

83, 
65, 

108, 
84, 

104, 



130, 
123, 

1, 

144, 

114, 
7, 



747 
001 
418 
658 
240 
814 
843 
090 
579 
118 
888 
161 
021 
458 
884 
857 
707 
997 
477 
834 
668 
927 
509 
27 
398 
644 
986 
68 
91 



H 



10 



10 



10 



The act of the first Legislature of the State, 
exempting a homestead from forced sale on 
any debt or liability contracted after Jan. 1, 
18+9, and another act exempting certain per- 
sonal property, were laws the most liberal in 
their nature passed by any State in the Union 
previous to that time. Other acts were passed 
— such as were deemed necessary to put the 
machinery of the State government in all its 
branches, in fair running order. And, by the 
second Legislature (1849) were enacted a num- 
ber of laws of public utility. Tlie statutes were 
revised, making a volume of over 900 pages. 
The year 1848 was one of general prosperity to 
the rapidly increasing population of the State ; 
and that of 1849 developed in an increased 
ratio its productive capacity in every depart- 
ment of labor. The agriculturist, tlie arti.san, 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



53 



tlie miner, reaped the well-earned reward of 
his honest, labor. The commercial and manu- 
facturing interests were extended in a manner 
highly creditable to the enterprise of the people. 
The educational interests of the Stale began to 
assume a more systematic organization. Tlie 
tide of immigration suffered no decrease during 
the year. Within the limits of Wiscon- 
sin, the oppr.ssed of other climes continued to 
find welcome and happy homes. There were 
many attractions for emigrants from the Old 
World, especially from northern Europe — from 
Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark ; 
also from Ireland and England. 

Till' third Legislature changed the January 
term of the supreme court to December and or- 
ganized a sixth judicial circuit. The first 
charitable institution in Wisconsin, incorporated 
by the State, was the "Wisconsin Institute lor 
the Education of the Blind." A school for 
that unfortunate class had been opened in Janes- 
ville, in the latter part of 1S49, receiving ils 
support from the citizens of that place and 
vicinity. By an act of the Legislature, approved 
Feb. 9, 1850, this school was taken under the 
care of the Institute, to continue and maintain 
it, at .lanesville, and to qualify, as far as might 
be, the blind of the State for the enjoyment of 
the blessings of a free government; for obtain- 
ing the means of subsistence; and for the <lis- 
cliarge of those duties, social and political, 
devolving upon American citizens. It has since 
been supported from the treasury of the State. 
On the 7th of October, 1850, it was opened for 
the reception of pupils, under the direction of a 
board of trustees appointed by the governor. 
The other charitable institutions of the State 
are the State Hospital for the Insane, located 
near Madison, and opened for patients in July, 
1800; Northern Hospital for the Insane, located 
near Oshkosh, to which patients were first ad- 
mitted in April, 1873, and the Institution for 
the Deaf and Dumb, located at Delavan, in 
Walworth county. 



The entire length of the building of the Wis- 
consin State Hospital for the Insane, situated 
on the north shore of Lake Mendota, in Dane 
county, is 569 feet, the center building being 
65x120 feet. The first longitudinal wing on 
each side of the center is 132 feet, and the la.st 
on each extremity i» 119 feet. The transverse 
wings are eighty-seven feel long. This com- 
modious building is surrounded by ornamental 
grounds, woods and farming lands, to the extent 
of 393 acres, and is well adapted for the care 
of the unfortunate needing its protection. In 
1879, additional room for 180 patients was 
added, by converting the old chapel into wards, 
and by the addition of cross wings in front of 
the old building. The hospital will now accom- 
modate comfortably 550 patients. In 1870 a law 
was passed authorizing the erection of the build- 
ing for the Northern Hospital, on a tract, con- 
sisting of 337 acres of land, about four miles 
north of the city of Oshkosh on the west shore 
of Lake Winnebago. The necessary appropri- 
ations were made, and the north wing and central 
building were completed. Further appro) ri- 
ations were made from time to time for addi- 
tional wings, and in 1875 the hospital was coih- 
pleled according to the original design, at a 
total cost to the State of $625,250. The build- 
ing has been constructed on the most approved 
])lan, and is suited to accomodate CUO patients. 

The land first occupied by the V\ isconsin 
Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, comprising 
11 46-100 acres, was donated by Hon. F. K. 
Phoenix, one of the first trustees, but the 
original boundaries have since been enlarged 
by the purchase of twenty-two acres. The main 
building was burned to the ground on the 16th 
of September, ls79; but during the year I88(i 
four new buildings were erected, and with the 
increased facilities provided, 250 children may 
be well cared for. The new buildings are a 
school house, boys' dormitory, dining-room ami 
chapel, with a main or administration building. 
These buildings are plain, neat, substantial 
structures, and well fitted for the uses intended. 



54 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



The Institution was originally a private school 
for the deaf, but was incorporated by act of the 
Legislature, April 19, 1S52. It designs to educate 
that portion of the children and youth of the 
State, who, on account of deafness, cannot be 
educated in the public schools. Instruction is 
given by signs, by written language, and by 
articulation. In the primary department few 
books are used, slates, pencils, crayons, pictures, 
blocks and other illustrative apparatus being the 
means employed. In the intermediate depart- 
ment the books used are prepared especially for 
the deaf and dumb; more advanced pupils study 
text-books used in our common schools. The 
shoe shop commenced business in 186'Z;the print- 
ing office in 1878, and the bakery in 1881. The 
law provides that all deaf and dumb residents 
of the State of the age of ten years and under 
twenty-live, of suitable age and capacity to 
receive instruction, shall be received and taught 
free of charge for board and tuition, but 
parents and guardians are expected to furnish 
clothing and pay traveling expenses. 

The taking of the census by the United 
State, this year, 1850, showed a population for 
Wisconsin of 305,391 — the astonishing increase 
in two years of nearly 95,000. Many, as already 
stated, were German, Scandinavian and Irish; 
but the larger proportion were,of course, from the 
Eastern and Middle States of the Union. The 
principal attractions of Wisconsin were the 
excellency and cheapness of its lands, its valu- 
able mines of lead, it« extensive forests of pine, 
and the unlimited water-power of its numerous 
streams. In 1860 the population had increased 
to 775,881; in 1870 to 1,054,670, and in 1880 to 
1,315,480. By an act of the fourth Legislature 
of the State, approved March 14, 1851, the loca- 
tion and erection of a State prison for Wiscon- 
sin was provided for, Waupim, Dodge county, 
being afterwards the point selected for it. The 
office of State prison commissioner was created 
in 1853, but was abolished in 1874. During 
that time the following persons held the office: 
John Taylor, from March 28, 1853 to April 2, 



1853; Henry Brown, from April 2, 1853 to Jan. 
2, 1854; Argalus W. Starks, from Jan. 2, 1854 
to Jan. 7, 1856; Edward McGarry, from Jan 7, 
1856 to Jan 4, 1858; Edward M. MacGraw, from 
Jan. 4, 1858 to Jan. 2, 1860; Hans C. Heg, from 
Jan. 2, I860 to Jan. 6, 1862; Alexander P. Hod- 
ges, from Jan 6, 1862 to Jan. 4, 1864; Henry 
Cordier, from Jan 4, 1864 to Jan. 3, 1870; 
George F. Wheeler, from Jan. 3, 1870 to Jan. 
4, 1874. The State (Law) Library had its 
origin in the generous appropriation of $5, 000 out 
ot tlie general treasury, by Congress, contained 
in the seventeenth section of the organic act 
creating the territory of Wisconsin. At the 
first session of the territorial Legislature, held 
at Belmont in 1836, a joint resolution was 
adopted appointing a committee to select and 
purchase a library for the use of the territory. 
The iirst appropriation by the State, to replenish 
the library, was made in 1851. Since that time, 
several appropriations have been made. The 
number of volumes in the library at the begin- 
ning of 1883 was 16,285. 

The fifth Legislature — the Assembly, wiiig, 
the Senate, democratic — passed an act authoriz- 
ing banking. This was approved by the gover- 
nor, L. J. Farwell, April 19, 1S52. The ques- 
tion of "bank or no bank" having been sub- 
mitted to the people in November previous, and 
decided in favor of banks; the power was thereby 
given to the Legislature of 1852 to grant bank 
charters or to pass a general banking law. By 
the act just mentioned, the office of bank comp- 
troller was created, but was abolished by an 
act of Jan. 3, 187(i. During the continumce of 
the law, the following persons filled the office, 
at the time given; James S. Baker, from Nov. 
20, 1852 to Jan. 2, 1854; William M. Dennis, 
from Jan. 2, 1854 to Jan. 4, 1858; Joel C. 
Squires, from Jan. 4, 1858 to Jan 2, 1860; Gys- 
bert Van Steenwyk, from Jan 2, 1860 to Jan. 6, 
1862; William H. Ramsey, from Jan 6, I.s62 to 
Jan. 1, 186C; Jeremiah M. Rusk, from Jan . 1, 
1866 to Jan. 3, 1870. The sixth Wisconsin 
Legislature commenced its session, as we have 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



55 



seen, Jan. 13, 1853. On the 26th of that month 
charges were preferred in the Assembly against 
Levi Hubbelljjudge of the second circuit court, for 
divers acts of corruption and malfeasance in 
office. A resolution directed a committee to go 
to the Senate and impeach Hubbell. On tlie 
trial he was acquitted. By an act of tlie same 
Legislature, the State Agricultural Society was 
incorporated. Since its organization the society 
has printed a number of volumes of transactions, 
and has held, except during the civil war, 
annual fairs. Its aid to the agricultural interests 
of the State are clearly manifest. Farming, in 
Wisconsin, is confined at the present time to 
the south half of the Slate, the northern half 
being still largely covered by forests. The 
surface of the agricultural portion is, for the 
most part, gently undulating, consisting largely 
of prairies alternating with "oak openings." 
The Slate is essentially a grain-growing one, 
though stock-raising and dairy farming are 
rajiidly gaining in importance. Wheat, the 
staple product of Wisconsin, is gradually losing 
its prestige as the farmer's sole dependence, 
and mixed farming is coming to the front. 
About twenty bushels of wheat are raised 
annually to each inhabitant of the State. Mucli 
more attention is now paid to fertilizers than 
formerly, clover and |)laster being looked upon 
with constantly increasing favor. While within 
the last ten years stock-raising has been a grow- 
ing interest, yet it has not been a rapid one; 
not so, however, with dairying — no other 
agricultural interest has kept pace with this. 
The principal markets for the farm products of 
Wisconsin are Milwaukee and Chicago. 

By an act approved March 4, 185.3, the State 
Historical Society was incorporated, it having 
been previously organized. The society is 
under the fostering care of the State, each Leg- 
islature voting a respectable sum for its benefit. 
It has published a number of volumes of "Col 
lections"' and of catalogues. Its rooms are in 
the Capitol at Madison, where are to be found 
its library of historical books and pamplilets, 



the largest in the northwest. On the 21st 
of September, 1853, Timothy Burns, lieu- 
tenant-governor of the State, died at La Crosse. 
As a testimonial of respect for the deceased, 
the several State departments, in accordance 
with a proclamation of Gov. Farwell, were 
closed for one day, October 3. The year 1850, 
to the agriculturalist, was not one of much pros- 
perity in Wisconsin, owing to the partial 
failure of the wheat crop. The State was vis- 
ited during the year by cholera, not, however, 
to a very alarming extent. In 1851 the State 
was prosperous. In 1852 the citizens of Wis- 
consin enjoyed unusual prosperity. There were 
abundant harvests and high markets; an increase 
of money and a downward tendency of the rates 
of interest. The next year (1853) was also one 
in which every branch of industry prospered. 
There was an especial increase in commerce 
and manufactures. And here it might be said 
that next to agriculture the most important 
pursuit in Wisconsin is manufacturing; fore- 
most in this interest is lumber, of whicli the 
pineries furnish the raw material. The pine 
region extends through the northern counties of 
the State from Green Bay to the St. Croix river. 
The demand for lumber is constantly increas- 
ing, while the facilities for its manufacture are 
continually enlarging. Over one billion feet of 
logs are cut annually. The lumber mills have 
a capacity exceeding one and one-half billion 
feet. The products of these find their way to 
market, either by the Mississippi and its tribu- 
taries, by the various lines of railways, or 
through the great lakes. The other leading 
articles of manufacture are flour, agricultural 
impleiTients and malt liquors. 

The fourth administration — William A. Bar- 
stow, governor — was signalized by a fugitive 
slave case, which greatly excited the people of 
Wisconsin. Sherman M. Booth, for assisting 
in the rescue of Joshua Glover, a fugitive slave, 
was arrested, but discharged by the supreme 
court. He was again arrested under an indict- 
ment in the L^nited States district court, and a 



56 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



second time discharged by the supreme eourt; 
but the supreme court of the United States 
reversed the action of the State court in its 
second discharge of Booth, and he was re- 
arrested in 1860; the sentence of the district 
court was executed in part upon him, when he was 
pardoned by tlie President. The eighth Legis- 
lature of the State (Jan. 10 — April 2, 1855), 
passed an act very liberal in its provisions rela- 
tive to the rights of married women. On 
the 2'7th of June, 1855, Hiiam A. Wright, 
superintendent of public instruction, died at 
Prairie du Chien. The State census, taken in 
this year (1855), showed a population of 552,- 
109. In 1865, the number had increased to 
868,325; in 1875, to 1,236,729. Industrial occu- 
pations in Wisconsin were prosperous during 
the years 1854 and 1855. The fifth administra- 
tion began with William A. Barstow in the 
executive chair, by virtue of a certificate from 
the board of canvassers, that he had been a 
second time elected governor by a majority (as 
previously shown) of 157. But this certificate 
was set aside by the supreme court, giving the 
office to Coles Bashford, not, however, until 
Barstow had resigned, and Arthur McArthur, 
acting, by virtue of his office of lieutenant-gov- 
ernor, as governor from March 21, to March 25, 
1856. A dry season during this year dimin- 
ished the wheat crop. The tenth Legislature of 
Wisconsin— Jan. 14 to March 9, 1857 — passed 
an act establishing at Waukesha a house of 
refuge for juvenile delinquents, afterwards 
called the State Reform School; now known as 
the Wisconsin Industrial School for boys. It 
was opened in 1860. Tlie buildings are located 
on the southern bank of Fox river, in view of 
the trains as they pass to and from Milwaukee 
and Madison, presenting an attractive front to 
the traveling public, and furnishing the best 
evidence of the parental care of the State 
authorities for the juvenile wards within its 
borders. The buildings include a main central 
building, three stories high, used for the resi- 
dence of the superintendent's family, office 



chapel, school rooms, reading room and library, 
officers kitchen, dining room, and lodging, fur- 
nace room and cellar. On the east of the main 
central building are three family buildings, 
three stories high, each with dining hall, 
play room, bath room, dressing room, hospi- 
tal room, officers' rooms, dormitory and store 
room. On the west of the main central 
building are four family buildings like those 
on the east in all respects, witK the exception 
of the building at the west end of this line, 
which is a modern building with stone base- 
ment. In the rear of this line of buildings is 
the shop building, 38x258 feet, three stories 
high, which embrace boot factory, sock and 
knitting factory, tailor shop, carpenter shop, 
engine room, laundry and steam dyeing room, 
bath rooms, store, store rooms, bakery and cel- 
lar. The correction house, 44x80 feet, (intended 
for the most refractory boys) and will accommo- 
date forty; a double family building 38x1 17 
feet for the accommodation of two families 
of boys of fifty each. There is on the farm, 
which consists of. 233 acres of land, a com- 
fortable house, a stone carriage and horse Itarn 
two stories high, Iniilt in the most substantial 
manner. 

The constitution of the State, adopted in 1848, 
provides, "that the revenue of the school fund 
shall be exclusively applied to the following 
objects: "1st. To the support and maintenance 
of bommon schools in each school district, and 
the purchase of suitable libraries and appurte- 
nances therefor. "2d. That the residue of the 
income of the school fund shall be approj)riated 
to the support of academies and normal schools, 
and suitable libraries and appurtenances there 
for." No effort was made to take advantage of 
this provision of the constitution for the endow- 
ment of normal schools until 1857, when an act 
was passed providing "that the income of twen- 
ty-five per cent, of the proceeds arising from the 
sale of swamp and overflowed lands should be 
appropriated to normal institutes and academies, 
under the supervision and direction of a " 'board 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



57 



of regents of normal schools,' " who were to 
be appointed in pursuance of tlie provisions of 
tliat act. Under this law, the income placed at 
the disposal of the regents was distributed for 
several j'ears to such colleges, academies and 
high schools as maintained a normal class, and 
in ])roportion to the number of pupils in the 
class who passed satisfactory examinations, con- 
ducted by an agent of the board. In J 805, the 
Legislature divided the swamp lands and swamp 
land fuiul into two equal i)arts, one for drain- 
age purposes, the other to constitute a noimai 
school fund. The income of the latter was to 
be applied to establishing, supporting and main- 
taining normal schools, under the direction and 
management of the board of regents of normal 
schools, with a proviso that one-fourth of such 
income should be transferred to the common 
school fund, until the annua! income of that 
fund should reach ?i:i(K),0O0. During the satne 
year, proposals were invited for extending aid 
in the establishment of a normal school, and 
[)ropositions were received from various places. 
In 1860, the board of regents was incor[)o- 
rated by the Legislature. In February, Platte- 
ville was conditionally selected as the site of a 
school, and as it had become apparent that a 
productive fund of al>out $600,000, with a net 
income of over #.'50,000, was already in hand, 
with a prospect of a steady increase as fast as 
lands were sold, the' board, after a careful in- 
vestigation and consideration of the different 
methods, decided upon the policy of establish- 
ing several schools, and of locating them in 
different pArts of the State. At a meeting held 
on the 2d day of 'May, in the same year, the 
board designated Whitewater as the site of a 
school for the southeastern section of the State, 
where a building was subsequently erected; and 
on the 16th permanently located a school at 
Plalteville, the academy building having been 
donated for that purpose. The school at Plalte- 
ville was opened Oct. 9, 1866. Tiie school at 
Whitewater was opened on the 2!st of April, 
1808. 



A building was completed during the year 
1870 for a third normal school, at Oshkosh, hut 
owing to a lack of funds, it v>a> not opened for 
the admission of pupils during that year. The 
opening and the ceremony of dedicating the build- 
ing took place Sept. 10, 1871. A fourth normal 
school was opened in September, 1875, at River 
FaMs, Pierce county. It is understood to be the 
policy of the board of regents to establish 
eventually, when the means at their disposal 
shall permit, not less than six normal schools, 
but several years must elapse before so many 
can go into operation. The law under which 
these schools are organized provides that "The 
exclusive purpose of each normal school shall 
be the instruction and training of persons, both 
male and female, in the theory and art of teach- 
ing, and in all the various branches that per- 
tain to a good common school education, and in 
all subjects needful to qualify for teaching in 
the public schools; also to give instruction in 
the fundamental laws of the United States and 
of this State, and in what regards the rights and 
duties of citizens." 

Subsidiary to the State normal schools are 
teachers' institutes, held annually in nearly 
every settled county, and the State teachers' 
association, which has been organized for .-i 
quarter of a century. Besides the public schools 
of the State, there are a number of denoniina- 
lional and other colleges, the principal of which 
are Racine College, Beloit College, Milton Col- 
lege, Rii)on College, Carroll College, at Wau- 
kesha; Lawrence University, at Appleton; St. 
John's College, at Prairie du Chien; (ialesville 
University; Northwestern University, at Water- 
town; and Pio Nono College, at St. Francis 
Station, south of Milwaukee. There is also 
quite a large number of incorporated academies 
and seminaries, the more prominent ones being 
the Milwaukee Academy and St. Mary's Insti- 
tute, at Milwaukee; Kemper Hall, at Kenosha; 
St. Catharine's Academy, at Racine; Rochester 
Seminaiy, Lake (ieneva Seminary, Fox Lake 
Seminary, Albion Academy, Elroy Seminary, 



58 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



Wayland Institute, at Beaver Dam, and Santa 
Clara Academy, at Sinsinawa Mound. There 
are also about 700 private schools in Wisconsin. 
The whole number of children in Wisconsin 
between four and twenty vears of age is 483,071 ; 
the number of pupils in attendance in public 
schools, 299,019. The aggregate valuation of 
school property in the State is ^(5,297,678.24. 

The sixth administration, Alexander W. 
Randall, governor, was noted for its "long jiar- 
liament," the eleventh Legislalure of the State 
having been in session 125 days. A report of 
commissioners previously a)>pointed to revise 
tlie statutes, was acted upon during tlie session, 
the result being the publication, in one volume, 
of the "Revised Statutes of 1858." The 
twelfth Legislature (.Jan. 12, to March 21, 1859) 
was, like the two previous Legistatures, republi- 
can. At the commencement of the seventh ad- 
ministration, Randall's second term as gov- 
ernor, that party not only had control of the 
tliirteenth Legislature, butof all ihe State offices. 
The governor, in his message to the fourteenth 
Legislature, on the 10th of January, 1861, de 
clared that the right of a State to secede from 
the I'^nion, could never be admitted. " The gov- 
ernment must be sustained, the laws shall be en- 
forcedP'' An extra session of the Legislature 
was convened on the 15th of May, at which, no 
acts were passed except such as appertained to 
the military exigencies of the times. Mean- 
while a demand made upon the governor by the 
President, for troops to sustain the federal arm, 
met with a quick response. During the year, 
9,991 men, in ten regiments, for three years' 
service, and one regiment for three months 
service, of 810 men, were sent out of the State. 
The number of volunteers originally in the sev- 
eral military organizations, from Wisconsin 
during the war, were as follows: 

First Infantry, three months 810 

First Infantry, three years 945 

Second Infantry, three years 1051 

Third Infantry, three years 979 

Fifth Infantry, three years 1058 

Sixth Infantry, three years 1108 



Seventh Infantry, three years 1029 

Eighth Infantry, three years 973 

Ninth Infantry, * three years 870 

Ti nth Infnntry, three years 916 

Elevenili Infanlry, threeyears 1029 

TvvelfiU Infantiy, three years 1045 

Thirteenth Infant'y,* three years 970 

Fourteenth Infantry, three years 970 

Fifteenth Infiintry, three years 801 

Sixteentl' Infanlry, three years 1066 

Seventeenth Irfantry, threeyears 941 

Eighteenth Infantrj^, three years 962 

Nineteenth Infantry, threeyears 973 

Twentieth Infantry, three years 990 

Twenty-first Infantry, thre» years 1002 

Twenty-second Infantry, three years 1009 

Twenty-third Infantry, three years 994 

Twenty fourth Infantry, three years 1008 

Tweniy-fiflh Infantry, three years 1018 

Twenty-sixth Infantry, threeyears 1002 

Twenly-seventh Infantiy, three years 865 

Twenty-eighth Infantry, threeyears 961 

Twenty-ninth Infantry, three years 961 

Thirtieth Infantry, three years 906 

Thirty-first Infantry, three years 878 

Thirty-second Infantry, threeyears 993 

Thirty-third Infantry, three years 892 

Thiriyfourth Infantry, nine months 961 

Thirty-fifth Infantry, * threeyears 1066 

Thirty sixth Infantry, threeyears 990 

Thirty-seventh Infantry, one, two and threeyears 708 

Thirty-eighth Infantry, one, two and three years. 913 

Thirty-ninth Infantry, one hundred days 780 

Fortieth Infantry, one hundred days 776 

Forty (it si Infantry, one hundred days -578 

Forty-second Infantry, one year 877 

Fortj-lhird Infantry, one year 867 

Forty fourth Infantry, one year 877 

Forty fifth Infantry, one year 859 

Forty-si.\ih Infantry, one year 914 

Forty-S' yenth Infantry, one year 927 

Forty-eighth Infant: y, one year 828 

Forty-ninth Infantry, one year 986 

Fiftieth Infantry, one year 942 

Fifty-first Infantry, one year 841 

Fifty-second Infantry, one year 486 

Fifty third Infantry, one year 380 

First Cavalry, threeyears 1134 

Second Cavaliy, three years 1127 

Third Cavalry, threeyears 1186 

FourihC.ivalry, threeyears 1047 

Milwaukee 83 

•Nov. 1, 1865. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



59 



First Battery Light Artillery t55 

Second Battery Light Artillery 153 

Tliiid Buttery Light Artilleiy l?" 

Fotirlli Battery Light Ani.lery 151 

Fifth Buttery Lisiht Artillery 155 

Sixth Battery Light Artillery 157 

Seventh Battery Light Artillery 158 

Eighth Battery Light Artillery 161 

Ninth Battery Light A rtillery 155 

Tenth Battery Light Artillery 47 

Eleventh Battery Light Artillery 87 

Twelfth Battery Light Artillery 99 

Thirteenth Battery Light Artillery 156 

Battery A, Heavy Artillery 1-9 

Battery B, Heavy Artillery 149 

Battery C, Heavy Artillery 146 

B:iltery D, Heavy Artillery 146 

Battery E, Heavy Artillery 151 

Battery F, Heavy Artillery 151 

Battery G, Heavy Artillery 152 

Battery H, Heavy Artillery 151 

Battery I, Heavy Artillery 150 

Battery K, Heavy Artillery 148 

Battery L, Heavy Artillery 152 

Battery M, Heavy Artillery 152 

Sharpshooter" 105 

Oibbons' Brigade Band 13 

Oil the 10th of April, 1802, Gov. Louis P. 
Harvey, the successor of AlexamlerW. Randall, 
started, along with others, from Wisconsin on 
a tour to relieve the wounded and suffering 
soldiers from this State, at Mound City, Padu- 
cah and i^avannah. Having completed his 
mission, he made preparations to return. He 
went on board a boat, the Dunleith, at ihe 
landing in Savannah, and there awaited the ar- 
rival of the Minnehaha, which was to convey him 
and his party to Cairo, 111. It was late in the 
evening of the 19th of April when the steamer 
arrived; and as she rounded to, her bow touched 
the Dunleith precipitating the governor into 
tbe^ river. Every effort was made to save his 
life, but in vain. His body was afterward re- 
covered and brought home for interment. 

Edward Salomon, lieutenant-governor, by 
virtue of a provision of the constitution of the 
Stale, succeeded to the office of governor, 'i'lie 
enlisting, organization and mustering into the 
United States service during Randall's adminis- 



tration of thirteen regiments of infantry — the 
First to the Thirteenth inclusive, and the march- 
ing of ten of them out of the State before the 
close of 1R61, also, of one company of cavalry 
and one conijiany of sharpshooters constittited 
the effective aid abroad of Wisconsin during 
that year to suppress the Rebellion. Hut for the 
year 1862, this aid, as to number of organiza- 
tions, was more than doubled. At the end of 
the year 1863 thirty-three regiments left the 
State — tlic Thirteenth regiment being the only 
remaining one of the thirty-four in Wisconsin. 
The ninth administration, James T. Lewis, gov- 
ernor, saw the close of the Rebellion. On the 
10th of April, 1865, Lewis announced to the 
Legislature, then in session, the surrender of 
Gen. Lee and his army. 

Fifty-three regiments during the war were 
raised in Wisconsin, all, sooner or later, mov- 
ing south and engaging in one way or other in 
suppressing the Rebellion. Twelve of these 
regiments were assigned to duty in the eastern 
division, which constituted the territory on both 
sides of the Potomac and upon the seaboard 
from Baltimore to Savannah. Tiiese twelve 
regiments were: 

The First (three months). Second, Third, 
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Nineteenth, 
Twenty-sixth, Thirty-si.vth, Thirty-seventh and 
Thirty-eighth. 

Ten regiments were assigned to the central 
division, including Kentucky, Tennessee, 
Northern Alabama and Georgia. 'I'liese ten 
were; 

The Tenth, Twenty-first, Twenty-second, 
Twenty-fourth, Thirtieth, Forty-third, Forty- 
fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-si.\tli and l<"orty- 
scventh. Added to these was the First (re-or- 
ganized). 

Thirty-one regiments were (nilored to the 

western division, embraci g the country west 

and northwest of the central division. These 

were: 

Eighth, NintI', Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, 

; Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, 



60 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



Eighteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-third, Twenty- 
fifth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Twenty- 
ninth, Thirty-first, Thirty-second, Thirty-third, 
Thirty-fourth, Thirty-fiftli, Thirty-nintii, For- 
tieth, Forty-first, Forty-second, Forty-eighth, 
Forty-ninth, Fiftieth, Fifty -first, Fifty-second 
and Fifty-third. 

During the war several transfers were made 
from one district to another. Tliere were taken 
from the eastern division the Thiri and Twenty- 
sixth and sent to the central division; also the 
Fourth, which was sent to the department of 
the gulf. The Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, 
Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, 'J"»enty- 
fifth. Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-.second 
were transferred from the western to the cen- 
tral department. The other niilitai'y organiza- 
tions from Wisconsin had various assignments 
Recruiting ceased in the State on the l.'ith of 
April, 1865. It was not many months before 
Wisconsin's last soldier was mustered out of 
service. The State furnished during the war 
over 75,000 men, of which number nearly 1 1,000 
died in the service. 

Among all the noble women wlio gave them- 
selves to the sanitary work of the civil war 
perhaps few were more peculiarly fitted for 
forming and carrying out plans than Mrs. C. A. 
P. Jlarvey, widow of the late lamented Gov. 
Louis P. Harvey. She was appointed by Gov. 
Salomon one of the sanitary agents of the 
State. She soon procured the establishment of 
a convalesent hospital at Madison, Wis. The 
building when no longer needed as a hospital, 
ISJ IS. Harvey conceived the idea of having it con- 
verted into a home for soldiers' orphans. On 
Jan. 1, 1866, the home was opened with eighty- 
four orphans, Mrs. Harvey at the head. The 
necessary funds had been raised by subscription; 
but it soon became a State institution. The oi- 
phans were not only maintained but brought up 
to habits of industry. But it was not long be- 
fore the number of the inmates began to de- 
crease, owing to the fact that homes were found 
or many, while some were returned to their, 



mothers; none were kept in the institution after 
they had reached the age of fifteen. At length 
when the number had diminished to less than 
forty children, it was thought best to close the 
institution. This was in 1875. The whole 
number of orjihans cared for during the contin- 
uance of the heme was about 700. The Legisla- 
ture then transferred the building to the re- 
gents of the University of Wisconsin, who dis- 
posed of it; and a Norwegian seminary is now 
established therein. 

During the tenth administration, Lucius 
Fairchild, governor, the National Home for 
Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, the northwest- 
ern branch of the National institution, was es- 
tablished in Wisconsin, three miles from Mil- 
waukee. It has a capacious brick building, con- 
taining accommodations for 1,000 inmates. In 
addition to this building which contains the 
main halls, eating apartment, oftices, dormitory 
and engine room, are shops, granaries, stables 
and other out-buildings. The Home farm con- 
tains 410 acres, of which over one-half is culti- 
vated The remainder is a wooded park tra- 
versed by shaded walks and drives, beautifully 
undulating. The main line of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad runs through 
the farm, and the track of the northern division 
passes beside it. Soldiers who were disabled 
in the service of the United States in the War 
of the Rebellion, the Mexican War, or the War 
of 1812, and have been honorably discharged, 
are entit ed to admission to the Soldiers' Home. 

A law was passed in 1867 creating the oflice 
of insurance commissioner, the secretary of 
State being assigned to its duties. But, in 187S, 
it was made a distinct office, to be filled by the 
governor's appointment. It was, howevfr, 
made elective in 1881. Philip L. Spooner has 
served since April 1, 1878, and is still in oflice. 
The joint-slock fire insurance companies of Wis- 
consin are three in number, its mutual compa- 
nies also three. There is but one life insurance 
company in the State. A large number of fire 
and life insurance companies located outside of 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



61 



Wisconsin transact business under State law 
within its borders. 

Hiarly in 1870, during Gov. Fairchild's 
third term, was organized, and in March of 
that year incorporated, the "Wisconsin Acad- 
emy of Sciences, Arts and Letters," having 
among its .specific objects researches and inves- 
tigations in the various departments of the ma- 
terial, metaphysical, ethical, ethnological and 
social sciences; a progressive and thorough 
scientific survey of the State, with a view of 
determining its mineral, agricultural and other 
resources; the advancement of the useful arts, 
through the application of science and by the 
encouragement of original invention; the en- 
couragement of the fine arts by means of hon- 
ors and prizes awarded to artists for original 
works of superior merit; the formation of scien- 
tific, economical and art museums; the encour- 
agement of philological and historical research; 
the collection and preservation of historic rec- 
ords and the formation of a general library, 
and the diffusion of knowledge by the public i- 
tion of original contributions to science, liter- 
ature and the arts. The academy has already 
published several volumes of transactions, un- 
der authority of the State. On the 3d day of 
July of that year A. J. Craig, superintendent of 
public instruction, died of consumption, and 
on the 13th of January following occurred the 
<leath of associate justice, Byron Paine, of the 
supreme court. Al the twenty-fourth regular 
session of the Legislature (January 11 — March 
25, 1871,) a commissioner of emigration, to be 
elected i)y the people, was provided for. The 
office was abolished Jan. 3, 1876. During this 
time but two persons held the oflice — Ole C. 
Johnson, from April 3, 1871, to Jan. 5, 1S74; 
Martin J. Argard, from Jan. 5, 1874, to Jan. 3, 
1876. My an act of the Legislature, a|)])roved 
March 4, 1879, the board of immigration of the 
State of Wisconsin was created, to consist 
of five members, of which number two are 
ex-officio — the governor and secretary of State. 
The principal office is located in Milwaukee, 



with a branch office at Chicago. The object is 
to encourage imigration from Europe to Wis- 
consin. On the 23d of March, 1871, the State 
board of charities and reforms was created, to 
consist of five members to be appointed by the 
governor of the State, the duties of the mem- 
bers being to investigate and supervise the 
whole system of charitable and correctional in- 
stitutions supported by the State or receiving 
aid from the State treasury. This board have 
since reported annually to the governor their 
proceedings. The Wisconsin State horticultural 
Society, although previously organized, first un- 
der the name of the "Wisconsin Fruit Growers' 
Association," was not incorporated until the 
24th of .March, 1871 — the object of the society 
being to improve the condition of horticulture, 
rural adornment and landscape gardening. By 
a law of 1868 provision was made for the pub- 
lication of the society's transactions in connec- 
tion with the State Agricultural Society; but 
by the act of 1871 this law was repealed and an 
appro])riation made for their yearly publication 
in separate form. The society holds annual 
meetings at Madison. 

In October, 1871, occurred great fires in 
northeastern Wisconsin. The counties of 
Oconto, Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Manitowoc, 
Outagamie and Shawano suffered Tuore or less. 
More than 1,000 men, women and children per- 
ished. More than 3,ono were rendered destitute. 
The loss of property has been estimated at ^4.- 
000,000. No other calamity so awful in its results 
has ever visited Wisconsin. A compilation of 
the public statutes of the Stale was prepared 
during the year fs7l by David Taylor (now 
a-<sociate justice of the supreme court), and 
published in two volumes, known as the "He- 
vised Statutes of 1871." It was wholly a pri- 
! vate undertaking, but a very creditable one. 
I The Wisconsin Dairymen's Association origi- 
I nated in a resolution offered in the .Fefferson 
; County Dairymen's Association, .Ian. -Jii, IS72, 
] to issue a call for a meeting of Wisconsin 
I dairymen, to be held at Waterlown, Fel). 15, 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



1872. A few gentlemen met and organized the 
Wise msin Dairymen's Association. The aim 
of the organization has been to secure improved 
methods of making butter and cheese and the 
best markets fur shipment and sale. ') he asso- 
ciation holds its annual meeting in January of 
each year for the discussion of the dairy inter- 
ests. Dairy fairs are lield at each meeting. 
There is printed annually by the State printer 
2,000 copies of the transactions of the associa- 
tion. The Legislature receives 600 copies, the 
State Historical Society, Academy of Sciences, 
Arts and Letters, State Agricultural Society 
and Northern Wisconsin Agricultural Associa- 
tion receive forty copies each; the remainder 
are distributed to tiie members of the associa- 
tion and generally over the State to all who 
make application for them. The association 
receives its support from members who join 
each year, paying the sum of $1, and by 
appropriations from the State. Wisconsin won 
first i)remium on butter in competition with the 
world; the second premium on Clieddar cheese 
(the first going to Canada), and the second on 
fancy shaped cheese at tlie International Dairy 
Fair, held in New York city in December, 187 7. 
To the D.iir} men's Association belongs the 
credit of raising tlie reputation of Wisconsin 
cheese and butter from tlie lowest to the high- 
est rank. 

On the 23d of Vlarcli, 1 67:}, Lieut.-Gov. 
Milton H. Pettitt died suddenly and unex- 
pectedly. Tiie Legislature this year pa.ssed an 
act providing for a geological survey of the 
State, to be completed within four years, by a 
chief geologist and four assistants, to be ap- 
pointed by the governor, appropriating for tlie 
work an annual payment of $13,000. An act, 
approved March 25, 1 8.5.3, authorized the gov- 
ernor to appoint a State geologist, who was to 
select a suitable ])er8on as assistant geologist. 
Under this law Edward Daniels, on the 1st day 
of April, 1853, was appointed State geologist, 
superseded on the 12th day of August, 1854, by 
James G. Percival, who died in office on the 2d 



of May, 1856. By an act approved March 3, 
! 857, James Hall, Ezra Carr and Edward Dan- 
iels were ajjpointed by the Legislature geolog- 
ical commissioners. By an act approved April 
2, 1860, Hall was made principal of the com- 
mission. The survey was interrupted by a re- 
peal March 2], 1862, of previous laws promoting 
it. However, to complete the survey, ihe mat- 
ter was re-instated by the act of this Legisla- 
ture, approved March 29, the governor, under 
that act, appointing as chief geologist Increase 
A. Lapham, April 10, 1873. On the 16th of 
February, 1875, O. W. Wight succeeded Lap- 
ham, but on the 2d of February, 1876, T. C. 
Chamberlain was appointed Wight's successor, 
and still holds the office. He has published 
four volumes of reports in a very able mannei, 
e.vlending from 1873 to 1879, inclusive. Re- 
ports were also published by his predecessors. 

And just here it may not be inappropriate to 
say a word concerning the physical history of 
Wisconsin. "This can be traced back with 
certainty to a state of complete submergence 
beneath the waters of the ancient ocean, by 
which the material of our oldest and deepest 
strata were deposited. Let an extensive but 
shallow sea, covering the wliole of the present 
territory of the State, be pictured to the mind, 
and let it be imagined to be depositing mud and 
sand, as at the present day, and we have before 
us the first authentic stage of the history under 
consideration. Back of that the history is lost 
in the mists of geologic antiquity. The thick- 
ness of the sediments that accumulated in that 
early period was immense, being measured by 
tliousands of feet. These sediments occupied, 
of course, an essentially horizontal position, and 
were doubtless in a large degree hardened into 
beds of impure sandstone, shale and other sedi- 
mentary rock. But in the progress of time an 
enormous pressure, attended by heat, was 
brought to bear upon them laterally, or edge- 
wise, by which they were folded and crumpled 
and forced up out of the water, giving rise to 
an island, the nucleus of Wisconsin. The force 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



63 



wliich produced this upheaval is believed to 
have arisen from the cooling and consequent 
contraction of the globe. .The foldings may be 
imagined as the wrinkles of a shrinking earth. 
But the contortion of the beds was a scarcely 
more wonderful result than the change in the 
characterof the rock which seems to have taken 
place simultaneously with the folding, indeed, 
as the result of the heat and pressure attending 
it. 'I'he sediments, that seem to have previously 
taken the form of impure sandstone and shale 
for the most part, underwent a change, in which 
re-arrangement and crystalization of the ingre- 
dients played a conspicuous part. By this met- 
amorphism granite, gneiss, mica schist, syenite, 
hornblende rocks, chloritic schists and other 
crystalline rocks were formed."* But to pur- 
sue further an inquiry into the geological struc- 
ture of the State would be foreign to this brief 
historical sketch of Wisconsin. The subject is 
ably treated of in the geological reports before 
referred to. 

The actual mineral resources of Wisconsin 
remain very largely to be developed, Its useful 
mineral material comes under the head of me- 
talic ores and non-metalic substances. Of the 
first class are the ores of lead, zinc, iron and 
copper; of the second class are the principal 
substances found in brick-clay, kaolin, cement 
rock, limestone for burning into quick limo, 
limestone for flux, glass-sand, peat and build- 
ing stone. In Wisconsin lead and zinc are 
found together ; the former has been utilized 
since lS2ti, the latter since 1860. The coun- 
ties of La Fayette, Iowa and Grant — the 
southwestern counties of the State — are known 
as the " leail region." All the lead and zinc 
obtained in Wisconsin are fr(,rn these counties. 
The lead ore is of one kind only — that known 
as galena. A large anidunt is produced yearly 
from the variirus mining districts in the lead 
region. The number of pounds raised from 
single crevices has often been several hun- 

•T. C. Cbamberlain, State Oeoloffist, In Illustrated Hist. 
Atlas of Wisconsin. 



drod thousand. The zinc ores werelformerly 
rejected as useless, but their value is, beyond 
doubt, very great, and they will be a sourca 
of wealth to the lead region for a long time 
.to come, as they are now extensively utilized. 
Iron mining in the State is yet in its infancy. 
Numbers of blast furnaces have sprung up in 
the eastern portion, but these smelt Michigan 
ores almost entirely. The several ores in Wis- 
consin are red hematites, brown hematites, 
mugnet'c ores and specular hematites ; the 
first are found in Dodge county ; the second 
in Portage, Wood and Juneau ; the two last 
in Bayfield, Ashland, Lincoln and Oconto 
counties. 

The thirteenth administration (C. C. Wash- 
burn, governor) ended with the year 1873, 
the republican party in the State being de- 
feated for the first time since the commence- 
ment of Randall's administration. The session 
of the Legislature of 1874 was a noted on<' for 
the passage of the "Potter Law," limiting the 
compensation for the transportation of passen- 
gers, classifying freight, and regulating prices 
for its carriage on railroads within Wisconsin. 
Three railroad commissioners were to be ap- 
poiiitetl by the governor ; one for one year, 
one for two years, and one for three years, 
whose terms of office should commence on the 
Nth day of May, and the governor, thereafter, 
on the first day of May, of eacli year, siiould 
a|)])<)inl one commissioner for three' years. Ll^n- 
(ler this law the governor appointed J. H. Os- 
born, for three years; (leorge IL Paul, for two 
years; and J. W. Iloyt, for one year, tender 
executive direction, this conimi.<sion inaugura- 
ted its labors by compiling, classifying, and 
putting into convenient form for public use for 
the first time, all the railroad legislation of the 
State. In 1876 this board was abolished and a 
railroad commissioner, to be ap{)ointed by tlie 
governor every two years, was to take its place. 
This latter office was made elective in 1881. 
The commissioners who have held office under 
these various laws are : John W. Hoyt, from 



64 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



April 29, 1874, to March 10, 1876; George H. 
Paul, from April 29, 1874, to March 10, 1876 ; 
Joseph II. Osborn, from April ' 9, 1874, to 
March 10, 1876; Dana C. Lamb, from March 
10, 1876, to Feo. 1, 1878; A.J. Turner, from 
Feb. 1, 18V8, to Feb. 15, 1882; N. P, Hangeu, 
from Feb. 15, 1881, and now in office. The 
"Potter Law" was resisted by the railroad com 
panics, but ultimately the complete and abso- 
lute power of the people, through the Legisla- 
ture, to modify or altogether repeal their char- 
ters was fully sustained by the courts both of 
the State and the United States. The necessity 
for railroads in Wisconsin began to be felt 
while yet it was an appendage of Michigan 
territory. Great advantages were anticipated 
from their construction. There was a reason 
for this. Explorers had published accounts of 
the wonderful fertility of Wisconsin's soil, the 
wealth of its broad prairies and forest even- 
ings, and the beauty of its lakes and river.<!. 
Frtim 1836, with the hope of improving their 
condition, thousands of the enterprising 
yeomanry of New England, New York 
and Ohio started for the territory. Ger- 
mans, Scandinavians, and otlier Nationali- 
ties, attracted by the glowing accounts 
sent abroad, crossed the ocean on their 
way to the new world ; steamers ainl sail-craft 
laden with families and their household goods 
left Buffalo and other lake ports, all bound for 
Wisconsin. With the development of the 
agricultuial resources of the territory, grain 
raising became the most prominent intei'est, 
and as the settlements extended back from the 
lake shore the difficulties of transportation of 
the products of the soil were seriously felt. 
The expense incurred in moving a load of pro- 
duce seventy or eighty miles to a market town 
on the lake shore frequently exceeded the gross 
sum obtained for the same. All goods, wares 
and merchandise, and most of the lumber used 
were hauled by teams from Lake Michigan. 
To meet the great want, better facilities for 
transportation, railroads were an indispensable 



necessity. Between the years 1838 and 1841, 
the territorial Legislature of Wisconsin char 
tered several railroERi companies, but with the 
exception of the Milwaukee & Waukesha Rail- 
road Company, incorporated in 1847, none of 
the corporations thus created took any particu- 
lar shape. There are now in Wisconsin the 
following railroads, costing, in round numbers, 
$150,000,000: Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul; 
Chicago & Northwestern; Chicago, St. Paul, 
Minneapolis & Omaha; Milwaukee, Lake Shore 
& ^Vestern; Wisconsin Central; Green Bay & 
Minnesota; Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul; 
Wisconsin & Minnesota; Chippewa Falls &■ 
Western; Fond du Lac, Amboy & Peoria; 
Prairie du Chien & McGregor; Milwaukee & 
Northern; Chippewa Falls & Northern, iiid 
Wisconsin & Michigan. Other lines are still 
needed, and present lines should be extended by 
branch roads. The questions, as we have seen, 
upon which great issues have been raised 
between railway corporations in Wisconsin and 
the people, are now happily settled by securing 
to the latter their rights , and the^ former, 
under the wise and conciliatory policy [pursued 
by their managers, are assured of the safely of 
their investments. An ei-a of good feeling'^has 
succeeded one of distrust and antagonism. 
The people must use the railroads, and the rail- 
loads depend upon the people for sustenance 
and protection. 

Ill 1874 the Wisconsin commission lor the 
pu.pose of fish culture was organized. The 
iicxt year, by reason of State aid, the commis- 
sion was enabled to commence work. In 1876 
was completed the purcha.se of grounds, the 
erection of the buildings, and the construction 
of the ponds (seven in number) of the Madi- 
son hatchery, situated in the town of Fitch- 
burg, Dane county. A temporary hatching 
house was continued for some time in Milwau- 
kee, for the hatching of spawn of the white 
tish and lake trout. The commission was re- 
organized in 1878, the number of the members 
being increased from four to seven. Appro- 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



65 



priatioiis by tlie Legislature have been con- 
liiiucil, ami llio work ]ir()iiiiscs I'avorable^i'esults 
to tlie Slate. 

Under an act of IHlb an Industrial School 
for girls was organized in Milw-iukee, where 
buildings have been erected, capable of accom- 
modating 150 inmates. Its proper subjectsare: 
(1.) Viciously inclined girls under sixteen, and 
boys under ten years of age; (2.) The stubborn 
and unruly, who refuse to obey their proper 
guardians; (.S.) Truants, vagrants and beggars; 
(4.) Those found in circumstances of manifest 
danger of falling into habits of vice and im- 
morality; (5.) 'I'hose under the above ages who 
have committed any offense punishable by fine 
or imprisonment in adult offenders. Although 
the school was founded by private charity, and 
is under the control of a self-perpetuating board 
of managers, it is incorporated and employed 
by the State for the custody, guardianshiji, 
discipline and instruction of the aforenamed 
children. In default of responsible and efhcient 
guardianship, they are treated as the minors 
antl wards of the State, and by it are committed 
to the guartlianship of this board of la<lies 
during minority. 

The application of Miss Lavinia Cioodell for 
admission to tlii^ bar of VVis(u)iisiii, was rejected 
by the supreme court at its .lanuary term, 1870; 
but as a law substMpiently passed the Legisla- 
ture, making ladies eligib'e to practice in the 
several courts of the State, she was, upon a 
second a]>pIication, admitted. 

Hy an act approved jMarch i:i, IS^O, a State 
board of iiealth was established, the appoint- 
ment of a superintendent of vital statistics pro- 
vided for, anil certain duties assigned to local 
boards of health. The State board was organ- 
ized soon after, seven persons having been ap- 
pointed by the governor as its members. And 
here it is proper to say a word as t<> the health 
of VVisconsin. "When we compare the general 
death-rate of Wisconsin with that of the other 
States of the Union, we find that it compares 
most favorably with that of Vermont, the 



healthiest of the New England States. The 
United States census of 1850, 1800 and 1870, 
gives Wisconsin ninety-four deaths to 10,000 of 
the population, while it gives Vermont 101 to 
every 10,000 of her inhabitants. The census of 
1870 shows that the death-rate from consump- 
tion in Minnesota, Iowa, California and Wis- 
consin are alike. These four States show the 
lowest death-rate among the States from con- 
sumption, the mortality being thirteen to fourteen 
per cent, of the whole death-rate. Climatologic- 
ally considered, then, there is not a more healthy 
State in the Union than the State of Wiscon- 
sin. But for health purposes something more 
is requisite than climate. Climate and soil 
must be equally good. Men should shun the 
soil, no matter how rich it be, if the climate is 
inimical to health, and rather choose the cli- 
mate that is salubrious, even if the soil is not so 
rich. In Wisconsin, generally speaking, the 
soil and climate are equally conducive to health, 
and alike good for agricultural purposes."* 

There was in Wisconsin a general feeling of 
patriotism (if the acts of its citizens, both native 
and foreign born, are to be taken as an indica- 
tion of their attachment to their country), mani- 
fested throughout the centennial year, 1876. 
A board of State centennial managers was pro- 
vided for by the Legislature, to represent Wis- 
consin at the Philadelphia exhibition, and $20, 
000 appropriated for their use, to make there a 
[iroper exhibition of the products, resources and 
advantages of the State. Under a law of this 
year, three revisors, afterward increased to five, 
were appointed to revise the statutes of the 
Slate. The result was a large volume, ably col- 
lated, known as the Revised Statutes of 1878, 
which was legalized by act of the June session 
of the Legisl.ature of that year. On the 19th of 
October, ISHO, Chief .Justice Edward Ct. Ryan 
departed this life, in the seventieth year of his 
age. lie was buried in Milwaukee, with, honors 
becoming the position held by him at the time 

•Dr. Joseph Hobbius, In Illustrated Historical Atlas of 
Wisconsin. 



66 



HISTORY" OF WISCONSIN. 



of his death. His successor, as previously 
stated, is Chief Justice Orsamus Cole. 

By an act of the Legislature of 1881, a board 
of supervision of Wisconsin charitable, re- 
formatory and penal institutions was founded. 
The boards of trustees by which these insti- 
tutions had been governed since their organi- 
zation were abolished by the same law. The 
board of supervision consists of five members, 
who hold their office for five years, and who 
are appointed by the governor, the Senate con- 
curring. The board acts as commissioners of 
lunacy, and has full power to investigate all 
complaints against any of the institulions un ■'er 
its control, to send for books and papers, sum- 
mon, compel thi' attendance of, and swear wit- 
nesses. The powers delegated to this board 
are so extraordinary, and its duties so manifold, 
that a recital of tliem will be found of interest. 
They are as follows : 

(1.) To maintain and govern the Wisconsin 
State Hospital for the Insane, the Northern 
Hospital for the Insane, the Wisconsin State 
Prison, the Wisconsin Industrial School for 
Boys, the Wisconsin Institution for the Educa- 
tion of the Blind, and the Wisconsin Institution 
for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb ; and 
such other charitable and penal institutions as 
may hereafter be established or maintained by 
the State. (2.) To carefully supervise and 
direct the management and affairs of said in- 
stitutions, and faithfully and diligently promote 
the objects for which the same have been 
established. (3) To preserve and care for the 
buildings, grounds and all property connected 
with the said institutions. (4.) To take and 
hold in trust for the said several institutions 
any land conveyed or devised, or money or 
property given or bequeathed, to be applied for 
any purpose connected therewith, and faithfully 
to apply the same as directed by the donor, and 
faithfully to apply all funds, effects and property 
which may be received for the use of such 
institutions. (5.) To make on or before Octo- 
ber 1 in each year, full and complete annual in- 



ventories and appraisals of all the property of 
each of said institutions, which inventories and 
appi'aisals shall be recorded, and shall be so 
classified as to separately show the amount, 
kind and value of all real and personal ])roperty 
belonging to such institutions. (6.) To make 
such by-laws, rules and regulations, not incom- 
patible with law, as it shall deem convenient or 
necessary for the government of the said insti- 
tutions and for its own government, and cause 
the same to be printed. (7.) To visit and care- 
fully inspect each of said institutions as often 
as once in each month, either by the full board 
or by some member thereof, and ascertain 
whether all officers, teachers, servants and em- 
ployees in such institutions are competent and 
faithful w the discharge of their duties, and all 
inmates thereof properly cared for and governed, 
and all accounts, account books and vouchers 
properly kept, and all the business affairs 
thereof properly conducted. (8.) To fix the 
number of subordinate officers, teachers, ser- 
vants and employees in each of said institutions, 
and prescribe the duties and compensa'ion of 
each, and to employ the same upon the nomi- 
nation of the respective superintendents and 
wardens. (9.) To promptly remove or discharge 
any officer, teacher or employe in any of said 
institutions, who shall be guilty of any malfeas- 
ance or misbehavior in office, or of neglect, or 
improper discharge of duty. (10.) To annually 
appoint for the Wisconsin State Hospital for 
the Insane and for the Northern Hospital for 
the Insane, for each, a superintendent, one 
assistant physician, a matron, a steward and a 
treasurer ; and for the Institution for the Edu- 
cation of the Blind, and the Institution for the 
Education of the Deaf and Dumb, and the In- 
dustrial School for Boys, for each, a superin- 
tendent, a steward, a treasurer, and all necessary 
teachers ; and for the State prison, a warden, 
a steward and a treasurer, who shall be the 
officers of said institutions respectively and 
whose duties shall be fixed by said board, 
except as herein otherwise provided. (H.) To 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



67 



maintain and govern the school, prescribe the 
course of stmly and provide tlie necessary ap- 
paratus and means of instruction for the Insti- 
tution for the Education of the Blind, and for 
the Institution for the Education of the Deaf 
and Dumb. (12) To prescribe and collect 
such charges as it may think just, for tuition and 
maintenance of pupils not entitled to the same 
free of charge, in the Institution for the Educa- 
tion of the Blind and in the Institution for the 
Education of the Deaf and Dumb. (13.) To 
fix the period of the academic year, not less 
than forty weeks, and prescribe the school 
terms in the Institution for the Education of 
the Blind and the Institution for the Education 
of the Deaf and Dumb. (U.) To confer, in 
its discretion, ui)on meritorious pupils, such 
academic and literary degrees as are usually 
conferred by similar institutions, and grant 
diplomas accordingly, in the Institution for the 
Education of the Blind and in the Institution 
for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb. 

On the 20th of April, 188.3, a commissioner 
was appointed by the governor, for two years, 
in accordance with the provisions of an act 
p.issed by the Legislature of that year creating 
a bureau of labor statistics. The object of this 
office, now filled by Frank A. Flower, is to col- 
lect manufacturing and labor statistics, report 
violations of laws for benefit of artisans, and 
generally to show the manufacturing condition 
and resources of the State. 

In her political divisions Wisconsin has 
copied, to a considerable e.\tent, from some of 
her sister States. These divisions are counties, 
towns, cities and incorporated villages. The 
county government is in charge of a county 
board of supervisors, consisting of the chairman 
of each town board, a su]H'rvisor from each 
ward of every city, and one from each incorpo- 
rated village. The county officers are : Clerk, 
treasurer, sheriff, coroner, clerk of circuit court, 
district attorney, register of deeds, surveyor, 
and one or two superintendents of schools, all 
elected biciiniallv. There are sixtv-five coun- 



ties in the State. The government of the 
towns is in charge of a town board of super- 
visors. The other officers are clerk, treasurer, 
assessors, justices of the peace, overseers of 
highways and constables. The government of 
cities depends upon charters granted by the 
State Legislature. Generally, there is a mayor, 
common council, clerk, treasurer, attorney, chief 
of police, fire marshal and surveyor. Incorpo- 
rated villages are governed by a president and 
six trustees. The other officers are clerk, treas- 
urer, supervisor, marshal and constable, and 
sometimes a justice of the peace or police jus- 
tice. 

The constitution of Wisconsin, adopted by 
the people in 1>^48, is still "the supreme law of 
the State ;" but it has several times been 
amended, or had material additions made to it : 

(I.) Article V, section 21, relating to the pay 
of the members of the Legislature. This was 
amended in 1867. 

(2.) Article VI, sections 5 and 9, relating to 
the salaries of the governor and lieutenant-gov- 
ernor. This was amended in 1869. 

(3.) Article I, section 8, relating to grand 
juries. This was amended in 1870. 

(4.) Article IV, sections 31 and 32, relating to 
special legislation. These sections were added 
in 1871. 

(5.) Article XI, section 3, relating to munic- 
ipal taxation. This was amended in 1874. 

(6.) Article VII, section 4, relating to the 
number and term of the judges of the supreme 
court. This was substituted for the original 
section in 1877. 

(7.) Article VIII, section 2, relating to claims 
against the State. This was amended in is77. 

(8.) Article IV, sections 4, 5, 11 and 21, re- 
lating to biennial sessions, and a change in 
salaries and peniuisites of members of the 
Legislature. These were thus amended in 
1881. 



68 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



(9) Article III, section 1, relating to resi- 
dence of voters in election districts some time 
before the election, and to registration of voters 
in cities and villages. Amended to this effect 
in 1882. 



(10.) Article VI, section 4, article VII, sec- 
tion 12, and article XIII, section 1, all relating 
to biennial elections. Amended to this effect 
in 1882.* 

*A. O. Wright, in Exposition of tlie Constitution of the 
State of Wisconsin. 




HISTORY 



OF 



CRAWFORD COUNTY, 



AATisoonsrsinsr. 



C H A P 1^ E R I . 



a:«''a, position and physical features. 



BKKOKE filtering upon a consideralion of 
tlic liiftory of Crawford county, past and 
prosoiit, it is a matter of importance to under- 
stand its area and geograpliical position. 

AREA. 

Crawford county, in aren, ranks among the 
soutlicrii counties of Wisconsin as one of aver- 
age size. It includes twenty-seven whole, half 
and fractional congressional townships with an 
average in each as folh)ws: 

AREA OF TOWNSIIU'S. 

Acres. 

Township 6. of range 5 west. 812 32 

6 " 5,648 84 

" '• " 7 " 980 12 

7 " " 3 " 143 15 

" " " 4 " 7,844 01 

'■ " " 5 " 19, 40; 10 

6 " 22,028 57 

7 " 2,.'J64 24 

8 " '■ 3 " 15,258 85 

•• " " 4 " 22,.507 37 

• '■ " r, " 33,350 73 



V. r.sliip (! of range 



Acres. 

6 we.sl 21,317 03 

7 " 1,627 .57 

3 " 23,003 24 

4 " 22,739 57 

5 ■' 23,20H 70 

6 " 9,596 22 

3 " 23,078 53 

4 " 22 884 87 

5 " 23, .540 80 

6 •■ '. 17,475 44 

7 " 4,705 79 

3 •' 13,026 24 

4 " 11,498 82 

5 " 11,580 96 

6 " 11,60(1 08 

7 " 3,679 06 



This does not inchide tlie area of the ])rivate 
land claims confirmed to different parties hy 
the United States, and located on the i)rairie, 
the same on which the city of Prairie du CJiien 
is situated. The extreme length of the cDtinty, 
north and south, is twentv-ninc and one-half 



10 



11 



HISTORY OF CRATVFORD COUNTY. 



miles; its extreme widtli,east and west, twenty- 
eight miles. 

POSITION. 

Crawford county is bounded on the north by 
Vernon county; on the east by the counties of 
Richland and Grant; on the south by the 
county last mentioned; and on the west by 
Allamakee and Clayton counties, Iowa. It is 
in the second tier of counties north of the 
northern boundary of the State of Illinois; its 
northern line being a distance from the south- 
ern boundary line of Wisconsin, in a straight 
course, of sixty-three miles. The eastern line 
of the county is 144 miles distant from the 
western shore of Lake Michigan. A dis- 
tance from its northeast corner of ■225 
miles, due north, is the nearest point on the 
southern shore of Lake Superior. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. A BIEd's-ETE VIEW. 

[From the Illustrated Historical Atlas of Wisconsin. 1878.1 

At Prairie de Chien, the prairie is underlaid 
by about 1 40 feet of sand and gravel — river de- 
posit — under which commences the Potsdam 
sandstone formation. This has been pene- 
trated to the depth of 1016 feet in boring an 
artesian welt, without reaching the granite. 
Above the plain at this place, the Magnesian 
limestone rises in perpendicular cliffs to the 
height of about 250 feet. Above this, the 
bluff slopes back to a perpendicular height of 
about 100 feet. This slope is com- 
posed of the' St. Peter's sandstone, and the 
lower portion of the Trenton limestone. The 
formation of the whole of Crawford county is of 
similar character. The county is bounded on 
the west by the Mississippi river; on the south 
by the Wisconsin. The waters of these rivers 
have worn out deep channels in the rock, pro- 
ducing beetling bluffs on either side. The 
Kickapoo river runs diagonally through the 
county from northeast to southwest, in conse- 
quence of which the face of the county is worn 
into deep ravines. A very narrow ridge runs 
the whole length from northeast to southwest, 
sloping off abruptly — to the Kickapoo on one 



hand and Mississippi or "Wisconsin on the 
other. This ridge forms an admirable wagon 
road. 

The ►oil of Crawford county is rich in the 
elements necessary for vegetable growth. It is 
both argillaceous and calcareous, mixed in 
many places with sand and universalis witli a 
large proportion of vegetable mold. T^he soil 
produces abundant crops of cereals and affords 
good pasturage. The timber is composed of 
oak of several varieties, hickory, butternut, ash, 
elm, basswood, hard and soft maple, quaking 
asp, white and yellow birch, and black 
walnut. 

The county has one feature which is some- 
what remarkable. None of it has been subject 
to action of the glacial period. There, is no 
drift, nor are there any boulders or water-worn 
pebbles, except in beds of streams, with only 
one exception, which is in a bed of liraonite at 
Seneca, where there are numerous water-worn 
pebbles imbedded in iron ore. This bed of 
ore is situated on the highest land in the 
county. 

At this place there is a considerable deposit 
of limonite, which has never been worked. In 
the town of Wauzeka, there is considerable 
copper ore, of the variety called by miners 
o-ossam. It is found in masses imbedded in the 
earth from the size of peas to fifty and 
sometimes 100 pounds. This ore yields about 
twenty-five per cent, of copper. At Bridge- 
port, there are extensive quarries of Dolomite or 
Magnesian limestone. These quarries are of 
much importance, producing beautiful and dur- 
able building stone. It is at present mostly 
dressed into window caps and sills and 
columns. In the town of Wauzeka. some lead 
ore is found; but in no large quantities, as 
the Galena limestone terminates in a north- 
westerly direction. 

There are three artesian wells at Prairie du 
Chien, one discharging 809,616 gallons daily. 
This well is 960 feet deep,and is said to possess 
rare mineral qualities. The others are upward 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



71 



of 1,000 feet in depth, and discharge propor- 
tionately large quantities of water. The two 
wells last mentioned were bored for the ))ur- 
pose of obtaining water to drive machinery. 

THE KIVEUS OF TlIK COUNTY. 

Crawford county is emphatically the river 
county of Wisconsin. Leaving the smaller 
streams to be described in the record of the 
towns, it is sufficient, in a general view, to no- 
tice only the Mississippi, the Wisconsin and the 
Kickapoo. 

I. THK MISSISSIITI. 

This is the largest and most important river 
of the United States, rises in the north part of 
Minnesota at an elevation of l,6.'-0 feet above 
the tide water. Its chief source is Itasca lake, 
which is 1,575 feet higher than the sea, and 
about 3,000, or, as some say, 3,1(50 miles from 
the mouth of the ri\ei', and is about laiiludc 47 
degrees, 10 minutes nortii and longitude Uo cii- 
grees, 20 minutes west. FrcTii Itasci hike it 
runs first nortlnvard, but soiui turns tii\\aid> 
the east, and expands into Lake Cass and oiiici 
lakes. After flowing towards nearly cvers 
point of the compass, it ariive-i at Crow Wing, 
below which it runs soutliward to St. Cloud aii'i 
southeastward to Minneapolis. Here is a pic- 
turesque cataract callcil the Kails of St. An- 
th<iny, which is the head of navigation. The 
river here descends sixty-six feet in less than 
one mile, including a perpendicular fall of 
seventeen feet. It passes bj' the city of St. 
Paul and a few miles lower strikes the bound- 
ary of Wisconsin and expands into the long and 
beautiful Lake Pepin, bordered by vertical 
limestone blulTs, which are about 400 feet high 
and very picttircsque. Below Dubuque its 
general direction is southward, and it forms 
the boundary between the States of Iowa, Mis- 
souri, Arkansas and Louisiana on the right and 
Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi 
on the left hand. After an extremely sinuous 
course it enters the Gulf of Mexico by several 
mouths at the southeast e.\tremity of Plaque- 



mine parish, Louisiana, in latitude 29 degrees 
north and longitude 89 degrees, 12 minutes 
west. Its largest affluents are the Missouri, Ohio, 
Arkansas and Red rivers, besides which it re- 
ceives the Minnesota, Iowa and Des Moines 
from the right hand and the Wisconsin and 
Illinois rivers from the left. The Missouri 
river is longer than the part of the Mississippi 
above the junction of the two rivers, which is 
called the Upper Mississippi. The total length 
of the stream from the sou ce of the Missouri to 
the Gulf of Mexico is computed to be 4,300 
miles, which exceeds that of any other river in 
the world. 'I'lie area drained by this river and 
its tributaries, according to Prof. Guyot, is 
1,244,000 square miles. It is computed that the 
mean volume of water discharged l)y it in a 
second is U75,000 cubic feet. It is navigable 
by large or middle-sized steamboats from its 
month to St. Paul, a distance of about 2,200 
miles. Steamboats can ascend the Alissouri to 
Fort Benton, which, :;ocording to some, is about 
•-' 500 miles from its mouth, and 3,900 miles 
from the mouth of the Mississippi. The chief 
cities on the great river, giving precedence to 
those nearest tlie source, are Minneapolis, St. 
Paul, La Crosse, Dubuque, Davenport, Keokuk, 
(^uincy, Hannibal, St. Louis, Memphis and Kew 
Orleans. The lowest place at which the river 
is crossed by a bridge is St. Louis, Mo., about 
1,400 miles from its' mouth. This has three 
arches raised so high that large steamers can 
pass under it. The river is 3,500 feet wide at 
St. Louis, about 2,500 at New Orleans ar.d 
4,000 feet at the mouth of the Ohio. It appears 
that it is generally wider between Dubuque and 
St. Louis than it is below the latter city. Three 
other bridges cross the river at Davenport, 
Clinton and Dubuque. The mean velocity of 
the current between St. Louis and the Gulf of 
Mexico is about sixty-five miles per day. 'I'he 
Mississippi Valley comprises a vast extent of 
very fertile land, which is nearly level or gently 
undulating. As the river runs soutliward and 
traverses eighteen degrees of latitude, the 



72 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



climate and productions of tbe lower part differ 
greatly from those of the upper part of the val- 
ley. In Louisiana and Mississippi the river is 
bordered hy alluvial plains and swamps, which 
are lower than the surface of the water, and 
are often inundated, though partly protected by 
artificial embankments called levees. The 
greatest floods occur in the spring, after the 
snow and ice of the Upper Mississippi have 
been melted. The water begins to rise about 
the Jst of March and increases until June. The 
levees are sometimes bursted or overcome by 
the violence of the flood, which rushes through 
crevices and devastates large tracts of arable 
land of which cotton and sugar are the staple 
products. Such a calamity occurred in April, 
1874, and i-educed many thousand people to des- 
titution. At the mouth of the river a large delta 
has been formed by the mud and detritus carried 
down by the current. This delta is intersected 
by a number of outlets, or watercourses, called 
bayous, which issue from the Mississippi, or de- 
rive from it a supply of water in time of a 
flood. "The whole area of the delta," says 
Dana, "is about 12,300 square miles and about 
one-third is a sea-marsh, only two-thirds lying 
above the level of the gulf." The amount of 
silt or sediment carried to the Mexican gulf by 
this river, according to Humphreys and Abbott, 
is about 1-1, 500th the weight of the water, equiv- 
alent for an average yea'r to 812,500,000,000,000 
pounds, or a mass one square mile in area and 
241 feet deep. "The new soil deposited in one 
year by the Mississispi," says Guyot, "would 
cover an area of 268 square miles with the 
thickness of one foot." The water enters the 
gulf by five channels called the Northeast Pass, 
Southeast Pass, South Pass etc. The navigation of 
these passes is partly obstructed by^ sand bars, 
which are continually formed or shifted, and to 
obviate this difliculty a system of jetties has 
been constructed in the South Pass by Capt. J. 
B. Eads, by authority of the National govern 
ment, calculated to maintain a channel thirty 
feet in depth, 



II. THE WISCONSIN. 

This stream, which washes for about ten 
miles the northwest boundary of Dane county, 
is much the most important of those which 
drain the elevated lands of the State. Its total 
length from its source lo its mouth is about 450 
miles. It forms, with its valley, the main topo- 
graphical feature of central Wisconsin. Rising 
in Lac Vieux Desert, on the summit of the Ar- 
chaean watershed, at an elevation of 951 feet 
above Lake Michigan, it pursues a gener.al 
southerly course for -300 miles over the crystal- 
line rocks, and then, passing on to the sand- 
stones which form its bed for the remainder 
of its course, continues to the southward some 
eighty miles more. Turning then westward, it 
reaches the Mississippi within forty miles of 
the south line of the State, at an elevation of 
only thirty feet above Lake Michigan, so that 
its fall from Lac Vieux Desert is 921 feet — an 
average of a fraction over two feet to the mile. 
Like all other streams which run to the south, 
southeast and southwest from the crystalline 
rocks, it has its quite distinct upper or crystal- 
line rock portion and its lower or sandstone 
portion. -This river, however, may be regarded 
as having three distinct sections, the first in- 
cluding all that part from the source to the last 
appearance of crystalline rocks in the bed of 
thfe stream, in the southern part of Wood 
county ; the second, that part from this point 
to the dells on the south line of Adams and 
Juneau counties; and the third, that portion 
from the dells to the mouth of the stream. The 
first of these divisions is broken constantly by 
rapids and falls, caused by the descent south of 
the surface of the Archican area, and by the 
obstructions produced by the inclined ledges of 
rock which cross the stream. The second and 
third sections are alike in being almost entirely 
without rapids or falls, and in the nature of the 
red rock, but are separated by the contracted 
gorge known as the dells, which, acting in 
some sort as a dam, prevents any considerable 
rise in the river .below, the water above not in- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



frequently . rising as much as fifty feet in flood 
seasons, whilst below the extreme fluctualioii 
does not exceed ton feet. The total lengths of 
the Archioan upper sandstone and lower sand- 
stone sections of the river are, respectively, 250, 
sixty-two and 130 miles; the distance through 
the dells being about seven and a half miles. 
The width of the river, where it enters Mara- 
thon county, is from 300 to 500 feet. It pursues 
a general southerly course through townships 
29,28,27, 26, 25 and 2 4 north, of range 7 east, 
and townsliips 24 and 23 north, of range 8 east, 
in the southern portion of Portage county. 
In this part of its course the Wiscon- 
sin flows througli a densely timbered country, 
and has, except where it makes rapids or 
passes through rock gorges, a narrow bottom 
land, which varies in width, is usually raised 
but a few feet above the water level, and is 
wider on one side than on the other. Above 
this bottom terraces can often be made out, 
with surfaces in some cases one or two miles in 
width. Above, again, the countrj' surface 
rises steadily to the dividing ridges on each 
side, never showing the blufl^ edges so charac- 
teristic of the lower reaches of the river. Heavy 
rapids and falls are made at Wausau (Big Hull 
Falls), at jSIosinee (Little Bull Falls), at Stevens 
Point and on section 8, in township 23 north, 
of range 8 east (Contant's Rapids). All but 
the last named of these are increased in height 
by artificial dams. Two miles below the foot 
of Contant's Rapids, just after receiving; the 
Plover river on the east, the Wisconsin turns a 
right angle to the west and enters upon the 
sparsely timbered sand plains, through wliich 
it flows for 100 miles. At the bend the river 
is quiet, with high banks of sand, and a few 
low outcro])sof gneiss at the water's edge. From 
the bend the course is westward for about nine 
miles, then, after curving southward again, the 
long series of rapids soon begins, which, with 
intervening stretches of still water, extend 
about fifteen miTes along the river to the last 
rapid at Point Bass in southern Wood county. 



East of the river line, between the city of 
Grand Rapids and Point Bass, the country 
rises gradually, reaching altitudes of 100 feet 
above the river at points ten or fifteen miles 
distant. On the west the surface is an almost 
level plain, descending gradually as the river 
.is receded from. At Point Bass the gneissic 
rocks disappear beneath the sandstones which 
for some miles have formed the upper portions 
of the river banks and now become in turn, the 
bed rock, and the first division of the river's 
course ends. The main tributaries which it 
has received down to this point are, on the 
left bank, the Big Eau Claire, three miles below 
Wausau ; the Little Eau Claire, on the north 
side of section 3, in township 25 north, of range 
7 east, just south of the north line of Portage 
county ; and the Big Plover, on section 9, in 
township 28 north, of range 5 east, just at the 
foot of Contant's Rapids ; on the right bank, 
the Placata or Big Rib, about two miles below 
Wausau ; the She-she-ga-ma-isk, or Big Eau 
Pleine, on section 19, in township 26 north, of 
range 7 east, in Marathon county ; and the 
Little Eau Pleine, on section 9, in township 25 
north, of range 7 east, in Portage county. All 
of these streams are of considerable size and 
drain large areas. They all make deviations 
in their courses, so that their lengths are much 
greater than the actual distances from their 
sources, to the Wisconsin at the nearest point ; 
and all of them have a very considerable 
descent, making many rapids and falls over the 
tilled edges of schistose and gneissic rocks, 
evm down to within short distances of their 
junctions with the main river. 

The streams on the west side head on the 
high country along the line of ^the fourth 
principal meridian, about forty miles west of 
the Wisconsin, and at elevations of from 
200 to 300 feet above their mouths; those 
on the east, head on the divide between the 
Wisconsin and Wolf about twenty miles east, 
at elevations not very much less. Reaching 
back, as these streams do, into a country large- 



u 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ly timbered with pine, and having so large a 
descent, they are of great value for logging 
and milling purposes. 

The second section of the Wisconsin river 
begins at Point Bass with a width of from 
700 to 900 feet. The next sixty miles of its 
course, to the head of the dells, is a southerly 
stretch, with a wide bow to the westward, 
through sand plains, here and there timbered 
with dwarf oaks, and interspersed with marshes. 
Tliese plains stretch away to the east and west 
for twenty miles from the river bottom, gradu- 
ally rising in both directions. Scattering over 
them, at intervals of one to ten miles, are ero- 
sion peaks of sandstone, from fifty to .500 feet 
in height, rising precipitously from the level 
ground. Some of these are near and on the 
bank of the river, which is also, in places, bor- 
dered by low, mural exposures of the same 
sandstone. The river itself is constantly ob- 
structed by shifting sand bars, resulting from 
the ancient disintegration of the sandstone, 
which in the vicinity everywhere forms the 
basement rock; but its course is not interrupt- 
ed by rock rapids. As it nears the northern 
line of Columbia county, the high ground that 
limits the sand plane on the west, curving 
southeastward, finally reaches the edge of the 
stream, which, by its southeasterly course for 
the last twenty miles, has itself approached the 
high ground on the east. The two ridges thus 
closing in upon the river, have caused it to cut 
for itself the deep, narrow gorge known as the 
dells. 

In the section of its course the Wisconsin re- 
ceives several important tributaries. Of those 
on the east the principal ones are Duck creek 
and Ten Mile creek, in the southern part of 
Wood county, and tlie Little and Big Roche — a 
Cris creeks, both 'in Adams county. The two 
former head in a large marsh twenty-five miles 
east of and over 100 feet above the main 
stream. The two latter head on the high 
dividing ridge, on the west line of Waushara 



county, at elevations between 1 50 and 200 feet 
above their mouths. 

These streams do not pass through a timbered 
country, but have very valuable water jiowers. 
Of those on the west two are large and impor- 
tant, the Yellow and Lemon weir rivers. Yel- 
low river heads in township 25 north, in the ad- 
joining corners of Wood, Jackson and Clark 
counties, and runs a general southei-ly course 
nearly parallel to the Wisconsin for over sev- 
enty miles, the two gradually approaching one 
another and joining in township 17 north, of 
range 4 east. The yellow river has itsarchajan 
and sandstone sections, the former exceedingly 
rocky and much broken by fapids and falls, 
the latter comparatively sluggish and without 
rock rapids. The upper portions of the river 
extend into the pine regions, and much logging 
is done in times of high water. The water 
powers are of great value. The Lemonweir is 
also a large stream. Heading in a timbered re- 
gion in the southeast corner of Jackson county, 
it flows southward for some distance througrh 
Monroe, and, entering Juneau on the middle of 
its west side, crosses it in a southeasterly direc- 
tion, reaching the Wisconsin on section 24, in 
township 15 north, of range 5 east, having de- 
scended in its length of some seventy miles 
about 200 feet. 

The Wisconsin enters the gorge, already spo- 
ken of as the dells, not far above the southern 
boundary line of Juneau and Adams counties. 
This famous passage of about seven and one- 
half miles has been often described. At its fork, 
between the counties of Sauk and Columbia, the 
Wisconsin enters upon the last section of its 
course and also upon the most remarkable bend 
in its whole length. Through the dells its 
general course is southward, but it now turns 
almost due east, in which direction it continues 
with one or two subordinate turns southward 
for about seventeen miles through low sand 
banks as far as Portage. Here it bends abrupt- 
ly south again, and, reaching its most eastern 
point not far below, soon swerves around into 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



75 



tlie final southwestward stretch to the Missis- 
sippi. The cause of this long detour to the 
east is sufficiently evident. As the river leaves 
the (lolls it finds lyingdirectly athwart its course 
two bold quartzite ranges, extending east 
and west througli Sauk county for upward 
of twenty miles, and crossing into Columbia, 
finally unite about eight miles east of the coun- 
ty line in a sharp and bold eastwardly project- 
ing ]i(iint, rising 400 feet above the river bot- 
tom. 

Above Portage where the Wisconsin forms 
the southern boundary line of the town of Lew- 
iston, the ground immediately north is lower 
than the water in the river — the heads of Nee- 
nah creek, a tributary of the Fo.x, rising a short 
distance from its banks. In times of high wa- 
ter, the Wisconsin overflows into these streams, 
and thus contributes to a totally different river. 
At Portage, the Fo.';, after fiow ing south of west 
for twenty miles, approaches the Wisconsin, 
coming from the opposite direction. Where the 
two streams are nearest, they are less than two 
miles apart, and are separated by a low, sandy 
plain, the water in the Fox being five feet below 
that of the Wisconsin at ordinary stages. The 
greater ])art of this low ground is overflowed by 
the latter stream in times of high water, and to 
this is chiefly due the spring rise in the Fox 
river. 

After doubling the eastern end of the quart- 
zite ranges, as already said, the Wisconsin turns 
again to the west, being forced to this by im- 
pinging on the north side of a high bell of lime- 
stone country, which, after trending southward 
across the eastern part of Columbia county, veers 
gradually to a westerly direction, lying to the 
south of the river, along the rest of its course. 
Soon after striking this limestone region, the 
river valley assumes an altogether new character, 
which it retains to its mouth, having now a 
nearly level, for the most part treeless bottom, 
from three to six miles in width, ten to thirty 
feet in height, usually more on one side than on 



the other, and bounded on both sides by bold 
and often precipitous blufl^s, 100 to 350 feet in 
height, of sandstone capped with limestone. 
Immediately along the water's edge is usually a 
narrow timbered strip, rising two to four feet 
above the river, which is overflowed at high 
water. The line of bluffs along the north side 
of thii valley is the northern edge of the high 
limestone belt just mentioned, which reaches its 
greatest elevation ten to fifteen miles south of 
this edge. In front of the main bluff-face, es- 
pecially in its eastern extension, are frequently 
to be seen bold and high isolated outliers of the 
limestone country. On the north bank, the 
bluft's are at first the edges of similar large out- 
lying masses, but farther down they become 
more continuous, the river crossing over the 
north westward trending outcrop line of the 
Lower Magnesian limestone. 

In this last section of its course, the Wiscon- 
sin is much obstructed by bars of shifting sand, 
derived originally from the erosion of the great 
sandstone formation which underlies the whole 
region, and to whose existence the unusual 
amount of obstruction of this kind in the river 
is due. The altitude of the water surface of the 
Wisconsin at Lac Vieux Desert above Lake 
Michigan is 951 feet; at Wausau, above dam, 623 
feel; at Knowlton (high), 538 feet— (low), 523 
feet; at Stevens Point,485 feet; atContantsRap- 
ids,468 feet; at Grand Rapids — railroad bridge — 
420 feet; at Kilbourn City — railroad bridge — 233 
feet; at Portage, 211 feet; at Merrimack, 182 feet; 
at Sauk City, 165 feet; at Spring Green bridge, 
134 feet; at Muscoda, 115 feet; at the mouth of 
the stream, 34 feet. The average velocity of the 
river below Portage is remarkably uniform, and 
is just about two miles per hour. The daily 
discharges of the river at Portage, in times of 
extreme low water, is about 259,000,000 cubic 
feet. The average fall of the water surface of 
the river below Portage is one and one-half feet 
per mile. This rapid fall, were it not for the 
great amount of sand in the river bed, would 



■76 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



make the stream a series of pools and rock rap- 
ids. 

II. — THE KICKAPOO. 

The Kickapoo rises in Monroe county, that is, 
its main or east branch; which is frequently 
termed the Kickapoo proper. It runs a south- 
west course after entering Vernon county, 
through the towns of Whitestown, Stark, touch- 
ing Webster, and then after crossing into Rich- 
land, in which county it flows in a south course, 



returns to Vernon, in the town of Liberty, and 
at a point on section 33, in the town of Kicka- 
poo, receives the west branch. The river after- 
ward takes a southwesterly course, leaving Ver- 
non county on section 16, in the town last men- 
tioned. The river runs through Crawford 
county, in a southerly direction and empties into 
the Wisconsin, on section 11, in the town of 
Wauzeka, just below the village of the same 
name. 




HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



11 



CHAPTER II 



TOPOGRAPHY 

A much clearer and more correct Jcnowledge 
can be obtained of the topographical features 
and geological formations of the count}', by re- 
ferring by townships to its water sheds, streams, 
springs, prairies, forests, soils and sub-soils, 
clays and underlying formations, than from 
general remarks on its entire area. 

By carefully studying the references to each 
congressionally-surveyed township in the 
county, it will be seen that the whole region 
lies within the great driftless area of the State, 
and that its surface contour has never been 
modified by glacial action. 

We notice here high rolling ridges of land, 
intersected in all directions with deep ravines 
and valleys, often bordered with precipitous 
cliffs, — the elevation of the ridges above the 
valleys being from 300 to 500 feet. The valleys 
in their length and breadth are the effect of 
erosion only; but it seems probable that the 
streams formerly were much larger and acted 
with greater rapidity and force. When we 
mentally reconstruct the country, as it must 
once have been, by filling up the valleys with 
the formations now found on their sides, and 
then add the formations whose outlines still 
remain, wo can appreciate the immense denuda- 
tion which the counti'y has undergone. 

TOrOGEAl'HICAL FEATURES AND GEOLOGICAL FOR- 
MATIONS OF THE VARIOUS SURVEYED TOWNSHIPS. 

TowNSHir S, range 3 west (Marietta in jiart). 
This township is very hilly and rough land. 
The bills are high, steep, and covered with 
heavy timber of maple, elm, oak and basswood. 
The soil is ii sandy clay. The formations are 



AND GEOLOGY. 

Potsdam, Lower Magnesian and St. Peters 
sandstone. 

Township 9, range 3 west (Scott). The 
divide between Knapp creek and the Kickapoo 
passes irregularly through the townsliip from 
section 31 to section 5. The ridge is, in 
some places, quite wide, and contains some 
good farming land. The township is well 
watered by numerous streams flowing from its 
center in all directions. The timber is very 
large and dense. The Potsdam covers one- 
third of the township, including all the valleys, 
and the Lower Magnesian the rest, except- 
ing a narrow belt of St. Peters along the divide. 

Township ]0, range 3 west (Clayton in part). 
The divide mentioned in township 9 con- 
tinues through township 10, from sections 32 to 
section 3, with numerous lateral spurs and ridges. 
The township consists chiefly of high, roiling, 
ridge land, with numerous ravines running 
down to the streams. The .soil is clay, and the 
timber very dense and large, with but little 
unilerbrush. The principal trees are raa])le and 
elm. Along the crest of the divide, on .sections 
3, 9, 16 and 20, are some very conspicuous 
mounds formed by outliers of St. Peters sand- 
stone. Sink holes are also of frequent occur- 
rence. Water is obtained with difficulty on 
the ridges. In places wells are sunk from 100 
to 165 feet. The formations are the same as 
in township 9. 

Township 11, range 3 west (part of Clayton 
in Crawford county, and of Kickapoo in Vernon 
county). The eastern and central parts of this 



78 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



township consist of high, wide, rolling ridges; 
and the western part, of steep, rocky blujBfs. 
The township is watered by the Kiclcapiio on 
the west and north. Fine springs are very 
numerous. The valley of the Kickapoo aver- 
ages about a mile in width. The soil through- 
out the township is clay and the timber very 
heavy. The Potsdam covers about one-thiid of 
the township; the Lower Magnesiaii, one-half; 
and the St. Peters, one-sixth. Many loose 
bowlders of the St. Peters are found on the 
ridges where the formation cannot be found in 
place. The general section, in this township, 
of the formation is as follows: 

Feet. 

St. Peters sandstone .50 

Lower Magnesiati limestone LiO 

Potsdam sandstone 300 

From ridge to valley, total ,500 

Township?, range 4 west{Wauzeka in part). 
The part of this township which lies north of 
the Wisconsin river consists almost exclusively 
of the alluvial bottoms of that river and the 
Kickapoo. It is densely timbered with elm, 
maple, basswood, butternut, etc., with a deep, 
black, swampy soil. The hills which inclose 
the rivers are found along the north line of the 
township. The formations are Potsdam and 
Lower Magnesian. 

Township 8, range 4 west (parts of Wauzeka, 
Marietta and Eastman). There is a high ridge 
running in a northeasterly course through tills 
township, from which the ground slopes to the 
Kickapoo and Wisconsin rivers. The country 
is very hilly, the ridges narrow and broken by 
deep ravines. The soil is clay, and the timber 
very large and dense. The township is well 
watered by the Kickapoo and its several 
branches. There are a great many large springs 
in the valley of the Kickapoo. The Potsdam 
covers about one-sixth of the township; the 
Lower Magnesian, two-thirds; and the St. 
Peters sandstone aiid Trenton limestone, one 



sixth. The general section of this township, 
taken from the ridge of the Kickapoo is: 

Feet 

T.enton limestdne 30 

St. Peters sandstone 100 

Lower Magnesian limesto)ie .180 

Piitsdam sandstone 170 

Total from ridge to valley 480 

Township 9, range 4 west (Haney). A large 
part of this township is occupied by the valley 
of the Kickapoo, which is from one-half to a 
mile wide. The stream is about 200 feet wide, 
very crooked and sluggish. On each side of 
the river the country is very hilly. The valley 
of the Kickapoo and the country to the east of 
it has the heavy timber — maple, elm, etc.; but, 
west of the valley, the hills are smooth and 
bare, many of them showing terraces of the 
Potsdam, and the timber is white oak in grove, 
on the tops of the ridges. The formations are 
Potsdam, one-third; Lower Magnesian, two- 
thirds; and some ridges and mounds of St. 
Peters on the eastern side. 

Township 10, range 4 west, (east part of 
Utica and west part of Clayton.) The general 
features of tlus township are similar to those of 
township 9. The valley of the Kickapoo is 
wider, more sandy, and less heavily timbered. 
Fine springs are very numerous. The forma- 
tions are Potsdam and Lower Magnesian in 
about equal parts. 

Township 11, range 4 west, (part of Utica 
in Crawford county, and of Franklin in Vernon 
county.) This township is composed chiefly of 
high, rolling ridge land, with a clay soil. In 
the central part of the township the soil is rather 
sandy, owing to a long belt of St. Peters which 
crosses the township from section 4 to section 
34. The timber consists of groves of large 
white oaks. The formations are Potsdam one- 
sixth; Lower Magnesian two-thirds; and St. 
Peter 's sandstone, one-sixth. 

Township 7, range 5 west, (Wauzeka in 
part) This is a very hilly township. It is wa- 
tered by the Wisconsin river, Grand Gris and 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



79 



Little Kickapoo. The valleys and sides of the 
ravines are heavily timbered with elm, maple, 
basswood, butternut, etc. There are two very 
high and wide ridges in the northerti and norlh- 
western parts of the township, where the soil is 
clay, rather shallow, and the limber smaller and 
more scattering. All the formations from the 
Potsdam to the Galena limestone, inclusive, are 
represented. 

Township 8, range 5 west, (parts of Wauze- 
ka and Eastman.) The high ridge which di- 
vides the Kickapoo and Mississippi rivers passes 
through the west side of this township. From 
it the country slopes to the east in wide, regu- 
lar ridges, and deep narrow ravines. The soU 
throughout the township is clay. The timber is 
small and consists of groves of small black oak. 
Much of the country is prairie and devoid of 
timber. The geological formations are the 
same as in township 7. The general section of 
this township, from section 32 on the ridge to 
section 36, on the Kickapoo, is as follows: 

Feet. 

Galena liraeslone 20 

Blue limestone 25 

Bluff lunestoue 20 

St. Peter's aandslone 100 

Lower Miignesian limestone 180 

Postilam sandstone 100 

From ridge to river, total 445 

Township 9, range 5 west, (Seneca in part.) 
The divide continues from the last township, 
from section 31 to section 3. It is very high, 
wide and rolling, with numerous subordinate 
ridges. The township is well watered by numer- 
ous small streams, and springs are found quite 
near the summit of the ridge, issuing from the 
numerous clay layers in the Trenton limestone. 
The soil isclay,fre(juently rather sandy. The tim- 
ber is oak, small but quite abundant. All the for- 
mations from the Galena limestone to the Pots- 
dam, are present; the St. Peter's and the Lower 
Magnesian are the prevailing ones. 

TowNsiiu- 10, range 5 west, (parts of Utica, 
Freeman and Seneca.) The divide continues a 



nearly north and south course from section 34 
to section 3. The general features of the coun- 
try are very similar to those of township 9. Much 
of the township is prairie . The soil is a deep clay 
and the timber light. With the exception of 
the principal ridge, the country is very hilly 
and the valleys very deep and narrow. The 
formations are Potsdam, Lower Magnesian and 
St. Peter's; the last two being the principal ones. 

Township 11, ranges west, (parts of Utica 
and Freeman in Crawford county, and of 
Franklin iud Sterling in Vernon county.) 
This is chiefly a prairie country; the divide is 
high, wide and rolling, extending from section 
35 to section 1. There are no large streams in 
the township, but numerous small ravines run- 
ning east and west from the divide. Small 
springs are quite numerous and the greater part 
of the township is available for agricultural 
purposes. The formations are St Peters and 
Lower Magnesian in about equal parts. 

Township 6, range 6 west (part of the town 
of Bridgeport and of the city of Prairie du 
Chien.) That part of this township which lies 
north of the Wisconsin river consists of the 
rich alluvial bottom lands of that stream, with 
numerous sloughs and swamps. The bluffs 
which inclose the river on the north commence 
near the north line of the township. The town- 
ship is well timbered; soil, clay. The forma- 
tion is Lower Magnesian. 

Township 7, range G west, (jiarts of the towns 
of Bridgeport anil Prairie du Chien and of the 
citj' of Prairie du Chien.) TIk' high ridge 
which divides the Kickapoo and the Mississippi 
begins in this township and I'uiis northeast, 
passing out at section 2. The ridge is wide, 
level and heavily timbered with white, black 
and burr oak. The soil is clay. The township 
is well watered and springs are quite numerous. 
On the west side is the valley of the Missisippi 
from one to two miles wide between the bluffs 
and the river. Its soil is sandy. All the 
formations are present from the Galena to the 
Lower Magnesian, inclusive. 



80 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Township 8, range 6 west,(part of Eastman.) 
The land in this township is very hilly and 
rough, heing composed of long, straight ridges, 
which run east and west and become quite nar- 
row as they approach the Mississippi on the 
west. There are a great many good springs 
arising near the ridge which in the course of a 
half mile sink into the ground, so that the large 
ravines although deep, seldom have any water 
in them. The soil is clay and in the western part 
quite stony. The timber is small and rather 
sparse. The formations are Galena limestone 
to Potsdam sandstone, inclusive. The general 
section of this township from section 23 to tlie 
Mi.'-sissippi river is as follows: 

Feet. 

Galena limestone 50 

Trenton limestone (blue and butf ) 40 

St. Peters sandstone 110 

Lower Magnesian limestone 250 

Potsdam sandstone 20 

• From ridge to valley, total 470 

Township 9, range o west, (part of Seneca) 
The bend of the Mississippi river causes this to 
be a fractional township, containing only about 
twelve square miles. It is composed of steep and 
rocky bluffs, forming the ends of ridges, often 
making perpendicular cliffs and escarpments of 
rock for long distances along the bank of the 
river. The township is covered with small tim- 
ber. The ridges are very high, narrow and 
steep. The formations are the same as in town- 
ship 9, just mentioned. 

Township 10, range 6 west, (parts of Seneca 
and Freeman). This is also a fraction.al town- 
ship and contains about twenty square miles. 
It is well watered by the Mississippi river and 
Sugar, Buck and Copper creeks. Fine iarwe 
springs are very numerous. The soil through- 
out the township is clay and the timber small 
but abundant. The valleys and ridges are wide. 
The formations are the Potsdam and Lower 
Magnesian in about equal parts. 

Township 11, range 6 west, (part of Free- 
man in Crawford county, and of Wheatland 



and Sterling in Vernon-county). This township 
consists chiefly of high rolling, ridge land, hav- 
ing an elevation from 400 to 550 feet above the 
Mississippi. The principal ridge is very wide 
aiul runs east and west through the northern 
part of the township, with numerous smaller 
ridges running north and south. The soil is 
clay, in some parts rather sandy. The timber 
is small, but abundant. Water is very scarce 
on the ridges. The only stream is Rush creek 
in the southern part of the township; it has a 
rich and fertile valley about half a mile in 
width. The formations are Potsdam, Lower 
Magnesian and St. Peters; the two latter pre- 
dominating. 

Township 11, range 7 west, (part of Free- 
man in Crawford county, and Wheatland in 
Vernon county). This is a township made frac- 
tional by the Mississippi river, and contains 
about sixteen square miles. It is very hilly. 
Tlie river runs close to the bluffs, which are high 
and precipitous. The soil is clay and the tim- 
ber white oak. The formations are Potsdam, 
Lower Magnesian and St. Peters, the second 
being the prevailing one. 

Fractionai, townships, 6, (being a part of 
Bridgeport), 7, (being a portion of the city and 
town of Prairie du Chien), 8, (being a part 
of Eastman) and 10, (being a portion of 
Freeman), range V west. These fractional 
townships lie immediately upon the Mississippi 
river, tbe land being in many places subject to 
overflow in high water. 

Fractional townships 7, range .3 west, (in 
Marietta), and fractional township 6, range 7 
west, (in Wauzeka), both lie immediately north 
of, and are washed by the Wisconsin river. 

exposures of the POTSDAM SANDSTONE. 

There are some fine exposures of the Potsdam 
sandstone in Crawford county. 

(1.) There is one on the northwest quarter 
of section 11, township 10, range 4 west, (Clay- 
ton), where a small creek enters the Kickapoo. 

(2.) On the Kickapoo, on the southwest 
quarter ef section 27, township 9, range 4 west, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



81 



.(Haney), where the top of the Potsdam is 
distinctly marked by a bed of white sandstone 
fifteen feet thick. Above it are the transition 
beds, and the lower beds of the Lower Magne- 
sian. Tiie Potsdam is also exposed for fifty feet 
below its junction with the Lower Magiiesian, 
and consists of heavy-bedded white and yellow 
sandstones. The blufiEs, in this vicinity, present 
this appearance for a distance of about a mile. 
The productions of the Potsdam, which are 
of importance in an economical point of view, 
are iron, building stone and mineral waters. 
Iron, in the form usually of hematite, is found 
in Crawford county, but none is mined. Build- 
ing stone and sand, for mortar and plaster- 
ing, are obtainable ; but it is in the mineral 
waters obtained by means of artesian wells that 
the Potsdam is most valuable as yet to the 
county. An account of these wells will be 
given hereafter. 

LOWER MAGXESIAN LIMESTONE. 

This formation is an important one because 
by its decomposilion it produces a rich and fer- 
tile soil on the ridges, and being washed down 
into the valleys, it fertilizes the otherwise bar- 
ren sand derived from the Potsdam. 

In the valley of the Mississippi there is no 
formation which presents finer or more I'reipient 
exposures. Its hardness, and the frequent 
joints which it contains, predispose it to form 
the lofty cliffs and precipices which form such 
an impressive feature in the scenery of the 
river. 

At Prairie du Chien, tlie upper and middle 
portions are exposed, but the entire thickness is 
not seen unlil about six miles above, when the 
lower layers are exposed. Proceeding u|) the 
river, the formation constantly occupies a higher 

position in the bluffs. 

f 

This limestone is ahvays light-colored, em- 
bracing all shades of yellow and gray, and is 
sometimes perfectly white. In texture it is 
hard and compact, the separate grains of 
which it is composed being seldom distinguish- 



able. It usually presents an indistinct crystalline 
appearance, but the crystals are never large 
enough to present distinct faces or a clearage. 
Exposed surfaces of this formation always 
weather very irregularly by the removal of the 
lime through the usual atmospheric agencies. 
Small irregular cavities and hollows are thus 
formed in all i)arts, and in cliff exposures small 
holes and caves are sometimes seen, usually 
penetrating but a short distance. 

The Lower Magiiesian limestone always over- 
lies the Potsdam conformably; that is, no denu- 
dation of the latter appears to have taken place 
before the former was deposited. The line of 
demarkation between the two formation.s is 
sometimes very distinctly defined by beds of 
limestone devoid of sand overlying tiie white 
sandstone of the Potsdam. 'i'hc transition 
beds are, however, usu;illy present, and the 
Lower Magnesian sometimes graduates almost 
insensibly into the Potsdam. The stratification 
of the Lower Magnesian is very regular and 
uiiifoiin ; in some of the exposures, as in the 
clitYs along the .Mississippi river, the same beds 
can be traced continuously for long distances. 
The greatest thickness which the Lower Magne- 
sian is found to attain anywhere north of the 
Wisconsin river is 250 feet. The least thickness 
yet observed is 100 feet. This can be seen in the 
northwest quarter of section 5, township 9, 
range 5 west, (Seneca). Its average thickness 
may be stated at about IVo feet. These meas- 
ures of thickness refer to localities where the 
I'lirination is overlaid by the St. Peters. 

The following is a list of localites in Crawford 
county where the exposures of the Lower Mag- 
nesian limestone offer facilities for the study of 
the foriiKition : 

(1.) At DeSoto, on the Mississippi river, 
where the formation affords a fine, close-grained 
and durable building stone. It is of a very 
light color, and often nearly white. 

(2.) Section 6, township 7, range 6 west, 
(Prairie du Chien), where there are many fine 
cliff exposures overlaid with bluffs of St. Peters. 



82 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



(3.) Section 18, township 8, range 6 west, 
(Eastman), where, along the Mississippi river, 
there are long, continuous cliff exposures«of the 
formation, overlying the upper beds of the Pots- 
dam, and affording good opportunities to exam- 
ine the transition beds. 

No very extensive or valuable deposits of 
metallic are found in the Lower Magnesian 
formation in Crawford county. A few lo- 
calities of copper and lead exisit, which show 
that the formation is not entirely destitute of 
metallic contents. Copper has been found on 
the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter, 
and the northwest quarter of the southeast 
quarter of section 20, township 8, range 5 west, 
(Eastman). This is in the valley of Plum 
creek, a small tributary of the Kickapoo, and 
about two miles above its junction with that 
stream. Here the copper has been mined. 

The existence of copper ore here has been 
known for a number of years, and small quan- 
tities have been from time to time extracted ; 
but it was not until 1>^G0 that any systematic 
attempt at mining was begun. In 1858, the 
land was purchased by a company of five per- 
sons, residents of New York city, who com- 
menced work in 1860, and abandoned it in 1861 
on account of the war. Since then no work 
has been done in the Plum Creek Copper Mine, 
as it is called. About two car loads of ore were 
shipped. An analysis of some of the ore found 
at the mine gives only a little over ten per 
cent, of metallic copper, which is hardly a re- 
sult to justify additional expense in developing 
this mine. 

The Copper Creek mine is on the northeast 
quarter of section 34, township 10, range o west, 
(Utica). The mines of this locality are situ- 
ate about three-quarters of a mile southwest of 
the village of Mt. Sterling, and on the side of 
a hill sloping toward one of the branches of 
Copper creek. The dej)osit of copper ore was 
discovered, in 1843, by William T. Sterling. It 
was first worked by him and George Messer- 
smith they paying a tribute of one-sixteenth to 



the United States. During this time, a speci-* 
men weighing 300 pounds was sent to the 
patent office. In the work performed by these 
men, 20,000 pounds of ore were taken out, 
when the best part of the deposit appeared to 
be exhatisted and the work was suspended for 
two years. In 184^ the ground was leased to a 
German company who worked it abotit a year, 
their work being chiefly drifting and prospect- 
ing, after which time they abandoned it as un- 
profitable. 

The property remained idle until 1856, when 
it was leased to a New York company, who 
worked it from May to September, producing 
20,000 pounds of ore, at a cost of about 14,000 ; 
since then the land has never been worked. 

In an analysis of the ore made abnut thirty 
years ago less than twenty per cent, was metal- 
lic copper. 

The existence of lead in Crawford county, in 
the Lower Magnesian formation, is confined to 
the vicinity of the lower part of the Kickapoo 
valley. The Little Kickapoo Lead Mine is 
located on the northwest quarter of section 10, 
township 7, range 5 west. (Wauzeka), in the 
upper pari of the bluff on the north siile of the 
Little Kickapoo, a small tributary of the Wiscon- 
sin. Lead 01 e was first discovered here in the 
year 1840, and was worked at intervals until the 
year 1850. There have been obtained from this 
mine from i!5,000 to 50,000 pounds of ore. An 
analysis shows over eighty-two per cent, of metal- 
lic lead. Thisisequaltoany found in Wisconsin. 
There are evidences of other deposits in the coun- 
try round about. 

Wherever the Lower Magnesian is exposed, 
there is always an abundance of good building 
stone. Some of the best quarries in the county 
are those at Prairie du Chien. This formation 
also affords lime with as much facility as build- 
ing stone All parts of the formation which are 
free from flint will produce lime on burning. 
There are several places in Crawford county 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COITNTY. 



83 



where lime is burned in kilns of tlie simplest 
form and constrnction. 

"^ ST. PETERS SANDSTONE. 

Owing to the elevation attained by the sever- 
al formations, through their gradual rise in a 
northerly di''ection, and to the great and general 
denudation to which the country has been sub- 
jected, the St. Peters sandstone is only found 
in isolated areas of comparatively small extent 
and confined to the highest parts of the ridges. 
The area of this formation begins in township 6, 
range 6 west, (Bridgeport), and extends in a 
northerly direction through the county. On the 
west it approaches to the Mississippi in town- 
ship 10, range 6 west, (parts of Seneca and Free- 
man), and maybe traced along the bluffs of that 
river and all its tributary streams, in a belt 
varying from a mile in width on the north, to a 
quarter of a mile wide opposite Prairie du Chien; 
thence, along tht- bluffs of the Wisconsin and 
its tributaries to the Kickapoo. On the eastern 
side of the divide, it is seldom found more than 
two or three miles from the principal ridge, but 
as the country descends more gradually to the 
Kickapoo than, to the Mississippi, it covers rela- 
tively a much larger area than on the west- 
ern slope; and in township 10, range 5 west, 
(parts of Utica, Seneca and Freeman), it is the 
surface rock over about one-half of the town- 
ship. 

The country just described embraces many 
fine ex])osures among which may be nu-ntioiied 
till- following: 

1. The mounds near Mt. Sterling, which are 
chiefly composed of sandstone. 2. A ledge 
fifiy feet high near the quarter post of sections 
15 and 22, in township s, range .5 west, (East- 
man). 3. A mound on the southwest quarter 
of section 34, townshi}) 8, range 5 west, (East- 
man). 

The following exposures are situated on the 
ridge between Knapp creek and the Kickapoo: 

1. In townships, range 4 west, (Marietta), 
the St. Peters is the surface rock in parts of the 
following sections: 1, 2, 11, 12, l:i, 14,15,20, 



21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33 and 
34. Its total area is a little more than seven 
square miles. There is one good exposure 
where it forms a mound in the southeast quar- 
ter of section 2. 

2. In township 8, range 3 west, (Marietta), 
a branch of the same range is seen, extending 
through sections 6, 7, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 
29, forming an area of about three square miles, 
with one fine ledge exposure near the center of 
section 7. 

3. The same sandstone ridge continues in a 
northerly direction through sections 36, 25 and 
24 in township 9, of range 4,(Haney), and through 
sections 31, 30, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 10, 9, 8, 4, 5 
and 6, in township 9, of range '3 west, (Scott), 
and runs out in sections 3 I and 32, of township 
10, range 3 west, (Clayton), comprising a surface 
area of six sections. There is also an isolated 
area on sections 13, 14, 23 and 24 in township 9, 
range 3 west, (Scott), equal to one section. 

4. In township 10, range 3 west, (Clayton), 
there are two large isolated areas: the first is on 
sections 22, 23, 26, 27, 35 and 36 having an ex- 
tent of two square miles; the second is on sec- 
tions 3, 4, 9, 16, 17 and 20 having an extent of 
one and a half square miles. On the latter are 
four prominent mounds of large size, which 
afford fine opportunities for studying the forma- 
tion. 

TRENTON, OR BDFF AND BLUE LIME.STONE. 

These two formations, which are usually con- 
sidered collectively, are occasionally found north 
of the Wisconsin river. They usually attain 
their average thickness, which is about 
twenty-five feet each. There are no useful ores 
found in this formation north of the Wisconsin. 
The blue limestone would furnish an excellent 
material for burning to lime; but it is not used 
for that purpose. 

A very singular deposit is to be seen at the 
village of Seneca, in the lower part of the buff 
limestone. It forms a small eminence a short 
distance north of the village. The dijiosit con- 
sists of a conglomerate, formed of quartz peb- 



84 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



bles of small size, and sand in large rounded 
grains, firmly united with iron as a cementing 
material. The pebbles are seldom more than 
half an inch in the longest dimension, consisting 
always of white or transparent quartz, and al- 
ways smoot'ly rounded, evidently having been 
rolled by the action of water. 

The extent of the deposit is small, covering 
only about an acre and not exceeding five or six 
feet in depth. Several pits have been sunk in 
it, and numerous large masses of the conglom- 
erate taken out in attempts to utilize it as iron 
ore; but, on account of the large amount of 
quartz ore material, which constitutes nearly 
one-half of tlie entire bulk, it is useless as an 
ore. This deposit derives its chief interest from 
the fact that it is the only ore of the kind found 
anywhere in the formation 

1. The Trenton forms the surface rock in 
sections 3, 10, 11, 15, 16, IT, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 
30, 31 and 32, in township 9, of range 5 west, 
(Seneca). On section 20, the Galena limestone 
appears, and buflp and blue form a belt surround- 
ing it. This belt, commencing on section 20, 
runs southwest to the bluffs of the Mississippi; 
thence south along that stream and all its tribu- 
taries; thence east and north about the upper 
parts of the Grand Gris, Little Kickapoo and 
Plum creek; thence north to the head of Otter 
creek to the point of departure. Compared 
with this large tract all the other areas are small. 

2. The blue limestone is found on sections 
13, U, 21, 22, 23 and 28 in township S, of 
range 4 west, (Marietta), lying on the crest of 
the ridge in a long strip about half a mile in 
width, comprising an area of about two sections. 

■". There is also a semi-circular strip, on 
sections 1 and 2, in the same township, extend- 
ing into section 6, of township 8, in range 3 west, 
(Marietta), and forming an .area equal to one 
square mile. 

4. In township 10, range 5 west, (Utica), the 
two small mounds near the village of Mt. Ster- 
ling are capped with buff limestone. 



5. In township 11, range 5 west, (Utica), is 
an area of about two square miles, surrounding 
the village of Rising Sun, lying on sections 14, 
15, (in Vernon county), 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 35, and 
on the divide between the Mississippi and Kick- 
apoo rivers. 

GALEXA LIMESTONE. 

This sub-division of the Trenton period is 
found in a strip averaging about a mile in width, 
occu]>ying tlie highest part of the ridge between 
the Kickapoo and Mississippi, extending from 
section '^0, in township 9, of range 5 west (Sene- 
ca), to section 28, township 7, of range 6 west, 
(Prairie du Chien), a distance of about fourteen 
miles. From this ridge, the formation extends 
west, towards the Mississippi, in three small, 
subordinate ridges; and on the east, it extends 
for a short distance on the ridges between the 
Grand Gris, Little Kickapoo, Plum and Pine 
creeks. This formation isusually hard and com- 
pact in texture, of a yellow color and contains 
numerous fiints disseminated through it. It 
is almost devoid of organic remains, and has 
not been found to contain any ores or minerals ' 
of value. 

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE UNDERLYING FOR- 
MATIONS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 
[By T. C. ChamberliQ, State Geologist.] 

I. — Potsdmn Sandstone. 
After the great Archtean upheaval, there fol- 
lowed a long period, concciiiing which very lit- 
tle is known — a lost interval in geological his- 
tory. It is only certain that immense erosion of 
the Archaean strata took place, and that in time 
the sea advanced upon the island, eroding its 
strata and re-depositing the wash and wear be- 
neath its surface. The more resisting beds 
withstood this advance, and formed reefs and 
rocky islands off the ancient shore, about whose 
bases the sands and sediments accumulated, as 
they did over the bottom of the surrounding 
ocean. The breakers, dashing .against the rocky 
clifl's, brought down masses of rock, which im- 
bedded themselves in the sands, or were rolled 
and rounded on the beach, and at length were 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



85 



buried, in either case, to tell their own history, 
when they should be again disclosed by the 
ceaseless gnawiiigs of the very elements that 
had buried them. In addition to the accumula- 
tions of wash and wear that have previously 
been the main agents of rock formations, abund- 
ant life now swarms in the ocean, and the sands 
become the great cemetery of its dead. Though 
the contribution of each little being was small, 
the myriad millions the waters brought forth, 
yielded by their remains, a large contribution to 
the accumulating sediments. Among plants 
there were sea-weeds, and among animals, pro- 
tozoans, radiates, mollusks and articulates, all 
tlie sub-kingdoms e.vcept the vertebrates. Among 
these, the most remarkable, both in nature and 
number, were the trilobites, who have left their 
casts in countless multitudes in certain localities. 
Tlie result of the action of these several agen- 
cies was the formation of extensive beds of 
sandstone, with interstratified layers of lime- 
stone and shale. These surrounded the Archfe- 
an nucleus on all sides, and reposed on its 
flanks. On the Lake Superior margin, the sea 
acted on the copper and iron-bearing series, 
wliicli are highly ferruginous, and the result was 
tile red Lake Superior sandstone. On the oppo- 
site side of the island, the wave-action was 
mainly upon quartzitcs, porphyries and granites 
and resulted in light-colored sandstones. The 
former is confined to the immediate vicinity of 
Like Superior; the latter occupies abroad, irreg- 
ular belt bordering on the Archfean area on the 
south, and, being widest in the central part of 
llie State, is often likened to a rude crescent. 
It will lie understood from the foregoing 
description, I hat the strata of this formation lies 
in a nearly horizontal po-ition, and repose un- 
conformably upon the worn surface of the crys- 
talline rocks. The close of this period was not 
ui:irked by any great upheaval; tliere was no 
crumpling or metamorphism of the strata, and 
they iiave remained to the present day very 
much the same as they were originally deposited, 
save a slight arching upward in the central por- 



tion of the State. The beds have been some- 
what compacted by the pressure of superincum- 
bent strata and solidified by the cementing ac- 
tion of calcareous and ferruginous waters, and 
by their own coherence, but the original char- 
acter of the formation, as a great sand-bed, has 
not been obliterated. It still bears the ripple- 
marks, cross-lamination, worm-burrows, and 
similar markings that characterize a sandy 
beach. Its thickness is very irregular owing 
to the unevenness of its Archrean bottom, and 
may be said to range from 1,000 feet downward. 
The strata slope gently away from the Archaean 
core of the State and underlie all the latter for- 
mations, and may be reached at any point in 
southern Wisconsin by penetrating to a sufficient 
depth, which can be calculated with an approx- 
imate correctness. As it, is a water-bearing for- 
mation, and the source of fine artesian wells, 
this is a fact of much importance. The inter- 
bedded layers of limestone and shale, by sup- 
plying impervious strata, very much enhance its 
value as a source of fountains. 

II. — Lower Magnesian Limestone. 

Daring the previous period, the accumulation 
of sandstone gave place for a time to the forma- 
tion of limestone, and afterward the deposit of 
sandstone was resumed. At its close, without 
any very remarked disturbance of existing con- 
ditions, the formation of limestone was resumed, 
and progressed with little interruption till a 
thickness ranging from fifty to 250 feet was a'.- 
tained. This variation is due mainly to irregu- 
larities of the upper surface of the formation, 
which is undulating, and in some localities may 
ap|)ropriately be termed billowy, the surface 
rising and falling 100 feet in some cases, within 
a short distance. This, and the preceding sim- 
ilar deposit, have been spoken of as linie.'^tone 
simply, but they are really Dolomites, or Mag- 
nesian limestones, since they contain a large 
proportion of carbonate of magnesia. This rock 
also contains a notable tjuantiiy of silicia, which 



8d 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



occurs disseminated through the mass of rock; 
or, variously, as nodules or masses of chert; as 
crystals of quartz, tilling or lining drusy cavi- 
ties, forming beautiful miniature grottoes; as 
the nucleus of oolitic concretions, or as sand. 
Some argillaceous matter also enters into its 
composition, and small quantities of the ores of 
iron, lead and copper, are sometimes found, but 
they give little promise of value. The evidences 
of life are very scanty. Some sea-weeds, a few 
mollusks, and an occasional indication of other 
forms of life, embrace the known list, except at 
a few favored localities where a somewhat am- 
pler fauna is found. But it is not, therefore, 
safe to assume the absence of life in the depos- 
iting seas, for it is certain that most limestone 
has originated from the remains of animals and 
plants that secrete calcareous material, and it is 
most consistent to believe that such was the 
case in the present instance, and that the dis- 
tinct traces of life were mostly obliterated. 
This formation occupies an irregular belt skirt- 
ing the Potsdam area. It was, doubtless, orig- 
inally a somewhat uniform band swinging 
around the nucleus of the state already formed, 
but it has since been eroded by streams to its 
present jagged outline. 

III. — St. Peter''s Sandstone. 
At the close of this sandstone-making period 
there appears to have been an interval of which 
we have no record, and the next chapter of the 
history introduces us to another era of sand ac- 
cumulation. The work began by the leveling 
up of the inequalities of the surface of the Lower 
Magnesian limestone, and it ceased before that 
was entirely accomplished in all parts of the 
State, for a few prominences were left project- 
ing through the sand deposits. The material 
laid down consisted of a silicious sand, of uni- 
form, well-rounded — doubtless well-rolled — 
grains. This was evidently deposited horizon- 
tally upon the uneven limestone surface, and so 
rests in a sense unconformably upon it. Where 
the sandstone abuts against the sides of the 
limestone prominences, it is mingled with ma- 



terial derived by wave action from them, which 
tells the story of its formation. But aside from 
these and other exceptional impurities, the for- 
mation is a very pure sandstone, and is used for 
glass manufacture. At most points the sand- 
stone has never become firmly cemented and 
readily crumbles, so that it is used for mortar 
the simple handling with pick and shovel being 
sufficient to reduce it to a sand. Owing to the 
unevenness of its bottom, it varies greatly in 
thickness, the greatest yet observed being 212 
feet, but the average is less than 100 feet. Un- 
til recently, no organic reinains had ever been 
found in it, and the traces now collected are 
very meagre indeed, but they are sufficient to 
show the existence of marine life, and demon- 
strate that it is an oceanic deposit. The rarity 
of fossils is to be attributed to the porous nature 
of the rock, which is unfavorable to their pres- 
ervation. This porosity, however, subserves a 
very useful purpose, as it renders this pre-em- 
inently a water-bearing horizon, and supplies 
some of the finest artesian fountains in the 
State, and is competent to furnish many more. 
It occupies but a narrow area at the surface, 
fringing that of the Lower Magnesian limestone 
on the south. 

IV. — Trenton Limestone. 
A slight change in the oceanic conditions 
eavised a return to limestone formation, accom- 
panied with the deposit of considerable clayey 
material, which formed shale. The origin of 
the limestone is made evident by a close exam- 
ination of it, which shows it to be full of frag- 
ments of shells, corals, and other organic re- 
mains, or the impressions they have left. Count- 
less numbers of the lower forms of life flourished 
in the seas, and left their remains to be com- 
minuted and consolidated into limestone. A 
part of the time the accumulation of clayey 
matter predominated, and so layers of shale al- 
ternate with the limestone beds, and shaly 
leaves and partings occur in the limestone lay- 
ers. Unlike the calcareous strata above and 
below, a portion of these are true limestone 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



SI 



containing but a very small proportion of mag- 
nesia. A sufficient amount of carbonaceous mat- 
ter is present in some layers to cause them to 
burn readily. This formation is quite highly 
metalliferous in certain portions of the lead 
region, containing zinc especially, and consider- 
able lead, with less quantities of other metals. 



The formation abounds in fossils, many of them 
well preserved, and, from their great antiquity, 
thiy possess uncommon interest. All the ani- 
m:il sub-kingd(ims, except vertebrates, are rep- 
I eseiited. The surface area of this rock borders 
the St. Peter's sandstone. Its thickness reaches 
120 feet. 




88 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER III 



ANCIENT INHABITANTS. 



The first people of Crawford county, who 
were they? The question, of course, can never 
can be answered. We know that, scattered 
over it in various directions, there once lived a 
race, concerning which all that has come down 
to us is exceedingly shadowy. These people 
are denominated the 

MOUND BUILDERS. 

Vestiges of the labor of the so-called mound 
builders still exist in Crawford county, in the 
form of earthworks consisting of mounds; some 
•udely representing animals; others seemingly 
like low battlements; while a third variety are 
simply elevations, usually conical in shape. 

ANCIEXT MOUNDS.* 

On the questions of the origin and design of 
these monuments of antiquity, I have but little 
at present to say. On these questions much has 
been said and written, but from it all the world 
has become but little the wiser eh- better. Their 
existence, together with the evidence we have 
of design, taste or ambition to perpetuate the 
memory of some noted event or honored indi- 
vidual, give ample evidence of intelligence far 
in advance of the Aboriginees found here by 
the Anglo-Saxon race, who at present occupy 
the country. 

The trees frequently found growing upon 
them of 400 years' growth declare their 
antiquity and tiie recent discoveries in the cop- 
per region of Lake Superior of mines over which 
trees of the same age are growing, makes it 



* "Ancient Mounds: or, Tumuli in Crawford County," 
Kead before the Wisconsin Historical Society, at its annual 
meeting, January, 1860, by Alfred Brun?on, of Prairie du 
Cbieu. 



probable that the same race who wrought those 
mines also built these mounds. 

Who these ancient people were, whence they 
came and what became of them, have been ques- 
tions of deep and abiding interest for the last 
fifty years, or since the whites have been set- 
tling the great valley in which their works 
abound; and various methods have been re- 
sorted to to derive some plausible answer to 
eich question, but all to no purpose. Indeed, 
he who can answer one can answer the others. 
But nothing has, aft yet, come to light satisfac- 
tory to the public mind on this engrossing sub- 
ject. 

The Book of Mormon, which has caused two 

civil wars, cost many lives and is now founding 
a new State, if not a new empire, among the 
mountains of California, is the first, the last 
and the only book ever published purporting to 
he a history of the people who in habited this 
country at the time when the tumuli and fortifica- 
tions were erected.* But as no one except the 
followers of the prophet give any credence 
whatever to the story, the world is not the wliit 
the wiser for the information it contains, and 
we remain in the dark, and probably shall till 
the end of time, as to who were the people who 
did this work, where they came from, what be- 
came of them, or what was their design in 
erecting these mounds. 

» The late Prof. C. S. Raflnesque wrote the Ancient An- 
nals of Kentucky, prefixed to Marshall's History of Ken- 
tucky, published in 1834. These Ancient Annals profess to 
trace the Alioriftinal history of Kentucky from the creation 
throiiBh si.v periods, down to a eompariiiivcly modi'tri date, 
giyinK quite minute details of Noah's and PcIck's llo(lll^, and 
many ci>n(iiiests and re-conquests of the i ntry by the op- 
posing Indian tribes. It is a grotesque i.roilnction, and de- 
serves to be. ranked, in point of historical authority, with the 
veritable Book of Mormon, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



80 



Tlie fact t]iat human bones have been found 
in some of them is no evidence that they were 
erected as tombs for the honored dead; because 
the Aborigines found here by the whites, have 
long been in the habit of buryiTig their dead in 
them; and s many of these tumuli have been 
opened without finding either bones or anything 
else in them but soil, the presumption is very 
strong that the bones sometimes found in them 
are from the interments of the Indians who 
more recently occupied the country. 

For aught that I know, or any one else 
knows, they may have been built for tombs; but 
I say the finding of bones in them at this time 
is no evidence of such a design; and one very 
strong, and to me unanswerable argument in 
favor of this position, is, what must be known 
by every one, that human bones could not have 
continued in them undecayed for the space of 
400 years, the acknowledged age of these 
tumuli. In some instances, and in positions, or 
under circumstances peculiarly calculated to 
preserve them, as by embalming, or being in 
dry nitrous caves, bones have been preserved 
for a longer period; but no case can be found 
on record where such preservation has been had 
with bones exposed to the dampness of the soil, 
or mixed with the earth, as those found in 
these tumuli are. 

In some few instances slabs of stone were 
placed around the bones; but the rude masonry 
found in such cases would be no protection from 
dampness, while surrounded with a damp soil; 
and it must be admitted that thin rude masonry 
corresponds much better with the rude state of 
the modern Aborigines, than with the more 
improved state of the buililers of these ancient 
mounds; and if we suppose, which is very 
probable, that the same race which Imilt the an- 
cient works at Aztalan, also erected these 
mounds, we must suppose that their masonry 
would have been greatly in advance of an> thing 
yet discovered of the kind; and further, the de- 
cay of the work at Aztalan, shows conclusively 
that their antiquity is such that human bones 



would have long since mouldered back to their 
mother dust; for, if burnt bricks have so de- 
cayed as to render them scarcely distinguisha- 
ble from the earth with which they are inter- 
mixed, most certainly bones would have long 
since entirely disa})peared; and this fact, to- 
gether with the known fact, that the recent In- 
dian inhabitants of the country were in the 
habit of interring their dead in these mounds, 
and in the mode and manner in which bones 
have been found, shows conclusively to my 
mind, tliat the bones thus discovered are of 
more recent burial than that of the builders 
of these tumuli. 

And further, and in confirmation of this con- 
clusion, the fact that metallic substances have 
been found in these tumuli, which could not 
have been known to the natives previous to the 
discovery of the country by the whites, shows 
that the skeletons found with such substances 
must have been interred since the whites came 
to the country, which does not agree well with 
the antiquity of trees 400 years old, so fre- 
quently found on these mounds. 

The mounds found in the county of Craw- 
ford, are of various forms and sizes. On 
Prairie du Chien, on(! of the largest and high- 
est of these tumuli, having a base of some 200 
feet and about twenty feet high, of a circular 
form, was leveled for the present site of Fort 
Crawford. Another, of about the same dimen- 
sions and form, stood within the old or first 
fort built at this place by the Americans, on 
which now stands the splendid mansion of II. 
L. Dousman, Esq. A cellar, well, and ice- 
house vault, were dug in this last, and a well 
dug where t^ie first stood, but in neither were any 
evidences found of the design of their erection; 
nothing was found but bones, rifles, etc., of re- 
cent interment. 

The circular form is the most common for 
these tumuli, but many are of different forms. 
Some are from one to two hundred yards long, 
from ten to twenty feet wide, and from two to 
three feet high. These frequently have an 



90 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



open space througb them, as if intended for a 
gate, and they would have the appearance of 
breast works if they had angles, or a rear pro- 
tection, as of a fort. 

Others, especially on the dividing ridge be- 
tween the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, in 
towns 8 and 9 north, of range 5 west, are in the 
form of birds with their wings and tails spread 
and of deer, rabbits and other animals, and one 
which I have seen resembles an elephant. The 
birds lie spread out on the ground,while the other 
animals lie on their sides, with limbs stretched 
as if on the jump. In this region, also, some 
few mounds resemble a man lying on his face. 
These mounds are from three to four feet high, 
at the highest points, tapering off to the ex- 
tremities, corresponding with what they were 
intended to represent. 

On the margins of these two rivers, on the 
beach lands and the highest peaks of the bluffs, 
these tumuli are very numerous,and can often be 
seen from the boats passing on the river. In- 
deed there is no point yet discovered of any 
great extent, in the country, which is not hon- 
ored, to a greater or less extent, with these 
marks of ancient settlement, corresponding 
with the descriptions above given, and varying 
inform and size; some being not over ten 
feet on the base and two feet high, circular in 
form, while others, as above stated, have a 
base of '200 feet, and twenty feet elevation, 
and others are in forms of animals which 
generally are 100 feet long. And it is 
believed that at least 1,000 of them can be 
found in the county, which is, however, geo- 
graphically large. But in no case that has 
come to my knowledge, in thirteen years resi- 
dence, have bones, or other matter than earth, 
been found in them, except with evidence of 
recent Indian interment. 

One rather singular circumstance is observable 
in the construction of some of the mounds on 
Prairie du Chien, and especially those near 
the fine dwelling of B. W. Brisbois, Esq. 
They stand on the margin of the Mississippi, 



on the extreme west of the prairie, and about 
one and a half miles from the bluffs. The soil 
on the prairie is river sand intermixed with 
vegetable mould. But these tumuli are of a 
different soil, a loam, the like of which has not 
yet been discovered within several miles of its 
present location; so that, to appearance, the 
earth of which these mounds are I'omposed 
must have been brought from a considerable 
distance. 

It is also a singular feature of all the mounds 
and fortifications I have examined in the west — 
and they are quite numerous — that there is no 
appearance that the earth of which they are 
composed was dug up from the side of them 
or even near by them. The surface of the sur- 
rounding soil generally comes up to the base of 
the mound on a smooth level. In some in- 
stances the mound stands on a natural ele- 
vation, showing that the entire mass of which 
it is composed was carried from below, up to 
the place of deposit. 

One such mound, which stands in a group of 
them, on the southwest angle of Prairie du 
Chien, has a base of some fifty feet, and is 
about ten feet high; but being on a natural 
elevation, it has the appearance, a short dis- 
tance from it, of being twenty feet high; yet 
there is no evidence that the earth of which 
this mound is composed, though of the common 
soil of the prairie, was taken from the neigh- 
borhood of its present location. From the top 
of this mound can be seen to advantage the ex- 
tensive low bottom lands and lakes which lie 
between the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, 
and were it not for the timber on the margin 
of the two rivers, their flowing currents could 
also be seen for some distance. This circum- 
stance induces the belief that it was built for a 
kind of watch-tower or looking-out place, to 
watch the approach of enemies. But the hand 
of civilization, the plow, the hoe, and the 
spade, are fast demolishing these monuments 
of antiquity. When they fall within an enclos- 
ure, and the plow breaks the sod, the action of 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



91 



the water in time of rain, and of the wind in 
time of draught, together with continued culti- 
vation, contribute to level them rapidly with 
the surrounding earth; and but a few years 
will elapse before they will be lost in the ob- 
livion of their builders, and will be forgotten, 
except as their memory will be preserved by 
the hand of intelligence on the page of the 
historian. 

In reflecting upon the destinj' of this people 
— a people once so numerous and intelligent as 
those must have been, who laid up with skill 
and care, these evidences of their existence, 
taste and mental improvement — we can hardly 
avoid feelings of melancholy. It amounts to 
annihilation, so far as this world is concerned. 
We have no trace as to a ho they were, w'here 
from, or where they are gone; we only know- 
that thev lived and are dead. 

If tliey reflected as we do on tiie future and 
contemplated that in a few centuries nothing 
but these mounds would be left of their whole 
race, that not a man, not a name, not a song, 
nor even a tradition of them would be left on 
earth, their feelings mii-^t have been gloomy in 
the extreme. The idea of annihilation issaid to 
be even more painful than thoughts of a misera- 
ble existence. IJut vk turn from such melancholy 
reflections with hopes blooming with immor- 
tality. The nKMital and moral culture which 
we enjoy with the blessings of the j)en and the 
press, inspire in ;is the pleasing reflection that 
though .lur individual names may not be noted 
centuries to come, yet our race will be known 
on the page of history, and our institutions and 
the monuments we leave behind of our intelli- 
gence and wisdom, which we trust will continue 
to improve our race as they descend the stream 
of time, will bless the world, and we shall not 
have lived in vain. One object, and tiie great 
object of this asssociation is to preserve from 
oblivion those scraps of history which are fast 
passing into forgetfulness, and by embodying 
them into a history, transmit to posterity not 
only our name, as a people, but also such facts. 



snatched from the destructive hand of time, as 
will cast some light, the best we have, on the 
past history of the State; and though we have 
not omniscience and cannot solve the historic 
problems of the past to our entire satisfaction, 
yet we can do much for the infoimation of 
ourselves and of our fellow-men, and thus dis- 
charge a debt we owe to others for the benefits 
we have derived from histories of other 
countries and other times. 

ANCIENT EARTHWORKS IN THE BASIN OF THE 

VFISCONSIN. 

[From Lapbam's "Antiquities of Wisconsin."] 

The Wisconsin river is the largest stream 
within the State, having its source on the 
boundary line between Wisconsin and 
Michigan, in a small sheet of water known as 
"Lac Vieux Desert," and running into the 
Mississippi at Prairie du Chien. Its general 
course is nearly south as far as the Winnebago 
portage, where it almost unites with the Nee- 
nah. At this point it is suddenly deflected to- 
wards the southwest and west. Its length 
cannot be less than 400 miles, and it has an 
aggregate descent of about 900 feet, or two and 
a quarter feet per mile. It drains an area of 
about 1,100 square miles. The valley of this 
fine stream, from Winnebago portage to its 
juiu^tion with the Mississippi, may be deemed the 
great central seat of ]io])ulation at the time of 
the erection of the animal-sluiped earthworks; 
at least we must so infer from their comparative 
abundance and im|)orlance along that valley. 

The first published notice of the mounds in 
the valley of the Wisconsin, is in the narrative 
of Long's Second Expedition, in 1823. It is 
here stated that "one of the block-houses of 
the fort (at Prairie du Chien) is situated on a 
large mound, which ai)pears to be artificial. It 
w:is excavated; but we have not heard that any 
bones or other remains were found in it." 

Mr. Alfred IJrunson, in a paper on the "An- 
cient Mounds of Crawford county, Wisconsin," . 
read before the State Historical Society, re- 
marks that another similar one formerly ex- 



92 



HISTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



isted on the prairie, now removed; but no evi- 
dences of the design of their erection were 
found — nothing was observed but bones, 
rifles, etc., of recent interment. 

"One mound, standing in a group at the 
southwest angle of this prairie, has a base of 
some fifty feet, and is about ten feet high, on 
an eminence of about the same elevation 
From lis top can be seen to advantage the ex- 
tensive low bottom lands which lie between the 
Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers; and were it 
not for the timber on the margin of the two 
rivers, their flowing currents could also be 
seen for some distance. Tliis circumstance 
induces the belief that it was built for a kind 
of watch-tower, or look-out place, to watch the 
approach of enemies." 

Trace of mounds were discovered by me (in 
1852) along the whole e.Ytent of the prairie, 
apparently similar to others found in the vi- 
cinity; but fr^m cultivation, and the light 
sandy nature of the materials, they are now 
almost entirely obliterated. Tlie large round 
tumuli, situated along the island between the 
"slough" and the main channel of the Missis- 
sippi, are so near the level of the river that their 
bases are often washed by the floods. In 1S26, 
at the highest known floods, (it being eight 
feet higher than the high water of 1832, and 
about twenty-six feet above the lowest stage,) 
the mounds were all that could be seen of this 
island above the water. These were doubtless 
for burial, and of less age than the more elab- 
orate works in the interior of the country. 

Below the town and fort, towards the month 
of the Wisconsin, are similar tumuli, equally 
subject to overflow ; and on the high bluffs 
south of that river are some look-out stations or 
mounds. 

Advantage is taken of these elevations for the 
foundations of the better class of dwelling 
houses, above the reach of high water ; being, 
. perhaps, the only instance in which the ancient 
works are rendered useful to the present inhab- 
itants. In general it is deemed necessary to 



remove them, as incumbrances, rather than to 
preserve them as matters of convenience. 

Some traces of a ditch and embankments ob- 
served on the island, evidently of a military 
character, proved, on inquiry, to be the remains 
of the original American fort that was taken 
by the British in the War of 1812. 

It is quite clear that this interesting place 
has been a favorite one with all the different 
tribes or races of inhabitants, from the days of 
the first mound builders to the present time ; 
and the construction of a railroad (soon to be 
completed) connecting this point with Lake 
Michigan, at Milwaukee, will doubtless render 
it one of the greatest importance. 

Proceeding up the Wisconsin, the first local- 
ity requiring notice is called by the French the 
Petit Caj) (ui Gres ; wliich was visited by 
Messrs. Keating, Say and Seymour, of Long's 
exploring party, and of which the following 
account is given : "They found the bluff which 
borders on the Wisconsin, about four miles 
above its mouth, covered with mounds, para- 
pets, etc. ; but no plan or system could be ob- 
served among them, neither could they trace 
any such thing as a regular inclosure. Among 
tliese works they saw an embankment about 
eighty-five yards long, divided towards its mid- 
dle by a sort of gateway about four yards wide. 
This parapet was elevated from three to four 
feet ; it stood very near to the edge of the 
bluff, as did also almost all the other embank- 
ments which they saw. No connection what- 
ever was observed between the parapets and 
the mounds, except in one case, where a parapet 
was cut off by a sort of gateway and a mound 
placed in front of it. In one instance the 
works, or parapet, seemed to form a cross, of 
which three parts could be distinctly traced ; 
but these were short ; this was upon a project- 
ing point of the highland. The mounds which 
the party observed were (Scattered without any 
apparent symmetry over the whole of the ridge 
of highland which borders upon the river. 
They were very numerous, and generally from 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



93 



six to eight feet high, and from eight to twelve 
in diameter. In one case a number of them, 
amounting perhaps to twelve or fifteen, were 
seen all arranged in one line, t arallel to the 
edge of the bluff, but at some distance from it. 

Mr. Brunson, in a paper read before the Min- 
isterial Association of the Methodist Church, 
held at Viroqua, Sept. 7, 1858, says : 

"History is among the most pleasing and en- 
tertaining of human studies. By itwe converse 
and become familiar wiih men and things of 
ages long in the past, and live, as it were, from 
the beginning of time to the present hour; but 
we cannot extend our researches into the future. 
History relates to the past. Prophecy to the 
future. 

"History embraces the biography of men and 
Nations; their ups and downs, rise and fall, 
detailing the incidents which have been, the 
changes which liave occurred, the improvements 
which have been made, and when known, the 
reasons therefor, which is the ^^A/teo^Ay of 
history. 

"There are, however, many things of interest 
on the face of the earth of which we have no 
history, for the reason that none has reached 
us, if any was ever written; of such we can only 
draw inferences of their causes from the effects 
which lie before us. Such is the case in refer- 
ence to the ancient tumuli which abound to an 
unknown extent in the western Slates, but in 
none of them more numerously than in oui- own. 

'■'riieir forms, and the materials of which 
they are made, clearly indicate tlie work of 
liuman liands, and intelligence and design on 
the part of the builders. The forts and fortifi- 
cations indicate the existence of wars among 
tliem, and that the combatants had more or less 
knowledge of military Mcicnce. In some of 
them the existence of st)mething like brick or 
pottery indicates some advances in the arts of 
civilization, much more so than anything found 
among the aborigines which the Anglo-Saxon 
race found in the country. But the present 
race of Indians have no traditions of the people 



who made these mounds, nor of the design for 
which they were built. 

"The age in which these builders lived, or 
the distance of time from the present, is inferred 
from the age of trees found growing in the 
mounds, some of which, from their annual 
rings, are supposed to be 400 years old. But 
who were the builders, whence they came, 
whither they went, or by what means they be- 
came extinct, lies in the impenetrable darkness 
of the past, and is not likely to be known in 
time. But there is an interest excited in the 
mind on seeing these ancient works, a written 
history of which would highly gratify, if it 
were authentic, or believed so to be. This 
interest in us shows the duty to the future, to 
record what we know of the past or present, for 
its edification, as we would that others should 
have done unto us, even so we should do to 
those who are to follow us. 

"As the matter relative to these mounds now 
stands, conjecture alone can answer the inquiries 
of the antiquarian, which in most cases is as un- 
satisfactory as the total darkness in which the 
history of those times is now enveloped. Some 
have thought that these mounds were thrown 
up as monuments over the distinguished dead, 
and have inferred this from the fact that in 
some of them relics have been found. But as 
the most and the largest of them, on examina- 
tion, are found to contain no such remains, the 
inference is not well founded. 

"That human bones and Lulian relics have 
been found in some of them of late years is no 
[iroof that they were erected for places of in- 
terment; for since the whites have been in the 
country, our modern Indians have been in the 
habit, more or less, of i)uryini; their dead in 
them, and frequently guns, axes, kettles, etc., 
have been found with the bones — and some- 
times without them — which shows that the in- 
terment took place since the whites came to the 
continent, and the fact that such metallic sub- 
stances have been found without the bones, 
shows that if men were buried there at first, 



94 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



their bones could not have continuetl in a state 
of preservation until this time. 

"It is worthy of remark that while in Ohio 
the most pi'ominent of these tumuli were forts 
or fortifications in Wisconsin, but few of that 
description are found. I can now call to mind 
but one such, that at Aztalan, and in traveling 
extensively in the State for twenty-two years, I 
have noticed but few of these mounds south of 
a line drawn east from the mouth of the Wis- 
consin river to the lake, while north of this line 
and between the Wisconsin and Mississippi 
rivers there are probably 1,000 of them. In 
Crawford county alone there are at least 500, 
100 of which can be found in the towns of 
Prairie du Chien and Wauzeka. 

"The evidences of ancient mining found in 
the Lake Superior copper region, with trees on 
them of 400 years' growth or more, indicating 
some degree of intelligence and skill, makes it 
probable that those mines were wrought by the 
same race of people who made the mounds, and 
at about the same time; and yet, there being no 
copper relics found in these mounds, makes it 
probable that either they had no commerce 
with each other, or that they were few in num- 
ber and emigrated from place to place, to 
avoid their pursuing enemies, and that those 
mines were their last retreat, from which they 
disappeared from this country, either by emi- 
gration or by being destroyed. The latier, I 
think, is the most probable." 

OF THE INDIANS. 

The earliest record we have of the occupa- 
tion of Crawford county and contiguous ter- 
ritory, by the Indians, is that given on the map 
of Samuel Champlain, dated in lo32. It is 
there seen that reports had reached the ears of 
the French upon the waters of the St. Lawrence, 
of a great river to the westward of Lake Huron 
and to the southward of Lake Superior, but 
which it was said flowed north into the lake 
last mentioned. This was a vague account of 
the Mississippi. Upon that river are located 



savages, which, probably, were those afterward 
known as 

THE SIOUX. 

Bands of this Nation occupied the whole 
country immediately north of the Wisconsin 
and adjacent to the Mississippi. It is not 
known that they had any village within what 
is now Crawford county; but this region was, 
probably, their hunting grounds, if they did 
not actually occupy it with their wigwams. 

It was known to the French, also, before 
any white man had ever set foot upon any part 
of Wisconsin or the northwest, that these Sioux 
were in the habit of going in their canoes to 
trade with the Winnebagoes, who were located 
at that time (before 1634) around Lake Winne- 
bago. Farther than this, no knowledge had 
been gained of these savages. Not many 
years afterward they must have withdrawn 
I farther up the Mississippi, leaving the country 
upon and down this river for some distance 
from the mouth of the Wisconsin, without 
inhabitants. At this time, the nearest savages 
eastward, were the Kickapoos, Miamis and 
Mascoutins, who were located on Fox river 
above Lake Winnebago. Such was the case in 
1634, when John Nicolet, the first man to 
explore the present State of Wisconsin, reached 
that river. 

"The first inhabitants of this region," says the 
Rev. Alfred IJrunson, "included in the original 
county of Crawford, of whom we have any 
knowledge, except from ancient tumuli, were 
the Dakota or Sioux Indians. The builders of 
those tumuli are so far lost in the past, that no 
pretence is made to a history of them, except 
in the pretended visions of Joe Smith, in his 
so called Golden Bible. When the French 
missionaries and traders from Canada first 
visited the country south of Lake Superior, 
east of the Mississippi, and north and west of 
the Wisconsin, the Sioux were the lords of the 
soil. 

"I learned from the Chippewas at La Pointe, 
when I was agent for the United States among 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



95 



them in 1842-3, tliat previous to their crossing 
Lake Superior to settle upon its southern shores, 
the Sioux occupied the whole country south of 
it, and as far east, at least, as Ke-\ve-wa-non 
Bay, then called Che-goi-me-gon; for there, in 
1661, it seems they captured and killed the 
missionary Rene Mesnard, whose cassock and 
breviary were afterwards found among the 
Sioux, kept by them as amulets." * 

THE SACS AND FOXES 

What is now Crawford county and its surround- 
ing country remained a derelict region until 
finally the Sacs and Foxes from the east came to 
Fox river and then moved westward to the 
Wisconsin. Of all the tribes who have inhab- 
ited this State, they are the most noted. The 
Sacs were sometimes called Sauks or Saukies 
and the Foxes were frequently known as the 
Outagamies. They are of the Algonquin 
family, and are first mentioned in 1665, by 
Father Allouez, but as separate tribes. After- 
ward, however, because of the identity of their 
language, and their associations, they were and 
still are considered one Nation. In December, 
1669, Allouez found upon the shores of Green 
bay a village of Sacs, occupied also by members 
of otiier tribes, and early in 1670 he visited a 
village of llie same Indians located upon the Fox 
river of Green bay, at a distance of four leagues 
from its mouth. Here a device of these In- 
dians for catching fish arrested the attention 
of th(^ missionary. " From one side of the 
river to the other," he writes, "they made a 
barricade, planting great stakes, two fatiioms 
from the water, in such a manner that there is, 
as it were, a bridge above for the fishes, who by 
the aid of a little bow-net, easily take sturgeons 
and all other kinds of fish which this pier stops, 
alihough the water does not cease to flow be- 
tween the stakes." When the Jesuit father first 
obtained, five years jirevious, a knowledge of 
this tribe, they were repre.-'entcd as savage 

above all others, great in numbers, and without 

any ]>ennanent dwelling place. The Foxes 

• Bancroft's history of the United States, Vol. 3, P. 117. 



were of two stocks — one calling themselves 
Outagamies or Foxes, whence our English 
name ; the other, Wusquakink, or men of red 
clay, the name now used by the tribe. They 
lived in early times with their kindred the 
Sacs east of Detroit, and as some say, near the 
St. Lawrence. They were driven west, and 
settled at Saginaw, a name derived from the 
Sacs. Thence they were forced by the Iro- 
quois to Green bay ; but were compelled to 
leave that place and settle on Fox river. 

Allouez, on the •24tli of April, 1670, arrived 
at a village of the Foxes, situated on Wolf 
river, a northern tributary of the Fox. "The 
Nation," he declares, "is renowned for being 
numerous ; they have more than 400 men bear- 
ing arms ; the number of women and children 
is greater, on account of polygamy which ex- 
ists among them- — each man having commonly 
four wives, some of them six, and others as high 
as ten." The missionary found that the Foxes 
had retreated to those parts to escape the perse- 
cutions of the Iroquois. Allouez established 
among these Indians his Mission of St. Mark, 
rejoicing in the fact that in less than two yeais 
he had baptized "sixty children and some 
adults." The Foxes, at the summons of De la 
Barre, in 1684, sent warriors against the Five 
Nations. They also took part in Denonville's 
more serious campaign ; but soon after became 
hostile to the French. As early as 1693, they 
iiad plundered several on their way to trade 
with the Sioux, alleging that they were carry- 
ing arms and ammunitions to their ancient ene- 
mies frequently causing them to make port- 
ages to the southward in crossing from Lake 
Michigan to the Mississi])p). Afterward they 
became reconciled to the French ; but the rec- 
onciliation was of short duration. In 1712, 
Fort Detroit, then defended by only a handful 
of men, was attacked by them in Conjui ction 
with the Mascoutins and Kickapoos. However, 
in the end, by calling in friendly Indians, the 
garrison not only protected themselves but 



96 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



were enabled to act on the offensive, destroying 
the greater part of the besieging force. 

The Nation continued their ill will to the 
French. The consequence was that their terri- 
tory in 1716 had been invaded and they were 
reduced to sue for peace. But their friendship 
was not of long continuance. In 1718 the Foxes 
numbered 500 men and "abounded in women 
and children." They are spoken of at that date 
as being very industrious, raising large quanti- 
ties of Indian corn. In 1728 another expedition 
was sent against them by the French. Mean- 
while the Menomonees had also become hostile; 
so, too, the Sacs, who were now the allies of 
the Foxes. The result of the enterprise was, 
an attack upon and the defeat of a number of 
Monomonees ; the burning of the wigwams of 
the Winnebagoes (after passing the deserted 
village of the Sacs upon the Fox river), that 
tribe, also, at this date being hostile ; and the 
destruction of the fields of the Foxes. Tliey 
were again attacked in their own country by 
the French, in 1730, and defeated. In 1734 
both the Sacs and Foxes came in conflict with 
the same foe ; but this time the French were 
not as successful as on previous expeditions. 
In 1730 the Sacs and Foxes were "connected 
with the government of Canada ;" but it is 
certain they were far from being friendly to 
the French. 

The conflict between France and Great Brit- 
ain, -commencing in 1754, found the Sacs and 
Foxes allied with the former power, against the 
English, although not long previous to this time 
they were the bitter enemies of the Frencli. At 
the close of that contest so disastrous to the in- 
terests of France in North America, these tribes 
readily gave in their adhesion to the conquerors, 
asking that English traders might be sent them. 
The two Nations, then about equally divided, 
numbered, in 1761, about 700 warriors. Neither 
of the tribes took part in Pontiac's war, but they 
befriended the English. The Sacs had emigrated 
farther to the westward; but the Foxes, at :east 
a portion of them, still remained upon the wa- 



ters of the river of Green bay, which perpet- 
uates their name. A few years later, however, 
and the former were occupants of the upper 
Wisconsin ; also to a considerable distance be- 
low the portage, where their chief town was 
located. Further down the same stream was 
the upper village of the Foxes, while tlieir lower 
one was situated near its mouth at the site of 
the present city of Prairie du Cliien. At this 
date, 1766, and even later,whatis now Crawford 
county, was within the territory claimed as 
theirs. Gradually, however, they retreated 
down the Mississippi until, before the close of 
the century all their possessions in what is now 
Wisconsin, was in the extreme southwest. They 
no longer had their hunting grounds to the 
northward of the Wisconsin river. Another 
tribe had, as it were, crowded them out. 

During the War of the Revolution, the Sacs 
and Foxes continued the firm friends of the 
English. In 1804 they ceded their lands south 
of the Wisconsin river to the United States ; 
so that they no longer were owners of any lands 
within this State. From that date, therefore, 
these allied tribes cannot be considered as be- 
longing to the Indian Nations of Wisconsin. 
They were generally friendly to Great Britain 
during the War of 181V-15, but they soon made 
peace with the United States after that contest 
ended. A striking episode in their subsequent 
history is the Black Hawk War, which will be 
narrated in a subsequent chapter. The exact 
date of the Foxes leaving the Wisconsin river 
country is unknown. They sold the prairie at 
the mouth of that stream to some Canadian 
French traders, in 1781, and subsequently vaca- 
ted their village. Probably about the begin- 
ning of the present century they had al)andoned 
this region as their home, although they long 
after visited it for the purposes of trade. 

WHY THE FOX INDIANS LEFT THE LOWER WIS- 
CONSIN. 
[By Jonathan Carver.] 

On the 8th of October, (1766), we got our 
canoes into the Ouisconsin river, which at this 
place is more than a hundred yards wide and 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



97 



the next day arrived at the great town of the 
Saukies. This is the largest and best built 
Indian town I ever saw. It contains about 
ninety houses, each large enough for several 
families. These are built of hewn plank, neatly 
jointed and covered with bark, so compactly 
as to keep out the most penetrating rains. Be- 
fore the doors are placed comfortable sheds, in 
which the inhabitants sit, when the weather 
will permit, and smoke their pipes. The streets 
are regular and spacious, so that it appears more 
like a civilized town than the abode of savages. 
The land near the town is very good. On their 
plantations, which lie adjacent to their houses, 
and which are neatly laid out, they raise quan- 
tities of Indian corn, beans, melons, etc., so 
that this place is esteemed the best market for 
traders to furnish themselves with provisions 
of any within 800 miles of it. 

The ?aukies can raise about 300 warriors, who 
are generally emjiloyf d every summer in mak- 
ing excursions into the territories of the Illi- 
nois and Pawnee Nations, from whence they 
return with a great number of slaves. But 
those people frequently retaliate, and, in their 
turn, destroy many of the Saukies, which I 
judge to be the reason why they increase no 
faster. 

Whilst 1 stayed here I took a view of some 
mountains, (Blue Mounds), that lay about fifteen 
miles to the southward, and al>ounded in lead 
ore. I ascended one of the highest of these, 
and li:id an extensive view of the country. For 
nianv miles nothing was to be seen but lesser 
mountains, which appeared at a distance like 
liaycocks, they being free from trees. Only a 
few groves of hickory and stunted oaks, covered 
some of the valleys. 

So plentiful is lead here that I saw large 
quantities of it lying about the streets in the 
town belonging to the Saukies, and it seemed to 
be as good as the produce of other countries. 
On the 10th of October we proceeded down 
the river, and the next day reached the first 
town of the Outagaraies, This town contained 



about fifty houses, but we found most of them 
deserted, on account of an epidemical disorder 
that had lately raged among them, and carried 
off more than one half of the inhabitants. -The 
greater part of those who survived had retired 
into the woods to avoid the contagion. 

On the 15th we entered that extensive river, 
the Mississippi. The Otnsconsin, from the car- 
rying place to the part where it falls into the 
Mississippi, flows with a smooth but strong cur- 
rent ; the water of it is exceedingly clear, and 
through it you may perceive a fine and sandy 
bottom, tolerably free from rocks. In it are a 
few islands, the soil of which appeared to be 
good, though somewhat woodj. The land near 
the river also seemed to be, in general, excel- 
lent; but that at a distance is very fidl of moun- 
tains, where, it is said, there are many lead 
mines. 

About five miles from the junction of the 
rivers I observed the ruins of a large town, in 
a very pleasing situation. On in(juiring of the 
neighboring Indians why it was thus deserted, I 
was informed that, about thirty years ago, the 
Great Spirit appeared on the top of a pyramid 
of rocks, which lay at a little distance from it 
toward the west, and warned them to quit their 
habitations ; for the land on which they were 
built belonged to liim, and be had occasion 
for it. As a proof that he, who gave them these 
orders, was really the Great Spirit, he further 
told them that the grass should immediately 
spring up on those very rocks from whence he 
now addressed them, which they knew to be 
bare and banen. The Indians obeyed, and soon 
after discovered that this miraculous alteration 
had taken place, 'l^hey showed me the sj)0t, 
but the growth of the grass appeared to be no 
ways supernatural. I apprehended this to have 
been a stratagem of the French or S])aniards to 
answer some selfish view ; but in what manner 
they effected their pur])ose I know not. This 
people, soon after their removal, built a town 
on the bank of the Mi88i8sip])i, ne.ir the mouth 
of the Ouisconsin, at a place called by the 



98 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



French Les Prairies les Chiens, which signifies 
the Dog Plains ; it is a large town and contains 
about 300 families ; the houses are well built, 
after the Indian manner, and pleasantly situated 
on a very rich soil, from which they raise every 
necessary of life in great abundance. I saw here 
many horses of a good size and shape. This 
town is a great mart, where all the adjacent 
tribes, and even those who inhabit the most re- 
mote branches of the Mississippi, annually as- 
semble about the latter end of May, bringing 
with them their furs to dispose of to the traders. 
But it is not always that they conclude their 
sale here ; this is determined by a general coun- 
cil of the chiefs, who consult whether it would 
be more conducive to their interests to sell their 
goods at this place, or carry them on to Louisi- 
ana or Michiilimackinac ; according to the de- 
cision of this council, they either proceed far- 
ther or return to their different homes. 

The Mississippi, at the entrance of the Ouis- 
consin, near which stands a mountain of con- 
siderable height, is about half a mile over ; but 
opposite to the last mentioned town, it appears 
to be more than a mile wide and full ot 
islands, the soil of which is extraordinarily rich 
and but thinly wooded. 

CO.VCERNING THE FOX INDIANS. 
[By Schoolcraft, 1820.] 

The first we hear of these people (the Foxes) 
is from early missionaries of New France, who 
call them, in a list drawn up for the govern- 
ment in 1V36, "Gens du Sang" and Miskaukis. 
The latter I found to be the name they apply to 
themselves. We get nothing, however, by it. 
It means red earth, being a compound from 
■ni'isk-icau, red, and cmkie, earth. They are a 
branch of the great Algonquin family. The 
French, who formed a bad opinion of them 
as their history opened, bestowed on them the 
name of Renouard, from which we derive their 
long standing popular name. Their traditions 
attribute their origin to eastern portions of 
America. Mr. Gates, who acted as my inter- 
preter and is well acquainted with their lan- 



guages and customs, informs me that their tradi- 
tions refer to their residence on the north banks 
of the St. Lawrence, near the ancient cataraqui. 
They appear to have been a very erratic, 
spirited, warlike and treacherous tribe, dwelling 
but a short time at a spot, and pushing west- 
ward as their affairs led them, till they finally 
reached the Mississippi, which they must have 
crossed after 1766, for Carver found them liv- 
ing in villages on the Wisconsin. At Saginaw 
they appeared to have formed a fast alliance 
with the Sauks, a tribe to whom they are closely 
allied by language and history. They figure in 
the history of Indian events about old Michili- 
mackinac, where they played pranks under the 
not very definite title of Muscodainsug, but are 
first conspicuously noted while they dwelt on 
the river bearing their name, which falls into 
Green bay, Wisconsin.* The Chippewas, with 
whom they have strong affinity of language, 
call them Outagamie, and ever deemed them a 
sanguinary and unreliable tribe. The French 
defeated them in a sanguinary battle at Butte 
de Mort, and by this defeat drove them from 
Fox River. 

Their present numbers cannot be accurately 
given. I was informed that the village I visited 
contained 250 souls. They have a large village 
at Rock Island, where the Foxes and Sauks 
live together, which consistsof sixty lodges, and 
numbers 300 souls. One-half of these may be 
Sauks. 'I'hey have another village at the mouth 
of Turkey river ; altogether they may muster 
from 460 to 500 souls. \ et, they are at war 
with most of the tribes around them, except 
the lowas, Sauks and Kickapoos. They are en- 
gaged in a deadly and apparently successful 
war against the Sioux tribes. They recently 
killed nine men of that Na-tion, on the Terre 
Blue river, and a party of twenty men are now 
absent, in the same direction, under a half-breed 
named Morgan. They are on bad terms with 
the Osages and Pawnees, of the Missouri, and 



*Thi8 name was first applied to a territory in 1836. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



09 



not on the best terms with their neighbors, the 
Winnebagoes. 

I again embarked at 4 o'clock a. m. (sUi). My 
men were stout fellows, and worked witli hearty 
will, and it was thought possilile to reach the 
prairie during the day by hard and late push- 
ing We passed Turkey river at 2 o'clock, and 
they boldly plied their paddles, sometimes ani- 
mating their labors with a song; but the 
Mississippi proved too stout for us, and some- 
time after night-fall we put ashore on an 
island, before reaching the Wisconsin. 

In ascending the river this day, I observed the 
pelican, which exhibited itself in a flock stand- 
ing on a low sandy spot of an island This 
bird has a clumsy and unwieldy look, from the 
du)ilicate membrane attached to its lower 
niandible, which is constructed so as when 
inflated to give it a bag-like appearance. A 
shoit sleep served to restore the men, and we 
were again in our canoes the next morning 
(9th) before I could certainly tell tlie time by 
my watch. I'ayligiit had not yet broke when 
we passeil the influx of the Wisconsin, and we 
reached the prairie under a full chorus and 
landed at 6 o'clock. 

INDIAN CON'FLICTS WITHIN THE COUNTY. 

The various tribes, in visiting the "])rairi('," 
or in passing up and down the Mississippi, 
sometimes came in deadly conflict within the 
present limits of this county, since the first set- 
tlement iiere by white men — the result, in many 
case-*, of ancient hostilities existing between 
them. Two writers have well described some 
of tliese conflicts, and their accounts arc ap- 
pended. 

WAR BKTWEE.V TUE SACS AND FOXES AND THE 

SIOUX. 

[I.— ny Mrs H. S. Baird, or Green Day] 

During tlie first lialf of the present century, 

there existed between diflFcrcnt Indian tribes of 

the north and west, a succession of sanguinary 

wars. The conflicts between the contending 

partie^ were marked by the characteristic traits 

of cruelty and ferocity of a barbarous race. 



The tribes engaged in these hostilities were the 
Sioux, Chippe" as, Sacs, Foxes and Winneba- 
goes. Their battles were not always fought in 
their own country, nor on t' eir own lands. 
Whenever and wherever a hostile ]iarly met, a 
contest was sure to be the result; and many 
incidents connected with this warfare were 
observed by the early settlers of Wisconsin, one 
of which I witnessed, and will relate. 

In the month of May, 1830, with my family, 
F visited Prairie dii Chien, on the Mississippi; 
we were guests of the late Joseph Rolette, 
then a trader, and agent of the American Fur 
Company. One evening, a few days after our 
arrival, we were startled by hearing the con- 
tinual and successive reports of fire-arras, ap- 
parently on the Mississippi below. The firing 
continued for an hour or more, and was suc- 
ceeded by sounds of Indian drums and savage 
j'ells, with an occasional discharge of guns. 

The family having retired at the usual time, 
were aroused from their slumbers about mid- 
night by hearing foot-steps on the piazza, con- 
versation in the Indian language, and finally by 
knocking on the door and window shutters. 
Mr. Rolette immediately arose and went out to 
ascertain the cause of the disturbance, when he 
was informed that a l)loody battle had been 
fought, and the visitors were the victors, and 
had called up their trader to inform him of 
their victory, and to obtain the necessary spirit 
water to celebrate the glorious event in regular 
savage style. Their wants were supplied, of 
course, when tliey took their leave, but not to 
sleep; neither could we sleep, as the warriors 
kept up through the night a most horrible pow- 
wow, enlivened by savage yells, all plainly 
within our hearing. 

In the morning we heard the particulars of 
the savage fight, and during the day witnessed 
one of the most disgusting and revolting exhi- 
bitions that human beings could display. 

On the day before the battle, or rather mas- 
sacre, a war party of some twenty or twenty- 
five Sioux encamped on an island opposite 



100 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Praii-ie du Chien. They were there joined by 
a few Menomonees, who volunteered to assist 
their friends, the Sioux. It appears that the 
latter had previously received information that 
on that day a party of Sacs and Foxes, their 
inveterate enemies, would leave their village, 
situated on the Mississippi, some distance below 
Prairie du Chien, intending to visit the latter 
place ; and that they would encamp for the 
night at a regular camping ground, near the 
mouth of the Wisconsin river. 

In the afternoon of that day, the Sioux war 
party embarked in several canoes, and descend- 
ed the river. Arriving near the spot where 
they knew their intended victims would en- 
camp, they drew their canoes on land, and care- 
fully hid them in the thick woods, and then 
selected a spot covered with a dense growth of 
bushes, and within a short gun-shot of the 
landing place on the camping ground. Here, 
with true Indian cunning, they lay in ambush, 
awaiting the arrival of the unsuspecting Sacs 
and Foxes. No fire was made, and the still- 
ness of death reigned in the forest. Nor had 
they long to wait for the arrival of their foes. 

Between sunset and dark, the party, in three 
or four canoes, arrived at the fatal landing 
place, and dis-embarked. It consisted of 
eighteen persons, one old chief, one squaw, one 
boy about fourteen years old and fifteen 
warriors. Upon landing, the party commenced 
unloading the canoes. The concealed war 
party remained perfectly quiet, scarcely breath- 
ing, so that their victims might be completely 
surprised. After all had landed, and while 
carrying their effects on shore, leaving their 
guns and war-clubs in the canoes, the party in 
ambush bounded to their feet, with a horrible 
yell, and fired a murderous volley at the sur- 
prised party, by which all fell except one man 
and the boy. The former reached a canoe, 
seized a loaded gun, and discharged it, mortally 
wounding one of the Sioux ; but the poor Sac 
was soon despatched, and the only one of the 
eighteen who survived was the boy, who hap- 



pened to be in a canoe. He seized a paddle, 
pushed into the stream, and made his escape 
down the swift current of the river. 

After the massacre, all who yet breathed 
were despatched, and horribly mutilated. 
Hands, feet, fingers, ears and scalps were out 
off, and more horrible still, the heart of the 
aged chief was cut from his breast, and all 
taken by the victors as trophies of the bloody 
conflict. 

On the day succeeding the murder, the victo- 
rious party assembled, and accompanied by a 
few squaws, paraded the streets of Prairie du 
Chien, with the monotonous sounding drum 
•and rattle, and displaying on poles the scalps 
and dismembered human fragments taken from 
the bodies of their victims. The whole party 
was painted with various colors, wore feathers, 
and carried their tomahawks, war-clubs and 
scalping-knives. Stopping in front of the 
principal houses in the village, they danced the 
war-dance and scalp-dance, ending with yells 
characteristic of incarnate devils. 

The mangled limbs were still fresh and bleed- 
ing; one old squaw had carried on a pole the 
entire hand, with a long strip of skin from the 
arm of one of the murdered men, elevated above 
her head, the blood trickling down upon her 
hair and face, while she kept up the death-song, 
and joined in the scalp-dance. After this exhi- 
bition, which lasted two or three hours, the 
warriors went to a small mound, about 200 yards 
from Mr. Rolette's residence, and in plain sight 
made a fire and roasted the heart of the old 
murdered chief, and then divided it into small 
pieces among the several warriors, who devoured 
it, to inspire them wi'h courage, and "make 
their hearts glad." 

The whole scene was shocking and disgust- 
ing in the extreme, and such a one, we hope, 
never again will be witnessed in a civilized 
community. 

The incidents just related occurred in a town 
containing a civilized (?) population of 600 or 
800 inhabitants, under the walls of the U. S. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



101 



garrison, and within musket shot of the fort. 
Neitlier civil nor military authorities made any 
effort to prevent the exhibition of the revolting 
and savage trophies of the sanguinary battle. 
In the afternoon, the party of Sioux warriors 
enibarkeil in their canoes and ascended the Mis- 
sissippi, on their return to their own village, 
leaving on the minds and memories of those 
who witnessed these horrible and frantic orgies 
recollections not soon to be forgotten. 

11.— By James H. Lockwood. 
In 1830 a party of Sauks and Foxes killed 
some Sioux, on or about the head-waters of Red 
Cedar river, in the now State of Iowa; and the 
same season a band of Fox Indians, who resided 
about where Dubuque now is, had occasion to 
visit Prairie du Chien on business with the 
agent, whom they had previously informed that 
tliey would arrive on a certain day.' An Indian 
called the Kettle was their chief. It was gener- 
ally believed that John Marsh gave the Sioux 
information of the coming of the Foxes, and of 
the lime they were expected; and on the morn- 
ing of the day appointed for the arrival of ihe 
Foxes at Prairie du Chien, :i small war p:nty of 
young Sioux made their appearance here, and 
joined by a few of the Menoinonee young men, 
proceeded down the Mississijipi to the lower 
end of liie Prairie du Pierreaux, some twelve or 
tilleen miles below Prairie du Chien, where a 
narrow ciiannel of the Mississippi runs close to 
that end of the prairie, fringed with small trees, 
bushes and grass. They knew the custom of 
the Indians in going up stream to avail them- 
selves of all such side channels, as there was 
less current in them than in the broad river; 
and secreting themselves among the bushes, 
trees and grass, awaited their unsuspecting vic- 
tims. When the Foxes came within point 
blank shot, they all fired upon them, killing 
their chief Kettle and several others. The 
Foxes finding their chief killed, returned down 
the river to carry the news of their misfortunes 
to the tribe, while the Sioux and Menomonees 
returned home with the tidings of their victory 



and to dance over it. They passed through 
Prairie du Chien, and remained a short time 
here, but for some unaccountable reason, no no- 
tice whatever was taken of it. 

The signs of several war parties of the Foxes 
were reported to have been seen on the opposite 
side of the river during the year; but they ef- 
fected nothing until sometime, I think, in June, 
1831, when a considerable number of Menomo- 
nees had collected at Prairie du Chien, and en- 
camped on an island near the eastern shore of 
'the Mississippi, about one-fourth of a mile from 
the old Fort Crawford. They had obtained 
whisky enough for all to get socially drunk up- 
on — and it is rare to find a Menomonee who will 
not get drunk when he has a chance — and they 
had carried their revels far into the night, until 
men, women and children were beastly drunk. 
About two hours before day, a Fox war party, 
that had been watching their movements, fell 
upon them in that helpless state and killed 
about thirty of them. By this time some of the 
more sober of them were aroused, and com- 
menced firing upon the Foxes; who fled down 
the river, pursued a short distance by the Me- 
nomonees. 

Thomas P. Burnett, the sub-Indian agent, 
was sleeping with me in my store. It being veiy 
warm weather, we had made a bed of blankets 
on the counter, when about two hours before 
daylight, we were awakened l)y the cries of a 
Menomonee woman at the store door. We let 
her in, when she told us of the disaster to the 
Menomonees. Mr. Burnett took my horse and 
went to inform Gen. Street, the Indian agent, 
who lived about four miles above this, and who 
arrived about daylight and gave the first int'or- 
mation to the fort. Although liiere had been a 
great firing of guns and hallooing among the 
Indians, the sentinels had reported nothing of 
it to the officers; but on hearing of the affair, 
the commandant immediately dispatched a com- 
pany of men in boats after the Foxes, but they 
did not overtake them. The government de- 
manded of the Sauks to deliver up tht perpe- 



V 



102 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



trators of this deed. The Foxes fled to the 
Sauks, and their chief, Kettle, being dead, they 
remained among and amalgamated with them, 
and have not since continued a separate Nation 
or tribe. I have always believed this to be the 
origin of the Black Hawk War. There were, I 
suppose, other causes of discontent, but I believe 
that this transaction was the immediate cause 
of the movements of Black Hawk. 

III. — BY .JOHN H. FONDA. 

The same year, 1830, the Fox and Sauk In- 
dians killed some Sioux, at the head of Cedar 
river, in Iowa. Capt. Dick Mason* started 
with a number of troops for the scene of dis- 
turbance, and I went along as guide. We ar- 
rived at the place of the fight, found every- 
thing quiet and all we did was to turn about 
and go back the way we came. 

Soon after, the Sioux and a number of Monom- 
onees attacked a party of Sauks and Foxes at Prai 
du Pierreaux and killed some ten Indians, 
among whom was Kettle, the great Fox chief, f 

The Sauks and Foxes were coming up to a 
treaty unarmed, and the Sioux, made aware of 
this through their runners, got the Monomonees 
and laid in ambush on the east shore. The un 
suspecting Foxes were fired into from the am- 
buscade and their best warriors lost their 
scalps. 

After the fight the Monomonees and Sioux 
came up here to have a dance over the scalps. 
The Indians presented a horrid appearance. 
They were painted for war and had smeared 
themselves with blood and carried the fresh 
scalps on poles. Some had cut off a head and 
thrust a stick in the throttle and held it on high; 
some carried a hand, arm, leg or some other 
portion of a body, as trophies of their success. 
They commenced to dance near the mound over 
the slough, but Col. Taylor soon stopped that 



* Hichard B. Mason, a native of Virginia, was a 1st lieu- 
tenant in 1817, captain in 1819; served in the Ulack Hawlf 
War; major of drag:oons in 183J?, lieutenant-colonel in 1H3H 
and colonel in 1846. He commanded the forces in California 
and was e-x-othcio governor 1847-48; brevetted briM'fldier-gen- 
eral and died at Jefferson Barracks. Mo., July !I5, 1850. 



+ This was in 1830. 



by driving them across the main channel on to 
the islands, where they danced until their own 
scalps went to grace the wigwams of the Sauks 
and Foxes. 

In April of 1831, I was in the hospital at 
Fort Crawford, when, through the influence of 
Col. Taylor and Dr. Beaumont, I got my dis- 
charge. When I was convalescent, which 
was about June, a war party of Sauk and Fox 
Indians came up from their part of the country 
to the bluff north of Bloody Run, from where 
they watched the Monomonees, who were en- 
camped on an island opposite Prairie du Chien, 
a little north of the old fort. One night the 
Monomonee camp was surprised by the Fox and 
Sauk war party, and all in the camp killed ex- 
cept an Indian boy, who picked up a gun and 
shot a Fox brave through the heart and escaped. 
After massacreing, scalping and mutilating the 
bodies, the Fox Indians got into canoes and 
paddled down the river past the fort, singing 
their war song and boasting of their exploits- 
Soldiers were sent to punish them, but I believe 
they failed to catch them. In the morning I 
helped to bury those killed. There were 
twenty-seven bodies, all killed with the knife 
and tomahawk, except the Fox brave shot by 
the boy. They were buried in three graves on 
the landing below the present Fort Crawford, 
and until within a f^w years the spot was 
marked by a small muslin flag kept standing by 
the few Monomonees who lingered in this vicin- 
ity; but nothing is now left 'to preserve the graves 
from sacrilege, and soon the iron horse will 
course o'er the bones of those red men, 
long since gone to their happy hunting grounds. 

After the Monomonee massacre, a warrior of 
that tribe was found in the old Catholic grave- 
yard and buried. He had no wounds and it is 
thought that when the Foxes attacked the Indi- 
ans on the island, he got away and ran so fast 
that he had to lean against the wall to rest, and 
that he rolled over and died. 

The Indian agency was removed this year to 
Yellow River and the Rev. Mr. Lowrey ap- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



103 



pointed agent. It was afterwards removed to 
Fori Atkinson, Iowa. The mission buildings 
can be seen now on Yellow river, about five 
miles from its mouth. 

THE WINNEBAGOKS. 

The. Nation which displaced the Sacs and 
Foxes upon the Wisconsin river an4 its contig- 
uous territory, including what is now Vernon 
county, was the VVinnebagoes. It is now 250 
years since the civilized world began to get a 
knowledge of the Winnebagoes — the "men of 
the sea,'' as they were called, pointing, possibly, 
to their early emigration from the shores of the 
Me,xican gulf, or the Pacific. The territory 
now included within the limits of Wisconsin, 
and so much of the Stale of Michigan as lies 
north of Green bay. Lake Michigan, the Straits 
of Mackinaw and Lake Huron were, in early 
times, inhabiletl by several tribes of the Algon- 
quin race, forming a barrier to the Dakotas, or 
Sioux, who had advanced eastward to the Mis- 
si8»ii)i)i. lint the Winnebagoes, although one 
of liie tribes belonging to tlie family of the 
latter, had passed llie great river, at some un- 
known period, and settled ujion Winnebago 
lake. Here, as early as 1034, they were visited 
by Jiihn Xicolet, an agent of France, and a 
treaty concluded with them Little more was 
luard of the Winnebagoes for the next ihirty- 
tive year.s, when, on the 2d of December, 1669, 
some of that Nation were seen at a Sac village 
on Green bay, by Father Allouez. 

As early at least as 1670, the French were ac- 
tively engaged among the Winnebagoes trading. 
'■We found affairs," says one of the Jesuit mis- 
sionaries, wlio arrived among them in September 
of that year, "we found affairs there in a 
pretty bad poslure, and the mindsof the savages 
much soured against the French, who were 
there trading; ill treating them in deeds and 
words, pillaging and carrying away their mer- 
chandise in spite of tliem, and conducting 
themselves toward them with insupportable in- 
solences and indignities. The cause of this 
disorder," adds the missionary, "is that they 



had received some bad treatment from the 
FrcTich, to whoiii they had this year come to 
trade, and particularly from the soldiers, from 
whom they pretended to have received many 
wrongs and injuries. It is thus made certain 
that the arms of France were carried into the 
territory of the Winnebagoes over 200 years 
ago. 

The Fox river of Green bay was found at 
that date a difficult stream to navigate. Two 
Jesuits who ascended the river in 1670, had 
"three or four leagues of rapids to contend 
with, when they had advanced one day's 
journey from the head of the bay, more diffi- 
cult than those which are common in other 
rivers, in this, that the flints, over which they 
had to walk with naked feet to drag their ca- 
noes, were so sharp and so cutting, that one 
has all the trouble in the world to hold one's 
self steady against the great rushing of the 
waters. At the falls they found an idol that 
the savages honored; never failing, in pass- 
ing, to make him some sacrifice of tobacco, or 
arr(;ws, or paintings, or other things, to thank 
him tliat, by his assistance, they had, in ascend- 
ing, avoided the dangers of the waterfalls 
which are in this stream; or else, if they had to 
ascend, to pray him to aid them in this perilous 
navigation. The missionaries caused the idol 
to be lifted up by the strength of the arm, 
and cast into the depths of the river, to appear 
no more, to the idolatrous savages." 

The Winnebagoes, by this time, had not only 
received considerable spiritual instruction from 
the Jesuit fathers, but had obtained quite an 
insight into the mysteries of trading and traffii- 
ing with wiiite men; for, following the fool- 
steps of the missionaries, and sometimes pre 
ceding them, were the ubiquitous French fur 
traders. It is impossible to determine precisely 
what territory was occupied by the Winneba- 
goes at this early date, farther than that they 
lived near the head of Green bay. 

A direct trade with the F>ench upon the St. 
Lawrence was not carried on by the Winneba- 



104 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



goes to any great extent until the beginning of the 
eighteentli century. As early as 1679, an advance 
party of LaSalle had collected a large store of 
furs at the mouth of Green bay, doubtless in a 
traffic with tliis tribe and others contiguous to 
them; generally, however, the sunounding Na- 
tions sold their peltries to the Ottawas, who 
disposed of them, in turn, to the French. The 
commencement of the eighteenth century found 
the Winnebagoes firmly in alliance with France, 
and in peace with the, dreaded Iroquois. In 
171S, the- Nation numbered 600. They had 
moved from the Fox river to Green bay. They 
were afterward found to have moved up Fox 
river, locating upon Winnebago lake, which lake 
was their ancient seat, and from which they had 
been driven either by fear or the prowess of 
more powerful tribes of the west and south- 
west. Their intercourse with the French was 
gradually extended and generally peaceful, 
though not always so, joining with them, as did 
the Menominees, in their wars with the Iro- 
quois, and subsequently in their conflicts with 
the English, which finally ended in 1760. 

When the British, in October, 1761, took pos- 
session of the French post, at the head of Green 
bay, the Winnebagoes were found to number 
150 warriors only; their nearest village being 
at the lower end of Winnebago lake. Tliey 
had in all not less than three towns. Their 
country, at this period, included, not only that 
lake, but all the streams flawing into it, espe- 
cially Fox river; afterward extended to the 
Wisconsin and Rock rivers. They readily 
changed their course of trade — asking now of 
the commandant at the fort for English traders 
to be sent among them. In the Indian outbreak 
under Pontiac, in 1 763, they joined with the Me- 
nomonees and other tribes to befriend the 
British garrison at the head of the bay, as- 
sisting in conducting them to a place of safety. 

They continued their friendship to the Eng- 
lish during the revolution, by joining with 
them against tlie colonies, and were active in 
the Indian war of 1790-4, taking part in the at- 



tack on Fort Recovery, upon the Maumee, in 
the present State of Ohio, in 1793. They fought 
also on the side of the British i:i the War of 
1812-15, aiding, in 1814, to reduce Prairie du 
Chien. They were then estimated at 4,500. 
When, in 1816, the government of the United 
States sent troops to take possession of the 
Green bay country, by establishing a garrison 
there, some trouble was anticipated from these 
Indians, who, at that date, had the reputation of 
being a bold and warlike tribe. A deputation 
from the Nation came down Fox river and re- 
monstrated with the American commandant at 
what was thought to be an intrusion. They 
were desirous of knowing why a fort was to be 
established so near them. The reply was that, 
although the troops were armed for war if nec- 
essary, their purpose was peace. Their response 
was an old one: "If your object is peace, you 
have too many men; if vvar, you have too few." 
However, tlie display of a number of cannon, 
which had not yet been mounted, satisfied the 
Winnebagoes that the Americans were masters 
of the situation and the deputation gave the 
garrison no further trouble. 

On the 3d of June, 1816, at St. Louis, the 
tribe made a treaty of peace and friendship 
with the general government; but they con- 
tinued to levy tribute on all white people who 
passed up Fox river. English annuities also 
kept up a bad feeling. At this time a portion 
of the tribe was living upon the Wisconsin 
river, away from the rest of the Nation, which 
was still seated upon the waters flowing into 
Green bay. In 1320 they had five villages on 
Winnebago lake and fourteen on Rock river. 
In 1825 the claim of the Winnebagoes was an 
extensive one, so far as territory was concerned. 
Its southeast boundary stretched away from the 
source of Rock river, to within forty miles of 
its mouth, in Illinois, where the}^ had a village. 
On the west it extended to the heads of the 
small streams flowing into the Mississippi. To 
the northward, it reached Black river and the 
Upper Wisconsin, in other words, to the Chip- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



105 



pewa territory, including what is now Vernon 
county, but did not extend across Fox river, 
aliliougli they contended for tlie wliole of Win- 
nebago lake. In 1S29 a large part of their ter- 
ritory in southwest Wisconsin, lying between 
Sugar river and the Mississip])i, and extending 
to the Wisconsin river, was sold to the general 
govern men t. 

Just previous to this lime occurred the Win- 
nebago war, an account of which will be found 
in the next chapter. In \^3-2, all the residue of 
the Winnebago territory south and east of the 
Wisconsin and the Fox river of Green bay, was 
disposed of to the United States. 

Finally, in the brief language of the treaty 
between this tribe (which had become unsettled 
and wasteful) and the United States, of the 1st 
of November, 1837, "the Winnebago Nation of 
Indians" ceded to the general government "all 
their lands east of the Mississippi." Not an 
acre was reserved. And the Indians agreed 
that, within eight months from that date, they 
would move west of "the great river." 'i'his 
arrangement, however, was not carried out 
fully. In 1S42 there were only 756 at Turkey 
River, Iowa, their new home, with as many in 
Wisconsin, and smaller bands elsewliere. All 
had become lawless and roving. Some removed 
in 1S48; while a party to the number of over SOO 
left the State as late as 1873. The present 
home of the tribe is in Nebraska, where they 
have a reservation north of, and adjacent to the 
Omahas, containing over 100,00l> acres. How- 
ever, since their first removal beyond the Mis- 
sissippi, they have several times changed th.eir 
place of abode. The period of Winnebago oc- 
cupancy of Crawford county and the region of 
country contiguous thereto, properly began 
about the commencement of the present cen- 
tury and ended, virtually, in 1848. 

Within the last two years stejts have been 
taken toward paying such of the Winnebagoes, 
in Wisconsin, as might come forward to be en- 
rolled, at least a j)ortion of the money due to 
them tmder the act of Jan. 18,1881. It has 



been found by this enrollment that the whole 
number of Winnebagoes in Wisconsin at this 
time (1884) is about 1,'200; while those in Ne- 
braska number about 1,400; so that the entire 
Nation now consists of about 2,600 souls. 

Concerning the removal of the Winnebagoes, 
John H. Fonda says: 

During the year 1848, just previous to the 
adoption of the State Constitution, the Win- 
nebago Indians were scattered through the 
country along tlie Wisconsin and Fox rivers, 
through the Kiekapoo timbers, and the Lemon- 
weir valley. Orders came from the sub-Indian 
agent, J. E. Fletcher, to collect and remove 
them to their Reservation, near Fort Atkinson, 
Iowa. 

In 1848, when orders were received at Fort 
Crawford to remove the Winnebagoes, several 
attempts were made to do so, but with jioor 
success. Early in the same year I received the 
following official letter: 

Office Sub-Indian Agent, ) 

Turkey River, Jan. 4, 1848. \ 

Sir: — In answer to your inquiry respecting 
the disposition to be made of the Winnebago 
Indians, who may be found wandering about 
through the country, I have to say that I wish 
you to arrest them, cause them to be securely 
guarded, and report them to me as early as may 
be practicable. 

Very respectfully your obd't servant, 
J. E. Fletcher, 

To Lieut. , Induin AgH. 

Commanding Ft. Crawford, W. T. 

Upon receipt of the above, I made all neces- 
sary preparation, and started with fifty men to 
collect the Indians. This attempt was quite 
successful, and several hundi'ed were arrested, 
and sent to Fort Atkinson, Iowa. It may ap- 
pear strange to some persons that such a hand- 
ful of men could take many hundred Indians 
prisoners, and guard them day and night as we 
traveled through a wild unsettled country; but 
it was done, and I have a list of names of those 
men who accompanied me on that expedition. 



lOd 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



My journal, kept during the time we were hunt- 
ing the Indians, presents numerous interesting 
items, only one or two of which, I will relate. 

In taking the Indians, great caution was 
necessary to enable us to approach them. When 
the scouts reported that Indians had been dis- 
covej'ed, four or Ave of the men would start on 
ahead, enter the Winnebago camp, collect all 
the guns and take off the locks before the Indians 
were aware of their intention. Frequently a 
hunting party would come in while the 
men were ?<?i-locking the guns, and make a 
demonstration of resistance, by which time 
our entire party would arrive, and prevail 
on them to submit to the same treatment, telling 
tiiem if they came along with us quietly, no harm 
would be offered them. On the 10th of May 
we encamped in a valley near the Baraboo, and 
three, days after were on Dell creek. Here the 
scouting party captured a Winnebago Indian, 
who told me his part of the tribe were encamped 
at Seven Mile creek. I sent eleven men to the 
camp, which was very large and comprised ii'any 
lodges. When the main body had come up to 
the Indian camp, we found the men had suc- 
ceeded in getting all the guns but one, which 
belonged to a young brave who refused to give 
it up. Fearing he might do mischief, the gun 
was taken from him. It was a fine rifle, of 
which he was proud; but in spite of his remon- 
strance, the lock was taken off, and put in a bag 
with others. When the piece was rendered un- 
servicable, they handed it back to the young 
Indian. He looked at it a moment, and then 
grasping the barrel he raised it above his head, 
and brought the stock down with such force 
against the trunk of a young sapling, as to break 
it to splinters, and threw the barrel many rods 
from him. His sister, an Indian girl about sev- 
enteen years old, picked up the barrel and handed 
it to him. The brother bent it against the tree 
and then hurled it over the bank into the creek. 

The addition of the Indians put us on short 
allowance, and I was obliged to send one of the 
wagons back to Baraboo for provisions and 



grain. Just before making camp on main ridge 
the 15th of May, my horse was bitten on the 
nose by a rattlesnake. The horse's head was 
soon swelled to twice its natural size, and I 
thought him as good as dead, when an old 
Frenchman offered to make the horse well by 
the next morning. I turned the horse over to 
his care, and sure enough, the morning follow- 
ing the swelling had all disappeared, and the 
horse was as well as ever. I asked what he had 
put on to effect the sudden cure, he said he did 
not apply anything, but one of the men told me 
that he cured the horse by looking at and talking 
to it. This was the same man who cured one, 
Theo. Warner, now [1858] living in Prairie du 
Chien, when he was bitten by a rattlesnake. 
His name was Limmery, and a strange man he 
was; his eyes were the smallest I haveeverseen 
in the head of any human being, with a piercing 
expression that once seen could never be forgot- 
ten. He would never allow a snake to be killed 
if he could help it, and could take up the most 
venomous snake with impunity. I saw him 
take up a large moccasin snake while we were 
in the Kickapoo bottoms, and it never offered to 
bite him, while it would strike fiercely at any 
third person who approached it. I could only 
attribute the strange power of this man to some 
mesmeric influence. 

We were fortunate enough to bring all the 
Indians to Prairie du Chien without accident, 
where they were delivered to a body of regulars 
from Fort Atkinson, who moved them to their 
Reservation. 'J'hat was the last of theWinne- 
bagoes in Wisconsin as a tribe. There are now 
a few stragglers loitering near their old hunt- 
ing grounds, in the Kickapoo and Wisconsin 
bottom lands, but altogether they do not exceed 
a hundred souls. 

THE WINNEBAGOES IN 1816. 

In 1816 the Menomonees inhibited the coun- 
try about Green bay, and their women occasion- 
ally married Winnebagoes, but not often. The 
Menomonees were a quiet and peaceful race, 
well disposed and friendly to the whites. To- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



107 



mah, the actingj chief of the Nation, was well 
spoken of by all the traders who knew him. 

The principal villages of the Winnebagoes 
were at the lower and upper end of the lake of 
that name, with an occasional lodge along the 
Fox river. At the season that traders generally 
passed the Portage of Wisconsin, they would 
find old grey headed Day-Kau-Ray at the 
Portage with his band. Their village was a 
short distance from there up the Wisconsin, 
and the Winnebagoes had villages up the Bara- 
boo river, and several small ones along down 
the Wisconsin to near its nioutii and up the 
Mississijipi. They were estimated at that time 
by the liaders best acquainted with them, to be 
about 900 warriors strong. Of tlie Day-Kau- 
Rays, tliere were four or five brothers, who 
were all influential men in the Nation. One 
sister had a family of cliildnMi by a trader 
named Lecuyer, who had married her after the 
Indian manner. Tradition says that their 
latlier was a French trader, who, during the 
lime the French hnil possession of tlie country, 
married a Winnebago woman, tlie daughter of 
tlie principal chii'f of the Nation, l)y whom he 
had these sons and daughter; that at the time 
the country was taken possession of by the 
English, he abandoned them, and they were 
raised among the Indians, and being the de- 
scendants of a chief on the mother's side, when 
arrived at manhood they assumed the dignity 
of their rank by inheritance. They were gen- 
erally good Indians, and fre(iuently urged their 
claims to the friendship of the whites by saying 
they were them'ielves half white. 

THE WINNEBAGOES IN 1818. 

The locations cf the different tribes of Indi- 
ans in the vicinity of Crawford county, in 1818, 
including also the homes of the Winnebagoes, 
is clearly pointed out in the narrative of Ed- 
ward Tanner, published in the Detroit Gazette 
of January 8 and 15, 1819 : 

"The first tribe of Indians after leaving St. 
Louis is the Oyiwayes, (lowas). This tribe live 
about 100 miles from the west side of the Mis- 



sissippi, on the Menomonee, and have about 
400 warriors. The next tribe are the Sauks, 
who live on the Mississippi, and about 400 
miles above St. Louis. Tiiey emigrated from 
the Ouisconsin (Wisconsin) about thirty-five 
years ago. Their military strength is about ^00 
warriors, exclusive of old men and boys, and 
are divided into two divisions of 400 men. 
Each division is commanded by a war chief. 
The first are those who have been most distin- 
guished for deeds of valor, and the second the 
ordinary warriors. They have also two village 
chiefs who appear to preside over the civil 
concerns of the Nation. The next tribe is the 
Fox Indians. This tribe have a few lodges on 
the east side of the Mississippi near Fort Arm- 
strong and about four miles from the Sauk vil- 
lage. Thirty miles above this, at the mine De 
Buke (Dubuque), on the west side, they have 
another village, and another on Turkey river, 
thirty miles below Prairie du Chien. Their 
whole military strength is about 400 warriors. 
They are at this time in a state of war with the 
Sioux; and as tlie Sauks are in strict amity with 
the Fox Indians, and liave the influence and 
control of them, they are also drawn into the 
war. This war was in consequence of depreda- 
tions committed by the Fox Indians on the 
Sioux. 

"Prairie du Chien, on which the village of 
that name stands, is a handsome plain, about 
half a mile wide from the bank of the river to 
the bluff or commencement of the rising ground, 
and out of danger from inundations. Inconse- 
quence of the serpentine course of the river, 
the plain widens above and below the village. 
The soil is a black sand about fifteen inclies 
deep, appearing to be very productive. The 
foundation is gravelly, containing amber stones 
susceptible of a handsome polish. Timber is 
scarce. The upland in the vicinity is very 
broken, poor and nearly barren. In the settle- 
ment are about 1,500 inhabitants, exclusive of 
the military, who are principally Creoles. As a 



108 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



place of business, it now appears on the de- 
cline. « 

"The river Ouisconsin (Wisconsin) is about 
half a mile wide — common deptli one to four 
feet — no falls, but generally a brisk current. 
The channel is subject to change, from the 
numerous bars of sand which lie in it, and fre- 
quently alter their position. In the river are 
numerous islands, on which grow the principal 
timber of the country. The banks are generally 
low and sandy — some plains lined with the com- 
mon granite stone. Tlie bordering country is 
very broken, sandy and barren. In llie interior 
the same description will answer. Barren, 
broken and destitute of vegetation, few places 
can be found that will admit of settlements. 
The Winnebago Indians inhabit the country 
bordering on the tributary streams of both sides 
of the river. They appear to go abroad for 
their game, and have no conveniences for 
dwelling, except a kind of lodge which tliey 
carry with them wherever they go. Their ter- 
ritory extends from the Mississippi to the vi- 
cinity of Green bay, and the number of their 
warriors is 700." 

INDIAN AFFAIRS IN CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

From the commencement of the settlement 
upon the "Prairie des Chiens" until the final 
disappearance of the Winnebago Indians, as 
elsewhere described, Indian affairs in some way 
engrossed a large share of the attention of the 
pioneers. Important treaties were held here, 
notably in 1825 and 1829. For a number of 
years the Winnebagoes assembled here annual- 
ly, to receive their payments. One of the most 
tragical events of the Winnebago war occurred 
near here, as explained in another chapter ; 
and the closing incidents of that brief season of 
hostile acts were upon the "prairie." During 
the Black Hawk War, in 1832, Prairie du Chien 
was an important point of operations for the 
Americans, as is fully shown in another portion 
of this historv. 



TREATIES WITH THE SAC AND FOX INDIANS AND 
THE WINNEBAGOES. 

Twelve treaties were held at different times 
between the United States and the Sac and Fox 
Indians and the Winnebagoes, affecting, im- 
mediately or remotely, the territory now in- 
cluded within the limits of Crawford county, as 
follows : 

1. A treaty was held at St. Louis, Nov. .3, 
1804, between the Sacs and Foxes and the 
United States. William Henry Harrison was 
acting commissioner on tiie part of the govern- 
ment. By the provisions of the treaty, the 
chiefs and head men of the united tribes ceded 
to the United States a large tract on both sides 
of the .Mississippi, extending on the east from 
tlie mouth of the Illinois to the head of that 
river, and thence to the Wisconsin, and inclu- 
ding on the west considerable portions of Iowa 
and Missouri, from the mouth of the Gasconade 
northward. In what is now the State of Wis- 
consin, this grant embraced the whole of the 
present counties of Grant and Lafayette and a 
large piortion of Iowa and Green counties. The 
lead region was included in this purchase. In 
consideration of this cession, the general gov- 
ernment agreed to protect the tribes in the quiet 
enjoyment of their land, against its own citi- 
zens and all others who should intrude on them. 
The tribes permitted a fort to be built on the 
upper side of the Wisconsin river near its 
mouth, and granted a tract of land two miles 
square adjoining the same. Tlie government 
agreed to give them an annuity of $1,000 per 
annum. The validity of this treaty was denied 
by one band of Sac Indians, and this cession of 
land became, twenty-eight years after, the 
alleged cause of the Black Hawk War. 

2. Another treaty was held at Portage des 
Sioux, now a village in St. Charles Co., Mo., on 
the Mississippi river, Sept. 13, 1815, with cer- 
tain chiefs of that portion of the Sac Nation 
then residing in Missouri, who, they said, were 
compelled since the commencement of the late 
war, to separate themselves from the rest of 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



109 



their Nation. They gave their assent to the 
treaty made at St. Louis in 1804, and prom- 
ised to remain separate from the Sacs of Rock 
river, and to give them no aid or assistance, 
until peace should be concluded between the 
United States and the Foxes of Rock river. 

3. On the 14th of September a treaty was 
made with tlip cliiefs of the Fox tribe, at the 
same ])'ace. They agreed that all prisoners in 
their hands should be delivered up to the gov- 
oinraent. They assented to, recognized, re-es- 
tablished and confirmed the treaty of 1804 to 
tlie full extent of their interest in the same. 

4. A treaty was held at St. Louis, May 13, 
18i6, with the Sacs of Rock river, who affirmed 
the treaty of 1804, and agreed to deliver up all 
the property stolen or plundered, and in failure 
to do so, to forfeit all title to their annuities. 
To this treaty Black Hawk's name appears with 
others. That chief afterward affirmed that 
though he himself had "touched the quill" to 
this treaty, he knew not what he was signing, 
and that he was therein deceived by the agent 
and others, who did not correctly explain the 
nature of the grant; and in reference to the 
treaty of St. Louis in 1 8U4, and at Portage des 
Sioux in 1815, he said he did not consider the 
same valid or binding on him or his tribe, inas- 
much as the terms of those treaties, territory 
was desorihi'd which the Indians never intended 
to sell, and tiie treaty of 1804, particiilarlj^ was 
m.ade by parties who had neither authority in 
the Nation nor power to dispose of its lands. 
Wliether this was a true statement of the case 
or otherwise, it is (luite certain that the grant 
of lands referred to was often eontirnied by his 
Nation, and was deemed conclusive and bind- 
ing by tlie government. The latter acted in 
good faith to the tribes, as well as to the 
settlers, in the disposition of the lands. 

5. A treaty of peace and friendship was 
made at St. Louis, June .3, 1816, between the 
ciiiefs and warriors of that part of the ^Vinne- 
bagiies rosiiling on the Wisconsin river. In 
this treaty the tribe state that they have sepa- 



rated themselves from the rest of their Nation; 
that they, for themselves and those they repre- 
sent, confirm to Vie United States all and every 
cession of land heretofore made by their Nation, 
and every contract and agreement, as far as 
their interest extended. 

6. On the 19th of August, 1825, at Prairie 
du Chien, a treaty was made with the Sioux, 
Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, Winnebagoes, Ot- 
tawas and Pottawattamies, by which the 
boundary between the two first Nations was 
agreed upon; also between the Chippewas, 
Winnebagoes and other tribes. 

7. Another treaty was held Aug. 5, 1^26, 
at Fond du Lac of Lake Superior, a small settle- 
ment on the St. Louis river, in Itasca Co., Minn., 
with the same tribes, by which the previous 
treaty was confirmed in respect to boundaries, 
and those of the Chippewas was defined, as a 
portion of the same was not completed at the 
former treaty. 

8. A treaty was made and concluded Aug. 
1, 1827, at Butte des Morts, between the United 
States and the Chippewa, Menomonee and 
Winnebago tribes, in which the boundaries of 
their tribes were defined; no cession of lands 
was made. 

9. A treaty w'as made at Green Bay, Aug. 
25, 1828, with the Winnebagoes, Pottawattamies 
and other tribes. This treaty was made to re- 
move the difficulties which had arisen in con- 
sequence of the occupation by white men of 
that portion of the mining country in the south- 
western part of Wisconsin wliicii had not been 
ceded to the United States. A provisional 
boundary was provided, and privileges accorded 
the government to freely occupy their territory 
until a treaty should be made for the cession of 
the same. This treaty was simply to define the 
rights of the Indians, and to give the United 
States the right of occupation. 

10. Two treaties were made at Prairie du 
Chien on the 29th of July, 1829, and Aug. 1, 
1829. At the first date, with the Chippewas, 
Ottawas and Pottawattamies, by which these 



110 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Nations ceded all tlieir lands which they claimed 
in the northwestern part of Illinois; and at the 
latter date with the Winnebagoes, by which 
that Nation ceded and relinquished all their 
right, title and claim to all their lands south of 
the Wisconsin river, thus confirming the pur- 
chase of the lead-mine region. Certain grants 
were made to individuals, which grants were 
not to be leased or sold by the grantees. 

By this important treaty, about 8,00C,000 
acres of land were added to the public domain. 
The three tracts ceded, and forming one whole, 
extended from the upper end of Rock river to 
the mouth of the Wisconsin, from latitnde 41 
degrees .30 minutes to latitude 43 degrees ] n 
minutes on the Mississippi Following the 
meanderings of the river, it was about 240 
miles from west to east, extending along the 
Wisconsin and Fox rivers, affording a passage 
across the country from the Mississippi to Lake 
Michigan. The south part of the purchase ex- 
tended from Rock Island to Lake Michigan. 

11. At the conclusion of the Black Hawk 
War, in 1832, for the purpose of clearing up the 
Indian title of the Winnebago Nation in the 
country, a treaty was made and concluded at 
Fort Armstrong, Sept. 15, 1832. All the terri- 
tory claimed by this Nation lying south and 
east of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers of Green 
bay, was ceded to the United States, and no 
band or party of Winnebagoes was allowed to 
reside, plant, fish or hunt on these grounds, 
after June 1, 1833, or on any part of the country 
tlierein ceded. 



12. The Winnebago Nation, by the chiefs 
and delegates, held a treaty with the govern- 
ment at Washington, Nov. 1, 1S37. Tliat 
Nation ceded all their lands east of the Missis- 
sippi, and obligated themselves to remove, 
within eight months after the ratification of the 
treaty, to certain lauds west of the Mississippi 



which were conveyed to them by the treaty 
of Sept. 21, 1832. 

A SEQUAL TO THE GREAT INDIAN TREATY OF 1829. 
[By Caleb Atwater.] 

On the day we delivered the goods to the 
Winnebagoes, after the Indians were all seated 
on the ground in rows, the chiefs on the highest 
spot in the center, on benches, clothed in the 
most sumptuous manner; where they could see 
and be seen to the best advantage; every tribe 
by itself; the half-breeds in one place, the full 
whites in another. As I passed through the 
open spaces between the ranks, my attention 
was forcibly drawn to a particular spot by a 
constant snarling, hissing noise of some miser- 
able human beintr, whom, on approaching 
I ascertained to be an Indian woman, shriveled, 
haggard and old, though remarkably neat in 
her person and dress. She appeared to be 
about sixty years of age, and scolded inces- 
santly. Some of the goods placed before her, as 
her share of them, she complained of as being 
too fine; others as being too coarse; some cost 
too much, while others were quite too cheap, 
and none of them seemed to please her. Wish- 
ing, if possible, to please all of them, and 
especially the ladies; actuated by tiie best of 
motives, I endeavored by every argument in my 
power to satisfy her, that so far as I could do 
anything towards it, great care had been taken 
in the distribution to do justice to every indi- 
vidual. I told her that her great father, the 
President, had specially ordered me, so far as 
in me lay, to please all, and to see that none 
went home dissatisfied. At that moment she 
returned upon me a volley of epithets too de- 
grading to be repeated, even though applied to 
myself, as I felt conscious of not deserving 
them. Turning around to some females who 
were politely sitting on the ground behind me 
I learned the fault finder teas an old maid, (un- 
married men at sixty years of age I will call 
bachelors, but ladies never), and that the only 
distinguishing mark of attention she had ever 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Ill 



received from any man was a smart blow with 
a flat hand on lier right ear. 

As there is no law regulatingtaste, and some- 
times no rational way of accounting for some 
of its freaks; and as some sights are the aver- 
sion of some persons, while the appearance of 
other objects is equally disagreeable to others; 
and as I never could endure the ideas conveyed 
to raj- mind by a rattlesnake, a heartless politi- 
cioii, an iceberg and a cold-hearted woman, I 
turned away from lier in disgust, and never saw 
her more nor inquired her name, for fear I 
should remember it. She was the only person 
who left the treaty ground dissatisfied with the 
commissioners. To please her it was utterly 
impossible. 

Seated, as I said, upon rising ground on 
benches, clad in blankets, eitiier red or green; 
covered with handsome fur hats, with three 
l^eautiful ostriuii plumes in each hat; dressed 
in ruffled calico shirts, leggins and moccasins, 
all new, and faces painted to suit the fancy of 
each individual, who held in his hand a new 
ritie, adorned too, with silver brooches, silver 
clasps on every arm, and a large medal sus- 
pended on each breast; the chiefs, principal 
warriors and head men, to the number of forty- 
two, sat during the two hours after all the 
goods had been delivered to the Nation. 

Every individual of both sexes in the Nation 
had iyitig directly before the person on the 
ground the share of the goods belonging to the 
individual. Great pains had been taken to 
give each, such, and just so many clothes as 
would be suitable for the owner to wear during 
the year to come. The clothes were cut so as 
to correspond exactly with the sPze of the 
owner. The pile of clothes for each person 
was nearly two feet in thickness, the sight of 
which entirely overcame with joy our red 
friends, and tliey sat, during two hours, in the 
most profound silence, not taking off their eyes 
one moment from the goods, now their own. 
For ilie first time during my constant inter- 
course of several weeks with these interesting 



sons and daughters of the forest, as I passed re- 
peatedly through their ranks, not an eye ap- 
peared to see me, not an ear to hear my heavy 
tread, not a tongue, as always heretofore, re- 
peated the endearing name of "Oconee Kairake," 
(the good chief), which their kind partiality 
had given me on my first landing at Prairie 
du Chien. Their minds were entirely over- 
come with joy. 

The day being far spent, and, as the landing 
of the canoes, in which they were about to de- 
part, would necessarily occupy some little time, 
I informed the chiefs and principal men that 
the time had arrived when we should part to meet 
no more; that the great gun at the fort would 
soon be fired to do them honor. With one ac- 
cord they all arose, and shaking me heartily by 
the hand, many of them shedding tears on the 
occasion, they one and all invited me to visit 
them at their respective places of abode. In 
a shrill tone of voice Nankaw issued his orders 
for every individual to arise, take up his or her 
goods, and repair to the beach of the river near 
at hand, and there await the signal from the 
fort for their embark ition. 

In fifteen minutes they were all seated on the 
sands by the river's edge, where they all sat in 
breathless silence awaiting the signal, which 
was soon given. As soon as that was given 
each chief came forward, shook me again cor- 
dially by the hand, accompanied l)y the warm- 
est protestations of friendship. In a few mo- 
ments more they were off, covering a consider- 
able surface with their canoes, eacii one of 
which carried its flag of some sort floating in 
the gentle breeze, which ruffled the surface of 
the Mississippi. 

The Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawatta- 
mies had received their goods in the same man- 
ner as the Winnebagoes; had been treated pre- 
cisely in the same way, and three guns, one for 
each Nation, had given them signal to depart, 
and they had parted with me Iti the same kind 
and affectionate manner. 



112 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



After the departure of the above named In- 
dians, we had the Sanks and Foxes still with 
us, with whom we had orders to hold a council 
to ascertain from them "if they would sell their 
mineral lands, situated west of the Mississippi?" 
— and if they would sell them, upon what 
terms?" 

Gen. M'Neil, who was in command as a mili- 
tary officer in this section of country, addressed 
these tribes and was answered by Keokuk on 
the part of the Sauks, and by Morgan for the 
Foxes. I regret that the injunction of secrecy 
rests on these speeches in the United States 
Senate; otherwise I should take great pleasure 
in laying them before the reader. Keokuk, in 
particular, made one of the best speeches I ever 
heard, and it was admired as such by several 
members of the Senate. Keokuk, on the part 
of these Indians, complained to us of certain 
white men who hid settled on the Indian lands 
along the Mississippi in order to supply per- 
sons navigating the river with necessaries, such 
as poultry, milk, butter, eggs, and above all, 
cordwood for the ste-imboats. He complained 
that the United States had cultivated lands as a 
garden for the garrison at Prairie du Chien — 
had erected a mill without leave, on Indian land 
— and had not fulfilled former treaties with 
them. 

Making them liberal presents, we naturally 
deferred the whole subject in discussion for the 
consideration of the government of the United 
States to act on it ; and I take pleasure in say- 
ing the government has, since that time, done 
its duty to these sons of the forest. 

After arranging all matters with them as well 
as we could, which occupied several days, they 
were dismissed in a very friendly manner, as 
all other Indians had been already, and they 
immediately descended the river for their 
homes. 

Before leaving this place I wish to make a 
few remarks of a general nature. 

Though I neither am, nor ever pretended tj 
be a military man, yet I venture a few remarks 



on some of the military establishments in the 
northwest. 

The fort on Rock Island is commanded by 
hills on both sides of it, and could not stand an 
hour against an enemy with cannon posted on 
the heights. 

VVhy this fort was placed here where it is, no 
man of sense can tell, if the British were to be 
the attacking enemy. If this work was intended 
to protect this frontier against Indians it is 
in so dilapidated a state that by crossing on the 
island above the fort, or gliding along in their 
canoes under the western side of the island, 
which forms the outside of the fort, the Indians 
could in any dark night make themselves mas- 
ters of the garrison in fifteen minutes. When- 
ever they please they can collect at this point 
in ten days 4,000 warriors, to contend with 400 
soldiers. There is no regular mail connecting 
this post with the United States, and war might 
be declared for three months, in some seasons 
of the year, without the garrison's knowing it. 

There is a postoffice established here, and in 
summer the officers sometimes go to Galena for 
their papers and letters, 100 miles above them 
— and sometimes they go to Springfield, in the 
Sangarao country, a distance of seventy miles 
perhaps, for their letters. The officers must go 
themselves, as the soldiers, if permitted to go, 
would desert the service. Cut off from all the 
world, that is, the civilized world, during six 
months of the year, the officers and soldiers 
lead a life as dull as need be. The officers 
who have families have established a school for 
their children, which is doing very well. 

Ascending the Mississippi, 200 miles or more 
above Rock. Island, we arrive at Fort Crawford, 
at Prairie du Chien. This post like that at 
Rock Island, stands near the Mississippi on its 
eastern shore, and is entirely and completely 
commanded by the hills on each side of the 
river. It enjoys, too, a situation so low that 
nearly every summer, during the dog days, its 
site is under water from six to ten feet in depth, 
from the overflowing of the river. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



113 



This work is in so dilapidated a state that I 
presume it is now abandoned for another site 
somewhat more elfcvattd but nearer the high 
hill that will forever command it, just east of 
it. Maj. Garland pointed out to me the spot 
where he supposed a nnw fort would be erected. 

There is a propriety in placing a military post 
somewhere, at or near the mout i of the Wis- 
consin, in order to form a line of posts situated 
on Green bay, where there is a fort- and in the 
interior, at the spot where Fort Winnebago is; 
but what consideration could have induced tlie 
government to place a garrison at St. Peters, 
300 miles and more beyond a single wliite set- 
tlement — unconnected, too, with any other post 
in the very heart of the Indian country, I am 
unable to determine. If this post was intended 
to strengthen tliis frontier, it certainly weakens 
it to the amount of the force stationed there 
added to an amount of force enough to succor 
and defend it. If the object was to station a 
garrison where an intercourse with the Indians, 
for the purposes of trade, was sought, Lake 
Pepin, far below it, is tlie place where it should 
have been located. As it is, it so happens often 
that the officers and others who pass and repass 
between Prairie du Ciucn and St. Peters are 
t.iken prisoners on the route by tiiu In<Iians. 
Unless some one wished to get a good govern- 
mental job by getting this post established, 
tlu'ii I cannot account for this strange location, 
and I am equally at a loss to account fur the 
continuance of this worse than useless establish- 
ment where it is. 

All the ofKcers in the Indian country, who 
have been there ten years, ought instantly to be 
relieved by others. Lieut. Col. Z. Taylor, has 
been in the Indian country constantly with his 
family, about twenty years. Here he and his 
lady, wlio were bred in the most polished and 
rofiued sot'iciy, have been compelled to rear, as 
well as they could, a worthy and most interest- 
ing family of children. Col. Taylor commands 
Fort Crawford, at Prairie du Chien. Dr. IJeau- 
mont and his amiable and accomplished lady; 



Maj. Garland and his, belonging to this garri- 
son, are doing tlie same. It is an interesting 
sight, to see such persons, located as they are, 
in a fort, on the very verge of civilized life, 
educating a family of young children. The sit- 
uation of delicate females, belonging to some 
of the best families in the Nation, reared in 
tenderness, amidst all the luxuries and refine- 
ments of polished society, now living in a fort, 
calls for our sympathy and admiration of their 
fortitude, which enables them to bear with all 
the ills, and overcome all the difficulties attend- 
ant on their mode of living. When i was very 
unwell, from exposure, miserable water, and the 
worst of cookery, and worn down too by fatigue 
of body and mental suffering, I always found 
sympathy, food that I could eat, and smiles 
and kindness wliicii touched my heart, in the 
families I have named, nor can I ever forget the 
females belonging to the families of Mr. Rolette 
and of Judge Lockwood, at Prairie du Chien. 
Without their kindness towards me, I must 
have perished. I do not deny my fondness for 
woman, because I know that in cases of distress 
and suffering, her sympathy and cheering voice, 
infuses into man new life, new vigor, and new 
fortitude, and he marches onward with redoub- 
led energy, to climb over every alps that is 
placed in his way. Living, as these ladies do, 
amidst dangers, in an Indian country, they are 
familiarized with them and their animating 
voice is worth an army of men. I never can 
forget them, nor their families while I live. 
Would the government hear my feeble voice, 
such officers would not be compelled, witli their 
families, to spend all their days, in an Indian 
country, while others who have known no suf- 
fering in the s rvice, are attending levees and 
gallanting about the ladies at Washington City. 

There is something wrong in all this, that I 
hope will be rectified yet. 

At each of the military posts, the officers liave 
established a library and a reading room, at 
their own expense. Their books consist of 
useful works, connected with their pursuits. 



114 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



History, geography, mathematics, chemistry 
and scientific books, are in the library, and tlie 
officers and their families are well read in them 
all. Though they may be uninformed as to the 
passing events, at the very moment they occur, 
yet, at unequal periods, their regular files of all 
the best newspapers published in the United 
States, are received and read with care. The 
Natirmal Intelligencer, National Gazette, all the 
literary periodicals, worth reading, are carefully 
perused 

The younger officers were all educated at 
West Point Academy, and whenever I met one 
of them, I always found a gentleman, and man 
of science, brave, active, vigorous, energetic, 
high minded, honorable, strictly honest and 
correct in all his deportment. He claimed all 
that belonged to him, and not one tittle more, 
of any one. These officers, belonging to the 
first families in the Nation, educated in the 
very best manner, are induced by their self re- 
spect, to conduct themselves in the very best 
manner on all occasions. They fear nothing 
but disgrace, originating in their own bad con- 
duct, and they scrupulously avoid it everywhere, 
and at all times. As officers, as gentlemen and 
as men, I feel proud of them as my countrymen. 

I pray them to accept tliis testimony in their 
favor, as a small payment towards a large sum, 
justly due to them for their good conduct in 
every part of the Union where I have had the 
pleasure of meeting with them. My only re- 
gret is, that this honest, heartfelt approbation 
of them is all I have it in my power to bestow 
upon persons so worthy. Those who are in 
actual service on the Indian frontier, deserve 
moie pay than they receive, in a country where 
everything is so e.\;travagantly dear. Congress 
ought to remember these worthy men, and make 
future provision for tiiem, and to Congress I 
submit their case. While those who shine in 
every fashionable circle at Washington, under 
the eye of Congress, are well paid for their ser- 
vices, it is to be hoped that others, who undergo 



nothing but hardships, will not be forgotten, as 
I know they will not be by the Senate. 

Having completed all our business of a public 
nature, so far as we could at this place, about 
the middle of August, as near as I now remem- 
ber, we concluded to give our friends here a 
ball on the evening preceding our leaving them. 
It was attended by all of the respectable part of 
the people in the garrison and in the village. 
It was a most interesting scene. Within the 
council house, where the civilized people were 
assembled, might be seen persons of both sexes, 
as polished and as refined in their manners, as 
well bred, and educated as well too, as any per- 
son in the United States; and at the same 
moment might be seen on the outside of the 
house, at the doors and windows, looking on 
and occasionally dancing by themselves, by way 
of experiment, or to show what they could do 
as dancers in the open air, as motley a group of 
creatures, (I can scarcely call them human be- 
ings) as the world ever beheld. They are a 
race peculiar to those parts of the upper Missis- 
sippi, where settlements were originally made 
by the French, soon after the conquest of 
Canada by the English, under Gen. Wolf. They 
are of a mixed breed, and |)robably moie mixed 
than any other human beings in the world; 
each one consisting of negro, Indian, French, 
English, American, Scotch, Irish and Spanisli 
blood; and I should rather suspect some of 
them to be a little touched with the prairie 
wolf. They may fairly claim the vices and 
faults of each and all the above named Nations 
and animals, without even one redeeming virtue. 

The reader will see that we were on the very 
confines of civilized and savage life. 

The officers and their families from Fort 

Crawford, and the best families in the Prairie, 

were all very happy, and we parted with them 

all in friendship, and retired to rest at about 
midnight. 

INDIANS UPON THE MISSISSIPPI IN 1825. 
(By Schoolcraft.) 

We fina'ly left Mackinack for our destination 
on the Mississippi, on the 1st of Jaly. The 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



115 



convocation to which we were now proceeding, 
was for the purpose of settling internal dis- 
putes between the tribes, by fixing the bounda- 
ries to their respective territories, and thus lay- 
ing the foundation of a lasting peace on the 
frontiers. And it marks an era in the policy 
of our negotiations with the Indians, which is 
memor.able. No such gathering of the tribes 
had ever before occurred, and its results have 
taken away the necesssity of any in future, so 
far as relates to the lines on the Mississippi. 

We encountered head winds, and met with 
some delay in passing through the straits into 
Lake Michigan, and after escaping an immi- 
nent hazard or being off into the open lake 
in a fog, reached Green Bay on the 4th. The 
journey up the Fox river, and its numerous 
portages, was resumed on the 14th, and after 
having ascended the river to its head, we 
crossed over the Fox and Wisconsin portage, 
and descending the latter with safety, reached 
Prairie du Cliien on the 21st, making the whole 
journey from Mackinackin twenty-one days. 

We found a very large number of various 
tribes assembled. Not only tlie village, but 
the entire banks of the river for miles above 
and below the town, and the island in the 
river, was covered with their tents. Tiie I)a- 
kolahs, with their high-pointed buffalo skin 
tents, above the town, and their decorations 
and implements of flags, feathers, skins and 
personal "braveries," presented the scene of 
Bedouin encampment. 

Wanila, the Yankton chief, had a most mag- 
nificent robe of the buffalo, curiously worked 
with dyed porcupine's quills and sweet grass, 
a kind of war flag, made of eagles' and vultures' 
large feathers, presented quite a martial air. 
War clubs and lances presented almost every 
iniaginabie device of paint, but by far the most 
elaborate thing was their pipes of red stone, 
curiously carved, and having flat wooden handles 
of some fpur feet in length, ornamented with 
the scalps of the red-headed woodpecker and 
male duck, and the tail feathers of birds artifi- 



cially attached by strings and quill work, so as 
to hang in the figure of a quadrant. But the 
most elaborately wrought part of the devices 
consisted of dyed porcupine quills, arranged 
as a kind of aboriginal mosaic. 

The Winnebagoes, who speak a cognate dia- 
lect of the Dacotah, were encamped near ; and 
resembled them in the style of lodges, arts and 
general decorations. 

The Chippewas presented the more usually 
known traits, manners and customs of the great 
Algonquin family — of whom they are indeed 
the best representatives. The tall and warlike 
bands from the sources of the Mississippi — 
from La Point, in Lake Superior — from the val- 
leys of the C'hi])pewa and St. Croix rivers, and 
the Rice lake reg on of Lac du Flambeau, and 
of Sault Sle. Marie, were well represented. 

The cognate tribe of the JFcnomonees, and 
Pottawattamies and Ottawas from Lake Michi- 
gan, assimilated and mingled with the C'hippe- 
was. Some of the Iroquois of Green Bay were 
present. 

But no tribes attracted as intense a degree of 
interest as the lowas, and the Sac and Foxes — 
tribes of radically diverse lang\iages, yet united 
in a league against the Sioux. These tribes 
were encamped on the island, or opposite coast. 
They came to the treaty ground, armed and 
dressed as a war party. They were all armed 
with spears, clubs, guns and knives. Many of 
the warriors had a long tuft of red horse hair 
tied at their elbows, and bore a necklace of 
grizzly bears' claws. Their head dress con- 
sisted of red-dyed horsehair, tied in such man- 
ner to the scalp lock as to present the shape of 
the decoration of a Roman lielmet. The rest 
of the head was completely shaved and painted. 
A long iron shod lance was carried in the hand. 
A species of baldric supported part of their 
arms. The azian, moccasin and leggins consti- 
tuted a part of their dress. Tliey were, indeed, 
nearly nude and painted. Often the print of 
a hand in white clay, marked the back or 
shoulders. They bore flags of feathers. 'J'hey 



116 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



beat drums. They uttered yells at definite 
points. They landed in compact ranks. They 
looked the very spirit of defiance. Their 
leader stood as a prince, majestic and frowning. 
The wild, native pride of man, in the savage 
state flushed by success in war, and confident 
in the strength of his^arm, was never so fully 
de])icted to my eyes, and the forest tribes of 
the continent may be challenged to have ever 
presented a spectacle of bold daring, and mar- 
tial prowess, equal to their landing. 

Their martial bearing, their high tone, and 
whole behavior during their stay in and out of 
council, was impressive, and demonstrated, in 
an eminent degree, to what a high pitch of 
physical and moral courage, bravery and suc- 
cess in war may lead a savage people. Keokuk, 
who led them, stood with his war lance, high 
crest of feathers, and daring eye, like another 
Coriolanus, and when he spoke in council, and 
at the same time shook his lance at his enemies, 
the Sioux, it was evident that he wanted but an 
opportunity to make their blood flow like 
water. Wapelo, and other chiefs backed him, 
and the whole array, with their shaved heads 
and high crest of red horse hair, told the s|)ec- 
tator plainly, that each of these men held his 
life in his hand, and was ready to spring to the 
work of slaughter at the cry of their chief. 

Gen. William Clark from St. Louis, was asso- 
ciated with Gen. Cass in this negotiation. The 
great object was to lay the foundation of a per- 
manent peace by establishing boundaries. Day 
after day was assigned to this, the agents 
laboring with the chiefs, and making themselves 
familar with Indian bark maps and diawings. 
The thing pleased the Indians. They clearly 
saw that it was a benevolent effort for their 
good, and showed a hearly mind to work in the 
attainment of the object. The United States 
asked for no cession. Many glowing harangues 
were made by the chiefs, which gave scope to 
thfir peculiar oratory, which is well worth the 
preserving. Mongazid, of Fond du Lac, Lake 
Superior, said: "When I heard the voice of 



my Great Father coming up the Mississippi 
valley calling me to this treaty, it seemed as a 
murmuring wind; I got up from my mat where 
I sat musing, and hastened to obey it. My 
pathway has been clear and bright. Truly it 
is a pleasant sky above our heads this day. 
There is not a cloud to darken it. I hear noth- 
ing but pleasant words The raven is not wait- 
ing for his prey. I hear no eagle cry, come let 
us go. The feast is ready — the Indian has 
.killed his brother." 

When nearly a whole month had been con- 
sumed in these negotiations, a treaty of limits 
was signed, which will long be remembered in 
the Indian reminiscences. This was on the 
19th of August, 1825, vide Indian Treaties p. 
.371. It was a pleasing sight to see the e.\i)lor- 
er of the Columbia, in 1S06, and the writer of 
the proclamation of the army that invaded 
Canada in 1812, uniting in a task boding so 
much good to the tribes whose passions and 
trespasses on each others lauds kept them per- 
petually at war. 

'Tis war alone that gluts the Iudiiin'» mind, 
As eating meats, inflames the tiger kind. 

—Hute. 
At the close of the treaty, an experiment was 
made on the moral sense of the Indians, with 
regard to intoxicating liquors, which was evi- 
dently of too refined a char icter for their just 
appreciation. It had been said by the tribes 
that the true reason for the commissioners of 
the United States government sjieaking against 
the use of ardent spirits by the Indians, and 
refusing to give them, was not a sense of its 
bad effects, so much, as the fear of the ex- 
pense. To show them that the government was 
above such a petty principle, the commissioner 
had a long row of tin camp kettles, holding sev- 
eral gallons each, placed on the grass, from one 
end of the council house to the other, and then, 
after some suitable remarks, each kettle was 
spilled out ill their presence. Th^ thing was 
evidently ill relished by the Indians. They 
loved the whisky better than the joke. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



117 



Impostor. — Among the books which I pur- 
chased for Gen. Cass, at New York, was the 
narrative of one John Dunn Hunter. I remember 
being introduced to the man, at one of my vis- 
its to New York, by Mf. Carter. He appeared 
to be one of those anomalous persons of easy 
good nature, without much energy or will, and 
little or no moral sense, who might be made a 
tool of It seems no one in New York was 
taken in by him, but having wandered over to 
London, the booksellers found him a good 
subject for a book, and some hack there, with 
considerable cleverness, made him a pack-horse 
for carrying a load of stuff about America's 
treatment of the Indians. It was called a 
"captivity," and he was made to play the part 
of an adventurer among the Indians, somewhat 
after the manner of John Tanner. Cass re- 
viewed the book on our route and at the Prairie 
for the North American, in an article which 
created quite a sensation, and will be remem- 
bered for its force and eloquence. He first 
read to me some of these glowing sentences 
while on the portages of the Fox. It was con- 
tinued, during the leisure hours of the confer- 
ences, and finally the critijue was finished, 
after his visiting the place and the person, in 
jMissouri, to which Hunter had alluded as his 
sponsor in baptism. The man denied all 
knowle(lge of him. Hunter was utterly demol- 
isliid, and his book shown to be as great a 
tissue of misrepresentation as that of Salmana- 
zar himself. 

August -2 1st the party seiiarates. I had de- 
termined to return to the Sault by way of Lake 
Superior, through Chippewa river. But, owing 
to the murder of Finley and his men at its 
mouth in 1824, I found it impossible to engage 
men at Prairie du Chien, to take that route. I 
determined, therefore, to go up the Wisconsin, 
and by the way of Green bay. For this pur- 
pose, I |)urchased a light canoe, engaged men 
to ])ad<lle it, and laiil in provisions and stores 
to last to Green Bay. Having done so, I em- 
barked about 3 o'clock p. M., descending the ma- 



jestic Mississippi, witli spirits enlivened by the 
liope of soon rejoining friends far away. At the 
same time, Mr. Holliday left for the same des- 
tination, in a separate canoe. On reaching the 
mouth of the Wisconsin, we entered that broad 
tributary, and found the current strong. We 
passed the point of rocks called Petit Gris, and 
encamped at Grand Gris. 

Several hours previous to leaving the Prairie, 
a friend handed me an enveloped packet, say- 
ing, "read it when you get to the mouth of tlie 
Wisconsin." I had no conception what it re- 
lated to, hut felt great anxiety to reach the 
j)lace mentioned. I then opened it, and read as 
follows: "I cannot separate from you without 
expressing my grateful acknowledgments for 
the honor you have done me, by connecting my 
name with your Narrative of Traveh in the Ceti- 
tral Portions of the Mississippi Valley, e^c." 
Nothing could have been more gratifying or un- 
expected. 

22d. A fog in the valley detained us till 5 
o'clock A. M. After traveling about two hours, 
ilr. Ilolliday's canoe was crushed against a rock. 
While detained in repairing it, I ordered my 
cook to prepare breakfast. It was now 9 o'clock, 
when we again proceeded, till the heat of noon 
mul-h afl^ected the men. We pusl)ed our canoes 
under some overhanging trees, where we found 
fine clusters of ripe grapes. 

In going forward, we passed two canoes of 
Menomonees, going out on their fall hunt, on 
the Chippewa river. These people have no 
hunting grounds of their own, and are obliged 
to the courtesy of neighboring Nations for a 
subsistence. They are the most erratii- of all 
our tribes, and may be said to be almost no- 
madic. We had already jiassed the canoes, 
when >[r. Lewis, the portrait i>ainter, called 
out stoutly behind us, from an island in the 
river, "OhI ho!" I did not know hut there was 
some other breaking of the canoe, or worse dis- 
aster, and directed the men to put hack. "See, 
see," said he, "that fellow's imse I Dhl you 
ever see such a protuberance"'" It was one of 



118 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



the Menomonees from Sutte des Morts, with a 
globular irregular lump on the end of his nose, 
half as big as a man's fist. Lewis' artistic risi- 
bles were at their height, and he set to worlc to 
draw him. I could think of nothing appropri- 
ate, but Sterne and Strasbourg. 

23d. A heavy fog detained us at Caramanis 
village till near 6 a. m. The fog, however, still 
continued so thick as to conceal objects at 
twenty yards distance. We consequently went 
cautiously. Both this day and yesterday we 
have been constantly in sight of Indian canoes 
on their return from the treaty. Wooden 
canoes are exclusively used by the Winnebagoes. 
They are pushed along with poles. 

We passed a precipitous range of hills near 
Pine creek, on one of which is a cave, called by 
onr \>02i,ivaQn, L\l>ahleau Port. This supersti- 
tion of peopling dens and other dark ])laces 
with the "arch fiend," is common. If the "old 
serpent" has given any proofs to the French 
boatmen of his residence here, I shall only hope 
that he will confine himself to this river,and not 
go about troublingquiet folks in the land of 
the lakes. 

At Pine river we went inland about a mile to 
see an old mine, probably the remains of French 
enter|)rise, or French credulity. But all its 
golden ores had flown, probably frightened ofl^ 
by the old fellow of U'diable au Port. We saw 
only pits dug in the sand overgrown with trees. 

Near this spot in the river, we overtook 
Shingabowossin and his party of Chippewas. 
They had left the prairie on the same day that 
we did, but earlier. They had been in some 
dread of the Winnebagoes, and stopped on the 
island to wait for us. 

In passing the channel of Detour, we observed 
many thousand tons of white rock lying in the 
river, which had lately fallen from the bank, 
leaving a solid perpendicular precipice. This 
rock, banks and ruins is like all the Wisconsin 
valley rocks — a very white and tine sandstone. 

We passed five canoes of Menomonees, on 
their way to hunt on Chippewa river, to whom 



I presented some powder, lead and flour. They 
gave me a couple of fish, of the kind called 
pe-can-o by the Indians. 

24th. We were again detained by the fog 
till half past 5 a. m., and after a hard day's 
fatiguing toil, I encamped at 8 o'clock p. m., on 
a sandy island in the center of the Wisconsin. 
The water in the river is low, and spreads 
stragglingly over a wide surface. The very bed 
of the river is moving sand. V/hile supper was 
preparing I took from my trunk a towel, clean 
shirt and a cake of soap, and spent half an hour 
in bathing in the river upon the clean yellow 
sand. After this grateful refreshment, I sank 
sweetly to repose in my tent. 

2.5th. The fog dispersed earlier this morning 
than usual. We embarked a few minntes after 
4 A. M., and landed for breakfast at 10. The 
weather now was quite sultry, as indeed it has 
been during the greater part of every day since 
leaving Tipesage — i. «. the prairie. Our route 
this day carried us through the most picturesque 
and interesting part of the Wisconsin, called 
the Highlands or River Hills. Some of these 
hills are high, with precipitous faces towards 
the river. Others terminate in round, grassy 
knobs, with oaks dispersed about the sides. 
The name is supposed to have been taken from 
this feature. * Generally speaking, the country 
has a bald and barren aspect. Not a tree ha-i 
apparently been cut upon its banks, and not a 
village is seen to relieve the tedium of an unim- 
proved wilderness. The huts of an Indian 
locality seem "at random cast." I have already 
said these conical and angular hills present 
masses of white sandstone wherever they aie 
precipitous. The river itself is almost a 
moving mas.s of white and yellow sand, bro.nd, 
clear, shallow, and abounding in small woody 
islands and willowy sandbars. 

While making these notes I have been com- 
pelled to hold mv book, pencil and umbrella, 
the latter being indispensible to keep oft' the 

*Sin, the terminal syllable, is clearly from the Alyronquin— 
Os-9in. a stone. The French addetUhe letter o, which is the 
regular local form of the word, agreeably to the true Indian. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



119 



almost tropical fervor of tlie sun's rays. As 
the umbrella and book must be held in one 
hand, you may judge that I have managed 
with some difficulty; and this will account to 
you for many nncouth letters and much dis- 
jointed orthography. Between the annoyance of 
insects, the heat of the sun, and the difficulties 
of the way, we had incessant employment. 

At 3 o'clock p. M. we put ashore for dinner 
in a very shaded and romantic spot. Poetic 
images were thick about us. We sat upon mats 
spread upon a narrow carpet of grass between 
the river and a high perpendicular cliff. The 
latter threw its broad shade far beyond us. This 
stri]) of land was not more than ten feet wide, 
and had any fragrants of rock fallen, they 
wou!<l have crushed us. But we saw no reason 
to fear such an event, nor did it at all take from 
the relish of our dinner. Green moss had 
covered the face of the rock and formed a soft 
velvet covering, against which we leaned. The 
broad and cool river ran at our feet. Overhang- 
ing trees formed a grateful Ixnver around us. 
Alas, how are those to be pitied who jirefei' 
palaces Iniilt with human hands to siicli seques- 
tered scenes. What perversity is lher(^ in tlif 
human understanding to quit the deiiglitful 
and peaceful abodes of nature, for noisy towns 
ami (lusty streets. • 

"To me more dear, congeni!U to my heart, 
O.ie iiiitive charm tliaii all the gloss of art. " 

At a late hour in theeveningwe reached the 
Wisconsin port.age, and found Dr. Wood, U. S. 
A., encamped there, lie had arrived a short 
time before us, with four Indians and one Cana- 
dian in a canoe, on his way to St. Peter's. He 
had a mail in his trunk, and I had reason to 
believe I should receive letters, but to my sore 
disapi)oinlment I found nothing. I invited Dr. 
Wood to supper, having some ducks and snipes 
to offer in addition to my usual stock of solids, 
such as ham, venison and buffalo tongues. 

ALONG THE MISSISSIl'1'1 IN 1829. 

Galena stands on the land we afterwards pur- 
chased of the Indians, and is the largest town in 



Illinois. When we arrived there it had been 
settled about three years. It contained several 
taverns, a considerable number of stores, about 
a dozen lawyers, and four or five physicians, with 
little to do, as the country is healthy. There 
were three religious congregations in the place 
— Methodists, Roman Catholics and Presbyte- 
rians. The town is built on the side hill, 
in the form of a crescent, on the north side 
of Fever river, and contains, perhaps, 1,000 
inhabitants. It is a seat of justice of Jo 
Daviess Co., 111., and is situated in latitude 
about 42 degrees, 30 minutes north. It con- 
tains at all times very large quantities of lead, 
brought here either as rent to the government, 
or for sale to the merchants. The superintend- 
ent of the mines and his assistant, Maj. Camp- 
bell, live here. The latter gentleman and his 
amiable and interesting lady had Ijeen with us 
on our passage from St Louis, and they were 
hapj)y to find themselves at the end of as dis- 
agreeable a journey as was ever made on these 
waters. 

XuiTierous groceries appeared in the town, to 
us, and two billiard tables were occupied by 
persons who wished lo amuse themselves at 
billiards. 

Mr. .lames Barnes, formerly of Chillicothe, 
Ohio, kept an excellent boarding house, and 
I found many old acquaintances in the town, 
enjoying the best of health, and they appeared 
cheerful and happy. 

Here we learned that a largo body of Indians 
had already been assembled at Prairie du 
Chien, for some time, and were in readiness to 
meet us. Knowing the necessity of supplying 
them with food, that ours would not reach us 
for sometime yet, and knowing this to be the 
last opportunity we should find to purchase any 
food, we purchased 500 bushels of corn, and 
loading all we could convey, we left this beauti- 
ful town on the next day, and departed for our 
final destination, where we arrived about the 
middle of July, 1829. 



120 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



As soon as we were discovered by our red 
friends, a few miles below the fort, opposite to 
their encampment, they fired into the air about 
1,500 rifles, to honor us. Our powder had 
become wet, and, to our extreme mortification 
and regret, we could not answer them by our 
cannon. Having fired their arms, some ran on 
foot, some rode on their small horses furiously 
along over the prairie to meet us where we 
landed Amidst the motley g»oup of thousands, 
of all ages, sexes, classes of society, colors and 
conditions of men, women and children, who 
met us on the wharf — Nawkaw and Hoochope- 
kah, with their families, eagerly seized my 
hand, and I was happy, indeed, to meet them 
here. During twenty years I had seen them 
several times, and they recognized me in a 
moment, among the crowd, and assured me of 
their friendship and good wishes. These chiefs 
of the Winnebagoes and their families pressed 
around me, and continued close by me until we 
reached the tavern where we went. 'J'liere we 
entered into a long conversation, and they in- 
troduced me to their red friends. I assured 
them of my ardent friendship, and that they 
and their people should be dealt with, not only 
justly but liberally; that the President, their 
great father, was their friend, a warrior like 
them, and never would do them any injury; 
that I wished them all to remember what I 
now told them, and when we finally parted, if my 
solemn promises thus voluntarily made to them 
had not been kept to the very letter, I wished 
them to publicly tell me se. Shaking me 
heartily by the hand, and assuring me of their 
friendship, they then appealed to Col. Menard, 
who heartily agreed with me in assuring them of 
our good intentions towards them. 

Dr. Wolcott, the agent for the Chippewas, 
Ottawas and Pottawattamies, here met us, and 
he liad been at incredible pains to get his Indi- 
ans iiere, where they had been for nearly a 
month, perhaps. Mr. Kinzy, the sub-agent of 
the Winnebagoes, whose sub-agency is located 
at Fort Winnebago, had also come and witli 



him all the principal persons of that Nation, re- 
siding in that direction. 

All the Indians with whom we were sent to 
treat were represented on the ground, and all 
that was wanting to begin our councils we 
urged forward with all the energy that the 
officers of the government and their numerous 
friends could muster. The next day, in com- 
pany with Gen. Street, the agent of the Winne- 
bagoes, resident here, several sub-agents and in- 
terpreters, I met the principal men of the Win- 
nebagoes, and we impressed upon them the 
necessity of keeping their young men under 
subjection, and arranged with them the out- 
lines of the manner in which our business 
should be conducted. The talk was a long one 
and occupied the afternoon. Gen. Street was 
very zealous in the service of the government. 

Gen. McNeil and his officers at the fort 
erected a council shade near the fort and in 
about three days we were ready to hold a public 
council, when Dr. Wolcott's Indians informed 
me that they could not meet in public council 
until an Indian was buried, and inquired of me 
if I objected to the burial, to which I replied 
that I could not object to the burial, certainly. 
On the next day, to my regret, I learned thoy 
would not assemble in council until the Indinn 
was buried, and again inquired whether I was 
willing to have the person buried, to wliicli 
question I replied in the affirmative, when I was 
informed that the relatives of the deceased 
would not consent to the burial of the mur- 
dered person until they had received a horse, 
as the compensation for his death. Under- 
standing the difficulty at last, the commissioners 
gave the horse, the deceased was buried and tlie 
Indians agreed to meet in council next day. 

I took some pains to get the murderer and 
the relatives of the deceased together in order 
to have a perfect reconciliation between them. 
They shook hands very cordially in appearance, 
but the relatives of the deceased person in- 
formed nie jirivately afterwards tliat, as soon 
as tile murderer got home with liis horse and 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



121 



goods, they would kill him and take his prop- 
erty, whicli he could better keep than they 
could until then. If I am correctly informed 
they did as tliey assiired me they would 'after 
their arrival in their own country. So that 
compounding for the murderer only procrasti- 
nated for a time the punishment of the crime 

When everything was in readiness for the 
opening of the council, the Indians of all the 
tribes and Nations on the treaty ground 
attended, and requested to have translated to 
them, severally, wliat we said to each tribe, 
which being absented to on our part, the Win- 
nebagoes, the Chippewas, Oltawas, Potlawatta- 
mies, Sioux, Sauks, Foxes and Monomonees, 
half-breeds, the officers from the fort, the Indi- 
an agents, sub-agents, interpreters and a great 
concourse of strangers from every city in the 
Union; and even from Liverpool, London and 
Paris, were in attendance. The commissioners 
sat on a raised bench facing the Indian chiefs; 
on each side of them stood the officers of the 
army in full dress, while tiie soldier.s, in their 
best attire, appeared in lirigiit array on the 
sides of the council shade. The ladies belong- 
ing to the officers' families', and the best 
families in the Prairie, were seated directly be- 
liind the commissioners, where they conhl see 
all that passed and hear all that was sai<l. l>e- 
liinil the principal Indian chiefs sat the com- 
mon people — first the men, then the women and 
children, to the number of thousands, wlio list- 
ened in breathless and death-like silence to 
every word that was uttered. The spectacle 
was grand and morally sublime in the highest 
degree to the Nations of red men who were 
present, and when our proposition to sell all 
their country to their Father had been delivered 
to them, they requested an exact copy of it in 
writing; the request was instantly comi)lied 
with and the council broke up. The next d.iy 
we addressed the Winnebagoes, as we had the 
Chippewas, etc., the day before, and at their 
request gave them a copy of our speech. 



After counciling among themselves, the Chip- 
pewas, etc., answered favorably as to a sale, 
though they would do nothing yet until they 
had fixed on their terms. 

Tlie Winnebagoes appeared in council and 
delivered many speeclies to us. They de- 
manded the ^20,000 worth of goods. "Wipe 
out your debt," was their reply, "before you run 
in debt again to us." 

Our goods, owing to the low stage of the 
water, had not arrived yet, and tlie Indians 
feared we did not intend to fulfill Gov. Cass' 
agreement of the year before. When our goods 
did arrive and they saw them they then changed 
their tone a little; but in the meantime, great 
uneasiness existed, and I was often seriously 
advised by Nawkaw and other friends to go 
into the fort, as Gen. McNeil had done. Col. 
Menard's ill health had compelled him to leave 
the ground and go to Gen. Street's, five miles 
(the general calls it three) from the council 
house. Unless we left the ground, we were 
told by the Winnebagoes, that they "would 
use a little switch upon us." In plain Englisli, 
they would assassinate the whole of us out of 
the fort. Two hundred warriors under Keokuk 
and Morgan, of Sauks and Foxes, arrived and 
began their war dance for the United States, 
and they brought word that thirty steamboats 
with cannon and United Slates troops, and 400 
warriors of their own, were near at hand. The 
Winnebagoes were silenced by this intelligence, 
and by demonstrations, not misunderstood by 
them. 

When Keokuk arrived, he brought two de- 
serters from the garrison here, whom he had 
made prisoners on his way up the river. Quas- 
quawma and his son-in-law, Tia-ma, came with 
Keokuk. It was a season of great joy with 
me, who placed more reliance on these friendly 
warriors than on all our forces. Good as our 
officers were, our soldiers of the army were too 
dissipated and worthless to be relicil on one 
moment. Taking Keokuk aside and alone, I 
told him in plain English all I wanted of him, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



what I would do for him and what I expected 
from him and his good officers. He replied in 
good English: "I understand you sir, perfectly, 
and it shall all be done." It was all done faith- 
fully, and he turned the tide in our favor. 

The goods arrived and also our provisions; 
Col. Menard's and Gen. McNeil's health were 
restored and they appeared again at the council 
house and everything wore a new aspect. They 
approved of all I had done in their temporary 
absence. 

On the 29th of July, 1829, we concluded our 
treaty with the Chippewas, Ottawas and Potta- 
wattamies. 

On the 1st day of August a treaty was con- 
cluded with the VVinnebagoes. 

So the treaties were executed at last, and 
about 8,000,000 acres of land added to onr 
domain, purchased from tiie Indians. Taking 
the three tracts, ceded, and forming one whole, 
it extends from the upper end of Rock Island to 
the mouth of the Wisconsin; from latitude 41 
degrees, 30 minutes, to latitude 48 degrees, 15 
minutes, on the Mississippi. Following the 
meanderings of the river, it is called 210 miles 
from south to north. It extends along the 
Wisconsin and Fox rivers, from west to east, so 
as to give us a passage across the country from 
the Mississippi to Lake Michigan. The south 
part of the purchase extends from Rock Island 
to Lake Michigan south of the Wisconsin, the 
Indians now own only reservations where they 
live, which, as soon as the white people settle 
on all the ceded lands, will be sold to us, and 
the Indians will retire above the Wisconsin, or 
cross the Mississippi, where the bear, the beaver, 
the deer and the bison invite them. The United 
States now owns all the country on the east side 
of the Mississippi, from the Gulf of Mexico to 
the mouth of the Wisconsin. 

When I have crossed Rock river, after hav- 
ing passed over the interior of the ceded coun- 
try, I will describe it more particularly. 

It remains for me to make a few remarks 
upon the country along the Mississippi from 



Fort Edwards upward, and briefly describe 
Prairie du Chien. 

Ascending the Mississippi, the country ap- 
peared to rise up out of the river at Fort Ed- 
wards, and the hills assume a greater elevation 
still, at Du Buque's mine and tomb not far 
from Galena. From thence n[)wards, the bot- 
tom lands are narrow, the river turns towards 
the northwest and becomes very crooked, 
bounded by high hills. Cassville, thirty miles 
below Prairie du Chien, stands on a narrow 
bottom, where an opening into the mineral 
country, in the direction of Mineral Point, pre- 
sents itself. This easy passage down to the 
river has located a town here of a few houses, 
consisting of a tavern, a storehouse for the lead, 
belonging to the United States; and here a 
government sub-agent to collect and receive 
the government's share of lead resides, Maj. 
Beal. 

Opposite to the mouth of the Wisconsin 
stands Pike's hill, lofty and abrupt, and just 
above this place, on the eastern bank of the 
river, begins the low prairie ground on which 
Fort Crawford and the village of Prairie du 
Chien stand. The town begins to show itself 
three miles above the Wisconsin, and extends 
upwards about nine miles, where it ends. The 
river is full of islands, and when at its highest 
altitude in a freshet is three miles in width, 
from hill to hill. Originally settled by the 
French, it was once a place of some importance, 
as the remains of old cellars and chimneys 
show. That importance is no more, and proba- 
bly never will be again. Overflowed by high 
waters, and but little good land near it, with- 
out waterpower, I see little inducement to build 
up a town here. On the north side of the 
Wisconsin there is no land on which a town can 
be located near the Wisconsin, and the south 
side is preferable for it, where one will, one 
day, rise up. The town, though, is a seat of 
justice for a county of Michigan, and perhaps 
thirty families,besides those belonging to the 
garrison, reside here No Indians reside near 



HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



123 



here, and there is no sort of need of nor propri- 
ety in having an agency, etc., liere for the Win- 
nebagoes, because Fort Winnebago is the proper 
place for the agency. 

Gen. Street, the agent and near relative of 
Mr. Barry, the postmaster general, is the pres- 
ent agent, and his residence, I consider to be 
about five miles above the fort, though I am 
aware that Gen. Street's estimated distance is 
only three miles. 

The water found by digging in this prairie is 
not always good, and that in our well was the 
worst I ever tasted, operating upon the bowels 
like glauher salts, and I suffered excessively 
I'r-om using it. Even the food cooked in it af- 
fected ine seriously. 'I'lie well in tlie fort is 
betier and some persons obtain water from 
spiings in tlie river whtn it is low. The river 
covers all the town and where the fort is in 
liigh water. The .Mississippi rising late in the 
season, and subsiding in the summer solstice, 
this ])lace must be sickly in summer every year, 
when a freshet takes such a time to appear. In 
liS'29 there was no such rise in the river, of any 
amount, and the place was healthy. 

The only Indians living on this river below 
this place and near it, are the Sauks and Foxes. 
The principal town of the former, on the east 
side of the Mississippi, is situated on the nortli 
side of Rock river, near its mouth, and in sight 
of the Mississippi. Not many years ago this 
town contained, it is said, 4,000 or 5,000 inhabi- 
tants. They have sold all the country east of 
the river Mississipiji, and are withdrawing from 
it to a new town some ten miles west of the 
old town, and about the same distance from 
Rock Island. 

The priiu'itial town of the Foxe8*is on the 
l)riiik of the river near Du Buque's mine, and 
in sight of his tomb, which is erected on a high 
hill, where the cross on his grave "can be seen 
from the river to a considerable distance from 
it. Du i>u(jue was an Indian trader and lived 
and died here. 



The Fox town contains twenty wigwams or 
upwards, and I presume some 200 Indians. I 
saw but a few acres of poorly cultivated corn 
near the town, and the wigwams looked shabby 
enough. Morgan is the principal warrior of 
this village, as Keokuk is of the Rock river 
town. 

The Sauks and Foxes were so useful to us as 
auxiliaries, that I feel grateful to them and 
make a few remarks on their principal men who 
were with us. 

Keokuk, the princijtal warrior of the Sauks, 
is a shrewd, politic man, as well as a brave one, 
and he possesses great weight of character in 
their national councils. He is a high-minded, 
honorable man, and never begs of the whites. 

While ascending the Mississippi to join us, at 
the head of his brave troops, he met, arrested 
and brought along with him to Fort Crawford, 
two United States soldiers, who were deserting 
from the garrison when he met them. I in- 
formed him that for this act he was entitled to 
a bounty in money; to which he proudly re- 
plied, that he acted from motives of friendship 
towards the United states, and would accept no 
money for it. 

Morgan is the principal warrior of the Foxes, 
and resides at Du Buque's mine on the western 
bank of the Mississippi. Though less versatil- 
ity of talent belongs to him than Keokuk pos- 
sesses, yet he is a brave man and fond of war. 
More than a year before we were in this country, 
this Indian general had gone to the Sioux 
country and killed a woman and three children 
of that Nation, which act produced the war, 
then raging between the two Nations. This 
act has since been dreadfully avenged by a 
large party, on some twenty individuals of the 
Foxes. 

Tiama, a principal civil chief of the same 
tribe, is an excellent man, and son-in-law of 
Quasquawma. '1 heir village is already noticed 
as being located on the west side of the river, 
opposite where we lay on an island, at the head 
of the lower rapids. 



124 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Quasquawma was the chief of this tribe once, 
but being cheated out of the mineral country, 
as the Indians allege, he was degraded from 
his rank and his son-in-law, Tiama, elected in 
his stead. The improvisatori, whose name has 
escaped my recollection, is a shrewd wit and a 
very good man, certainly a very amiable and 
agreeable one. He is highly esteemed by all 
his people. 

Tom, a half-blood, is a great pet among the 
whites. He speaks prairie-wolf French and a 
little English, in addition to his knowledge of 
Indian languages. 

Of the above named individuals, and several 
others belonging to these brave and generous 
allies, I brought away with me as correct a 
likeness as I ever saw drawn. Gratitude 
towards them was my motive for being at the 
expense of these beautiful paintings which have 
gone to London a year since. Like many other 
expenses I was necessarily put to, I have never 
received even one cent from the government 
towards them, nor have I received one cent, 
either for my expenses or my services at St. 
Louis, the lower rapids. Rock Island or Galena. 
I say this because it has been stated very 
differently, even on the floor of the House of 
Representatives. It is not. true that all my 
expenses were paid by the United States ; nor 
is it true that my services liave been paid for 
by the government at all. In saying this, I do 
it in justice to myself as I would to do justice 
to any other injured individual, however hum- 
ble in the Nation. I am even yet unpaid, but I 
never will condescend to beg for my pay at 
the doors of Congress. I did once expect very 
different treatment from my countrv- 

AN INDIAN SCARE. 

In 1846 the citizens living contiguous to the 
Wisconsin river were treated to a genuine In- 
dian scare, and as the Winnebagoes were the 
supposed enemies, an account in this history is 
properly given of the event. 

In the winter of 1844-5, and while the Legis- 
lature of the State was in session at Madison, the 



capital, a rumor that an Indian war had broken 
out,came to the ears of the legislators with a thou- 
sand fearful forebodings, and producing intense 
excitement. At this time the militia laws had 
all been repealed, probably with a view to coun- 
teract the supposed influence of Gov. Doty, 
and the c pital he might have made by the or- 
ganization of the militia, and the appointment 
of the officers from among his friends, the ma- 
jority of the Legislature being opposed to Doty. 
At this juncture, however, a change in the 
administration of the general government had 
changed governors, and Gen. Dodge was again 
at the helm of the territory. But the law 
which abolished the militia service with a view 
to hamper and trammel Doty, was now, in a 
time of need, found to trammel and hamper 
Dodge, for though great fear was excited, that 
plunder and murder would be, or were actually 
being committed by the Indians, the governor's 
hands were tied By the law, which he had him- 
self approved. The representations of the 
Indian disturbances made to the governor he 
communicated to the Assembly. 

The emergency of the case was such as to 
call the two Houses together at an evening ses- 
sion, to receive the governor's message on the 
subject, and to devise ways and means for the 
public defense. And while one was looking at 
another, at a loss to know what to do, a mem- 
ber penned and offered a bill to repeal the act 
by which the militia organization had been abol- 
ished, and to restore the former laws upon the 
subject. In offering the bill which contained 
only a few lines, he moved a suspension of the 
rules, so that the bill passed at once, and was 
sent to the council; and by the same process, it 
was passed there, and in about half an hour 
from the time it was first offered, the governor 
had approved of it, and the whole militia of the 
territory was organized, officers and all, 
and measures were taken to call out a 
portion of it, to chastise the supposed maraud- 
ers, when a second communication to the gov- 
ernor showed that there was no occasion for it. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



129 



The first report bad grown out of exaggerated 
sta'ements of some wliite hunters, who had 
come in contact with some Indians in tht same 
pursuit, and who probably took some game 
which the whites would have been glad to have 
taken ; and possibly some pigs had been taken 
on the credit of the Indians, but this was. never 
proven against them. 

By reference to the Legislative journals, it 
appears that this matter happened on the last 
evening, Feb. 3, 1846. Tlie governor com- 
municated the proceedings of a meeting of the 
citizens of Muscoda, on the Wisconsin river, in 
Grant county, dated Sunday night, Feb. 1, 1846, 
stating as follows : "The citizens of this prairie 
and surrounding country, having been for the 
last several months annoyed and harrassed 
by the depredations of the Winnebago Indians, 
and submitted to tlieir bullying and insults, 
have at length been forced to the dernier re- 
sort ; to take up arms for our protection. This 
evening a skirmish took plac J between the In- 
dians and the citizens, in which four of the 
former were severely, if not mortally wounded; 
and from the known character of the Indians, 
we may naturally e.xpcct more serious conse- 
quences to ensue. A true and correct state- 
ment of the occurrences of the day is substan- 
tially as follows : A number of the Indians 
came down the north side of the Wisconsin 
river to Capt. Smith's, and stole his canoe. He 
discovered them and called to them to bring it 
back, which they refused to do. The captain, 
with several other men, came over to this shore, 
found the Indians who look his boat, and chas- 
tised one or two of them with a stick, and in 
the Thelee one of his men was severely hurt 
witli a club in the hands of one of the Indians. 
The Indians then ran, and the citizens, a num- 
ber of whom had by this time collected, followed 
them a little way and returned. In a short 
time the Indians came back also. All the 
citizens having by this time assembled, Capt. 
ffanies B. Estes and Booth advanced towards 
them, unarmed, and in a peaceable manner. 



making friendly manifestations, all of which 
time the Indians threatened, by drawing tlieir 
knives, throwing off their blankets, waving 
their guns in the air, and pointing them toward 
the whites. Finding it impossible to ]>acify or 
appease them they separated, and in a moment 
they fired upon the citizens ; the next minute 
their fire was returned, and four of them fell." 
They then add, that the Indians have sent their 
runners to collect their scattered bands, and the 
whites have sent for aid ; that they want the 
governor's assistance, and are determined to 
kill or drive every Indian en the Wisconsin 
over the Mississippi ; have upwards of fortj 
men under arms, and have chosen James \i. 
Estes for captain. 

Gov. Dodge recommended the adoption of a 
memorial to the secretary of war, asking for a 
corps of dragoons to protect the frontier settle- 
ments. "In the course of half an hour," says 
the Madison Aryus of that period, "resolutions 
were adopted to that effect, and the militia law 
of the territory revived ;" and on the adjourn- 
ment of the Legislature, the governor set out 
immediately for the scene of disturbance, but 
the excitement had died away and no more 
trouble was apprehended. 

CONCEUNING INDIAN MIGRATION. 
tlJy .\ If red Brunson.) 

At what period the Chippewas began to oc- 
cupy that portion of the country south of Lake 
Superior, and within the ancient limits of 
Crawford county, it is difKcult to ascertain. 
Their first council fire within these limits was 
kindled on the Island of Magdalene, now. La 
Pointe — but when, neither history or their 
traditions definitely inform us. Whenever it 
was, the Sioux occuj)ied the main land, and I 
was shown points and places on the island, as 
well as on the main land, where the severest of 
battles were fought between these warlike tribes. 
From the best dale I have the Chippewas were 
on this island in 1722; for about that time a 
trading post existed there, and how long pre- 
viously is not determined. In 1665, the mis- 



136 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



sionary, Claude Allonez reached Kenenana, and 
interposed his influence in pieventing a party of 
young warriors from going against the Sioux; 
from which it would appear that Kenewana 
was then the western limi^of tlie Chippewas, 
on the south shore of that lake.* 

After the Chippewas had gained a foothold 
upon the Magdalene Island, their lirst move 
"inland" was towards the head branches of the 
Chippewa, and resulted in planting a colony at 
Lake Flambeau. As early as 1659, the Chip- 
pewas were near Green bay, and west and north- 
west of it to the Wisconsin and Lake Superior, 
from which the Flambeau colony probably re- 
ceived accessions, and by degrees they extended 
their conquest down the Chippewa, until the 
the battle field between them and the Sioux was 
between the falls of Chippewa and Lake Pe])in. 

In the meantime this warlike and conquering 
people extended their excursions to the head of 
the lake, and up the St. Louis river; and pass- 
ing the falls by a nine mile portage, they con- 
tinued to ascend that river, and the Savannah 
branch of it, — and by afiye mile poitage reached 
the waters of Sandy Lake, on the Mississippi, 
where they planted a colony, and this region 
became the battle ground lietween them and 
the Sioux in that direction until the line was 
pushed down the river to the Sauk rapids. In 
1825, when General Cass, as governor of Michi- 
gan and superintendent of Indian affairs, had a 
general congress of Indian Nations at Prairie du 
Chien, to settle the boundaries of their respec- 
tive lands, a dispute arose between the Sioux 
and Chippewas, as to the line between them. 
The latter claimed to the St. Peter and the Mis- 
sissippi rivers, while the former claimed to Lake 
Superior, and averred that their fathers had al- 
ways occupied and owned the country to that 
point. 

General Cass inquired of the Chippewas, "on 

what ground they claimed the country, the 

Sioux having occupied it before the Chi]ipewas 

came to it." Upon this Hole-in-the-day, then 

♦Bancrofts page 150. 



but a young man, rose and said, "We claim it 
on the same ground that you claim this country 
from the King of England — by conquest." 
"Then," said Governor Cass, "you are entitled 
to it." One of the most sanguine battles fought 
between these tribes was at the mouth of the 
Crow Wing river, as near as I conld learn, from 
Indian tradition, about the year 1768. The 
battle lasted four days between seventy Chip- 
pewas and 400 Sioux, the most of the latter being 
killed. In 1843 the remains of the fortifica- 
tions, such as holes dug in the ground, and 
breast works thrown up by the Chippewas, were 
plainly visible; and the affair was explained to 
me by William Aitkin, Esq. 

The next Indian occupants of a portion of 
the soil in this original country, seem to 
have been the Sacs, (Sauks or Saukies) and the 
Foxes, the latter called Ottigaumies by Carver. 
At what time they commenced their occupation 
is uncertain. In 1673, and for some time be- 
fore, they lived on Fox river, uQt far from 
Green bay. But in 1766, Carver found the 
Sauks at Sauk Prairie, and the Foxes at Prairie 
du Chien. And, according to his account of the 
time of building their village — it being thirty 
years previous to his reaching the place — it must 
have been as early as 17-"6, and perhaps earlier. 
These confederated tribes, who had been like 
Ishmael, their hands against everybody, and, of 
course, in self defence, everybody's hand 
against them, were driven from the St. Law- 
rence step by step, until they weie reduced in 
numbers, and compelled to unite their frag- 
ments of bands for mutual defence and self- 
protection, and settle on Fox river, fifty miles 
from Green bay, where in 1706, they were de- 
feated by the French and some allied Indians, 
who killed and took most of them' prisoners.* 
It is probable that soon after this event they 
moved over upon the Wisconsin river, and 
wrested the country from the Sicux, with whum 
and the Chippewas they kept a continual "war, 
until, as Black Hawk says, in his life by Le 



♦Carver's Travels, p45. 



HISTORY OF (CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



IS"? 



Clerc, they discovered the beautiful country on 
Rock river, the occupants of which were weak 
and unable to defend themselves. Of this coun- 
try they took possession, driving off the former 
occupants This being tlie way this banded 
confederated tribe got possession of the coun- 
tries they occupied, we can have the less pity 
for them, even if their sorrowful story of frauds 
practiced upon them by the whites were true. 

Somewhere between lV06 and 1786, they must 
have moved to the Wisconsin; and they were 
there as late as ITOO, asl was informed by 
Mitchael Cadotte, who showed me mounds with 
holes in them for breast works, about five miles 
north of the falls of Chippewa river, wliich were 
made by the Sacs and Foxes when warring 
against the Cliippewas. The chief of the Foxes, 
who was first found by the whites at Prairie du 
Chien, was named Dog; and the prairie upon 
which he built his town, was called his, or Dog's 
prairif. 

After the Sauks and Foxes left the Wiscon- 
sin and the country north of it, and took up 
their abode on Rock river and west of the Mis- 
sissippi, the Winnebagoes moved from the 
vicinity of the lake of their name, to the coun- 
try vacated by the former; at what date is un- 
certain. But as the Sauks and Foxes were here 
in 1790, and not here in 1S05 when Lieut. 
Pike ascended the river, the VVinnebagoes came 
here prol)ably about ihe beginning of the pres- 
ent century. At this ])eriod the Sioux, Chij)- 
pewas and Winnebagoes, were the occupants of 
the soil as limiting grounds. The Menomonees 
claiming a part of the country west of the Wis- 
consin, and above the Portage. In 18-25 the 
the nirtes and bounds of these respective claim- 
ants were settled, in a general council of all the 
trihcs within reach; and continued so tintil 1837, 
when the Sioux and \\ iiinebagoes sold out to 
the United States a' I of llieir claims east of the 
Mississippi, and the Chippewas sold all they 
claimed to it, south of 46 deg. north latitude. 
And «iiliin ten years the Chipiiewas and 
Menomonees have sold out the remainder of 



their claims, so that the Indian title to the 
soil is now fully extinguished. 

OF EARLY INDIAN AFFAIRS. 

The fur traders and missionaries were at- 
tracted to this distant quarter by nothing save 
the Indian settlements. There was at first no 
habitation of the red men at Prairie du Chien 
or in that immediate neighborhood. The Foxes, 
the Miamis, Kickapoos and Mascouting were 
confederate tribes, seated east of the portage 
of the Wisconsin. The Sioux and Iowa tribes, 
somewhat similarly allied, were above and 
across tlie great river. Between the.<e two 
confederations there was a continual warfare, 
which kept a large district of country between 
them unoccupied and uninhabitable. It was a 
war party of Sioux, in pursuit of the Miamis, that 
took Hennepin prisoner. Perrot, in 16^5, with 
difficulty prevented the capture of his post near 
Lake Pepin by an expedition of Foxes and tiieir 
allies, who designed turning his ammunition 
against their hereditary enemies. The journal 
of Le Sueur gives further incidents of asiinilar 
nature. 

The region about the mouth of the Wiscon- 
sin was notoriously infested by predatory l)ands 
and warlike expeditions from one side or the 
other. The efforts of the French to establish a 
trade with the Sioux were met at first by re- 
monstrances from the Foxes, because their 
sanguinary enemies were thus supplied with 
fire arms and ammunition. Being unheeded, 
they determined to close the road to tiie Mis- 
sissippi by way of the Wisconsin, which lay 
through their country, and visit vengeance upon 
all who attempted to pass that way. This was 
so far effectual, as early as 1699, that none ven- 
tured to take that route if they could avoi<l it. 
Tiie French endeavored to chastise and bring 
these troublesome people to terms, and a long 
period of bloody opposition followed. Laper- 
riere's expedition made its wa\' to the Missis- 
sippi during a lull in tlic hostilities; their re- 
vival caused the abandonment of the enterprise, 
as already stated. Finally, the greater portion 



1'2S 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



of the Fox tribe, if not all, withdrew from the 
river, which bears their name, and established 
themselves in the valley of the Wisconsin, 
about its mouth, somewhere near 1750. 

Thus, instead of being attracted to the shores 
in this derelict region, the voyageurs a,nd traders 
avoided them as much as possible, whenever 
they traveled the dangerous route. The li- 
censed traders were attached to the interests 
of the government and made instruments 
of extending its territorial jurisdiction by 
being given a sort of quasi military com- 
mand over their employes, and at places con- 
venient for their traffic, erected block houses or 
stockades, which they held in the name of the 
king, at their own expense. These were the 
only posts or garrisons ever established by the 
French west of Green bay. There was no in- 
ducement whatever for such a post in the vi- 
cinity of the Prairie. The reference in Perrot's 
official minute indited at Green bay, in 1689, 
to the trader, De Borie Guillot, as commanding 
the French in the neighborhood of the Wiscon- 
sin on the Mississippi, has been assumed as 
evidence of the existence at that time of a post 
at Prairie du Chien. With reference to this 
assumption, it is only necessary to remark that 
the lowas were the only Indians seated in the 
neighborliood, and they were upon the oppo- 
site side of the Mississippi, about Yellow river. 
If that trader had any established post, whichjs 
altogether improbable, it is neither designated 
by name or locality, nor referred to in any 
way.* 

At the beginning of the war between France 
and Great Britain, in 1754, the former made 

*In a subsequent chapter, the question as to whether 
there was ever a French tort at Prairie du Chien, is fully 
discussed. 



peace with the Foxes, some of whom subse- 
quently enlisted under their banner. This re- 
conciliation and the establishment of that tribe 
at tlie mouth of the Wisconsin, by opening the 
way for the traders, made an entire change in 
affairs. Tlie place is now heard of for the first 
time, as the seat of a village of the Foxes, 
known among the traders by a name derived 
from that of their principal chief, Alim, or in 
the French language, Cliien, the dog ; hence. 
La Prairie les Chiens, signifying the Prairie of 
the Dogs, which has been modified to its pres- 
ent form, Prairie du Chien. There was no 
effort, however, to extend the authority of 
France in this direction; its attention was with- 
drawn and its energies concentrated to retain 
possession of Canada, and with the surrender 
of that province to the British, in 1760, all its 
claims upon the northwest, as far as the Mis- 
sissippi, were totally abandoned. 

In 1781 the Foxes sold the prairie at the 
mouth of the Wisconsin to some Canadian- 
French traders, and subsequently vacated their 
village, but at what precise date cannot be de- 
termined. Their withdrawal, doubtless, oc- 
curred within a few years in the course of the 
general migration of that Nation, by whicii its 
occupancy of the region upon the north side of 
the Wisconsin was abandoned, and its southern 
borders extended to Rock Island. It should be 
remarked, however, that their bands frequented 
the place as long as it continued to be a place 
of resort for the neighboring Indian tribes for 
purposes of trade. The country abandoned by 
them was soon occupied by the Winnebagoes, 
from Chippewa river to the Wisconsin, except 
that they laid no claim to the prairie. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



129 



CHAPTER IV 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 



The territory now included within the limits 
of Crawford county, was first visited along its 
southern border in )6'13 by Frenchmen, from tlie 
river St. Lawrence, in Canada. The first to 
approach this region of country was John Nico- 
let, in 1634, who came no nearer than to the 
village of the Mascoutins, on Fox river, supposed 
to have been located somewhere on that stream 
within the present boundaries of Green Lake 
Co., Wis. A Jesuit missionary, in 1670, also 
visited the Mascoutins. His name was Claude 
Allouez; but he came no nearer what is now 
Crawford county, than did Nicolet, in 16.34. 

EXPEDITION OF LOUIS .lOLlET. 

In 1 673, Louis Joliet, accompanied by a mis- 
sionary, James Marquette, and five other French- 
men, ascended the Fox river to the portage, now 
Portage, Columbia Co., Wis.; crossed over to 
the Wisconsin river and dropped down that 
river to its mouth. Thence, Joliet journeyed 
down the Mississippi. 

In the month of June, 167.3, two frail birch- 
bark canoes glided down the current of the 
Wisconsin river. It was the first time the rip- 
ples on its broad bosom were stirred by the oar 
of a white man. The canoes bore Louis Joliet 
and Father James Marquette with five attend- 
ants in quest of the great river toward the west, 
of which the French on the u])per lakes had 
heard from the Indians. On the seventeenth of 
the month (corresponding to the twenty-eighth, 
new style), their eager eyes beheld the Missis- 
sippi. They entered its current, as the mission- 
ary relates, turned their canoes into its channel, 
and with joy inexpressible, let their canoes gent- 



ly glide with the water, while they sounded its 
depths. They observed, attentively, the pecu- 
liarities of the majestic river and the surround- 
ing scenery as they proceeded on their voyage. 
Marquette's account is silent respecting the 
vicinity of Prairie du Chien, doubtless because 
everything in that direction was hidden from 
observation by a belt of woodland thaUformerly 
skirted the Wisconsin. 

He says: 

"We knew that there was, three leagues from 
Maskoutins, a river emptying into the Missis- 
sippi; we knew too, that the point of the compass 
we were to hold to reach it, was the west-south- 
west; but the way is so cut up by marshes and 
little lakes, that it is easy to go astray, especial- 
ly as the river leading: to it is so covered with 
wild oats, that you can hardly discover the 
channel. Hence, we had good need of our two 
guides, who led us safely to a portage of 2,700 
paces, and helped us to transport our canoes to 
enter this river, after which they returned, 
leaving us alone in an unknown country in the 
hands of Providence. 

"We now leave the waters which flow to Que- 
bec, a distance of 400 or 500 leagues, to follow 
those which will henceforth lead us into strange 
lands. Before embarking, we all began to- 
gether a new devotion to tlie Blessed Virgin 
Immaculate, which we practiced every day, ad- 
dressing her particular prayers to put under her 
protection both our ])ersons and the success of 
our voyage. Then after having encouraged one 
another, we got into our canoes. The river on 
which we embarked is called the Meskousing; it 



130 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



is very 'broad, with a sandy bottom, forming 
many shallows, which rendered navigation very 
difficult. It is full of vine-clad islets. On the 
banks appear fertile lands diversified with wood, 
prairie and hill. Ileie you find oaks, walnut, 
whitewood, and another kind of tree with 
branches armed with long thorns. "\Ye saw no 
small game or fish, but deer and moose in con- 
siderable numbers. 

"Our route was southwest, and after sailing 
about thirty leagues, we perceived a place which 
had all the appearances of an iron mine, and in 
fact, one of our party who had seen some before, 
averred that the one we had found was very 
good and very rich. It is covered with three 
feet of good earth, very near a chain of rock, 
whose base is covered with fine timber. After 
forty leagues on the same route, we reached the 
mouth of our river, and finding ourselves at -ii^ 
deg. north, we safely entered the Mississippi on 
the 17th of June, with a joy that I cannot ex- 
press." 

Louis Joliet, with his companion James Mar- 
quette, and the five other Frenchmen were the 
first white men who ever set foot upon any part 
of whit is now Crawford county. 

The next visit of any white men to Crawford 
county was in 1680, upon the 

EXPEDITION or MICHAEL ACCAU. 

In 1680 La Salle, who was then on the Illinois 
river, was desirous to have the Mississippi ex- 
plored above the point where it was first seen by 
Joliet; that is, above the mouth of the Wisconsin 
river; so he dispatched one Michael Accau, on 
an expedition thither; with him were Anloine 
Augiiel and the Rev. Louis Hennepin, a recol- 
let friar. The party proceeded down the Illinois 
river in April and up the Mississippi river. 
They were the second white men who ever saw 
any |iortion of what is, at this time, Crawford 
county, or who set foot upon its territory. This 
was in May, 1680. The leader of this party was 
Accau; Father Louis Hennepin wrote the account 
here given. It was first published in 168.3. 



" We set out from Fort Creve Coeur [on the 
Illinois river] the 29th of February, 1680, and 
toward evening, wliile descending the river 
Seignelay [Illinois] we met on our way several 
parties from Illinois returning to their village 
in their periaguas or gondolas loaded with meat. 
They would have obliged us to return, our two 
boatmen were strongly influenced, but as they 
would have had to pass by Fort Creve Coeur, 
where our Frenchmen would have stopped them, 
we pursued our way the next day, and my two 
men afterward confessed the design which they 
had entertained. 

"The river Seignelay on which we were s.ail- 
ing, is as deep and broad as the Seine at Paris, 
and in two or three places widens out to a 
quarter of a league. It is ski'ted by liills, 
whose sides are covered with fine. Large trees. 
Some of these hills are lialf a league apart, leav- 
ing between them a marshy strip, often inun- 
dated, especially in the autumn and spring, but 
producing, nevertheless,* very large trees. On 
ascending these hills you discover prairies fur- 
ther than the eye can reach, studded, at inter- 
vals, with groves of tall trees, apparently plant- 
ed there intentionally. The current of the river 
is not perceptible, except in time of great rains; 
it is at all times navigable for large barks about 
a hundred leagues, from its mouth to the Illi- 
nois village, whence its course almost always 
runs south by west. 

" On the 7th of March we found, about two 
leagues from its mouth, a Nation called Tama- 
roa, or Maroa, composed of 200 families. 'I hey 
would have taken us to their village lying west 
of the river Colbert, six or seven leagues be- 
low the mouth of the river Seignelay ; but our 
two canoemen, in hopes of still greater gain, 
preferred to pass on, according to the advice I 
then gave them. These last Indians seeing that 
we carried iron and arms to their enemies, and 
unable to overtake us in their periaguas, which 
are wooden canoes, much heavier than our bark 
one, which went much faster than their boats, 
dispatched some of their young men after us 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



131 



by 1,'ind, to pierce us with their arrows at some 
narrow part of the river, but in vain ; for soon 
discovering the fire made by these warriors at 
their ambuscade, we promptly crossed the river, 
gained the other side, and encamped on an 
island, leaving our canoe loaded and our little 
dog to wake us, so as to embark more expedi- 
tiously, should the Indians attempt to surprise 
us by swimming across. 

"Soon after leaving these Indians, we came 
to the mouth of the river Seignelay, fifty leagues 
distant from Fort Creve Cceur, and about 100 
leagues from the great Illinois village. It lies 
between 36 deg. and 37 deg. north latitude, and 
consequently 120 or thirty leagues from the 
Gulf of Mexico. 

"In the angle formed on the south by this 
river, at its mouth, is a flat precipitous rock, 
about forty feet high, very well suited for 
building a fort. On the northern side, opposite 
the rock, and on the west side beyond the river, 
are fields of black earth, the end of which you 
can not see, all ready for cultivation, which 
would be very advantageous for the existence 
of a colony. The ice which floated down from 
the north kept us in this place till the 12th of 
March, whence we continued our route, travers- 
ing the river and sounding on all sides to see 
whether it was navigable. There arc, indeed, 
three islets in the middle, near the mouth of 
the river Seignelay, which stop the floating 
wood and trees from the north and form sev- 
eral large sand-bars, yet the channels are deep 
enough, and there is siiflicicnt water for barks ; 
large flat-boats can pass there at all times. 

"The river Colbert [Mississipi)i] runs south- 
southwest, and comes from the north and north- 
west; it runs between two chains of mountains, 
very small here, which wind with the river,and 
in some places arc; pretty far from the banks, 
so that between the mountains and the river 
there are large prairies, where you often see 
herds of wild cattle l)rowsing. In other places 
these eminences leave semi-circular spots 
covered with grass or wood. Beyond these 



mountains you discover vast plains, but the 
more we approached the northern side ascend- 
ing,the earth did not appear to us so fertile, nor 
the woods so beautiful as in the Illinois 
country. 

"This great river is almost everywhere a short 
league in width, and in some places, two 
leagues; it is divided by a number of islands 
covered with trees, interlaced with so many 
vines as to be almost impassable. It receiveB 
no considerable river on the western side except 
that of the Olontenta and another, which comes 
from the west-northwest, seven or eight leagues 
from the Falls of St. Anthony, of Padua. On 
the eastern side you meet first an inconsider- 
able river, and then further on another, called 
by the Indians Ouisconsin, or Wisconsin, which 
comes from the east and east-northeast. Sixty 
leagues up you leave it, and make a portage of 
half a league to reach the bay of the Puana 
[Green bay] by another river which, near its 
source, meanders most curiously. It is almost 
as broad as the river Seignelay, or Illinois, and 
empties into the river Colbert, 100 leagues 
above the river Seignelay. 

"Twenty-four leagues above, you come to the 
Black river, called by the Nadouessious 
[Sioux], or Islati, Chabadeba, or Cbabaoudeba, 
it seems inconsiderable. Thirty leagues higher 
up. you find the Lake of Tears [Pepin], which 
we so named because the Indians who had 
taken us, wishing to kill us, some of them 
wept the whole night, to induce the others to 
consent to our death. This lake which is 
formed by the river Colbert, is seven leagues 
long and about four wide; there is no consider- 
able current in the middle that we could 
perceive, but only at its entrance and exit. Half 
a league below the Lake of Tears, on the south 
side, is Buffalo river, full of turtles. It is so 
called by the Indians on account of the num- 
bers of buffalo found there. We followed it 
for ten or twelve leagues; it empties with 
rapidity into the river Colbert, but as you 
ascend it, it is always gentle and free from 



132 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



rapids. It is skirted by mountains, far enough 
off in some places to form prairies. The mouth 
is wooded on both sides, and is full as wide as 
that of the Seignelay." 

EXPEDITION OF DULUTH. 

The next expedition independent of that of 
Accau, and down the Mississippi from the St. 
Croix to the Wisconsin river, and, therefore, 
along the western border of what is now Craw- 
ford county, was that of Daniel Greysolon Dii- 
Lhiit, generally known as Duluth. He and some 
companions, in 1680, made the journey across 
from Lake Superior to the Mississippi by way 
of Rois Brule river and the St. Croix. Upon 
reaching the Mississippi, he learned the fact 
that some Frenchmen had passed \w and had 
been robbed and carried off by the Sioux 
This was Accau and his parly. These, however, 
he finally induced the Indians to liberate, and 
the whole party floated down the river to the 
mouth of the Wisconsin, returning by that 
stream to Mackinaw. 

THE MISSISSIPPI VISITED BY I.E SUEUR. 

LeSueur, a Frenchman, passed up the Miss- 
issippi from the mouth of the Wisconsin in 
1683 ; but of this voyage we have no account, 
only that he was on his way to the Sioux 
country. 

PERROt's voyage TO THE WEST. 

Nicholas Parrot was the next to ascend the 
Mississippi; and his was the fourth expedition 
that had floated along the western border of 
what is now Crawford county. This was in 
1684. Perrot had been appointed by the gov- 
ernor of Canada to command in the west, 
leaving Montreal with twenty men. His object 
was the establishing of a post on the Missis- 
sippi. He proceeded from the St. Lawrence to 
Green bay, and up the Fox river to the Portage; 
thence down the Wisconsin and up the Missis- 
sippi to Lake Pepin, on the east side of which, 
near its mouth, he erected a stockade. 

Tlie next year he prevented with a good deal 
of difficulty the capture of his post by the Fox 
lutlians and their allies. He passed the winter 



of 1085-6 in his stockade, and then returned to 
Green bay by the same route traveled by him 
when going out. In 1688 he again ascended 
the Mississippi from the mouth of the Wiscon- 
sin to the mouth of the St. Peters, and returned 
by the same route to Green bay. This ended 
the explorations of Perrot in the valley of the 
Mississippi. 

LE SDEUR AGAIN ON THE MISSISSIPPI. 

In the year 1700 the fifth explorer ascended 
the Mississippi. His name was Le Sueur, the 
same who had seventeen years before been 
among the Sioux. From the 1st of September 
until the 5th he advanced but fourteen leagues. 
It is probable he landed several times in what 
is now- Crawford county. LeSueur was the 
last to ascend the Mississippi until 1727, when 
Sieur La Perriere attempted a renewal of the 
fur trade which the governor of Canada liad 
resolved to abandon west of Mackinaw, some 
time previous. 

LA PERRIERE BUILDS A FORT ON LAKE PEPIN. 

" Fort Beauharnais," on Lake Pepin, was 
erected by La Perriere, but it was not long oc- 
cupied as a military post. The same year, a 
Jesuit missionary, Louis Ignatius Guignas, at- 
tempted to found a mission among the Sioux 
on the upper Mississippi, passing up the river 
for tliat purpose to Fort Beauharnais, but it 
proved a failure. He was on the Mississippi 
again in 1736, and at Lake Pepin, with M. de 
St Pierre, but of his latter voyage little is 
known. From this time until the war of 175J- 
60, between France and Great Britain, French 
traders at intervals passed up the Mississippi ; 
but during that conflict tlie river was totally 
abandoned by Frenchmen. 

THE JOURNEY OF JONATHAN CARVER. 

The first to ascend the river after Great 
Britain had assumed control of the country, 
was Jonathan Carver. In 1766 he reached the 
mouth of the Wisconsin, just above which he 
found an Indian village called La Prairies les 
Chiens by the French, the site of the present 
village of Prairie du Chien, in Crawford Co., 





«?'■' 





6i4^t^ 



^. ^e^^zK 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



135 



Wis. It was inhabited by the Fox Indians. 
He say.s the name meant Dog Plains. 

"It ('Prairies les Chiens') is a large town and 
contains about 300 families; the houses are well 
built after the Indian manner, and pleasantly 
situated on a very rich .soil, from which they 
raise every necessary of life in great abundance. 
I saw here many horses of a good size and 
shape. This town is the great mart where all 
the adjacent tribes, and even those who inhabit 
the most remote branches of the Mississippi, 
annually assemble about the latter end of May, 
bringing with them their furs to dispose of to 
the traders. But it is not always that they con- 
clude their sale here ; this is determined by a 
general council of the chiefs, who consult 
whether it would be more conducive to their in- 
terest to sell theii' goods at this place, or carry 
them on to Louisiana or Michillimackinac. 
According to the decision of this council they 
either proceed further, or return to their differ- 
ent homes. 

"The Mississippi, at (he entrance of the Wis- 
consin, near which stands a mountain of ccnisid- 
eralile licighl, is about li:ilf a milr over ; ! ut 
opposite to the last mciitionecl town it appears 
to be more than a mile wide, and full of islaiids, 
the soil ol' which is extraordinarily rich, and 
but thinly wooded. 

"A little further to the west, on the contrary 
side, a small river flows into the Mississippi, 
which the French call Le Jaun Riviere, or the 
Yellow river. I then bought a canoe, and with 
t«'o servants, one a French Canadian, and the 
other a Moiiawk of Canada, on the lOth pro- 
ceeded up the Mississippi." * * * 

"About sixty miles below this lake is a moun- 
tain remarkably situated; for it stands by itself 
exactly in the middle of the river, and looks as 
if it had slidden from the adjacent shore into 
the stream. It cannot be termed an island, as 
it rises immediately from the brink of the water 
to a considerable height. Hoth the Indians and 
the French call it the mountain in the river. 



"One day, having landed on the shore of the 
Mississippi, some miles below Lake Pepin, 
whilst my attendants were preparing my din- 
ner, I walked out to take a view of the adjacent 
country. I had not proceeded far before I came 
to a fine, level, open plain, on which I per- 
ceived at a little distance a partial elevation 
that had the appearance of an intrenchment. 
On a nearer inspection I had greater reason to 
suppose that it had really been intended for 
this many centuries ago. Notwithstanding 
it was now covered with grass, I could plainly 
discern that it had once been a breast work of 
about four feet in height, extending the best 
part of a mile, and sufficienly capacious to 
cover 5,000 men. Its form was somewhat cir- 
cular, and its flanks reached to the river. 
Though much defaced by time, every angle was 
distinguishable, and appeared as regular, and 
fashioned with as much military skill, as if 
planned by Vauban himself. The ditch was 
not visible, but I thought on examining more 
curiously, that I could perceive there certainly 
had been one. From this situation also I am 
convinced that it must have been for this pur- 
pose. It fronted the conntry, and the rear was 
covered by the river. ; nor was there any rising 
ground for a considerable way that commanded 
it ; a few straggling oaks were alone to be seen 
near it. In many places small tracks were 
across it by the feet of the elk and deer, and 
from the depth of the bed of earth by which it 
was covered, I was able to draw certain conclu- 
sions of its great antiquity. I examined all ilu 
angles and every part with great attention and 
have often blamed myself since for not encani])- 
ing on the spot, and drawing an exact plan of 
it. To show that this description is not the <'ff'- 
spring of a heated imagination, or the chimeri- 
cal tale of a mistaken traveler, I find on in- 
quiry since my return, that Mons St. Pierre, 
and several traders, have, at different times, 
taken notice of similar appearances, on whicli 
they have formed the same conjectures, but 
without examining them so minutely as I did. 



9 



136 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



How a work of this kind could exist in a coun- 
try that has hitherto (according to the general 
received opinion) been the seat of war to un- 
tutored Indians alone, whose whole stock of 
military knowledge has only, till within two- 
centuries, amounted to drawing the bow, and 
whose only breast work even at present is the 
thicket, I know not. I have given as exact an 
account as possible of this singular appearance, 
and leave to future explorers of these distant 
regions to discover whether it is a production 
of nature or art. Perhdps the hints I have here 
given might lead to a more perfect investiga- 
tion of it, and give us very different ideas of 
the ancient state of realms that we at present 
believe to have been from the earliest periods 
only in the inhabitatiou.s of savages. 

"The Mississippi below this lake flows with 
a gentle current, but the breadth of it very 
uncertain, in some places being upward of a 
mile, in others not more than a quarter. This 
river has a range of mountains on each side 
throughout the whole of the way, which in par- 
ticular parts approach near to it, in others lie at 
a greater distance. The land betwixt the moun- 
tains, and on their sides, is generally covered 
with grass, with a few groves of trees inter- 
spersed, near which large droves of deer and 
elk are frequently seen feeding. In many 
places pyramids of rocks appeared, resembling 
old ruinous towers; at other amazing preci- 
pices, and what is very remarkable, whilst this 
scene presented itself on one side, the opposite 
side of the .rame mountain was covered with the 
finest herbage, which gradually ascended to its 
summit. From thenee the most beautiful and 
extensive prospect that imagination can form 
opens to your view. Verdant plains, fruitful 
m^eadows, numerous islands, and all these 
abounding with a variety of trees that yield 
amazing quantities of fruit, without care or 
cultivation, such as the nut-tree, the maple which 
produces sugar, vines loaded with rich grapes, 
and plum trees bending under their blooming 
burdens; but above all, the fine river flow- 



ing gently beneath, and reaching as far as the 
eye can extend, by turns attract your attention 
and excite your wonder." 

The following excellent summary of explora- 
tions from DuLuth to Carver, is from the Illus- 
trated Historical Atlas of Wisconsin of 1878: 

"In 1680, the trader DuLuth was at the head 
of Lake Superior; and at the same time, LaSalle 
was on the Illinois river. The latter dis- 
patched Father Louis Hennepin, with two com- 
panions to e.xplore that river to its mouth. 
From this point they turned their canoe up the 
Mississippi, and fell into the hands of the Sioux, 
who led them captive to their home above the 
falls of St. Anthony, where they passed the 
winter. The following summer, 168], Henne- 
pin represented to his captors that he expected 
a party of Frenchmen at the Wisconsin with 
merchandise, which induced them to set out in 
canoes to meet the traders, the Father being 
permitted to follow. The party in advance, 
upon reaching the Wisconsin and finding no 
Frenchmen, retraced their course and met their 
prisoner with severe reproaches for deceiving 
them. DuLuth, hearing of these men, de- 
scended the St. Croix with five attendants and 
joined them on the Mississippi, whereupon 
taking Hennepin under his protection, the 
whole party proceeded down the Mississippi 
and by way of the Wisconsin to Green bay, 
stopping within a day or two's journey of the 
Wisconsin, to smoke some meat. 

"Nicholas Perrot proceeded by this route to 
visit the Sioux in 168.3. He was at the time, or 
soon afterward, commissioned by the governor 
of Canada to manage the interests of commerce 
from Green bay westward. He built a small 
log fort nearly opposite tlie mouth of Chippewa 
river, which he appears to have made his winter 
headquarters for several years. It was called 
the post of the Nadouessioux (Sioux). De 
Borie Guillot is mentioned by Charlevoix as 
trading near the Mississippi, whfence he was re- 
called in 16SV; and is cited by Perrot as com- 
manding the French traders in the neighbor- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



137 



hood of the Wisconsin on the Mississippi. Le- 
Sueiir, in 1683, descended tlie Wisconsin and 
ascended tlie Mississippi to tlie Sioux in the 
region about St. Anthony, with whom he con- 
tinued to trade at intervals until 1702. His 
last voyage was made from Louisiana, the 
governor of Canada refusing permission, having 
resolved to abandon the country west of Mack- 
inaw. An attempt was made to renew the 
traffic with the Sioux by this route in 172Y by an 
expedition under the Sieur deLaPerriere, which 
established a post and erected a stockade on 
the north side of Lake Pepin. The traders 
reached this point at intervals for a few years; 
after which, it was entirely abandoned. These 
are all the trustworthy accounts given of this 
region during the French domination in the 
northwest. Tliey show that tlie waters of tlie 
Wisconsin and tlie Mississippi were traversed 
at intervals, but do not indicate thai the lu.c.iliiy 
of Praiiie du ("liicn was visited or attractccl 
any attention, 'i'iiis nia\ 1 e ( X|)laiii((l in con- 
nection with tlie causes that subst (jiniitly 
bi'ought it into notice. 

"In 1766, Jonathan Carver visited this icnion 
with a view of ascertiining favorable situalions 
for new settlements, and is the first traveler u Im 
mentions Prairie du t'liien. He set out fioiii 
Mackinaw, the most remote British post in the 
northwest, in the month of September, in the 
company of some traders. In passing down the 
Wisconsin, he observed upon the right bank 
about five miles above its mouth, at the eastern 
base of a pyramid of rocks, the ruins of a vil- 
lage of the Foxes, which had been abandoned 
for the better location at the Prairie du 
('liien. Here he found about 300 families in 
houses well built after the Indian manner, and 
jileasantly situated on a very rich soil, from 
which the necessaries of life were raised in 
abundance. The occupants had many horses of 
good size and shape. The peculiarities of the 
location are remarked, and the place is described 
as a summer resort for traders, who were met 
here annually about the month of May, by a 



large assemblage of the Indian tribes, both near 
and remote, with furs to dispose of, so that it 
hail become a trading mart of considerable im- 
poi tance. While here, the different tribes, even 
though at war with each other, refrained from 
any acts of liostility, a voluntary agreement 
which they ever afterward observed. Some- 
times, however, they proceeded to Mackinaw or 
Louisiana before disposing of their furs. In 
Carver's faithful and minute narrative, no men- 
tion is made of any French settlement or other 
white residents, or of fortifications, from which 
circumstance it is highly probable that there 
were none in existence. His book did not in- 
duce the progress of settlement into this region, 
and the British outposts were advanced no fur- 
ther than Mackinaw, consetpiently, Prairie du 
Chien is not again brought in notice by accounts 
of that period, until 1780. In June of that year, 
the traders had collected a lot of peltries, and 
deposited them at the Prairie, in charge of 
Charles de Langlade, a noted trader of Green 
Bay and Mackinaw. The American forces then 
occupied Illinois, and hearing reports that they 
were intending the capture of Prairie du Chier, 
the ciinunandant at Mackinaw, sent forward an 
expedition to bring away the stores, in charge 
of John Long, lieutenant in a company of trad- 
ers enrolled as militia at that post. The party 
consisting of twenty Canadians, and thirty-six 
of the Fox and Sioux tribes, proceeded in nine 
large birch canoes, laden with presents for tlie 
Indians at the village. Arriving on the seventh 
day at the mouth of the Wisconsin, they found 
there an array of 200 Foxes on horseback, 
armed with spears, bows and arrows, « ho 
at first did not seem pleased with tlie visitors, 
but after a short parley, conducted them to their 
village, and feasted them upon dog, bear, bea- 
ver, deer, mountain cat, and raccoon, boiled in 
bear's grease, and mixed with huckleberries. 
A council was then held, the presents were dis- 
tributed, the chiefs assented to the removal of 
the ])eltries, and the visitors re-entered their 
canoes and moved up to the place of deposit, a 



138 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



log house, where they found Capt. Langlade. 
Three hundred packs of the peltries were placed 
in the canoes, the remainder, some sixty in 
number, they were unable to store away, and 
therefore burned, after which they returned to 
Mackinaw. The Americans never came, as an- 
ticipated. The narrative shows no material 
change in the place, or the course of trade since 
Carver's visit, except that the traders from the 
lakes had erected a building, in which their furs 
could be temporarily lodged and guarded." 

We find no further accounts of visits of trav- 
elers until 17S0. At that date Capt. J. Long 
while at Mackinaw was sent by the command- 
ing officer to accompany a party of Indians and 
Canadians to the Mississippi. Information had 
been received at Mackinaw that the Indian 
traders had deposited their furs at Prairie du 
Chien, where there was a town of considerable 
note, built under the command of Mons. Lang- 
lade, the King's interpreter, and the object of 
the expedition was to secure these furs and keep 
them from the Americans. Capt. Long left 
Mackinaw with thirty-six Indians of the Onta- 
gamies and Sioux, twenty Canadians in nine 
large birch canoes, laden with Indian presents. 
The party arrived at Green Bay in four days 
and proceeded through the Fox and Wisconsin 
rivers to the forks of the Mississippi where 
he met 200 of the Fox Indians, and had a 
feast of five Indian dogs, bear, beaver, deer, 
mountain cat and raccoon boiled in bear's grease 
and mixed with hnckleberries! He proceeded to 
Prairie du Chien where he found the merchants 
peltries in packs in a log house, guarded by 
Capt. Langlade and some Indians. He took 
300 packs of the best skins and filled the canoes. 
Sixty more were burnt to prevent the enemy 
(the Americans) from taking them. He then 
returned to Green Bay (in seventeen days) and 
thence to Mackinaw. 

Capt. Long's account of this trip written by 
himself will be found in full in a subsequent 
chapter. 



It was nearly forty years subsequent to Car- 
ver's visit before the Mississippi was ascended 
by any one who left. a record of his journey. 
In 1805 Maj. Z. M. Pike made a reconnoisance 
up the river. We give his description of what 
he saw as he passed from a point below the 
mouth of the Wisconsin up to "a prairie called 
La Crosse:" 

Sept. 2, [1805], Monday.— After making two 
short reaches, we commenced one, which is 
thirty miles in length, the wind serving, we just 
made it; and encamped on the east side oppo- 
site to the mouth of Turkey river. In the 
course of the day, we landed to shoot at pig- 
eons; the moment a gun was fired, some Indi- 
ans, who were on the shore above us, ran down 
and put off in their peroques with great pre- 
cipitation; upon which Mr. Blondeau informed 
me, that all the women and children were 
frightened at the very name of an American 
boat, and that the men held us in great respect, 
conceiving us very quarrelsome, and much for 
war, and also very brave. This information I 
used as prudence suggested. We stopped at an 
encampment, about three miles below the 
town, where they gave us some excellent ])lums. 
They dispatched a peroque to the village, to 
give notice, as I supposed, of our arrival. It 
commenced raining about dusk, and rained all 
night. Distance, forty miles. 

September 3, Tuesday. — Embarked at a 
pretty early hour. Cloudy. Met two peroques of 
family Indians; they at first asked Mr. Blon- 
deau, "if we were for war, or if going to war?" 
I now experienced the good effect of lia\ itig 
some person on board who could speak ilieir 
language ; for they presented me with three 
pair of ducks and a quantity of venison, suffi- 
cient for all our crew, one day; in return, I 
made them some trifling presents. Afterwards 
met two peroques, carrying some of the war- 
riors spoken of on the 2d inst. They kept at 
a great distance, until spoken to by Mr. Blon- 
deau, when tliey informed him that their ])arty 
had proceeded up as high as Lake Pepin, with 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



189 



out effecting anytliing. It is surprising what a 
dread the Indians in this quarter have of the 
Americans. I have often seen them go around 
islands, .to avoid meeting iiiy boat. It appears 
to mo evident, tiiat the traders have taken great 
pains to impress upon the minds of the savages, 
the idea of our being a very vindictive, fero- 
cious and warlike people. This impression 
was perhaps made with no good intention; but 
wiien they find that our conduct towards them 
is guided by magnanimity and justice, instead 
of operating in an injurious manner, it will 
have the effect to make them reverence, at the 
same time they fear us. Distance, twenty-five 
miles. 

"September 4th, Wednesday. — Breakfasted 
just below the mouth of the Wisconsin. Ar- 
rived at the Prairie Les Chiens about 11 o'clock; 
took quarters at Capt. Fishers, and were politely 
received by him and Mr. Frazer. 

"September 5th, Thursday. — Embarked about 
half past 10 o'clock in a Schenectady boat, to go 
to the mouth of the Wisconsin, in order to take 
the latitude, and look at the situation of the 
adjacent hills for a post. Was accompanied by 
Judge Fisher, Mr. Frazer and Mr. Woods. We 
ascended tlic hill on the west side of the Mis- 
sissippi, and made a choice of a spot which I 
thought most eligible, being level on the top, 
liaving a spring in the rear, and commanding a 
view of the country around. A shower of rain 
came on which wet us, and we returned to the 
village without having ascended the Wisconsin 
as we intended. Marked four trees with A, B, 
C, D, and squared the sides of one in the center. 
Wrote to the General. 

"September 6th, Friday. — Had a small council 
with the Puants and Winnebagoes; and a cliief 
of the lower band of the Sioux. Visited and 
laid out a jxisition for a post, on a hill called 
Petit (Tris, on the Wisconsin, tliree miles above 
its mouth. Mr. Fisher accompanied me; was 
taken very sick, in consequence of drinking 
some water out of the Wisconsin. The Puants 
never have any white interpreters, nor have the 



FolleAvoine (Menoraonee) Nation. In my coun- 
cil I spoke to a Frenchman, he to a Sioux, who 
interpreted to some of the Puants. 

"September 11^, Saturday. — My men beat all 
the villagers hopping and jumping. Began to 
load my new boats. 

"September 8th, Sunday. — Embarked at half 
past 11 o'clock in two batteaux. The wind fair 
and fresh. I found myself very much embar- 
rassed and cramped in my new boats, with 
provision and baggage. I embarked two in- 
terpreters, one to perform the whole voyage, 
whose name was Pierre Rosseau, and the other 
named Joseph Reinulle, paid by Mr. Frazer to 
accompany me as high as the Falls of St. 
Anthony. Mr. Frazer is a young gentleman, 
clerk to Mr. Blakely, of Montreal; he was born 
in Vermont, but has latterly resided in Canada. 
To the attention of this gentleman I am much 
indebted; he procured for me everything in his 
power that I stood in need of; dispatched his 
bark canoes and remained himself to go on 
with me. His design was to winter with some 
of the Sioux bands. We sailed well, came 
eighteen miles and encamped on the w'est bank. 
I must not omit here to bear testimony to the 
politeness of all the principal inhabitants of the 
village. There is, however, a material distinc- 
tion to be made in the nature of those atten- 
tions. The kindness of Messrs. Fisher, Frazer 
and Woods (all Americans), seemed to be the 
spontaneous effusions of good will, and partial- 
ity to their countrymen; it extended to the 
accommodation, convenience, exercises and 
pastimes of my men; and whenever they 
proved superior to the French openly showed 
their pleasure. But the French Canadians ap- 
peared attentive, rather from their natural good 
manners, the sincere friendship; however, it 
produced from them the same effect that natural 
good-will did in others. 

"September 9th, Monday. — Embarked early. 
Dined at Cape Garlic or at Garlic river, after 
which we came on to an island on the east side 
about five miles below the river Iowa, and 



140 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



encamped. Rained before sunset. Distance 
twenty-eight miles. 

"September 10th, Tuesday. — Rain still con- 
tinuing, we remained at our camp Having 
shot at some pigeons, the report was heard at 
the Sioux lodges; when La Yieulle sent down 
six of his young men to inform me that he had 
waited three days with meat, etc., but last 
night tliey had began to drink, and, that on the 
next day he would receive me with his people 
sober. I returned him for answer, that the 
season was advanced, that time was pressing, 
and that if the rain ceased, I must go on. Mr. 
Frazer and the interpreter went home with the 
Indians. We embarked about 1 o'clock. 
Frazer returning, informed me that the chief 
acquiesced in my reasons for pressing forward, 
but that lie had prepared a pipe (by way of 
letter) to present me, to show to all the Sioux 
above, with a message to inform them that I 
was a chief of their new fathers, and that he 
wished me to be treated with friendship and 
respect. * * * We embarked about half 
past 3 o'clock, came three miles and encamped 
on the west side. Mr. Frazer we left behind, 
but he came up with his two pirogues about 
dusk. It commenced raining very hard. In 
the night a pirogue arrived at the lodges at 
his camp. During our stay at their camp, tliere 
were soldiers appointed to keep the crowd from 
my boats. At my departure their soldiers said: 
As I had shaken hands with their chief, tiny 
mtist shake hands with my soldiers. In whicli 
request I willingly indulged them. 

"September 11th, Wednesday. — Embarked at 
V o'clock, although raining. Mr. Frazer's 
canoes also came on until 9 o'clock. Stopped 
for breakfast and made a tire. Mr. Frazer staid 
with me, and finding his pirogues not quite 
able to keep up, he dispatched them. We em- 
barked ; came on until near 6 o'clock, and en- 
camped on the west side. Saw nothing of his 
pirogues after they left us. Supposed to have 
come sixteen miles this day. Rain and cold 
winds, all day ahead. The river has never been 



clear of islands since I left Prairie les Chiens. 
I absolutely believe it, here, to be two miles 
wide. Hills, or rather prairie knobs, on both 
sides. 

"September 12th, Thursday. It raining very 
hard in the morning, we did not embark until 
10 o'clock, Mr. Frazer's pirogues then com- 
ing up. It was still raining and was very cold. 
Passed the Racine river, also a prairie called La 
Crosse, from a game of ball played frequently on 
it by the Sioux Indians. This prairie is very 
handsome; it has a small, square hill, similar to 
some mentiojied by Carver. It is bounded in 
the rear by hills similar to the Prairie les 
Chiens. On this prairie Mr. Frazer showed me 
some holes, dug by the Sioux, when in expecta- 
tion of an attack, into which they first put their 
women and children, and then crawl them- 
selves. They were generally round, and about 
ten feet in diameter; but some were half moons 
and quite a breastwork. This I understood was 
the chief work, which was the piincipal redoubt. 
Their modes of constructing are, the moment 
they apprehend or discover an enemy on a 
prairie, they commence digging with their 
knives, tomahawks and a wooden ladle ; and in 
an incredibly short space of time they have a 
hole sufficiently deep to cover themselves and 
their family, from the balls ffr arrows of the 
enemy. They have no idea of taking those sub- 
terraneous redoubts by storm, as they would 
probably lose a great nuluber of men in the 
attack ; and althbugh they might be successful 
in the event, it would be considered a very im- 
prudent action. Mr. Frazer, finding his canoes 
not able to keep up, staid at this prairie to or- 
ganize one of them, intending then to overtake 
us." 

(OBSBEVATIONS OF MAJ. PIKE.) 

"The village of the Prairie les Chiens is situ- 
ated about one league above the mouth of the 
Wisconsin river. » * * * The prairie on 
which the village is situated is bounded in the 
rear by high, bald hills. It is from one mile to 
three-quarters of a mile from the river, and ex- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



141 



tends about eight miles from the Mississippi to 
where it strikes the Wisconsin, at the Petit Gris, 
wliich bears from the village southeast by east. 

* * From the village to Lake Pepin we 
have, on the west shore, first Yellow river, 
about twenty yards wide, bearing from the 
Mississippi nearly due west. Second, the Iowa 
river, about 100 yards wide, bearing from the 
Mississippi about northwest. Third, the Racine 
river, about twenty yards wide, bearing from 
the Mississippi nearly west, and navigable for 
canoes sixty miles. Fourth, the rivers Embarra 
and L'Eau Claire, which join their waters just 
as they form a confluence with the Mississippi, 
and are about sixty yards wide, and bear nearly 
southwest. 

"On the east shore, in the same distance, is 
the river de la Prairie la Crosse, which empties 
into the Mississippi, at the head of the prairie 
of that name. It is about twenty yards wide, 
and bears north-northwest. 

"We then meet with the Black river. * * 

* * In this division of the Mississippi the 
shores are more than three-fourths prairie on 
both sides, or, more properly speaking, bald 
hills, which, instead of running parallel with 
the river, form a continual succession of high, 
perpendicular cliffs and low valleys ; they ap- 
pear to head on the river, and to transverse the 
country in an angular direction. Those hills 
and valleys give rise to some of the most sub- 
lime and romantic views I ever saw. But this 
irregular scenery is sometimes interrupted by a 
wide extended plain, which brings to mind the 
verdant lawn of civilized life, and woiild almost 
induce the traveler to imagine himself in the 
center of a highly cultivated plantation. The 
timber of this division is generally birch, elm 
and Cottonwood, all the cliifs being bordered 
by cedar." 

Maj. S. II. Long having made a tour to the 
portage of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, re- 
turned to Prairie du Chien and made a voyage 
to the Falls of St. Anthony, in a six-oared skiff, 
accompanied by a Mr. Hempstead as interpret- 



er, and by two young men named King and 
Gunn, grandsons of Capt. Jonathan Carver, 
who were going up to the Sauteurs to establish 
their claim to lands granted by those tribes to 
their grandfather. The day after his arrival, 
(July 23, 1817,) he examined the country to 
find a location better adapted for a post than 
the present one, but did not succeed. While 
liere he made excursions in the surrounding 
country, and refers to the remains of ancient 
earth-works above the mouth of the Wisconsin, 
more numerous and of greater extent than had 
heretofore been noticed. On the 25th he meas- 
ured and planned Fort Crawford. He says it 
is a square of 340 feet each side, of wood, with 
a magazine 12x24 of stone — that it will accom- 
modate five companies — block houses, two 
stories high, with cupolas or turrets. The 
building of the works was commenced July 3, 
ISlC, by troops under command of Col. Hamil- 
ton, previous to which time no timber had been 
cut, or stone quarried for the purpose. He 
says: "Exclusive of stores, workshops and 
stables, the village contains only sixteen dwell- 
ing houses, occupied by families. In the rear 
of the village about three-quarters of a mile 
are four others, two and a half miles above are 
five, and at the upper end of the prairie are 
four, and seven or eight scattered over the 
prairie So that the whole number of family 
dwellings now occupied does not exceed thirty- 
eight. The buildings are generally of logs, 
plastered with mud or clay, and he thinks the 
village and inhabitants have degenerated since 
Pike was here in )805. The inhabitants are 
{)rincipally of French and Indian extraction. 
One mile back of the village is the 'Grand 
Farm,' an extensive enclosure cultivated by the 
settlers in common. It is about six miles in 
length, and one-quarter to one-half a mile in 
width, surrounded by a fence on one side, and 
the river bluffs on the other, thus secured from 
the depredations of cattle." He speaks highly 
of Capt. Duffhey, the commanding officer. He 
says of the name of the village, it derives its 



142 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



name from a family of Indians, formerly known 
by the name of "The Dog," that the chief's 
name was "The Dog." This family or band has 
become extinct. Tlie following tradition con- 
cerning them came to his knowledge: "That a 
large party of Indians came down the Wiscon- 
sin from Green Bay; that they attacked the 
family or tribe of the "Dogs" and massacred 
almost the whole of them and returned to 
Green Bay; that the few who had .succeeded in 
making their escape to the woods, returned 
after their enemies had evacuated the prairie, 
and re-established themselves in their former 
place of residence, and that they were the Indi- 
ans inhabiting the prairie at the time it was set- 
tled by the French. 

UP THE MISSISSIPPI IN 1819. 

[From a "Journal of a Toyage from St. Louis to the Falls 
of St. Anthony in 1819," by Maj. Thomas Forsyth, Indian 

Agent. 1 

I set out this morning with a view, if possi- 
ble, to reach Prairie du Chien, but having no 
wind in our favor, and current strong, we could 
get no further than the mouth of the Ouiscon- 
sin. Distance to-day, twenty-four miles. 

Monday, July 5, 1819. — I arrived to-day at 9 
A. M., at Prairie du Chien, and immediately the 
wind sprang up and blew a fresh breeze. This 
was vexing, as I had experienced five days ot 
head winds successively. I found here, await- 
ing my arrival, the Red Wing's son, a Sioux 
Indian, who wished to be considered something, 
with a band of followers. He invited me to a 
talk, and after relating the loss of one of his 
young men who was killed by the Chippewas, 
he expressed a wish that I would take pity on 
all present, and give them some goods. All 
this was a begging speech. I told him that I 
meant to go up with the troops to the river St. 
Peter's, and on my way up I would stop at their 
different villages, where I would speak to them, 
and give them a few goods. Here I had noth- 
ing to say, as I could not give any goods at 
this place, because it required goods to give 
weight to words, and make them understand 



me well. Yet he is such a beggar, that he would 
not take any refusal. I got up in an abrupt 
manner and left him and band, to study awhile. 
The Leaf, the principal chief of the Sioux, ar- 
rived this evening. 

Tuesday, 6th. — Ihe Kettle chief, with a 
band of Foxes, arrived here to-daj', to make 
arrangements with Mr. Partney about selling 
him the ashes at the different mines. A boat 
belonging to the contractor arrived to-day, 
loaded with provisions for the troops, in twen- 
ty-five days from Wood river. 

Wednesday, 7th. — The contractor's boat left 
this day to return to Wood river. 

Thursday, 8th. — A young Folle Avoine (Me- 
nomonee) stabbed a young Sioux in a fit of 
jealousy to-day, near the fort. He was in 
liquor. 

Friday, 9th — The Sioux Indians yesterday 
seized on the Folle Avoine Indian who had 
stabbed the young Sioux, and kept him in con- 
finement, well tied and guarded by a few young 
Sioux; but the Sioux chiefs sent for the Folle 
Avoine, and made him a present of a blanket 
and some other articles of clothing, and made 
him and the young Sioux whom he had stabbed 
eat out of the same dish together, thus forgiving 
and forgetting the past. 

Sunday, 11th. — Everyday since my arrival at 
this place, the wind has blown up the river; 
to-day it came around south and with rain; 
\\ ind settled at the northwest. 

Monday, 12th. — The Red Wing's son is still 
here a begging. He invited me to talk with 
him in council yesterday. This I refused as I 
did not wish to be troubled with such a 
fellow. 

Tuesday, 13th. — Much rain this morning; 
wind southwest. 

Wednesday, 14th. — Some Winnebagoes ar- 
rived from headwaters of Rocky river, and por- 
tage of Ouisconsin. These fellows are scien- 
tific beggars. Wind north. 

Thursday, 15th. — Yesterday evening the Red 
Wing's son's band of Sioux Indians set out for 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



US 



their liomes, and I am glad of it, for they are a 
troublesome set of beggars. The wind blows 
hard from the north to-day, which makes it much 
cooler than it has been for many days before. 

Friday, 16th, — The wind continues to blow 
iiard from the north, and the weatlier is still 
cool. Two men arrived this evening from 
Green Bay in a canoe. 

Saturday, 1 7th. — Mr. Boulhillier (Francois 
Bouthillier) arrived here to-day from Green Bay. 
Mr. Shaw also arrived here to-day from St. 
Louis in a canoe, having left his horses at 
Rocky Island. He informs me that he 
left Belle Fontaine on the 15th ult., that the re- 
cruits destined for the Mississippi set out on 
the day before and may be expected shortly. 

Sunday, 18th — Took a ride out in the coun- 
try. Found some of the situations handsome, 
bu' the farmers are poor hands at cultivation. 
Flour, ^10 per cwt.; corn, $3 per bushel; eggs, 
$1 per dozen; chickens,*!! to $1.25 a couple. 
Butter, none made. 

Monda' , 19th — A little rain, and cool all day. 
Mr. Shaw left to-day to return home. 

Tuesday, 20th — A little rain to-day. 

Wednesday, 21st — Winds fair for boats com- 
ing up the river, and little rain to-day. 

Thursday, 22d — A fine wind up the river to- 
day, with much rain. The old Red Wing, a 
Sioux chief, with about twenty of his followers, 
arrived to-day. This is another begging expe- 
dition. 

Friday, 23d — The wind is still up the river, 
with some rain. The old Red Wing and I had 
a long talk, and, as I supposed, the whole pur- 
port was begging. 

Saturday, 24th — Having heard much talk 
about Carreis' claim to land at or near St. 
Peter's river, and understanding that the Red 
Wing knewor said something about it last year, 
curiosity led me to make inquiries of him, having 
now an opportunity. He told me he remem- 
bered of hearing his father say that lands lying 
on the west side of Lake Pepin, known by the 
name of the old wintering places, were given to 



an Englishman; that he is now an old man 
(about sixty years of age), and does not, him- 
self, remember the transactions. I wished to 
continue the conversation, but the old man did 
not like it and therefore I did not })ress it. 

Sunday, 25th — Wind north and a warm day. 

Monday, 26th — Capt. Hickman and family 
left this place to-day in an open boat for ^^t. 
Louis. Wind north, and another warm day. 

Tuesday, 27th — Another warm day. No news 
of any kind. 

Wednesday, 28th — A boat arrived here from 
Green Bay. 

Thursday, 29th^ — This is the warmest day I 
have experienced this season, although there 
blew a hard wind up the river all day. 

Friday, 30th — Yesterday evening the war party 
of Foxes who had been on a hunt of some 
of the Sioux of the interior, returned without 
finding any. Much wind and rain this morning. 
I returned Mr. Moore $3, which Mr. Aird gave 
me last September to buy him some articles, 
which could not be procured. 

Saturday, 31st — Wind light up the river; no 
boats, no recruits, no news, nor anything else 
from St. Louis. 

Sunday, August 1st — Maj. Marston set out to- 
day early with twenty-seven troops in three 
boats to garrison Fort Armstrong, at Rocky 
Island. The boat which brought the settlers' 
goods from Green Bay a few days since set out 
to-day to return home. Some rain to-day; 
weather warm. 

Monday, 2d — Thank God! a boat loaded with 
ordnance and stores of different kinds arrived 
to-day, and said a provision boat would arrive 
to-morrow, but no news of the recruits. 

Tuesday, 3d — VVeather warm, with some 
rain. 

Wednesday, 4th — This morning the provision 
boat arrived. No news from St. Louis. This 
boat brings news of having passed a boat with 
troops on board destined for this place. Some 
of the men say two boats. Some rain to-day. 



144 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Thursday, 5tli — Much rain last night. Col. 
Leavenworth is determined to set out on the 7th 
if things can be got ready for the expedition to 
St. Peter's. The colonel has very properly, in 
my opinion, engaged the two large boats now 
here, with as many men belonging to the boats 
as will remain to accompany the expedition, 
their contents being wanted for the new estab- 
lishment at St. Peter's. Without the assistance 
of these two boats, it would appear impossible 
for the expedition to go on. 

Friday, 6th — Yesterday evening some French- 
men, who would not agree to go any further up 
the Mississippi, set out for St. Louis in a bark 
canoe. This morning eight discharged soldiers 
set out from this place for St. Louis in a skiff. 

Saturday, 7th — Every exertion was made to 
get off to-day, but impossible. A fine wind up 
the river. 

Sunday, 8th — This morning the colonel told 
me that he would be ready in an hour, and 
about 8 o'clock we set out for river St. Peter's. 
The troops consisting of ninety-eight rank and 
file, in fourteen bateaux and two large boats 
loaded with provisions and ordnance, and stores 
of different kinds, as also my boat; and a barge 
belonging to the colonel, making seventeen 
boats; and in the whole ninety-eight soldiers 
and about twenty boatmen. I felt myself 
quite relieved when we got under way. We 
made today eighteen miles. 

From Schoolcrafts "Discovery of tlie Sources 
of the Mississippi River," we extract the follow- 

"At the rapids of Black river, which enters 
opposite our encampment, a saw mill, we are 
informed, had been erected by an inhabitant of 
Prairie du Chien. Thus the empire of the arts 
has begun to make its way into these regions, 
and proclaims the advance of a heavy civiliza- 
tion into a valley which has heretofore only re- 
sounded to the savage war-whoop. Or, if a 
higher grade of society and arts has ever before 
existed in it, as some of our tumuli and antiqui- 



ties would lead us to infer, the light of history 
has failed to reach us on the subject. 

"At the spot of our encampment, as soon as 
the .shades of night closed in, we were visited 
by hordes of ephemera. The candles lighted 
in our tents became the points of attraction for 
these evanescent creations. They soon, however, 
began to feel the influence of the sinking of 
the thermometer, and the air was imperceptibly 
cleared of them in an hour or two. By the hour 
of 'i o'clock the next morning (Aug. 5, 1820), 
the expedition was again in motion descending 
the river. It halted for breakfast at Painted 
Rock, on the west shore. While this matter 
was being accomplished, I found an abundant 
locality of unios in a curve of the shore which 
produced an eddy. Fine specimens of U. pifr- 
pureus, elongatus and orbiculatus were obtained. 
With the increased spirit and animation which 
the whole party felt on the prospect of our ar- 
rival at Prairie du Chien, we proceeded unre- 
mittingly on our descent, and reached that place 
at 6 o'clock in the evening. 

"Prairie du Chien does not derive its name 
from tlie dog, but from a noted family of Fox 
Indians bearing this name, who anciently dwelt 
here. The old town is said to have been about 
a mile below the present settlement, which was 
commenced by Mr. Dubuque and his associates 
in 1783.* The prairie is most eligibly situated 
along the margin of the stream, above wliose 
floods it is elevated. It consists of a heavy 
stratimi of diluvial pebbles and bowlders, which 
is picturesquely bounded by lofty cliffs of the 
Silurian limestones, and their accompanying 
column of stratification. The village has the 
old and shabby look of all the antique French 
towns on the Mississippi, and in the great lake 
basins; the dwellings being constructed of logs 
and barks, and the court-yards picketed in, 
as if lliey -nere intended for deience. It is 
called Kipisagee by the Chi)ipewas and Algon- 
quin tribes, generally meaning the place of the . 



* This is shown in a subsequent chapter to be erroneous. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



US 



jet or overflow of the (Wisconsin) river. This, 
in popular parlance, estimated to be 300 miles 
below St. Peter's and 600 above St. Louis. f 

Its latitude is 43 deg., 3 min., 6 sec. It is 
the seat of justice of Crawford county, having 
been so named in honor of W. H. Crawford, 
secretary of the treasury of the U. S. It is, 
together with all the region west of Lake Mich- 
igan, att ched to the territory of Michigan. 
There is a large and fertile island in the Missis- 
sippi, opposite the place. 

"We found the garrison to consist of a single 
company of infantry, under the command of 
Capt. J. Fowle, Jr.,* who received us courteous- 
ly, and offered the salute due to the rank of His 
Excellency, Gov. Cass. The fort is a square 
stockade, with bastions at two angles. There 
was found on this part of the prairie, when it 
came to be occupied with a garrison by the 
Americans, in 1819, an ancient platform-mound, 
in an exactly square form, the shape and outlines 
of which were preserved with exactitude by the 
prairie sod. "This earthwork, the probable evi- 
dence of a condition of ancient society, arts and 
events of a race who are now reduced so low, 
was, with good taste, preserved by the military 
when they erected this stockade. One of the 
ofticers built a dwelling house upon it, thus con- 
verting it to the use, and probably the only use, 
to which it was originally devoted. No nieas- 
iirciiicnts h:ive been preserved of its original 
condition; but judging from present appearances, 
it must have squared seventy-five feet and have 
hail an elevation of eight feet. 

"I solicited permission of Gov. Cass to visit 
the lead mines of Dubuque, which are situated 
on the west bank of the Mississippi, at the com- 
puted distance of twenty-five leagues below 
Prairie du Chien. Furnished with a light canoe, 
manned by eight voyugeurs, including a guide, 

+ These distances are reduces by Cx. Di>c. 2jT, respectively 
to aiO and .MS miles. 

' This officer entered the army in 1812, serving with reputa- 
tion. He rose through various grades of the service to the 
ranli of Lieut. Col. of the flth infantry. He lost his life on 
the:;.')thof .\pril, IKis, liy the e.v plosion of the steamer Moselle, 
on the Ohio Kivcr. 



I left the prairie at half-past 1 1 a. m., (Aug. 
6), passed the entrance of the Wisconsin, on the 
left bank, at the distance of a league.* Opposite 
this point is the high elevation which Pike, in 
1806, recommended to be occupied with h mili- 
tary work. The suggestion has not, however, 
been adopted; military men probably thinking 
that however eligible the site might be for a 
work where civilized Nations were likely to come 
into contact, a simple style of defensive works 
would serve the purpose of keeping the Indian 
tribes in check. I proceeded nine leagues be- 
low, and encamped at the site of a Fox villagef 
located on the east bank, a mile below the en- 
trance of 1'urkey river from the » est. 

The village, consisting of twelve lodges, was 
now temporarily deserted, the Indians being 
probably absent on a hunt; but if so, it was re- 
markable that not a soul or living thing was left 
behind, not even a dog. My guide, indeed, in- 
formed me that the cause of the desertion was 
the fears entertained of an attack from the Sioux, 
in retaliation for the massacre lately perpetrated 
l)y them on the heads of the St. Peter's." 

In 1823, Count Beltrami came up the Missis- 
sippi on the steamer Virginia (118 feet long 
and twenty-two feet wide) in the month of May, 
and stopped at Prairie du Chien; among the 
passengers were Maj. Biddle, Mr. Talliaferro, 
and Lieut. Russel. 

Maj. S. II. Long, U. S. A., the same 3'ear, 
made his journey up the Mississippi by order 
of the Government to discover the sources of 
St. Peter's river. His ]);u-ty left Phila<lelpliia 
for Fort Dearborn, Chicago, and thence by land 
northwest through Illinois and wliat is now the 
southwestern counties of Wisconsin to Prairie 
du Chien, where they arrived on June 20 — found 
Col. Morgan in command. The route taken 
from Fort Dearborn is believed to be the first 



* It was at this spot. 137 years ago, that .Marquette and M. 
Joliet. coming fnun the lakes, discovered the Mi,«sissippi. 

+ Now the site of Ca.'<sville. Grant Co., Wis. It is a post 
town, pleasantly sitnated.with a population of SOO. 



146 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



that ever was taken by the whites, the journey 
occupied nine days, traversing 228 miles. He 
says that there were about twenty dwellings 
witli a population of 150. The Fort, he says, is 
the rudest and most uncomfortable lie had ever 
seen. The site is low and unpleasant. He re 
fers to the ancient mounds in the vicinity which 
have been heretofore described. The party 
were here re-inforced, and proceeded up the 
river. There were but few Indians here at the 
time. 



Col. T. L. McKenney, one of the commission- 
ers to treat with the Indians at Butte des Morts, 
came up the Fox river and down the Wisconsin 
to Prairie du Chien, arriving at this place, Sep- 
tember '^, 1827. He says: "The buildings are 
old and in a state of decay, only two good 
houses, RoUette's and Judge Lockwood's, about 
100 decaying tenements, the picket fort stand- 
ing on the plain a little north of the village, 
[where the Dousman residence now(1884)stands] 
and quite a ruin." 




HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



U1 



CHAPTER V. 



THE WAR OF 1812-15. 



Singularly enough, what is now Crawford 
county has been the theatre of stirring incidents 
in four wars: The Revolution, the War of 
1812-15, the Winnebago War, and the Black 
Hawk War. The data for what transpired here 
during the Revolution are exceedingly vague 
and shadowy excepting only that a detachment 
of soldiers came up the river to the " prairie," 
in 1780, and destroyed a warehouse and some 
fifty packs of furs belonging to British traders. 
That these soldiers were a detachment from 
George Rogers Clark's force at the Illinois 
towns seems altogether probable; nevertheless 
it must rest upon probability alone, as there is 
no positive evidence extant that such was the 
case. Dismissing thus summarily the Revolu- 
tion, we proceed to notice, in so far as Crawford 
county was concei'ned, 

THE LAST WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 

On the 18th of June, 1812, the declaration of 
war against Great Britain was made by Con- 
gress. The protection of this part of our fron- 
tiers was considered of great importance to our- 
selves, as its possession was to the British. In 
the summer of 1814, the Government authori- 
ties at St. Louis fitted out a large keel-boat, 
made bullet proof, and sent it with what men 
could be spared, under command of Lieut. Per- 
kins, to occupy Prairie du Chien. The troops 
built a stockade ujion a mound, the present 
site of the Dousman residence. Its ])rovisions 
for defense consisted of four small iron cannon 
besides the small arms of the garrison. The 
provisions and ammunition remained on the boat 
for want of convenient accommodations in the 



fort. The British traders of Mackinaw finding 
their communication with tiie ^Mississippi inter- 
rupted, planned the capture of the post. A 
strong expedition was fitted out and jjlaced un- 
der command of Lieut. Col. William McKay, a 
member of the Northwest Fur Company, an en- 
terprising man and resolute officer. He was 
given two companies of militia, formed among 
the employees of the traders. One of these 
companies wa« commanded by Joseph Rolette, 
of Prairie du Chien. About eighteen re^jular 
troops, under Capt. Fchlman, were assigned to 
the command, and Col. Dickson furnished Mc- 
Kay a part of his Indian force, numbering 
about 200 Sioux and 100 Winnebago warriors, 
and at Green Bay he was joined by about thirty 
militia and 100 Menomonees and Chippewas. 
The force now numbered about 1.50 whites and 
400 Indians. Proceeding in boats up Fox river 
and down the Wisconsin, when within twenty- 
one miles of the prairie, Michael Brisbois and 
Augustin Grignon were dispatched in advance 
to procure information, and returned with the 
report that the garrison numbered about sixty. 
The invaders reached the vicinity of the fort, 
unperceived, about 10 o'clock Sunday morning, 
July 17, when its officers were upon the point 
of taking a ride into the country. 

As soon as the British and Indians were dis- 
covered, the citizens left their houses and 
retired, some to the stockade, but tlie majority 
to the country. Col. McKay made an impos- 
ing display of his forces, invested the fort 
above and below, and summoned it to sur- 
render. Lieut. Perkins promptly refused, where 



148 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Tipon some forty of the Green Bay militia 
and Menomonees gained the island in front of 
the village and in the rear of the gun-boat, to 
annoy it while the besiegers opened on it from 
the land side with a brass six-pounder. One of 
these shots striking the boat, caused a leakage 
which, toward sundown, induced Capt. Yeiser, 
its commander, to swing her round and 
move down stream. The garrison called on 
her to stop, and, being unheeded, fired a shot to 
bring her round, but without effect. She es- 
caped down the river, igiiominiously leaving 
the garrison almost destitute of provisions and 
ammunition. Meanwhile, the besiegers directe 1 
an irregular tire of small arms against the fort, 
which was occasionally returned, but without 
effect on either side. The second day was 
spent by the besiegers in counselling,and doing 
some shooting at long range. That night 
some of the Indians commenced to mine from 
the bank of the river, but their progress toward 
the stockade was so slow that they soon gave it 
up. The third day passed as inactively as the 
second. The fourth day McKay prepared to 
fire the fort with hot shot, to be followed by 
an assault, when a white flag was raised, and 
two officers went out and agreed on a surrender 
of the post and stores, the garrison to retire un- 
molested down the river. The formal sur- 
render was made the next morning. Strict 
orders were given the Indians against molest- 
ing the disarmed garrison, and an attempt by 
one of the Sioux to strike a soldier, was 
promptly punished by a knock down from the 
war club of a chief. McKay had, however, 
some trouble in preventing the Indians, es- 
pecially the Winnebagoes, from plundering the 
settlers, who had by this time returned to their 
homes. After several days the prisoners were 
dispatclied down the river, escorted by a squad 
under charge of Michael Brisbois. The Mack- 
inaw forces then withdrew, leaving Capt. 
Pohlman in command of the stockade, which 
was named Fort McKay, and was garrisoned 
chiefly by militia, enrolled among the inhabi- 



tants of the village, until the following year, 
when, upon the ratification of peace, the British 
commander withdrew from the place. 

Such, in brief, is the history of the war as en- 
acted in what is now Crawford county. From 
it, only a general idea can be had of the many 
stirring events which transpired on the 
"prairie" during that war. Additional particu- 
lars are demanded at our hands, and we append, 
therefore, a recital of every event thought 
worthy of preservation. 

Concerning McKay's expedition, James H. 

Lock wood says: 

"At this time [Sept. 1S16] at Prairie du 
Chien the events of the War of 1812 in this 
quarter were fresh in the minds of every one. 
I learned that in the spring or summer of 1814, 
the United States government sent boats, made 
bullet proof, under a captain Yeiser, who was 
in command of the boats, and a company of 
United States troops, under Lieut. Perkins, 
to take and retain possession of Prairie du 
Chien. Perkins built a stockade on a large 
mound, on which Col. Dousman's house now 
stands, and Capt. Yeiser remained on board 
the boats where most of the ammunition 
and provisions were stored as there was no 
room for them within the stockade. 

"Soon after the breaking out of the war, 
when the American ofticers in garrison at 
Mackinaw, and the citizens of that place were 
yet ignorant of the commencement of hostilities, 
but apprehensive that war had been declared, 
some traders were dispatched to the old British 
post and settlement of St. Josephs, on the east- 
ern shore of Lake Michigan, for intelligence. 
As none of the traders returned, remaining 
absent so much longer than was deemed nec- 
essary, it naturally enough excited the sus- 
picions of the commanding oflicer and the 
principal citizens of Mackinaw. Under the 
circumstances, a council was held, at which it 
was determined that immediate information- 
must be had from St. Josephs, and the question 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



149 



then was, who could go there and not be sus- 
pected of being a spy. After looking around 
and finding none qualified to go, the late Michael 
Dousraan, of Mackinaw, said that he had an 
outfit in Lake Superior that ought, by that 
time, to be at St. Josephs, and he thought that 
he could go there and look after his properlj- 
without being suspected. Accordingly he vol- 
unteered his services, and late in the afternoon 
he left Mackinaw for St. Josephs in a canoe. 
About dark, at Goose island, fifteen miles 
from Mackinaw, he met the British troops on 
their way to that place, who took him prisonei', 
but released him on his parole that he would 
go back to Mackinaw, and not give the garrison 
any information of what he had seen, but col- 
lect the citizens together at the old still-house 
on the southern side of the island, where a 
guard would be immediately sent to protect 
them from the Indians. This promise Mr. 
Dousman faithfully performed, and was prob- 
ably the ciuse of saving many an innocent 
family from being brutally murdered by the 
savages. The British arrived, planted their 
cannon during the night, and in the morning 
sent in to the commanding ofticer a copy of the 
declaration of war, with a demand for him to 
surrender, which he complied with. 

"'JMie traders in the British interest, resorting 
to Mackinaw as the British headquarters of the 
northwest, learning of the American occujjation 
of Prairie du Cliien in 1814, and anticipating, 
that so long as this force should remain there, 
they would be cut off from the trade of Prairie 
du Chien, its dependencies, and the Sioux 
country, at once set on foot an expedition for 
the re-capture of that place. The British 
officers and traders accordingly fitted out an ex- 
jicdition under the command of Col McKay, of 
the Indian department, an old trader; and 
under him were, a sergeant of artillery with a 
brass six pounder, and three or four volunteer 
companies of the Canadian voyaf/etirs, com- 
manded by traders and officered by their clerks, 



all dressed in red coats, with probably 100 
Indians, officered by half breeds.* Having 
made a secret march they arrived on the prairie 
without being expected, and made the best dis- 
play of red coats and Indians that they could. 
They made a formidable show, and the Ameri- 
cans not knowing of what materials they were 
composed, and supposing they were all British 
regulars, appeared to have been panic-struck. 
The sergeant had brought his field piece so 
well to bear that lie hit one of the boats, I be- 
lieve the one Yeiser was in. During this time 
the troops and Indians had made a move to- 
wards the fort, but keeping out of gun shot. 
On the boat being hit, Capt. Yeiser had the 
cable cut, and swung round down the river, 
ordering the others to do the same, carrying 
with them the provisions and ammunition of 
the garrison. After the boats had gone, Col. 
McKay summoned the fort to surrender, and 
having neither provisions nor ammunition they 
had no otheralternative, and accordingly sur- 
rendered. The British took and kept posses- 
sion of Prairie du Chien until ]>cace, in 1815, 
thus opening the Indian trade to the traders at 
Mackinaw. The inhabitants of Prairie du 
C'hien being British subjects, were ordered into 
service by the British government to do duty 
in the garrison during the war. The British 
sergeant of artillery for hitting the keel-boat, 
was promoted by his government." 

grignon's rkcoi.i.ections. 
Col. McKay came with his force in boats to 
Green Bay, where he tarried awhile to increase 
his numbers, and make all necessary prepara- 
tions. A company of the Green Bay militia, of 
about thirty persons, and many of them old 
men unfit for service, was raised; of which 
Pierre Grignon was the captain, and Peter 
Powell and myself (Augustus Grignon,) the 
lieutenants. At the bay, James J. Porlier, a 
youth of some eighteen years, and son ' of 



•There werp at lenst l.(K)0 Indinns under Col, McKay, as 
stated in the iiccouiits of the time, and not legs than three 
pieces of light artillery. 



150 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Jacques Porlier, was commissioned a lieutenant 
in the rea;ulars, and joined Polilman's company.* 

Here about .seventy-five Menoraonees, under 
Ma-clia-nah, or the Hairy Hand; I-om-e-tah, 
Kish-kon-nau-kau-hom, or the Cutting off; and 
Tamah's son, Mau-kau-tau-kee, and a party of 
about twenty-five Chippewas, mixed with the 
Menomonees, joined the expedition. Our entire 
force now consisted of 400 Indians and 150 
whites — such was the understanding at the 
time; if the newspapers of that day represented 
it much larger, it was for effect on the pirt of 
the British to impress the Americans with an 
idea of their great strength in the northwest; 
and on the part of the Americans, in palliation 
of their loss at Prairie du Chien. 

At length the expedition moved forward up 
Fox river, the whites in six boats or barges and 
the Indians in canoes, and carrying their craft 
over the Portage, they descended the Wiscon- 
sin. Reaching the old, deserted Fox village, on 
the Wisconsin, twenty-one miles from Prairie 
du Chien, the force stopped, while Michael 
Brisbois, myself, a Sioux and a Winnebago In- 
dian were dispatched to Prairie du Chien in 
the night to obtain a citizen and bring him to 
Col. McKay, from whom to obtain intelligence. 
Descending the river to where the ferry has 
since been located, some five or six miles from 
Prairie du Chien, we went thence across by land 
and reached the place without difiiculty. We 
saw the sentinel on duty at the fort. We went 
to Antoine Brisbois, the uncle of Michael 
Brisbois, of one party, who lived three miles 
above the town, and took him to where we left 
our canoe at the ferry place, then called Petit 
Gris. There we awaited the arrival of Col. 
McKay and his force and they made their ap- 
pearance the next morning, when the sun was 
about an iiour iiigh. Antoine Brisbois reported 
the American strength in the garrison at sixty. 



*This was the only military service of J. J. Porlier, who re- 
moiuetl with his company all winter: and the next year, 
when peace was proclaimed, Capt. Pohlman evacuated Fort 
McKay at Prairie du Chien, and returned with his company 
to Mackinaw. Porlier then left the service, enj^aged in trade 
at Green Bay, raised a family and died at Grand Kau-kau- 
Jin in 1838, 



We then continued down to the mouth of 
the Wisconsin, and thence up almost to Prairie 
du Chien through a channel or bayou between a 
continuous number of islands imd the Missis- 
sippi. We reached the town about 10 o'clock 
unperceived. As this was Sunday and a very 
pleasant day the officers of the garrison were 
getting ready to take a pleasure ride into the 
country, and liad McKay been an hour or two 
later, the garrison would have been caught 
without an officer.* 

Nicholas Boilvin had directed a man named 
Sandy to go out and drive up his cattle, as he 
wished to kill a heifer that day, and have some 
fresh meat. Sandy went out and soon discov- 
ered the British approaching, and knew from 
the red coats worn by the regulars and Capts. 
Rolette and Anderson, for none of the rest had 
any, and the dozen British flags displayed by 
the Indians, that it was a British force. Sandy 
returned cooly to Boilvin and said there wei'e 
"lots of red cattle" at such a place, and invited 
him to go with him and see. Boilvin went and 
scarcely crediting his own eyes, asked earnestly 
"What is that?" "Why, it is the British!" re- 
plied Smdy; when Boilvin, who was the 
American Indian agent at Prairie du Chien,* 
hastened to h s house and C'H veyed his family 
and valuables 'o the gun-boat for safety. All 
the citizens now left their houses and fleil from 
the impending danger, some to the fort, but 
mostly to the country. 



* Joseph Crelee, of Portage, was then an inhabitant of 
Prairie du Chien and oorroliorates Mr. Grignon in this part 
of his narrative: stating-, without knowing that Mr. Griguon 
had done the same, that the English made their appearance 
on Sunday, and that he, C'relec, had loaned his horse and 
wagon to one of the olficcrs,who were generally preparing to 
go a riding into thecountrv: and that if Col. McKay had 
l)een an hour later there would not have been an American 
otticer in the garrison. Upon the alarm being given, Crelee, 
with many others, tied to the fort, and he shaied in the de- 
fense until the surrender. It may further be added that the 
newspapers of that day state that Col. McKay made his ap- 
pearance at Prairie du Chien on the ITth of .luly, 1SI4, and 
the 17th of July in that year occurred on Sunday. 

* Boilvin's father, during the Keyolutionary War re- 
sided at Quebec, and was there very kind and humane to a 
wounded American surgeon, who had been taken prisoner; 
and when exchanged, the elder Boilvin gave him money to 
carr.v him home. After the war, Nicholas Boilvin came west 
as an Indian trader, and did not succeed; and fortunately 
meeting the old surgeon at St. Louis, whom his father had 
befriended, the surgeon succeeded in getting Boilvin ap- 
pointed Indian agent. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



151 



Upon arriving at the town, making a very 
formidable display for that quiet place Rolette 
and Anderson, with their companies, the Sioux 
and Winnebago Indians, were directed to take 
post above the fort, while Col. McKay himself, 
with the Green Bay company, the regulars, the 
Menomonees and Chi]>pewas, encompassed it 
below. A flag was sent in, borne by Capt. 
Thomas Andenson, demanding the surrender of 
the garrison, with which demand Lieut. Per- 
kins, the commandant of the post, promptly 
declined to comply. The six-pounder, under 
the management of the regulars, was now 
brought to bear on the gun-boat of the Ameri- 
cans; the first shot, however, fired by the six- 
l)ounder, was a blank charge, intended as a sort 
of war-flourish or bravado. But our men did 
not take a very near position; I should say they 
were lialf a mile from the gun-boat, if not 
more, and hence the firing upon the boat by the 
cannon, and the firing by guns or cannon from 
the boat, was generally iiiefFictnal. When the 
firing first commenced on the gun-boat, Capt. 
Grignon, with a part of his company and sev- 
eral iNIenomonees, some thirty or forty alto- 
gether, were directed to cross the river in two 
boats, and take a position on land so as to 
annoy and aid to drive oif tie gun-boat, the po- 
sition of which was at first near the middle of 
the stream, but when fired upon, had moved 
over nearer the western shore. During the 
day the gun-boat was at least once or twice 
struck by the balls of the six-pounder, and 
caused a bad leakage, whicli, when the sun was 
about half an hour high, induced its com- 
m.inder to move down stream. Seeing this 
movement, the Americans in the fort called out 
to them not to go off; but this being unheeded, 
they fired their cannon at the boat to stop it. 
Meanwhile Capt. Grignon and his party over 
the river* had been annoying the boat. As the 



* The newspapers of that ilay. aiirl McAfee's ITietory of the 
War iti tile WcstiM'ii Country, unite in statin? tliat tliis party 
bad taken position on an island opposite to Prairie dti 
Chien. eovered with timber, whieh served to screen them 
from the shots of the gun-boat. This appears (|Uitc prob- 
able. 



boat passed down the river, one six-pounder 
was made three times to hit her, twice on the 
side :ind once in the stern, but it soon got be- 
yond our reach. Had we manned some of our 
boats and pursued, we could undoulitedly have 
taken it, as we afterward learned that it leaked 
so b.adly that the Americans had to stop at the 
nioutli of the Wisconsin and repair it. The 
only injury the firing of the gun-boat did was a 
ball, before noon, striking a fence post, some of 
the slivers of which inflicted a flesh wound in the 
thigh of one of the Menomonees. 

While this contest was progressing with the 
gun-boat, McKay's party of whites and Indians, 
on all sides of the fort, kept up an irregular 
firing of small arms, which, from their great 
distance from the fort, was harmless; and thus 
if they did no harm, they were out of the way 
of receiving any in turn. At length towards 
noon, Col. McKay ordered his men to advance 
over the Marais St. Freol, a swampy spot, and 
lake position much nearer the fort — not more 
ihan a quarter of a mile distant. This was 
obeyed by those on the lower side of the fort, 
vho had a sufliciency of houses to shield them 
from the guns of the garrison. From this new 
position, the firing was somewhat increased; but 
the men under Rolette and Anderson, with 
the Sioux and Winnebagoes, on the upper side 
of the fort, kept at a safe distance, fully hal/ a 
mile off, but they reallj' needed no protection 
at that distance against small arms. In tlie 
fort were four iron cannon, somewhat larger 
than six-pounders, and these were occasionally 
fired.* Whenever Capt. Rolette would see the 
flash of the cannon, he would give the rather 
unmilitary order of "Down, my men, down!" 
A couple of Winnebagoes discovering that 
there were some hams in a house, which had 
been deserted, and to which they could not 
gain an entrance, mounted upon the roof, in- 
tending to tear off some shingles, when they 



♦Probably there was not much ammunition in the fort, and 
they wished to he sparlnir of it, for closer action, if it 
sho'uld como to that; for it has been slated, that thetrun-boat 
contained the maKa/.inc of powder, ami that had departed. 



10 



152 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



were espied from the fort, and each wounded in 
the thigh, when they quiclily retreated from 
their exposed situation. 

The second day the men and Indians amused 
themselves with some long shooting, but Col. 
McKay and his officers spent the day in conn- 
gelling as to the best course of procedure. It 
was pretty much resolved to make an assault, 
and towards evening assembled the leading 
Indian chiefs, and laid the plan of an assault be- 
fore them, when the Winnebago chief Sar-cel, 
or The Teal, remarked that he and his people 
remembered too well taking part with the Sha- 
wanoes in assaulting an American fort, and 
were beaten back with terrible slaughter, — 
probably alluding to the attack on Fort Re- 
covery,* in Wayne's Indian war in 1793, — and 
they would not like to resort to so hazardous 
an experiment; but proposed a better and safer 
way — to spring a mine from the river bank and 
blow up the garrison. Col. McKay did not 
waste words unnecessarily, but simply replied, 
"Go at it." Teal and his Winnebogoes spent a 
part of the evening digging but found their 
progress in undermining was slow, and after 
penetrating a dozen or fifteen feet, they gave it 
up as a bad job. As the fort was several hun- 
dred feet from the river bank, it would have 
been an interminable operation for the Indians 
to have attempted to prosecute their scheme to 
completion. 

Nothing of moment occurred the third day, — 
as usual some little firing was done. Col. 
McKay sent into the country about three miles 
for a load of straw, which was made up into 
small bundles to have in readiness to place in 
the darkness of night, with kegs of powder near 
the fort, and fire a train of straw leading to the 
powder, and thus make a breach in the enclos- 
ure. But this was only designed as a dernier 
resort. During this day or the preceding one, 

♦ Pe-sheu, or the Wild Cat, and Sar-cel, once got into a 
wrangle in which their bravery was called in question, when 
Pe-sheu put a clincher by saying to Sar-cel, "Don't you re- 
member the time we aided the Shawanoes in attacking the 
fort, that you ran o£f so fast that you lost your breech- 
cloth?" 



a Fox Indian received a spent ball which 
lodged between his scalp and skull; it was cut 
out, and the wound was so slight as to prove no 
obstacle to his sharing in the further events of 
the siege. 

The fourth day Col. McKay resolved to ac- 
complish something more decisive. About 
3 o'clock in the afternoon, with his troops 
properly stationed, and cannon balls heated red 
hot in a blacksmith's forge, I was sent to go 
round and specially direct the interpreters to 
order the Indians not to fire on the fort till the 
cannon should commence playing the hot shot, 
and the fort should be set on fire; then to use 
their muskets as briskly as possible. Scarcely 
had these directions been given, when the 
Americans, probably seeing from indications 
that a severe assault of some kind was about to 
be made, raised the white flag. Two officers 
now came out and met Col. McKay — strict or- 
ders having been given to the Indians not to 
fire on these Americans, on the pain of being 
themselves fired on by the British troops. 
The result wns, a surrender was agreed on; Col. 
McKay should have possession of the fort and 
public stores, and the Americans be permitted 
to retire unmolested in boats down the river. 
By this time it was too late to go through with 
a formal surrender, which was postponed till 
the next morning. 

A little before the appointed time to give up 
their arms, one of the Winnebagoes seeing a sol- 
dier in the fort, made a motion to him to shake 
hands; the soldier reached his hand through a 
port-hole, when the Winnebago seized it and 
cut off one of his fingers, and ran off with his 
singular trophy. As Lieut. Perkins and his 
men marched out from the fort to lay down 
their arms, a Sioux warrior attempted to strike 
one of the soldiers, when a chief, a son-in-law of 
Wau-ba-sha V, knocked down his treacherous 
countryman with his war-club. Col. McKay 
had given such strict orders to the Indians 
against raassacreing or molesting the Americans, 
and to the regulars and militia to keep the In- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



153 



dians in awe, that nothing more, so far as I 
know, transpired, tliat had the least appearance 
of treachery on the part of the Indians. 

When the American flag was hauled down. 
Col. McKay was the first to observe the singular 
fact, that though it was completely riddled else- 
where with balls, the representation of the 
American eagle was untouched. The Indians, 
during the whole four days had directed many 
shots at the flag and had shot off one of the 
cords, which let the banner part way down the 
flag staff, and there it remained till the surren- 
der. The flag staff was planted near the center 
of the fort. 

Several days elapsed before arrangements 
were completed by which to send the prisoners 
down the river. When they took their depart- 
ure, they escorted Michael Brisbois, with a 
suitable guai'd, but I do not know how large a 
guard, as I h i<l [ireviously left. I understood 
C'ol. McKay gave the Americans their arms as 
they started down the river; bui I have no 
knowledge of llicir Vx'ing followed by the In- 
dians. 

Capt. Pohlmin, with his regulars, reni.iiiied 
in command, with the two Mackinaw conipaiiu > 
under Cipt. Anderson and Lieut. Duncan Gra- 
ham, wiio was now promoted to the ca])taincy 
of his company, as Capt. Rolette had bee^i sent 
with dispatches to Mackinaw immediately after 
the surrender. 

McKay had much difliculty in managing his 
Sioux and Winnebago allies, particularly the 
latter. At the first investment of the place, 
when these Indians were placed with the Mack- 
inaw militia above the fort, they had in the most 
wanton manner, sIkU down a number of horses 
and cattle belonging to the citizens, much to the 
regret and ve.\ation of the British commander; 
and after tiie surrender, the Winnebagoes 
swarmetl arouiul among the settlers, to openly 
plunder them of anything they might desire; 
and McKay was under the necessity of threat- 
ening to turn his troops against them, if they 
did not instantly desist, and go off home. The 



Indians once off. Col. McKay, the Green Bay 
troops, Menomonees and Chippewas took their 
departure. 

Capt. Rolette at length with his boat liove 
in sight of Mackinaw. Large numbers thronged 
the shore, anxiously waiting to learn the^ti- 
dings from Prairie du Chien. '•Capt.;_Rolette, 
what is the news?" "A great battle — a sanguin- 
ary contest," responded Rolette, with an air of 
great solemnity and importance. "How many 
were killed?" "Nh7ie/" "How many wounded?" 
^^None/" "What a bloody contesti" vociferously 
shouted the crowd, as they «scorled the hero 
from the boat to the garrison. 

Capt. Pohlman continued in command at Prai- 
rie du Chien till after the peace, which ensued 
the following year, when the fort was evacuated. 
I may mention one incident of the winter after 
my departure. A couple ot Frenchmen, named 
Dubois and Chaupanie, the former a half-breed 
Sioux, and brother-in-law of ('apt. Rolette, were 
sent to a Sioux camp to obtain some venison for 
Rolette. While at the camp, a Sioux Indian 
demanded first, a gun, and then some ammiini- 
inii, which being refused, he concluded to ac. 
company them on their return to Capt. Rolette, 
siying that Rolette would let him have what lie 
wanted. While the two men were asleep before 
their camp-fire in the night, the Sioux, wlio lay 
on the opposite side of the fire, got up, took the 
only gun, and shot them both at the same dis- 
charge, killing Chau])anio on the spat, and mor- 
tally wounding the other. The Indian now ran 
off, and Dubois, though distant a day's journey, 
reached Prairie du Chien, and died sliortly afier. 
The Sioux chief of that band was taken and de- 
tained till the murderer was broiyifht in, who 
was tried and shot. He was a bad Indian, and 
was much feared by his own people. 

Of Col. McKay, I can only state in addition, 
that after the war he retired to Montreal, 
where he long since ended his daj-s. He was a 
fine looking, tall, well i)roportioned man, but 
was regarded as strict, and sometimes severe 
over those in his em])loy in the Indian trade. 



154 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



I knew Col. Robert Dickson from his first com- 
ing from England, as I think, and engaging in 
the Indian trade. He commenced his career as 
a trader about the year 1790, and traded princi- 
pally with the Sioux, and continued till the war ; 
after the war he did not renew the business. 
He was very humane to American prisoners 
during the war, rescuing many from the Indians; 
and in after years he several times received let- 
ters from such, enclosing, presents of money, as 
tokens of their gratitude. He was a large man, 
of full face, tall and commanding. He had a 
Sioux wife and four children. 

Anderson's journal, 1814.* 
Wednesday, August 10, 1814.— Col. McKay 
set off at 10 o'clock in the morning; would 
not allow any guns to be fired. In the after- 
noon a few Renards (Foxes) arrived from the 
Riviere au D'Inde, and brought word that they 
had seen the two barges that had went adrift 
from this place. The Tonnerre Noir, or Black 
Thundei', a Yankee Indian passed on his way 
above, unperceived. 

Thursday, August 11. — Gave out some few 
articles of goods to the Michigan Volunteers, 
by Col. McKay's orders previous to leaving. 
Gave out twelve carrots of tobacco to be dis- 
tributed among the troops in general. Tliis 
was done because it is customary to allow the 
people of this place to smoke as a preventive 
to sickness. The want of provisions obliges 
me to give every assistance to the farmers to get 
in their grain as fast as possible. I, therefore, 
allow all the volunteers that are not on duty, 
to go and work for them in the day-time. Em- 
ployed the sergeant of artillery men, with some 
of the Michigans, in making leaden three-pound 
balls. Appointed a patrol to go about at night 
in order to detect stragglers, if any such per- 
sons should be found, that they may give an 
account of themselves. 



* ' 'Journal of the Proceedings at Fort McKay from the 
Beparture of Lieut. Col. McKay, for Mackinaw, compre- 
hending the particulars of every occurring- circumstance in 
and out of the Fort, within the vicinity of Prairie du Chien." 
By Capt.T. G Anderson. 



Friday, August 12. — Sent off twelve men 
with an interpreter, and two Indians for the 
barges that drifted away from this place. One 
of the volunteers by the name of Aslin, hav- 
ing refused to go on fatigue, and having ab- 
sented himself without leave, I put in close 
confinement, and allow him one and one half 
pounds of bread, and two quarts of water per 
day, till further orders. At 3 in the after- 
noon, eight canoes of Renards came, and landed 
at the entrance of the Marais, a little below the 
Prairie. From there the chief with another 
came up and asked leave to offer some scalps 
they had brought. I gave them leave, and they 
returned for their canoes. This being the 
Prince Regent's birthday, put off jiracticiug at 
the cannon till to-morrow. The small store of 
powder we have here, prevented our firing the 
customary salute on this day. At 4, the 
canoes arrived, and asked to speak with me. I 
told the Indians to repair to the house lately 
belonging to Mr. Boilvin. The head man, not 
a chief, got up and gave me his hand, saying : 
"My father, we are ashamed-to present you with 
these scalps (holding four scalps in his hand,) 
because we did not kill them ourselves ; but got 
three of them from our friends, the Sauks, and 
one we picked up on our way here — a man, that 
we supposed your guns had killed, in the gun- 
boat where you fought ; he was lying on a sand 
bank." Then presenting me with a few articles 
of American clothing, said : "We give you 
these things, to wish you a good day, as they 
came from the enemy, hoping you will give us 
Kome assistance." Another Indian rising and 
showing me his leather breech-cloth : " Mv 
father, I beg of you some little assistance ; you 
see iiow miserable I am off, being obliged to 
wear a leather petticoat." 

To these requests I gave the following an- 
swer : "I am happy to see you, but am much 
chagrined that I have not a mouthful of provis- 
ions to give you. As Tor powder, toliacco, and 
goods, you need not speak of these articles, for 
your father" (alluding to C'ol. McKay,) "after 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



155 



the battle of the Rapids, and previous to liis 
departure gave to the Sauks and Renards twenty 
kegs of gunpowder and fourteen bales of goods 
to be distributed among sucb Indians of these 
Nations as we knew to be good subjects, and 
must support. But in the space of twenty or 
twenty-five days there will be a strong re-in- 
forcement of troops here, and plenty of amnui- 
nition and other goods. Those Indians that 
merit support, will have it amply ; but those 
that are attached to the Americans, as many of 
the Renards are, will be treated as we treat bad 
dogs." 

At half past 4 o'clock Lieut. Urisbois arrived, 
having been below the rapids of the Riviere des 
Moines, with theprison"rs. He brought nothing 
new. At sun-down the fatigu;- party I sent for 
the barges arrived, with the two barges, having 
received no injury. 

Saturday, August 13, 1 p. m. — A Sioux canoe 
arrived from above, bringing word that Feuille's 
band, in diiuking their rum, fought much, but 
witliout anus, among themselves. They were 
about to'kill the Aile Rouge, or Red Wing, 
but he ran away. At 4, the Renards, that gave 
me four scalps yesterday, assembled, and re- 
quested of me to return them the scalps, ob- 
serving that they were the enemies' scalps that 
we had killed with our little cannon ; but that 
I did not want such trophies, as we never took 
off the scalps of our enemies. Speaking of their 
loyalty, I answered them that it was not possi- 
ble to depend upon their Nation in general ; 
that I knew that there were some good subjects 
among them, but many bad ones. That when 
they saw Robert Dickson, how they came and 
cried to him for support ; and as soon as their 
English Father was fond of his children he 
always assisted them ; but their jnisfortune 
was, that as soon as his back was turned, and 
they saw the Americans, some among them im- 
mediately raised their war clubs over our heads. 
I am sorry to speak to you in this way, but 
necessity requires it, as I do not know the good 
from the bad. When your English Father 



speaks to his well-known good children, he 
does it with an open hand and heart ; but when 
lie knows he speaks to bad subjects, he does it 
with an arm in his hand. But the time is 
drawing near when a fire will be kindled, as in 
a meadow where there are stout trees. The 
bad hay will be burned down, and the fire will 
protect the stout trees and leave them to grow 
without being annoyed. 

Sunday, August l'^ 12 o'oclock. — Went out 
to the farms to inquire about mills, in order to 
get some fiour made immediately. The mills 
are in bad order, but they will get them re- 
paired ; and as soon as the harvest gets in they 
will begin to grind the wheat. At 3, returned 
and found two of the Michigans drunk. They 
had stolen rum out of a keg that had been 
issued for a party going for a gun-boat of the 
enemy, being a little above Fort Madison. 
AVhen I arrived they were lying drunk. I 
ordered them into the guard-house. They were 
very insolent to the sergeant, and in fact 
rushed out of the block-house where they were 
confined, havi)ig no sentry over them, and be- 
haved with violence, taking up clubs to defend 
themselves from the guard, when I ordered 
them a second time to be kept close. Having 
only one pair of fetters, I had them put on to 
one of them ; the other I had tied. 

Monday, August 15. — At 9, seven canoes, 
Renards from the Riviere au D'Inde, arrived. 
Having received a letter in French, from Capt. 
Grignon, on the 12th inst., the difficulty of de- 
ciphering it prevented my inserting till to-day, 
as follows : 

Fort McKay, Aug. 12, 1814. 
C.M'r. T. G. Anderson, Com'g Fort McKay : 

Sir — I beg you to take into consideration the 
request which 1 made of Lieut. Col. McKay, 
which lie accepted. As I do not intend to act 
in anything that would be disagreeable to you; 
and knowing your intelligence, I hope that you 
will take everything into consideration. My 
only object is to prove as much as my feeble 
knowledge permits, to submit my views of pub- 



15G 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



lie matters, which are founded upon truth, and 
which are of the greatest importance to make 
known, and should be understood everywhere, 
being interested for the service of His Majesty, 
etc. 

1. The provisions which are absolutely in- 
dispensable, and which it would be a failure 
not to recognize [are wanting]. You know that 
the inhabitants of Green Bay are without help 
for their harvest, and that it is impossible for 
them to gather their crops without assistance. 
A mill there stands idle for lack of workmen. 
It is important for them to be provided with 
flour, unless affairs at Mackinaw should permit 
the furnishing an immediate supply, or I should 
not be allowed to return home (the people 
there must suffer). 

It would be possible to send the powder you 
need, from that place ; I myself could furnish 
250 pounds. Here you need to be provided 
with the munitions of war ; you have not 
enough for the force you have, and what is the 
need of us (xreen Bay people here "? Without 
additional supplies you will be unable to defend 
the place ; it is like a body without a soul. If 
permitted to return to the bay, and you should 
have information of the approach of the enemy, 
I think that, receiving notice, I could come to 
your assistance as soon as the (Indian) Natio.is 
nearest here ; and the Nations of Fox river 
would come more promptly with me than by 
sending a message to them, which would only 
be met by procrastination, as usual. 

2. The provisions which arc being consumed 
here by so many, it would be better, in my 
opinion, to husband in part, for another time 
(when the enemy should threaten and re-in- 
forcements should be needed). It is costly to 
transport supplies for so many men from Mack- 
inaw. As there are not sufficient munitions for 
those here, it has been my intention to obtain 
leave to go to the Illinois with some volunteers. 
I have tried to raise the Sacs and Foxes, in 
order to embroil them with the enemy. Such 
were the intentions of your servant, and more. 



I need say nothing further. I hope for a 
furlough, and not transportation, as early as 
possible, with a letter of recommendation to 
the commander at Mackinaw, if agreeable to 
you to grant it. 

I am, sir, etc., etc., 

Pierre GRiGNoy, Capt. 

My answer was as follows: 

Fort McKay, August 15, 1814. 
Captain Grignon: 

Sir. — In answer to your letter of the r2th inst. 
I have to say that as to the request you say you 
made of Col. McKay, I know nothing about it. 
Summing up the contents of your letter, I find 
you want permission to return home, a request 
I cannot take upon myself to grant, for two 
reasons: first, that it was optional with you, 
previous to the colonel's departure, to remain 
here, or return to your home; secondly, you are 
on the list with those to do garrison duty here 
till the re-inforcement arrives from Mackinaw. 
As to provision, the less said on this subject 
the better. The object of our coming here was 
to make use of our arms, etc. 

As to your good intentions, and wish to go 
and burn St. Louis,* I conceive it to be out of 
tlie question to harbor any such idea, with any 
number of the Indians, and perhaps forty or 
fifty volunteers that you with difficulty could 
muster. Attacking and totally destroying so 
formidable a place as that, is in my opinion, 
absurd. I am much obliged to you for your 
offer of powder, and am sorry it is out of reach. 
Having answered the principal subjects of your 
letter, I am sir, your liumble servant, 

Thos. G. Anderson, Capt. Comd'g. 

At 10, Lieut. Graham went off to try and get 
the gun-boat, as mentioned in yesterday's or- 
ders. At 6 p. M. a violent thunder storm, with 
rain and much lightning. The firmament was 
as if in a continual blaze, from 7 till 10. 

Tuesday, August 16th. — At 10 called up the 
Michigans that were confined on Sunday. When 

*A8 this intention does not appear in Capt. Grignon'e 
letter, it must have been derived from verbal expressions. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



15-? 



they proved that they got the rum, with which 
they got drunk ou Sunday, from one of the vol- 
unteers, I sent for him , liberated the two Mioh- 
igaiis, and put him in their place. The Miclii- 
gans deserved, perhaps, to be more rigorously 
punished; but their corps being my principal 
support, would not admit of my being too 
strict with them for the present. At 5, a canoe 
of Puants arrived from their village on the 
Ouisconsin. Kept a party at work making 
swivel bullets. Finished covering the house. 
At half past 8 the volunteer in the guard house 
was on the point of, and threatening to break 
out, when I ordered him to be put in irons. 

\Yednesday, August iVth. — Got the artificers 
at work widening the passage through the fort, 
but could not complete it entirely. At 9 p. m. 
the Feuille, or Leaf, arrived with five of his 
young men. He ha-l heard by the Renards 
that the Americans were coming up, and that 
cannon had been lieard tiring below the Rock 
river lately, and that a barge had arrived from 
Mackinaw. The report )( the tiring of the can- 
non we knew to be false. Lieut. Brisbois lias 
just come from there, and if a barge had arrived 
from Mackinaw, no doubt we would have had 
letters from there. Those vagabonds made this 
news in hopes to make themselves pass for 
friendly Indians. 

Thursday, August 18th. — At 10 the Feuille 
came to the fort, when I told him the talk I had 
held with the Renards, the whole of which, he 
agreed, was perfectly right. I gave him the 
four scalps I got from the Renards. He 
told me, that in the course of a few days, he 
would send down to hoar the news, and after 
that, he would come down himself with the 
men of his band to wait the arrival and com- 
mand of his father, Robert Dickson. I gave 
him a few loaves of bread, and he went off. 
At 2 o'clock this morning, John Campbell, of 
the volunteers, having repeatedly refused to do 
duty, I sent the corporal of the guard with two 
men, and brought him up. In (juestioning him 
and asking him his reasons for his not attend- 



ing, he said he would not mount guard as long 
as he could get work to gain anything by. I 
told him he had better do his turn of duty with 
the others. He immediately mounted his high 
horse, and began to talk in a high tone, when 
I commanded him to be silent. He became in- 
solent, and told me he did not care a d — n 
for me. I ordered him to the guard house. 
Kennet, who was put in irons on Tuesday, con- 
tinues in the guard-house with his irons on him; 
is very abusive, and threatens every person in 
the garrison without exception. The fort door, 
and well completed. 

Friday, August 1 9th. — The ofiicers, etc., took 
two lessons at the gun, and got on very well. 
Let John Campbell out of the guard-house. A 
heavy shower in the morning. Got word that 
the Renards above had found the Indian that 
got drowned while going up with the Little 
Corbeau. They say he had his feet tied togeth- 
er. Got the carpenter to work making a scaf- 
fold, on which for a sentry to stand high, and 
see over the pickets. One of the swivels well 
mounted, and in the blacksmith's hands, to be 
bound, and ironed completely. Gave out a 
second to be mounted. 

Saturday, August 20th. — At 6, practiced at 
the gun till a quarter past 8. Went around 
to arrange with the farmers for flour. They 
will begin to thrash out their wheat on Monday. 
I promised them every- assistance. At 10, the 
.Michigans were drilled. At 2 p. m., gijt the 
other three-pounder mounted, and went out in 
brigade at 4 o'clock, practicing sham fighting 
till 6, when we returned to the fort. At half 
])ast .3 P. M., three young Renards arrived 
with a pipe, they say, from the Sauks, who send 
me word that the Americans were on their way 
up here in barges. They say they do not deceive 
me, three different couriers having seen the 
barges above the Cap au Gris ten days ago. The 
Sauks request me to go down to the rapids with 
all the forces here, and meet the enemy there, 
and at the same time take them ammunition and 
guns. I told them I could give them an answer 



158 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



in the morning, as they told me this news at 
7 o'clock in the evening. I cannot put faith in 
this report. The couriers cannot inform me the 
number of the enemy's barges, nor can they tell 
me the number of young Sauks that brought the 
pipe to the Renarcl village. They ask for am- 
munition and guns, two articles they have been 
repeatedly told that we have none; and Col. 
McKay, when he gave the Epervier Noir, or 
Black Sparrow Hawk, the last present, told him 
positively he need not expect any further supply 
of powder till tlie ro-inforcement came out. All 
these circumstances considered, I conceived it to 
be a made up story of the Renards and Aile 
Rouges or Red Wings, to get us away from 
this, perhaps to destroy the place, or else to get 
us, as they suppose, into their power below this, 
and, as in such a case we would not suspect 
them, to get us into a council, and then do our 
business. Be this as it may, I treat the couriers 
well, and do not give the smallest idea that I 
doubt the truth of their report. On the contrary, 
I will encourage them to be on the lookout, etc. 
If there is any truth in their assertions, we shall 
know it in the course of three or four days by 
Lieut. CTraham. The enemy will not reach this 
point, if the report is true, before twenty days. 

Sunday, August 21st. — Answer to the young 
Renards that brought the pipe, and news of the 
approach of the Americans: "You will tell tlie 
Sauks, that I thank them for having sent a pipe 
as a token of the certainty of the enemy's ap- 
proach. I also thank you for having been so 
expeditious in bringing the news here. You 
will tell the Sauks thatmy orders will not admit 
of my leaving this place for the present, having 
been left here to defend the post. At any rate, 
knowing that there are a number of bad Indians 
both above and below me, I fear were they to 
find that 1 had left the village unguarded, they 
might come and insult and destroy the inhabi- 
tants of the place." 

I was careful to prevent their learning that 
we had only one half barrel of tiour on hand. 
As to ammunition and guns, I sent word to the 



Sauks, that they well knew I had none to spare, 
having on hand only what would be necessary 
for twenty days in case of an attack, — this was 
designed, in case the Sauks should give infor- 
mation to the enemy, to make them believe that 
we are not short of supplies. The Sauks, Ren- 
ards, etc., ought to be well supplied, having got, 
previous to Col. McKay's leaving here, twenty 
kegs of gunpowder, and having taken a number 
of guns from the enemy, they are well enabled 
to stand a strong attack. 

I advised the Indians below "to keep a good 
look out, and not allow tlicmselves to be sur- 
prised, and in case the Americans should come 
on horseback, as you say, try and decoy them 
into the bush, and surround them. Men on 
horseback, in a thick bush, cannot do much; 
and in case they get past your village in 
barges, follow them up here, with a party on 
each side of the river, and annoy them if they 
debark to camp, to get wood, or otherwise ; and 
by the time they reach here, I will have a strong 
re-inforceraent of Indians. Before they can 
reach here, the re-inforcement will perhaps be 
out from Mackinaw, when you, our Sauk friends, 
will be all well sup[ilied with ammunition and 
everything else. 

" I am very sorry I cannot take upon myself 
to furnish the Sauks with any more ammuni- 
tion ; but let them t.ake courage, and act as 
bravely as they did when they drove back the 
American gun-boats, and they may depend upon 
amjile support, perhaps more than they can pos- 
sibly expect, when the re-inforcement comes out. 
When Black Hawk and the Sauk chiefs send 
expresses in the future, send people that can 
give the particulars of anything that is going 
on, and not young men that can give no infor- 
mation at all. The young men that b]-ouglit me 
the pipe could neither tell me where the enemy 
were seen, their number of boats, nor anything 
more than merely they were coming. The pipe, 
you say, the Sauks sent to be left with me. I 
will keep it as a token of their good intentions, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



159 



and will deliver it to their father, the Red 
Head,* as soon as he arrives." 

At 1-2, the Sauk chief, Thomas, arrived. 
Two canoes having left the village previous to 
the arrival of this news there, he could give nie 
no further assurance. He met Lieut. Graham 
within a few miles of the Rock river, and says 
he will be back here to-morrow or next day. 

Monday, August 2-2d. — At 6 in the morning, 
it began to rain hard, and thundered a good 
deal. Rainy weather all day. At 8 in the 
evening a Sioux canoe arrived with one man 
and three women ; nothing new. Issued thirty- 
seven pairs Indian shoes to the volunteers, and 
drilled the people. 

Tuesday, August 23d. — Got a number of men 
threshing wheat. At 7 in the evening, Lieut. 
Graham arrived bringing Indian news, that the 
Americans were coming up. Nothing certain 
as to their force, or where they were seen. On 
the 201 li, while Lieut. Graham was preparing 
to proceed from Rock river to go and destroy 
the gun-boat (the Sauks having refused to go 
and assist in getting her up), two young men 
arrived express from the Sauks on the Missouri, 
reporting that white people from the Illinois, 
tliey do not know who, sent word to the Sauks 
on the Missouri to inform those on the Rock 
river to be on their guard, as the Americans 
were to leave the Illinois on the 4th inst., in a 
strong detachment, to cut off the Sauks. No 
other certain news of their approach. 

Wednesday, August 24th. — Having delilier 
ated on the news Lieut. Graham brought from 
the Sauks,, and taking into consideration the 
promises made Indians in general by the Govern- 
ment, through Robert Dickson, and Col. McKay 
previous to his leaving here, of giving them 
every assistance, and supporting them agsinst 
the invading enemy, I think it my duty to send 
an expedition to the Sauks for that purpose, in 
order to convince them that promises made by 



•Col. KiilKTt Dickson. The Indians called him the R«f- 
Htiirftl M tn. The Ainorioan Indians wore accustomed in af- 
tri- years, when (iov. Win. Clark, of Missouri, liccanic the 
Siipcrinuridenlof Indi:ui Affairs in the northwest, of desig- 
nating- him as lieA Head, as ho had sandv hair. 



British officers are inviolable, and will be ful- 
tilled, even under the most inconvenient circum- 
stances. I, therefore, ordered that an expedi- 
tion to the Rock river would be in readiness to 
march on the 27th inst. The forces are men- 
tioned in the orders of the 24 th. I also ordered 
that Mr. Renville leave here early to-morrow 
morning for the Sioux, that is the friendly band, 
to ask their chief, with as many as he can spare 
of his young men, to go on the same expedition, 
and at the same time to tell the Feuille or Leaf, 
to send word to the Little Corbeau to proceed 
with all the warriors of the lake,* and when 
they get to the Prairie La Crosse, to wait there 
till they send me word, and get further orders 
what to do. Lieut. Graham brought intelligence 
that the Sauks were all assembling at the Rapids 
of Rock river, and had sent word to the Puants, 
etc., and tliat lie believed that before our ex])edi- 
tion reaches them, there will be about 1,200 
warriors assembled there. They promised they 
would fight to the last man, and sent me word 
that their fields of corn were open to the troops 
that I might send, as well as to all Indians going 
to their aid. 

Thursday, August 25th. — The guns are in a 
fair way ; the brass three-pounder finished at 
3 in the afternoon. A Renard canoe ar- 
rived from above. There are eight men, with 
Le Jeune Homme chief. They arrived very 
much dejected, and were ashamed to hold up 
their heads. They did not offer to speak to me. 
The commissary got in 500 weight of flour. 

Friday, August 26th. — At 10 the .fcune 
Homme assembled his young men, and asked 
to speak with me. I went and found them in 
Boilvin's house. They had a j)ipo of j)eace, an 
otter sack, and a painted elk skin, with a few 
pieces of dried meat to give me. When he 
arose to speak, he offered ine his hand ; but I 
refused to give him mine. He then began a 
discourse that had no sense in it. His princi- 
pal strain was, that he had always wished to 
follow his father, the Red Head's advice ; but 



♦Probabls- Lake St. Croix. 



160 



HISTORY 'OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



the Americans had turned his head, and be had 
behaved ill. And was sorry for it. In enter- 
ing into the room, I, knoA'ing he had a British 
silk flag, and had not hoisted it when he arrived 
here, told him, before he spoke a word, to show 
me his flag, for I feared he had given it to his 
friends, the Americans. He sent and had it 
brought. I would have taken it from him, but 
fearing it might be improper, he having re- 
ceived it from the superintendent. On that 
account I said nothing about it. 

When he had finished his speech, his war 
chief got up with the pipe in his hand, and 
said : "I made use of all the sense the mother 
of life gave me, in order to induce you to smoke 
my pipe ; if I have done wrong, it is because I 
have been advised to it by my chief ;" and 
having concluded his remarks, and about to 
light the pipe, I told him to save himself the 
trouble, as I would not smoke with them. He 
laid down the pipe, etc., at my feet. 

I then replied to them thus : "You ought 
not to be surprised that I treat you in this way. 
You are of an age not to be foolish. You ought 
to have sense. I cannot, therefore, attribute 
your bad conduct, to us, to have risen from a 
want of knowing better. But I attribute it to 
a real inclination of wishing to be American 
subjects. If you were ashamed to expose your 
English flag to view, why did you not act as 
men, and arrive here with your American fa- 
ther's mark of distinction? The time is over for 
British ofiicers to flatter, beg and pray of the 
Indians to follow the good road. Your father 
the Red Head, is tired of using these means to 
Indians that come crying to him, when he is 
here, to get a blanket to cover themselves, or a 
charge of powder to kill wherewith to eat ; and 
then as soon as his back is turned, to raise 
their war club over our heads, and ask, with 
flattering stories, the same assistance from the 
enemy. None but dogs can be guilty of such 
conduct. 

" The time is drawing near when the sun 
will be eternally hid fi'om the bad Indians, and 



will be three times larger than now for good 
ones. Let every one who wishes well to his 
women and children, lose no time in showing 
his true colors ; for I think when the great 
chief, the Red Head arrives, his good children 
will appear bold and walk in good spirits, with 
their heads up. But the bad Indians will be 
like dogs almost starved to death. Everything 
that you have said, and my answer, I have 
marked on this piece of paper (holding up a 
sheet of paper), and will keep it till the great 
chief, the Red Head, arrives, and show it to 
him, that he may know our discourse. Your 
pipe and sack you will keep, and when he ar- 
rives, as he has the command of all the Indians, 
he will do as he pleases ; but as for me, I can- 
not make peace with the Americans." 

Never were Indians, perhaps, more dejected, 
and perhaps none ever so sincerely regretted 
their past folly. The Jeune Homme was the 
man that, when they got word of the Ameri- 
cans coming here last spring, got J. M. Cardinal, 
.■xn inhabitant of this place, to write the Ameri- 
cans the situation of the country, and sent some 
of his young men with it to the enemy, and 
afterwards oft'ered his services to go to war 
against us, and was instrun'ental in delivering 
up, with the Aile Rouge, or Red Wing, this 
place to the enemy. I conceived it my duty to 
talk to them in this strain, to convince them 
that the Uritish wished all the Indian Nations 
well, and would support them as long as they 
followed their good advice ; but, at the same 
time, put them*!a.t defiance, and despised any 
threats from those that chose to join, the Amer- 
icans. 

Fort McKay, Aug. 26, 1814. 
To LiE0T. Gbaham. — 

Sir: — The expedition for the Rock river 
under your command, being now in readiness, 
you will march to-morrow morning at 8 
o'clock, and proceed with all haste to your place 
of destination. On your arrival there, you will 
assemble the Indians, and explain to them that 
the intention of the expedition is to support 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ler 



them in defending their lands, and women and 
children, according to promises made to them 
by their father, Robert Dickson, and Lieut. 
C'oi. McKay; and tliat in case of any attack, 
they must su2)pon and defend tiie guns as long 
as they have a man standing. That they must 
not amuse themselves, during the action, in 
taking scalps. They must destroy the enemy 
as much as possible, except prisoners. Those 
they will treat well, and not, as is generally the 
case, use them barbarously; but on the con- 
trary, if they use them as we always do our 
prisoners, and bring them here, they shall be 
well recompensed for it. You will, in case of 
being successful, and should be fortunate in 
making prisoners, use every means in prevent- 
ing their being insulted, or ill-used by the Indi- 
ans; and by all means act in every way towards 
them as becoming a British officer. You will 
not proceed below the Rock river until you 
find it necessary to take advantage of a com- 
manding situation. If the enemy do not reach 
Rock river in six days after your arrival there, 
you will decamp and return here, unless you get 
information of their being at hand. But in 
case you find the enemy's forces to be absolute- 
Ij' too strong to risk an engagement, you will 
retreat here with all possible haste, leaving the 
Indiana and a few of your men to follow up 
the enemy, and annoy them as much as possible 
until they reach here. Having full confidence 
in you, and the troops under your command, I 
trust to your judgment to arrange all necessary 
matters as occasion may require, and trusting 
to a deliberate and prudent conduct in you, I 
wish you a successful and safe return. 
I am, sir, etc., 

Tiios. G. Anderson, 

Capt. Comd'g. 
Saturday, August 27th. — At 8, the expedi- 
tion for the Rock river, marched. We gave 
them three shots from the six pounder. At 
2, the i'"euille, or Leaf, with fifty Sioux, arrived, 
on their way to join the expedition. Shortly 
after, forty Renards arrived for the same pur- 



pose. I gave them fifteen loaves of bread, and 
sent to procure a beef that I knew was for 
sale, but the owner sent me word if I would 
send him two milch cows, I might get his ox. 
I then inquired of Mr. Brisbois, from whom I 
have had every assistance he could possibly 
give, even to the distressing of his own family. 
He furnished a pair of two year old bulls, which 
I gave to the whole of the warriors. The 
Feuille brought word that he iiad met a Ren- 
ard canoe with two men in it, who informed 
him, that a Renard messenger was sent from 
the Illinois by the Americans, with a notice to 
the Indians, that they, the Americans, were on 
their way up here mainly to lake possession of 
their fort [at Prairie du Chien], and not to hurt 
the Indians. That they, the Indians, were 
requested to keep out of the way. That the 
Americans, like hunters in the wood, had 
wounded a deer ; they had wounded the Eng- 
lish, and were following the track till ihey 
should ruin or destroy the whole. The Feuille 
heard this report too late to authorize him to 
take the Renard. The Feuille does not under- 
stand the Renard language himself, but this was 
interpreted to him some time after passing the 
Renard canoe. 

Sunday, August 28th. — Gave the Feuille ten 
bushels of wheat to take him, with the Renards, 
to the Rock river. A young lad of this place, 
by the name of Antoine Du liois, volunteered 
his service, and embarked with the Sioux inter- 
preter. I gave the Feuille a few articles he 
was absolutely in want of. Fifty Sioux, of the 
Feuille band, with forty-five Renards, left this 
place at 2 o'clock singing the war song; and at 
6, about sixteen Puants arrived from above, de- 
barked at the upper end of the village, and 
walked down to the lower end, singing the war- 
song, then immediately embarked and went off. 
Wrote a note to Cajit. Grignon to prepare him- 
self to go off express to Mackinaw to-morrow 
at 10 o'clock. 

Monday, August 29th. — Finished the dis- 
patches at 10, and Capt. Grignon being detained 



162 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



in expectation of Mr. Antoine Brisbois arriving 
from below, did not set off till i in the after- 
noon. Mr. Brisbois did not arrive. 

Praieie du Chien, Foet McKay, 

Aug. 29, 1814. 
To Lieut. Col. MoDouall. — 

Sie: — The command of this post having been 
left to me by Lieut. Col. McKay, I have the 
honor to communicate to ) ou, that on the 2'i'th 
inst., I sent off a small detachment under the 
command of Lieut. Graham, of the Indian 
department, for the Rock river, consisting of 
thirty men, one brass three-pounder, and two 
swivels. Having sent Lieut. Graham to that 
place on the loth inst., in order to get a party 
of Sauks to proceed with him to within two 
miles of the enemy's abandoned Fort Madison, 
to take possession of, and, if possible, bring 
away a gun-boat that the enemy had got sunk, 
by the fall of a tree, last spring, on their way 
up here; and, at the same time, to get informa- 
tion of the enemy. 

But the Sauks, having got repeated informa- 
tion, by scouting parties, that the Americans 
were on the point of leaving St Louis for this 
place, they were afraid, and would not go. 
Lieut. Graham, therefore, determined to pro- 
ceed, with his small party of volunteers, to burn 
the gun-boat, in order to prevent its falling into 
the enemy's hands. As he was on the point of 
embarking for that purpose, two young Sauks 
arrived from the Sauks on the Missouri (wheie 
there are still ten lodges — say 100 men) express, 
with news that a courier had been sent by some 
French gentlemen, from St. Louis, to the Sauks 
on the Missouri, to notify them that a strong 
detachment of the enemy was to march from 
St. Louis on or about the 12th inst., to cut off 
the Indians at Rock river. 

The courier from St. Louis was sent to the 
Indians on the Missouri, that they might imme- 
diately give information to those on Rock river 
to be on their guard. Lieut. Graham, believing 
this report to be true, returned here on the 23d 



inst., but previous to his return, exclusive of 
circulating reports, the Indians at the Rock 
river sent word to me, and to the Indians above 
this, through the medium of a pipe, to inform, 
me of the enemy's being on their way here 
and begged that I would send them some ammu- 
nition, with one or two guns and a few soldiers, 
to assist them in defending their lands, women 
and children. 

On Lieut. Graham's arrival, I called together 
all the officers to have their opinions on the 
subject, and they universally agreed that it was 
absolutely necessary to send a small detachment, 
not only for the preservation of the post, but to 
retain the Indians in our favor. This small de- 
tachment, together with the aid they get from 
the Feuille with forty of his young men, will 
greatly encourage the Indians on the lower 
Mississippi, and preventtheir joining the enemy 
which necessity might otherwise compell them 
to do. 

The Sauks, Renards and Kiekapoos that were 
about the entrance of Rock river when Lieut. 
Graham was there, formed about 800 men, 
though, with the re-inforcements that will join 
them by the time the detachments from this 
reaches them, I am well persuaded will reach from 
1,200 to 1,500 men. Upwards of 100 men, Sioux, 
Puants and Renards, from above this, passed 
here yesterday on their way to join the detach- 
ment. Ammunition, arms and tobacco are the 
principal articles the Indians are really in dis- 
tress for. 

I beg leave to remark that the critical situa- 
tion of the country here at present absolutely 
requires that Robert Dickson should be here 
with the re-inforcements of troops asked for by 
Lieut. Col. McKay. The volunteer privates 
from Mackinaw and the b.ay, though willing to 
serve their country, are becoming weary of 
garrison duty, and as the time for which they 
volunteered their services having expired, 
they hope to be soon relieved. I send Capt. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



163 



Grignon, of the bay express, with this commu- 
nication I have the honor to he, etc., 

Tho.s. G. Anderson, 

Capt. Commanding. 

Tuesday, August .30th — At 12 o'clock the 
Bourgue, a Puant chief, arrived, and rejtorts 
that he licard tliat Robert Dickson had left 
Mackinaw some time since for this post. 

Wednesday, August 3)st — Requested of Mr. 
Brisbois to rejiair Mr. Fisher's store, a con- 
venient place to put part of the public goods. 
The Feuille having assured me that he had sent 
off two young men from his village to inform 
tlie Little Corbeau, I did not send an interjjret- 
er, as ordered on the 2Sth inst. The Feuille 
gave me this information on the 29th inst., in 
the morning. 

Thursday, Sept. 1st, ISU— 

To Mr. Frenier: You will leave this im- 
mediately, with three men in a wooden canoe, 
and proceed with all haste up the Mississippi 
till you fall in with the Little Corbeau. You 
will tell him the enemy are on their way up 
here. That Robert Dickson, from Indian re- 
ports, will be here in a very short time, and 
that it is requested that the principal part of his 
band will remain above this, not higher up than 
the Prairie La Crosse, to hunt, till further 
orders. 

Yours, etc., Thomas G.Anderson, 

Capt. Commanding. 

Mr. Frenier went off at 10 o'clock. Showers 
of rain all day. 

Friday, September 2d — Two letters that 
I wrote Lieut. Graliam when he went down to 
the Rock river in quest of the American gun- 
boats, having been omitted, are inserted as fol- 
lows: 

Fort McKav, Aug. 14, isu. 
'J'o Lieut. Graham: 

Sir — You will leave this to-morrow morning 
at 10 o.clock, with one intei'preter and six men, 
in a canoe. You will proceed immediately to 
tlie Rock river, unless you get certain news of 
the enemy's approacli. On your arrival there 



you will call together the Sank chiefs, soldiers 
and braves, and give them a carrot of tobacco, 
as a present, and a request to them to go with 
you to assist in obtaining the object of vour 
voyage, whicli is, to bring up an American gun- 
boat that is lying a short distance above Fort 
]\[adison. In case you are successful in getting 
the boat, you will u.-^e your endeavors in gettino- 
thelndians to assist you in bringing lier up here; 
but if you cannot get that assistance, you will 
run her up into the Rock river where she will 
be safe till she can lie sent for from Iiere. If 
your best exertions fail in getting off the boat 
you will burn her, to prevent her falling into 
the enemy's hands. 

In case you get certain information of the 
enemy's approach; or if you find it necessary on 
any other occasion to send an express here by 
land, you will order the Indians bearing it, to 
show themselves on the hills opposite this 
place. On their arrival, they will halloo 
a few shouts, then fire one gun, and shortly after 
they will fire three shots. This will be a signal to 
let me know who they are. In asking assistance 
from the Itidians, you will tell them if they go 
with you and bidng up the boat, they will be 
amply recompensed when the re-inforccment 
arrives from Mackanaw. Wishing you a short 
and successful passage, I am, sir, etc., 

Tnos. G. Anderson, Capt. Com'd'g. 
Fort McKay, Aug. 21, 1814. 
Lieut. Graham: 

Sir — Last evening three Renards arrived here 
with a pipe, sent, they say, by the Sauks, to tell 
me tlie Americans were on their way uj) here; 
but the express could [not] tell me what num- 
l)er of barges were coming, nor whore they 
wore seen. I will thank you to make particular 
inquiry of the Sauks, where the pijie came from; 
anil tell them if they send in future, to send 
peo])lethat can be depended upon to give every 
information. They asked for ten kegs of gun- 
powder, and guns — two articles tliat tliey are 
already well supplied with. I, therefore gave 
them none. 



164 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Get certain and particular information before 
you send or return. You will tell the Indians, 
in case the enemy are coming up, to follow them 
by land, on each side of the Mississippi, and an- 
noy them as much as possible; at the same time 
not to waste their ammunition in firing random 
shots. They requested me to go down and 
meet the enemy at the Rock river. This being 
impossible, for several reasons, I refused them 
positively. If you cannot get the gun-boat, use 
every means to destroy it. Yours, etc., 

Thos. G. Anderson, Capt. Cora'd'g. 

At 4 A. M., a Puant arrived with Francois La 
Poiiite's horse, that had been stolen by the 
Puaiils. 

Saturday, Sept. 3d. — A cool pleasant morn- 
ing,'but foggy. 
To LiEDT. Graham: 

Sib: — You will receive by interpreter Grig- 
noii, 52') pound.s of flour, all that I can possibly 
muster. Indian report says, that Robert Dick- 
son left Mackinaw a long time ago for this 
place. I have been waiting now three days, in 
hopes of certain information on that head, to 
no purpose. If you think it necessary, you can 
remain a few days longer than the term men- 
tioned in your instructions of the i2iith ult. I 
am very anxious to hear from you. I refer you 
to Mr. Grignon for further particulars. In 
hopes shortly to receive flattering news from 
you, I am, sir, etc., 

Thos. G. Anderson, Capt. Comd'g. 

Sunday, Sept. 4th. — At 10 the militia assem- 
bled as usual. I thanked the inhabitants of St. 
Friole, by way of encouraging them, for having 
furnished what little flour they had done. 
Having heard a rumor that the volunteers were 
about to take their discharge when on parade, 
I represented to them the disgrace that would 
attend such a step, etc. They made no reply, 
and continued their duty for the present. At 
3 A. M. two Renard canoes arrived, with six 
men and several women and children. By way 
of getting provisions and ammunition, they fab- 
ricated a story that the detachment gone below 



had surrendered to the Americans. Knowing 
this to be a base falsehood, I abused the cow- 
ardly villains, as they deserved, and gave them 
nothing. This afternoon a canoe of Renards 
from above was seen by old La Pointe, to 
go down the river behind the island. He did 
not give me notice till late in the evening. 

Monday, Sept. 5th. — ^The Renards that ar- 
rived yesterday, went off above. 

Tuesday, Sept 6th. — Finding that one Fon- 
taine had a mare and a young colt here, and 
that he had been in the Illinois three years, I 
ordered the mare to be taken (the colt being 
only this spring's) and broke in for the King's 
service. 

Wednesday, Sept. 7th. — At 4 o'clock four 
Sauks, old men arrived from the Rock river, 
bringing the following communications from 
Lieut. Graham: 

Rock River, Sept. 3, 1814. 
Capt. Thos. G. Anderson: 

Sir. — Agreeably to your orders of the 26th of 
last month, I proceeded with all expedition for 
this place, which I reached on the 29th of the 
same month. Although there is no apparent 
danger, our coming here has given more satis- 
faction to the Sauks than if all the goods in the 
King's store in Mackinaw had been sent them, as 
they are now firmly convinced that their English 
Father is determined to support them against 
the ambition and unjust conduct of their ene- 
mies. I made known to them the intention of 
the expedition, to which they answered that, if 
we should come to action, they would stand 
by us to the last man. One hundred and 
twenty-two men, Sioux, Rena-'ds and Puants, ar- 
rived here the day before yesterday. The whole 
of the Indians appear to be much animated to 
meet the enemy, and I think with wliat force 
we have to be able to re}pulse any party that 
the enemy will be able to send this way. 

I have not l)een able to obtain aiij' satisfactory 
information of the enemy coming up. Four 
days ago, five Indians that went down on dis- 
covery, returned. They were as far as Cap au 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



165 



Gris. They say at that point there is a imall 
fort, which I suppose to be Fort Independence. 
There was a considerable number of men in and 
around it, with two large gun-boats at anchor 
before it. Whether this force is stationed there 
to guard their frontiers, or for collecting for an 
expedition to come this way, is uncertain. I 
detained this letter three or four days, waiting 
the return of five Indians that had been gone 
about twelve days, in hopes to obtain from them 
more certain information; but finding their stay 
too long, I send oflE this, as I know you are 
impatient to hear from this place. 

Eight Indians went off, three days ago, to 
find out what detained the others. To them I 
gave orders to burn the boat, as I thought it 
would be impossible to send the number of men 
it would require to bring her up in case of an at- 
tack. As there is continually a number of In- 
dians on the look-out,we cannot be surprised on 
the least notice of their coming. We shall take 
our position on the island,* which is the best 
place for defense that I know on the Missis- 
sippi. I beg you will pay attention to those 
that go up with this, as we are dependent on 
them here for provisions. As soon as the dis- 
covering party returns, if there is no appear- 
ance of the enemy coming up, I shall of course 
return. I hope ere this you have news from 
Mackinaw. 

Sir, I am, etc., 

(Signed). DtmCAN Geaham, 

Lieut. Indian Dept. 

(P. S.) Having finished this at 10 o'clock at 
night, in the morning the discovering party ar- 
rived. They saw, yesterday morning three 
large gun-boats under sail on their way up, about 
thirty leagues from here. It seems their fears 
prevented them from knowing their exact num- 
V)c-r. Before this reaches you, we shall, I hope, 
decide the business. As soon as it is daylight, 
I will send Lieut. Brisbois with a canoe well 
manned, if possible to know their strength. 



Should we be attended with success, you shall 
soon hear. I expect them after to-morrow. 
Nothing further at present. The 4th of Sep- 
tember about 1 o'clock in the morning. 

(signed) Duncan Graham. 

At five, a canoe arrived from the ahove;three 
Iroquois from the Riviere des Sotrax* having 
left their families on that river, and came here 
to get some ammunition, as they were quite des- 
titute of that article. 

Fort McKay, Sept. 7th, 1814. 
To Lieut. Graham — 

Sie: — I received your communication of the 
3d and 4th inst., and from the enemy's ap- 
parent force, I hope ere this the business is 
decided in our favor. I am much gratified to 
have it in my power to give a most flattering 
detail of the good conduct of the Sauks, etc., to 
Lieut. Col. McDouall, who I am well persuaded 
will be highly pleased with them. No news 
from Mackinaw, but houily expected. The ex- 
press for Mackinaw left here on the 29th ult., 
also an express for the Sioux on the 1st inst., 
not yet returned. In case of your being suc- 
cessful, and take any prisoners, use every effort 
to preserve them; and if your stock of provis- 
ions will admit, bring such prisoners up here, 
to be sent on to Mackinaw. I am, sir, 

Thos. G.Anderson, 
Capt. Commanding. 

N. B. You will receive this by the return of 
the Sauks you sent up here, who leave hero to- 
morrow morning. T. G. A. 

Thursday, Sept. Hth. — The Sauks tliat ar- 
rived with the communication from Lieut. 
Graham, set off with dispatches at 8 o'clock in 
the morning. Previous to their setting out, I 
gave them each a blanket, a breech-clout, and a 
knife, they being four in number. Tlioy went 
off highly pleased. 

Friday, Sept. 9th — At 3 o'clock in the after- 
noon, six Puant canoes arrived from the Ouiscon- 
sin, with La Gruness, and the Old Wolf. They 



*Rock Island, unque8tionabl.v. 






•Saut eur or Chippewa River, doubtless. 



166 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



brought word that a Folle Avoine woman from 
Mackinaw bronglit news to the bay, that when 
she left the post, the American fleet was in 
sight of Mackinaw. How long since, or wliat 
was their force, she knew nothing about. 

Saturday, Sept. 10th — At 1 o'clock p. m., 
five Sioux arrived from the Rock river, bring- 
ing news that Lieut. Graham, with the detach- 
ment under his command, and the Indians, had 
attacked and defeated eight large American 
gun-boats at the Rock river; had taken neither 
prisoners nor anything else. At 5 o'clock in the 
afternoon, a young Sauk, who had set off ivom 
the Rock river express with two Sioux and a 
Renard, buthaving tired them out, arrived here 
alone with dispatches fi-om Lieut. Graham, as 
follows: 

Rock River, Sept. Vth, isi4. 
Capf. Thomas G. Anderson — 

Sir: — I mentioned to you in my letter of the 
4th inst., by the information I had from the 
Indians, that the enemy were within thirty 
leagues of this place on their way up. As soon 
as I found out their strength, I concluded the 
place of their destination must be La Prairie 
du Chien. The rapids was the only place where 
we could attack such a force to any advantage. 
On the 5th inst., we moved to the westside of 
the island, and took our position at the narrow- 
est part of the channel, the only place where 
they could pass at that point. We were de- 
termined to dispute the road with them, inch 
by inch. 

They appeared in sight at 4 o'clock p. m., with 
a strong fair wind. There were eight large 
boats, four of which were equal in size to the 
one that made her escape from the Prairie. The 
largest of them had a white flag flying at her 
mast head. When they came to the head of 
Credit island, about two miles from us, a storm 
of rain, thunder and lightning came on, and the 
wind shifted to the opposite point of the com- 
pass, which compelled them to pass the remain- 
der of the day, and that night there. All the 
women and children were sent to the island . 



took all the Sioux with us to cover the guns in 
case of being obliged to retreat, as they prom- 
ised they would rather be killed to the last man 
than give up the guns. 

I told the Sauks, in case the enemy should 
attempt to land at their village, to retreat to the 
island, and then we would return altogether 
and attack them. The 6th, at break of day, 
some of the Sauks came to us, and requested 
that we should attack them immediately, as the 
wind was against them, and some of their boats 
were aground. We crossed to the main land at 
the Foxes' village. There we left our boats, 
and went as quick as possible through the prai- 
rie unpcrceived by the enemy until we were on 
the beach opposite to them. Here we had a 
close view of them. I had no idea of the enor- 
mous size of their boats before. They lay with 
their broad sides close to a low sandy beach. 
The largest of them had six port-holes open on 
the side next to us. The channel was about 
600 yards broad. 

We were on an elevated spot, but no covering. 
I requested the Indians not to waste their am- 
munition firing at the boats, and save it in case 
the enemy should attempt to land. Tiiey did so. 
Finding they could not make up matters with 
the Sauks, as they had killed one of their sen- 
tinels in the night, they took down the white 
flag, and jiut up the bloody flag in its place, 
which I believe to be a signal of no quarters. 
It was then 7 o'clock in the morning. Every- 
thing being ready, we opened a brisk fire, from 
the three-pounder, and two swivels, on their 
boats. In al)out three quarters of an hour the 
largest of their boats, which was ahead of the 
others, after having about fifteen shots through 
her, began to push off, and dropped astern of the 
rest, and made the best of her way down the 
current. The others soon followed her. We 
kept firing at them along the bank, as far as the 
ground would permit us to drag the guns ; but 
they soon got out of our reach. 

They went on about a league, and put to 
shore. I thought they might intend to throw 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



167 



up some breast-works, and make a stand at tliat 
place. I sent immediately for the boats to go 
with all the Indiaii.'f, to endeavor to dislodge 
them from there. By the time we were ready 
to embark, some of the Indians that followed, 
returned and informed us, that it appeared to 
them that the Americans had committed the 
bodies of some of their men to a watery grave, 
well knowing if they buried them on shore, they 
would be torn to pieces. They then got up 
their sails, the wind being fair, and made the 
best of their way off. As the enemy landed at 
that place, the Indians say they were about 1 ,000 
men. I think their number to be between 600 
and 800. 

If we had had a larger supply of ammunition 
and provisions, we might liave harassed them as 
far as the rapi<ls of the liiviere des IVIoines ; but 
having only a scanty supply of the one, and en- 
tirely destitute of the other, we were obliged to 
give lip pursuing them any further. Altiiough 
we have not been able to capture any of their 
boats, they have been completely repulsed, and 
I have every reason to believe with a consider- 
able loss, as out of fifty-four shots that we fired 
at tlieni, there was only three or four that did 
not go through their boats. The action lasted 
about an hour. One of the swivels 'was served 
by Lieut. Hrisbois, and the other by Colin Camp- 
bell, which they executed with credit to them- 
selves ; and all attached to the expedition be- 
haved tliemselves in a manner worthy of veteran 
troops, for they seemed to vie with each other 
who would be the foremost, notwithstanding 
liiey were entirely exposed to the enemy's shot, 
and I am happy to say that not a man was hurt. 
It is to the skill and courage of Scrgt. Keating, 
on whom everything depended, that we owe our 
success, and no praise of mine can bestow on 
him what he deserves. As the Indians had no 
communication with the enemy, I have not been 
able to find out who commamled the Ameri- 
can expedition. Sir, I am, etc. 

Duncan Graham, 
Lieut. Indian Dept. 



Sunday, Sept. 11th. — The Indians from the 
Rock river detachment continued arriving in 
small hands. 

Monday, Sept. 12th. — The remainder of the 
Sioux, Puants and Renards arrived from the 
detachment lielow. At i o'clock a wooden 
canoe arrived from the portage, with interpret- 
er Besler and Lance Corporal Haywood, and 
their men, bringing with them one case ord- 
nance stores and one keg of powder. The con- 
ductor of the boat from Mackinaw, not being 
active, did not get the boat over the portage, 
therefore the ordnance stores, etc., were left 
there till I can send for them. I received let- 
ters as follows: 

MiCHIIXIMACKANAC, Aug. 21, 1814. 

To Capt. Anderson, or officer commanding Fort 

McKay : 

Sir: — I have great pleasure in returning you 
my thanks for your judicious and spirited con- 
duct during operations which ended in the cap- 
ture of Fort McKay. I doubt not that whenever 
another opportunity presents, you will again 
distinguish yourself by such praise worthy con- 
duct. I beg you will take the earliest oppor- 
tunity of expressing my entire satisfaction with 
the good conduct and spirit evinced by all ranks 
employed upon the expedition ; but in particular 
to mention my obligations to Capts. Dease and 
Grignon, and Licuts. D. Graham and Brisbois, 
and the interpreters, St. Germain, Renville, 
Honore and Grignon, of the Indian dejiartment. 
I likewise request you to return to Sergt. Keai- 
ing, particularly, my thanks for the bravery and 
good conduct which he so conspicuously dis- 
played, and also to the detachment of the Mich- 
igan Fencibles and to the volunteers and militia, 
for their spirited and exemplary behavior. Yciii 
will convey to the garrison in general my firm 
belief that the fort which they so gallantly won, 
they will as gallantly defend. 

In the event of Col. McKay's having left tbe 
fort, you will command them until further 
orders, making every possible exertion to 
strengthen your post, and omitting no precau- 



11 



168 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



tion which may be necessary for its defense. I 
have sent Lance Corporal Heywood, of the 
10th Veteran Battalion, in charge of some 
ordnance stores. He is to remain witli you, 
and be employed at the artillery, under Sergt. 
Keating, whom I have appointed ordnance 
store keeper at Fort McKay. 

You will see the obvious necessity of culti- 
vating the best possible understanding with the 
Indians, particularly with our allies, the Sauks 
and Renards. You will signify to them how 
highly I am pleased with their conduct, and 
that everything in my j^ower shall be done to 
supply their wants. You will signify to the 
Leaf and Little Corbeau my approbation of the 
assistance which they have afforded, and my 
hope that, if another attack is threatened this 
fall, that they will bring down the whole of 
their warriors to your assistance. Point out to 
them of what consequence it is to them to keep 
the enemy at their present distance. You may 
assure them that great efforts are making by 
the King in their behalf ; and that the ministry 
are determined to make no peace till the lands 
plundered from the Indians are restored. To 
attain this purpose, great re-inforcements of 
troops are coming out. 

As Lieut. Grignon, of the Indian department, 
is to reside for some time at Green Bay, you 
will communicate with me through him, l)y 
every possible opportunity, taking care to ac- 
quaint me with every consequence that occurs. 
If our post is likely to be attacked, you will 
also call upon him to collect whatever Folles 
Avoines, Winnebagoes and militia from Green 
Bay that he can, and repair with tlie utmost ex- 
pedition to your assistance. I am not without 
hopes of being able, by and by, to send a de- 
tachment of troops to re-inforce your garrison. 

It will be necessary that some regular system 
should be adopted for victualing the troops, 
which Capt. Rolette will undertake. They 
must be supplied with game and deer, and 
what beef can be got. We have not any pork 
to spare, and, indeed the only chance of our 



being able to keep a fort at Prairie du Chien, 
is by the country being able to feed and sup- 
port that garrison, without making any demand 
upon this post for provisions, which is out of 
the question for me to grant. Capt. Dease and 
yourself must make the best arrangements you 
can for supplying the troops, taking care that 
the utmost regularity and correctness appear 
in your accounts and disbursements. Col. Mc- 
Kay mentions his finding Mr. Honore, of the 
Indian department,'a very useful commissary, 
and you had better still employ him in that 
capacity. 

On Capt. Rolette's return he will take with 
him the proper form, according to which your 
monthly pay-lists are to be made out. On the 
24th of each month, the troops to be regularly 
mustered, and the men all present or their 
absence accounted for. You will always be 
upon your guard, and take the necessary pre- 
cautions to become acquainted, through the 
Sauks, with all the motions of the enemy ; and 
endeavor to ascertain, as early as possible, if 
they have intentions of attacking you, tliat you 
may, in due time, be prepared for a most de- 
termined and vigorous defense. With the as- 
sistance of your Indians, I doubt not you will 
be able to repel any attempt of the enemy ; but 
above all things, be constantly in readiness for 
it. I have the honor to be, etc., 

(Signed) R. McDouai.l, 

Lieut. Col. Commanding. 
Point au Ecoece, Aug. 24, 1814. 
My Dear Anderson : 

As soon as the boat arrives, you will send 
down ten kegs of powder to the Sauks, etc. I 
need not tell you to put the place in the best 
state of defence, and get all the Indians from 
above, etc Yours, etc. 

(Signed) Wm. McKay, Lieut. Col., etc. 

Besides these, I received other letters from 
my friends 

Tuesday, September 13. — Lieut. Brisbois ar 
rived early in the morning in a canoe, with in- 
terpreter Grignon, and the men that went down 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



169 



witli the first supplies of provisions. At ) '2 
o'clock the weather cleared up, having rained 
successively two days and nights. At halt' past 
six Lieut. Graham arrived with the whole de- 
tachment under his command, all well, after 
having driven off eight largo gun-boats, with 
about 100 men in each of them. We were 
obliged to give a good deal of bread and some 
wheat to the warriors from below. The Puants 
drove off and killed one of Capt. Rolette's 
oxen. Notwithstanding liis men saw them 
drive the ox away, they neither attempted to 
re.scue him out of their hands, nor come and 
give information, in order to get assistance 
from me. 

Wednesda3% September 14.-:— Began to write 
dispatches to Mackinaw. Finished at 5 o'clock 
in the afternoon. To Lieut. Col. McDouall, as 
follows : 

Praikie du Chikn, Fort McKay, 
Sept. 14, 1814. 

Sir — -I have the honor to acknowledge the 
receipt of your obliging favor of the 21st ult., 
which I received on the 12th inst., in the 
evening, with one case of fixed shot and one 
keg of powder, the conductor of the boat, not, 
as he says, having been able to drag the boat 
across the portage. I sent off a boat this 
afternoon to bring away the ammunition, and 
the one from Mackinaw will return immedi- 
ately from there to Green Bay with these dis- 
patches, directed to Lieut. Grigtion, for him to 
forward. 

I have the honor most graciously to thank 
you for myself, and in the name of all the 
tr.iops, etc., attached to this garrison, for your con- 
<li'scending approbation of their conduct in the 
late engagement at this place, under our un- 
<launted and able commander, Lieut. Col. Mc- 
Kay, to whose judicious management the inhab- 
itants of this place, and the Indian tribes on the 
Mississippi, acknowledge a happy and easy de- 
liverance from an enemy that absolute necessity 
obliged them for a moment to countenance. I 
beg you may l)e assured every particular of 



your orders shall be strictly attended to, and 
put in execution without delay. I am happy in 
having your a|)probation of Capt. Deasc's able 
assistance to act in conjunction with rae. I shall 
only take the liberty to remark, the only change 
that can at present be made about tht; garrison, is 
to put in comfortable quarters in which to lodge 
the troops; and as for provisions, in my opinion, 
the cheapest and most convenient means would 
be to send a detachment from here taking the 
Sauks,etc., on their way, and bring from some dis. 
tauce above St. Louis, a drove of cattle, where 
the Indians report that there are vast droves 
running wild about American abandoned settle- 
ments. In this case, and even in the event of 
depending upon the Indians, a quantity of salt 
would be necessary. 

Lieut Graham having arrived last evening 
with the detachment from Rock river. I have 
the honor to communicate to you, that on leav- 
ing here the 27th ult., they made the best of 
their way, and arrived at the Rock river on the 
29th; and soon got certain information that the 
enemy were near .at hand, but could not know 
their strength till eight large gun-boats hove in 
sight on the 5th inst., at 4 o'clock in the 
afternoon. The foremost being the largest, and 
a finely painted boat, was supposed to be the 
commanding officer's. She had a white flag 
hoisted at her mast-head. This was supposed 
to be with an intent either to deceive the In- 
dians, or to use every means to gain them- over 
to their side. Our people kept themselves con- 
cealed, expecting the enemy would attempt to 
ascend the rapids, when they would have had a 
fair opportunity to capture the whole. The 
enemy had no communication with the Indi:ins, 
but lay quietly at anchor. 

In the course of the night, contrary to Lieut. 
Graham's orders, some of the Indians shot two 
of the sentries from off their boats, and liie next 
morning the enemy struck the white fiag, and, 
to their confusion be it said, hoisted a scarlet 
one in its place, a signal for no quarters. Lieut. 
Graham, finding their intentions were to re- 



IVO 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



main there some time, and as the Indians be- 
came ungovernable, it became necessary to 
commence a fire upon lliem, which was done 
with much honor to those who commanded the 
guns. They having fired about fifteen rounds 
into the front boat, she turned her stern to the 
current, and sailed down as fast as possible, the 
seven others immediately followinij. The guns 
played upon them as long as they could be 
dragged along the beach. 

Lieut. Brisbois commanded one of the swivels, 
Sergt. Keating the three-pounder, and Sergt. 
Colin Campbell, of the fencibles or volunteers, 
the other swivel. The shots were well di- 
rected, for out of fifty-four that were fired, not 
more than three missed doing execution. The 
enemy were thrown into such a consternation 
on seeing a few red coats, that they could do 
nothing with their guns, and in fact did not 
fire more than fifteen shots till they recovered 
their senses, and then they were too far off to 
do execution, but kept up a brisk random firing. 
Notwithstanding about 1,200 Indians, and the 
detachment from this place were the number 
present, and every man displayed the greatest 
courage and good conduct, yet the battle was 
fought by only about twenty men that manned 
the guns. 

If the officers and men of this garrison have 
merit for their conduct on the I7th of July last, 
surely the detachment to the Rock river excel, 
and deserve every praise. The gun-boats were 
supposed to have 800 men on board, and some 
of them were pierced for twelve guns. I beg 
to mention particularly Lieut. Graham's judi- 
cious conduct in the command of the detach- 
ment, and Lieut Brisbois, Sergt. Keating, and 
Sergt. Colin Campbell of the volunteers, for 
their courage and well managed tiring. On 
this head too much cannot be said of Sergt. 
Keating. 

The satisfaction afforded the Indians from 
their having had this assistance, can only be 
imagined. Their shouts and acclamations of 
joy at every shot from our guns, drowned the 



report of the guns, and notwithstanding the 
only assistance they could give was to drag 
about the guns, they displayed the greatest 
courage, and promised to die to a man with 
their fathers. The Feuille wilh his warriors 
were particularly active in this duty. The 
Sauks have, without repeating their gallant con- 
duet in the field, bthaved in a manner foreign 
to Indian Nations. They, having large fields 
of corn, strove one with another, who would be 
the most obliging, and furnish the most of 
that article to the detachment. 

Not being well acquainted with the duties of 
a commanding officer, I dreaded reproach by 
leaving the garrison, is the reason why I did 
not go myself with the detachment below; but 
should any other opportunity present itself, I 
will risk the leaving the garrison in charge of 
some militia, to go and meet the enemy with 
all the force I can muster, unless I receive con- 
trary orders. The iron three-pounder, we took 
with Fort McKay, is without any elevating 
screw, a necessary part of the gun we cannot 
get made here. I take the liberty to refer you 
to letters written to and received from Lieut. 
Graham during his absence with the detach- 
ment to the Rock river, which will afford you 
a more minute detail of the whole management. 

That worthy soldier, Sergt. Keating, begs of 
me to request you will do him the favor to ac- 
cept his warmest acknowledgments for the 
honor you have shown him. From his behav- 
ior since he left Mackinaw, I have not the 
smallest doubt but he will continue to deserve 
your approbation of his conduct. I have the 
honor, etc., 

Thos. G. Anderson, Capt. Com'd'g. 

Sent a barge off for the portage to bring 
away the ammunition, and at the same time 
to take the dispatches there and forward them 
by the barge that came from Mackinaw to Lieut. 
Grignon at Green Bay, and for him to forward 
to Mackinaw. 

Thursday, Sept. 15th. — Nothing material 
happened till the afternoon at 6 o'clock. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



71 



when interpreter Frenier arrived from 
above, with news that the Sioux would all 
leave their villages on the 1-tth inst., to come 
and wait at the place I told them till further 
orders, except the Little Corbeau with his lodge, 
who would come and camp here. This chief 
sent word to the Renards above this, that his 
Father had told him to destroy the Americans 
as much as lay in his power, and he knew these 
Renards to be Americans; but at the same time 
t' ey were related to the Sioux, on which account 
he warned them to be out of his way when he 
should come down. That he would be down 
with a detachment, and intended to hunt 
Americans all winter ; and that whatever of 
that description came in his sight he would cut 
down. When the Americans were here, they 
sent a carrot of tobacco to each village except 
his, saying thej- knew him to be too good an 
Englishman to be induced to join them. The 
Little Corbeau said he was quite proud of the 
honor they did him ; but as it was done with a 
view to despise him, he could not forget it on 
that account, and the only means of retaliation 
he had, was to make his young men take a few 
scalps, which he would have done before the 
sj)ring. 

Friday, September 16th. — Got word of some 
Puants having killed an ox, and that they were 
drying the meat a short distance below the en- 
trance of the Oiiisconsin. By allowing them 
to go on in this way, without trying to prevent 
it, they would in a short time destroy all the 
cattle in this region, and leave us destitute of 
provisions. I, therefore, ordered Lieut. Bris- 
bois, of the Indian department, with one inter- 
preter and four men, to go to their lodge and 
take whatever meat they had, and order thorn 
away. 

Fort McKay, Sept. 10, 1814. 
Lieut. Brisisois. — 

Sir: — Some Puants camped a short distance 
below the entrance of the Ouisconsin, having, 
in defiance of the orders they have received to 
the contrary, killed, within this day or two, an 



ox belonging to a citizen of this place; you are 
recjuested to go immediately, with one inter- 
preter and four of the volunteers, to order them 
aw.ay from this, and take what beef they may 
have remaining. Yours, etc., 

Thos. G. Anderson, Capt. Comd'g. 

At 6, Lieut. Brisbois returned, bringing with 
him a little dried meat, and some tallow. I gave 
the meat to those that had been to bring it, and 
the tallow I kept for the use of the guns. Lieut. 
Brisbois brought word that the Puants e.x- 
pected to have been taken, and confined in the 
garrison. They said they w-re surprised that 
we complained that they killed an ox ; that we 
would be more surprised when their Father ar- 
rived from Mackinaw, for then they would 
neither leave an ox, cow or horse in the village. 

Saturday, September I7th. — Lieut. Graham, 
when at Rock river, found some of the Mis- 
souri Indians there, who came with an intention 
to see the superintendent; and finding that they 
behaved themselves so well in the action, he 
promised them some trifling articles from the 
King's store. I, accordingly, mustered what I 
could, and set off interpreter, Guiilroy, with 
them, ordering, at the same time, that he should 
remain with the Sauks in case any news should 
be received of the enemy's coming up, to get 
occular information, and immediately to bring 
me word. 

Sunday, September 18th. — At 10, assembled 
the troops as usual, and read to them the con- 
tents of Lieut. Col. McDouall's letter as far as 
it regarded them. I then spoke to them in the 
following manner: "After reading the con- 
tents of Lieut. Col. McDouall's letter to you as 
far as it regards Michigan fencibles, volun- 
teers, etc., I now take the opportunity to thank 
the detachments in general that defeated the 
eight American gun-boats at the Rock river, for 
their good and spirited conduct during their 
absence from this place, and do not make the 
smallest doubt but they will receive the thanks 
of Lieut. Col. McDouall. I also take this op- 
portunity of explaining to you all, the orders 



If2 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COIINTY. 



of the day, in which you will find the demands 
made upon the different corps ; and as it is for 
the preservation of this place in general, and 
for the good of His Majesty's service, I have 
not the smallest doubt but my demands will be 
executed without a murmur. From your good 
conduct, and attention to your duties since the 
Michigans and volunteers so nobly possessed 
themselves of this fort, and delivered the citi- 
zens of this place from an enemy, the presence 
of which was most aggravating to them, I have 
every reason to believe I shall not be under the 
necessity of going to extremities, a most dis- 
agreeable task to one who wishes his fellow- 
soldiers and volunteers everything that is good 
and glorious." 

At 12 o'clock, a Sioux woman from above, 
brought word that a party of Gens de Feuille, 
with some Yanktons of the Riviere des Moines, 
numbering about forty men, were near the Feu- 
ille's village, destined for the war path; but 
they did not know where the the Feuille, or 
Leaf, was ; and having been notified not to go 
alone, he went with his warriors to know what 
were the intentions of this party. No news 
since. 

About 2 o'clock, hearing that Winosheek, 
an old Puant, was in possession of a pipe and 
wamhum for the Sioux, I inquired what was 
'the intention of it. The old man brought it to 
my room, and showed it to me, saying it was to 
ask permission of the Sioux to winter on their 
lands between this and the Riviere des Sioux ; 
not to go to war on the Sotrax [Sauteurs, or 
Chippewas], but, on the contrary, to request all 
Indians, of what Nation soever, to join hands, 
and not allow an American to come this far. 
How true this is, I know not. 

Monday, Sept. 19th. — Five Sauks arrived 
about 10 o'clock with news that the enemy 
were at the entrance of the Riviere des Moines, 
but uncertain what were their number, or 
whether they were making a fort, or on their 
way up here. I, therefore, await interpreter 
Guillroy's return, to decide what I will do — 



whether to go and meet them, or wait their 
arrival here. At 12, sent off interpreter Ren- 
ville to notify the Sioux to keep themselves in 
readiness, and to assemble from the Prairie a 
La Orosse downvrards to hunt till further orders. 

Tuesday, Sept. 20th.— Nothing of consequence. 
A party of militia at work at the fort. En- 
gaged Charles La Pointe at ten shillings a day 
to oversee and finish the doubling of some part 
of the garrison [pickets] where they are weak. 
The three guns kept constantly drilling. Bought 
a horse to draw the six-pounder. 

Wednesday, Sept. 21st. — At 2 p. m., the barge 
arrived from portage with the ordnance stores, 
and powder and tobacco for the Indian depart- 
ment. A case of round shot for the three- 
pounder wanting, and nearly a keg of powder ; 
and one-third of a roll of tobacco belonging to 
the Indian department missing. About 4 o'clock 
in the afternoon six Reiiards, of the Barboul- 
liers' band arrived from above to learn the 
news. They brought a pipe, and the following 
speech from the HarbouUier : 

" My Father, why have you not confidence in 
me ? I am yours. In everything you do I 
wish to be with you. I can only die once, and 
the only death I look for is alongside of you. 
1 expected you would have sent me word to tell 
uie the enemy were coming up. I send you my 
pipe to tell you my ideas, and at the same time 
to know yours. 

"My father, if there are any bad birds, do not, 
I beg of you, number me with them. I have 
hold of your hand, and will never let it slip ; 
but will follow your road as long as I live. 
Send me word what you intend doing. I am 
ready to follow you. When I went to meet the 
bad dogs last time at the Rock river, I had but 
a few mouthfuls to give my warriors, but now 
I have really too much — what might make a 
good feast. My young men are numerous, 
stout and hungry." 

I replied : "My brethren you must not call 
me Father. You have only one Father in this 
country, that is the Red Head, Robert Dickson, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



173 



the others are all your brethren. The moment 
that the Sauks arrived from below, and told me 
thoy had seen the enemy, they supposed, on 
their way up here, I sent off an interpreter with 
them to inform all the Indians he should see on 
his way up, till he should meet the Little Cor- 
beau, of the news the Sauks brought. At the 
same time to request all to repair to Prairie a 
la Crosse, to await the return of interpreter 
Guillroy, whom I sent down some days ago to 
gain certain information of the enemy. That 
on his return I would again send and notify all 
the Indians whether I would go, and meet the 
enemy below, or await them here ; and that I 
had not the smallest doubt, from their coura- 
geous conduct heretofore, but they would be 
all ready at a moment's warning." I then in- 
formed them of the news from Mackinaw, etc. 
Capt. Dease gave them a little powder and to- 
bacco, and they went off at 7 o'clock in the 
evening. In the course of the day, I went out 
to the inhabitants to purchase flour, but could 
procure none. Tiiere are only two days' rations 
of that article in the garrison. 

Thursday, Sept. 2-2d. — Capt. Dease assem- 
bled the inhabitants at this place, and appealed 
to them to try and procure flour. Want of horses, 
mills and time were the reasons they gave for 
not supplying that article. They promised to 
furnish what they can spare as fast as possible; 
but not with tiiat energy generally shown by 
Uritish subjects on like occasions. Capt. Dease 
preferred to go with ammunition to the Sauks. 
Friday, Sept. 2.3d. — Capt. Dease set off at 9 
o'clock in the morning with three men, accom- 
])anied by Thomas, the Sauk chief. Fired a few 
rounds from the guns to practice. 

Sunday, Sept. 25th. — Assembled the troops 
as usual, and immediately after went out and 
practiced at the target. Shot six rounds with 
the si.x-pounder, five with each of the three- 
pounders, and five with a swivel. Confined De- 
mairaix, a Michigan private, for refusing to do 
his duty when on fatigue, and one of tiie volun- 
teers for absolutely refusing to mount guard. 



Duncan Campbell made the best shot at the 
guns. 

Monday, Sept. 2t!th.— Two men of the volun- 
teers, Kennet and Grignon, were confined in the 
guard-house by the officer of the day, for fight- 
ing when on guard. Established a court of 
inquir}' to be held to investigate the conduct of 
the men in the guard-room. Not being able 
to inflict corporal punishment, this method is 
adopted in case they are found guilty and merit 
punishment. They will be detained in confine- 
ment till an occasion offers to send them to 
Mackinaw. At 12 o'clock, the court of inquiry 
not finding Demairaix and Grignon guilty of 
the crimes they were charged with, I had them 
released. 

Tuesday, Sept. 27th. — At 10, a court martial 
was held, when Pierre Emare, private in the 
volunteers, was found guilty of neglect of duty 
in refusing to mount guard; but the court after 
condemning him to be sent to- Mackinaw in 
irons, to lose his pay from the time of his en- 
gagement, and to lose his share of the prize 
money, recommended him to the mercy of the 
commanding officer. Finding his crime pro- 
ceeded entirely through ignorance, and in con- 
sequence of his former good conduct, I ordered 
him to be released from confinement to-morrow 
morning, and return to his duty. At 2, a canoe 
arrived from below, with six Renards, among 
tliem Bardack, a chief, with news that the 
Americans, seen at the Riviere des Moines, 
were those driven back from the Rock river, 
who put ashore to burj' some of their dead. 

They also complained hard of Capt. Dease 
not giving them any powder on his way down. 
They also came to inquire about a report circu- 
lating amongst them, that the Sioux were assem- 
bled to go to war against the Renards and Sauks. 
This report was fabricated by the bands of the 
Jeune Homme, or Young Man, and Tonnerre 
Noir, or Hlack Thunder, Renard Yankee chiefs, 
to irritate those Nations against the Sioux, and 
by this means to disaffect our Sauks and Renards. 
I contradicted the report, and told them it 



174 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



sprung from the Little Corbeau having sent 
word to the Tonnerre Noir and Jeune Homme, 
when they heard of his coming down the 
river, to be out of the way, for his Father at 
Mackinaw told him to cut down everything 
American that he found in the road, no matter 
what color or size. In the evening interpreter 
Renville arrived from above. The Little Cor- 
beau, with 100 of his warriors, would not re- 
main above to hunt, lest his presence might 
be necessary here sooner than word could reach 
him from me. He therefore will be here to-nior- 
ro »•, and appears to be determined to remain 
till his Father arrives from Mackinaw. 

Weilnesday, Sept. 28th.— At 11 o'clock, the 
Little Corbeau arrived with 100 men and their 
families. With all his young men, he called 
upon me, g.ave me a soldier's pipe and every 
assurance of his fidelity, and insists, that when 
Robert Dickson arrives, he will go to work 
with his warriors, to exterminate those Indians 
about here that adhere to the Americans. It 
was with much difficulty that the Feuille or Leaf 
with the assistance of Mr. Renville, who I sent 
up for that purpose, prevented Little Corbeau's 
falling upon the Renards above this. However, 
he promises to be quiet till his Father, Robert 
Dickson, arrives; then he, with the Feuille, 
will insist upon beginning with the Gens de la 
Feuille. 

I only said to him, that his having been to 
Mackinaw, rendered it unnecessary for me to 
give him any advice, or tell him his Father's or- 
ders; but requested him not to permit his young 
men to injure the people here in killing what few 
Americans yet remain. The Bardack, or Ren- 
ard, that I yesterday requested to remain to 
hear the news from the Little Corbeau himself, 
being present, he told them that what he had 
said respecting the American Indians was true; 
but as to speaking in general terms against 
others, he intended to say, that he regarded 
every Indian and white soldier, no matter of 
what color, as long as they were British sub- 
jects, as his brother — the rest his inveterate 



enemies, and would act with the greatest vigor 
towards both accordingly. He then said: "I 
wish to talk with my friend, the Bardack ; but 
as I am only on a visit in the house of a brother 
soldier, I can say nothing ; however, I will 
thank you not to go away to-day, and I will do 
myself the pleasure to invite you and talk over 
the affairs of our Nations in general, at niy own 
wigwam or lodge." I gave them each a glass 
of whisky, and among the whole, forty loaves 
of bread, which I got with much diffiulty. 

Thursday, September 29th. — At about .3 in 
the morning, it began to rain excessively, and 
thundered and lightened very much. At 10, 
the Little Corbeau sent for me to visit his 
lodge with the Renards. He related to the 
Renards all the talks he had got from his 
Father, saying he looked upon all people, no 
matter of what Nation, so long as they were 
British subjects, as his brethren. "I sent word," 
said he, "to the Renards, at the Riviere des 
Ayovois [lowas], when they heard of my com- 
ing down, to be out of the way, that my 
Father told me to strike everything American 
that came in my way; but the soldier you see 
here, together with the advice of the Feuille, 
have made me withhold my war-club till my 
Father arrives ; then if he says, strike, I will 
do so with the greatest good will and violence ; 
and if he tells me to withhold it, I will do it, 
but never without his request. My opinion is, 
the nearer we are related, the better we ought 
to love each other; and when relations fall out, 
our revenge ought to bo the more violent." 
Presenting the Renards with a pipe, he said : 
"Take this soldier's pipe, and report to all the 
Sauks and Renards my discourse and my deter- 
mination, and tell them from me that it is not a 
good time to be idle or sporting, but every man 
must follow my example. If any are my ene- 
mies, let them show themselves, and let my 
friends do the same'" 

He then gave them the pipe, and we ate a 
mouthful, after which the Renards answered as 
follows: "As to my Father's talks, we know 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



lis 



tbatall that comes from his mouth is true and 
good. In every village we find some fools. I 
have frequently spoken to our relations, the 
Jeune Ilomme and Tonnerre Noir, but have not 
been ible to bring them to reason. I shall go 
to-morrow with your pipe, and deliver them 
your discourse. I hope they may open their 
ears ; but let the consequence be what it may, 
this is the last time I shall counsel them. If 
they listen to me, so much the better ; but if 
they absolutely persist in evil conduct, and will 
not leave it in our Father's power to give life to 
their women and children, I shall then be ready 
with you to follow our Father's directions. I 
have killed Americans, and am always awake, 
witli my cass-tete or tomahawk in my hand for 
that purpose." 

I then told them I was happy to see them 
give such friendly proofs of their relationship, 
and that as long as they coniinued in the same 
sentiments they should not want ; that I was 
not left here to give advice or counsel with my 
red brethren, but to take care of this fort and 
the i)eople about it; that I listened to every- 
thing that was going forward, and wrote it 
down, that their Father might see it, and that I 
had not the smallest doubt but their Father 
would be pleased with their present discourse. 
I tiien turned to the Reiiards, and told them 
when they heard the Little Corbeau speak, 
they iieard the talk of the whole Sioux Nation, 
and that he must be respected and hearkened to. 

Friday, September 30tii. — Nothing material, 
except two men, having been out hunting, saw 
three Fuant lodges at the entrance of the Ouis- 
consin, wiio told them that they had heard by 
other Indians that Robert Dickson was near the 
portage, and that the Puants were assembling 
at the portage to meet him. 

Saturday, Oct. 1st. — -At 7, Duncan began to 
make the chimneys. He is to have a man to 
assist him continually, and to get 400 livres 
for each chimney, to be finislied the 15th, and 
should be supplied with 100 pounds of pork, and 
three pounds of powder. At 8, two men, by the 



names of Pierre Vasseur and Jacques Ilebert, 
were confined in the guard house ; also a man by 
the name of Pierre Provancall, of the volunteers, 
the two former for having got out of the fort, 
through a port-hole, after 8 o'clock at night, the 
latter for having fallen asleep on his post when 
on guard; the whole to be examined on Monday 
next before a court of inquiry, to be appointed 
for that purpose. It appears that Pierre Vas- 
seur made use of mutinous language in the fort. 
At 12, a FoUe Avoine arrived from the portage, 
who brought word that an express had arrived 
there ten days ago, with news, that Robert 
Dickson was at the bay, when the courier from 
the bay left that place ; that he waa bringing a 
great number of barges and soldiers, and that 
no word was mentioned of the Puants. 

Sunday, Oct. 2d. — The troops assembled as 
usual ; practiced firing ; fifteen shots were tired ; 
only one struck the target ; Manaiger, a private 
of the IVIichigans, made the best sliots. 

Monday, Oct. 3d. — All hands on fatigue. The 
Sioux played at la crosse all day ; several got 
sore wounds from the ball and the hurl sticks. 
At 7, Antoine Brisbois arrived with a boat load 
of corn. Rained excessively. 

Tuesday, Oct. 4th. — Notiiing new. Got word 
that the Renards from above wished to come 
and deliver themselves up. This proceeds from 
the Little Corbeau's threats, and the same time 
having given a pipe to the Bardack, telling him 
his determination, as soon as his father arrives, 
to begin and strike on all those that are the 
American's friends. The .Jeune Homme arrived 
in the village, but did not show himself where 
I was. The Sioux continued playing at la 
crosse. Yesterday we buried an old woman by 
the name of Marie. She died the night before 
last. She had been poisoned. A great loss to 
this village, she being an excellent old doctress, 
particularly for children. She was of the Sioux 
Nation, but had been a long time amongst the 
white people. Hazy weather. 

Wednesday, Oct. 5th. — Several canoes of Ren- 
ards arrived from above. Called upon me with 



llQ 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



their flag twisted, in consideration of the Little 
Corbeau's pipe. I gave them my hand, and at 
the same time told them the reason why I did 
so. The Sioux finished playing at la crosse. 
It is with the greatest ditticulty the commissary 
procures provisions for the troops. 

Thursday, Oct. 6th. — A beautiful morning. 
At 9 o'clock one canoe with six men arrived 
from the Feuilles' band for a little powder and 
tobacco. Though much in want of those arti- 
cles, I have none to give them, and Capt. Dease's 
long stay below, obliges them to return in the 
morning without this very necessary assistance. 

Friday, Oct. Yth.^The Feuilles' young men 
did not depart, in expectations that Capt. Dease 
would return. At 12, released Pierre Vasseur 
and Jacques Hebert from the guard house, as 
also Pierre Provancall ; but confined them to 
the square on hard labor, the first for eight 
days, the second for six days, and the last for 
four days. The numerous Indian tribes about 
the village, quite destitute of tobacco and am- 
munition, are, in a manner, in distress, and Robert 
Dickson's arrival is much wished for by all ranks 
and colors. 

Saturday, Oct. 8th. — ^Capt. Dease's unexpected 
long absence obliges me to order Lieut. Graham 
to issue a little tobacco to the Sioux, who are 
absolutely in want. 

Fort McKay, Oct. 8, 1814. 
Lieut. Geahaji — 

Sir: — The absolute necessity thn Sioux are in 
for that article, and Capt. Dease's long absence, 
makes it necessary for me to order that you will 
immediately issue to Little Corbeau, twenty 
pounds of tobacco, of that which Capt. Dease 
left in your charge, to be distributed in the 
Feuille and Little Corbeau's bands, as they 
think proper. 

I am, etc., 

Thos. G. Anderson, 

Capt. Com'd'g. 

Sunday, Oct. 9th. — At 8, yesterday morning, 
Capt. Dease arrived from below. Brought in- 
terpreter Guillroy with him, who had been at 



the American fort at the rapids of the Riviere 
des Moines, and brings word that they have 
built a fort exactly opposite that river ; that it 
is about fifty yards square ; that they saw three 
men about the fort, two of whom he supposed 
were looking for honey ; the other was about 
their boats. They have uncovered their boats 
for lumber to cover their houses. 

Some of the volunteers refused to take corn 
for their rations; and when the troops were all 
assembled, I ordered those that had refused 
their rations out of the ranks, took away their 
guns and forbid every person giving them any 
support, or, at their peril, to harbor them, and 
gave orders to the officers of the Indian depart- 
Tnent to tell the Indians, that if any of them 
were found any distance from here, to bring 
them back, dead or alive. The were much sur- 
prised at the sentence, and immediately wished 
to apologize for it, but I would not hear them. 
I, at the same time, thanked the others for 
not allowing themselves to be led into such a 
disgraceful plot. 

Monday, October 10th — Capt. Dease distrib- 
uted powder and tobacco to the starving Indians 
here about; and in order to provide flour for 
the garrison, he at the same time was under the 
absolute necessity of exchanging powder for 
that articler The inhabitants not being able to 
thrash their wheat for the want of time, I was 
obliged to exempt them from working at the 
garrison. 

Tuesday, October 11th — Employed the day 
in writing letters to Mackinaw, etc.: 

Prairie d0 Chikn, Fort McKay, 
Oct. 11, 1814. 
LiBar. CoL. R. McDouall: 

Sir — I have the honor to communicate to you 
that yesterday a discovering paity, I had sent 
off some time ago, returned with news that five 
of the eight gun-boats, that were driven back 
from the Rock river (the other three are sup- 
posed to have continued their route to St. Louis) 
are at the entrance of the Riviere des Moines; 
and the Americans have built a fort there, on 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



177 



the east side of the Mississippi, about 140 
leagues from this, and about half way from this 
to St. Louis, two leagues below the fort of the 
Rapids. Interpreter Guillroy, who headed this 
jiarty of eight Sauks, reports to have been within 
musket shot of the fort for a whole day, and 
discovered throe men, two of which he supposed 
were looking for honey; and wishing to take 
them prisoners, prevailed upon the Indians not 
to fire upon them. By this means they unfortu- 
nately made their escape. The third man was 
walking about the boat, all of which they have 
uncovered, and made use of the boards to cover 
their houses. 

The fort is about fifty yardg square, and is 
picketed in with very large oak pickets, about 
twelve feet high, and is situated on a high hill 
that terminates at the water side where their boats 
are hauled up. They have cleared all the trees 
and brush from the back part of their fort to 
the distance of musket shot; but in front, to 
the water side, they have left a thick woocT 
standing, I suppose to cover their going for 
water. At the north side of their fort, about 
700 or 800 yards distance, is a small hill or ele- 
vation, which rather exceeds the fort in height, 
and entirely covers the approach of troops till 
the e.\tremity of the hill is attained. The Mis- 
sissippi at this place is about 1,000 or 1,200 
yards wide, and clear from islands. From the 
expeditious manner in which they have for- 
warded their work in so short a time, I am led 
to believe they must be about 500 strong. What 
their real plan is, I cannot say; but I conceive 
that their object is to assemble a strong force 
with a large supply of provisions, and either to 
attempt to come up here this fall late, or make 
* a grand attack in the spring, and use every 
means to destroy the Indian tribes on the bor- 
ders of the Mississippi. 

A Pottawatamie Indian, liaving been taken 
prisoner some time ago by the Americans, made 
liis escape about the time the eigiit gun-boats 
left St. Louis for this place, and reported to the 
Sauks, that an expedition of 500 men left St. 



Louis at the same time, with the eight gun- 
boats, to proceed up the Missouri* under a pre- 
tence of friendship with our Indians on that 
river, offer them terms of accommodation, give 
them a few goods and at the moment the In- 
dians would be distributing the goods among 
themselves, the Americans were to fall upon 
them and cut them to pieces. This was also 
the plan they were to have adopted at the Rock 
river, when they hoisted their white flag. Th's 
news, coming by an Indian to the other Na- 
tions, has a good effect, because it is firmly be- 
lieved; and convinces them what dastardly ene- 
mies they have to contend with; and did the 
Americans really wish or intend to come to 
terms with them, the Indians will be too appre- 
hensive of treachery, to admit them to come to 
a parley. 

There is not the smallest doubt but the ene- 
my aim at this place, and their first object will 
be (as they have now no hopes of making peace 
or destroying the Indians by their vile statagems) 
to drive them, if possible, off the borders of the 
Mississippi, to insure for themselves a free 
passage or communication with their boats to 
this place. This object obtained, they would 
with ease overcome our Indians, and in a short 
time make themselves very formidable here. 
To obviate this, I take the libe'-ty to observe 
that our Indians ought to be amply supplied 
with ammunition; and some troops with a heavy 
gun would be indispensably necessary to destroy 
their gun-boats, and make a breach in their 
forts. 

The forts they build are constructed in such 
a manner, that 300 or 400 men knock up one in 
the course of three weeks, composed of wood, 
earth and stone, so strong as to bid defiance to 
the small guns that are here; and without regu- 
lar troops to cover the guns, and to show the 
example in scaling or making a breach, no 
attacking party can hope for success. For this 
purpose, in my opinion, a twenty-four pound 

* Lieut. Col. Henry Dodge's expedition up the Missouri, 
against n band of hostile Miamies, September, 1814, capture 
intr 162. 



Its 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



carronade, being liglit, would be the most 
proper gun. 

Our troops are now on rations of corn one 
day, and flour and pork the next; but the hatter 
will, in a few days, be at an end. There are 
still a few cattle remaining; but I tliink it ad- 
visable to keep them for the present in case of 
an attack. The numerous bands of Indians that 
are daily assembling here, are anxious for Rob- 
ert Dickson's arrival, not only in hopes of re- 
ceiving supplies of ammunition, etc., to snjv 
port them during the winter, but in hopes that 
there may be- an expedition sent down the Mis- 
sissippi. The satisfaction afforded the Indians 
on hearing Robert Dickson's talk to them 
through Capt. Dease, was very great, and ani- 
mated them exceedingly. 

The mechanics I have employed about the 
garrison, etc., being poor people that live by 
their daily labor, I get them paid at short inter- 
vals by Mr. Brisbois, who has been very oblig- 
ing in that way, and has furnished every- 
thing in his power for the use of the govern- 
ment. I am particularly under obligations to 
him for furnishing flour to the troops during 
the time the inhabitants were getting in their 
harvest. The militia in general have been at- 
tentive, and have assisted, when occasion re- 
quired, to work at the garrison. The crop of 
wheat, and Indian corn, has, by no means, been 
so good as was expected; and if tlie troops are 
all obliged to winter here, there will be a defi- 
ciency of those articles. 

Four Sauks have this moment arrived from 
the Rock river, and report that a party of tlieir 
Nation and Kickapoos, that had been at war 
on the Missouri, returned six days ago to their 
village. After having attacked an American 
gun-boat about thirty leagues below the Riviere 
des Moines, and could make nothing of it, they 
proceeded to the Missouri, where they took two 
scalps and on their way back, saw six gun- boats 
coming up, but cannot say whether tliey are 
destined for the fort at Cap au Gris, twenty 
leagues above St. Louis, or the one at the Ri- 



viere des Moines. The Sauks, since Capt. 
Dease took them the supply of gunpowder, are 
daily detaching themselves by small parties to 
lay in wait for the workmen about the new fort. 

On examining the ordnance stores, sent out 
by Lance Corporal Haywood, there proves a de- 
ficiency of a whole case of three-pound round 
shot, thirty rounds less than mentioned fn 
Sergt. Pilmore's account. I take the liberty to 
enclose to you three different lists of officers 
and men that were here present, or on command 
on the 24th of July, the 24th of August, and the 
24th of September, and remark in the margin 
at what dates certain oflicers and men left this 
place. Not having the regular forms to make 
out the pay lists, etc., I trouble you with those 
lists to give an idea of the forces here. 

The principal expenditures have been for me- 
chanics, flour, and Indians, the whole of which 
will not exceed £ 350 currency, the exact 
amount of which I will transmit as soon as I 
get the regular form. Tliis garrison is much in 
want of a flag, and the articles of war. 
I have the honor to be, etc., 

Thos. G. Anderson, 
Capt. Comd'g. 

Wednesday, Oct. 12th. — Raining all day ex- 
cessively, prevented Lieut. Graham's marching. 

Tliursday, Oct. 1 3th. — Weather cleared up at 
10, and at 4 in the afternoon Lieut. Graham set 
off. In the evening, he having forgot some 
things, sent back a man with interpreter Berthe. 

Friday, Oct. 14th — Nothing of consequence, 
except that the vagabond, the Tonnerre Noir, 
arrived. He neither showed his flag, nor called 
upon me. 

Saturday, Oct. 15th — Having borrowed a keg 
of gun-j)Owder some days ago from Mr. Giard, 
for use in case of necessity, and flndiug no other 
means of encouraging the farmers to make flour, 
I gave it to Capt. Dease to exchange for flour 
or other provisions. 

Sunday, Oct. 16th — Practicing at the target 
was the means of expending much ammunition, 
left it off; but had the men drilled. In the eve- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



179 



ning two Folles Avoine women arrived from 
Green Bay, one month on the passage. They 
say Robert Dickson was to be at the bay about 
the 1st of October; that he was bringing with 
him a number of Court Orielles, all the Folles 
Avoines, and upwards ef 100 soldiers; that the 
Nancy had taken two American vessels, and that 
the Sarcel was the first Indian that got on board, 
for which he got a wani-pum collar. 

Monday, Oct. 17th — Began the northeast 
block-house. The Renards made a straw man, 
or a man of straw, and challenged the Sioux to 
strike upon him, which they did, and gave them 
a number of their arms, utensils and fineries. 
Bought six cords of wood from Champegne, 
which I have not yet paid him for. In the eve- 
ning Lieut. Graham returned, bringing with 
him Mr. Rolette, from Mackinaw, who brought 
me letters from Col McDouall, etc. As time 
will not admit of my copying, they are filed in 
the desk. 

Tuesday, Oct. 18th. — Began to write letters, 
to send off Lieut. Graham with them. At 4 
o'clock in the afternoon, fired a royal salute for 
the good news from Mackinaw. 

Wednesday, Oct. 19th. — As I received orders 
from Col. McDouall to discharge the Green Bay 
volunteers, I did so. I got money from Mr. 
Rolette to pay them off. I issued a proclama- 
tion that neither provisions nor lead should go 
out of this post, knowing that an order was 
sent here from Green Bay, and the demands we 
had for those articles for the government, were 
my reasons. 

Thursday, Oct. 20th— The little Corbeau 
called a council, when he notified us that part of 
the Sioux were going to return home. Mr. 
Dcase, knowing that I had received four kegs 
of gun-powder for the Indians, asked me for 
one to give the returning Siouxs. Finding 
it requisite, I consented, and gave it to him. 
Explained to them in a few words what Col. 
McDouall had ordered me to do. Finished 
my dispatches for Mackinaw. My letters being 



too long to copy, I have filed them with other 
papers. 

Friday, Oct. 21st — Louison Berthe, interpret- 
er in the Indian department, having been con- 
fined some days ago, by order of Capt. Dease, 
for having refused to obey orders, requested to 
speak with me, or to get permission to come 
and apologize for his past bad conduct. I sent 
him word I had nothing to do with him. 

Sunday, Oct. 23d. — Assembled the troops as 
usual, and informed them that they were to be 
mustered, and paid off to-morrow. 

Monday, Oct. 24th. — Mustered the troops, 
and paid the volunteers up to the 24th inst., 
Mr. Rolette having furnished the necessary 
money for that purpose. 

Tuesday, Oct. 25th.— Paid off the detachment 
of Michigan Fencibles up to the 24th inst., Mr. 
Rolette having furnished the necessary money 
for that purpose. 

Wednesday, Oct. 26th. — Capt. Dease having 
received a letter from Mr. Dickson, agent and 
superintendent of the western Nations, wherein 
he mentions to him to allow no person to inter- 
fere with him with respect to the Indians, I 
gave up to him everything in my charge be- 
longing to the Indian department, for which I 
received his receipt. 

Thursday, Oct. 27th.— Mr. Rolette having, 
since his arrival, kept selling rum to the troops, 
etc., I was under the necessity of putting up a 
proclamation forbidding the sale of spirituous 
liquors; for as long as this custom of allowing 
the men to get drunk lasts, nothing can be done 
about the fort. Mr. Aird arrived in the even- 
ing. 

Friday, Oct. 28th, — Mr. Aird brought news 
that Lieut. Graham was promoted to captain in 
the Indian department, and Sergt. Keating as a 
lieutenant in the provincial volunteer artillery, 
but as this was only verbal, I made no orders 
on that score. 

Saturday, Oct. 29th. — Mr. Rolette having been 
ordered to supply one of his horses for fatigue to- 
day at thefort,and refusing to obey the order. 



180 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Capt. Dease requested me to send a guard for the 
horse, which I did, because Mr. Rolette having 
refused, showed a bad example, and prevented 
a number of the inhabitants that were ordered 
to-day, from doing liieir duty. 

Sunday, Oct. .30th. — In the evening a party of 
Renards from below, at the Riviere du D'Inde,* 
brought some deer meat, which they disposed 
of in the village. 

Monday, Oct. 31st. — Mr. Aird having brought 
with him a keg of wine tapped it the day after 
his arrival, and was very obliging, it being an 
article not common in this place, in making al- 
most a general business of it, till there was no 
more. To-day the commissary got quite drunk, 
and was very abusive to every person, no mat- 
ter who. A drunken man is always annoying 
to a sober one, and as Mr. Honore came into 
ray house quite drunk, with an intention to be 
as abusive to me as to others, I put him out of 
doors; and as I had not drank a drop of liquor 
for some days, I could not put up with his 
abuse, and sent for the guard to take him away; 
but before the guard arrived, he was conveyed 
to his quarters. 

Tuesday, Nov. 1st. — Being all Saint's Day, 
no work was done. Three Puants arrived from 
Ouisconsin. No news. 

Wednesday, Nov. 2d. — Put up an advertise- 
ment ts procure wood and candles for the use of 
the garrison, as the season is advancing fast. 
Mr. Honore persisting in his obstinacy, I was 
under the necessity of depriving him of his em- 
ployment as commissary, for which purpose I 
wrote him a note, desiring him to deliver every- 
thing he had belonging to the commissary de- 
partment, and deliver it to Lieut. Brisbois. 

Thursday, Nov. 3d. — Rainy weather has 
been a great detriment to advancing the work 
of the fort. 

Friday, Nov. 4th. — Mr. Rolette sent off a 
barge to get provisions, to accomplish which, I 

•Turkey river, a tributary ol the Mississippi, about thirty 
miles below Prairie du Chien, on the Iowa side of the 
stream. On Mellish's map, of 1816, a Renard of Fox village 
is noted on the upper side of Turltey river, at its mouth. 



was obliged to let him have six men of the vol- 
unteers. 

Saturday, November 5th. — Three men of the 
volunteers got permission to return to their 
homes. Bought them a canoe and gave them 
rations. To conduct them, interpreter Honore 
got permission, with John Campbell, to ac- 
company them till they meet Robert Dickson. 

Sunday, November 6th.— Nothing of conse- 
quence. 

Monday, November 7tli. — Tried every means 
to purchase wood for the fort. Mr. Rolette 
having offered to take the contract at the ex- 
travagant rate of twenty shillings per cord of 
wood delivered here, I deferred entering into 
the contract till I got very particular informa- 
tion from every individual about the place. 

Tuesday, November 8th. — Got a calash and 
went out to the farms to try and get tlie wood 
necessary for the fort, contracted for in small 
quantities, to give an opportunity to every per- 
son of gaining something during the winter ; 
but not finding any person that would under- 
take even a cord, 1 was obliged to contract with 
Mr. Joseph Rolette for 300 cords, at twenty 
shillings per cord. 

Wednesday, November 9ih — Being ration day, 
and the conductor having nothing but bustards, 
the Michigans did not wish to take one pound 
of that meat for their day's rations. However, 
as it is good, wholesome food, and agreeable to 
Mr. Rolette's contract willi the government 
they were obliged to accept it. 

Thursday,November lOth-Xothiiig new. Con- 
tinual rain and cold. 

Friday, November 1 1th — .John Campbell, who 
went from this place witli interpreter Honore 
to meet Mr. Dickson, returned, saying he had 
been to the portage, and getting no news of the 
re-inforcement, therefore returned. 

Saturday, November 12th — Violent rain. The 
Little Corbeau called a council and meditated 
going off; but Mr. Dease and myself, thinking 
it best that his band should remain a few days 
longer, in case Mr. Dickson should arrive, and 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



181 



might be wanted, they agreed to stay, and Mr. 
Dease gave them twelve bushels of com and 
forty loaves of bread. 

Sunday, November 13th — At 12 o'clock, three 
men, of the Gena de la Feiiille, arrived under 
the "Buffalo that Plays ;" they were received 
as secret enemies, and got no assistance from 
us. 

Monday, November 14th — A Folle Avoine 
canoe arrived and told us Mr. Dickson would 
probably be here in two or three days. 

Tuesday, November 15th — A violent storm of 
rain all d<ay. Nothing new. 

Wednesday, November 16th-Cold north wind. 
Not able to plaster in the fort. 

Thursday, November I7th — Continued very 
cold. Being ration day, I ordered one and a 
half pounds bustard meat be issued ; one pound 
of that meat not by any means being equal to 
that quantity of venison or beef. Bought a 
keg of high wines of .Mr. Brisbois, at $14 the 
gallon, so by reducing it to be able to give, in 
this cold weather, a gill of whisky to each man 
on fatigue, etc. 

Frida)^, November 18th — Paid the masons for 
making two chimneys, £49, 16s., 8d. At 10 
o'clock three Sauk canoes arrived, bearingeach a 
flag. They are all in winter quarters at the 
Riviere des Ayouais ; that is part, of three dif- 
ferent Nations, Sauks, Kickapoos and Renards. 
They bring word that the American fort, at the 
foot of the Riviere des Moines Rapids, was 
abandoned about the 20th of October. The 
Americans had burnt the fort and proceeded 
to the Illinois. 

Saturday, November 19lh — Continual rain and 
cold. A report was spread that the Sauks had 
turned against us, and that those seventeen 
Sauks that arrived on the 18th were come with 
an intention to take away the women from this 
place. After making every inquiry, found the 
report to be groundless. 

Sunday, November 20th. — At 10 o'clock the 
Sauks called a council, when they pressed very 
hard to get a trader to their village; but wo 



told them we were not masters of the traders, 
and, at any rate, there was only one, who 
bought a few goods merely to support the 
troops of this post ; but I was in daily expecta- 
tion of seeing their Fatlier, when no doubt they 
would receive ample support for the winter. 
But in the event of their Father's not coming, 
I would even go so far as to take powder from 
the big guns, to assist them. 

Monday, November 21st. — Last evening the 
Feuille, with twenty-one of his 3-oung men, ar- 
rived, in hopes of seeing Mr. Dickson. This 
evening twenty of the Gens de la Feuilles ar- 
rived — bad Indians, rather American inclined. 

Tuesday, Nov. 22d. — Called a council of all 
the Indians and whites here, wherein I told the 
traders to sell no powder to the Gens de la 
Feuilles; that in the event of Mr. Dickson's not 
coming, we should want all the powder the 
traders had, to furnish a little to our allies. The 
Feuille and Little Corbeau both spoke and ap- 
proved of what I had done, and abused the 
Gens de la Feuilles very much for their bad 
conduct in adhering to the Americans. 

Wednesday, iJov. 23d. — The I^ittle Corbeau 
called a council of all the Sauks, Kickapoos 
and Renards present, and gave them a pipe, 
assuring them of his friendship towards them, 
and his determination to support them in the 
war against the Americans. 

capt. andersox's military orders. 

Fort McKay, 1814. 

In case of an alarm, two shots will be fired 
from the six-pounder, when every man, the 
militia not excepted, will immediately repair 
to the garrison. 

When any Bri-tish flag arrives, or leaves this 
post, a swivel will be fired to salute such flag, 
unless otherwise ordered by the commanding 
officer. 

August 1 1th.— Ordered that an interpreter and 
twelve of the volunteers go off early to-morrow 
morning, in order to bring up the barges that 
went adrift from this place, and, according to 
Indian reports, are lying on sand-banks a few 



182 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



leagues below. Seven men of the Michigan 
fencibles, with the artillery men, take lessons 
at the cannon daily, that is, immediately after 
parade, at 6 o'clock in the morning, and before 
parade in the evening. Three of the Michigans 
will be daily employed in making leaden balls 
for the guns and swivels. One of the officers, 
taken from the roster, with three interpreters, 
militia, or privates will do patrol duty every 
night. The patrol will be appointed by the 
officer of the day, and will walk around the 
village every two hours during the night, and 
will take up any stragglers that may be going 
about after — o'clock, n) matter who or what 
he may be, unless he can give the countersign. 

A countersign is to be given every night, by 
the commanding officer, to such officers as he 
may think necessary, and to the officer of patrol, 
and sergeant of the guard. Any officer or pri- 
vate, to whom the commanding officer may give 
the countersign, on being convicted of having 
divulged it to any person whatever, will be im- 
mediately put in close confinement, and kept 
there till an opportunity offers to send him into 
Mackinaw for his trial, as the enormity of the 
crime would be out of the reach of any court- 
martial that can be iield here for the present. 

August 12th. — No Indian, man, woman or 
child, will be allowed to enter the fort without 
orders from the commanditig officer. This is 
ordeied in consequence of there being, among 
the Renards particularly, many Indians who are 
bad subjects, and cannot be distinguished by 
some of the officers of the day. 

August 13th. — ^The absolute necessity of lend- 
ing every assistance to save the harvest, makes 
it absolutely requsite to allow the farmers to 
keep it their work, and not to assemble, as 
ordered, to-morrow at 10 o'clock; but they will 
make it a point to appear under arms every 
Sunday after this, at 10 o'clock in the morning, 
before the fort door, unless some urgency may 
require it to be otherwise ordered. 

August Hth. — Lieut. Brisbois having brought 
word that a fine large American boat, covered 



as a gun-boat, was lying a little above Fort Mad- 
ison, on the shore quite near the water, ordered 
that Lieut. Graham, with one interpreter 
and si.x men, go for the barge. When they 
reach the Rock river, or at any time during the 
voyage, if Lieut. Graham gets any certain news 
of the enemy's approach, he will either come 
back himself with the men, or send back, as he 
finds most requisite. When he gets to the Rock 
river, he will give a carrot of tobacco to the 
chiefs, soldiers and braves, and request of them, 
as many as he thinks fit to go with him, not 
only to assist in bringing up the barge, but to 
guard him against any of the Sauks, etc., that 
may be ill-disposed, from the Missouri; and if 
he can prevail on the Indians to assist him in 
bringing the barge up here, they shall be well 
paid when the re-inforcement arrives from 
Mackinaw; otherwise to try and run her up into 
the Rock river, that I can send for her from 
here. In case he can find no means of getting 
her up, he will set fire to and burn her, to pre- 
vent her falling into the enemy's hands. 

August 15th. — Orde-ed tliat a fatigue l)arty 
will, to-morrow, if the weather will permit, be 
employed in repairing a small breast-work at the 
lo«^er end, and one at the upper end of the vil- 
lage ; and that carpenters be employed in 
mounting a half-pound swivel. 

August 16th. — -The patrol will be suspended 
for the present, as a jiarty has gone down be- 
low, and will keep directly in the enemy's way; 
but the principal object of this is, to afford ev- 
ery means possible to assist in getting in the 
harvest. We have only a very short allowance 
of flour, three barrels remaining. To-morrow 
the artificers will be employed in widening the 
passage through the fort, in order to run out 
the guns on three field carriages. 

August I7th. — The artificers will comiuence, 
to-morrow, making scaffolds for the sentries, to 
elevate them above the pickets. Ordered that 
the voulunteers, when on guard, if they are not 
attentive to their duties, as sentries ought to be, 









%^/^>Zrtyi^ 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



185 



shall be assigned to the same duty the next day, 
and so continue till they are attentive. 

August 18th. — To-morrow morning at 6 
o'clock, a party of officers and interpreters are 
to begin and practice the use of the three-pound- 
er, commencing at 6 o'clock, until otherwise or- 
dered, the exercise to be of two hours duration 
daily. 

August 19th. — Ordered, that the commissary 
take every means to get in flour as fast as possi- 
ble. As there are no articles in the store, that 
will answer the inhabitants in exchange for 
their flour, he will give orders on Michael 
Brisbois, Sr., for any flour he may purchase, till 
further orders. 

August 20th. — Having the other three-pound- 
er mounted, it is ordered thatti^ie two guns drill 
in brigade, twice every day, Sunday excepted, 
and to practice sham battles. The bombardier 
will be active in getting all the guns and swiv- 
els in the highest order, as expeditiously as pos- 
sible. 

August 2 1st. — Ordered that black-smiths be 
employed to do such work as is necessary about 
the guns. 

August 22d. — Ordered, that all accounts, of 
flour and other articles borrowed, be settled, or 
made out, by the 25th inst. 

August 2-3d. — Ordered, that as Chesier, the 
black-sinilh, is idle, and does not work as be 
ought to do, another black-smith be employed, 
and having no tools, will make use of Chesier's 
shop, etc., till the work necessary about the 
guns be finished. 

August 24th. — Ordered, that two lieutanants 
of the Indian department, namely, I,ieul. Gra- 
ham and Lieut. Brisbois, and three interpreters, 
Augustin Rock, I. B. Guillroy, Francois Bou- 
clire (lit La Malice, with Bombardier Keating, 
eight Michigan fencibles, and sixteen of the 
volunteers, with a brass three-pounder, and 
two swivels in the gun-boat, and a barge, be all 
ready to march the 27th inst., on an expedition 
against the Americans, in order to meet them 
on their way up here at the Rock river, and as- 



sist the Sauk Nation of Indians in the preserva- 
tion of their wives and children. 

Lieut. Graham will take the command. The 
commissary will issue fifteen days full rations 
of pork, and five days full rations of flour. In- 
terpreter Renville will leave this place early to- 
morrow morning, and proceed with all haste to 
the chief of the Feuilles, and inform him of the 
expedition going below, and tell him that I re- 
quest he will come down immediately, with as 
many of his young men as he can possibly 
spare, and go down and assist the Sauks; and at 
the same time to tell him to send word to the 
Little Corbeau, etc., to move this way immedi- 
ately; but to remain about the Prairie a La 
Crosse, till further orders, and as soon as the 
Little Corbeau arrives there, he will send word 
and let me know, and Mr. Renville will return 
here as soon as possible. 

August 25th. — Ordered, that the Sauk chief, 
Thomas, leave this place to-morrow morning, 
for the Sauks at Rock river, to inform them, 
that an expedition will leave here on the 27th, 
for that place. Lieut. Graham will have every- 
thing ready to march at 8 o'clock on that day. 
The men in general, going on the expedition 
below, are destitute of shirts. It is, therefore, 
ordered, that the commanding officers will give 
to such as he finds in absolute want, an order 
on Mr. Brisbois, to furnish them such necessities, 
and it will be deducted from their pay, when 
they are paid. 

Aug. 26th. — Ordered, that the commissary aug 
meiit the rations for the expedition going below, 
giving each man ten -ounces of pork, and one 
and a half pounds of flour. Those that remain 
here, will have six ounces of pork, and two 
pounds of flour. 

Aug. 27th. — Ordered that do the 

duty of interpreter, from this date, till further 
orders, and that he receive the pay and allow- 
ances that other interpreters do. The Sioux 
and Renards will leave this place to-morrow 
morning, to go and join the e.xi)cdition to the 
Rock river. The commissary will furnish the 



12 



186 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Sioux six bushels of wheat, and the Renards 
four, for their provisions, till they reach the 
Sauks. 

Aug. 28th. — Ordered that Capt. Grignon pre- 
pare himself to leave this place, to-raonow morn- 
ing at 10, for Mackinaw, with dispatches, and 
that an interpreter go, expressly to notify the 
Little Corbeau's band that the enemy are coming 
up, and direct him to camp somewhere about 
the Prairie a La Crosse, till further orders. The 
militia having been ordered to parade at 10 
o'clock this morning, many of them came with- 
out guns, and some of them did not come at all. 
It is, therefore, ordered that when in future 
the militia are called out, if they do not all ap- 
pear at the hour appointed, with their arms, 
those disobeying such orders shall be liable to 
a fine of fifteen dollars, to be levied on their 
goods and chattels, otherwise to be confined in 
the guard house, during the commanding offi- 
cer's pleasure. 

Aug. 29th. — Ordered that, as Capt. Grignon 
is now gone, and no officer of the bay volunteers 
here, what few of his company remain be in- 
cluded in Capt. Anderson's company, till fur- 
ther orders. 

Aug. 30th. — That two men be employed saw- 
ing boards and planks for the use of the garri- 
son. 

Aug. .31st. — Ordered that interpreter Frenier, 
with three mei), set off to-morrow morning, to 
go and inform the Little Corbeau, as mentioned 
in orders of the 28th inst., lest the express the 
Feuille sent should fail. 

Sept. 1st. — Ordered that the commissary tell 
the inhabitants, if they do not be more active in 
making flour for the use of the troops, that men 
will be placed in their barns and mills by the 
commanding officer to thrash and grind their 
wheat, for the use of the garrison. That the 
men so employed will be paid from the produce 
of their flour, and for the balance the govern- 
ment will be accountable to the different indi- 
vidual owners. 



Sept. 2d. — Ordered, that interpreter Grignon 
leave this place to-morrow morning with four 
men to take flour to the detachment gone to the 
Rock river. 

Sept. 3d. — Ordered, that the commissary ex- 
change with the inhabitants, as often as the 
opportunity may oflier, whisky for flour or wheat, 
till further orders. 

Sept. 4th. — Ordered, that no person be allowed 
to go into the fort, except those accustomed to 
do duty, without the permission of the officer of 
the day. 

Sept. 5th. — Ordered, that a mare and colt, 
belonging to one Fontaine, a Canadian, who left 
here three years ago, and ever since has resided 
in Illinois, be taken and broken in, for the use 
of the garrison. 

Sept. 6th. — Ordered, that the fort gate be 
shut every evening at 8 o'clock ; and the guards 
be changed at 7 o'clock in the morning, till fur- 
ther orders. 

Sept. Tth. — Ordered, that the four Sauks, who 
brought letters from Lieut. Graham, leave this 
place to-morrow morning, to return to the Rock 
river. 

Sept. 14th. — Ordered, that a barge leave this 
place under interpreter Rock's command, with 
eight volunteers, and the three men that came 
in the wooden canoe from the portage, to go 
and bring the ordnance stores, etc. Also, that 
Lance Corporal Heywood be attaclied to the 
guns, under Sergt. Keating, aud tlial the officers 
and men, from the detachment to the Rock 
river, return to their duty in the garrison, as 
usual. 

Sept. 18th. — Ordered, that the Michigan fenci- 
bles, and Lance Corporal Haywood, of the 10th 
Volunteer band, with ten volunteers and seven 
militia, will be attached to the guns, and be 
drilled daily, and now and then practice firing, 
under Sergt. Keating, of the Royal artillery. A 
sufficient number of men will be selected from 
the volunteers and militia, as mentioned above, 
to man the six-pounder, and the two three- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



IS"? 



pounders. Such men will be exempt from other 
duty till otherwise ordered. 

Ordered, that eight of the volunteers, in- 
cluding one sergeant and one corporal, mount 
guard daily; that the guards be relieved at 
7 o'clock every morning. That the guards 
take up their quarters, in the garrison, for 
the time being, and not absent themselves, 
on any pretense, wathout the permission of 
the officer of the day, whose business it will 
be to attend when the guards are relieved 
and see that all the men are as clean as 
circumstances will admit of ; and see that they 
have on them a cartouchbox and bayonet, that 
their guns are in good order,and that the sentries 
are regularly relieved by the corporal. 

Ordered, that carpenters be employed, and a 
party of the volunteers, when not otherwise 
on duty, together with a party of militia, be 
kept on fatigue, in order to repair the fort. 
Wlien any of the inhabitants or militia are or- 
dered with a team of horses or oxen, a reasona- 
ble allowance will be made them for such team. 
The militia, when on fatigue (provisions being 
scarce), will furnish themselves with food, for 
which an e(|uiva1ent in pay will be made them. 
All men on actual duty will I'eceive one gill of 
whisky per day, till otherwise ordered. 

Lieut. Porlior, of the volunteers, and Lieuts. 
Graham and Brisbois of the Indian department, 
will each in turn, do the duty of officer of the 
day, having an eye on the garrison in general, 
keeping everything in order, and reporting to 
the commanding officer, the state of the new 
guards when mounted, as well as every other 
material circumstance coming to his knowledge. 

Sept. 19th. — Ordered, that the men drilling at 
the guns, under Sergt. Keating of the Royal artil- 
lery, be all present, at the hours of 7 o'clock 
in the morning, and .3 o'clock in the afternoon ; 
and should any be absent, Sergt. Keating will 
report them to the offiier of the day, who will 
report them to the commanding officer. 

Ordered, that the commissarj' attend at 7 
o'clock every morning at the fort, to issue ra- 



tions of whisky, agreeable to a requisition 
signed by the officer of the day. 

Sept. 23d. — Ordered that four shots be fired 
from each of the three guns, every Sunday, till 
otherwise ordered. A target will be placed in 
a convenie'it place to prevent any accident, and 
at the same time so placed as to be able to re- 
cover the round shot. 

Sept. '26th — Ordered, that a court of inquiry 
be held in Fort McKay, at 10 o'clock this 
morning, to inquire into the conduct of Pierre 
Emerie, of the volunteers, and Solomon Demai- 
raix, of the Michigans, both privates, who were 
confined in the guard house yesterday, for diso- 
bedience of orders. Also to examine Pierre 
Kennet and Pierre Grignon, Jr., both privates 
in the volunteers, for quarreling and fighting 
while on guard this morning. The court to 
consist of Lieuts. Graham and Brisbois, of the 
Indian department, and Lieut. Porlier of the 
volunteers, Lieut. Graham to be president. 

Ordered, that no whisky be exchanged for 
any other article; but what whisky now remains 
will be kept for the use of the guards and fa- 
tigue parties, unless the commissary may re- 
ceive other orders from the commanding officer. 

The court of inquiry finding that Demairaix, 
of the Michigans and Kennet and Grignon of 
the volunteers, who had been confined, were 
not guilty of a crime to merit punishment, they 
are therefore released from the guard-house. 
But Pierre Emerie, of the volunteers, acknowl- 
edging his crime, a court martial is ordered to 
be held to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock for his 
trial. The court to consist of Lieut Graham, 
of the Indian department, president, and Lieut. 
Brisbois of the Indian department, and Lieut. 
Porlier, of the volunteers, members. 

Sept. 28th. — A court martial, for the trial of 
Pierre Emerie, of the volunteers, having been 
held this day, of which Lieut. Graham was 
president, and Lieuts. Brisbois and Porlier, 
members, where he, the said Emerie, was found 
guilty of disobedience of orders, in refusing to 
mount guard. The court condemned the pris- 



188 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



oner to be sent in irons to Macliinaw,to lose bis 
pay for tbe time of his service, and to lose bis 
share of tlie prize money taken in tlie capitu- 
lation of Fort McKay. But being recommended 
to the clemency of tbe commanding officer, 
and tbe court being of the opinion that bis dis- 
obeying orders proceeded more through igno- 
rance, than a wish to be mutinous, the com- 
manding officer, therefore, orders, that be be 
released from confinement, and immediately 
return to bis duty. 

October,,lst. — Ordered, that on Monday next, 
every man not on guard, etc., be employed on 
fatigue, to finish as soon as possible, tbe re- 
pairing of the fort. Also that a court of inquiry 
be held on Monday next at 12 o'clock to exam- 
ine into the crimes, for which Pierre Vasseur 
and Jacques Hebert, of tbe Micbigans, were 
confined this morning, Lieut. Duncan Graham 
to be president, and Lieuts. Brisbois and Por- 
lier, members. 

Oct. 3d. — Ordered, from to-morrow morning, 
only half rations of liquor will be issued to tbe 
troof)s. 

Oct. Vtb. Ordered, that Pierre "Vasseur and 
Jacques Hebert, both privates in the Michigan 
fencibles, be released from the guard-house, 
and both confined to tbe square at hard labor, 
tbe former for eight days, and tbe latter for six 
from this date. And that Pierre Provancall, of 
the volunteers, who was confined for having al- 
lowed the above mentioned Michigan fencibles 
to go out of the garrison at night without leave, 
be released from the guardhouse, and confined 
to hard labor in the square for four days, after 
which, all shall return to their duty, as soon as 
their respective terms of bard labor have ex- 
pired. 

Oct. 8th. — Ordered, that one day's rations be 
issued as usual to the troops, and one of hulled 
Indian corn; that is, every other day one quart 
of corn be issued, in place of pork and flour, till 
further orders. 

Oct. 11th — Ordered, thatLient. Graham, with 
interpreter Berthe, and five men, namely, E. 



Piche, Bourdon, Langlos, La Honde and Le 
Mire, leave this place to-morrow morning with 
dispatches for Mackinaw,tobe delivered to Lieut. 
Grignon at Green Bay, from whence they will 
return here immediately. 

Ordered, tbnt there will be no more practic- 
ing witli the guns at a target,till further orders. 

Oct. 15tb. — Ordered, that an ox be bought 
and that four day's rations be issued at a time, 
that is, one pound of beef, and two pouiids of 
flour, for one day, and one quart of corn for the 
second day, and so on alternately. 

Oct. 18th. — Ordered, that at 4 o'clock this 
afternoon, a royal salute be fired, and that all 
the troops and Indians be present. Immedi- 
ately after which, a council will be held to in- 
form the troops and Indians tbe news from 
Mackinaw* 

Oct. 20th. — Ordered, that the troops be mus- 
tered, on the 24th inst., at 10 o'clock in the 
morning; and on tbe 25th, as Mr. Rolette has 
offered to furnish money for that purpose, they 
will be paid up to the 24th. 

Oct. 21st. — Ordered, that Lieut. Brisbois, of 
the Indian department, act as overseer of the 
workmen at the fort, for which be shall be en- 
titled to receive an additional allowance of pay, 
until further orders, of five shillings per day. 

November 3d. — Ordered, that Mr. Honore, 
lately acting commissary, for which he re- 
ceived tbe pay of a lieutenant in tbe volun- 
teers, be suspended from that duty and pay till 
further orders. This is ordered, from bis hav- 
ing, when drunk, made use of most disre- 
spectful and abusive language to the command- 
ing officer, in defiance of all military order and 
discipline. 

Ordered, that Lieut. Brisbois, of tlie Indian 
department, receive to-morrow morning of Mr. 
Honore, all the accounts and .stores lately in 
his charge as commissary, till further orders. 



*This probably refers to the repulse of the Americans in 
their attack on that place, under Majs. Croirhan and 
Holmes, Aug-. 41h, 1814, and the subsequent capture of two 
American vessels enfrag:ed in blockading' Mackinaw, as men- 
tioned in Lient. Col. McDouall's letter to Capt. Anderson, 
Sept. a3d, 1814. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



180 



Nov. 0th — Ordered, that the militia be ex- 
empt from appearing in parade in future on 
Sundaj's, till further orders. 

Nov. I2th.— Ordered, that no more drilling 
l)e practiced for the present, because the men 
are continually on fatigue, and the rainy season 
has made the parade-groun d too muddy. 

Nov. 17th. — Ordered, that a keg of high 
wines be bought, and that the acting commis- 
sary issue to each man on actual duty one gill 
of liquor, till further orders. Also, as bustard 
meat is not equal in bulk or sustenance to oilier 
meat, that one and a half pounds of that meat 
must be issued per ration, till further orders. 

Nov. ^Sth. — Ordered, that the troops at- 
tached to this garrison, when not on duty may, 
witli the permission of the officers of their re- 
s[>eclive corps, be allowed to work for the in- 
habitants of this post, till further orders. 

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN DOCUMENTS, 1814-1.5. 

List of Canadian voyageurs who volunteered 
llieir services, at Mackinaw, June 21, 1814, to 
go to Prairie du Cliien, on an expedition against 
the xVniericans. 

Joseph Rolette, Thomas G. Anderson, Joseph 
Polvin, Benjamin Roy, Ed. Picke, (lit W. G. 
Stursman, Barnabe Sans Soisi, S. St. Germain, 
Pierre Grignon, Pierre Lambert, Jacques Sav- 
ard, Jean B. Snyer. Pierre Gauslin, Etienne 
Dyon, Ant. Gauthern, Amable Tourpin, Jacques 
Lemire, John Campbell, Ant. Asselin, P. Prov- 
ancall, Jean B. Emerie, Baptiste Berthe, An- 
toine Bercier, Louis Provancall, Francois La 
Chappelle, Gabriel La Londe, Jean M. Duch- 
arme, J. 15. Faribault, J. B. Parant, Gabriel 
Danie, Louis Bourdon, Etienne Serare, Joseph 
Ouitelle, Luke Dubois, Francois S<. Maurice, L. 
Dejrne, Sol. Bellangc, Louis Desognier, Fran- 
cois Frenere, Emanuel Ranger, Joseph Filion, 
Henry Fleure, Colin Campbell, Alexis Larose, 
Amable Gervais, Jean B. Bouchard, Francois 
Hoivin, Jacques Laurent, Michael Gravelle, 
Pierre Emerie, Colish Veaux, Antoine Felix, 
St. 1>. Philip, Joseph Dagenais, Joseph Minette, 
Prudent Langlois, Pierre Crocbier, Amable J. 



Durans, Antoine Dabin, Louis Genereux, An- 
toine Asselin, Jean Tivierge, Joseph Tivierge, 
Pierre Robedeau, Joseph Dechan, Louis Iloiiore, 
Jacques Joseph Porlier. 

The under named men were here present, or 
on command the 24th of August, 1814: 

Bombardier, Royal artillery. James Keat- 
ing. 

Michigan Fencibles. Sergeant: Francis Roy. 
Corporal: Noel Bondvielle. 
Privates: Michael Donais, Louis Vasseur, Solo- 
mon Demairaix, Joseph Lariviere, Jacques Pari- 
siens, Oliver Degerdin, Jacques Hebert, La- 
cenne Dupuis, Francois Supernant. Pierre 
From. 

Canadian Volunteers from Mac/iinaw. Ser- 
geants: Amable Dusang, Henry Fleurie. 

Corporals: Antoine Dabins, Jean B. Emerie, 
Privates: Manuelle Pichi, Seraphin St. Ger- 
main, Pierre Lambert, Jacques Savard, Jean B. 
Loyer, Jacques Lamire, John Campbell, Antoine 
Asselin, Baptiste Berthe, Antoine Bercier, 
Louis Provancall, Francois La Cliapelle, Gabriel 
or William Lalonde, Jean M. Ducharme, Louis 
Bourdon, Etienne Serare, Luke Dubois, Fran- 
cois St. Maurice, Louis Dagenais, Solomon Bel- 
lange, Louis Desognier, Emanuel Range, Joseph 
Filion, Colin Campbell, Amable Gervais, Jean 
M. Bouchard, Francis Boivin, Jacques Laurent, 
Michael Gravelle, Pierre Emerie, Antoine Felix, 
Joseph Dagenais,. Joseph Minette, Prudent 
Langlois, Pierre Crochier, Louis Genereaux, 
Jean Tivierge, Joseph Tivierge, Pierre Robi- 
deau, Joseph Dechampes. 

Pierre Kennet, a man that volunteered his 
services for his country on the 2d of August, 
1814, at this place, is not included in the list 
sent to Mackinaw. 

Canadian Volmite&s from the Bay. Sar- 
geant: Laurent Filey. 

Corporal: Amable Grignon. 

Privates: Joseph Courvalle, Labonne Dorion, 
Alexis Crochier, .Joseph Deiieau, Narcis.-e De- 
laune, Pierre Chalifou, Jean B. Latouch, Pierre 



190 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



L'Allement, Etienne Bantiere, Francis Fren- 
iere, Pierre Grignon, Jr., Pierre Ocliu. 

Note of officers, etc., here present, or on 
command, the 24th of August, 1814. 

Captain: Thomas G. Anderson, Com'd'g the 
volunteers. 

Lieutenants: Pierre Grignon, Sr., Joseph 
Jacques Porlier. 

Indian Department. Lieutenants: Duncan 
Graham, Michael Brisbois. 

Interpreter: Louis Honore, Acting Commis- 
sary. 

Lieutenants: Joseph Renville, Jean B. Guill- 
roy, Pierre Grignon, Jr., Joseph Rock, Sr., 
Augustin Rock, Jr., Francois Bouche. 

Captain: Francis Dease, Prairie du Chien 
militia. 

, The above is a correct statement of the forces 
in Fort McKay, on the 24th of August, 1814. 
Thos. G. Andekson, Capt. Com'd'g. 
Fort McKay, Sept. 18, 1814. 

[Endorsed on the back of the paper: ] 
Paul L'Allement, 
Claude Laframboise, 
Michael Armaed. 
Michillimackinac, 23d Sept., 1814. 
To Captain Anderson: 

Sir: — I have had the honor of receiving your 
letter of the 29th ult., by Capt. Grignon, com- 
municating the information of the enemy's 
indicating an intention of ^.ttacking your post. 
I, however, am inclined to believe that their 
object for the present is confined to revenging 
themselves on the Sauks by an attempt to de- 
stroy iheir corn fields and villages, and I am 
sanguine in my hopes, from the formidable body 
of Indians assembled at the Rock river, that it 
will be completely frustrated and punished, as 
it ought. 

I greatly approve of your having sent a de- 
tachment down the river in aid of the Indian 
force. I am convinced, it is the best mode of 
defending your post; and you cannot exert 
yourself too much in encouraging the Sauks, 
and affording them every assistance that is in 



your power to give. By that means you keep 
the war at a distance; and if the proper spirit 
is cherished and kept up amongst the Indians, 
I flatter myself the enemy will not be able to 
force such a formidable barrier. I fear it will 
be difficult to preserve unanimity, and that cor- 
dial co-operation with each other which is so 
necessary, and yet so hard to bring about, 
where they are numerous. You will, of course, 
see the necessity of making this your constant 
study. The ammunition sent by Corpl. Hey- 
wood will arrive very opportunely, and prove 
for the present a supply fully equal to the de- 
mand; but unfortunately we had neither arms 
nor tobacco to accompany it. I am in hopes 
we stall be able very soon to send supplies of 
those articles with Mr. Dickson, who remains 
here until the arrival of the Indian presents, 
which have been delayed in consequence of the 
attack and blockade of this island. The latter 
inconvenience we happily got rid of, by cap- 
turing, with our detachment of seamen, assisted 
by soldiers from the garrison, both the vessels 
which the enemy left for that purpose; for us a 
very fortunate event, which, I trust, will enable 
us to not only receive our Indian goods, but 
an adequate supply of provisions. As I am ex- 
pecting a re-inforcement in the course of a week 
or ten days, in which, I trust, I shall not be dis- 
appointed, it will then be in my power to de- 
tach an officer and about thirty men to Fort 
McKay to winter. 

You will observe that it will wholly depend 
on my getting the men which I wrote for, and 
fully expect. With them I shall strain every 
nerve to furnish you with whatever can be 
spared from this place, as well as Indian sup- 
plies, as arms, powder and tobacco. 

Mr. Rolette has contracted to supply the gar- 
rison, to the number of sixty men, with pro- 
visions for a year. When more, for any unfore- 
seen emergency, is required, it must be pro- 
vided on the best terms you can procure, taking 
care that you strictly conform to the mode 
pointed out for your guidance by Mr. Asst. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



191 



Dept. Com. Gen. Monk, at this place; and that 
the utmost accuracy is observed in your certifi- 
cates as to the number of men victualed. To 
enable Mr. Rolette to fulfill his contract, you 
will transfer to him the salt now in possession, 
in whatever way you deem best, as you in your 
capacity of commandant must regulate every- 
thing as will most tend to the good of the ser- 
vice. What chimneys, fuel, or other indispen- 
sable articles may be required, you will direct 
to be furnished accordingly, never deviating 
from the established rule of procuring every- 
thing at the most reasonable rate. Mr. Rolette 
has been advanced £21)0, on account of his con- 
tract, the terms of which are sent you, and 
which must be scrupulously adhered to. You 
will, of course, ascertain that strict justice is 
done to the troops; and that the bills drawn 
upon the commissary here, are in conformity to 
the exact amount of provision supplied. 

The dissensions and disaffection, which you 
mention as existing among some of the Indians, 
must ever be expected among so many different 
tribes, and where the enemy are making contin- 
ual efforts to seduce them. Our efforts must be 
as great to reclaim such as have erred; or when 
that cannot be effected, to take any precaution 
to prevent their doing mischief. Hut above all 
you must not fail to pacify the murmuring and 
loyal part of them, who faithfully adhere to our 
interest, by pointing out to them the solid ad- 
vantages which cannot fail to result from a 
perseverance in such praiseworthy conduct; 
that the numerous forces and fleets of their 
Great Father, the King, are attacking the ene- 
my with decided advantage along the whole 
Line of their sea coast; that in the Canadas our 
troops are embodied in great numbers; that the 
American army at Fort Erie is surrounded by 
the British, with scarcely the (lossihility of es- 
caping, and this campaign has not only the pros- 
pect of ending gloriously, but the next still more 
so, there being little doubt that Detroit and 
Amhertsburgh will again fall into our hands. 



You will represent these particulars to them 
from me, in the most impressive manner you 
can, telling them my firm conviction that they 
will oppose the most determined resistance to 
the shameful encroachments of the'enemy, and 
signalize themselves in defense of their wives 
and children, and of the lands with which they 
are intrusted from their forefathers. You may 
assure them of my doing everything in my power 
to support them in so just a cause, and that from 
the recent circumstances of our blockade, I can- 
not this season supply their wants as I could 
wish. 

Yet in ammunition, it will in some measure 
be made up, and next year much more will be 
in our power. Impress strongly on their 
minds the important fact, that the king, their 
Great father, is determined to see justice done 
them, and not to make peace with the enemy 
until their lands are restored, and complete 
security given that they are not again molested 
or invaded." 

These matters must necessarily give them 
courage. You will present my best wishes for 
their success to La Feuille and the Little Cor- 
heau, and that I have the fullest reliance upon 
their zeal and courage in so just a war; and that, 
if necessary, they will bring down all their 
young men to your assistance. I shall use 
every exertion to send Mr. Dickson with the 
Indian presents, I hope, accompanied by a de- 
tachment of troops, as soon as possible after the 
latter arrive. In the meantime, I send by Mr. 
Rolette four barrels of powder for the Indians. 
You will know it from his, that belonging to 
him being marked with his initials. 

With regard to the volunteers, those belong- 
ing to the bay being, I understand, greatly 
wanted, you will, if their services can be dis- 
pensed with, permit them to return, of course, 
omitting them in your pay-list from the 
day their service ceases. The remainder will 
certainly be required, at all events, till relieved; 
but you may render their garrison duty as easy 
and as little harassing to them, as possible, 



192 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



assuring them all at the same time, that I am 
higlily pleased with their behaviour and services 
they have rendered. As they so meritoriously 
contributed to llie recovery of the Prairie du 
Chien and Fort McKay, so, I doubt not, they 
will as gallantly exert themselves to defend 
their conquest. I am perfectly satisfied hitherto 
with your measures, but particularly with send- 
ing the gun and detachment to support the In- 
dians. 

The war must be kept at as great a distance 
from you as possible. You must hold a high 
language to the Indians, such as our great power, 
and unparalleled successes in general, and our 
commanding attitude in the Canadas in particu- 
lar, justify and require. 

Let the bright prospect which we may fairly 
anticipate, leave not a thought amongst any of 
you but of success and victory, and animate the 
whole in such a manner as will prevent the 
enemy from ascending the Mississippi this sea- 
son. 

Next year we shall, I hope, be able to afford 
more effectual support, and the enemy will then 
find himself assailed in all directions, and have 
fully enough upon his hands. I have the honor, 
etc. 

(Signed,) Rob't McDouaix, 

Lieut. Col. Com'd'g. 

P. S. As commandant, no person is to in- 
terfere with your command. I doubt not but 
you are well supported by the officers under you, 
particularly Lieuts. Graham and Brisbois, and 
Serg't Keating of the artillery. You will not 
fail to mention to me such as, from their zeal 
and good conduct, merit my approbation, and 
such rewards as may heretofore be in my power 
to bestow. 

Capt. Anderson to Lieut. Col. R. McDouali.. 
Peairie des Chiens, Fort McKay, 
Oct. 18th, 1814. 

Sir : — I had the honor to receive your favor 
of the 2-3d Sept., by Mr. Rolette, and as Lieut. 
Graham, whom I liad sent off with dispatches to 
you, on the 13th inst., haying returned with 



Mr. Rolette here, affords me an early opportu- 
nity of returning you my thanks for your ap- 
probation of the measures I have adopted in the 
defense of this post. 

Long ere this you will have received my detail 
of our successes at the Rock river. Though no 
prizes were made, yet the favorable result of that 
expedition has been of the first consequence in 
the preservation of this country ; for had the 
enemy put their design in execution, and had 
murdered the Sauks in that inhuman and 
American-like manner, as was their intention, 
as mentioned in my letter of the 1 Ith inst., the 
Indian tribes on the Mississippi would not have 
been easily brought to understand or believe 
that our government's intention to support 
tliem is real. In fact, the Indian character is 
such that when a promise is made them, and 
not fulfilled at the time appointed, they imme- 
diately, without paying attention to the circum- 
stances that cause the disappointment, attribute 
it to design, and a conditional promise with 
them is construed into a real or positive one. 

The unforeseen and unfortunate delay of the 
Indian goods, notwithstanding Capt. Dease's 
and my indefatigable endeavors to explain to 
the Indians from whence it proceeds, is seri- 
ously injurious to the confidence placed by 
them ; and if, unfortunately, anything should 
tu}n up to prevent Robert Dickson coming out 
here, and the supplies not reaching us, one-half 
of the Indians must inevitably starve to death. 
This last circumstance, which they themselves 
are continually observing to me, ought and 
would, to a set of rational beings in their situ- 
ation, convince them, that without the supplies 
they receive from the British government, they 
cannot exist. 

Mr. Rolette, having contracted for, and being 
able immediately to commence the supplying 
the garrison, is very opportunely ; for the com- 
missary stores were quite exhausted and the 
troops began to feed on Indian corn. There is still 
a barrel of pork remaining, which I ke[)t as a 
stand-by. I shall, as soon as these dispatches 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



103 



are gone, transfer to Mr. Rolette what small 
quantity of salt is remaining, say about forty 
pounds, and will imtuediately go about putting 
everything respecting the garrison, etc., in a 
regular way, according to the forms I have re- 
ceived. 

With respect to the payment of the troops, 
Mr. Rolette has offered to furnisii tlie money 
for that purpo.se, they having been paid up to 
the 24th of August last. The cold weather set- 
ting in, and the absolute necessity they are in 
for some articles of clothing, will make it 
necessary for me to pay them up to the 24th 
inst., which I would not otherwise do till I re- 
ceive your orders to that effect. Whatever dis- 
bursements I have been obliged to make, shall 
be all transferred to Mr. Rolette, in order to 
give less trouble, being under one head. Mr. 
Rolette appears to wish to do everything in his 
power for the good of the service, and says he 
will at all times furnish what money he can for 
that purpose, and as to his contract, I am con- 
vinced he will do everything possible to com- 
plete it. The greatest inconvenience will be on 
account of salt, which cannot be procured here 
to preserve the summer's supply of meat. 

I am ])utting Fort McKay in as strong and 
comfortable a situation, and at as little expense, 
as possible, at the same time omitting nothing 
that may tend to the safety of the place. The 
four barrels of powder sent out by Mr. Rolette 
were received, as also some half-pound round 
shot, and the case of round shot mentioned as 
deficient in my letter of the 1 Ith inst. 

In conformity to your orders, I sent off the 
Green Hay Volunteers, and nitie of my own 
company, under Lieut. Graham, of the Indian 
department. I have given orders to Lieut. 
Graham to proceed with all possible haste till 
he meets Robert Dickson ; that should he meet 
the troops previous to meeting Mr. Dickson, 
to give them every assistance in his power. 
My motive; for doing this is because I under- 
stand they are greatly in need ; and as there 



are no appearances of the enemy's approach at 
present, the men are little wanted here. 

The troops here have been almost continually, 
more or less of them, on fatigue, for which I 
make them the usual allowance of ten pence 
per day. The militia, when on fatigue, will 
have the same allowance; and as circumstances 
made it necessary for me to oblige them to 
furnish themselves with provisions, they will 
have six pence per day for that; and for every 
team furnished they will receive five shillings 
— all of which, as well as every other account, 
shall be correctly stated, and Mr. Rolotte will 
pay them. With respect to the officers here, I 
am highly pleased with them all, and assure 
you they have rendered every service in their 
power. As to Sergt. Keating, of the artillery, 
from the zealous, courageous and handsome 
manner in which he has behaved himself since 
he left Mackinaw, I conceive him worthy of 
every advantage that merit in his profession de- 
serves. 

Mr. Honore, of the Indian department, has, 
since we left Mackinaw, acted in the capacity of 
commissary, without whose assistance I would 
be badly off in this respect, for which Mr. 
Rolette informs me he has received your api)ro- 
bation of granting him the pay of a lieuten'int, 
which I hope may not be improper to continue, 
as his assistance in that capacity is indispen- 
sably necessary. It may be proper for me to ob- 
serve, that the high price of goods at this place 
would make it impossible for a private soldier 
to keep himself completely equipped, exclusive 
of his yearly clothing, even if he had a subal- 
tern officer's pay. It requires two and a half 
month.s' j)ay of a private to buy himself a pair 
of shoes, and other things in jn'oportion. 

The detachment of Michigan fencibles in 
this garrison have, till now, proved to be good 
soldiers; but they require severe officers. As 
this garrison is small, and not placed in an ad- 
vantageous situation for the defense of the 
place, it will be necessary for the officer com- 
manding here, as soon as possible, to have the 



194 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



requsite instructions on this head; and if an al- 
teration is allowed to be made, the materials 
necessary, such as wood and stone, must be got 
out to the spot on the snow. My determination 
and wish to act in every respect in conformity 
to your orders, and as exactly as possible, makes 
it necessary for me to trouble you much more 
on some heads than I perhaps ought to do; but 
as the good of the service requires, as long as I 
hold my present situation, that I should seek 
every information in this way, I take the liberty 
to ask you what authority I have with respect 
to the Indian department, and whether the 
necessary provisions, etc., for the Indians are 
furnished by the garrison, or whether the officers 
of that department make those purchases them- 
selves? 

The Sauks or Mississippi Indian heroes have 
just arrived, and brought word that a party 
lately arrived from the Riviere Des Forts,* 
brought in ten scalps, and say they will continue 
to bring them in as they do ducks from the 
swamps. The want of provision s[^has been the 
cause of my not making an attempt there. 
Everything must be ready for a start in the 
spring. Should the re-inforcement of troops 
reach here in time, I should deem it best to 
make an attack this fall, as it wonld be an im- 
portant point for the defense of this, to obstruct 
their boats. I am impatient for instructions. 

I am informed that representations have been 
made at Mackinaw with respect to my conduct in 
the execution of my duty here; but as they pro- 
ceed from envy and meanness, I do not reganl 
them. My actions have ever been conducted by 
the purest motives for the good of the service; 
and if I did not give the command of the expe- 
dition to the Rock river to Capt Grignon, it 
was because his conduct in the pursuit of the 
American gun-boat, at the taking of this place, 
on the 19th of July last, would not authorize me 
to entrust a command of so much consequence 
to his charge. 



* So it appears in the manuscript; perhaps Des Moines 
river is the stream referred to . 



MiCHILLIMACKINAW, 28th Oct.,'l814. 

To Capt. Anderson: , 

Sie: — I was highly gratified on receiving your 
dispatch, announcing the defeat of another 
attempt of the enemy to ascend the Mississippi 
for an attack on your post. I also fully approve 
of the judicious measures you adopted to coun- 
teract their intentions, particularly in affording 
that prompt assistance to the Sauks which 
inspired them with such courage and confi- 
dence, and in the end was productive of such 
brilliant] results. Capt. Bulger, of the Royal 
Newfoundland regiment, being appointed by 
me to command at Fort McKay, and on the 
Mississippi, in resigning it to him, I should not 
do justice to the opinion I entertain of your 
merit, did I not testify my entire satisfaction 
with your conduct while you held it. I, there- 
fore doubt not that you will exhibit the same 
zeal for the good of the service, and afford 
Capt. Bulger the utmost assistance and support 
which may be in your power, and, in the event 
of being again attacked by the enemy, that your 
company of volunteers will distinguish them- 
selves by their gallantry and good conduct, of 
which, you may assure them, I have a high idea. 

I have directed Capt. Bulger to give every 
facility to you, duly receiving your pay, and the 
other allowances to which you and your officers 
are entitled. I have the honor, etc., 

(Signed) Rob't McDouall, 

Lieut. Col. Commanding. 
Praieie du Chien, Jan. 3, 1«]5. 

Robert Dickson, " agent of the western In- 
dians, and superintendent of the conquered 
countries," writes under the above date, to Capt. 
A. H. Bulger, commanding Fort McKay : 

Sir : — The sergeant on guard having informed 
me that the Indian chief who was then a pris- 
oner in Fort McKay, was sick, I thought proper 
to send the Sioux interpreter, Joseph Renville, 
to visit him, who returned with the following 
talk delivered by the Indian : 

"I am very sick. My Father apparently finds 
it necessary that I should die here. If I am 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



196 



longer kept a close prisoner, I will most surely 
die of disease. It troubles my spirit to think 
that I shall die of sickness. I request of my 
Father that I may suffer death from the hands 
of his soldiers. Dying by the hands of his 
soldiers, will be the means of saving my Nation 
from destruction ; and the Sioux chief, the 
Little C'orbeau, will know the manner of my 
death. The man who committed the murder 
of my band ; but I understand that it is not 
altogether for him that I am bound, but for the 
very bad conduct of my people before this hap- 
pened — therefore, I demand to die by the 
hands of your soldiers." 

On being interrogated by the interpreter re- 
specting the man who was first confined, and 
who had promised to return, he answered : 
"That he was not a man of his band; and 
knowing the evil disposition of his people, he 
was sure that they had killed him." He then 
added : "I am an old man. It was with diffi- 
culty that I got here. You know that I fell 
down often on the road, and principally when I 
descended the mountain ; but my courage .and 
force were renewed when I reflected that I was 
going to save the lives of my children by dying 
for them. Do not let my Father think, that by 
mean excuses and evasions, that I wish to save 
my life. No ! I am above such baseness. I 
not afraid of death. My Father has already 
done me honor in sending his first soldiers to 
bring me here. I did not think my old body 
was worth so much trouble." 

I think it necessary to make you the above 
communication, and in an hour hence 1 shall 
wait on you in order to give you some infor- 
mation I have just received. 

THE INPIAN MURDERER .JANUARY 1, 1815. 

Le Corbeau Francois, on arriving at the gate 
of Fort McKay, with the prisoner who had 
killed the two men, said : "My Father! Here 
is the dog that bit you. In delivering him up, 
I trust that it will be the means of saving my 
hand froMi destruction." On coming into the 
commandant's room he again repeated : "This is 



the dog that bit you. Do with him as you 
please ; he deserves to die. I have one favor to 
request of you — that you will not kill hiiu until 
I gooff; he most surely merits death. In de- 
livering up this bad man, I also give up the 
marks [gifts insignia of friendship] of the 
Americans. Although we are not numerous, I 
think we can act as well as the other Indians, 
and henceforth I am resolved to follow your 
counsel. Some time ago you frightened me, 
and I then thought it was a bad business ; but 
I am now convinced that it was the best thing 
that could have happened, as it is the means of 
preserving the lives of our women and children. 
You are now busy; I will relate to you at another 
time what the Americans told me, the last time 
I went to see them." 

Le Corbeau Francois' talk January 7th, even- 
ing: "The reports that the Indian, lately ar- 
rived from the Americans, brought, were these: 
They told me, said he, that when they got angry 
that they would bring all the Nations from the 
Missouri, and sweep away everything in this 
quarter before them. Notwithstanding this, I 
have given up their marks and colors. I know 
what I do, and I shall in future act against them." 
He then repeated to the interpreter the substance 
of the letter of Robert Dickson, the superin- 
tendent, to Capt. Bulger. 

On the trial, being interrogated by the court, 
and pointing to the prisoner, asked if he was 
the man who killed one man and wounded the 
other? He answered — "He is truly the man." 
The chief then addressed the prisoner: "Why 
did you deny the bad act you have done? You 
ought to speak the truth. The Master of Life 
will take pity on you. There can be no pardon 
for you — prepare for death. You ought not to 
regret dying after committing the crime you 
have." To this the prisoner made no answer. 

When taken from the court to the guard- 
house, the prisoner requested to see two Indians, 
his relations, which was granted. On their 
coming into iho guard-house, the prisoner thus 
reproached tiiem: "You have betrayed me in 



196 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



bringing me here. I thought at least one of you 
woukl have consented to die with me; and far 
from that being the case, you have not even 
come to see me." They thus replied to tlie 
prisoner: "Do you think we have come so far 
in the cold for the love we bear you? You 
killed the people who came to save our lives, 
without any quarrel. If it depended on us to 
save your life, you would not live a single 
moment." 

FoET McKay, l-5th January, 1815. 
Sir: — We beg of you to excuse us for the 
fault we committed towards your person, and 
the dignity of your commission; after wiiich 
we dare flatter ourselves that you would conde- 
scend to receive this new address. 

F. B., 
J. R. 
In the name of the inhabitants of the Dogs' 

Plains. 
To Capt. A. H.Bulger, Com'dg Fort McKay. 
Fort McKay, 15th January, 1815. 
Sir: — We, the citizens of the Dog Plains, 
not knowing in what manner to explain the 
sentiments with which we are penetrated, we 
pray that you will receive our thanks and ac- 
knowledgments for the protection thatyou as- 
sure to His Britannic Majesty's subjects. Your 
conduct and activity in rendering justice in an 
Indian country, which has been exposed to so 
many misfortunes hitherto, gives us hopes to live 
in quiet under your command; and permit us at 
the same time, more and more to testify our 
zeal and loyalty towards our sovereign. We 
beg of you to believe us, with profound respect, 
sir, 

Your very humble servants, 

[Names not preserved.] 
To Capt. A. H. Bulger, Comd'g Fort McKay. 

MiCHILLIMACKINAC, 24th Feb., 1815. 

To Capt. Anderson — 

Sir: — I, this day, had the honor of your let- 
ter of the l7th ult., stating your having resigned 
the command of Fort McKay to Capt. Bulger. 
That gentleman speaks of you in such a manner 



that I have only to reiterate to you my thanks 
for the zeal and ability you displayed in your 
command at a very critical period ;and I have to 
beg of you to give to Cajjt. Bulger the most 
friendly and cordial support, and, by every assis- 
tance in yourpower,endeavor to aid in procuring 
those supplies which will still enable us to retain 
that most important country, upon which our 
Indian connection, and even the safety of this 
island so much depend. 

I am fully aware of the sacrifices you have 
made for the public service, and shall be ever 
ready, as far as it is in my power, to prove to 
you how desirous I am of your being recom- 
pensed, as you merit. I had before taken this 
into consideration, and in my last dispatch 
recommended you to His Excellency to be a 
captain in the Indian department from the 4th 
of September. This appointment,! have reason 
to believe, will afford you those permanent ad- 
vantages, which, as captain of the Michigan 
fencibles, you would probably enjoy but a short 
time. I well know your zeal for the service, 
and will always be ready to serve you as far as 
in ray power, and in the way most pleasing for 
yourself. 

Every human effort must be made by one and 
all of you, to preserve your important post, 
upon which so much depends. Do your utmost 
to conciliate and animate the Indians, for with 
their hearty co-operation, I trust that the enemy 
is again destined to defeat and disgrace. As it 
is ray wish that the utmost harmony should 
prevail at your garrison during this important 
crisis, I strongly recommend to you to forget 
what has passed, with regard to Mr. Rolette, and 
to be in future, on that friendly footing with 
him, which may, perhaps assist him in furnish- 
ing the supplies, which are of so much conse- 
quence in enabling Capt. Bulger to retain his 
important post. I have the honor, etc., 

(Signed): Robert McDouall, 

Lieut. Col. Com'd'g, and Commanding the In- 
dian Department thereof, and its dependen- 
cies. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



197 



Answer of La Feuille, or The Leaf, principal 
Sioux chief, to Thomas,* delivered to Cai>t. 
Anderson. [No date, in 1814 or 181 5. J 

INIy Brother! — T iiave heard your words and 
received your talk, and will use my endeavors 
to follow your advice. You are near our Great 
Father at ^Micliilliniaekmac, who gives us good 
counsels, and puts us in the road of our anc<!s- 
tors. Who would be foolish enough not to 
follow his advice? 

My Beother Thomas!— I regard you as a 
brot'aer. Take this pipe, (holding a pipe in his 
hand), and with it, talk to the Chippewas near 
me (the liereditary enemies of the Sioux); they 
are wild and stubborn. I wish to be as brethren 
with them. Tell them a parcel of foolish Renards 
(Foxes) went to war against them, though I 
used my endeavors to prevent them. It is my 
wish to be at peace with all Nations. I regard 
you as a brother, and hold you fast by the hand. 

Speech of L'Epervier, or Sparrow Hawk, bet- 
ter known as Black Hawk, principal war chief 
of the Sauks, delivered before peace was known, 
at Prairie du Chien, April 18, 1815, and taken 
down by Capt. T. G. Anderson: 

" Mv Father! — I am pleased- to hear you 
speak as you have done. I have been sent by 
our chiefs to ask for a large gun (cannon), to 
place in our village. The Big Knives are so 
treacherous, we are afraid that they may come 
up to deceive us. By having one of your large 
guns in our village, we will live in safety; our 
women will then be able to plaiitcorn,and hoe the 
ground unmolested, and our young men will be 
able to hunt for their families without dread of 
the Big Knives." 

Taking the war-belt in his hand, and advanc- 
ing a little, he continued: 

"My Father!— You see this belt. When 
my Great Father at Quebec gave it to me to be 
on terms of friend.ship with all his Red Children, 
to form but one body, to preserve our lands, 

•.\.i La Feuillo refers to Thomas whom he addresses ag re- 
sidiiiK "near" tn Mnc-tinaw, it must have reference to the 
Menomonce Chief Thoinus or Tomah, who lived near Green 
bay. rather than the Sank Chief Thomas, whoso home was 
doubtless with his people near the mouth of Rock river. 



and to make war against the Big Knives, who 
want to destroy us all, my Great Father said: 
'Take courage, my children, hold tight your 
war club, and destroy the Big Knives as much 
as you can. If the Master of Life favors us, 
you shall again find your lands as they formerly 
were. Your lands shall again become green — 
the trees green — the water green, and the sky 
blue. When your lands change color, you shall 
also change.' This, my Father, is the reason 
why we Sauks hold the war club tight in our 
hands, and will not let it go. 

" My Father!— I now see the time is draw- 
ing near when we shall all change color; but, 
my Father, our lands have not yet changed 
color— they are red — the water is red with our 
blood, and the sky is cloudy. I have fought the 
Big Knives, and will continue to tight them 
until they retire from our lands. Till then, my 
Father, your Red Children, cannot be happy." 

Then laying his tomahawk down before him, 
he continued: 

" My Father!— I show you this war club to 
convince you that we Sauks have not forgotten 
the words of our Great Father at Quebec. You 
see, my Father, that the club which you gave 
me is still red and that we continue to hold it 
fast. For what did you put it in my hands? 

"My Father!— When I lately came from 
war, and killed six of the enemy, I promised my 
warriors that I would get something for them 
from my Father, the Red Head ; but as he is 
not here, and you fill his place, I beg of you, 
my Father, to let me have .something to take 
back to them. 

" My Father! — I hope you will agree to what 
I ask, and not allow me to return to my warriors 
empty-handed,ashamod,and with a heavy heart." 

Speech of the Kickapoo chief, the Barbou- 
i Her, addressed to Capt. Anderson, at Prairie 
du Chien, Aug. 3, isio. 

"My Father! — You suppose within yourself: 
What has this old fellow got to say? I have 
not much to say. My chief and warriors sent 
me to listen to your words, as the voice of our 



198 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Great Father at Mchillimackinac. I hear the 
news from below (meaning St. Louis), and 
from you. From below I hear, but do not re- 
tain it; from you I hear with satisfaction, and 
my ears and heart are open, and retain what 
you say. The Sauks and my Nation make one; 



and whatever they say, I hearken to it. The 
Great Spirit hears us talk to-day under a clear 
sky, and we must tell truth. I squeeze my 
Father's hand, am obedient to his word, and 
will not forget the charity he now bestows 
upon us." 




HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



199 



CHAPTER VI 



THE WINNEBAGO WAR. 



During the winter of 1825-6, there were con- 
fined in the guard house of Fort Crawford, at 
Prairie du Chien, because of some alleged dis- 
honest act, two Winnebago Indians. In Octo- 
ber, 1826, the fort was abandoned and the gar- 
rison removed to Fort Snelling. The com- 
mandant took with him the two Winnebagoes. 
During the spring of 1827, the reports, about 
the two Indiana, around Prairie du Cliien, was 
to the effect that tliey had been killed. It was 
soon apparent that a spirit of enmity between 
the tribe and the settlers in southwestern Wis- 
consin was effectually stirred up. In addition 
to this, were the daily encroachments of miners 
in the lead region; for these miners had, by 
tliis time, overrun the mining country from 
Galena to the Wisconsin river. Finally the 
difficulties led to an open rupture. 

MURDER OF GAGNIEE AND LIPCAP. 

On the 28th of June, 1827, two Winnebago 
Indians, Red Bird and Wo-Kaw and three of 
their companions, entered the house of Rigeste 
Gagnier, about two miles from Prairie du 
Ciiien, where they remained several hours. At 
last, when Mr. Gagnier least expected it. Red 
Bird leveled his gun and shot him dead on his 
hearthstone. A person in the building by the 
name of Lipcap, who was a hired man, was 
slain at the same time by We-Kaw. Madame 
Gagnier turned to fly with her infant of eigh- 
teen months. As she was about to leap through 
the window, the child was torn from her arms 
by We-Kaw, stabbed, scalped and thrown vio- 
lently on the floor as dead. The murderer then 
attacked the woman, but gave way when she 



snatched up a gun that was leaning against the 
wall, and presented it to his breast. She then 
effected her escape. Her eldest son, a lad of 
ten years, also shunned the murderers, and they 
both arrived in the village at the same time. 
The alarm was soon given ; but, when the 
avengers of blood arrived at Gagnier's house, 
they found in it nothing living but his mangled 
infant. It was carried to the village, and, in- 
credible as it may seem, it recovered. 

A WINNEBAGO DEBAUCH. 

Red Bird and his companions immediately 
proceeded from the scene of their crime to the 
rendezvous of their band. During their ab- 
sence, thirty-seven of the warriors who ac- 
knowledged the authority of Red Bird, had as- 
sembled with their wives and children, near the 
mouth of the Bad Ax river, in what is now 
Vernon county. They received the murderers 
with joy and loud approbations of their exploit. 
A keg of liquor which they had secured was set 
abroach, and the Indians began to drink and as 
their spirits rose, to boast of what they had al- 
ready done and intended to do. They continued 
their revel for two days, b'lt on the third the 
source of their excitement gave out — their 
liquor was gone. They were, at about 4 o'clock 
in the afternoon, dissipatint; the last fumes of 
their excitement in the scalp-dance, when they 
descried one of the keel-boats, which had a few 
days before passed up the river with provisions 
for the troops at Fort Snelling, on her return, 
in charge of Mr. Lindsay. Forthwith a pro- 
posal to take her and massacre the crew was 
made and carried by acclamation. They count- 



200 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ed on doing this without risk, for they had ex- 
amined her on her way up and supposed there 
were no arms on board. But in this they were 
mistaken as the sequal shows. 

FIRST BATTLE OF BAD AX. 

There were indications of hostilities on the 
part of the Sioux on the upper Mississippi, and 
the boats wlien tliey left Fort Snelling had been 
supplied with arms. In descending tiie river 
they expected an attack at Wabashaw, where 
the Sioux were dancing the war dance, and 
hailed their approach with insults and menaces, 
but did not offer to attack the boats, or obstruct 
their passage. The whites now supposed the 
danger over, and, a strong wind at that moment 
beginning to blow up stream, the boats jjarted 
company So strong was the wind that all the 
force of the sweeps could scarcely stem it; and 
by the time the foremost boat was near the en- 
campment, at the mouth of the Bad Ax, the 
crew were very willing to stop and rest. One 
or two Frenchmen, or half-breeds, who were on 
board observed hostile appearances on shore, 
and advised the rest to keep the middle of the 
stream witii the boat, but their counsel was dis- 
regarded. They urged the boat directly toward 
the camp with all the force of the sweeps. 
There were sixteen men on deck. 

The men were rallying their French com- 
panions on their apprehensions, as the boat 
approached the shore; but when within thirty 
yards of the bank, suddenly the trees and rocks 
rang with the blood-chilling, ear-piercing tones 
of the war whoop, and a volley of rifle balls 
rained upon the deck. Happily, the Winneba- 
goes had Tiot yet recovered from the effects of 
their debauch, and their arms were not steady. 
One man only fell. He was a little negro 
named Peter. His leg was dreadfully shattered 
and he afterward died of the wound. A second 
volley soon came from the shore; but, as the 
men we e lying at the bottom of the boat, they 
all escaped but one, who was shot through the 
heart. Encouraged by the non-resistance, the 
Winnebagoes rushed to their canoes with in- 



tent to board. The boatmen having recovered 
from their first panic, seized their guns and the 
savages were received with a severe discharge. 
In one canoe two savages were killed with the 
same bullet and several wounded. The attack 
was continued until night, when one of the par- 
ty named Mandeville, who had assumed com- 
mand, sprang into the water, followed by 
four others, who succeeded in setting the boat 
afloat, and then went down the stream. 

Thirty-seven Indians were engaged in this 
attack, which may be called the first "Battle of 
Bad Ax;" the second being fought just below 
this point, five years after, between the Ameri- 
cans and Indians of another tribe, of which an 
account will be given in another chapter. Of 
the Winnebagoes seven were killed and four- 
teen wounded. They managed to put 693 shots 
into and through the boat. Two of the crew 
were killed outright, and four wounded — two 
mortally. The presence of mind of Mande- 
ville undoubtedly saved the rest, as well as the 
boat. Mr. Lindsay's boat, the rear one, did not 
reach the mouth of the Bad Ax until midnight. 
The Indians opened fire upon her, which was 
promptly returned. Owiiig to the darkness no 
injury was done to the boat, and she passed 
safely on. Consideri ng the few that were en- 
gaged in the attack on the first boat and in its 
defense, the contest was indeed a spirited and 
sanguinary one. 

GEBAT ALARM UPON THE BORDER. 

Great was the alarm at Prairie du Chien 
when the boats arrived there. The people left 
their houses and farms and crowded into the 
dilapidated fort. An express was immediately 
sent to Galena, and another to Fort Snelling, 
for assistance. A company of upwards of a 
hundred volunteers soon arrived from Galena, 
and the minds of the inhabitants were quieted. 
In a few days four imperfect companies arrived 
from Fort Snelling. The consternation of the 
people of the lead mines was great, and in all 
the frontier settlements. This portion of the 
country then contained, as is supposed, about 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



■201 



5,000 inhabitants — tliat is south of the Wiscon- 
sin river and at Prairie dii Ciiien, and extending 
into Illinois. A great many of tlieso tied from 
their homes. 

ARRIVAI, OF GOVERNMENT TROOPS. 

On the 1st of September, 1827, Maj. William 
Whisller, with government troops arrived at 
the portage (now Portage, Columbia Co., Wis.), 
and while there an express arrived from Gen. 
H. Atkinson, announcing his approach, and di- 
recting him to halt and fortify himself and wait 
his arrival. Tlie object of the joint expedition 
of Gen. Atkinson from Jefferson barracks below 
St. Louis, and of Maj. Whistler from Fort How- 
ard, at Green Bay, was to capture those who 
had committed the murders at Prairie du Chien, 
and ])ut a stop to any further aggression. And 
this march of tlie t^vo into the Winnebago coun- 
try from o])positt' clirections was well cilculated 
to overawe the disaffected amongthe Winneba- 
goes. These Indians were soon advised that 
tlie seiuirity of llieir people lay in the surrender 
of the murderers of the Gagnier family. Ac- 
cordingly, Red Bird and We-Kaw were surren- 
dered up to !\Iaj. Whistler, at the portage and 
the Winnebago war was ended. The two In- 
dians were taken to Prairie du Chien for safe- 
keeping, to await their tri.al in the regular courts 
of justice for murder. 

TRIAL AND CONVICTION OF THE MURDERERS. 

The next spring (1 828), Rod Bird, We-Kaw 
and another Winnelaago prisoner were tried at 
Prairie du Chien, before Judge James Duane 
Dnty, who went from Green Bay there for that 
purpose. They were found guilty and sen- 
tenced to death. lied Bird died in prison. A 
deputation of the tribe went to Washington to 
solicit from the President of the United States, 
John Quincy Adams, a pardon for the others. 
I'resident Adams granted it on the implied con- 
dition that the tribe would cede the lands then 
the possession of the miners, in the lead re- 
gion, to the General Government. The Winne- 
bagoes agreed to this. Madame Gagnier was 
compensated for the loss of her husband and ; 



the mutilation of her infant. At the treaty 
with the Winnebagoes held at Prairie du Chien 
in 1829, provision was made for two sections of 
land to lier and her two children. The United 
States agreed to pay her the sum of #50 per an- 
num for fifteen years to be deducted from the 
annuity of the Winnebagoes. 

de-kau-ray's imprisonment. 
In closing this account of the "Winnebago 
War" we give an anecdote, which places the 
Winnebago character in an amiable light. The 
militia of Prairie du Chien, immediately after 
the affair of the boats at the mouth of the Bad 
Ax river, seized an old Winnebago chief named 
De-kau-ray and four other Indians. The chief 
was informed that if Red Bird was not given 
up within a certain time he and the others were 
to die in his place. This De-kau-ray steadfastly 
believed. A messenger, a young Indian, was 
sent to inform the tribe of the state of affairs, and 
several days had elapsed and no information 
was received of the murderers. The dreadful 
day was near at hand, and De-kau-ray, being in 
bad health, asked permission of the officer to go 
to the river and indulge in his long-accustomed 
habit of bathing in order to improve his physi- 
cal condition, upon which Col. Snelliug told 
him that if he would promise on the honor of a 
chief that he woidd not leave town, he might 
have his liherty and enjoy all his privileges un- 
til the day appointed for his execution. Ac- 
cordingly, he first gave his hand to the colonel, 
thanking him for his friendly offer, then raised 
both hands aloft, and, in the most solemn adjii- 
r.ation, promised that he would not leave the 
bounds prescribed, and said if he had a hundred 
lives he would sooner lose tliem all than for- 
feit his word. He was then set at liberty. He 
was advised to flee to the wilderness and make 
his escape. "Do you think," said he, "I prize 
life above honor?" He then complacently re- 
mained until nine days of the ten which he had 
to live had passed, and still nothing was heard 
of the murderers or of their being apprehended. 
No alteration could be seen in the countenance 



13 



202 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



of the chief. It so happened that on that day 
Gen. Atkinson arrived with his troops from 
Jefferson barracks, and the order for the execu- 
tion was countermanded and the Indians per- 
mitted to return to their homes. 

WM. J. SNELLING ON THE WINNEBAGO WAR. 

No tribe considers revenge a more sacred 
duty llian the Winnebagoes. It was their an- 
cient custom to take five lives for one, and it is 
notorious on the frontiers, that no blood of 
theirs has been shed, even in modern days, that 
has not been fully avenged. They used, too, to 
wear some part of the body of a slain enemy 
about them as a testimonial of prowess. We 
well remember a grim Winnebago, who was 
wont to present himself before the whites, who 
passed the portage of the Fo.x and Wisconsin 
rivers, with a human hand hanging on his breast. 
He had taken it from a Yankee soldier at Tip- 
pecanoe. 

It was not ditficult to stir up such a people to 
hostility, and, moreover, circumstances favored 
the design of the Dakotas. There is, or was, a 
village of Winnebagoes on the Black river, not 
far from the Dakota town of which Warba-shaw 
is chief. The two tribes are descended from 
the same stock, as their languages abundantly 
prove, and the claims of common origin have 
been strengthened by frequent intermarriages. 
Now, it happened, that at the time when Too- 
pun-kah Zeze was put to death at Fort Snelling, 
the Red Bird was absent from his Winnebago 
village, on an expedition against the Ohippe- 
was. He returned unsuccessful, and, conse- 
quently, sullen and malcontent. Till this time, 
he had been noted among his tribe for his 
friendly disposition towards the "men with 
hats, " as the Indians call the whites, and 
among the traders, for his scrupulous honesty. 
However, this man, from whom no white per- 
son beyond the frontier would have anticipated 
injury, was easily induced to commit a bloody 
and unprovoked outrage. 

Certain Dakota ambassadors arrived at the 
Red Bird's village, with a lie in their mouths. 



" You have become a by-word of reproach 
among us," said they; "you have just given the 
Chippewas reason to laugh at you, and the Big 
Knives also laugh at you. Lo! while they were 
among you they dared not offend you, but now 
they have caused Wa-man-goos-ga-ra-ha, and his 
companion to be put to death, and they have 
cut their bodies into pieces not bigger than the 
spots in a bead garter." The tale was believed, 
and a cry for vengeance arose throughout the 
village. It was decided that something must 
be done, and the Dakota envoys promised to 
lend a helping hand. 

A few days before, two keel-boats had .as- 
cended the river, laden with provisions for the 
troops at Fort Snelling. They passed the mouth 
of Black river with a full sheet, so that a few 
Winnebagoes, who were there encamped, had 
some difficulty in reaching them with their 
canoes. They might have t.aken both boats, for 
there were but three fire-locks on board; never- 
theless they offered no injury. H^hey sold fish 
and venison to the boatmen, on amicable terms, 
and suffered them to pursue their journey un- 
molested. We mention this trifling circum- 
stance, merely because it was afterwards re- 
ported in the St Louis papers, that the crews of 
these boats had abused these Winnebagoes 
shamefully, which assuredly was not the case.* 
The wind died away before the boats reached 
the village of Wa-ba-shaw, f which is situated 
on the west bank of the Mississipjii, twelve or 
fifteen miles above the mouth of the Black 
river. Here the Dakotas peremptorily com- 
manded them to put ashore, which they did. 
No reason was assigned for the order. Upwards 

* To page 162, vol. il, of our Collections, we appended a 
note from Gov. Keynold's Life and Times, which probably 
embodied the newspaper accounts of the pretended "shame- 
ful abuse of the Winnebagoes"— that the crews of these boats, 
on their upward trip, bad stopped at a Winnebago camp, 
got them all drunlt. and then forced six or seven stupefied 
squaws on t)oard tnv corrupt and brutal purposes, and Itept 
them during the voyige to Fort Snelling, and on their re- 
turn. Hence the Httrtck on the boats by the Winnebagoes 
when thoy became sober and conscious of the iniquity done 
them. Rut this emphatic denial by Mr. Snelling, of this 
infamous charge, and the fact that Judge LocUwood, in his 
narrative, and' Gen. Smith and Mr, Neill in their histories, 
are silent on the subject, should brand it as utterly without 
foundation. 

+ The site of the present town of Winona. 



HISTORY OF CRAWP^ORD COUNTY. 



iiOS 



of 500 warriors immediately crowded on board. 
A passenger, who was well acquainted with the 
Dakotas, observed that they brought no women 
with them as usual; that they were painted 
black, which signifies either grief or hostility; 
that they refused to shake hands with the boat- 
men, and that their speech was brief and sul- 
len. He instantly communicated his observa- 
tion to Mr. Lindsay, who commanded the boats, 
and advised him to push on, before the savages 
should have discovered that the party were 
wholly unarmed. Lindsay, a bold-hearted Keii- 
tuckinn, assumed the tone of command, and 
peremptorily ordered the Dakotas ashore. They, 
probably, thouj^iil that big words would be 
seconded with hard blows, and complied. The 
boats pushed on, several Indians pursued them 
along the shore fur several miles, with speech 
of taunt and <leHance, but they offered no fur- 
ther molestation. 

'Ihe D.ikota villages"' higher up showed much 
ill-will, but no disposition, or rather no courage, 
to attack. Altogetlier apjtearances were so 
threatening, that on his arrival at Fort Snellinij, 
Mr. Linilsay communicated wiiathe had seen to 
the ciiminandingi>fflcer, and .-isked that his crew 
should be furnished with arms and ammunition. 
1 he reipiest was granted; his thirty-two men 
were provided with thirty-two muskets, and a 
barrel of ball-cartridges. Thus secured against 
attack, the boats commenced the descent of the 
river. 

Li the meanwhile, the Red Bird had cogi- 
tated upon what he hail heard, every tittle of 
which he believed, and had come to the conclu- 
sion that the honor of his race required the 
liliKid of two Americans at least. He, there- 
fore, got into his canoe with Wekaw, or the 
Sun, and two otiiers, and paddled to Prairie du 
Ciiien. When he got there he waited upon Mr. 
Hoilvin, in the most friendly manner, and 
begged to be regarded as one of the staunchest 
friends of the Americans. Tlie venerable agent 
admitted his claims, but absolutely refused to 



•Red Wing and Kaposia, saysNeill. 



give him any whisky. The Winnebago chief 
then applied to a trader in the town, who, relying 
on iiisgeneral good character, did nothesitate to 
furnish him with an eight gallon keg of spirits, 
the value of which was to be paid in furs in tlie 
succeeding autumn. 

There was an old colored woman in the vil 
lage, whose five sons had never heard that they 
were inferior beings, either from the Lidians or 
the Canadian French. Therefore, having never 
considered themselves degraded, they were not 
degraded; on the contrary, they ranked with 
the most respectable inhabitants of the i)Iace. 
We knew them well. One of them was the vil- 
lage blacksmith; the others were substantial 
farmers. Their father was a Frenchman, and 
their name was Gagnier. 

One of these men owned a farm three miles 
from Prairie du Chien, where he lived with his 
wife, who was a white woman, two children and 
a hired man named Lipcap. Thither the Red 
Bird repaired with his three companions, sure 
of a fair reception, for Registre Gagnier had 
always been noted for his humanity to the poor, 
especially the Indians. 

Registre Gagnier invited his savage visitors 
to enter, hung the kettle over the fire, gave them 
to eat and smoked the pipe of peace with them. 
The Red Bird was the last man on earth whom he 
would have feared; for they were well acquainted 
with each other and had reciprocated good oflices. 
The Indians remained several hours under 
Gagnier's hospitable roof. At last, when the 
farmer least expected it, the Winnebago chief 
leveled his gun and shot him down dead on his 
hearth-stone. Lipcap was slain at the same 
instant by Wekaw. Madame Gagnier turned to 
flv with her infant of eighteen months. As she 
was about to leap through the window, the 
child was torn from her arms by Wekaw, stabbed, 
scalped and thrown violently on the fioor 
as dead. The murderer then attacked the 
woman; but gave way wlien she snatched up a 
gun that was leaning against the wall and pre- 
sented it to his breast. She then effected her 



204 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



escape. Her eldest son, a lad of ten years, also 
shunned the murderers, and they both arrived 
in the village at about the same time. The 
alarm was soon given; but when the avengers 
of blood arrived at poor Registre Gagnier's 
house, they found in it nothing living but his 
mangled infant. It was carried to the village, 
and, strange as it may seerp, recovered.* 

The Red Bird and his companions immedi- 
ately proceeded from the scene of their crime to 
the rendezvous of their band. During their ab- 
sence, thirty-seven of the warriors, who acknowl- 
edged the authority of Red Bird, had assem- 
bled, with their wives and children, near the 
mouth of Bad Ax river. They received the 
murderers with exceeding great joy, and loud 
approbation of their exploit. The keg of liquor 
was immediately set abroach, the red men began 
to drink, and, as their spirits rose, to boast of 
what they had already done, and intended to do. 
Two days did they continue to revel; and on 
the third, the source of their excitement gave 
out. They were, at about 4 in the afternoon, 
dissipating the last fumes of their excitement in 
the scalp dance, when they descried one of the 
keel-boats before mentioned, approaching. 
Forthwith a proposal to take her, and massacre 
the crew, was made and carried by acclamation. 
They counted upon doing this without risk; for 
they had examined her on the way up, and sup- 
posed that there were no arms on bo.ard. 

Mr. Lindsay's boats had descended the river 
together as far as the village of Wa-ba-sliaw, 
where they expected an attack. The Dakolas 
on shore were dancing the war-dance, and hailed 
their approach with insults and menaces; but 
did not, nevertheless, offer to obstruct their 
passage. The whites now supposed the danger 
over, and a strong wind at that moment begin- 
ning to blow up stream, the boats parted com- 
pany. That which sat deepest in the water had 



* Gen Smith, on the authority of Jud^e Doty, states that 
this tragedy occurred on the 28th of June, 1S37; Judge Locli- 
wood sa^•s the 26th and Niles Register says the 24th. Neill 
follows Locliwood's chronology. 



the advantage of the under current, and, of 
course, gained several miles in advance of the 
other. 

So strong was the wind, that all the force of 
sweeps could scarcely stem it, and, by the time 
the foremost boat was near the encampment, at 
mouth of the Bad Ax, the crew were very will- 
ing to stop and rest. One or two Frenchmen, 
or half breeds, who were on board, observed 
hostile appearances on shore, and advised the 
rest to keep the middle of the stream; but their 
counsel was disregarded. Most of the crew were 
Americans, who, as usual with our countrymen, 
combined a profound ignorance of Indian char- 
acter with a thorough contempt for Indian 
prowess. They urged the boat directly toward 
the camp, with all the force of the sweeps. 
There were sixteen men on deck. It may be 
well to observe here, that this, like all keel-boats 
used in the Mississippi valley, was built almost 
exactly on the model of the Erie and Middlesex 
canal boats. 

The men were rallying their French compan- 
ions on their apprehensions, and the boat* was 
within thirty yards of the shore, when suddenly 
the trees and rocks rang with the blood-chilling, 
ear-piercing tones of the warwhoop, and a volley 
of rifle balls rained upon the deck. Happily, 
the Winnebagoes had not yet recovered from 
the effects of their debauch, and their arms were 
not steady. One man only fell by their fire. 
He was a little negro named Peter. His leg 
was dreadfully shattered, and he afterwards 
died of the wound. Then Peter began to curse 

and swear, d g his fellows for leaving him 

to be shot at like a Christmas turkey; but finding 
that his reproaches had no effect, he also man- 
aged to drag himself below. All this passed 
in as little time as it will take to read this par- 
agraph. 

Presently a voice hailed the boat in the Sac 
tongue demanding to know if the crew were 
Englisli? A half-Ureed Sac, named Beancliamp, 



* This advance boat was the Oliver H. Perry, according to 
Geo. Smith's History of Wisconsin. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



205 



answered in the affirmative. "Then," said the 
querist, "come on shore, and we will do you no 
harm, for we are your brethren, the Sacs." 
"Dog," retorted Beauchamp, "no Sac would 
attack us thus cowardly. If you want us on 
shore, you must come and fetch us." 

With that, a second volley came from the 
shore; but as the men were now lying prone in 
the bottom of the boat, below the water line, 
they all escaped but one. One man, an American 
named Stewart, fell. He had risen to return 
the first fire, and the muzzle of his musket pro- 
truding through a loop-hole, showed some Win- 
nebago where to aim. The bullet struck liim 
under the left arm, and passed directly through 
his heart. He feil dead, with his finger on the 
trigger of his undischarged gun. It was a hot 
day, and before the fight was over, the scent of 
the gunpowder could not overpower the stench 
of the red puddle around him. 

The Winnebagoes encouraged by the non- 
residence, now rushed to their canoes, with in- 
tent to l)()ard. One venerable old man endeavored 
to dissuade them. He laid hold on one of the 
canoes, and would, perhaps, have succeeded in 
retaining it; but in the heat of his argument, a 
bail from the boat hit him in the middle finger 
of the peace-making hand. Very naturally en- 
raged at such unkind treatment from his friends, 
he loosed tiie canoe, hurried to his wigwam for 
his gun, and took an active part in the remain- 
der of the action. In the meanwhile, the white 
men had recovered from their first panic, and 
seized their arms. The boarders were received 
with a very severe discharge. In one canoe, 
two savages were killed with the same bullet. 
Their dying struggles upset the canoe, and the 
rest were obliged to swim on shore, where it 
was sometime before they could restore their 
arms to fighting order. Several more were 
wounded, and those who remained unhurt, put 
back, satisfied that a storm was not the best 
mode of attack. 

Two, however, persevered. They were together 
in one canoe, and approached the boat astern. 



where there were no holes through which the 
whites could fire upon them. They soon leaped 
on board. One seized the long steering oar, or 
rudder. The other jumped upon deck, where 
he halted, and discharged five muskets, which 
had been left there by the crew, fled below 
through the deck into the bottom of the boat. 
In this manner he wounded one man very se- 
verely. After this exploit, he hurried to the 
bow, where he seized a long pole, and with the 
assistance of the steersman, succeeded in 
grounding the boat on a sand-bar, and fixing 
her fast under the fire of his people. The two 
Winnebago boatmen then began to load and 
fire, to the no small annoyance of the crew. 
He at the stern was soon dispatched. One of 
the whites observed his position through a 
crack, and gave him a mortal wound through 
the boards. Still, he struggled to get overboard, 
])robably to save his scalp. But his struggles 
were feeble, and a second bullet terminated 
them before he could effect his object. After 
the fight was over, the man who slew him took 
his scalp. 

The bow of the boat was open, and the war- 
rior there still kept his station, out of sight, 
excepting when he stooped to fire, which he 
did five times. His third shot broke the arm, 
and passed through the lungs, of the brave 
Beauchamp. At this sight, one or two began 
to speak of surrender. "No, friends," cried the 
dying man ; "you will not save your lives so. 
Fight to the last ; for they will show no mercy. 
If they get the better of you, for God's sake 
throw me overboard. Do not let them get ray 
hair." He continued to exhort them to resist- 
ance long as his breath lasted, and died with 
the words "fight on," on his lips. Before this 
time, however, his slayer had also taken his 
leave of life. A sailor, named Jack Mande- 
ville, shot him through the head, and he fell 
overboard, carrying his gun with him. 

Frem that moment Mandeville assumed the 
command of the boat. A few had resolved to 
take the skifif, and leave the rest to their fate. 



•20G 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



They had already cast off the rope. Jack in- 
terposed, declaring that he would shoot the 
first man, and bayonet the second, who would 
persevere. They submitted. Two more had 
hidden themselves in the bow of the boat, out 
of sight, but not out of danger. After a while 
the old tar missed them, sought them, and 
compelled them by threats of instant death, 
enforced by pricks of his bayonet, to leave their 
hiding place, and take share in the business in 
hand. Afterwards they fought like bull dogs. 
It was well for them that Mandeville acted as 
he did ; fur they had scarcely risen when a 
score of bullets, at least, passed through the 
place where they had been lying. 

After the two or three first volleys tlie fire 
had slackened, but it was not, therefore, the 
less dangerous. The Indians had the ad- 
vantage of superior numbers, and could 
shift their positions at pleasure. The whites 
were compelled to lie in the bottom of the 
boat, below the water mark, for its sides 
were without bulwarks. Every bullet passed 
through and through. It was only at intervals, 
and very warily, that they could rise to fire ; 
for the flash of every gun showed the position 
of the marksman, and was instantly followed 
by the reports of two or three Indian rifles. On 
the other hand they were not seen, and being 
thinly scattered over a large boat, the Winm- 
bagoes could but guess their positions. The 
fire, was therefore, slow ; for none on either 
side cared to waste ammunition. Thus, for up- 
wards of three hours, the boatmen lay in blood 
and bilge-water, deprived of the free use of 
their limbs, and wholly unable to extricate 
themselves. 

At last, as the night fell, Mandeville came to 
the conclusion that darkness would render the 
guns of his own party wholly useless, while it 
would not render the aim of the Winnebagoes 
a jot less certain. He, therefore, as soon as it 
was dark, stoutly called for assistance, and 
sprang into the water. Four more followed 
him. The balls rained around them, passing 



through their clothes; but tiiey persisted, and 
the boat was soon afloat. Seeing their prey 
escaping, the Winnebagoes raised a yell of 
mingled rage and despair, atid gave the whites 
a f.arewell volley. It was returned, with three 
hearty cheers, and ere a gun could be re-loaded, 
the boat had floated out of shooting distance. 

For half tiie night, a wailing voice, apparent- 
ly that of an old man, was heard, following the 
boat, at a safe distance, however. It was con- 
jectured that it was the father of him whose 
body the boat was bearing away. Subsequently 
inquiry proved this supposition to be correct. 

Thirty-seven Indians were engaged in this 
battle, seven of whom were killed, and fourteen 
were wounded. They managed to put 69.3 balls 
into and through the boat. Two of the crew 
were killed outright, two mortally, and two 
slightly wounded. Jack Mandeville's courage 
and presence of mind undoubtedly saved the 
rest, as well as the boat ; but we have never 
heard that he was rewarded in any way or 
shape. 

Mr. Lindsay's boat, the rear one, reached the 
mouth of the Bad Ax about midnight. The 
Indians opened a fire upon her, which was 
promptly r turned. There was a light on 
board, at which the first gun was probably 
aimed, for that ball only hit the boat. All the 
rest passed over harmless in the darkness.* 

Great was the alarm at Prairie du Chien 
when the boats arrived there. The people left 
their houses and farms, and crowded into the 
dilapidated fort. Nevertheless, they showed 
much spirit, and speedily established a very 
effective discipline. An express was immedi- 
ately sent to Galega, and another to Fort Snel- 
ling, for assistance. A company of upwards of 

*It is stated in Neill's Minnesota, that among- the passen- 
gers on Lindsa.v's boat was Joseph Snelling, a talented son of 
the Colonel, who wrote a story of deep interest, based on 
the taets narrated. This we presume was William J. Snel- 
iing. the writer of this narrative As for the date of the 
attack on these keel boats, ,ludg:e Lookwood gives it as June 
:;6th, which Neill follows; Gen. Smith, on Judge Doty's au- 
thority, we presume, says the 30th. Whatever was the real 
date, one thing is quite certain, that the murder of Gagniers 
family and the boat attack, transpired the same day, and the 
1 ext day the first of the keel boats arrived at Prairie du 
Chien, increasing the war panic among the people. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



20'? 



100 volunteers soon arrived from t4alena, and 
the minds of the inhabitants were quieted. 

In a few days, four imperfect companies of 
tlie 5lh Infantry arrived from Fort Snelling. 
Tht' commandinor officer ordered a march on the 
lied Uird's village; but as tlie volunteers re- 
fused to obey, and determined to return lioine, 
he was obliged to countermand it. 

Tlie consternation of the people of the lead 
mines was great Full half of them tied from 
the country. Shortly after, however, when 
Gen. Atkinson arrived with a full regiment, a 
consideral)le body of volunteers joined him 
from Galena, and accompanied him to the port- 
age of Wisconsin, to fight with or receive the 
submission of the Winnebagoes. 

Tlie Red Bird there appeared, in all the pai-a- 
[ihernalia of an Indian chief and warrior, and 
surrendei'ed himself to justice, together with 
his companions in the murder of Gagnier, and 
one of his 1):im(1, who had taken an active part 
in tlie atttick on the boats. They >vere incarcer- 
atjcl at Prairie dii Cliien. A dreadfnl epidemic 
broke out there about this time, ami he died in 
prison. He knew that his death was certain, 
and did not shrink from it. 

In the course of a year, tlie people of the 
lead mines increased in number and in strength 
and encroached upon the Winnebago lands. 
The Winnebagoes complained in vain. The 
next spring, the murderers of Methode, and the 
other Indian jirisoners, were tried, convicted, 
and sentenced to death. A deputation of the 
tribe went to Washington to solicit their par- 
don. President Adams granted it, on the im- 
plied condition that the tribe would cede the 
lands then in possession of the miners. The 
Winnebagoes have kept their word — the land 
has been ceded, and Madame Gagnier has been 
compensated for the loss of her husband, and 
the mutilation of her infant. We believe that 
she received, after waiting two years, the mag- 
nificent sum of $2,000.* 

•At the treaty helil «t Prairie du f 'hien with the Winneba- 
Boes. in 1829, provision was made for two seittions of land 
toTiiGRESE Qaqnier and her two ohildron, Krancoi» a»d 



We will close this true account of life be- 
yond the frontier, with an anecdote which 
places the Winnebago character in a more ami- 
ble light than anything already related. The 
militia of Prairie du Chieii, immediately after 
the affair of the boats, seized the old chief De 
Kau-ray — the same who has already been men- 
tioned. He was told that if the Red-Bird 
should not be given up within a certain time, he 
was to die in his stead. This he steadfastly 
believed. Finding that confinement injured 
his health, he requested to be permitted to 
range the country on his parole. The demand 
was granted. He was bidden to go whither he 
pleased during the day, but at sunset he was 
re(piired to return to the fort on pain of being 
consideied an old woman. He observed the 
condition religiously. At the first tap of the re- 
treat, De Kau-ray was sure to present himself 
at the gate; and this he continued to do till 
Gen. Atkinson set him at liberty. 

AN INCIDENT OF THE WINNEBAGO WAR. 

The following incident, found in the Western 
Courier, published at Ravenna, Ohio, Feb. 26, 
1 8.30, was read by the secretary at a meeting of 
the Wisconsin Historical Society, in Decem- 
ber, 1862: 

"There is no class of human beings on earth 
who hold a pledge more sacred and binding, 
than do the North American Indians. An in- 
stance of this was witnessed during the Winne- 
bago war of 1827, in the person of De Kau-ray, 
a celebrated chief of that Nation, who, with 
four other Indians of his tribe, was taken prisoner 
at Prairie du Chien. Col. Snelling, of the 
."ith regiment of Infantry, who then com- 
manded that garrison, dispatched a young In- 
dian into the Nation, with orders to inform the 
other chiefs of De Kau-ray's band, that unless 
those Indians who were the perpetrators of the 
horrid murders of some of our citizens, were 
brought to the fort and given up within ten 
days, De Kau-ray and the other four Indians, 

Louise; and for the United States to pay Tiiekbse GAONisit 
I I he sum of J3I) per annum for fifteen years, to be deducted 
from the annnity to said Indians. 



208 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



who were retained as hostages, would be shot 
at the end of that time. The awful sentence 
was pronounced in the presence of De Kau-ray, 
who, though proclaiming his own innocence of 
the outrages which had been committed by 
others of his Nation, declared that he feared 
not death, though it would be attended with 
serious consequences, inasmuch as he had two 
affectionate wives, and a large family of small 
children, who were entirely dependent on him 
for their support; but, if necessary, he was 
willing to die for the honor of his Nation. 

"The young Indian had been gone several 
daj's, and no intelligence was yet received 
from the murderers. The dreadful day being 
near at hand, and De Kau-ray being in a bad 
state of health, asked permission of the col- 
onel to go to the river to indulge in his 
long-accustomed habit of bathing in order 
to improve his health. Upon which, Col. 
Snelling told him if he would promise, on the 
honor of a chief, that he would not leave the 
town, he might have his liberty and enjoy all 
his privileges, until the day of the appointed ex- 
ecution. Accordingly, he first gave his hand 
to the colonel, thanking him for his friendly 
offer, then raised both his hands aloft, and in 
the most solemn adjuration, promised that he 
would not leave the bounds prescribed, and 
said if he had a hundred lives he would sooner 
lose them all than forfeit his word, or deduct 
from his proud Nation one particle of il-^ 
boasted honor. He was then set at liberty. He 
was advised to flee to the wilderness and make 
his escape. "But no," said he, "do you think 
I prize life above lionor ? or, that I would be- 
tray a confidence reposed in me, for the sake of 
saving my life ?" He then complacently re- 
mained until nine days of the ten which he had 
to live had elapsed, and nothing heard from the 
Nation with regard to the apprehension of the 
murderers, his immediate death became appar- 
ent; but no alteration could be seen in the 
co\intenance of the chief. It so happened that 
on that day Gen. Atkinson arrived with his 



troops from Jefferson barracks, and the order 
for the execution was countermanded, and the 
Indians permitted to repair to their homes." 

GEN. CASS ON THE WINNEBAGO OUTBREAK, 13-i7. 

In a speech. Gen. Lewis Cass, at Burlington, 
Iowa, in June, 1855, made the following refer- 
ence to the Winnebago outbreak in 1827 : 

"Twenty-eight years have elapsed," said the 
venerable statesman, "since I passed along the 
borders of this beautiful State. ''JMme and 
chance happen to all men,' says the writer of 
old ; and time and chance have happened to 
me, since I first became identified with the 
west. In 1827 I heard that the Winnebagoes 
had assumed an attitude of hostility toward the 
whites, and that great fear and anxiety pre- 
vailed among the border settlers of tiie north- 
western frontier. I went to Green Bay, where 
I took a canoe with twelve voyagers and went 
up the Fox river and passed over the portage 
into the Wisconsin. We went down the Wiscon- 
sin until we met an ascending boat in the 
charge of Ramsay Crooks, who was long a resi- 
dent of the northwest. Here we ascertained 
that the Winnebagoes had assumed a hostile 
attitude, and that the settlers of Prairie du 
Chien were apprehensive of being suddenly 
attacked and massacred. After descending 
about seventy miles further, we came in sight 
of the Winnebago camp. It was situated upon 
a high prairie, not far from the river, and as he 
approached the shore he saw the women and 
children running across the prairie, in an oppo- 
site direction, which he knew to be a bad sign. 
After reaching the shore he went up to 
the camp. At first the Indians were sul- 
len, particularly the young men. He talked 
with them awhile, and they finally consented to 
smoke the calumet. He afterwards learned 
that one of the young Indians cocked his gun, 
and was about to shoot him, when he was forci- 
bly prevented by an old man, who struck down 
his arm. He passed down to Prairie du Chien, 
wher« he found the inhabitants in the greatest 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



209 



state of alarm. After organizing the militia, he 
had to continue his voyage to St. Louis. He 
stoppfd at (Taiena. There were then no wliite 
iiiiiahitants on either baiilv of tlie Mississippi, 
nortli of the Missouri line. Arrived at St. 
Louis, after organizing a force under Gen. Clark 
and Gen. Atkinson, he ascended the Illinois in 
his canoe, and passed into Lake Michigan with- 
out getting out of it. The water had tilled tlie 
swamps at the liead of Chicago river, whicii 
enabled the Doi/dgu'irs to navigate his canoe 
through witiiout seri(jus ilifticulty. Where Chi- 
cago now is lie found two families, one of wliich 
was that of his old friend Kinzie. This was 
the first and last time he had been at Burling- 
ton. New countries have their disadvantages 
of which tliose who come at a later day know 
little. Forty years ago flour sold at ^'2. a barrel, 
and there were liundreds of acres of corn in the 
west that were not harvested. The means of 
transportation were too expensive to allow of 
their being carried to market." 

GEN. DODGE TO GKN. ATKINSON. 

Galena, Aug. 26, 1827. 
Dear Gkseral: — Capt. Henry, the ciiairman 
of the committee of safety, will wait on you 
at Prairie du Chien, before your departure from 
tliat place. C^apt. Henry is an intelligent gen- 
tleman, wlio understands well the situation of 
the country The letter accompanying Gov. 
Cass' communication to you has excited in some 
measure the people in tliis part of the country. 
As the principal part of the efficient force is 
preparing to accompany you on your expedition 
up the Ouisconsin, it might have a good effect 
to seiul a small regular force to tliis part of t''e 
country, and in our absence they might render 
protection to this region. 

I feel tlie importance of your having as many 
mounted men as the country can afford, to aid 
in punishing those insolent Winnebagoes who 
are wishing to unite, it would seem, in common 
all the disaffected Indians on our borders. 
From information received last night, some 



straggling Indians have been seen on our fron- 
tier. 

Your friend and obedient servant, 

II. Dodge. 
To Gen. II. Atkin.son, Prairie du Chien. 

There lias repeatedly, during the past dozen 
or fifteen years, appeared in ihe papers an arti- 
cle purporting to be An Indian's li ace for Life. 
It stated, that soon after the Winnebago diffi- 
culties in 1827, that a Sioux Indian killed a 
Winnebago Indian while out hunting near the 
mouth of Root river; that the Winnebagoes 
were indignant at the act, and 2,000 of them 
assembled at Prairie du Chien, and demanded 
of Col. Taylor, commanding there, the procure- 
ment and surrender of the murderer. An officer 
was sent to the Sioux, and demanded the mur- 
derer, who was given up ; and finally was sur- 
rendered to the Winnebagoes, on condition that 
he should have a chance for his life — givingr 
him ten paces, to run at a given signal, and 
twelve Winnebagoes to pursue, each armed only 
with a tomahawk and scalping knife — but he 
out-ran them all, and saved his life. 

H. L. Dousman and B. W. Brisbois, have 
always declared that no such incident ever oc- 
curred there, and that there is 'not one word of 
truth in the statement." This note is appended 
here that future historians of our State may un- 
derstand that it is only a myth or fanciful storv. 
DANIEL M. Parkinson's kecollections of the 

WINNEBAGO WAR. 

[From "Collections of the Slate Historical Society of Wis- 
consin, " Vol. II. 185U.] 

In the year 1822 considerable excitement was 
created in relation to the lead mines near Ga- 
lena, and a number of persons went there from 
Sangamon county, among whom was Col. Ebe- 
nezer Brigliam, now of Blue Mounds, Dane Co., 
Wis. In 1826 the excitement and interest rela- 
tive to the lead mine country became consider- 
ably increased, and in 1827, it became intense, 
equalling almost anything pertaining to the 
California gold fever. People from almost all 
portions of the Union inconsiderately rushed to 
the mining region. 



210 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



With Col. William S. Hamilton, Jam.es D. 
Brents and two otliers, I arrived at Galena on 
the 4th of July, 182'7, and on the same day ar- 
rived also a boat from St. Peter's, which had 
been attacked by the Indians a short distance 
above Prairie dvi Chien, bringing on board one 
man killed and two men wounded. In the en- 
counter with the Indians they killed two of 
them. ***»*«* 

Upon the reception of the alarming intelli- 
gence of the attack on this boat and also upon 
some of the inhabitants near Prairie du Chien 
and the reports being spread over the country, 
a scene of the most alarming and disorderly 
confusion ensued — alarm and consternation were 
depicted in every countenance — thousands 
flocking to Galenafor safety, when in fact it was 
the most exposed and unsafe place in the whole 
country. All were without arms, order or con- 
trol. The roads were lined in all directions 
with frantic and fleeing men, women and chil- 
dren, expecting every moment to be overtaken, 
tomahawked and scalped by the Indians. It 
was said, and 1 presume with truth, that the 
encampment of fugitives at \he head of Apple 
river on the first night of tlie alarm was four 
miles in extent and numbered 3,000 persons. 

In this state of alarm, confusion and disorder 
it was extremely difficult to do anything; almost 
every man's object was to leave the country, if 
possible. At length a company of riflemen was 
raised at Galena, upon the requsition of Gov. 
Cass of Michigan, who arrived there on the sec- 
ond daj after the alarm. This company was 
commanded by Abner Fields, of Vandalia, III., 
as captain and one Smith and William .S. Ham 
ilton as lieutenants, and was immediately put 
in motion for Prairie du Chien, by embarking 
on board the keel-boat Maid of Fevre river. On 
our way up the river, I acted as sergeant of the 
company, and we made several reeonnoitering 
expeditions i|ito the woods near the river., where 
Indian encampments were indicated by the ris- 
ing of smokq. In these reconnoissances we run 
the hazard of some danger, but fortunately all 



the Indians that we met were friendly disposed, 
and did not in the least sympathize with those 
who had made hostile demonstrations. 

When we arrived at Prairie du Chien we 
took possession of the barncks, under the prior 
orders of Gov. Cass, and remained there for 
several days until we gave way to Col. Snell- 
ing's troops who arrived from Fort Snelling. 
While we remained there, a most serious difficulty 
occurred between Col. Snelling, of the regular 
army, and Capt. Fields and Lieut. Smith of our 
volunteers, which eventuated in Lieut. Smith 
sending Col. Snelling a challenge and Capt. 
Fields insisted upon doing so likewise, but Col. 
Hamilton and I at length dissuaded him from 
it. Col. Snelling declined accepting Lieut. 
Smith's challenge, and immediately sent a 
corporal with a file of men to arrest Mr. Scott, 
the bearer of Smith's communication. The 
volunteers refused to surrender Scott into the 
hands of the guard, but Col. Hamilton wrote a 
note to Col. Snelling stating, in effect, that Scott 
should immediately appear before him. Accord- 
ingly Col. Hamilton and I conducted Mr. Scott 
into the presence of Col. Snelling, who inter- 
rogated him as to his knowledge of the con- 
tents of Lieut. Smith's communication; and 
upon Mr. Scott's assuring the colonel that he 
was entirely ignorant of the subject-matter, he 
was dismissed. 

Col. Snelling then addressed the volunteers 
in a pacific and conciliatory manner, which 
seemed to dispose of the matter amicably; but 
the colonel, nevertheless, refused to furnish us 
with any means of support or any mode of con- 
veyance back to Galena — as the boat in which 
we came, returned there immediately after our 
arrival. But for the noble generosity of Mr. 
Lockwood, who kindly furnished us with a boat 
and provisions, we would have been compelled 
to have made our way back to Galena on foot, 
or as best we could, without provisions. During 
our entire stay at the garrison, we received the 
kindest treatment and most liberal hospitality 
at the hands of Mr. Lockwood. At the time of 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



211 



our arrival at Prairie du Chien, the citizens had 
in their custody as hostages for the good con- 
duct of their Nation, three Indians, one of 
whom was the well-known chief De-Kau-iay. 
lie disclaimed on the part of his Nation as a 
whole, any intention to engage in hostilities 
with the whites; he was, however, retained 
some time as a hostage before being released. 

During our absence, another volunteer com- 
j)any was raised, commanded by Gen. Dodge, 
who was constantly in the field with his mounted 
force, keeping in check the approach of the 
enemy. During his rangings, he took young 
Win-iie-shiek, son of. the chief Win-ne-shiek, 
who was detained as a hostage for some time. 
No farther disturbances of a serious character 
took place that season; and in tlie succeeding 
autumn, (^ens. Atkinson and Dodge held a 
council or treaty with the Winnebagoes. After 
this we had no more Indian troubles till 1832. 

JAMES II. LOCKWOOD's ACCOUNT OF THE AVINNK- 
BAGO WAR. 

In the winter of 1825-26, the wise men at 
Washington took it into their heads to remove 
the troops from Fort Crawford to Fort Snelling, 
and abandon the former. 'J'his measure was 
then supposed to have been brought about on 
the representation of Col. Snelling of Fort 
Snelling, who disliked Prairie du Chien for 
difficulties he had with some of the principal 
inhabitants. During the winter there were 
confined in the guar<lhouse at Fort Crawford 
two Winnebago Indians, for some of their su])- 
posed dishonest acts; but what they were 
charged with, I do not now recollect. At that 
time, as already mentioned, our mails from St. 
Louis, the east and south, came via Springfield 
to Galena, and the postmaster at Prairie du 
Chien sent to Galena for the mails of tbat place 
and Fort Snelling. An order would frequently 
arrive by steamboat countermanding a previous 
ordir for the abandonment of the fort, before 
the arrival of first order by mail, and this mat- 
ter cnniiiiued during the summer of 18-26, and 
until Ociol)er, when a positive order arrived, 



directing the commandant of Fort Crawford to 
abandon the fort, and proceed with the troops 
to Fort Snelling; and if he could not procure 
ransportation, to leave the provisions, ammu- 
nition and fort in charge of some citizen. 

But a few days previous to this order, there 
had been an alarming report circulated, that the 
Winnebagoes were going to attack Fort Craw- 
ford, and the commandant set to work repairing 
the old fort, and making additional defenses. 
During this time the positive order arrived, and 
the i)recipitancy with which the fort was aban- 
doned during the alarm was communicated to 
the Indians through the half-breeds residing at 
or visiting the pUce, which naturally caused 
the Winnebagoes to believe that the troops liad 
fled through fear of them. The commandant 
took with him to Fort Snelling the two Winne- 
bagoes confined in Fort Crawford, leaving be- 
hind some provisions, and all the damaged 
arms, with a brass swivel and a few wall pieces, 
in charge of John Marsh, the then sub-agent at 
this place. 

The Winnebagoes, in the fall of 182G, ob- 
tained from the traders their usual credit for 
goods, and went to their hunting grounds ; but 
early in the winter a report became current 
among the traders that the Winnebagoes had 
heard a rumor that the Americans and English 
were going to war in the spring ; and lieuce 
they were holding councils to decide upon the 
course they should adopt, hunting barely 
enough to obtain what they wanted to subsist 
upon in the meantime. 

Mr. Brisbois said to me several times dur- 
ing t'le winter, that he feared some outrages 
from the Winnebagoes in the spring, as from 
all he could gather they were bent on war, 
which I ought to have believed, as Mr. Bri-sbois 
had been among them engaged in trade over 
forty years. But I thought it im])Ossible that 
the Winnebagoes, surrounded, as they were by 
Americans, and troops in the country, should 
for a moment seriously entertain such an idea. 
I supposed it a false alarm, and gave myself 



212 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



very little uneasiness about it ; but in the 
spring, when they returned From their hunts, I 
found that they paid much worse than usual, 
although they were not celebrated for much 
punctuality or honesty in paying their debts. 
It was a general custom with. the traders, » hen 
an Indian paid his debts in the spring pretty 
well, on his leaving, to let him have a little 
ammunition, either as a ])reseMt or on credit. 
A Winnebago by the name of Wah-wah-peck- 
ah, had taken a credit from me, and paid me 
but a small part of it in the spring ; and when 
I reproached him, lie was disposed to be impu- 
dent about it ; and when his party were about 
going, he applied to rae as usual for ammunition 
for the summer, and insisted upon liaving some, 
but I told him if he had behaved well, and paid 
me his credit better, that I would have given 
him some, but that he had behaved so bad that 
I would not give him any, and he went away 
in a surly mood. 

A man by the name of Methode, I think, a 
half-breed of some of the tribes of the north, 
had arrived here, sometime in the summer of 
1826, with his wife, and, I think, five children ; 
and, sometime in March of 1827, he went witli 
his family, up the Yellow or Painted Rock creek, 
about twelve miles above tlie Prairie, on the 
Iowa side of the Mississijipi river, to make 
sugar. The sugar season being over, and he 
not returning, and hearing nothing from him, 
a party of his friends went to look for him, and 
found his camp consumed, and himself, wife 
and children burned nearly to cinders, and she 
at the time enciente. They were .so crisped 
and cindered that it was impossible to deter- 
mine whether they had been murdered and then 
burned, or whether their camp had accidentally 
caught on tire and consumed them. It was 
generally believed that the Winnebagoes had 
murdered and burnt them, and Red Bird was 
suspected to have been concerned in it; but I 
am more inclined to think, that if murdered by 
Indians, it was done by some Fox war party 
searchinfir for Sioux. 



In the spring of this year, 1827, while a Chip- 
pewa chief called Hole-in-the-day, with a part 
of bis band, visited Fort Snelling on business 
with the government, and while under the guns 
of the fort, a Sioux warrior shot one of the 
Chippewas. The Sioux was arrested by the 
troops, and confined in the guard-house. The 
Chippewas requested Col. Snelling to deliver 
the Sioux to them, to be dealt with after their 
manner; to which he agreed, provided they 
would give him a chance to run for his life. To 
this they acceded. The Sioux was sent outside 
of the fort, where the Chippewas were armed 
with tomahawks and war clubs. He was to be 
allowed a fair start, and at a signal started, 
and one of the swiftest of the Chippewas 
armed with a club and tomahawk after him, to 
overtake and kill him if he could, which lie soon 
effected, as the Sioux did not run fast,and when 
overtaken made no resistance. 'I'he Winneba- 
goes hearing a rumor of this, got the news 
among them that the two Winnebagoes con- 
fined there (for the murder of Methode and 
family) had been executed. 

During the spring of 1827, the reports about 
the Winnebagoes bore rather a threatening as- 
|iect; but, as I said before, situated as they 
were I did not believe they would commit any 
depredations. Under this belief, and having 
urgent business in New York to purchase my 
goods, I started for that city on the 2.5th of 
June; it then took about six months to go and 
return. Mine was the only ]Mirely American 
f.imily at the prairie, after the garrison left. 
There was Thomas McNair, who had married a 
French girl of the prairie, and John Marsh, the 
sub-Indian agent, who had no family, and there 
were besides three or four Americans who had 
been discharged from the army. Without ap- 
piehension of danger from the Indians, I left 
my family, which consisted of Mrs. Lockwood, 
and her brother, a young man of between six- 
teen and seventeen years of age, who was clerk 
in charge of the store, and a servant girl be- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



213 



longing to one of the tribes of New York civi- 
lized Indians settled near Green Bay. 

I started to go by way of Green bay and the 
lakes for New York, in a boat up the Wiscon- 
sin, and down the Fox river to Green Bay; 
thence in a vessel to Buffalo, and down the 
canal to Albany, and thence by steamboat to 
New York city. About 4 o'clock in the after- 
noon of the first day's journey up the Wiscon- 
sin, I came to an island where were sitting 
three Winnebagoes smoking, the oldest called 
Wah-wah-peck-ah, who had a credit of me the 
fall previous and had paid but little of it in 
the spring; the other two were young men not 
known to me by name. They had some venison 
hanging on a pole, and we stopped to purchase 
it. As I stepped on shore I discovered an ap- 
pearance of cold reserve unusual in Indians in 
such meetings, and as I went up to them I said, 
'bonjour'' the usual French salutation, which 
they generally understood; but Wah-wah-peck- 
ah said that he would not say '■bonjour'' to me. 
Upon which I took hold of his hand and shook 
it, asking him why he would not say, bonjour, to 
me? H(> inquired what the news was. I told 
him I had no news. He told me that the Win- 
nebagoes confined at Fort Snelling had been 
killed. I assured him that it was not ti'ue, that 
I had seen a person lately from that fort, who 
told me of the death of the Sioux, but that the 
Winnebagoes were alive. He then gave nu; to 
understand tliat if such was the case, it was well; 
but if the Winiicljagoes were killed, tliey would 
avenge it. I succeeded in jiurchasing the venison, 
giving thorn some powder in exchange, and as 
I was about to step on board of my boat, Wah- 
wah-peck-ah wanted some whisky, knowing 
that we always carried some for our men. 

I directed one of the men to give them each a 
drink, which Wah-wah-peck-ah refused, and 
taking up his cup that he had by him, he 
showed by signs that he wanted it filled; and 
believing that the Indians were sefeking some 
pretense for a quarrel as an excuse for doing 



mischief, I thought it most prudent under the 
circumstances to comply. 

There were among the boats' crew some old 
iioyff(/<3?<r«, well acquainted with Indian manners 
and customs, who, from the conduct of these 
Indians, became alarmed. We, however, em- 
barked, watching the Indians, each of whom 
stood on the bank with his gun in his hand. 
As it was late in the day, we proceeded a few 
miles up the river and encamped for the night. 
As soon as the boat left the island, the three 
Indians each got into his hunting canoe, and 
the two young Indians came up on either side 
opposite the bow of the boat, and continued 
thus up the river until we encamped while 
Wah-wah-peck-ah ke])t four or five rods behind 
the boat. They encamped with us, and com- 
menced running and )>laying with the men on 
the sand beach; and after a little the young 
Indians proposed to go hunting deer by candle- 
light, and asked me to give them some candles to 
hunt with, which I did, with some ammunition, 
and they promised to return with venison in 
the morning. After they had gone, Wah-wah- 
peck-ah proposed also to go hunting, and begged 
some candles and ammunition, but remained in 
camp over night. Morning came, but the young 
Indians did not return, and I saw no more of 
them. In the morning, after Wah-wah-peck-ah 
had begged something more, he started, pre- 
tending to go down the river, and went as we 
sup]iosed; but about an hour afterward, as we 
were passing on the right of the upper end of 
the island on which we had encamped, I saw 
Wah-wah-jiock-ali coming up on the left. He 
looked very surly, ami we exchanged no words, 
but we were all satisfied that he was seeking 
some good opportunity to shoot me, and from 
the singular conduct of the Indians, I and my 
men were considerably alarmed. But about 9 
o'clock in the morning, meeting a band of In- 
dians from the portage of Wisconsin, who ap- 
peared to be glad to see me, and said they were 
going to Prairie du Chiou, my fears with those 
of the men were somewhat allayed. I wrote 



214 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



with my pencil a hasty line to my wife, which 
the Indians promised to deliver, but they never 
did, as they did not go there. 

This day, the "ibth of June, we proceeded up 
the Wisconsin without seeing any Indians until 
we came near Prairie du Baic, when an Indian, 
alone in a hunting canoe, came out of some nook 
and approached us. He was gullen, and we 
could get no talk out of him. We landed on 
Prairie du Bale, and he stopped also; and a few 
moments thereafter, a canoe of Menomonees 
arrived from Prairie du (hien, bringing a brief 
note from John Marsh, saying the Winnebagoes 
had murdered a man of mixed French and negro 
blood, named Rijeste Gagnier, and Solomo}i 
Lipcap, and for me, for God's sake, to return. 
I immediately got into the canoe with the Me- 
nomonees, and directed my men to i:)roceed to 
tlie portage, and if I did not overtake' them to 
go on to Green BaJ^. I proceeded down the 
river with the Menoraoiues, and when we had 
descended to the neighborhood where we had 
fallen in with the Indians the day before, we 
met Wah-wah-peck-ali coming up in his hunting 
canoe a'one, having with him his two guns. 
He inquired if I was going to tiie Prairie. I 
tiild hira I was. He then told me that the 
whiskey at the Prairie was .shut up, but did not 
tell nie of the murders, and asked me that should 
lie come to the Prairie whether I would let him 
have some whiskey? I told hira I certainly 
would if he brought some furs, not wishing then 
to make any explanation, or to enter into any 
argument with him. 

About this time, we heard back of an island, 
and on the southern shore of the Wisconsin, the 
Winnebagoes singing their war songs and danc- 
ing, with which I was familiar; and so well 
satisfied was I that Wah-wah-peck-ah was only 
seeking a favorable opportunity to shoot me, 
that if I had had a gun where he met us, I be- 
lieve that I should have shot him. After talk- 
ing with him the Menomonees moved down the 
river, and arrived at tlie mouth of the VV^iscon- 
sin about dark without seeing any more Winne- 



bagoes. It was so dark that the Menomonees 
thought that we had better stop until morning, 
and we accordingly crawled into the bushes 
without a fire and fought mosquitoes all night, 
and the next morning, the 27th, proceeded to 
the Prairie. I went to my house and found it 
vacant, and went to the old village where I 
found my family and most of the inhabitants of 
the Prairie, assembled at the house of Jean 
Brunet, who kept a tavern. Mr. Brunet had a 
quantity of square timber about him, and the 
people proposed building breast-works with it. 

I learned on my arrival at the Prairie that 
on the preceding day, the 26th, Red Bird, (wlio, 
when dressed, always wore a red coat and called 
himself English), went to my house with two 
other Indians, and entering the cellar kitchen, 
loaded their guns in the presence of the servant 
girl, and went up through the hall into Mrs. 
Lockwood's bed-room where she was sitting 
alone. The moment the Indians entered her 
room she believed they came to kill her, and 
immediately passed into and through the parlor, 
and crossed the hall into the store to her broth- 
er, where she found Duncan Graham, who had 
been in the country about forty years as a trader, 
and was known by all the Indians as an Eng- 
lishman. He had been a captain in the British 
Indian de]iartment during the War of 1812, and 
a part of the time was commandant at Prairie 
du (hien. The Indians followed Mrs. Lock- 
wood into the store, and Mr. Graham by some 
means induced them to leave the house. 

They then proceeded to McNair's Coulee, about 
two miles from the village, at the lower end of 
Prairie du Chien, where lived Rijeste Gagnier; 
his « ife was a mixed blood of French and Sioux 
extraction, ith two children ; and living with 
him was an old discharged American soldier by 
the name of Solomon Lipcap. The Winneba- 
goes commenced a quarrel with Gagnier, and 
finally shot him, I believe, in the house. Lip- 
cap, at work hoeing in the garden near the 
house, they also shot. During the confusion, 
Mrs. Gagnier seized a gun, got out at the back 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



215 



window with her boy about three years old on 
her back, and proceeded to the village with the 
startling news. The cowardly Indians followed 
lier a part of the way, but dared not attack her. 
On her arrival at the village a party wont to 
the scene of murder, and found and brought 
away the dead, and the daughter of Mr. Gagnier, 
about one year old, whom the mother in her 
fright had forgotten. The Indians had scalped 
her and inflicted a severe wound in her neck, 
and left her for dead, and had thrown iier un- 
der the bed, but she was found to be still alive. 
She got well, and arriving at womanhood got 
married, and has raised a family of children ; 
she is yet alive and her eldest daughter was but 
recently married. 

The peo])Ie had decided not to occupy the old 
fort, as a report had been circulated that the 
Indians had said that they intended to burn it 
if the inhabitants should take refuge there. 
During the day of the 2'7th, the people occupied 
themselves in making some breast-works of the 
timber about IMr. Biunet's tavern getting the 
swivel and wall ]iieces from the fort, and the 
condemned muskets and repairing them, and 
concluded they would defend themselves, each 
commanding, none obeying, but every one giv- 
ing liis opitiion freely. 

About sunset one of the two keel-boats ar- 
rived that had a few days previously gone to 
Fort Snelling with supplies for the garrison, 
having on board a dead Indian, two dead men 
of the crew and four wounded. The dead and 
wounded of the crew were inhabitants of Prairie 
du Cliien who had shipped on the up-bound 
tri|). They reported that they had been attacked 
the evening before, about sunset, by the Win- 
nebago *Indians, near the mouth of Bad Ax 

•Ex-Gov. Keynolrts. of Illinois, in his volume of his Life. 
and Timc^, thus states the iuiraerliivte cause of this attack. 
That somewhere al)ove Prairie l>u Chien on their upward trip, 
they stopped at a lartre camp of Winnelia^^o Indians, gave 
them some tiijuor freely and pot Iheni drunk, when they 
forced six or seven srjuaws, stupelie^l with liquor, on board 
the Itoats, for cnrntiA. anil linital pur]i'i.vcs, and kept them 
during their voyage to Kort Snelling and on their return. 
When the Winnebago Indians became sober, and fully con- 
scious of the injury done them, the.v mustered ail (heir 
forces, amounting to several hundred and attacked the fore- 
most of the descending boats in which their squaws were 
contined. But this story has since been proven to be without 
foundation. 



river, and the boat received about 500 shots, 
judging from the marks on its bow and sides. 
The Indians were mostly on an island on the 
west of the chautiel, near to which the boat 
had to pass, and the wind blowing strong from 
the east, drifted llie boat towards the shore, 
where the Indians were, as the steering oar had 
been abandoned by tlie steersman. During this 
time, two of the Indians succeeded in getting 
on board of the boat. One of them mounted the 
roof, and fired in from the fore part; but he was 
soon shot and fell off into the river, 'i'he other 
Indian took the steering oar and endeavored to 
steer the boat to the island. He was also shot 
and brought down in the boat where he fell. 
During all this time the Indians kept up a 
lot fire. The boat was fast drifting towards 
a sand bar near the sliore, and tliey would 
all have been murdered had it not been for 
the brave, resolute conduct of an old soldier 
on board, called Saucy Jack (his surname I do 
not remember), who, during the hottest of the 
fire, jumped over at the bow and pushed the 
boat off, and where he must have stood the boat 
was literally covered with ball marks, so that 
his escape seemed a miracle. They also report- 
ed that early the day before the attack, they 
were lashed to the other boat drifting, and that 
they liad grounded on a sand bar and separated, 
since which time they Iiad not seen or heard 
anything of the other boat, and thought proba- 
bly that it had fallen into the hands of the In- 
dians. 

This created an additional alarm among the 
inhabitants. The same evening my boat re- 
turned, the men becoming too much alarmed to 
proceed. That night sentinels were posted by 
the inhabitants within the breast-work.s, who 
saw, in imagination, a great many Indians prowl- 
ing about in the darkness ; and in the morning 
there was a great variety of opinion as to what 
was best to be done for the safety of the place, 
and appearances betokened a great deal of un- 
easiness in the mindti of all classes. 



216 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



On the morning of the 28th I slept rather 
late, owing to the fatigue of the preceding day. 
My brother-in-law awakened me, and told me 
the people had got into some difficulty, and that 
they wished me to come out and see if I could 
not settle it. I went out on the gallery, and 
inquired what the difficulty was ; and heard the 
various plans and projects of defense proposed 
by different persons. Some objected to stayiTig 
in the village and protecting tl e property of 
the villagers while theirs, outside the village, 
was equally exposed to the pillage of the In- 
dians. Others were for remaining and fortify- 
ing where thoy were, and others still urged the 
repairing of the old fort. As the eminence on 
which my house stood overlooked tiie most of 
the prairie, some were for concentrating our 
people there and fortifying it. After hearing 
these different projects, I addressed them some- 
thing as follows: "As to your fortifying my 
house, you can do so, if it is thought best, but I 
do not wish you to go there to protect it ; I have 
abandoned it, and if the Indians burn it, so be 
it; but there is one thing, if we intend to pro- 
tect ourselves from the Indians, we must keep 
together, and some one must command." 

Some one then nominated me as commander, 
but I said: "No, I would not attempt to com- 
mand you, but here is Thomas McNair, who 
holds from the governor a commission of cap- 
tain over the militia of this place and has a 
right to command; if you will agree to obey 
him implicitly, I will set the example of obedi- 
ence to his orders, and will, in that case, furnish 
you with powder and lead as long as you want 
to shoot (I being the only person having those 
articles in the place)^ but unless you agree to 
obey McNair, I will put my family and goods 
into my boats and go down the river, as I will 
not risk myself with a mob under no control." 
Upon this they agreed to acknowledge Mr. Mc- 
Nair as commander, and I was satisfied that he 
would take advice upon all measures undertaken. 
Joseph Brisbois was lieutenant, and Jean Erunet 
was ensign, both duly commissioned by the 



governor. Capt. McNair ordered a move of all 
the families, goods wiih the old guns, to the 
fort, and it was near sunset before we had all 
got moved there. 

About that time we discovered the skiff of 
the other keel-boat coming around a point of 
an island near Yellow river, about three miles 
distant; but we could not discover whether they 
were white men or Indi:uis in the canoe, and of 
course it created an alarm, but in a few moments 
tiiereafter, the keel-boat iiove in sight and the 
alarm ceased. It soon arrived, reporting that 
they had received a few shots in passing the 
places where the other boat had been attacked, 
but had received no injury. On this boat 
Joseph Snelling, son of Col. Snelling, returned 
to Prairie du Ciiien. Joseph Snelling and my- 
self acted as sujjernumeraries under Capt. Mc- 
Nair. The government of Fort Crawford was 
conducted by a council of the captain and those 
wdio acted under him. It was immediately re- 
solved to repai the old fort as well as possible 
for defense, and the fort and block-house were 
put in as good order as circumstances and ma- 
terials would admit. Dirt was thrown up two 
or three feet high around the bottom logs of 
the fort, which w ere rotten and dry, and would 
easily ignite. Joseph Snelling was put in coni- 
mand of one of the block-houses, and Jean Bru- 
nei of the other, with a few picked men in each, 
who were trained to the use of the swivel and 
wall pieces that were found and mounted tlieie- 
in; and a number of baiivls were ])laced around 
the quarters tilled with « ater, with orders, in 
case of an attack, to cover the roof of the 
building with blankets, etc., and to keep them 
wet. All the blacksmiths were put in requisition 
to repair the condemned muskets fotmd in the 
fort, and, musteiing our force, we found of men 
and women about ninety that could handle a 
musket in case of an attack. 

The next day after taking possession of the 
fort, J. 15. Loyer, an old voyageiir, was engaged 
to cross the Mississippi and go back through 
the country, now the State of Iowa, to inform 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



219 



Col. Snelling, commanding Fort Snelling, of 
our situation. For this service Loyer was prom- 
ised fifty dollars, and furnished with a horse 
to ride and i)rovisions, and Duncan Graham 
was engaged to accompany him, for which he 
was to receive twenty dollars, provisions and 
a horse to ride; and for these payments, I be- 
came personally responsible. 

Gov. Cass, who had come to Butte des Morts, 
on the Fox river, to hold a treaty with the Win- 
nebagoes, learned from rumer that there was 
dissatisfaction among thom, and starting in his 
canoe,' arrived at Prairie du Chien on the 
morning of the 4th of July. He ordered the 
company of militia into the service of the 
United States, and appointed me quarter-mas- 
ter and commissary, with tlie request that I 
would use my uwii funds for the supply of the 
department, and that he would sec it refunded; 
and, fiirtliermorc, assumed the debt for anmiii- 
nition and provisions already advanced, and 
also the expenses of the express to Fort Snell- 
ing, and direc^ted me to issue to the troops a 
keel-boat load of tiour, that I previously receijit- 
ed for to one of the agents of the contractors foi 
Fort Snelling, who feared to go farther with it. 

After these arrangements had been made, 
Gov. Cass proceeded iu his canoe to Galena, 
and raised a volunteer company under the late 
Col Abner Fields as captain, and assigned him 
to the command of Fort Crawford. Lieut. Mar- 
tin Thomas, of the United States ordnance de- 
partment, and then stationed at the arsenal 
near Si. Louis, who happened to be at Galena, 
came up and mustered the two companies of the 
militia into the sei^vice of the United States; 
and contracted with Phineas Black, of the vil- 
lage of Louisiana, in Missouri, wliom he found 
at Galena, for a quantity of pork which was 
sent up by the boat tjiat brought the volunteer 
company. Gov. Cass proceeded from Galena to 
St. Louis to confer with Gen. Atkinson, then 
in command of JeflFersm l)arracks and of the 
wcMern military department. This resulted in 
Gen. Atkinson's moving up the Mississippi with 



the disposable force under command at Jef- 
ferson barracks. During this time Col. Snell- 
ing came down th« Mississippi with two com- 
panies of the 5th regiment of United States In- 
fantry, and assumed the command of Fort 
Crawford, and soon after discharged the Galena 
volunteer company, as they could not well be 
brought under military discipline. But the 
Prairie du Chien company was retained in ser- 
vice until some time in the month of August, 
for whicli service, through the fault of some 
one, they never received any pay. 

During this time Gen. Atkinson arrived with 
the troops from Jefferson barracks, having on 
his way up dispatched a volunteer force under 
Gen. Dodge from Galena, to proceed by land 
to tlie portage of Wisconsin. When Gen. At- 
kinson, with great difficulty, owing to the low 
state of the water in the Wisconsin, arrived at 
tlie portage, he mot old grey-headed Day-Kau- 
Ray, with his Viand, who, finding himself sur- 
rounded by the volunteers in the rear, and 
Gen. Atkinson's force of regulars in front, and 
a coin]iany of volunteers from Green Bay, con- 
cluded to disclaim any unfriendly feelings to- 
wards the United States, and disavowed any 
(ionnection with the murders on the Mississip|)i. 
Gen. Atkinson, on these assurances of Day- 
Kau-Ray, returned, but ordered the occupation 
of Fort Crawford by two companies of trooj>s. 
Notwithstanding these murders of our citizens 
and movements of troops, the wise men at 
Washington, with about as much judgment as 
they generally decide upon Indian affairs, de- 
cided that this was not an Indian war. 

After the people had taken possession of the 
fort, and before the arrival of Gen. Cass, Indi- 
ans were seen in the village, and a guard was 
sent out to take them and bring them to the 
fort. They made no resistance, but siiripndered 
themselves and were brought to the guard 
house. One proved to be the famous Red Bird, 
who headed the party fliat murdered Gagnier 
and liipcap ; another was Wali-wah-peck-ah, the 
Indian 1 had met up the Wisconsin river, and 



14 



220 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



whose conduct had so much alarmed me and my 
men ; the other was a young Indian whose 
name I do not recollect. There heing no charge 
of crime against Wah-wah-peck-ah and the 
young Indian, after the United States troops 
were stationed at Fort Crawford, they were dis- 
charged ; and Red Bird was retained in the 
guard-house, where he died before he was tried 
for the murder of Gagnier and Lipcap. 

AN INTERESTING EVENT OF THE WINNEBAGO 
WAK. 

On the 1st of September, 1827, Maj. Wil- 
liam Whistler, with government troops, arrived 
at the portage ; and, while there, an express 
arrived from Gen. Atkinson, announcing his ap- 
proach, and directing him to halt and fortify 
himself, and await his arrival. The object of 
the joint expedition of Gen. Atkinson from Jef- 
ferson barracks, below St. Louis, and of Maj. 
Whistler, from Fort Howard, at Green Bay, 
was to capture those who had committed the 
murders at Prairie du Chien, and put a stop to 
any further aggression. The Winnebagoes 
were advised that the security of their people 
lay in the surrender of the murderers of the 
Gagnier family. While Maj. Whistler was at 
the portage, he received a call in a mysterious 
way. An Indian came to his tent and informed 
him that, at about 3 o'clock the next day, "they 
will come in." In reply to the question, "who 
will come in ?" he said, "Red Bird and We- 
Kau." After making this answer he retired by 
the way he came. At 3 o'clock the same day, 
another Indian came and took position in nearly 
the same place and in the same way, when to 
like questions he gave like answers; and at sun- 
down a third came, confirming what the two 
had said, adding, that he had, to secure that ob- 
ject, given to the families of the murderers near- 
ly all his property. 

There was something heroic in this voluntary 
surrender. The giving away of property to the 
families of the guilty parties had nothing to do 
with their determination to devote themselves 
for the good of their people, but only to recon- 



cile those who were about to be bereaved to the 
dreadful expedient. The heroism of the pur- 
pose is seen in the fact that the murders com- 
mitted at Prairie du Chien were not wanton, 
but in retaliation for wrongs committed on this 
people by the whites. The parties murdered at 
the prairie were doubtless innocent of the 
wrongs and outrages of which the Indians com- 
plained; but the law of Indian retaliation does 
not require that he alone who commits a wrong 
shall suffer for it. One scalp is held due for an- 
other, no matter whose head is taken, provided 
it be torn from the crown of the family, or peo- 
ple who may have made a resort to this law a 
necessity. 

About noon of the day following there were 
seen descending the mound on the portage a 
body of Indians. Some were mounted and 
some were on foot. By the aid of a glass the 
Americans could discern the direction to be to- 
wards their position. They bore no arms,and no 
one was at a loss to understand that the promise 
made by the three Indians was about to be ful- 
filled. In the course of half an hour they had 
aproached within a short distance of the cross- 
ing of Fox river, when on a sudden singing was 
heard. Those who were familiar with the air 
said, "It is a death song." When still nearer 
some present who knew him said, "It is Red 
Bird singing his death song." The moment a 
halt was made, preparatory to crossing over, two 
scalp yells were heard. The Menomonees and 
other Indians who had accompanied the troops 
were lying carelessly about the ground, regard; 
less of what was going on; but when the "scalp 
yells" were uttered, they sprang to their feet 
as one man, seized their rifles, and were ready 
for battle. They were at no loss to know what 
these yells were; but they had not heard with 
suflicient accuracy to deci-de whether they indi- 
cated scalps to be taken or given, but doubtless 
inferred the first. 

Barges were sent across to receive and an 
escort of military to accompany them within 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



221 



the lines. The white flag which had been seen 
in the distance was borne by Red Bird. 

And now the advance of the Indians liad 
reached half up the ascent of the bluff on which 
was the encampment. In the lead wasCar-i-mi- 
nie, a distinguished chief. Arriving on the 
level upon which was the encampment of tlie 
Americans, order being called, Car-i-mi-nie 
spoke, saying, "They are here. Like braves 
they have come in; treat them as braves; do 
not put.thera in irons." This address was made 
to Col. McKenney. The latter told him he 
was not the big captain. His talk must be 
made to Maj. Whistler, who would do what was 
right. Mr. jNIarsli, the sub-agent, being there, 
an advance was made to him, and a hope ex- 
]iressed that the prisoners might be turned over 
to him. 

The military had been previously drawn 
out in line. The Menoraonee and Wabatickii 
(Oneida) Indians were in groups uijon tlicir 
haunches, on the left tlank. On the right was 
the band of music, a little in advance of tlic 
liiir. In front of the center, about ten paci> 
ilistant, were the murderers. On their right 
and left were those who had accompanied them, 
forming a semi-circle; the magnificent Red 
l^ird and the miserable looking We-Kau, a little 
in advance of the center. All eyes were fixed 
on Red Bird. In height he was about six feet, 
straight, but without restraint. His jiroportions 
Were those of most exact symmetry; and these 
embraced the entire man from his head to his 
feet. 

He and We-Kau were told to sit down. At 
this moment the band struck up Plcyel's hymn. 
Everything was still. Red Bird turned his 
eyes toward the band. The music having 
ceased, he took up his pouch, and taking from 
it kinnikinnic and tobacco, cut the latter in the 
palm of his hand, after tiie Indian fashion, 
then rubbing the two together, filled the bowl 
of his calumet, struck fire on a bit of punk with 
his flint and steel, lighted and smoked it. All 



sat except the speaker. The substance of what 
they said was as follows: 

They were required to bring in the mur- 
derers. They had no power over any except 
two; the third had gone away; and these bad 
voluntarily agreed to come in and give them- 
selves up. As their friends they had come 
with them. They hoped their white brother 
would agree to accept the horses, of which 
there were perhaps twenty; the meaning of 
which was, to take them in commutation for 
the lives of their two friends. They asked 
kind treatment for them, and earnestly besought 
that they might not be put in irons, and con- 
cluded by asking for a little tobacco and some- 
thing to eat. 

They were answered and told in substance 
that they had done well thus to come in. By 
having done so they had turned away our guns 
and saved their peo])lc. They were admonished 
against placing themselves in a like sit\iation 
in the future, and advised, when they were 
aggrieved, not to resort to violence, but to go 
to their agent, who would inform the Great 
Father of their complaints, and he would re- 
dress their grievances; that their friends should 
be treated kindly, and tried by the same laws, 
by which their Gieat Father's white children 
were tried; that for the present Red Bird and 
We-Kau should not be put in irons; that they 
should all have something to eat and tobacco 
to smoke. 

Having heard this, Red Bird stood up; tlie 
commanding officer, ]Maj. Whistler, a few paces 
in front of the center of the line facing liim. 
After a moment's pause and a quick surve)- of 
the troops, he spoke, saying: "I am ready." 
Then advancing a step or two, lie paused say- 
ing, "I do not wish to be put in irons; let me 
be free. I have given away my life; it is gone" 
(stooping and taking some dust between his 
thumb and finger and blowing it away), "like 
that," eyeing.the dust as it fell and vanished 
from his sight, adding, "I would not take it 
back, it is gone." Having thus spoken, he 



222 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



threw bis hands behind him and marched up to 
Maj. Whistler, breast to breast. A platoon 
was wlieeled backward from the center of the 
line, when, the major stepping aside, Red Bird 
and We-Kau marched through the line, in 
charge of a file of men, to a tent provided for 
them in the rear, where a guard was set over 
them. The comrades of the two captives then 
left the ground by the way they had come, tak- 
ing with them our advice and a supply of meat, 
Hour and tobacco. 

We-Kau, the miserable looking being, the ac- 
complice of Red Bird, was in all things the 
oj>positeof that unfortunate brave. Never were 
two persons so totally unlike. The one seemed 
a prince, and as if born to command and wor- 
thy to be obeyed; the other as if he had been 
born to be hanged; meager, cold, dirty in his 
person and dress, crooked in form like the 
starved wolf; gaunt, hungry, and blood-thirsty; 
his entire appearance indicating the presence of 
a spirit wary, cruel and treacherous. The pris- 
oners were committed into safe keeping at 
Prairie du Chien to wait their trial in the reg- 
ular courts of justrice for murder. 

last act in the winnebago war. 
John Quincy Adams,Pbesident of the United 

States of Amekica. 
To all wJiO shall see these presents, Greeting: 

Whereas, at a court of Oyer and Terminer, 
held at the village of Prairie du Chien, in the 
month of September, A. D. 1828. Wa-ni-ga, 
otherwise called the Sun, and Chick-hong-sic, 
otherwise called Little Beuffe, were convicted 
of the offense of murder in the second degree, 
and the said Chick-hong-sic, otherwise called 
Little Beuflfe, was also convicted of another 
offense of murder in the second degree; And, 
whereas, also it appears satisfactorily to me 
that the clemency of the executive may be ex- 
tended to the said convicts without injury to 
the public; 

Now, therefore, I, John Quincy Adams, Presi- 
dent of the United States of America, in con- 
sideration of the promises,divers other good and 



sufficient causes one hereunto moving, have 
granted and do hereby grant to the said Wa-ni- 
ga, otherwise called the Sun, and to the said 
Chick-hong-sic, otherwise called Little Beuffe, 
my full and free pardon for the offenses afore- 
said. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed 
my name, and caused the seal of the LTnited 
States to be affixed to these presents. Given 
at the city of Washington this third day of 
November, A. D. , 1828 and of the Indepen- 
dence of the United States the fifty-third. 
By the President; J. Q. Adams. 

H. Clay, Secretary of State.* 

sirs. COASJI CHEBRIER (nee GAGNIER).f 

My father was born in St. Louis; he came 
to Prairie du Chien about the time of the last 
war with England. 

My mother Theresa Chalefau, was born in 
Prairie du Chien; her father came to Prairie du 
Chien from Canada, before the last war with 
England. 

I was born in this place (now called French- 
town) Aug. 15, 1826. The following spring 
my father moved his family to a house on what 
is now known as the Ackerly place, a short dis- 
tance below the limits of " Lower Town. " 
The house had only one room. It was there 
that the murder of father and Lipcap, and the 
terrible mutilation of myself occurred. 

I will tell the story as learned from my mother. 
June 10, 1827, my father visited the village of 
Prairie du Chien; the afternoon of that day 
mother noticed there were skulking Indians on 
the bluff east of the house, partially concealed, 
but being accustomed to seeing Indians almost 
daily, was not alarmed. Father did not return 



*Copied from the original pardon. 

t The autobio8:rahical account which follows was taken 
from the lips of Louisa Cherrler mcc Gagnier). wife of Coasm 
(usually known as Comb) Cherrier. Mr. Cherrler, wife and 
children, reside in what is usually known as "French Town, " 
in the town of Prairie du Chien. What Mrs. Cherrier re- 
lates is the story often told her by her mother, Theresa Gaer- 
nier, wife of Ri'geste Gaf^nier. It will be noticed that the 
narrative differs in some important particulars from that 
given previously in this chapter; but there are so many ad- 
ditional and exceedingly interesting statements that, iu the 
main, are doubtless correct, as to justif.v the insertion of 
this relation as a sequel to the so-called "Winnebago War." 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



223 



liome until about noon of the next day, (June 
11). He was accompanied by his half brother, 
Paschal Menoir, after dinner the family con- 
sisting of father, mother, Lipcap (an old man 
living with us), my brother Frank, three yenrs 
old, myself, nearly ten months old, and Paschal 
Menoir (visitor), were having an after dinner 
chat. Young Menoir was sitting in the open 
window on the west side of the house, facing 
the door. My father was sitting on a trunk 
against the wall, to the right of the window, 
and also facing the door. My mother had re- 
turned to the work of the day, family washing. 
My brother Frank was amusing himself. Lip- 
cap had gone to his work in the corn patch not 
very far from the house. I had creeped to my 
father's feet and lifted myself by his clothing, 
and was standing with my hands on his knees. 
At this moment four Indians, who had reached 
the door unnoticed, entered the room. Mother 
placed four chairs, and bade them be seated; 
they complied, the table being as left. Mother 
asked them to have dinner; they replied; "We 
are not hungry, but thirsty." She satisfied their 
wants, and watching them closely, she said to 
fatlier in French: "These Indians mean to do us 
some harm." Father made no reply. My father's 
gun was hanging in fastenings to a joist directly 
over h| three of the Indians had guns in 

their hands, the fourth, a chief, whose Indian 
name signified "Little Sun," was seated the 
nearest to my father, with his side toward him. 
This Indian had, unknown to the family, a 
shorter gun concealed under his blanket, and it 
was held in such a position as to bring my 
father in range. One of the other Indians left 
his chair, and took down my father's gun. 
Father instantly rose, seized and wrenched the 
gun from him, and stood it by the trunk, then 
both were seated again. My father spoke to 
mother, saying: "Come take this little girl." 
At this moment, at a signal from one of the 
other Indians, "Little Sun" fired his concealed 
gun, the bullet entering the right breast of my 
father, who had not changed his position. At 



almost the same instant another Indian shot his 
gun at Paschal Menoir, who was still sitting in 
the window, but missed him. Young Menoir, 
with great presence of mind, fell backward, 
through the window. He was undoubtedly sup- 
posed by the Indians to have been killed, and 
was not immediately looked after. He made 
his escape into the timber, which stood close up 
to that side of the house. 

The house was filled with powder smoke; my 
little brother was crying and calling for mother. 
Mother picked him up and ran out of the house. 
The Indians had preceded her, and leaped over 
the fence near the house. Mother, -with Frank, 
made her way over the fence, and dropped di- 
rectly in front of one of the Indians, who was 
crouching, unnoticed by her, on that side. Drop- 
ping the child, she seized his gun, and with un- 
natural strength, wrenched it away from him, 
and instantly cocked it, with the intention of 
killing him; some irresistible impulse compelled 
her at the moment of firing, to give an upward 
inclination, sufficient to carry the bullet over 
the Indian's head. She threw the gun after the 
Indians, who had started to kill Lipcap. My 
mother then returned to the house. I had 
creeped Under the bed. The house was par- 
tially cleared from smoke. Father was not 
dead, but could not speak or move, but made 
motions with his eyes, which she clearly under- 
stood as saying: "Make your escape." She then 
ran out, and through a picket fence, which di- 
vided their grounds from those of a man named 
Joseph Lambeire, who was eating his dinner in 
his cabin, which he occupied alone. He had 
heard the shots fired, but did not know their 
meaning. 

My mother who had not been to Prairie du 
Chien since they moved to the place, did not 
even know the way. She hurriedly told him 
what had occurred, and asked him to help her 
escape. Lambeire whose horse was tied to a 
fence near by, told her to bring the horse. She 
did so, when he mounted and rode cowardly 
and rapidly away, without a word to her, who 



224 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



then returned to the house. Fatlier, wlio still 
liveJ, agaiu with expressive look, plainly sig- 
naled "get away." Mother then with my little 
brother, made her way into the timber close to 
the house, into which Menoir had escaped. 
(All this occurred in a little time). While 
doing this, she discovered that Lipcap was 
being chased by the Indians, and making his 
way toward her, shouting, "wait for me." In 
her flight, she noticed a large soft maple tree, 
which had been blown down, and that the 
place where it had stood, was surrounded by a 
dense new growth of brush. She crept into 
this, and into the cavity made by uprooting the 
tree, placed Frank, and crouching low over 
him, remained almost breathless, until within 
twelve feet of her hiding place, the Indians 
overtook Lipcap and killed him with their 
knives, mutilating him and taking his scalp. 
My mother was not discovered. 

The Indians then returned to the house. 
Paschal Menoir, who from his jjlace of conceal- 
ment, had kept a close watch, noticing this, 
took the opportunity to make his way to the 
village. He reached exhausted, the house of 
Julian Lariviere; he there found Frank Dechu- 
quette, who mounted his horse and alatmed tlie 
people, who turned out to the rescue "ent)iasse" 

My mother in the meantime, alive to the 
necessity of making her escape, liad left licr 
hiding place, and unnoticed by tlie Indians, 
found fathers horse, and with Frank h;id 
mounted, and was searching for the road to the 
village, when she saw the people coming to the 
relief. The Indians after killing Lipcap, made 
their last return to the house. I had creeped 
from under the bed, to the door. Of khe brutal 
treatment of myself, "Little Sun," in his testi- 
mony given at the trial of himself and the chief, 
"Red Bird," for these murders said, "that he 
first gave the child a kick on the left hip, and 
then with his gun barrel in his hands, struck 
her with the breech of the gun on the riglit 
shoulder, and with his knife struck her across 
the back of the neck, intending to behead her, 



and carry the liea<l away with him," at this 
moment the other Indians outside of the house 
shouted, that "people are coming." He said, "I 
then took her scalp and with it part of the 
skull," he then scalped my father, down whose 
dying face, he said the tears were flowing, at 
witnessing the horrid butchery of myself. 

When the people from the village reached 
the house, my father was dead. The Indians 
were gone. I was lying in a pool of my own 
blood, and supposed to be dead. Julian, son of 
Julian Lariviere, wrapped me in his handker- 
chief, and carried me to his fathers house, 
where some hours later, when being washed 
preparatory to burial, I was first discovered to 
be alive, and by careful nursing and tender 
care, under kind Providence, was restored to 
health. 

The motives which actuated the Indians to 
commit these terrible murders, are not fully 
understood. The family believed that an in- 
dignity received by "Little Sun," at the hands 
of Rigiste Gagnier, was the immediate cause. 
The facts on which this belief is based, are told 
by Mrs. Cherrier, as follows: "In those years 
whenever a Catholic priest would visit Prairie 
du Chien, to celebrate mass, a procession 
would be formed by all of our Catholic people, 
and would march in line to the house devoted 
to the services of the day. Upon one of these 
occasions, among the lookers on was the 
Winnebago chief, "Little Sun" intentionally or 
otherwise. He was in the line of march, and 
as the head of the procession reached him, re- 
fused to move. Some confusion ensued. My 
father leaving his place in the line, advanced to 
the front, and seizing tlie chief, threw him one 
side with such force as caused him to fall to the 
ground. Arising with a murderous look and 
tone, "Little Sun" said, "you have thrown me 
down, but when I throw you down, you will 
never get up again." 

My first husband's name was Moreaux. He 
died in 1855. By that marriage, we had ten 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



225 



children, seven of whom are now living. I 
was married to Mr. Cherrier, March 1, 1862. 
We have had three children — Magdalene, born 
Dec. 6, 1863; Felix, born Oct. 7, 1865; and 
Louisa, born Feb. 29, 1868. The last named 
died in infancy. 



My mother married again in 1831. Her 
second husband's name was St. Germain. They 
had two children — David and Hattie. My 
mother died in 1836 with the small-pox. My 
st«p-father died in January, 1882. Pascal 
Menoir died in Prairie du Chien, in 1882. 




226 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAP T'E R VII. 



THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 



To the people of Crawford county the brief 
contest between a portion of the Sac and 
Fox Indians and the Americans, in 1832, known 
from the name of the leader of the savages as 
the Black Hawk War, promises more than 
usual interest, for the reason that, within the 
limits of the county, as then constituted, oc- 
curred one of the principal incidents of the war. 
In the outline history of Wisconsin, previously 
given, a brief sketch of the hostile movements of 
both parties engaged in the work of death, will 
be found ; but, at this point, it is proposed to 
enter more into detail. 

Black Hawk's return from the west side of 
the Mississippi, and his moving up Rock river, 
caused the mustering into the service of the 
United States, in Illinois, of about 800 volun- 
teers, who were sent in pursuit. Gen. II. At- 
kinson, brevet brigadier general in the United 
States Army, followed the militia with his reg- 
ulars, but at too great a distance to afford sup- 
port. On the 12th of May the volunteers 
reached Dixon's ferry, where they were joined 
by 275 men from the northern counties of the 
State. The latter force, however, were imme- 
diately sent out on scouting duty. But the two 
battalions still moved along together until 
Stillman's run was reached ; the creek then be- 
ing known as Kishwaukee, about thirty miles 
above the ferry. 

BATTLE OF STILLMAN's RUN. 

Black Hawk now made advances for peace, 
but two his messengers being killed, the ne- 
gotiations were broken off. That chief at this 



time had but forty men under his immediate 
command, most of his party being some ten 
miles away; nevertheless, with his handful of 
warriors, he started back to meet his pursuers. 
Raising the war-whoop, he rushed in upon the 
volunteers and scattened them in every direc- 
tion. The fugitives, in their flight, did not 
stop until the ferry was reached. This was 
afterward known as "the battle of Stillman's 
Run," of May U, 1832. The governor of Illi- 
nois issued a proclamation immediately after, 
calling foran additional force of 2,000 mounted 
volunteers. These incidents caused throughout 
the west the greatest alarm. The loss of the 
Indians in this, the first battle of the war, 
was none. Of the volunteers, one major, one 
captain and nine of the rank and file were 
killed, and five men wounded. 

On the 17th of May, Gen. Atkinson reached 
Dixon's ferry with his regulars and a supply of 
provisions ; and on the 19th, with 2,400 men, 
advanced up Rock river. On the 27th and 28th 
of the month, the volunteers were disbanded 
by the governor, leaving the defense of the 
frontiers in the hands «f the regular troops and 
a few citizens who had volunteered temporarily. 
Meanwhile the savages were waging war in 
earnest against the exp'^sed settlements. Their 
war parties were scattered from Chicago to 
Galena; from the Rock river to the lead mines. 
It was a warfare in regular Indian style ; there 
was success first on one side, then on the other; 
until on the 24th of June, Black Hawk made an 
unsuccessful attack on Apple River Fort, near 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



asY 



the ])resent village of Elizabeth, 111. Mean- 
while the volunteers called out by the governor 
of Illinois were assembling and ordered to ren- 
dezvous at Dixon's ferry, where they were mus- 
tered into the service of the United States and 
formed into three brigades. The contest now 
began to assume somewhat the appearance of 
regular war. But, before we ])roeeed to nar- 
rate the aggressive movements of the Ameri- 
cans up the Rock river valley in pursuit of 
Black Hawk and his band, it is proper to more 
particularly describe the incident which oc- 
curred in various localities where the savages 
carried on their depredations previously. 

In the night of the I7th of June a volunteer 
company encamped near Burr Oak Grove, 
thirty-five miles east of Galena, was fired on by 
the enemy. The next morning they started in 
pursuit of the savages, and succeeded in killing 
all of them — four in number — with the loss on 
their part of only one man. However, later in 
the day they were attacked Vjy the Indians in 
considerable force, losing two killed and one 
wounded ; but they beat off the assailants and 
killed their leader. 

BATTLE OF PECATONICA. 

On the 14th of June a party of men were 
attacked in a cornfield near the mouth of Spof- 
ford's creek, and five killed. Two days after 
Col. Henry Dodge, with twenty-eight men, 
struck the trail of the savages, overtaking them 
on the bank of the Pecatonica in what is now 
Lafayette Co., Wis. The savages numbered 
seventeen, and all were killed. Dodge's loss 
was three killed. This was, all things consid- 
ered, the most spirited and effective fighting 
done during "the war." Capt. James W. Ste- 
phenson, at the head of the Galena volunteers, 
being on the lookout for Indians near the head 
of Yellow creek, lost three of liis men and was 
obliged to retreat. This ended what may be 
cdled the irregular lighting of the campaign. 
We now return to Rock river, up the valley of 



which Black Hawk and his force had moved 
and the Americans just commencing pursuit. 

THE PURSUIT OF lil.ACK HAWK. 

A bittalion of spies was the first body or- 
dered forward. They reached Kellogg's grove, 
and were informed on the morning of the 25th 
of June that a heavy trail was to be seen of the 
enemy not far away. Twenty-five men went 
out to reconnoitre, and were defeated, leaving 
five killed and three wounded, though the 
enemy's loss is said to have been nine killed. 
The enemy now retired up the river in the di- 
rection of Lake Koshkonong, in Wisconsin ; 
and the fighting in Illinois was ended. The 
first halt made by Black Hawk was at what was 
afterward known as "Black Hawk Grove," just 
outside of the present city of Janesville, Rock 
Co., Wis., where his forces remained some time 
in camp. It must not be understood that they 
were now at their former homes. This was 
not the case. It was not then the country 
claimed by the Sacs, but by the Rock River 
Winnebagoes. 

Gen. Atkinson having arrived at the mouth 
of the Pecatonica, in pursuit of the savages, 
and hearing that the Sac chief was further up 
Rock river, determined to follow him with the 
intention of deciding the campaign by a general 
battle if possible. Black Hawk, judging of his 
intentions from the report of his spies, broke 
up his camp and retreated still further up the 
river, to the foot of Lake Koshkonong, where 
on the west side of the river, in what is now 
the town of Milton, he again formed a camp. 
Here he remained some time, when he again 
moved, this time to an island in tlie lake, still 
known as Black Hawk's island. It is in the 
southeast corner of the town of Sumner, in Jef- 
ferson Co., Wis. Black Hawk afterward made 
his way still further up the valley of Rock 
river. 

But now let us return to the army under 
Gen. Atkinson, in its march from the mouth of 
the Pecatonica to Lake Koshkonong, where he 
found the Sac chief had eluded him. The re- 



228 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



cital is best given in the words of one who was 
in the army at the time and marched under At- 
kinson: 

"The .30th of Juno, 1832, we passed through 
the Turtle village [now the city of Beloit, Rock 
Co., Wis.] which is a considerable Winnebago 
town, but it was deserted. We marched on 
about a mile and encamped on the open prairie 
near enough to Rock river to get water from it. 
We here saw very fresh signs of the Sac In- 
dians, where they had apparently been fishing 
on that day. Gen. Atkinson believed we were 
close to them and apprehended an attack that 
night. The sentinels tired several times, and 
we were as often paraded and prepared to receive 
the enemy, but they never came, though from 
the accounts given by the sentinels to the officers 
of the day, there was no doubt that Indians had 
been prowling about the camp. 

"July 1. — We had not marched but two or 
three miles before an Indian was seen across 
Rock river at some distance off, on a very high 
prairie, which, no doubt, was a spy, and likely 
was one that had been prowling about our en- 
campment the night before. We proceeded a 
few miles further, and came to the place where 
the Indians, who had taken the two Misses Hall 
prisoners, had staid for several days [near the 
site of the present city of Janesville]. It was a 
strong position where they could have with- 
stood a very powerful force. We afterward 
discovered they always encamped in such 
places. We had not marched but a few miles 
from this place before one of our front scouts 
came back meeting the army in great baste, and 
stated that they had discovered a fresh trail of 
Indians, where they had just gone along in front 
of us. Maj. Ewing, who was in front of the main 
army some distance, immediately formed his 
men in line of battle, and marched in that order 
in advance of the main army, about three- 
quarters of a mile. We-had a very thick wood 
to march through, where the under-growlh 
stood very high and thick; the signs looked 
very fresh and we expected every step to be 



fired upon from the thickets. We marched in 
this order about two miles, not stopping for 
the unevenness of the ground or anything else, 
but keeping in line of battle all the time, until 
we found the Indians had scattered; then we 
resumed our common line of march, which was 
in three divisions. Soon after we had formed 
into three divisions, the friendly Indians that 
were with us raised an alarm, by seven or eight 
of them shooting at a deer, some little in ad- 
vance of the army. The whole army here 
formed for action; but it was soon ascer- 
tained that these children of the forest had been 
at what their whole race seems born for, shoot- 
ing at the beasts of tiie woods. 

"We here encamped by a small lake [Storr's] 
this night, and had to drink the water, which 
was very bad, but it was all that could be found. 
Here a very bad accident happened. One of 
the sentinels, mistaking another that was on 
post, with a blanket wrapped around him, for 
an Indian, shot him just below the groin, in 
the thick of the thigh. At first the wound was 
thought mortal. I understood before I left the 
army that the man was nearly well. Here Gen. 
Atkinson had, on this night, breastworks thrown 
up, which was easily done, as we were encamped 
in thick, heavy timber. This was a precaution 
which went to show that he set a great deal by 
the lives of his men, and by no means was any 
mark of cowardice; for generalship consists 
more in good management than anything else. 

"July 2 — We started this morning at the 
usual time, but went only a few miles before 
Maj. Ewing, who was still in front with his 
battalion (of scouts), espied a very fresh trail, 
making off at about a left angle. He dispatched 
ten men from the battalion, in company with 
Capt. George Walker and a few Indians, to pur- 
sue it and see, if possible, where it went to. He 
moved on in front of his battalion a short dis- 
tance further, when he capie to the main Sac 
trail of Black Hawk's whole army, which ap- 
peared to be about two days old. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



229 



"Capt. Early, who commanded a volunteer 
independent company, and had got in advance 
this morning, called a halt; so did Maj. Ewing 
with his battalion. Then Maj. Ewing sent hack 
one of his staff officers for the main army to call 
a hall for a few minutes. He, with Maj. Ander- 
son, of the infantry, Capt. Early and Jonathan 
H. Pugh, went a little in advance, when Maj. 
Anderson, with a telescope, took a view across 
the lake, as we had now got to Lake Kosliko- 
nong. [The army entered what is now Jeffer- 
son county, very nearly where, in going north, 
its south line is crossed by the Chicago <fc North- 
western Railway. The trail, after leaving the 
southeast quarter of section 35, in township 5 
north, of range 13 east, ran nearly due north to 
the southeast corner of section 26, in the same 
township and range, where the army reached 
the lake in what is now the town of Koshko- 
nong]. Tliey then discovered three Indians ap- 
parently in their canoes. 

'Maj. Ewing went himself and informed 
Gen. Atkinson what discovery was made, and 
requested Gen. Atkinson to let him take his 
battalion around through a narrow defile that 
was between two of those lakes, where we sup- 
posed the Indians were. I>y this time our scouts, 
who had taken the trail that led off on our left, 
returned, bringing with them five white men's 
st-alpa. They followed the Indian trail until it 
took them to a large Indian encampment that 
they had left a few days before. They reached 
it; tiie scalps were sticking against some of the 
wigwams; some of them were identified; but I 
do not recollect the names of any, except one, 
which was said to be an old gentleman by the 
name of Hall. 

"Maj. Ewing then marched his battalion 
about a mile, where the pass on the side of the 
lake appeared so narrow that he dismounted his 
men and had the horses all tied, and a few men 
left to guard them. The rest of us marched on 
foot about one mile through a narrow defile on 
the (oait) bank of the Koshkonong lake. This 
was considered a dangerous procedure, but Maj. 



Ewing, who was in front with Maj. Anderson, 
would have been first in danger. He now found 
that we were getting too far in advance of our 
horses; so Maj. Ewing seftt a ))art of the men 
back for them. ^Vhen we mounted our horses, 
we were joined by Capt. Early and bis inde- 
pendent corps. We then marched some distance 
around the (Koshkonong) lake and went in be- 
tween two of them, in ajiarrow defile until we 
found another deserted encampment. We now 
saw clearly ihat the Indians were gone from the 
Koshkonong lake; so, the next thing to be done 
was to find in which direction they had steered 
their course. 

"Gen. Atkinson having been re-enforced by 
Gen. Alexander, took up his line of march, ar- 
riving at the burnt village on the Gth of July. 
That evening. Gen. Posey's brigade, in compa- 
ny with Col. Dodge's squadron, joined Atkin- 
son. Col. John Ewing and his regiment came 
within a mile and a half of the main army and 
encamped. On the 10th, Gen. Atkinson sent 
Col. Ewing with his regiment down Rock river 
to Dixon's; Gen. Posey, with the rest of liis 
brigade, was diapatched to Fort Hamilton; 
while Col. Henry and his brigade, Gen. Alex- 
ander's brigade and Col. Dodge's squadron 
were sent to Fort Winnebago, now Portage, 
Columbia Co., Wis., for provisions. Atkinson 
dropped down a short distance from the burnt 
village and built a stockade fort, which he called 
Fort Koshkonong. It was located on the 
south side of Rock river in the eastern outskirts 
of the present village of Fort Atkinson, Jeffer- 
son Co., AVis. Alexander returned from Fort 
WiTinebago by the direct route, while Dodge 
and Henry took a more easterly one, striking 
Rock river at a point where there was a small 
Winnebago village, now Hustisfcrd, Dodge 
county,which point was reached July 18. Infor- 
mation was here obtained that Black Hawk was 
at Cranberry lake, farther up the river. This 
was believed to be reliable, and an express was 
started down the stream at once, to inform Gen. 
Atkinson of the Sac chief's whereabouts. The 



930 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



express came very unexpectedly, 'at a dis- 
tance not more than eight miles from the start- 
ing point, upon the trail of Black Hawk, mak- 
ing his way down thg river. The express re- 
turned to the army with the news, and the next 
morning, July 19, the pursuit began." 

BLACK HAWK PURSUED TO THE WISCONSIN. 

In the march in j)ursuit of the enemy, the 
Americans crossed the Crawfish near what is 
now Aztalan, in Jefferson Co., Wis., and were 
of course soon in what is now Dane county. 
But the account of the march is best told by 
one who participated in the pursuit: 

"July 19, 1832.— This day we had for about 
twelve miles, the worst kind of a road. To 
look at it appeared impossible to march an army 
through it. Thickets and swamps of the worst 
kind we had to go through, but the men had 
something now to stimulate them. They saw 
the Sac trail fresh before them, and the pros- 
pect of bringing our campaign to an end. Tliere 
was no murmuring, no excuses were made, none 
getting on the sick report. If we came to a 
swamp that our horses were not able to carry 
us through, we dismounted, turned our horses 
before us and stepped in ourselves, sometimes 
up to our arm-pits in mud and water. In this 
way we marched with great celerity. In the 
evening of this day, it commenced thundering, 
lightning and raining tremendously. We 
stopped not, but pushed on. The trail appeared 
to be still getting fresher and the ground bet- 
ter, which still encouraged us to overcome every 
difficulty found in the way. It continned rain- 
ing until dark, and, indeed, until after dark. 
We now saw the want of ourtents, a great num- 
ber of us having left this necessary article be- 
hind in the morning, in order to favor our 
horses. 

" The rain ceased before day, and it turned 
cold and chilly. In the morning we rose early, 
at the well-known sound of the bugle, and pi-e- 
pared in a very short time our rude breiikfast, 
dried our clothes a little, and by 7 o'clock, [July 
20th], were on the march at a quick pace. On 



this day some of our scouts took an Indian as a 
prisoner. On examination he \v:as found to be 
a Winnebago. He stated that Black Hawk was 
but a little distance ahead of us; and that he had 
seen some of his party not more than two miles 
ahead. But it was a bad piece of conduct on our 
part that this Indian was not kept as a prisoner 
of war, but was set at liberty and let go, no 
doubt, that he might inform the Sacs of our 
pursuit. 

"We halted and the order of battle was formed 
as we expected we would overtake them 
this evening. The order was as follows: 
Gen. Dodge and Maj. Ewing were to bring on 
the battle. Maj. Ewing was placed in the cen- 
ter with his spy battalion, Capt. Gentry and 
Capt. Clark's companies on our right, and Capt. 
Camp and Capt. Parkinson on our left. Our 
own battalion [Maj. Ewing's] was reduced to 
two companies [as Capt. Wells and his com- 
pany had been left at Fort Dixon]; Capt. Lind- 
say, of our own battalion, was placed on the 
right and Capt. Huston's company on the left; 
Col. Fry and his regiment on the right, and Col. 
.fones, with his regiment, on the left, and Col. 
Collins in the center. In this order we marched 
in quick time, with all possible speed, in 
hope ti at we would overtake the enemy on that 
evening. We were close to the Four lakes (in 
what is now Dane Co., Wis.) and we wished to 
come up with them before they could reach 
that place, as it was known to be a stronghold 
for the Indians ; but the day was not long 
enough to accomplish this desirable object. 

"We reached the first of the Four lakes 
[now known as Lake Monona, or Third lake] 
about sun-down. Gen. Henry here called a halt 
and consulted with Pouquet [Peter Pauquette], 
our pilot, as to the country we were approaching. 
Pauquette, who was well acquainted with this 
country, told him he could not get through af- 
ter night ; that we had to niarcli close to the 
margin of the lake for some distance, as the 
underwood stood so thick one man could not 
see another ten steps. Gen. Henry concluded 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



231 



to encamp here until the break of day. Gen. 
Dodge sent Capt. Dixon on ahead with a few 
men to see if they could make any discovery of 
the enemy, who returned in a very short time 
and stated that they had seen the enemy's rear 
guard about one mile and a half distant. Gen 
Henry gave strict orders for every man to tie up 
his horrie, so as to be ready to start as soon as 
it was d.aylight. The order was strictly obeyed; 
and after we took our frugal supper all re- 
tired to rest except those who had to mount 
guard, for we had marched a great way that 
day, and many were still wet by the rain that 
fell the preceding night ; but being very much 
fatigued, we were all soon lost in sleep, except 
those on guard. 

".Tuly 21, at the break of day, the bugle 
sounded, and all were soon up and in a few 
miiuites had breakfast ready, and, after taking 
a little food, we mounted our horses and .again 
commenced the pursuit. We soon fomnd that 
the pilot liad told us no lie, for we found the 
country that the enemy was leading us into to 
be worse, if possible, than what he told us. 
We could turn neither to the rigiit nor left, but 
were compelled to follow the trail the Indians 
had made, and that, too, for a great distance at 
the edge of the water of the lake. VVe had not 
marched more than five miles before Dr. Pliil- 
leo came back, meeting us, with the scalp of an 
Indian. . He had been on ahead with the front 
sconts, and came on this Indian, who had been 
left as a rear guard to watch our movements. 
There were several shots fired at him about the 
same time, ami I suppose all hit him, from the 
number of bullet holes that were in him ; but 
Dr. Philleo had scalped him, so he was called 
Philli'o's Indian, which reminds me of the 
liunlers : 'lie who draws the first blood is en- 
titled to the skin, and the remainder to the car- 
cass, if there are several in the chase,' which 
was the case at this time." 

Leaving our journalist for a moment, we will 
describe tiie jiarticulars of the march from the 
time the Catfish creek, or rather the Yahara, as 



it is legally called, was reached until the army 
left the Fourth lake, the most northerly of the 
Four lakes, properly called Lake Mendota. In 
the timber skirting the Yahara, the Americans 
overtook the rear guard of the flying foe, where 
an Indian was wounded, who crept away and 
hid himself in the thick willows, where he died. 
A scouting party of fourteen men was sent for- 
ward and preceded the main body about two 
miles. When they arrived at the point now 
the site of Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, 
an Indian was seen coming up from the water's 
edge, who seated himself upon the bank, appar- 
ently indifferent to his fate. In a moment after 
his body was pierced with bullets, one of which 
passed in at the temple and out of the back 
part of his head. On examination it was found 
that he was sitting upon a newly made grave, 
probably that of his wife, who had perhaps died 
of fatigue, hunger and exhaustion, and her dis- 
consolate companion had resolved to await the 
advancing foe and die there also. The trail 
was followed around the southern end of Lake 
Jlendota (or Fourth lake), passing a little north 
of what is now the Capital Park, and along the 
lake r.cross the University grounds. A few 
miles brought them to what appeared an ad- 
mirable position for a battle field with natural 
defenses and places of ambush. It had been 
chosen by the enemy and here they' had lain 
apparently the previous night. This spot was 
afterward laid out as the city of Four Lakes. 
It is about three-fourths of a mile north of the 
present village of Pheasant Branch, in Dane 
county. We now return to the journal, from 
wiiich we broke off to relate these particulars. 

"But I am not done with Dr. Philleo yet. I 
will show you that he is a good soldier, and 
something of an Indian fighter. The signs now 
began to get very fresh, and we mended our 
pace very much. We had not proceeded more 
than ten or fifteen miles further before our 
fighting doctor ran afoul of two more Indians; 
he showed his bravery by assisting to kill them. 



232 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



I suppose he killed one and Sample Journey 
the other, so there was a scalp for each. 
But one of those miserable wretches sold his 
life as dear as possible. He, in the act of fall- 
ing, after he was shot, fired and shot three balls 
into a gentleman who himself was in tlie act of 
shooting at him. The balls were all small; one 
went through his thigh, one through his leg, 
and the other through his foot. I am sorry I 
liave forgotten tlie gentleman's name; he be- 
longed to Gen. Dodge's squadron. 

"We now doubled our speed, all were anx- 
ious to press forward, and a< our horses were 
nearly worn out, we carried nothing only what 
was actually necessary for us to eat; camp ket- 
tles and many such articles were thrown away. 
The trail was now literally, in many places, 
strewn with Indian trinkets, such as mats, ket- 
tles, etc., which plainly told us that they knew 
we were in pursuit. We, too, saw from the 
face of the country that we were drawing close 
to the Wisconsin river, and our object was to 
overtake them before they reached it; so now 
we went as fast as our horses were able to carry 
us. But this was too severe for our poor horses; 
they began to give out. But even this did not 
stop a man. Wheflever a horse gave out, the 
rider would dismount, throw off his saddle and 
bridle and jiursue on foot, in a run, without a 
muimur. I think the number of horses left 
this day was about forty. The rear guard of 
the enemy began by this time [about 3 o'clock 
p. SI.] to make feint stands; and as the timber 
stood thick, we did not know but what the 
whole army of Black Hawk was forming for 
action; in consequence of which we got down 
and formed as often as twice, before we found 
out that their object was to keep us back until 
tliey could gain some strong position to fight 
from. Our front scouts now determined not to 
be deceived any more: but the next they came 
to, they Slopped not for their feigned maneu- 
ver, but pursued them to the main body of the 
enemy. They returned to us in great haste and 



informed Gen. Henry that the Indians were 
forming for action. 

BATTLE OF WISCONSIN HEIGHTS. 

"We all dismounted in an instant. The line 
of battle was then formed in the same order 
that it had been laid off the preceding day, 
Gen. Dodge's corps and Maj. Ewing's spy bat- 
talion still in front. The horses were left and 
every fourth man detailed to hold them; which 
gave seven horses to each man to hold. We had 
scarcely time to form on foot before the Indians 
raised the war-whoop, screaming and yelling fu- 
riously, and rushed forward meeting us with a 
heavy charge. Gen. Dodge and Maj. Henry met 
them also with a heavy charge, which produced 
a halt on the part of the enemy. Our men tiien 
opened a tremendous volley of musketry upon 
them, and accompanied it with the most terrific 
yells that ever came from the head of mortals, 
except from the savages themselves. They 
could not stand this. They now tried their 
well known practice of flanking; but here they 
were headed again by the brave Col. Jones and 
his regiment, who were on our left, where he 
met them in the most fearless manner, and 
opened a heavy fire upon them. Col. Fry was 
placed on the extreme right. They tried his 
Hue, but were soon repulsed. Their strong 
position was on the left, or near the center, 
where Cols. Jones, Dodge and Ewing kept up 
a constant fire upon them for something like half 
an hour. 

"The enemy here had a strong position. They 
had taken shelter in some ver}' high grass, wliere 
they cou'd lie down and load and bo entirely 
out of sight. After fighting them in this posi- 
tion for at least thirty minutes, during which 
time Col. Jones had his horse shot from under 
him, and one of his me:i killed and several 
wounded, Cols. Dodge, Ewing and Jones all 
requested Gen. Henry to let them charge iijion 
them at the point of the bayonet, which Gen. 
Henry readily assented to, and gave the order 
"Charge!" which was obeyed by Ijoth men and 
officers in a most fearless manner. All were in- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



233 



tent upon the charge. We had to charge up 
a rising piece of ground. When we got on the 
top, we then fired perfectly abreast. They could 
not stand tiiis They had to quit their liiding 
place and maile good their retreat. When they 
commenced retreating we killed a great number. 

"Their commander, who, it was said, was 
Napope, was on a white pony on the top of a 
mountain in the rear of his Indians; he certainly 
had one of the best voices for command I ever 
heard. He kept up a constant yell, until his 
men began to retreat, when he was heard no 
more. Col. Collins was kept, during the en- 
gagement, in the rear, as a reserve, and to keep 
the enemy from flanking and coming in upon 
us in the rear, which was a very good arrange- 
ment of Gen. Henry. It was now nearly 
sun-down, and still raining, as it had been all 
the evening, but so slow that we made shift 
to keep our guns dry. The enemy retreated 
toward the river with considerable speed. 
The ground they were retreating to, appeared to 
be low and swampy, and on the bank of the river 
there appeared to be a heavy body of timber, 
which the enemy could reach before we could 
bring them to another stand. So Gen. Henry 
concluded not to pursue them any further that 
night, but remain on the battle ground until 
next morning, and then he would not be in dan- 
ger of losing so many of his men, knowing 
that in the dark, he would have to lose a num- 
ber; for the Indians would have the timber to 
fight from while we would have to stand in liie 
open prairie. [The battle ground was on the 
east side of the northeast quarter of section 24, 
in what is now the town of Mazomanie, Dane 
Co., Wis.] 

"Next morning, July 22, the troops were pa- 
raded and put in battle order on foot, except 
(/ol. Fry's regiment, and took up the line of 
march to tlie river, leaving Col. Collins, regi- 
ment to guard the horses and baggage, and take 
care of the wounded. We marched dowti to 
the river, which was about one mile .nid m half 
off; but, before we reached the banks, wo liad a 



very bad swamp to go through, fifty or sixty 
yards on this side the timber, which stood very 
higli on the bank of the river. We now saw 
that Gen. Henry had acted very prudently. If 
he had attemi)ted to follow them the evening 
l)efi)re, he would have lost a great many of his 
men. When we got to the bank, we found they 
had made their retreat across the river during 
the night, leaving a great many articles of 
trumpery behind. We also saw a good deal of 
blood, where their wounded had bled. We now 
returned to the camp,seeiug there was no chance 
to follow them this day across th e river. 

"We, in this battle (known in histor}' as the 
Battle of Wisconsin Heights), were very fortu- 
nate indeed. We had only one man killed and 
eight wounded; and we have learned since the 
battle that we killed sixty-eight of the enemy 
(but Ulack Hawk declared afterward that he 
lost only six), and wounded a considerable num- 
ber, twenty-five of whom they report died soon 
after the battle. We were now nearly out of 
provisions, and to take up the line of march 
against them, in the condition our horses were 
in, told us plainly that we would suffer for 
something to eat before we could get it. We 
buried the brave young man, who was killed, 
with the honors of war. It was stated that he 
had just shot down an Indian when he received 
the mortal wound himself. His name was John 
Short, and he belonged to Capt. Briggs' com- 
pany from Randolph Co., III. He had a brother 
and a brother-in-law in the same company, who 
witnessed his consignment to the mother earth. 
The wounded were all well examined and none 
pronounced mortal. We continued tliis day on 
the battle ground and prepared litters for the 
wounded to be carried on. We spent this day 
in a more cheerful manner than we had done 
any other day since we had been on the cam- 
paign. We felt a little satisfaction for our toils, 
and thought we had, no doubt, destroyed a 
number of the very same monsters that had so 
lately been imbruing their hands with the blood 
of our fair sex, the hel|)less mother and un- 



234 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ofifending infant. We dried our clothes, which 
then had been wet for several days. This day 
we spent in social chat between men and 
officers. There were no complaints made ; all 
had fought bravely; each man praised his officers, 
and all praised our general. Late in the even- 
ing, some of our men, who had been out to see 
if there were any signs of the enemy remaining 
near us, returned and stated that they saw 
smoke across the river." 

From this time until the Wisconsin river was 
crossed there were not many incidents of im- 
portance worthy of record; so we leave the 
journal, from which we have been copying, to 
relate only such events as will preserve the 
chain of our narrative until that time. On the 
2od of July the army was put in motion, not in 
pursuit of Black Hawk, but to go to the Blue 
Mounds for supplies of provisions. And just 
here we must go back in our relation to the 
time when the army left the Rock river, July 
19. On this day,- the same express that had 
discovered the trail of Black Hawk the day pre- 
vious, again started for Gen. Atkinson's camp, 
or Fort Koshkonong, where the general was 
with his infantry. That officer, as soon as he 
was informed that Black Hawk's trail was dis- 
covered, directed the same express to return at 
once to Gen. Henry with orders to the latter to 
pursue on the trail of the Sac chief until he 
could overtake him, and to defeat or capture 
him. However, before these orders had reach- 
ed Gen. Henry, they had been anticipated. 
Black Hawk had been pursued, overtaken and 
defeated, but not captured. Gen. Atkinson 
also notified Gen. Henry that he would start 
himself with the infantry and Gen. Alexander's 
brigade ; that the rest of the volunteers wlio 
were with him would be left to guard the fort ; 
and that he would go by way of Blue Mounds. 
He also directed Gen. Henry, if he got out of 
provisions, to go to that place for a supply. 
This explains why the army, after the battle of 
Wisconsin Heights, marched for the Blue 
Mounds. Not only Geu. Henry's command, 



but also those of Gen. Atkinson, reached the 
Blue Mounds without any mishap ; so, also, a 
part of Gen. Posey's brigade from Fort Hamil- 
ton, who passed on to Helena, in what is now 
Iowa Co., Wis., where the Wisconsin river was 
to be crossed by the whole army. By the 26th 
of June all the corainands had reached that 
place and preparations were made to cross the 
stream on rafts made for that purpose. 

BLACK HAWK PURSUED TO THE MISSISSIPPI. 

On the 2lth and 28tli of July, Gen. Atkinson 
with his select body of troops, consisting of the 
regulars under Col. Taylor, 400 in number, part 
of Henry's, Posey's and Alexander's brigades, 
and Dodge's battalion of mounted volunteers, 
amounting in all to 1,300 men, crossed the 
Wisconsin river and immediately fell u])on the 
trail of the enemy. They were in what is now 
Sauk Co., Wis. Pursuing this trail first down 
the river, then to the northward, they finally 
struck off in a west-northwest direction through 
what is now Richland county, until the Kicka- 
poo river was reached near the present Soldier's 
Grove, in what is now Crawford county. 

Before entering upon the particulars of the 
march through Vernon county, as given in the 
journal from which extracts have already been 
so liberally made, it will be well to glance at 
the route taken from the Kickapoo to the Mis- 
sissippi. After the Kickapoo was crossed, Black 
Hawk, followed closely by Gen. Atkinson, 
was soon in what is now Vernon county, pass- 
ing, in a direction north of west, near the farm 
at present owned by Anson G. Tainter, in the 
town of Franklin; thence across West Prairie 
to the brakes or ravines leading into the head 
of Battle creek; thence down that creek through 
sections 2 and 3, in township 11, range "7, in the 
town of Wheatland, to the point where he was 
overtaken and compelled to fight the battle 
known in history as the battle of Bad Ax. 
Keeping this general description of the flight 
of the savages through Vernon county and the 
pursuit of them by the Americans in view, the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



235 



following narrative will prove of interest to tlie 
reader: 

"About 12 o'clock this day (August 1, 183l'), 
we came to a small river called the Kickapoo. 
We here found that the country was about to 
change. A short distance before we got to 
this stream, we came to a beautiful body of 
pine timber, which was tall and large. As 
soon as we crossed this stream, we found the 
mountains were covered with prairie grass. 
We here found the Indian trail was getting 
fresher. They had encamped at this creek. 
We had now been three days in those moun- 
tains and our horses had lived on weeds, except 
those that became debilitated and were left be- 
hind; for a gre;U number had become so, and 
were left to stai've in this dreary waste. We 
here for the first lime in three days had an op- 
portunity of lu ruing our horses out to graze. 
Accordingly we left them to^graze for about an 
hour, which they made good use of and during 
which we took a cold lunch. About 1 o'clock 
we started, at a faster gait than usual. We 
found from the face of the country tliatwew-ere 
not a great way from the Mississippi. 'J'he 
country was still hilly, but hills of a small size, 
and almost barren; so we could get along with 
more speed. It gave the men new spirits. We 
now saw that our horses would not have to 
starve, as we had begun to think it probable 
that tliey would. 

"On this evening, we came across the grave 
of an Indian chief, who was buried in the 
grandest style of Imlian burials; painted and 
otherwise decorated as well as those wretched 
beings were able to do. He was placed on the 
ground, with his head resting again.st the root 
of a tree; logs were placed around him and 
covered over with bark; and on the top of 
wiiich, green bushes were laid; so intended 
that we might j)ass bj' without iliscovoring the 
gr.ive. He was exiniiriod a iid found to have 
been shot. It was now late in the evening, and 
we hid proceeded but a 8!u)rt distance from here, 
before some of our front spies came across an 



Indian that had been left behind from some 
cause or other. The spies interrogated him 
about Black Hawk and his band. He stated 
that they would get to the river that day and 
wou'd cross over on the next morning. The 
old sinner then plead for quarters; but that 
being no time to be plagued with the charge of 
prisoners, they had to leave the unhappy- 
wretch behind, which appeared to be a hard 
case. But, no doubt, he had been at the mas- 
sacre of a number of our own citizens, and 
deserved to die for the crimes which he had 
perpetrated in taking the lives of harmless and 
unoffending women and children. 

"We this day made a tolerable push, having 
marched until 8 o'clock at night before we 
stopped. We then halted and formed our en- 
campment. But it was for a short time only. 
Ocn. Atkinson gave orders for all to confine 
iheir horses and be ready to march by 2 o'clock 
in pursuit of the enemy. We were now all 
tired and hungry and something to eat was 
indispensibly necessary. We had a long way 
to go after water, and the worst kind of a preci- 
pice to go down and up to procure it. All 
was now a bustle for awhile, to prepare some- 
thing to sustain nature, and to do it in time to 
ofet a little rest before we would have to marcli. 
About 9 o'clock the noise began to die away, 
so that by 10 o'clock all were lost in sleep but 
the sentinel, who was at his post. 

"At the appointed hour [2 o'clock in the 
morning of August 2] the bugle sounded; all 
were soon up and made preparations for a march 
at quickstep, moving on to comjilcte the woik 
of death upon those unfortunate children of tlie 
forest. Gen. Atkinson tiiis morning had tlie 
army laid off and arranged in the following 
manner: Gen. Dodge, with Ms squadron, was 
placed in front, the infantry next, the second 
brigade next, under the command of Gen. Alex- 
ander; the first brigade next, under the com- 
mand of Gen. Posey; the thinl brigade next, 
under command of Gen. Ilenrv. 



236 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



"In this order the march had commenced. 
We had not proceeded more tlian four or five 
miles before there was a herald sent back, in- 
forming us that the front spies had come in 
sight of the enemy's rear guard [in reality their 
outpost]. The intelligence was soon conveyed 
to Gen. Atkinson, and then to all the command- 
ers of the different brigades. The celerity of 
the march was then doubled and it was but a 
short time before the firing of the front spies 
commenced, about half a mile in front of the 
main army. The Indians retreated towards the 
Mississippi, but kept up a retreating fire upon 
our front spies for some time, until Gen. Dodge, 
who commanded, began to kill them very fast. 
The Indians then retreated more rapidly and 
sought refuge in their main army, which was 
lying on the bank of the Mississippi [which river 
they had, in fact, reached the day before]." 

BATTLE OF BAD AX. 

While Black Hawk and his band and their 
pursuers were traversing the rugged country 
across what is now Richland county into Ver- 
non, intelligence was conveyed to Prairie du 
Chien, by express, of the battle of Wisconsin 
Heights and of the retreat of the enemy across 
thp Wisconsin river. The commander of the 
American forces at Prairie du Chien at once 
came to the conclusion that the savages would 
soon reach the Mississippi, and by crossing that 
stream escape the army in pursuit of them; so 
he engaged a steamboat, placed some regulars 
upon it and a six-pounder, with orders to cruise 
up and 'down the Mississippi to cut off the 
retreat of the Sac chief and his people. The 
steamer proving to be a slow one was with- 
drawn and a faster one armed in its place — the 
Warrior. 

On the 1st of August, the Warrior discovered 
the Indians on the bank of the Mississippi 
where they had just arrived, not far below the 
mouth of the Bad Ax, making preparations to 
cross to the west side. A flag raised by Black 
Hawk was not respected by the Warrior, but a 
fire was opened from the boat upon the Indians 



with not only the small arms of the regulars 
but the six-pounder. The fire was returned by 
Black Hawk's party. The contest was kept up 
until the steamboat was compelled to drop 
down the river to Prairie du Chien for fuel. 
The loss of the enemy was twenty-three killed. 
On board the War7-ior none were killed and 
but one wounded. But the presence of the 
steamboat and the firing of course wholly in- 
terrupted the preparations of the savages to 
cross the river, while Atkinson and his army 
were marching rapidly ujjon their rear. 

It was the next morning, as we have already 
seen, that the Americans under Gen. Atkinson 
came in sight of what was supposed by them to 
be the rear guard of the Indians, but which 
was, in reality, one of their outposts. It ap- 
pears that the savages raised a white flag for 
the purpose of surrendering, which was either 
not seen or was not regarded, and the firing on 
both sides soon became spirited, the Indians re- 
tiring slowly to their main force on the bottom 
of the river, where the latter were busily em- 
ployed transporting their women and children 
and the aged and infirm across the Mississippi 
[the Warrior not having returned to again cut 
off their retreat]. 

Let us now return to the American army in 
keen pursuit of the fugitives. It will be remem- 
bered that Gen. Henry had early in the morning 
been put in the rear, btit he did not remain 
there long. Maj. Ewing, who commanded the 
spy battalion,sent his adjutant back to the gen- 
eral informing him that he was on the main 
trail; he at the same time formed his men in 
order of battle and awaited the arrival of the 
brigade which marched up in quick time. 
When they came up, Gen. Henry had his men 
formed as soon as possible for action; he placed 
Col. Jones and Maj. Ewing in front. Gen. At- 
kinson called for a regiment from Gen. Henry's 
brigade to cover his rear. Col. Collins formed 
on the right of Col. Jones and Maj. Ewing, 
when all were dismounted and marched on foot 
in the main trail, down the bluff into the bot- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



237 



torn. Soon the fire was opened on the main 
force of the enemy, at which time Gen.' Henry 
sent back an officer to bring up Col. Fry with 
his regiment. Col; Collins was by this time in 
the heat of the action with his regiment. Capt. 
Gentry, from Gen. Dodge's corps, was by this 
time also up, and opened a heavy fire. He fell 
into the lines of Col. Jones and Maj. Ewing. 
Capts. Gruer and Richardson, from Gen. Alex- 
ander's brigade, with their companies and a few 
scattering gentlemen from Gen. Dodge's corps, 
were also up; who all joined Gen. Henry and 
fought bravely. Col. Fry obeyed the call of his 
general and was soon where the conflict raged 
with his regiment. By this time the savages 
were falling rapidly. 

It was about half an hour after the battle 
commenced before Col. Zaehary Taylor with 
his infantry and (4en. Dodge with his scpiadron 
got 071 the ground and joined in the battle. 
They had been thrown on the extreme right, by 
following the enemy's rear guard as was su| - 
posed, but which was, as already explained, 
their retreating out])ost. Gens. Posey aiid 
Alexander had been stationed up the river on 
the extreme right, in order to prevent the In- 
dians from making their escape in that direc- 
tion, so they did not participate in the slaughter 
of the savages. The victory, of course, with 
such overpo'vering numbers, was complete; but 
those of the Indians who escaped death from 
the Americans had most of them made good 
their retreat to one of the islands in the river, 
when, at an ii]i])orlun<' moment for the attack- 
ing parties the ICi'/n-/'/;' ajipeared in the river 
and opened fire upon the fugitives with her 
cannon, at the same time sending her two boats 
to the shore to transport troops to the island 
also, to attack the now distressed savages. Col. 
Taylor sent a detachment in the boats and the 
Indians were soon all killed on the island but 
one. There were of Black Hawk's entire force, 
besides a few who had succeeded in reaching 
the west side of the Missis-ipj^i, only himself 
and ten warriors with thirty-live women and 



children who made their escape. About 150 
were killed. The loss of the Americans was 
twenty-seven killed and wounded. Such was 
the liattle of Bad Ax. Black Hawk was soon 
brought in a prisoner by the Winnebagoes, and 
the war was ended. 

official report of the battle. 

Headquarters, 1st Army Corps, 
Northwestern Army, Prairie du Chien, 
Augusts, 1832. 

"Sir: — I have the honor to report to you that 
I crossed the Wisconsin on the 27th and 2^th 
ult., with a select body of troops, consisting of 
regulars under Col. (Zaehary) Taylor, 400 in 
number; part of Henry Posey's and Alexan- 
der's brigades; and Dodge's battalion of 
mounted volunteers; amounting in all to 1,.300 
men; and immediately fell upon the trail of the 
enemy aTid pursued it by forced marches 
through a mountainous and difficult country, 
till the morning of the 2d instant, when he 
came up with his main body on the left bank of 
the .Mississipjii, nearly opposite the mouth of 
the luwa, which we attacked, defeated and dis- 
persed with a loss on his part of about 150 men 
killed and thirty-nine «omen and children piis- 
oners. The precise number of the killed could 
not be ascertained, as the greater portion were 
slain after being forced into the river. Our 
loss in killed and wounded, which is stated be- 
low, is very small in comparison with the lo.vs 
of the enemy, which may be attributed to the 
enemy's being forced from his positions by a 
rapid charge at the commencement, and through 
the engagement. The remnant of the enemy, 
cut up and disheartened, crossed to theop|)osite 
side of the river, and has fled into the interior, 
with a view, it is supposed, of joining Keokuk 
and Wappilo's bands of Sacs and Foxes. 

"The horses of the volunteer troo|)s being 
exhausted bj' long marches, and the regular 
troops without shoes, it was not thought advisa- 
ble to continue the pursuit. Indeed a stop to 
the further effusion of Idood seemed to be 



238 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



called for, until it might be ascertained if the 
enemy would not surrender. 

"It is ascertained from our prisonei's, that the 
the enemy lost in the battle of the Ouisconsin 
[Wisconsin Heights], sixty-eight killed, and a 
very large number wounded. His whole loss 
does not fall short of 300. After the battle of 
the Ouisconsin, the enemy's women and chil- 
dren, and some who were dismounted, attempted 
to»make their escape by descending that river, 
but judicious measures being taken here by 
Capt. Loomis and Gen. Street, an Indian agent, 
thirty-two women and children, and four men 
have been captured, and some fifteen killed by 
the detachment under Lieut. Ritner. 

"The day after the battle on this river I fell 
down with the regular troops to this place by 
water, and the mounted men will join us to-day. 
It is now my purpose to direct Keokuk to de- 
mand the surrender of the remaining principal 
men of the hostile party ; which, from the large 
number of women and children we hold as 
prisoners, I have every reason to believe will 
be complied with. Should it not, they should 
be pursued and subdued ; a step Maj. Gen. 
Scott will no doubt take on his arrival. 

"I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of 
the regular and volunteer forces engaged in the 
last battle [Bad Ax], and the fatiguing march 
that preceded it. 

" As soon as the reports of the ofiicers of 
brigades and corps are handed in, they shall 
be submitted with further remarks. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, 
your obedient servant, 

H. Atkinson, 
B't. Brig. Gen U. S. A. 

Maj. Gbn. Macomb, 

Commander-in-Chief, Washington City. 

UP AND DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI BEFORE THE BLACK 
HAWK WAR. 

In May, 1831, Joseph M. Street, Indian agent 
at Prairie du Chien, left the agency in care 
of sub-agent, Thomas P. Burnett. The latter 
reported to Gen. William Clark, superintendent 



of Indian affairs, at St. Louis, on the 18th of 
that month, that "the Indian relations among 
the different tribes of this quarter, have not a 
very amicable appearance. , The threatenings 
of the Sauks and Foxes, and occasional acts of 
mischief committed by them against the whites 
in the vicinity of Rock Island, have doubtless 
been communicated to you before this time. 

"The Sioux chief, Wabashaw, and a consid- 
erable number of his tribe, are now here [at 
Prairie du Chien]. A small party of them who 
came across the country from Red Cedar, state 
that within their country north of the line of_ 
the purchase of last summer, they came upon a 
war road of the Sauks and Foxes. They fol- 
lowed the trail leading out of the country sev- 
eral days, and from the signs remaining at their 
camps, they have no doubt, that three or more 
of the Sioux have been murdered by the Sauks 
and Foxes! Among other appearances that 
confirmed them in this belief, was a painted buf- 
falo robe, such as no Indians in this quarter but 
the Sioux make or use, cut in pieces at one of 
their camps. They pursued their trail until 
they came upon their camp, a few miles north 
of the old Red Cedar fort ; but finding them 
double their own number, did not make an at- 
tack. They say that they have made peace 
and promised to keep it, and will not in any 
case be the aggressors. 

"Col. Morgan informed me, two days since, 
that he had sent down to the Sauks and Foxes 
to send up ten or twelve of their men to see 
him, and have a talk with him. They were ex- 
pected here on yesterday, but have not yet ar- 
rived. The Sioux are waiting their arrival, and 
are, I believe, ready to meet them, either as 
friends or enemies. When they were informed 
that the Foxes were coming, they put their arms 
in order. They say that if the Sauks and Foxes 
come and deport themselves peaceably, they 
will not molest them, but if they see any hostile 
manifestations, they will strike them. My own 
opinion is that if the Sauks and Foxes have had 
a war party out against the Sioux, they will not 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



239 



come here upon Col. Morgan's invitation, know- 
ing as they do, tliat the Sioux always visit this 
place about this season in considerable num- 
bers. 

"A part of the Menomonees have been to see 
me since Gen. Street's departure. They re- 
newed their promise not to go against the Chip- 
pewas for the present, but to wait a while longer 
to hear from their Great Father. 

"The squally appearance of Indian affairs 
called for the watchful attention alike of agents 
and officers of the army. But it became a ques- 
tion of etiquette, which should take the lead in 
the matter. Tlie military seems to have claimed 
that right, while the agents claimed at least to 
know what had been done in the premises, both 
being then under the superintendence of the 
war department, the military considered the 
Indian department [as subordinate to theirs. 
Hut Mr. Burnett thought otherwise, claiming 
that each branch of the public service had its 
appropriate duties with which the other should 
not interfere, while in case of necessity one 
.should assist tlie other, both acting in unison. 
And as the Sauks and Foxes alluded to in his 
letter to Gen. Clark, did come to the place, with 
whom Col. Morgan held a council, without the 
knowledge or co-operation of the agent, Mr. 
Burnett claimed to be informed of the nature 
and extent of the proceedings, and addressed a 
note dated May 23, 1831, to Col. Morgan, as 
follows: 

"Sir:-I was informed yesterday that you held, 
on the morning of that day, a council with a 
party of Sioux and a party of Fox Indians which 
you had assembled in the village of Prairie du 
Chien. As the acting Indian agent at this place, 
it properly concerns me to know what takes 
place at this post in relation to Indian affairs. 
I should therefore be glad to be informed of 
the circumstances that required such council. 
The objects to be effected and the results accom- 
plished; also the names of the chiefs or men 
of influence of either tribe, who were present. 
Will you please to communicate to me as early 



as may be convenient, the desired informa 
tion, and likewise whether Gen. Street was ap- 
prised previous to his departure, of the contem- 
plated meeting of those Indians." 

This brought from Col. Morgan the following 
tart reply, and raised the question of preroga- 
tive: 

"Sir — I acknowledge in you no right to call 
on me to render an account of my proceedings 
to you, though if you will do me the favor to 
call at my quarters on my return from St. Peter's, 
for which place I am just about to set 
out. I will explain to you the object of the 
council and tell you what passed. You were 
apprised yourself of the Foxes having been in- 
vited and you knew they had arrived. Why 
stay four or live miles off? I stated to the In- 
dians that you should have been to the council 
if you had been there." 

Mr. Burnett informed Gen. Clark of the 
transaction of Col. Morgan, May 28, 1831: "In 
my letter of the 18th inst., I informed you that 
Col. Morgan had sent for the Sauks and Foxes 
to visit this post. On the 21st inst., about 
fifteen men of the Foxes, of Dubuque mines, 
arrived at the village, and on the next day Col. 
Morgan held a council with them and the Sioux, 
who were here. I presume that whatever took 
place at the council, or was affected by the 
meeting of the Indians, of any importance, will 
be communicated to you through the proper 
channel, by Col. Morgan who acted alone in the 
measure. 

"The Sioux had been waiting the arrival of 
the Foxes for several days. The Foxes landed 
at the village on Saturday evening, not later I 
think than 4 o'clock. The council was opened 
the next morning, as I am informed, at 10 
o'clock; yet no intimation of either time or 
place of meeting, or that my presence was at all 
desired, was given, although there was ample 
time to do so. Throughout the transaction, 
there has been no consultation had, or co-opera- 
tion had with the agency. The only communi- 
cation upon the subject previous to the council 



240 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



and clei)avtiire of thy luJians, was the simple 
fact that he had sent for the F. xes, of which I 
apprised you. I suppose that if anything oc- 
curred of sufficient importance to found a re- 
port upon, he will communicate the facts, and 
in tliat case, it must appear that the measure 
was undertaken and carried through without 
any connection or co-operation with thisagenc}". 
I have, therefore, given the above statement of 
facts to show that the absence of cooperation 
in this affair was not from neglect of duty or 
inattention on the part of this agency." 

'J'he information that I have collected on 
the subject, is this: "Some fifteen Foxes from 
Dubuque mines, all young men except one or 
two, came up and had a talk with the Sioux and 
Col. Morgan, in which each expressed a desire 
to continue the j>eace which had been concluded 
between them the last year. The Foxes denied 
any knowledge of a war party having gone 
against the Sioux. They said they wished to 
be at peace, and would not do any act of hos- 
tility, but they could not answer for those be 
low — they spoke for themselves only. They 
smoked and danced together and parted in ap- 
parent friendship and harmony. 

"The extent of the frontier and the number 
of tribes within the agency kept up an almost 
incessant excitement as to their affairs, and to 
keep the government advised of all their move- 
ments, required constant vigilance and the writ- 
ing of numerous letters. Under date of Jiiik* 
13, 1831, Mr. Burnett writes to Gen. Clark: 'I 
have received since the last mail from this 
place information which 1 consider entitled to 
credit, that a war party of Sioux is now heing 
organized among Washaba's band to go against 
the Chippewas, by a warrior of some note in 
that band. I have also understood that there 
are a few Menomonees, relatives of those who 
were killed by the Chippewas in the fall and 
winter past, now with the band of Sioux. Hut 
I have not been able to learn whether they in- 
tend joining the Sioux in their expedition or 



not, but think it probable that some of them 
will do so.' 

"Under date of .Tune 29th he wrote: 'I am 
informed by Maj. Langham, who arrived here 
from below a few days since, that the VVinne- 
bagoes of the Prophet's village on Rock river, 
have united with the Sauks and Foxes. Tiie 
Winnebagoes of the Wfsconsin and Upper Mis- 
sissippi are still peaceable. They are most 
likely waiting to see the first results of the 
movements below, and intend to act afterwards 
according to circumstances. 

"Until within two or three weeks past, very 
few of those Indians have visited this place for 
a length of time, fewer, I am told, than usual 
at this season of the year. Lately a great many 
of them have been here, the most pf whom 
came down the Wisconsin and have gone up 
the Mississippi. A great portion of them are 
old men, women and children. They continue 
to pass by daily. Many rumors are in circula- 
tion as to their present disposition and inten- 
tion; very few of which are, perhaps, entitled 
to implicit belief. 'I hey have served, however, 
to give considerable alarm to many of the in- 
habitants of the prairie, and many of them be- 
gin to think themselves in ilanger. 1 have 
spare<l no pains to ascertain the disposition of 
the ^N'innebagoes here and have found no evi- 
dence of a disposition to hostilities on their 
part, unless their sending so many of their old 
men, women and children up the river and pur- 
chasing powder in larger quantities than usual 
for ordinary hunting, should indicate something 
of the kind. 

"I also learned a few days since that the one- 
eyed Decori had left his village at Prairie La 
Crosse and gone down to the Sauks and Foxes. 
This was accidentally communicated to my in- 
formant by a Winnebago and is probably true. 
Decori was down about two weeks since and 
called to see me on his return home. His de- 
portment was as usual; I saw no change. In 
fact, I have not discovered any change in the 
deportment or appearance of any of them that 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



241 



I have seen. They all appear to be perfectly 
friendly. None of the traders here think they 
have any hostile intentions. 

"Col. Morgan left the fort for Rock Island on 
the morning of the 27th inst., with two compa- 
nies from his post, and two more from Fort 
Winnebago, under Maj. Twiggs. He had pre- 
viously called in all fatigue parties and put his 
whole force under a course of training. Much 
alarm prevails in the mines. The people are 
arming and preparing for their defense. I do 
not consider that there is any immediate dan- 
ger either here or in t'ais vicinity. Much, how- 
ever, will doubtless depend on the result below. 
The Sioux and Menomonees are certainly 
friendly, and against the Sauks and Foxes, 
would willingly unite with the whites if per- 
mitted to do so. I have heard nothing since 
my last of a war party of those Indians against 
tile Chippewas. 

"In February, 18:52, Mr. Burnett was in Ken- 
tucky, when Gen. Street wrote him that 'the 
Menomonees and Sioux are preparing for a re- 
talitory war against the Sauks and Foxes in 
the s])ring. 'I'lie Menomonees have made peace 
with the Chippewas, in order to have no fears 
from that quarter. The two tribes met above 
the mill on the Chippewa and made their peace. 
I have advised the superintendent so as to have 
the earliest interference, if any is intended. 
Tlie Sauks and Foxes, I learn, expect retaliation 
and will be prepared to meet them. If the 
government is not early in stopping them, they 
will certainly go in considerable force, and a 
bloody contest may be expected." 

About the 1st of April Mr. Burnett received 
instructions, while yet in Shelbyville, to "pro- 
coed to the agency at Prairie du Chieti, by way 
of St. Louis, and call on Gen. Clark for the 
funds allotted to the agency for 1832, or such 
portion thereof as he shall determine to forward. 
The receipts will be forwarded to you at St. 
Louis as soon as a conveyance by steamboat 
shall occur." Mr. Burnett reached the agency 
about the 1st of May. At that time the Sauks 



and Foxes under Black Hawk were in hostile 
movements on Rock river, with Gen. Atkinson 
in pursuit. To aid in the defense of the country, 
Gen. Atkinson, from Dixon's ferry. May 26, 
1832, addressed Gen. Street as follows: 

"Sir:— I have to request that you send me at 
this place, with as little delay as possible, as 
many Menomonee and Sioux Indians as can be 
collected, within striking distance of Prairie du 
Chien. I want to employ them in conjunction 
with the troops against the Sauks and Foxes, 
who are now some fifty miles above us in a 
state of war against the whites. I understand 
the Menomonees, to the number of 300 warriors, 
who were with you a few days ago, are anxious 
to take part with us. Do encourage them to do 
so, and promise them rations, blankets, pay, etc. 
I have written to Capt. Loomis to furnish them 
some arms, if they can be spared, and ammuni- 
tion. If there are none at Prairie du Chien, I 
must procure some in this quarter. Col. Ham- 
ilton, who has volunteered his services to lead 
the Indians to this place, will hand you this let- 
ter; and if the Indians can be prevailed on to 
come, will perform the duty. I have to desire 
that Mr. Marsh may be sent with Col. Hamilton 
and the Indians, and an interpreter of the Me- 
nomonee language." In accordance with this 
requirement. Gen. Street gave, on May 30, to 
Mr. Burnett the following instructions: 

"Sir: — You will please proceed with John 
Marsh, who goes express to the nearest 
Sioux village, and render him such aid as may 
be necessary in obtaining as many Indians as 
possible, to come down with you, and proceed 
under the command of Mr. Marsh to join Gen. 
Atkinson. The letter of Gen. Atkinson will be 
your guide in the business. Use every means 
to expedite the object; and hasten your return, 
as much depends upon the expedition." 

The nearest Sioux village was 130 miles up the 
river from the seat of the agency, which had to 
be ascended in canoes, there being no steamer 
then to be had. Yet in six days after receiving 



242 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



llii- order, .Mr. Burnett made the following re- 
port to Gen. Street: 

"Sir: — In obedience to your order of the 
30th ult., I set out immediately from this place, 
in company with Mr. Marsh, in a canoe, with 
eight hands, to visit tlie nearest village of the 
Sioux Indians. From recent indications among 
the Winuebagoes of the upper Mississippi of a 
disposition to engage in hostilities with the 
Sauks and Foxes, Mr. Marsh and myself thought 
best to call at their village on the river La 
Crosse, and invite so many as might be disposed 
to join us on our return, and go witli the Sioux 
and Menomonees to join Gen. Atkinson's army 
on Rock river. We arrived at the Winnebago 
village on the evening of the next day after 
leaving this post, and that night liad a talk 
with the chiefs and braves upon tiie subject. 
Win-o-a-she-kan was opposed to the measure, 
and declined having anything to do with it. He 
said the Sauks had twice, this season, presented 
the red wampum to the Winnebagoes at Port- 
age, and that they had as often washed it white, 
and handed it back to them; that he did not 
like that red thing, he was afraid of it. Waudgh- 
ha-ta-kan took the wampum, and said that he, 
with all the young men of the viUage, would go; 
that they were anxious to engage in the expe- 
dition, and would be ready to accompany us on 
our return. 

" The next day we reached Prairie Aux Ailes 
[Wabasha], and found the Sioux extensively 
anxious and ready to go against the Sauks and 
Foxes. They were intending to make a de- 
scent upon them in a few days, if they had imt 
l)een sent for. They engaged with alaciity in 
their preparations, but we found it necessary to 
wait till Monday morning to give them time. 
We left their village on our return, at 9 o'clock 
in the forenoon, accompanied by the whole ef- 
fective force of the band, and at La Crosse were 
joined by twenty warriors of the Winnebagoes, 
the remainder of their village to follow the 
next day, and reached this place to-day, at 2 
o'clock p. M., with 100 warriors, eighty of whom 



are Sioux, and tucni \, Winnebagoes. I tUiidc, 
from the disp.jsitio?i manifested by the Winue- 
bagoes, that fifty or sixty more of them will be 
here before the expedition leaves the prairie, 
making a force of 130 or 140. The Indians 
with whom I have met appear well effected 
towards the whites, are in tine spirits and seem 
anxious to engage with the Sauks and Foxes. 

" I made the promise authorized to the In- 
dians of subsistence, pay, etc., and told them 
that their families should be supplied with pro- 
visions during their absence from home. The 
most of the families of the warriors have accom- 
panied them thus far to take a supply of pro- 
visions home with them, when the expedition 
shall have left this place. It is due to Mr. 
Marsh to say that he has displayed great zeal 
and energy in effecting the object of our visit, 
and that his exertions had the effect of bring- 
ing out the greatest possible force from the 
bands we have called upon." 

Mr. Burnett greatly desired and strongly 
urged Gen. Street to allow him to accompany 
these Indians and take part in the war. But 
the general thought his services were needed 
at and near the agency, and, therefore, declined 
to comply with the request. 

In the meantime the Sauks and Foxes re- 
treated from the Rock river to the Wisconsin, 
where they were routed, "horse, foot and 
dragoons." The news of this defeat of the In- 
dians soon reached Prairie duChien, and it was 
thought probable that if the Sauks and Foxes 
could get canoes, or even rafts, that they would 
attempt to escape from their pursuers by de- 
scending the Wisconsin river. To prevent this, 
some volunteer troops were stationed on that 
river at the ferry, now Barrett's. But the In- 
dians took across the country towards Bad Ax. 

AN EPISODE OF THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 

As soon as it was ascertained that the hostile 
Indians under lilack Hawk were weTiding their 
way to the Mississippi, after the battle of Wis- 
consin Heights, Joseph M. Street, Indian agent, 
wrote to Thomas P. Burnett, sub-Indian agent, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



243 



with a view to adopt means to intercept the 
savages, the following letter, on the 25th of 
July, 1832 : 

"Sir: — You will proceed up the Mississippi to 
the Winnebagoes, twenty-iive or thirty miles 
above this place, and inform tiiera * * * of 
the crossing of the Sauks to the north side of 
the Wisconsin, and that their chiefs, Carraraana 
and Decori are here, and that I want all of the 
Winnebagoes to come down with you immedi- 
ately ; tell them it is the wish of their chiefs 
also. One object of this is, to get them out of 
the way with their canoes, to prevent their 
crossing the Sauks over the river. Send on 
word, if you can, to the u]iper villages, that the 
Sauks have been defeated, and have crossed the 
Wisconsin. And should the Winnebagoes hesi- 
tate, tell them if they do not come, I will not 
pay the annuity to any who refuse. The time 
is now near and they will lose their money. 
Hasten back as soon as possible." 

The next day, July 26, Mr. Burnett reported: 
"Sir : — In obedience to your order of yesterday, 
I set out from this ])lace in a bark canoe late 
last evening to visit the \V^innebagoes, supposed 
to be encamped twenty-five or thirty miles 
above Praii'ie du C'hicii. This morning before 
day the steamlioat Enter ih-iae, with a military 
command, came by my encampment and took 
myself and crew on board. Before arriving at 
the place where the Indians had been encamped, 
we found tliat they had been gone for several 
days, and had removed some distance above. 

"We tlierefore continued on up a considerable 
distance, j)assing several lodges at different 
])oinls until we came to the princijjal camp, on 
the east side of tiie river, supposed to be sixty 
miles above I'rairie du t'iiien. I communicated 
your message to all the Indians I saw on the 
w ly, who readily promised to ol>ey your iii- 
slriictions. 

"At the principal cam]) I found ^Vasi)ington 
Decori with a considerable part of the tribe 
from the Wisconsin and Kickapoo river. I 
ininicdiately informed them of your request, and 



desired tliem to get ready as soon as possible 
and go to the agency. They manifested entire 
willingness to do so, but said some of their 
party were out hunting, and would be in at 
night, for wliom they wislied to wait, so that 
all might come together. They promised very 
positively, that they would start as soon as the 
hunters shoidd arrive, and would certainly see 
you by the middle of the afternoon tomorrow. 
After some conversation about their starting 
this evening, and their still objecting to do so 
until the hunters came in, Lieut. Abercrombie 
told them that he would wait until sunset for 
them to get ready, and if they did not start by 
that time, he would take all their cauoes and 
bring them down witli tlie steamboat. About 
two hours after this they concluded to start 
and let the hunters come on after them; and 
after seeing all the canoes move off, we started 
on our return, and reached this place at 9 
o'clock this evening. The Indians whom 1 saw 
will be here to-morrow by 12 o'clock. They 
had not heard of the battle on the Wisconsin, 
but appeared to be highly gratified and pleased 
at the news." 

The next day, July 27, Gen. Street ordered 
Mr. Burnett to "proceed with Washington De- 
cori to La Crosse, and such other points as you 
may deem important, and tell liic Winnebagoes 
I wish to see them at the agency. I wish Win- 
neshiek certainly to come. Much must be left 
to your own judgment in the case. The object 
is to get what information you can relative to 
the Sauks and Foxes, and to draw all the Win- 
nebagoes from the Upper Mississi])pi, and with 
them the means of passing the river. If you 
can, cxtt'nd tiie news to the Sioux." 

The following day Mr. Burnett reported to 
Gen. Street: "In obedience to your order of 
yesterday, I went on l)oard the steamer Knler- 
prise last evening, and started for La Crosse. 
We arrived early this morning at the entrance 
of the lower mouth of Black river and found 
the Winnebagoes encamped on the shore. I 
took Wekon Decori, and went on shore immedi- 



244 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ately to see the Indians. I found the one-eyed 
Decori, and the Little Thuiidev at the lodges, 
but found that most of the band had left the 
village sometime since. Winneshiek :ind Wau- 
marnarsar, with about fifteen men and their 
families, had been gone near a month to hunt 
and dry meat about fifty miles up La Crosse and 
Black rivers. The rest of the band were in the 
camp. I told them that you wished to see 
them immediately; that the Americans under 
Gen Dodge had defeated the Sauks and Foxes 
on the Wisconsin, and after killing a groat 
many, had driven them across the rivei-; that 
the defeated Indians were endeavoring to 
make their escape to the 31issi»sippi for the 
purpose of crossing it and regaining their own 
country; and that it was probable they wouM 
attempt to reach that point, that they might 
get the Winnebago canoes to cross in, and that 
they must get away from that place before the 
Sauks and Foxes arrived. 

"They said they would come down immedi- 
ately on the return of the absent party; that 
they were afraid of the Sauks, and did nut wish 
to leave a small part of their band behind, who 
were too few to resist if they would meet them. 
I then told ihem to send two of their best 
young men on horseback to bring in the hunt- 
ing party. They very promptly complied, and 
in a short time the young men were mounted 
and on their way. I charged the express to 
carry to the absent Indians the message I had 
delivered, and to tell Winneshiek especially, 
that his presence was required at the agenc}". 
The chiefs present told me that they thought 
they would all be here certainly in six days, 
and probably sooner. I told them it was of 
great importance to them to come as soon as 
possible, and bring all their canoes on the river; 
that if the Sauks should come to that pointthe}' 
were not strong enough to prevent them from 
taking their canoes (if they did not kill tiu-ni), 
and crossing over the river ; that shouKl they 
effect a passage to the west side of the river, at 
any point above this place, within their couutry, 



they would be suspected of assisting them, and 
if it should be known that they had done so, 
they would lose their annuities and be treated 
as allies of the Sauks and Foxes. They prom- 
ised to start for tliis place on the return of the 
absent party and bring all their canoes with 
thetn. From their apparent anxiety, I think 
they will be here in three or four days at the 
farthest, though they said it might be six. 

"The Sioux chief, L'Ark, who left this place 
on the evening of the 25lli inst., passed Black 
river this morning before our arrival, and will 
reach his people with the news (which he re- 
ceived from here) to-day. Having done all we 
could, we left La Crosse at 10 a. M.,and reached 
tills place at 3 p. m., making ninety miles in 
five hours." 

It was but a few days after this the 2d of August, 
18.32, that Gen. Atkinson over-hauled the broken 
fragments of Black Hawk's army, fatigued, 
hungry and dispirited, and attacked them on the 
bottoms of the Mississippi, a few miles below 
the mouth of Bad Ax river, about forty-five 
miles above Prairie du Chien, and totally de- 
feated and scattered them, as related in a pre- 
vious chapter. Black Hawk was soon after 
taken prisoner by a company of Winnebagoes. 
Mr. Burnett met them soon after the capture, 
to whom Black Hawk gave a piece of red rib- 
bon which was tied to his hair. 

AFTER THE BATTLE OF BAD AX. 
[By John A. Wakefield. 18.33.] 

As soon as the battle was over, all the 
wounded were collected to one place, and, with 
those of our enemy, were examined and their 
wounds dressed ; there was no difference here 
between our men and our enemy. The differ- 
ent surgeons did their best for both. They 
were no longer able to do us any harm, but 
were in our power and begging for mercy, and 
we acted like a civiiizeil )ieople, although it was 
with the worst kind of enemies, and one that 
had done so much mischief and had taken away 
so many of the lives of our fellow citizens. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



245 



We had killed and wounded a great many of 
these wretched wanderers, that have no home 
in the world, but are like the wild beasts, more 
llian man, wandering from forest to forest, and 
not making any improvement in the natural 
mind. All their study is how to proceed in the 
eliuse, or take t;calps in time of war. But, 
although they are a raiseiable race of people, 
anil live a wretched life, they are much fright- 
ened when they see death staring them in the 
face, which was the case at this time. When 
we came upon the squaws and children, they 
raised a scream and cry loud enough to affect 
the stoutest man upon earth. If they liad 
shown themselves they would have come off 
much better, but fear prevented them, and 
in their retreat, trying to hide from us, many 
of them were killed, but contrary to the wish 
of every man, as neither officer nor private 
intended to have spilt the blood of those squaws 
and children. But sucli was their fate ; some 
of them were killed, but imt intentionally by 
any man, as all were mcTi of too much sense of 
honor an<l feeling to have killed any but those 
who were able to harm us. We all well knew 
the squaws and children could do us no harm 
and could not hel[> what the old Black Hawk 
and the other chiefs did. 

The prisoners we took seemed to lament their 
ever having raised arras against the United 
States, and appeared to blame the Black Hawk 
and tl)e Prophet for the miserable condition 
tiiat their tribe was then in, but at the same 
time appeared to rejoice that they were pris- 
oners of war, which jjlainly showed that they 
ha 1 some faith in our humanity and that they 
wiiuld exchange the life they were then living 
for any other. 'I'hey appeared to manifest 
every token of honesty in their examination. 
Thi-y staled tliat Black Hawk had stolen off up 
the river at the commencement of the battle, 
witii s me few of his warriors and a few squaws 
and children. I think the number of warriors 
was Ion, and thirty-five women and children, or, 
in other word.-, four lodges, which is the Indian 



phrase, as they do not know how to count by 
numbers They were examined respecting tlie 
first battle we had with thi-m on the Wisconsin 
and they stated that we killed sixty-eight on 
the field of action, and that twenty-five had died 
since from their wounds, making in all ninety- 
three that we are certain we killed in that 
battle, beside.^ a number more that there is no 
doubt still lingered and died with their wounds. 
Putting together what were killed in the two 
battles, and all the little skiimishes, we must 
have destroyed upwards of 4U0of these unhapjjy 
and miserable beings, which was occasioned, no 
doul)t by the superstitious ideas which were in- 
stilled into their minds by the Prophet. Al- 
though I have already stated that those unhappy 
wanderers make no improvement in the natural 
mind, thej still, by instinct, believe in an over- 
ruling Providence, and are the most credulous 
people upon earth. They pay much atteution 
to their dreams, and if one of their Nation 
dreams mucli, he soon takes the name of 
prophet, as they believe it to be a visitation of 
the Great Spirit. One morning I chanced to 
rise very early, and taking a walk through the 
encaigpment, accidentally wandered to where 
the Indians were encamped. It was just at 
the dawn of day, and they were just beginning 
their morning worship of the Great Spirit. I 
had often heard that these uninformed children 
of the forest believed that there was a God, 
and tried to worship Him, which made me call 
a halt to see if what I had beard respecting this 
unhappy people was true. They commenced 
by three of them standing up witli their faces 
to the east; one of them commenced a kind of 
talk, as though he was talking to some person 
at a distance, at the same time shaking a gourd, 
which from the rattling, I should have taken to 
be full of pebbles or beans. The other two 
stood very still, looking towards tlie east; the 
others were all sitting around in the most perfect 
silence, when the old prophet, priest, or what- 
ever they called him, commenced a kind of 
song, which I believe is the common one sung 



246 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



by the Indians on all occasions. It was as near 
as I could make it out, in the following words: 
"He-aw-aw-he-aw-how-he-aw-hnm," with a great 
many elevations and falls in their tone, and 
beating time with the gourd of pebbles. When 
this song was sung, they commenced a kind of 
prayer, which I thought the most soleinn thing 
I had witnessed. It was a long monotonous 
note, occasionally dropping by a number of 
tones at once, to a low and unearthly murmur. 
When he had done he handed the gourd of peb- 
bles to one of the two that stood by him, who 
went, as near as I could ascertain through the 
same ceremony, still shaking the gourd. When 
he had done he handed it to the third, who 
went through the same motions, and making 
use of the same words that the first two had 
done, which I suppose was a supplication or 
prayer to the Great Spirit to give them plenty 
to eat, and strength to conquer their enemies. 
It is stated by those who are acquainted with 
this race of people, that they are very much 
afraid of offending the Great Spirit. If they 
have bad luck in hunting, they think it is 
caused by their having offended the Great Sjiii'it, 
and they make an atonement, by offering up or 
making sacrifice of something that they set 
much store by, such as burning their tobacco, or 
something else that they dote upon very much, 
but there is nothing in this world that they 
think more of than tobacco, as smoking they 
think is almost as indispensibly necessary as 
eating. 

I must now return to the battle ground with 
my subject. After the battle was all over, and 
the wounded all attended to the prisonei's and 
the wounded of both parties were put on board 
of the seamboat IVfirrior, and taken down to 
Prairie duChien, where the wounded vveie taken 
to the hospital and the prisoners put in contiiie- 
ment. 

The boat returned to us the next morning. 
We are still at the battle ground, or near it; 
whilst we lay there our men were still picking 
up scattering Indians. * They brought in an old 



chief who was wounded. He was very poor 
was between six and seven feet high, what hair 
was on his head was gray, but that was not 
much, as the most of it was shaved off, just 
leaving enough for hand-hold to scalp him by, 
as these supertitious beings think it would be 
a mark of cowardice to cut off this tuft of hair, 
which they call their scalp. These superstitious 
being believe that if they are maimed or dis- 
figured in this world they will appear in the 
same form, which is the reason they scarcely 
ever bury their dead. If he should chance to 
lose his scalp they think that it would show in 
the next world that he had been conquered and 
scalped by an enemy which would go to show 
that he was not a great warrior. 

Gen. Atkinson now thought he had taken 
just retriluition for the blood these Indians had 
spiit on our frontiers, and saw that it would be 
useless to cross the river in pursuit of those 
wretched beings for they were now scattered 
and hid in the swamps, so ttiatit was an impossi- 
ble thing to take many of them. He finally came 
to the conclusion to drop down to Prairie du 
Chien and have a talk with the Winneba- 
goes, for it was now manifest that they had 
been allie.'s to the Sacs and Foxes for the prison- 
ers that we took in this action put ail doubts to 
rest on this score. We had a long time be- 
lieved that they were acting treacherously and 
Gen. Atkinson now thought that it was time to 
l)ring them to an account for their conduct. He 
accordingly on the second day after the bat- 
tle, which was the 4th of Augu'^t, took up the 
line of march for Prairie du Chien, but before 
Gen. Atkinson left the battle ground he provis" 
ioned a number of Sioux and some Winnebagoes 
and sent them in search of Black I'awk to see 
if they could not capture him, and bring him in 
as a prisoner, which the Sioux appeared to be 
anxious to do as the Sacs and they had been at 
variance a long time and they saw tliat there 
was no chance of taking levenge for the many 
injuries the Sacs had dom; them. Gen. 
Atkinson and the infantry went down on the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTr. 



247 



steamboat Warrior Sind reached Prairie du Chien 
tbe same daj' we started. The mounted men, bag- 
gage and all went down by land and reaclie<i 
Prairie du Chien the next day, which was the oth 
of August. On entering the settlement of 
Prairie duChien we witnessed a very novel scene. 
The Monomonoe Indians were rejoicing at the 
defeat of the Sacs and Foxes, and were express- 
ing it by music and dancing. They had ob- 
tained several scalps, amongst which were some 
of the squaws, which they always gave to their 
squaws. They had given their squaws several 
of them and were making music for tliem 
to dance around them. It was, as near as 
I could observe, in the following way: The 
men all stood in a row with gourds in their 
liandi", shaking them in a very regular order, 
while one old fellow was beating on the head a 
kind of drum, which is generally a deer skin 
stretched over a hollow gum, sawed to the 
length of our drums. They never use but one 
stick and that very slow. The squaws were 
all paraded in front of the men, facing them, 
and the squaws, who were related to those 
whom the Sacs and Foxes killed in 1831, held 
scalps of the Sacs and Foxes squaws, on long 
poles and stood in the center between the two 
lines, shaking them while the other squaws and 
the men danced around them, apparently try- 
ing to keep time with the rattling of the gourds 
and the sound of the drum and all at the same 
time singing the song usually sung by all Na- 
tions of Indians, consisting only of a few simple 
words that I have already repeated; but they 
rise and fall very singularly and always beat 
time to the song with their feet; when the song 
gets to the highest pitch they jump up very 
high and sometimes stamp with their feet. 
They generally bend forward toward each other, 
sometimes with their noses so close as to touch. 
The squaws appeared to exert all the power 
they were master of in shaking the scalps, and 
using their feet at the same time with the drum- 
mer and the gourd shaker, and from tlieir coun- 
tenances they appeared to be perfectly happy. 



Gen. Atkinson, on the second day after we 
arrived at Prairie du Chien, had the principal 
chiefs of the Winncbagoes, and a few of the 
Menomonees, at Gen. Street's, the Indian agent 
at Prairie du Chien, and had a talk with them, 
lie told them that they had given him reason to 
think they were not true to him, as he had 
caught them in many lies, which tiiey tried to 
deny. lie then accused Winneshiek of aiding 
the Sacs, and inquired of him where his two 
sons were. The answer of Winneshiek was, 
that he did not know where they were. Gen. 
Atkinson then asked him if they were not with 
]>lack Hawk. His answer was that one had 
been with him, but he did not know where he 
was then. Gen. Atkinson then ordered him to 
be put in prison until his sons could be pro- 
duced. He then had a talk with the Menomo- 
nees, who had never been at war with the 
United States. They professed all the friend- 
ship in the world for our government; and stated 
that they had never done us any harm, and did 
not tell lies, and that if the)' wanted to do any 
harm now that they would not know how. 'Ihis 
was a little Menomonee chief, whose name I do 
not recollect. Gen. Atkinson talked very friendly 
to him and advised him to pursue the same 
friendly course towards the United States, and 
they would be well treated. Wheil this chief 
was done he made a request of Gen. Atkinson, 
whom he termed father, to give each of his 
young men a pair of shoes, and stated that their 
feet were worn out with walking. He then went 
on to explain that wlien he said shoes he meant 
horses, and stated that his young men had been 
promised a horse apiece, and had not got them. 
Gen. Atkinson promised that they should have 
them, or that he would see to it, I do not recol- 
lect which. On the next day, about 1 1 o'clock, 
Winneshiek's sons were brought in, both badly 
wounded, which went to confirm that he and 
his sons were allies to tlie Sacs and Foxes. 
Tiiey had been wounded in the battle on the 
Mississippi. They were put in confinement 
August 7. 



948 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Gen. Scott and suite arrived this morning in 
tlie steamboat Warrior, and assumed tlio com- 
mand of tlie whole army, to wliich station lie 
haiJ been appointed some time previous, but 
was unable to come on sooner, in consequence 
of cholera breaking out in his army. He came 
past several posts and discharged the men 
wherever he found them. 

Gen. Scott concluded to discharge the army 
(or the mounted vohinteers) that were then in 
the field, and demanded Black Hawk, of Keo- 
kuk, as both men and Iiorses were nearly worn 
out with fatigue. Accordingly, on the 8th day 
of August, we left the tented fields and took up 
our line of march to Dickson's, on Rock river, the 
place appointed for us to be discharged at (or 
mustered out of the service of the United States). 
Ail now were eager to press forward. We had 
turned our faces toward our respective homes, 
and notwithstanding that we, as well as our 
horses, were nearly worn out with the fatiguing 
marclies, through the swamps and over the 
mountains, yet all were cheerful, and every 
heart seemed to leap for joy, at the thought of 
being free from the toils and hardships of a 
soldier, to return again to the embraces of a 
wife and children, or a father and mother, 
brotlieis and sisters, and to mingle, once more, 
in the walks and society of the fair sex, which 
appears to be a sovereign balm to man in all 
his alHictions. 

On this day, just at night, we met about 
300 Menomonee Indians in company of an 
American officer from Green Bay, coming to 
join in puisuit of the Sac and Fox Indians. We 
happened to meet tliem in a pi-airie. The offi- 
cer advanced and met us, or we certainly would 
have tired upon them. When we came np to 
them they appeared almost to lament that they 
had not got in before we had the last battle, in 
order that they could liave had an opportunity 
of assisting us in tlie work of death to our com- 
mon enemy. For they are, as I have already 
stated, great enemies to tlie Menomonee In- 
dians. Wlien they left us they seemed to press 



forward with more vigor, as it was their object 
to pursue the balance of the Sacs and Foxes, 
who had made their escape. 

On the next day we began to reach the set- 
tlements in tlie mining country. This was 
again a solemn scene. The farms had mostly 
been sown in grain of some kind or other. 
Those that were in small grain were full ripe 
for tlie sickle; but behold! the liusl)andnian 
was not there to enjoy the benefits of his 
former labor by thrusting in the scythe and 
sickle and gathering in his grain; whicli was 
fast going to destruction. All appeared to be 
solitary, and truly presented a state of mourn- 
ing. But as we advanced a little further into 
the more thickly settled parts we would occa- 
sionally see the smoke just beginning to make 
its appearance from the tops of the chimneys; 
as some of the inhabitants thought that it would 
be as well to risk dying by the tomahawk and 
scalping knife as to lose their grain and die by 
famine; and others had received information 
that we had. slain in battle their troublesome 
enemy, who had driven them from their homes 
and slain many of their neighbors. Whenever 
we approached a house there is no telling the 
joy it would give to the desolate man who had 
lately emerged from some fort, and had left his 
wife and children still in it while he ventured to 
his home to save something for thein to subsist 
upon. 

I must confess that it filled my heait with 
gratitude and joy to think that I had been in- 
strumental, with many others, in delivering my 
country of those merciless savages, and restor- 
ing those people again to their peaceful homes 
and firesides, there to enjoy in safely the sweets 
of a retired life; for a fort is to a hiisl)an(Inian 
what jail is to a prisoner. The inhabitants of 
this district of country had been shut up in 
forts for the last three months, through fear of 
becoming a prey to Indian barbarity. 

Nothing very interesting occurred on our 
march to Dixons. Lieut. Anderson, of the 
United States army, met us at this point, and 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



249 



by til e 17th of August mustered us all out of 
the service of the United States. We sheathed 
our swords and buried our tomahawks and each 
man again became his own commander and 
shaped his own course towards his home, to enjoy 
the social society of his relatives and friends, in 
the j)ursuit of their different avocations in life. 

CAPTURE OF BLACK HAWK AND THE PROPHET. 

After the battle of Bad Ax, when Black 
Hawk's band was totally defeated, Brevet Brig- 
adier-General H.Atkinson, of the United States 
army, and J<>seph M. Street, agent for the Win- 
nebagoesat Prairie du <'hien, told the principal 
chiefs of that Nation, that if they would bring 
in the Black Hawk and the Prophet, it would 
be well for them, and that the government of 
the United States would hold them in future as 
friends and treat them kindly, and that they 
would not, ty so doing, be considered any longer 
the friends of the hostile Sacs and Foxes. 

On this declaration, the one-eyed chief, called 
the Decori, and Cheater took some of their 
men with them and went in pursuit of these 
Sac chiefs, in order, if possible, to take them 
prisoners and bring them and deliver them up 
til the Indian agent at Prairie du Chien. On 
the '2'i'lh of August, these two Winnebago chiefs 
returned, bringing with them the Black Hawk 
and the Prophet, the principal movers and in- 
stigators fif the war. The interview with them 
at Prairie du Chien, I have been told, was 
a very interesting scene. I will give the reader 
the substance of their talk with Indian Agent 
Street and Col. Zachary Taylor, which will go 
to show how vigilant and with what perse- 
verence these Winnebago chiefs acted to take 
these prisoners. They were upwards of twentj' 
days gone, after they left Prairie du Chien, 
before they returned with them. 

When they arrived, Black Hawk desired to 
speak to Indian Agent Street. The amount of 
what he said was, that he was not the originator 
of the war ; that he was going where he would 
meet Keokuk, and then he would tell the truth ; 
that he would then tell all aboitt this war which 



had caused so much trouble ; that there were 
chiefs and braves of the Nation who were the 
cause of the continuance of the war ; that he 
did not want to hohl any council with him; 
that when he got where Keokuk was he would 
tell the whole of the origin of the difficulties 
an<l of those who committed it ; that he wanted 
to surrender long ago, Imt others refused ; tliat 
he wanted to surrender to the steamboat War- 
rior, and tried to do so until the second fire; 
that he then ran and went up the river and 
never returned to the battle ground; and his 
determination then was to escape if he could; 
that he did not intend to surrender after that, 
but that when the Winnebagoes came upon 
him, he gave up ; and that he would tell all 
about the disturbance when he got to Rock 
Island. 

The one-eyed Decori and the Cheater both 
in like manner addressed Mr. Street, whom 
they term their father; which almost all the 
Indians do their agents. The one-eyed Decori 
rose first and addressed him in the following 
manner : 

"My father, I now .-^tand before you. When 
we parted I told you we would return soon; but 
I could not come any sooner. We had to go a 
great distance [to the dales, dells, on the Wis- 
consin river above the portage] ; you see we 
have done what you sent us to do. These are 
the two you told us to get (pointing to Black 
Hawk and the Prophet). We always do what 
you tell us to do, beeatise we know it is for our 
good. My father, you told us to get these men, 
and it would be the cause of much good to the 
Winnebagoes. We have brought them, but it 
has been very hard for us to do it. That one — 
IMacatamish Kakacky — was a great way off. You 
told us to bring them alive ; we have done so. 
If you had told us to l)ring their heads alone, 
we would have done so ; and it would have 
been less difficult for us to do, than what we 
have done. My father, we deliver these men 
into your hands ; we would not deliver them 
even to our brother, the chief of the warriors, 



250 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



but to you, because we know you and believe 
you are our friend. We want you to keep them 
safe. If tbey arc to be hurt, we do not wish to 
see it ; wait until we are gone before it is done. 
My father, many little birds have been flying 
about our ears of late, and we thought they 
whispered to us that there was evil intended for 
us; but now we ho])e the evil birds will let 
our ears alone. 

"My father, we know you are our friend, 
because you take our part; tiiis is the reason 
we do what you tell us to do. My father, you say 
you love your red children ; we tliink we love 
you as much or more than you love us. My 
father, we have been promised a great deal if 
we would take these men, that it would do much 
good for otir people ; we now hope to see what 
will be done for us. My father, we have come 
in haste, aud are tired and hungry; we now put 
these men in your liands. We have done all 
you told us to do." 

Mr. Street, the agent of the Winnebagoes 
then said: 

"My children ! you have done well. I told 
you to bring these men to me, and you have 
done so. I am pleased at what you have done. 
It will tend to your good; and, for this reason, 
I am well pleased. I assured the great chief of 
the warriors that, if these men were in your 
country, you would And them and bi'ing them 
to me; that I believed you would do what I 
directed you to do. Now I can say much for 
your good. I will go down to Rock Island with 
ihe prisoners; and I wish you who have brought 
these men especially to go with me, and such 
other cliiefs and warriors as you may select. 
My children! the great cliief of the warriois, 
when he left tliis place, directed me to deliver 
these and all other prisoners to the cliief of the 
warriors. Col. Taylor, who is by my side. 

"Some of the Winnebagoes on the south side 
of the Wisconsin river have befriended the 
Sacs, and some of the Indians of my agency 
have given them aid; this was wrong and dis- 
pleased the great chief of the warriors and 



your great father, the President, and was calcu- 
lated to do much harm. My children! your 
great father, the President at Washington, 
has sent a great war chief from the far east — 
Gen. Scott — with a fresh army of soldiers, who 
is now at Rock Island. 

"Your great father has sent liim and the 
governor of Illinois to hold a council with the 
Indians at Rock Island; he has sent a speech to 
you; and he wishes the chiefs and warriors of 
the Winnebagoes to meet him in council on 
the 10th of September next. I wish you to be 
ready to go along with me to Rock Island. 

"My children! I am well pleased that you 
have taken Black Hawk and the Prophet and 
so nianv others, because it will enable me to 
say much for you to the great cliief of the war- 
riors and your great father the President. I 
shall nowdeliver these two men, Black Hawk 
and the Prophet, to the chief of the warriors 
here. Col. Taylor, who will take good care of 
them until we start to Rock Island." 

Col. Taylor then said: 

"The great chief of the warriors told me to 
take the prisoners when you should bring them 
and send tliem to Rock Island to him. I will 
take them and keep them safe, but use them 
well, and will send them by you and Mr. Street 
when you go down to the council, which will 
be in a few days. Your friend, Mr. Street ad- 
vised you to get ready and go down soon, and 
so do. I tell you again, I will take the prisoners 
and kee]>them safe, but will do them no Iinrm. 
I will deliver them to the gieat chief of the 
warriors, and lie will do with them in such 
manner as he may be ordered by your great 
father, the President." 

Cheater, a Winnebago, said to Mr. Street, the 
agent: 

"My father! I am young and don't know how 
to make speeches. This is the second time I 
ever spoke to you before the people. My 
father! I am no chief, I am no oratoi-, but I 
have been allowed to speak to you. My father! 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



L'53 



If I sliall not speak as well as others, still you 
must listen to me. 

"My father! when you made the speech to 
Ihe chiefs, Waut^h-kan-decorri, Carimanee, the 
one-eyed Deeorri, and others, the other day, 1 
was there. I heard you. I thoui^ht what you 
said to them you also said to me. You said if 
these two (pointing to Black Hawk and the 
Prophet) were taken by us and brought to you 
there would never any more a l)lack cloud hang 
over your Winnebagoes. My father! your 
words entered into my ears, into my brain and 
into my heart. I left here that very night, 
and you know you have not seen me since, until 
now. My father! I have been a great way. I 
had much trouble; but when I remembered 
what you said I knew you were right. 'Iliis 
made me keep on and do what you told me. 
Near the dale [dells] on the Wisconsin river 1 
took Black Hawk. No one did it but me. 1 
say this in the ears of all present, and tliey 
know it; and now I appeal to the Great Spiiii. 
our Grand Mother, for the truth of what I say. 
My father! I am no chief, but what I liave doni 
is for the benefit of my own Nation, and I hopt 
for tiie good that has been promised us. My 
father! that one, Waboki-shick, is my relation. 
If he is to be hurt I do not wish to see it. My 
father! soldiers sometimes stick the ends of 
their guns [bayonets] into the back of Indian 
inisoners when they are going about in the 
hands of the guard. I hope this will not be 
done to these men." 

DKATII OF BLACK HAWK. 

Hiack Hawk was sent as a prisoner from 
Prairie du Chien to Jefferson barracks, under 
cliarge of Lieut. Jefferson Davis — then in the 
United States army at Prairie du Chien, and 
thirty years later President of the Confederate 
States. Ulack Hawk was kept a close prisoner 
until April, is.3:{, when he was taken to Wash- 
ington, together with some of his family and 
the Prophet. After an interview with Presi- 
dent Jack.son, and being emphatically told by him 
that the government would compel the red men 



to be at peace, they were sent as prisoners to 
Fortress Monroe, for "levying war," as Davis 
was, thirty-two years later, for the same offense. 
On June -t, 183'1, by order of the President, 
Jilack Hawk and his fellow prisoners were lib- 
erated and sent home, under otlicers appointed 
to conduct them through the principal cities 
of the Union, in order to impress them with a 
proper sense of the power of the whites and of 
the hopelessness of any conflict on the part of the 
Indians with the government of the United 
States. Black Hawk ever after remained quiet, 
lie died Oct. 3, 1S38, and was buried on the 
banks of the Mississippi, in the State of Iowa, 
near the head of the Des Moines rapids, where 
the village of Montrose is located. 

JOHN H. Fonda's narrative. 

The Black Hawk war commenced this year, 
[1832]. Some of Dodge's recruiting officers 
were drumming around here. I met and got 
acquainted with one, named White, and enlisted 
dui'ing the war. A quartermaster was up here 
buying horses. He purchased near 500 head, 
and 1 went with them down to the mouth of 
Rock river, where the ainiy under Atkinson 
was encamped. 

I was under Dodge'.s ci>niman<l of Illinois 
volunteers, and a wilder, more independent set 
of dare-devils I never saw. They had a free- 
and-easy, devil-may-care appearance about them, 
that is never seen in the regulars, and Gen. 
Dodge of all others, was the officer to lead them. 
A number of Sioux, Winnebagoes and some 
Menomonces joined the forces on Rock river. 
I was in the ranks, and my opportunities for 
knowing and seeing the movements of the 
army, from the encampment on Kock river to 
the Four lakes, and to the Wisconsin bluffs, 
were limited. 

Gens. Atkinson, Dodge, Henry and Ale.x- 
ander, lead the different commands. The force 
under Dodge, consisted of 200 or ;iOO men, and 
we jtrocecded to the lakes, through tlie swamps 
towards Black Hawk's camp on Rock river. 
Gen. Dodge was impatient to engage the Ii-- 



16 



254 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



dians, and urged the men on ; but orders came 
for our men to proceed to head quarters, where 
we immediately went. 

From Gen. Atkinson's camp we were marched 
to Fort Winnebago, from where we started in 
pursuit of the Indians, who there held the two 
Hall girls prisoners, and were camped at Rock 
River Rapids. Gen. Henry's and Dodge's men 
reach the Rapids, but the Indians had retreated. 
Information was received that the Indians were 
making westward, and getting on their trail, 
we followed them rapidly for two days ; the 
scouts discovered many Indians on the second 
day about camp near the lake. The pursuit 
was renewed on the day after reaching the 
lakes, where one or more of the Indians was 
killed. Our men led the chase, next after the 
scouts, who were continually firing at the In- 
dians The Indians continued to retreat, until 
they reached the Wisconsin river, where some 
made a stand and showed fight, while the others 
crossed the river. Here we were fired on by 
the Indians, and one man was killed and several 
wounded. We returned their fire with effect, 
and then charged them, killing a good many, 
all of whom were scalped by the wild Sucker 
volunteers. 

Soon after the skirmish on Wisconsin bluffs, 
Gen. Atkinson came up, and the entire army 
crqssed the river at Pine Bend, (Helena), and 
took the trail on the opposite side, and followed 
it seven or eight miles, in the direction of Prai- 
rie du Chien. When it was discovered that the 
Indians were making for the Mississippi, Gen. 
Atkinson sent me ■■ith little Boiseley to carry a 
dispatch to Fort Crawford, that the inhabitants 
might be ready to prevent the Indians crossing 
in any canoes or boats belonging to the citizens. 
Boiseley and I traveled day and night, and ar- 
rived at the fort without seeing an Indim. 
Black Hawk and his people, with the army in 
pursuit, hnd turned northward, intending to 
ford the Kickapoo high up. 

It \^ as on the 1 St day of August when Boise- 
ley and I reached the Sugar Loaf, at the south 



end of the prairie. As we were taking a look 
over the prairie, previous to starting for the fort, 
we saw the smoke and steam of a boat coming up 
the river, just off the mouth of the Wisconsin. 
We hastened on, and reached the fort as the 
steamer Warrior made the government landing. 
I reported myself to Capt. Loomis, and was di- 
rected to go up the river in the boat. I assisted 
to get a six-pounder from the fort on to the 
Warrior, which cannon was managed by five 
other persons and myself, and was the only 
cannon fired .at the Indians — if not the only one 
aboard. 

The steamboat Warrior was commanded by 
Thoekmorton, and Lieut. Kingsbury was aboard 
with a body of regulars. The cannon was placed 
on the forward part of the boat, without a de- 
fense of any kind; and I have the names of the 
five persons who assisted to manage it, for they 
got on at the prairie when I did. 

The boat steamed up stream with all onboard 
anxious to get a pop at the Indians. Just above 
where Lansing is, we picked up a soldier, who 
had been discharged from Fort Snelling, and 
was coming down the river in a canoe. He had 
come down the west channel, on the Minnesota 
side opposite Bad Ax, and, fortunately for him, 
he did not meet the Indians. We came in sight 
of the Indians south of the Bad Ax river; they 
were collected together on a bench of the land 
close to the Mississippi, and were making efforts 
to get their women across. 

Capt. Dickson's scouts had not come up yet, 
and the Indians raised a white flag and endeav- 
ored to induce the boat to approach the eastshore, 
and succeeded in bringing her close enough to 
pour a shower of balls into her. The cannon 
sent a shower of canister amongst the Indians, 
which was repeated three times, each time 
moving a swath clean through them. After 
discharging the gun three times, (there was only 
three charges of canister shot aboard), the Indians 
retreated to the low ground back from the 
shore, where, lying on their bellies, they were 
safe from us, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



A continual firing of small arms was kept up 
between the persons on board tbe boati and the 
Indians ashore, until the fire-«ood gave out, 
when we were obliged to put back to Prairie du 
Chien to wood up — for there were no woodyards 
on the Mississippi as now. The village was 
roused to carry wood aboard, and we soon 
had a sufficient quantity of that article. A 
lot of Menomonee Indians were also taken on, 
and then, under a full head of steam, we put 
back to the scene of the battle. 

Before we rounded the island, and got within 
sight of the battle-ground, we could hear the 
report of musketry, and then it was that I heard 
Thockmorton say: "Dodge is giving them 
h — 11!" And he guessed right, for as we reached 
the scene of action, the wild volunteers under 
Gen. Do Ige were engaged in a fierce conflict 
with the Indinns. The Indians were driven 
down to the river edge; some of them unde: 
shelter of the bank were firing at the volun 
teers, who had command of the b]nfi"s. Tb' 
Suckers and Hoosiers, as wo calle<l them, fougl i 
like perfect tigers, and carried everytliing befo; 
them. 

The troops and Indians on board the Warrim 
kept up a brisk fire on the Indians ashore, who 
fought with a desperation that surpassed every- 
thing I ever saw, during an Indian fight.-and 
T have seen more than one. The Indians were 
between two fires; on the bluffs above them 
were Dickson and his rangers, and Dodge lead- 
ing on his men, wlio needed no urging; while 
we kept steaming back and forth on the river, 
running down those who attempted to cross, and 
shooting at the Indians on shore . 

The soldier we picked up helped to man the 
gun, and during the engagement be was wounded 
in the knee by a rifle ball. The Indians' shots 
would hit the water or patter against the boat, 
but occasionally a rifle ball si'ut with more force, 
«ould whistle through botli sides. Some of the 
Indians, naked to the breech-cloth, slid down 
into the water, where they lai'd. with only tlieir 
mouth and nostrils above the surface; but by 



running the boat closer in to the east shore our 
McMomonees were enabled to make the water 
too hot for them. One after another, they 
jumped nj), and were shot down in attempting 
to gain' cover on the bank above. One warrior, 
more brave than the others, or, perhaps, more 
accustomed to the smell of gun-powder, kept 
his position in the water until the balls fell 
around him like hail, when he also concluded 
to ]}>/gh-a-shee* and commenced to creep up the 
bank. But he never reached the top for Thock- 
morton had his eye upon him, and drawing up 
bis heavy rifle, he sent a ball through the ribs 
of the Indian, who sprang into the air with an 
t((/h/ and fell dead. There was only one per- 
son killed of those who came up on the TTarrior, 
and that was an Indian. The pilot was fired at 
many times, but escaped unharmed, though the 
pilot house was riddled with balls. 

One incident occurred during the battle tliat 
came under my observation, which I must not 
omit to relate. An old Indian brave and his 
five sons, all of whom I had seen on the prairie 
and knew, had taken a stand behind a prostrate 
log, in a little ravine, midway up the bluff; 
from whence they fired on the regulars with 
deadly aim. The old man loaded the guns as 
fast as his sons discharged them, and at each sliot 
a man fell. They knew they could not expect 
quarter, and they sold their lives as dear as pos- 
sible; making the best show of fight, and held 
their ground the firmest of any of the Indians. 
But they could never withstand the men under 
Dodge, for as the volunteers poured over the 
bluff, they each shot a man, and in return, encli 
of the braves were shot down .iiid scaljied by 
the wild volunteers, who out witli their knives, 
and cutting two ]>arallel gashes down their 
backs, would strip the skin from tbe qui\eririg 
flesh, to make razor strops of. In this manner 
I saw the old brave and his five sons lr(at(d, 
and afterward bad a ])iece of ibeir bide. 



* Pugh-<i-8hef — he off—escapr—ip tiuitc n ooiiinion word with 
several of the wcetorn Indian trilies. The Phnwanors usc(' It. 



256 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



After the Indians had been completely routed 
on the east side, we carried Col. Taylor and 
his force across the river, to islands opposite, 
which we raked with grape and round shot. 
Taylor and his men charged through the islands 
to the right and left, but they only took a few 
prisoners; mostly women and children. I landed 
with the troops, and was moving along the 
shore to tlie north, when a little Indian boy, 
with one of his arms shot most off, came out of 
the bushes and made signs for something to eat. 
He seeraed perfectly indifferent to pain, and 
only sensible of hunger, for when I carried the 
little naked fellow aboard, some one gave him 
a piece of hard bread, and he stood and ate it, 
with the wounded arm dangling by the torn 



flesh; and so he remained until the arm was 
taken off. 

Old Wa-ba-shaw, with a band of his warriors 
and Menomonees, were sent in pursuit of those 
of Black Hawk's people who crossed the Mis- 
sissippi, and very few of the Sauk and Fox In- 
dians ever reached their own country. The 
Warrior carried down to the Prairie, after the 
fight, the regular troops, wounded men and 
prisoners; among the latter was an old Sauk 
Indian, who attempted to destroy himself by 
pounding his own head with a rock, much to the 
amusement of the soldiers. 

Soon after Black Hawk was captured, the 
volunteers were discharged, and I received a 
land warrant for my two month's service, set- 
tled down and got married. 




HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



257 



CHAPTER VIII 



UNITED STATES LAND SURVEYS. 



The first surveys by the general government 
of lands in Wisconsin, were made south of the 
Wisconsin river and the Fox river of Green 
bay. The northern boundary line of the State 
of Illinois, fixed April 11, 1618, on the parallel 
of 42 degrees 30 minutes north latitude, became, 
properly enough, the base line of these surveys, 
(as indeed of all the surveys afterwards made by 
the United States in this State). A principal 
north and south line, known as the fourth me- 
ridian, was run at right angles, of course with 
the base line, and extending from it to Lake 
Superior. This meridian line is east of all the 
tirritory in Crawford county. It runs south 
through the center of Richland, and continues 
on to the base line on the east boundary of 
Grant and on the west boundary of Lafayette 
and Iowa counties. It extends north, through 
Vernon county, through the eastern part of 
Monroe, Jackson, Clark and other counties; 
until it strikes Lake Superior a short distance 
to the westward of the mouth of Montreal 
river. 

Parallel lines to the fourth meridan were 
run every six miles, on the east and west sides 
of it. The intervening six miles between 
lines are called ranges. Range 1 east, is the 
first six miles of territory east of the fourth 
meridian ; range 2 east, is the second six miles ; 
and so on, to Lake Michigan. However, on the 
west side of the fourth meridian, the ranges 
ure numbered consecutively westward. Range 
1 west, is the first six miles of territory west of 
that line ; range 2 west, is the second six miles, 
and so on, to the Mississippi river. Therefore 



it is that Crawford county lies in ranges -3, 4, 5, 
6 and 7 west. 

HOW CEAWFOBD CODNTT WAS SUEVEYED. 

Parallel lines north of the base line (the north 
boundary line of the State of llHnois) were run 
every six miles, which crossing the ranges at 
right angles, cut the whole into blocks six miles 
square, called townships. These townships are 
numbered by tiers going north, from the base 
line; the first tier being known as township 
north, the second tier, as township 2 north, and 
so on until the extreme north boundary of the 
State (not covered by water) is reached, which 
is of course the extreme north side of the most 
northern of the Apostle islands, in Bayfield 
county. Now, if we begin at the base line and 
count the tiers of townships until Crawford 
county is reached, we discover that we have 
numbered six of them. 

Looking upon the map of the county, we find 
that the first tier of townships on the south is 
numbered the 6th ; but in this tier, there are 
only three townships, and these fractional 
They are townships 6, in ranges 5, 6 and V west 

The next tier is numbered 7. In this are five 
townships — all fractional, except one. They 
are townships 7, in ranges 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 west. 
The third tier going north is numbered 8. In 
this are five townships — two whole ones and 
three fractional. They are townships 8, in 
ranges 3, 4, 5,6 and 7 west. The fourth tier in 
the county is numbered 9. In this are three 
whole and one fractional township. They are 
townships 9, in ranges 3, 4, 5 and 6 west. The 
fifth tier of townships is numbered 10. In this 



258 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



tier are three whole and two fractional town- 
ships. They are townships 10, in ranges 3, 4, 
5, 6 and 7 west. The sixth tier is cut in twain, 
the south half being in Crawford county, while 
the north half is in Vernon county. The tier 
(as a whole) is numbered 11. In it are four 
half townships, and one fractional half. They 
are (half) townships 1 1, in ranges 3, 4, 5, 6 and 
7 west. 

After the several township lines were run, 
then each township was sub-divided into sec- 
tions and quarter sections, called, in surveying 
language, "sectionized." As a section is a mile 
square, there is, of course, in every whole town- 
ship, thirty-six sections of land. Fur conven- 
ience, these are always numbered as follows: 



6 


5 


4 


3 


2 


1 


^7 


8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


18 


17 


16 


15 


14 


13 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 


24 

1 
1 


30 


29 


28 


27 


26 


25 


31 


32 


33 


34 


35 


36 



In each whole section, there are 640 acres ; 
and, when a section is divided into four parts, 
each quarter section contains 100 acres. It is 
usually in quarter sections that the land of the 
United States is disposed of ; although, if de- 
sired, it will be divided into eighty acre tracts, 
or even forty acres. 

CIVIL TOWNS AND SURVEYED TOWNSHIPS. 

Only two of the civil towns of Crawford 
county contain each a surveyed township — no 
more or less; these are the towns of Haney and 
Scott. The towns of Freeman, Utica, Clayton, 
Seneca, Eastman, Marietta, Wauzeka and Prairie 



du Chien, contain each more lli:ui one Miivuyed 
township; while the town of Bridgeport con- 
tains less than one. 

'J^he town of Haney has, for its territory, 
township !), in range 4 west; while that, of Scott 
has township 9, in range 3 west. All the other 
towns have territory so irregular in their shape, 
that a reference to the map is necessary to un- 
derstand their size and outlines. 

DATES OF SURVEYS AND NOTES OF SURVtVORS. 

From the field notes of the surveyors and the 
government i)lats, many items of interest are 
obtained. These sources furnish the following 
facts: — The townsliip lines in Crawford county 
were run by \V. A. Hurt, Ira B. Brunson,Pizarro 
Cook and John Ryan, in the years 1839, 1?40, 
1841, 1854, 1857 and 1881, mostly in 1839. 

The sectional lines were run by Orson Lyon, 
Iia B. Brunson, Samuel C. Wiltse, A. L. Haren, 
W. Barrows and John Ryan, in the years 1840, 
1843, 1854, 1857,1881 and 1882, mostly in 1840 
and 1843. 

The first surveying was done by Wm. A. 
Burt, who ran nearly nil the township lines in 
Crawford county in the 4th quarter of 1839. 

The last surveying was done by Pizarro 
Cook, who re-surveyed the town of Haney iu 
1881-82. 

Township 6 north, of range 5 west (south- 
western part of Wauzeka) was surveyed by 
Orson Lyon assisted by Truman B. Gorton, 
Samuel Kirkpatrick, chainman, and I. K. Vin- 
derburgh, in the 2d quarter of 1840. 

Township 6 north, of range 6 west (part of 
the town of Bridgeport and a portion of the 
city of Prairie du Chien) was surveyed by 
Orson Lyon, United States deputy surveyor, in 
March, 1840. He was assisted by Trumau B. 
Gorton, Samuel Kirkpatrick, chainman, and I. 
K. Vinderburgh. The surveyor says: "Suiface 
of this townsliip is hilly, rocky and poor second 
rate. Except the river bottom, which is low, 
level, wet, and not fit for cultivation. A\'ell 
timbered with oak, maple, ash and elm. The 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



259 



upland is thinly timbered with white, black and 
burr oak, and some hickory undergrowth." 

Township 7 north, of range 3 west (a fraction 
of section 6 only). Orson Lyon surveyed this 
township in April, 1840. He was assisted by 
T. B. Gorton and S. D. Kirkpatrick. 

Township 7 north, of range 4 west (in Mari- 
etta and Wauzeka) was surveyed by Orson Lyon, 
assisted by T. B. Gorton, S. D. Kirkpatrick, 
chainman, and F. Cox. The surveyor has this 
to say of this township: 

"Tiie surface of this township is hilly and 
well timbered, north and east of the Kickapoo 
river. Timber is oak, lynn, elm and sugar 
tree. The river bottoms of the Wisconsin and 
Kickapoo, are low, swampy and third rate. 

"The u[)land between the river bottom and 
bluff is rolling and good second rate land, with 
some first rate. The land in the hills is rocky, 
and poor second and third rate. 

"West and south of the Kickapoo river the 
land is hilly and thinly timbered with white 
and black oak, with an undergrowth of grape 
vine. 

"The river bottom is level, swampy and third 
rate." 

Township 7 north, of range 5 west (Wau- 
zeka) was surveyed in the •2d quarter of 1840, 
by Orson Lyon, United States deputy surveyor, 
who was assisted by Truman B. Gorton, S. D. 
Kirkpatrick, chainmen, and Isaac K. Vinder- 
burgh. This township, says the surveyor, "is 
hilly and broken, soil third rate and poor sec- 
ond rate, also some little first rate land. Tim- 
bered with black oak, with but little under- 
growth." 

"J^ownship 7 north, of range 6 west (part of 
Bridgeport, and of the city and town of Prairie 
du Chien) was surveyed in the )st quarter of 1840 
by Orson Lyon, assisted by T. B. Gorton, hind 
cliainman; S. D. Kirkpatrick, fore chainman; 
J. B. Cartz, marker. 

In his field notes, Mr Lyon says: "The sur- 
face of this township is hilly, and in many 
l>laces broken and rocky. The soil with few 



exceptions is poor second and third rate lands. 
"The timber is principally white oak, with lit- 
tle undergrowth. 

The hollows are mostly without timber. Soil, 
first rate." 

Township 7 north, of range 7 west (town and 
city of Prairie du Chien, in part) was, some por- 
tions of it, surveyed in March and July, 1857, 
by Ira Brunsou. 

Township 8 north, of range 3 west (part of 
Marietta) was surveyed in the 2d and 3d quar- 
ters of 1840 by Orson Lyon, assisted by T. Cox 
and John Corley. The surveyor says: "Surface 
hilly, soil broken, bushy and might be called 
third rate. 

"The timber is oak, lynn and sugar-tree, ex- 
cei)ting on the river and creek bottom, where 
the timber is elm, ash, maple and oak, with an 
undergrowth of the same." 

Township 8 north, of range 4 west (parts of 
Marietta, Wauzeka and Eastman), was sur- 
veyed in the 3d quarter of 1S40, by Orson Lyon, 
assisted by John Corley and T. Cox. In his 
notes Mr. Lyon states that the surface is hilly, 
soil broken and poor second rate. 

"East of the Kickapoo river, is well timbered 
with lynn, sugar-tree and oak, with an under- 
growth of the same, with prickly-ash, briars 
and grapevines. In that part of the township 
lying west of the Kickapoo river the soil is sec- 
ond rate, liilly and broken, thinly timbered 
with oak." 

Township 8 north, of range 5 west (parts of 
Eastman and Wauzeka) was surveyed by Orson 
Lyon, in the 2d quarter of 1840; he was assisted 
by chainman S. D. Kirkpatrick and marker, I. 
K. Vinderburgh. The notes of the surveyor are 
as follows: "Surface hilly and broken, in many 
places, and might be called poor second rate 
land. Is thinly timbered with white, black and 
burr oak. The creek bottoms are prairie and 
first rate land." 

Township 8 north, of range 6 west (a part of 

Eastman) was surveyed by Orson Lyon, dejmty 

I surveyor, in March and April, 1840, assisted by 



260 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



T. B. Gorton, S. D. Kirkpatrick, chainman,and 
J. B. Chartz, marker. 

Township 8 norfi, of range 1 west (a part of 
Eastman) was surveyed in March and July, 
1857, by Ira B. Brunson. 

Township 9 north, of range 3 west (Scott) was 
surveyed in the 2d quarter of 184 8, by Samuel C. 
Wi'tse, deputy suryeyor. "Majority of this 
township, "says the surveyor, "is composed of 
first and second rate qualities of laud. Whole 
township is heavily timbered, maple and oak 
predominating. Every section contains a capi- 
tal 'sugar orchard' and some of them are cov- 
ered with little else. The streams which are 
all bordered with a dense undergrowth are per- 
manent and full of mountain trout. The water 
is clear, cold and soft, running over pebbly 
bottoms." 

Townsliip 9 north, of range 4 west (Haney) 
was surveyed July 2-11, 1843, by Samuel C. 
Wiltse, deputy surveyor, assisted by J. B. Mc 
FarJin, W. J. Curtiss, chainmen, and E. D. 
Smith, marker. Re-surveyed by Pizarro Cook, 
November and December, 1881. 

Township 9 north, of range 5 west (part of 
Seneca) was surveyed in the 2d quarter of 1843 by 
A. L. Haren, deputy surveyor, assisted by Aust n 
Wilder, C. C. Carter, chainman, and C. Ham- 
ilton, marker. The surveyor says: "Surface 
broken. Timber of an inferior quality, with 
the exception of a few groves on the west side 
of the township." 

Township 9 north, range 6 west (part of Sen- 
eca), was surveyed by A. L. Haren, in the 4th 
quarter of 1843. He was assisted by S. P. 
Folsom, S. N. Lester, chainmen, L. Davis, 
marker. 

TownshiplO north, of range 3 west (aportionof 
Clayton), was surveyed by Samuel C. Wiltse, in 
tlie 3d quarter of 1S43, assisted by J. B. McFar- 
din, W. T. Curtiss, chainmen, and E. D. Smith, 
marker. The surface of this township says Mr. 
Wiltse, "is uneven, the soil shallow. Is valua- 
ble chiefly as a grazing district. Water excel- 
lent and abundant." 



Township 10 north, of range 4 west (parts of 
Utica and Clayton), was surveyed by S. C. 
Wiltse in the 3d quarter of 1843. He was assisted 
J. B. McFardin,W. T. Curtiss, chainmen and E. 
D. Smith, marker. The surveyor says: "Surface 
of this township is hilly, timber and land of 
little value." This township was re-surveyed by 
Pizarro Cook Dec. 7, 1881— Jan. 13, 1882. 

Township 10 north, of range 5 west (parts of 
Utica and Seneca)was_'surveyed in the 3d quarter 
of 1843, by A. L. Haren, assisted by Austin 
Wilder, C. C. Carter, chainmen, C.Hamilton, 
marker. This township is mostly broken, says 
the surveyor, and hilly. The prairie in the south- 
eastern part is rolling first-rate land. The soil 
excepting on the hill sides is a rich sandy loam. 
The hill sides are covered with loose rock and 
flint. Township is exceedingly well watered, 
on the west by streams running into tlie Missis- 
sippi and on the east by streams running into 
ihe Kickapoo. 

Township 10 north, of range 6 wes.t (parts of 
Freeman and Seneca) was surveyed in tlie 4th 
quarter of 1843 by A. ]j. Haren, assisted by L. 
Davis, S. N. Lester and S. P. Folsom. The sur- 
veyor says: "Township is l)roken and hilly and 
is mostly fertile, excepting the steep side iiills 
and bluffs. Upland generally well timbered." 

'i'ownship 11 north, of range 3 west (a part of 
Seni ca) was surveyed in the 3d quarter of 1843, 
hy W. Barrows deputy surveyor, assisted by Ed. 
Fitzpatrick, W. V. Anderson, chainmen, and W. 
P. Easley marker. 

Township 11 north, of range 4 west (parts of 
Clayton and Utica) was surveyed in the 3d 
quarter of 1843, by S. C. Wiltse, assisted by J. 
B. McFardin, W. T. Curtiss, chainmen, E. D. 
Smith, marker. 

Township 11 north, of range 5 west (parts of 
Ulica and Freeman) was surveyed in the 3d 
quarter of 1843, by A. L. Haren, assisted by 
Austin Wilder, C. C. Carter, chainmen, Louis 
Davis, marker. The surveyor says: "Soil most- 
ly rolling, first-rate land or good second-rate 
land. Soil sandy loam." 



i : 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



261 



Township 11 north, of range 6 west (a part 
of Eastman) was surveyed in the 3d quarter of 
1843, by A. L. Haren, deputy surveyor, assisted 
by Austin Wilder, C. C. Carter, chainmen, and 
Louis Davis, marker. "Surface extremely 
broken and hilly." 

Township 1 1 north, of range 7 west (a part of 
Freeman) was surveyed in the 4th quarter of 
1843, by A. L. Haren, deputy surveyor, assisted 
by S. P. Folsom, S. N. Lester, chainmen, Louis 
Davis, marker. 

LAND DISTRICTS. 

The first land offices in Wisconsin were es- 
tablished under an act of Congress approved 
June 26, 1834, creating additional land districts 
in the States of Illinois and Missouri, and in 
the territory north of the State of Illinois. The 
first section provides "thai all that tract lying 
north of the State of Illinois, west of Lake 
Michigan, south and southeast of the Wisconsin 
and Fox rivers, included in the present territory 
of Michigan, xliall be divided by a north and 
south line, drawn from the northern boundary 
of Illinois along the range of the township line 
west of Fort Winnebago to the Wisconsin 
river, and to be called — the one on the west 
side, the Wisconsin land district, and that on 
the east side the Green Bay land district of the 
territory of Michigan, which two districts shall 
embrace the country north of said rivers when 
the Indian title shall be extinguished, and the 
Green Bay district may be divided so as to form 
two districts, when the President shall deem it 
proper;" and by section three of said act, the 
President was authorized to appoint a register 
and receiver for such office, as soon as a suffi- 
cient number of townships are surveyed. 

An act of Congress, approved June 15, 1836, 
divided the Green Bay land district, as estab- 
lished in 1834, "by a line commencing on the 
western boundary of said district, and iiinning 
thence east between townships 10 and 1 1 north, 
to the line between ranges 17 and 18 east, 
thence north between said ranges of townsliips 
to tlic line between townships 12 and 13 north, 



thence east between said townships 12 and 13 
to Lake Michigan; and all the country bounded 
north by the division line here described; south 
by the base line, east by Lake Michigan and 
west by the division line V)etweeii ranges 8 and 
9 east," to be constituted a separate district, 
and known as the "Milwaukee land'district." 
It included the present counties of Racine, 
Kenosha, Rock, Jefferson, Waukesha, Wal- 
worth and Milwaukee and parts of Green, Dane, 
Washington, Ozaukee, Dodge and Columbia. 

An act was approved March 3, 1 847, creating an 
additional land district in the territory. All 
that portion of the public lands lying north and 
west of the following boundaries, formed a dis- 
trict to be kijown as the Chippewa land district: 
Commencing at the Mississippi river on the line 
between townships 22 and 23 north, running 
thence east along said line to the fourth prin- 
cipal meridian, thence north along said meridian 
line to the line dividing townships 29 and 30, 
thence east along such township line to the 
Wisconsin river, thence up the main channel 
of said river to the boundary line between the 
State of Michigan and the territory of Wiscon- 
sin. The Counties now included in this district 
are: Pepin, Clark, Eau Claire. Dunn, Pierce, 
St Croix, Polk, Barron, Burnett, Douglas, Bay- 
field, Ashland, 'I'aylor, Chippewa and parts of 
Buffalo, Trempealeau and Jackson. 

An act of Congress, approved March 2, 1849, 
changed the location of the land office in the 
Chippewa district from the falls of St. Croix to 
Stillwater, in the county of St. Croix, in the 
proposed territory of Minnesota; and by section 
two of the act, ui additional land office and dis- 
trict was created, comprising all the lands in 
Wisconsin not included in the districts of land 
subject to sale at Green Bay, Milwaukee, or 
Mineral Point, wliich was to be known as tlie 
Western land district, and the President was 
authorized to designate the site where the office 
should be located. Willow river, now Hudson, 
was selected. The district was usually known 
as the St. Croix and Chippewa district, and in- 



962 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



eluded St. Croix, La Pointe and parts of Chip- 
pewa and Marathon counties. 

By an act of Congress, approved July 30, 1 852, 
so much of the public lands in Wisconsin as lay 
within a boundary line commencing at the 
southwest corner of township 15 north, of range 
2 east of the fourth principal meridian, thence 
running due east to the southeast corner of 
township 15 north, of range 11 east, of the 
fourth principal meridian, thence north along 
such range line to the north line of the State of 
Wisconsin, thence westwardly along said north 
line to the line between ranges 1 and 2 east of 
fourth principal meridian, thence south to the 
place of beginning, were formed into a new 
district, and known as the Stevens Point land 
district, and a land office located at that place. 
The boundaries enclosed the present counties of 
Juneau, Adams, Marquette, Green Lake, Wau- 
shara, Waupacca, Portage, Wood, Marathon, 
Lincoln and Shawano. 

WISCONSIN LAND DISTRICT. 

It will be remembered that the Wisconsin 
land district, by the organic act of the territory, 
was to be extended north of the Wisconsin 
river "when the Indian title should be extin- 
guished." Now, as that event took place in 
1837, it follows that when what is now Craw- 
ford county was surveyed into townships by 
the United States surveyors, it was in the Wis- 
consin land district, the land office being at 
Mineral Point. It was usually called the "Min- 
eral Point land district." The surveys into sec- 
tions and quarter sections were nearly all madi; 
while in the same district; hence the early set- 
tlers went to Mineral Point to enter their land. 

LA CROSSE LAND DISTRICT. 

An act of Congress, approved March 2, I 849, 
formed the La Crosse laud district, including 
within its limits the following territory : 

"Commencing at a point where the line be- 
tween townships 10 and 11 touches tlie Mis- 
sissippi river, [in the present county of Craw- 
ford,] and running thence due east of the fourth 
principal meridian; thence north to the line be- 



tween townships 14 and 15 north; thence east 
to the southeast corner of township 15 north, or 
range 1 east of the fourth principal meridian ; 
thence north on the range line to the south line 
of township 31 north; thence west on the line 
between townships 30 and 31 to the Chippewa 
river; thence down said river to the junction 
with the Mississippi river, thence down said 
river to the place of beginning." 

This included, though it has since been les- 
sened, so much of Crawford as lies north of the 
line between townships 10 and 11, all of the 
present county of Vernon, likewise that of La 
Crosse, Monroe, BufEalo, Trempealeau, Eau 
Claire, Clark and parts of Juneau and Chippe*a 
counties. 

By act of Congress, approved Feb. 24, 1855, 
an additional district was formed of all that 
portion of the Willow river land district lying 
north of the line dividing townships 40 and 41, 
to be called the Fond du Lac district, the office 
to be located by the President as he might 
from time to time direct. The present counties 
of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and part of Bur- 
nett were included within its boundaries. 

By an act of Congress, approved March 3, 
1857, so much of the districts of land subject to 
sale at La Crosse and Hudson, in the State of 
Wisconsin, contained in the. following bound- 
aries, were constituted a, new district, to be 
known as the Chippewa land district. North 
of the lit.e dividing townships 24 and 25 north; 
south of the line dividing townships 40 and 41 
north; west of the line dividing ranges 1 and 2 
east; and east of the line dividing ranges 11 
and 12 west. The location of the office was to 
be designated by the President as the public 
interest might require. The present counties 
of Chippewa, Taylor, Eau Claire and Clark 
were in this district. 

LA CROSSE LAND OFFICE. 

There are at the present time six land offices 
in the State. They are located at Menasha, 
Falls of St. Croix, Wausau, La Crosse, Bayfield 
and Eau Claire. By the provisions of law, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



263 



when the number of acres of land iu any one 
district is reduced to 100,000 acres, subject to 
])rivate entry, tlie secretary of tlie interior is 
required to discontinue the office, and the lands 
remaining unsold are transferred to the nearest 
land office, to be tliere subject to sale. Under 
this provision, Crawford county is in the La 
Crosse laud office. 

PIZAKRO cook'.s re-survey is ckawfori) county. 

Under an act of Congress, of Feb. 9, 1880, 
for the survey of all that portion of township 9 
north, of range 4 west, lying east of the Kicka- 
poo river in Crawford county, also township 10 
north of the same range, east of that stream, 
Pizarro Cook, county surveyor of Crawford 
county, was employed by the United States to 
do the work, under the direction of the com- 
missioner of the general land office. The town- 
ship lines had been run ; but the land had not 



been "sectionized." However, as it bad origi- 
nally been returned as hnving been run into 
sections, the work of Mr. Cook is called a re- 
survey. He began work Oct. 2'), 18f 1, and fin- 
ished about the middle of January, 1882. Con- 
gress appropriated, by the act already men- 
tioned, the sum of $1,000 for the work. Mr. 
Cook's bill amounted to -$984.18. 

TUE LYON SURVEY. 

When the United Stales surveyors crossed 
the Wisconsin river to enter upon the survey, 
in this region of public lands, they found, upon 
their arrival, within what are now the limits of 
Crawford county, certain tracts that were in 
fact not United States lands and had already 
been surveyed. Of course, these tracts were 
not again surveyed. They were the private 
land claims already treated of very fully in the 
previous chapter, which were surveyed by Mr. 
Lyon, deputy United States surveyor, in 1828. 




264 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IX. 



PRIVATE LAND CLAIMS. 



While it is ti'ue that every man's title to land 
in Crawford county is derived from the United 
States, as in other parts of Wisconsin, yet 
these are not, all of them, thus derived, because 
of purchases fi-om the general government. To 
understand this anomolous state of things, and 
why there are exceptions to the general rule, it 
must be explained that there were residents 
occupying tracts within this county so long 
before the United States had actual possession 
of it, as to entitle them, in strict justice, to be 
considered as the real owners; and, as we shall 
soon see, they were, in many cases, adjudged to 
be the owners — not by purchase from the United 
States, but by. occupation at a certain period. 
In short, these certain individuals, or their 
legal representatives, had their lands confirmed 
to them under certain acts of Congress ; and 
that confirmation started their respective titles 
from the United States as fully and oomjiletely 
as though they had been purchasers of their re- 
spective tracts. 

Mention is made in the ch.apter on the mili- 
tary occupation of the county, of evictions hav- 
ing frequently been made, by the commanders 
of Fort Crawford, of settlers on the "prairie." 
This caused the people to appeal to the Uniled 
States government for protection in the p^sses- 
sion of their property. Congress passed an act 
for their relief, under which the secretary of 
Michigan territory, the register and receiver of 
the Detroit land -office, were commissitmed to 
examine and report upon the matter. Ti e pro 
vision of the Jay treaty of I'TOG, by which the 
inhabitants of Prairie du Chien were received 



into citizenship and guaranteed protection in 
the possession of their lands and other property, 
was made the basis of the settlement, and the 
commissioners were empowered to confirm the 
claims to all farm and village lots that had been 
continuously occupied since the treaty went into 
operation. Isaac Lee was sent from Detroit to 
collect testimony during the summer of 1820. 
In addition to the claims continually occupied 
since 11%%, a number which at that time were 
occupied as a village common, but were subsi- 
quently appropriated by individuals, were re- 
ported favorably. The evicted persons were 
restored to their rights. This settlement was 
co^ifirmed by Congress, and the people of the 
Prairie who had hitherto been compelled to 
rest content witn mere occupation, were guaran- 
teed a reliable title. Some effort was n'ade by 
United States officers to interrupt the confirma- 
tion in a few instances by representing that 
claimanls had taken up arms for Great Britain 
(luring the War of 1812, and thereby incurred 
the penalty of treason. Delay was thus occa- 
sioned in some instances, but the government 
wisely concluded to overlook the offense, in- 
asmuch as they had been made citizens without 
their own volition, and had been drawn into the 
hostile attitude without choice of their own, 
through the peculiar circumstances of their 
situation, and all the claims were eventually 
settled without discrimination upon that poitit. 
The village of Prairie du Cliien also entered a 
claim to an additional tract extending to the 
Kickapoo river, based on the .Sinclair [uirchase 
and a subsequent ratification by the Fox In- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



266 



dians at Caliokia , but the United States refused 
to recognize tlie validity of the purcliase hy 
Sinclair, as the territory was beyond the juris- 
diction of the British crown at the time, and 
denied this additional claim. 

"At the session of Congress of 1819-20," 
says Mr. Lockwood, "an act was passed to take 
testimony relative to the private land claims at 
Sault St. Marys, Mackinaw, Green Bay and 
Prairie du Chien, that were reserved to subjects 
of the British government under Jay's treaty; 
and in the fall of 1820, commissioners were 
dispatched to the different places to take testi- 
mony. A Mr. -Lee came to Prairie du Chien. 
The most of those claims at Prairie du Chien 
were found to come under Jay's treaty, but 
there were several that wanted a year or more 
of coming under it. These facts being reported 
to Congress, they at a subsequent session passed 
an act giving to every settler who was in pos- 
session of land at the date of the declaration of 
war in 1812 against Great Britain, and who had 
continued to submit to the laws of the United 
States, the lands he claimed. 

"It is a matter of history, that the British 
took Mackinaw and subjected its dependences 
to their government, including all the afore- 
named places, and the most part of these claim- 
ants were ignorant Canadians and supposed 
themselves British subjects, not aware that if 
they did not within a year choose, as stipulated 
in the treaty, to continue Hritish subjects, they 
became American citizens; and when the Brit- 
ish government took military possession of the 
country during the War of 1812-15, the mili- 
tary officers in command considered them as 
British subjects, and ordered them to do mili- 
tary duty as militia. Tliey were a comjuered 
people, and feeling that they owed no allegiance 
to the United States, took up arms in obedience 
to the orders of the British oflicers. There were 
some among them intelligent enough to know 
their position, but had they claimed to be 
American citizens and refused to take up arms, 



surrounded as they were by hostile Indians, 
they would not have been safe; especially as 
the British officers did not believe in a British 
subject expatriating himself, and of course 
there was no law of the United States in the 
•onquered country to submit to. Notwith- 
standing all these circumstances being known 
to the officers of the army stationed at Sault 
St. Marys under Maj. Cutler, they got up a 
remonstrance to the government, representing 
these people as traitors; inconsequence of which 
the patents were delayed, to the great annoy- 
ance and sometimes to the great injury of the 
claimants." 

the cosimissioners acts of qtjai.ificatiojt. 

Territory of Michigan, } 
District of Detroit, f 

We, William Woodbridge, Secretary of the 
Territory of Michigan, Peter Audrain, Register, 
and Jonathan Kearsley, Receiver of the Land 
Office of the Land District of Detroit, do, and 
each of us doth solemnly swear, that we will 
impartially exercise and discharge the duties 
imposed upon us by an act of Congress, entitled 
"An act regulating the grants of land in the 
Territory of Michigan," i)assed the 3d day of 
March, 1807; and also "An act to revive the 
powers of the commissioners for ascertaining 
and deciding on claims to land in the District 
of Detroit, and for settling the claims to land at 
Green B.ay and Prairie des Chiens, in the Terri- 
tory of Michigan," passed the 11th day of May, 
1820. So help us God. 

William Woodbridge, 
Peter Audrain, 
J. Kearsley. 

Territory of Michigan, ] 

County of Wayne. \ *''"*'^= 

Personally appeared before me, John McDon- 
ell, one of the Associate Justices of the Court 
of the county of Wayne, and Territory afore- 
said, William Woodbridge, Peter Audrain, and 
Jonathan Kearsley, Esquires, wlio took and 
subscribed the foregoing oath in my presence. 



'/66 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Given under my hand, at the city of Detroit, 
the 8th of August, 1820. 

John McDonell, 
Associate Justice of the Court of the 
County of Wayne, Territory of Mich. 

Territory of Michigan, ) ^ 

T\ T-w ■ to-wit: 

District of Detroit ) 

I, Henry B. Brevoort, Register of the Land 
Office for the District of Detroit, do solemnly 
swear that I will impartially exercise and dis- 
charge the duties imposed on me by an act of 
Congress entitled "An act regulating the grants 
of land in tlie Territory of Michigan," passed 
on the 3d day of March, 1807; and also "An act 
to revive the powers of the commissioners for 
ascertaining and deciding on claims to land in 
the District of Detroit, and for settling the 
claims to land at Green Bay and Prairie des 
Chiens, in the Territory of Michigan," passed 
the 1 1th day of May, 1820. So help me God. 
Henry B. Beevooet, 

Register. 
Territory of Michigan, ) 
Land District of Detroit. [ 

Personally appeared before me, this 14th day 
of May, A. D. 1821 [1820] the above-named 
Henry B. Brevoort, Esquire, Register of the 
Land District of Detroit, who took and sub- 
scribed the above written affidavit in my pres- 
ence. 

Given under my hand the day and year above 
written. 

George McDocgali,, 

Justice of the Peace, 
County of Wayne, M. T. 

INSTRUCTIONS TO ISAAC LEE, AGENT. 

The following are the instructions to the Agent 
appointed to receive claims and take evidence 
concerning land claims at Green Bay and Prai- 
rie des Chiens. 
Territory of Michigan, } 
Land District of Detroit, \ 

August 8th, 1821 [1820.] 

Sir: — You are hereby notified of your appoint- 
ment (with the approbation of the Secretary of 
the Treasury), and in copformity with the pro- 



visions of the act entitled "An act to revive the 
powers of the Commissioners for ascertaining 
and deciding on claims to land in the District of 
Detroit, and for settling the claims to land at 
Green Bay and Prairie des Chiens, in the Terri- 
tory of Michigan," passed the 11th of May, 1820, 
as agent for the purpose of ascertaining the 
titles and claims to land at the settlements of 
Green Bay and Prairie des Chiens. 

The Secretary of the Treasury has given gen- 
eral directions that you proceed, with as little 
delay as possiblo, taking the various laws which 
relate to your duties as your guide in the exe- 
cution of the trust reposed. 

The evidence of titles and claims which it is 
presumed you will receive, are such as are 
founded upon legal grant made or authorized 
prior to the treaty of Paris (Feb. 10, 176.3), by 
the French government, or subsequent to that 
period and prior to the treaty of peace between 
the LTnited States and Great Britain (Sept. 3, 
1783), or such as may be deducible from some 
act of Congress . 

The whole system heretofore applicable to 
the Land District of Detroit, is presumed to 
have been reinstated in its full extent, except so 
far as controlled by the late law, and made 
specially applicable to the settlements of Green 
Bay and Prairie des Chiens. You will therefore 
not fail to notice that occupancy and possession 
of tracts within either of those settlements, be- 
tween the 1st day of July, 1796, and the 3d day 
of March, 1807, by the present claimants, or 
those under whom they may successively make 
claim, are, by the act of the 3d of March, 18Q7, 
recognized as conferring just claims for confirm- 
ation. And you will also see, by reference to 
the 4th section of the act of the 25th of April, 
1808, that so much of the act of March 3d, 1807, 
as limited the claim to one tract, is repealed. 

These references arc given you that your 
records may not be needlessly burdened: it is 
nevertheless believed that you cannot of riglit 
refuse to receive and record any evidence of 
title, of whatsoever nature that maybe offered, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



267 



for the law clearly contemplates that the power 
of rejecting, as well as confirming all claims, 
resides in the first instance, in the commission- 
ers, and not in the agent. 

It is presumed to he the intention of the law 
that all the evidence of title and claims shall 
be recorded in the English language ; yet, it is 
recommended in all cases of doubtful or tech- 
nical expressions, that you preserve the original 
expression used ; also, in all cases where it is 
desired by the claimants, that yoi. record also 
true copies of entire documents in their original 
language. After being recorded with every 
proof of authentication which is offered, it is 
considered, that the claimants will be entitled 
to receive again of you their deeds or other 
documents. The originals, it is believed, are not 
required to be brought here, unless by the con- 
sent and desire of the claimants. 

A doubt occurs how far it may be competent 
for you to aihninistcr oaths ; that power is not 
expressly given you by law ; it is there given 
only to those who have the right to examine and 
decide. Such implied ]>ovvers only can be sup- 
posed to have been given you as arc really nec- 
e'ssary to enable you conveniently to receive 
the notices and record the evidences of the 
titles and claims ad<luced. The commissioners 
do not deem it necessary, at this time, to ex- 
press an opinion on that point, as they are ad- 
vised that you will receive commissions as 
justice of the peace for each of the two coun- 
ties of Crawford and IJrown, before your de- 
parture, in virtue of which, under the territo- 
rial laws, you will be qualified to administer all 
necessary oaths ; and take all proper affidavits. 

As it is feared (from the characteristic want 
of caution of the Canadian French, as it regards 
the presentation of their title deeds) that most 
of their claims will be attempted to be supported 
by proving continued possession, this proof 
will, of course, consist principally of affidavits 
tobetakenatthe time of preferring their claims, 
it is specially recommended to you that you 
ntlend whenever practicable, per8on:^lly, to the 



taking of such affidavits ; that you have special 
regard to the prevention of all attempts at de- 
ception ; and that you certify them in both 
your capacities of agent and justice of the 
peace. This form of authentication must re- 
move all doubt as to your competency to ad- 
minister oaths and will be particularly conven- 
ient also, as it will enable you to draw the affi- 
davits in the English language. 

It is not practicable for the commissioners to 
prescribe the period of time which, by your 
notices, you will assign at Green Bay and 
Prairie des Chiens, respectively, for receiving 
the evidences of claims and titles, The law re- 
quires reasonable notice ; what may be deemed 
reasonable notice must depend upon the nt.mlier 
of claimants, and the remoteness of relative 
situations You must judge of it. 

Though the settlementof Green Bay is spoken 
of by Charlevoix as early as 1720, yet it is be- 
lieved the whole number of claimants there 
cannot exceed 150. The settlement of Prairie 
des Chiens is supposed to have been some thirty 
years later, though the number of claimants is 
believed to be considerably gi-ealer ; but in re- 
spect to both, it is said the settlements are 
quite compact. All the traditionary or other 
information which can be procured by you con- 
cerning the origin and history of these settle- 
ments, would be very desirable, and may be of 
much use in the ultimate investigation of their 
land claims. 

It is expected that from the time of your ar- 
rival at Green Bay, and entering upon the du- 
ties devolving upon you, you will keep accurate 
minutes of all your official proceedings. 

William WoonBRiDGK, Sec'y of Mich., 
Peter Aupraix, Register, 
J. Kearsley, Receiver, 

Commissioners. 
To Isaac Lee, Esq., Agent. 

qualikioation of agent. 
Territory of Miciiigax, ) 
Land District of Detroit. ) 

I, Isaac Lee, of the said Territory, having 
been ajjpointed agent for the purpose of ascer- 



268 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



taining the titles and claims to land at the set- 
tlements of Green Bay and Prairie des Chieiis, 
do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and 
impartially discharge the duties imposed upon 
me by tlie act entitled " An act to revive the 
powers of the commissioners for ascertaining 
and deciding on claims to land in the District of 
Detroit, and for settling the claims to land at 
Green Bay and Prairie des Chiens, in the Ter- 
ritory of Michigan," according to the best of 
my ability and understanding. So help me 
God. Isaac Lee. 

Sworn to and subscribed before us, this 8th 
day of August, 1820. 

William WooDimiDGE, Sec'y of Mich., 
Petee Aui'RAiN, Register, 
J. Kearsley, Receiver, 

Commissioners. 

OFFICIAL REPORT OF AGENT. 

To the Commissioners of the Land District 
of Detroit : 

Gentlemex : — On my arrival at Green Bay, 
on the 24th of August, A. D. 1820, I found that 
the principal land claimants were absent. I 
gave personal notice at every house of my ar- 
rival and business, and embraced the first op- 
portunity of a passage to Prairie des Chiens, 
stating to the inhabitants of Green bay that I 
should return and attend to their land claims in 
October. 

On my arrival at Prairie des Chiens, October 
2, [1820]. I gave personal notice at each liouse 
of my arrival and business there, and immedi- 
ately commenced to take testimony, which I 
completed, and took my departure for Green 
Bay, October 24th, at which place I arrived No- 
vember 16th, and found myself obliged to re- 
main there during the winter season. The 
principal part of my report is contained in the 
records already before you. 

As to the traditionary account of the first 
settlement of that country, and the purchase of 
the lands from the natives, I refer you to the 
depositions before you, and [to] a letter from 
Matthew Irwin, Esq., factor at Green Bay, to 



Gov. Cass. I was requested by the inhabitants 
of both Green Bay and Prairie des Chiens, to 
represent to you the situation of those whose 
claims would not come within the present law, 
with a request that you would oflicially repre- 
sent to the general govcnment, their situation, 
and endeavor to procure the passage of a law 
more favorable than the existing law ; as they 
find it difficult to prove a continual occupation 
for twenty-five years. The records before you 
contain an account of every kind of claim that 
came to my knowledge in the country. 
With respect, yours, etc., 

Isaac Lee, Agent. 

FARM LOTS CONFIRMED. 

Theheirs of James Aird .Farm Lot No. 1 

Cliailes Menard, for Mariuuic Labuche 

Menard his wife do 2 

.Joseph Rolette, in behalf of Jean P. 

Rolette do 3 

Jo<c'ph Rolette do 4 

Theheirs of Felix Mercicr do 5 

Jean Fisher Rolette do 6 

Magdeline Gauthier do 7 

Dennis Courtois do 8 

John Simpson do 9 

Joseph Rolette do .10 

Benjamin Cadotte do 11 

Michael Brisbois do 13 

Tlie heirs of Claude Gagnier do 13 

Fiancoif^ Chenneviere do 14 

The heir of James Aird do 15 

Augustus Hebeit do 16 

Jean Baptiste Albert do 17 

The heirsof John Campbell do 20 

Aiitoine Lachapelle, for his wife Pnlise 

Lachapelle do 25 

Andrew Basin do 29 

Pierre Lariviere do 30 

Julian Lariviere do 31 

farm lots not confirmed. 

The heirs of James Aird Farm Lot No. 18 

Joseph Rolette do 19 

Francois Vertefeuille do 21 

Augustus Hebert do 33 

The heirs of Pierre Jaudron do 23 

James McFarlane do 24 

Julian Lariviere do 26 

John Simpson do 27 

Joseph Rolette ,. do 28 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



269 



Jean Marie Quere Farm Lot No. 33 

Chaili's Lapointe do 33 

Pierre Lessani,. .. . do 34 

Stninge Poze [Power?] do 35 

Francois Ijajiointe. Sr do 36 

Francois Lapoinle, Jr.. do 37 

Micliacl Lapuinie do 38 

Pierre Lcssard do 39 

Tliercse Lapoin'e • do 40 

Chirles Liiiioinle d- 41 

Joseph Lcmrie , do 42 

Thomas McNair do 43 

MAIN VII,L.\OE LOTS CONFIRMED . 

Michael Biisbois Village Lot No. 1 

Michricl Britbois do 2 

Nicholas Boilvin do 3 

La Framboise do 4 

Wilfred Owms do 5 

Jenn Bapti>te Coraii do 7 

Jei.n F Rolelie do 8 

Wilfred O A ens do 12 

Nicholas Boilvin do 13 

American Fur Comiiany do 14 

Michael [}' isbois do 1.5 

Francois BiiulheHi' r do 16 

Joseph Uok'l 1 do 17 

The heirs of James iV id do 18 

M.irshal Mann do 19 

Chirlcs Lapointe do 20 

Joseph Rolett do 21 

.MAIN VILLAGE LOTS NOT CONFIRMED. 

Jaines McFarlane Village LotNo. 22 

Antoine Lachapelle do 23 

Fr.mcoisGalorneau do 24 

Joseph Crete .'. do 25 

No chi'mant do 26 

Wilfred Owens do 27 

Oliver Cherrier do 28 

Angusiiis Roe do 29 

Diinoau Ciiupbell o 80 

Pierre Lessartl do 81 

Thomas McNiiir do 32 

Etienne Dyanue do 83 

Josep Rolette do 34 

John W. Johnson do 35 

Theodore Lupin do 36 

Pierr.' Courville do 37 

nrPEU VILLAGE LOTS CONFIRMED. 

Michael Brisbois Village Lot No. 1 

Benjamin Cadotte do 2 

Pierre Charlefou do 3 

F.aucois Verefeuille do 4 

Alexander Duiuonl do 5 



Augustus Ilebert Village Lot No. 6 

Joseph Hi vard do 7 

Andre Bis n do 13 

Strange Poze [or Powers] ■.... do 14 

Francois Provost do 15 

Jciin Marie Quere do 16 

Pierre Lessard do 17 

Francois Lapointe do 18 

Charles Lapointe do 19 

Butolome Mnnplaisir do 20 

rPPEU VILLAGE LOTS NOT CONFIRMED. 

Jean Marie Cardinal Village Lot No. 8 

Michael Perillard do 9 

Pierre Lapointe do 10 

Benjamin Roy do 11 

JohnSimpson do 13 

e.xtinguishment of indian title. 

Territory op Michigan, ) 
(,ouNTY OF Crawford, j 

Be it remembered, that on this day personally 
appeared before mo, I.saac Lee, a justice of the 
peace in and for said county, and agent duly 
appointed to ascerain the title to lands at Green 
Bay and Prairie des Chiens, Denni.s Courtois, of 
stid county, who, after being sworn according 
t ) law, (leposeth and saith that he is fifty-two 
years old; that he has been a resident of Prairie 
des Chiens twenty-ninf years; that, according to 
the best information he has been .able to obtain 
from the tradition of the inhahabitants of 
Prairie des Chiens, the old French fort was burn- 
ed during the second year of the Revolutiona- 
ry War; that he has no knowledge of any bull d- 
ing or fence being erected on the same ground 
since that time, but that the land between the 
said fort and the hills or bluffs was occupied 
before and since the time that de]ionent arrived 
in this country; that Prairie dii Ciiieii has l)een 
formerly ficcupied much in the manner of an 
Indian village, the lands being alternately in 
common, and improved in detached parts as 
each should please, and tliis by the common 
consent of the villagers, since dejionent's arri- 
val in the country; that he (deponent) has been 
uniformly told by the old French inhabitants of 
the prairie, that it was bought and paid for l)y 



11 



2^0 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



the French many years ago; that he has never 
heard any Indian make claim to said lands. 

Dennis Courtois. 

Sworn [to] and subscribed before me, this 21 st 
of October, A. D. 1820. Isaac Lee, 

J. P. C. C. and Agent. 

Teeeitoet of Michigan, [ ,, 
County of Crawford, \ 

Be it remembered, that on this day pei'son- 
ally appeared before me, Isaac Lee, a justice of 
the [)eace in and for said county, and agent duly 
appointed to ascertain the title to lands at Green 
Bay and Prairie des Chiens, Michael Brisbois, of 
said county, who, after being sworn according 
to law, deposeth and saith that he, this depo- 
nent, is sixty years of age; that he has been 
thirty-nine years in this country; that from the 
best information he has been able to obtain, and 
from his own knowledge, Prairie du Chien, ex- 
tending from the mouth of the river Ouiscon- 
sin [Wisconsin] to the upper part of the prairie, 
has been occupied and cultivated in small im- 
provements, in virtue of sundry claims of French 
people, both before and since deponent's arrival 
in the country; that he (deponent) has never 
heard of any Indian claim to said tract, except 
that, about eighteen years ago,the French people 
became somewhat apprehensive as to their title 
which fact being made known to the Indians, 
one of the first chiefs of the Fox Nation, named 
Nanpouis ratified at Cahokia, near St. Louis, 
an ancient sale of said prairie to the French; 
that in the year seventeen hundred and eighty- 
one Gov. Sinclair bought the island of Michilli- 
mackinac, Green Bay and Prairie du Chien; 
that this deponent saw the papers relating to 
said purchase executed and folded up, to be sent 
to Montreal or Quebec; deponent was informed 
on bis first arrival at this place, that it derived 
its name from a large family called Des Cheins, 
who formerly resided here; that the same fami- 
ly, or their descendants, were at the time 
of deponent's arrival, and were called "Des 
Chiens." M. Bbisbois. 



Sworn [to] and subscribed before me, this 2l8t 
day of October, A. D. 1820. Isaac Lee, 

J. P. C. C. and Agent. 
Teeritoet of Michigan, ) 

County of Ceawfoed, j 

Be it remembered, that on this day person- 
ally appeared before me, Isaac Lee, a justice of 
the peace in and for said county, and agent duly 
appointed to ascertain the title to lands at Green 
Bay and Prairie des Chiens, Pierre Li Pointe, of 
said county, who, after being sworn according to 
law, deposeth and saith that he is sevent)' years 
of age; that he has been forty-four years in this 
country, of which period he has resided thirty- 
eight years at Prairie des Chiens; that, in the 
year seventeen hundred and eighty-one, this 
deponent was at Michilimacknac, and acted in 
the ca))acity of interpreter at the treaty held by 
Gov. Sinclair with the Indians, for the pur- 
chase of the islands of Michillimackinae, Green 
B.ay and Prairie des Chiens; that during the time 
deponent has resided at the prairie he has never 
known the Indians to make claim to said tract 
of land as their property; that deponent was pres- 
ent at Prairie des Chiens and saw the goods de- 
livered to the Indians in payment for the said 
prairie, by Bazil Giard, Pierre Antaya and Au- 
gustin Angi,according to the stipidations of the 
treaty with Gov. Sinclair, .above-mentioned. 

Pieeke La Pointe, his X mark. 

Sworn [to] and subscribed before me, this 
2.3d day of October, A. D. 1820. 

Isaac Lee, J. P. C. C. and Agent. 

CLAIM for village COMMON. 

Territory of Michigan, to-wit: 

I, Isaac Lee, agent appointed to receive claims 
to land at the settlements of Green Bay and 
Prairie des Chiens, and to take down and receive 
testimony concerning them, do certify that the 
whole extent of the prairie on which is situated 
the vill.ago of Prairie des Chiens, excepting so 
mucli of it as is fenced, and in the exclusive 
possession of individuals, is claimed by tlie vil- 
lagers and inhabitants of that settlement as a 
common appurtenent to the village, and tha 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



■J71 



many objections were urged against some of the 
claims preferred, lest tliey should ultimately l)e 
foiind to encroach upon that common. 

I further certify that no testimony was ten- 
dered to me to establish the said claim, as all 
the inhabitants I'esiding there felt equal interest 
ill establishing tiie claim, and might not, there- 
fore, be considered competent witnesses; but 
that, as an individual, and in my official capac- 
ity, I made diligent inquiry in relation to this 
matter, especially among the oldest and most 
intellgient of tlie inhabitants; the result of 
« hich was, the most entire conviction in my 
own mind that, in truth, from the earliest 
|)crioils ill the history of this settlement, all 
tiiat part of the said prairie not enclosed and in 
llic exclusive occiip.incy of individuaLs, was, and 
continually his been, anil is used as a common 
appurtenent to said village and settlement, in 
which all the inhabitants are acknowledged to 
iiave an eijual interest. 

I further certify that among the mosta,'ed of 
the inhabitants of the prairie, none could be 
found who could recollect, or who had any 
knowledge of the first establislimcut of the 
French there, nor could any satisfactory account 
be obtained by any traditions among them 
touching this point. The remains of what is 
commonly called the Old French fort are yet 
very distinguishable. Though capacious and 
apparently strong, it was probably calculated 
lor defense against musketry and small arms 
only. None can recollect the time of the erec- 
tion of this frvrt — it was far beyond the memory 
iif the oldest; nor can the time of its erection 
he determined by any evidence to be obtained. 
Some difference of opinion seems to exist there 
as to the question whether it was originally 
built by the French or by the Spanish govern- 
ment. It is evidently very ancient. 

Isaac Lek, Agent. 

CONTEST FOU VILLAGE LOT NO. 14. 

The American Fur Company laid claim to a 
tnict upon the "prairie," which is thus described 
by the agent, Isaac Lee: 



VILLAGE LOT NO. 14 AMERICAN FUR COMPANY: 

Kiitry of land made this tenth day of October, 
one thousand eight liundriMl and twenty, by 
.John .Jacob Astor, Ramsay Crooks and Robert 
Stewart, mei'chants, known by the firm [name] 
of "The American Fur Company,'' which is de- 
sci'ibed ns follows, viz., it being village lot nuni- 
ber fourteen, bounded in front by Water street, 
on the east by the lower marais, on the north 
by lot numbered thirteen, claimed by Nicholas 
Boilvin, on the south by lot number Hfteiii, 
claimed by Michael Brisbois, and is ten rods in 
width and about one hiiiidred and fifty rods in 
depth. 

TESTIMONY. 

Michael P>risbois, being duly sworn deposeth 
and saith that the above described tract or lot 
of land was occupied thirty-one years ago by 
Johu Stork, who sold to Andre Todd, who sold 
to John Campbell, who sold to Lewis Cra« ford, 
who sold to the .^. ichillimackinac Company, \v ho 
sold to the Southwest Company, and is now 
claimed by the American Fur Company, that the 
occupation has been kept up by the aforesaid 
individuals and__companies for the said period 
of thirty-one years, or until it was taken posses- 
sion of by John W. Johnson. 

ANOTHER DEPOSITION CONCERNINC THE SAMK 
TRACT. 

Dennis Courtois being duly sworn deposeth 
and saith that the aforesaid tract of land was 
occupied in'the'year one thousand seven hun- 
dred and ninety-three, by John Stork, who suhl 
said possession to Ainlre Todd, who sold to 
John Campbell, who sold to Lewis Crawford, 
who sold to the Michillimackinac Company, who 
sold to the Southwest Com]iaiiy, and is now 
claimed by the American Fur Company; ami 
that said claim has been occupied by the above 
named individuals and com])anies from ore 
thousand seven' hundred and ninety-three to 

one thousand eight hundred and sixteeen, when 
it was taken possession of by John W. .Johnson. 

PROTEST. 

John W. .lohnson. United Slates' factor at 
Prairie des Chiens, enters, on behalf of the 



272 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



United States, a protest against the granting of 
a final certificate , by tlie commissioners to the 
American Fur Company on their claim to a cer- 
tain lot of land situated in the village of Prai- 
rie des Chiens, numbered by Judge [Isaac] Lee, 
the United States agent, lot No. 14, and bounded 
in front by Water street, in the rear by the 
marais, on the south by a lot claimed by Michael 
Brisbois, said lot being ten rods in front by 
about 150 in depth; and on the behalf of the 
United States, and for the information of the 
said commissioners, he further states that, on 
the 26th day of May, one thousand eight hun- 
dred and sixteen, he, the said Johnson, arrived 
at Prairie des Chiens; and, on the twenty- 
seventh day of said month, entered into an 
agreement with Francois Bouthellier, agent for 
the Southwest Fur Company to rent the build- 
ing belonging to said company and erected on 
said lot, as Indian factor, on behalf of the 
United States; that, on the twenty-first day of 
June following, and shortly after the departure 
of the said Bouthellier from the Prairie, Briga- 
dier General [T. A.] Smith informed the said 
Johnson that he should no longer pay rent to 
the said Southwest Company for the said build- 
ings, as he said he felt authorized in taking pos- 
session of the said buildings for the use of the 
United States; in consequence of which the 
said Jolmson, as factor aforesaid, ceased to pay 
rent from tliat time, and still continues in the 
occupancy of the said buildings as public prop- 
erty; and the said Johnson further states that 
he has since erected other buildings and made 
various repairs and improvements on said lot at 
the expense of the United States and under the 
sanction of the United States Superintendent 
of Indian trade; the items of which said build- 
ings, repairs and improvements, will probably 
amount to about three thousand dollars as will 
appear from the schedule hereto annexed, or as 
will more accurately appear by reference to the 
accounts rendered by said Johnson, in the office 
of the said Superintendent of Indian trade, at 
Georgetown, District of Columbia. 

John W. Johnson, U. S. Factor. 



The following were the documents which ac- 
companied the foregoing protest: 
Article of Agreement betireen John W. John- 
son and F. Houthellier. 

Agreed with Francois Bouthellier to rent the 
houses which he occupies, the property of the 
Southwest Company, from this day until the 
last day of August next, unless he thinks 
proper to leave them before that time, at the 
rate of twenty-seven dollars per month; pro- 
vided, nevertheless, that John W. Johnson, 
United States factor, should refuse to leave the 
said house after giving him fifteen days notice, 
from the thirty-first day of July next, to pay 
the sum of three hundred dollars damages, if he 
refuses to deliver the premises without pro- 
ceeding to law; in case that the said houses 
should be sold at Michillimackinac to be deliv- 
ered before the end of August. 

Made between both parties, duplicate, bona 
fide, at Prairie des Chiens, the twenty-seventh 
day of May, one thousand eight hundred and 

^^^^®®°- John W. Johnson, 

F. Bouthellier. 
Witness: Robert B. Belt. 

DEPOSITION OF JOHN Vf. JOHNSON, ESQ., UNITED 
STATES FACTOR AT PRAIRIE DES CHIENS. 

I, John W. Johnson, U. S. factor, of lawful 
age, do testify and say that, on the twenty-sixth 
day of May, in the year one thousand eight 
hundred and sixteen, I arrived at Prairie des 
Chiens, in the Territory of Michigan, and, on 
the twenty-seventh of said month, entered into 
an agreement with Francois Bouthellier, agent 
for the Southwest Fur Company, to rent the 
buildings belonging to said company at said 
Prairie des Chiens. On the twenty-first day of 
June following. Brigadier General Thomas A. 
Smith called on me shortly after tl'e departure 
of said Bouthellier, and informed me that I 
would no longer pay rent, as he felt himself 
warranted in taking possession of said buildings 
for the United States. I accordingly, from that 
time, stopped paying rent, and have occupied, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



273 



and still continue to occupy said premises as 
public property. I have also erected additional 
buildings, and made various improvements on 
them, at the expense of the United States and 
under the sanction of the Superintendent of 
the Indian trade. 

John W. Johkson, U. S. Factor. 
Sworn [to] and subscribed before me, tliis 
twenty-first day of October, 1820. 

Isaac Lee, J. P. C. C. and agent. 

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM BRIG. GEN. T. A. 
SMITH TO MK. CALUOUN. 

Franklin, M. T., Sept. 2, 1819. 
Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge the 
receipt of your communication of the twenty- 
first of July and the several enclosures. The 
buildings at Prairie des Chiens, for which a 
man by the name of Astor claims rent, was oc- 
cupied by the factor, in conformity with my in- 
structions, while in command of the ninth mili- 
tary department. These instructions were given 
after my having ascertained from the intruders 
at that place that the only claim they had to the 
soil was the permission of the Indians to reside 
there for the purpose? of trade. These persons 
having in violation of the laws taken possession 
of public lands were subject to fine and impris- 
onment. Iwould hai'e destroyed the settlement, 
and delivered the male part of the inhabitants 
to the civil axtkority to be proxecuted far the in- 
trusion, but for the impression that they could be 
made useful in provisioning a post so remote. 
Tlie officer left in command was authorized to 
carry this view of the subject into effect whenever 
he shotdd deem it expedient. * 

Indian Office Georgetown, ) 
Feb. 27, 1823. Ii' 

Sir: Mr. John W. Johnson, the late factoi 
at Prairie du Chien, has informed me that, 
when he established the factory at that place, 
ho rented from one of the settlers a house for 
the accommodation of the factory until he could 



•The Iialic nre the Editors of this History, to the end that 
nttcntiori may tie purtioulftrly callod liy theVimdorto the iin- 
cerUiin ti;nuri- l)y which the people of the country held their 
homeu in 1816. 



put up buildings for the purpose; that in the 
meantime. Gen. Smith having taken the com- 
mand at that place, considered himself author- 
ized by his instructions to dispossess some of 
the settlers, and, among others, the person 
from whom he rented, and put him in possession 
of the property as public property, with direc- 
tions not to pay rent. In consequence of this 
Mr. Johnson proceeded to put up buildings for 
factory, which it appears from the last returns 
are estimated at upwards of 16,000. In 1820, 
the American Fur Company (Mr. Astor) pre- 
sented a claim to the commissioners sitting at 
Detroit for this property. The commissioners 
made a ))artial decision, referring the final de- 
cision to the government. On this decision, 
the American Fur Company brought suit against 
Mr. Johnson for all the back rents, amounting 
to several thousand dollars. Tlie court at De- 
troit has continued the suit, until a final decision 
on the claim is made by competent authority. 

Observing that an act has lately passed for the 
adjustment of the 1 iiid claims in the territory of 
Michigan, I have deemed it proper to make 
this communication, in order that you may give 
such instructions to the persons authorized to 
carry the law into effect as you my think neces- 
sary to protect the interest of the United States 
in this property. I am not advised of the nature 
of the decision of the commissioners at Detroit 
on this particular claim. I called at the land 
office, but was informed that the report of the 
commissioners had been sent to the Senate. It 
is presumed that the i)roperty will be protected 
by the provision in the third section of the late 
act. With very great respect, your most obedi- 
ent servant, George Graham, 

Agent. 
To Hon. Wjlliam H. Crawford, Esq., Secre- 
tary of the Treasury. 

commissioner's REPORT. 

Report concerning land titles at Prairie des 
Chiens, in the county of Crawford and territory 
of Michigan: 



274 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Few illffioiiities have been met with by the 
commissioners in their investiijations of these 
titles; they are not individually intricate. The 
determination of a few principles of general 
applicability has furnished a rule by which they 
have all been decided; for they rest upon long 
continued possession. 

Notwithstanding the high antiquity which 
may be claimed for the settlement of Prairie 
des Chiens, and the very considerable numbers 
of which it has so long consisted, no one perfect 
title, founded upon French or British grant 
legally authenticated, has been succesfuUy 
made out; comparatively but few deeds of 
any sort have been exhibited to us. To 
an American, unacquainted with the astonishing 
carelessness of the Canadians in res])ect to 
■whatsoever concerns their land titles, this fact 
must seem unaccountable. It r.evertheless ac- 
cords with whatever is known in this regard of 
the French population throughout this country. 

It became manifest, therefore, immediately 
after the commissioners were possessed of the 
report of the agent, that whatever claim the 
people of Prairie des Chiens might have for a 
confirmation of their land titles, mu.st be founded 
upon proof of continued possession since 11 9G — 
a basis sutficiently broad to have comprehended 
perhaps all their claims, but for the changes 
which have occurred within a few years among 
them, and the interrruptions and occasional 
evictions from their possessioas consequent 
upon the establishment there, since the late 
war, of bodies of American troops. 

Such interruptions and evictions, though fre- 
quent since the period last referred to, seem 
never, among the French population, to have 
excited a spirit of resistance, but to have been 
submitted to in silence. Since their ancestors 
were cut off by the treaty which gave the 
Canadas to the English, from all intercourse 
with their parent country, the people, both at 
Green Bay and Prairie des Chiens, have been 
left, until within a few years, quite isolated— 
almost without any government but their own. 



And although the present jjopulanon of these 
settlements are natives of the countries which 
they inhabit, and consequent!}' are by birth 
citizens of the United States, yet, until within a 
few years, they had apparently, as little connec- 
tion with its government as their ancestors had 
with that of the British. Ignorance of their 
civil I'ights, carelessness of their land titles, do- 
cility, h.abitual hospitality, cheerful submission 
to the requirements of any government which 
may be set over them, are their universal char- 
acteristics. With those wlio know them, their 
quiet surrender of their fields and houses upon 
the demand of those who come ostensibly clothed 
with authority, would constitute no evidence of 
the illegality of their titles, or of the weakness 
of tlieir claims. 

A few additional remarks, in conclusion, mihgt 
seem sufhcient to satisfy the requisition of the 
law, and to explain adequately the grounds of 
the decisions the commis.sioners have made. A 
circumstance has occurred, however, which 
seems to call for a more detailed exposition of 
their views. After [the] agent [Isaac Lee] had 
returned from Gieen Bay and Prairie des 
Chiens, and wlien it seemed too late to obtain 
rebutting or further testimony, a caveat was 
filed with the commissioners, at the instance of 
the su[ierintendent of Indian trade, by John W. 
Johnson, Esq., Indian factor, against the claim to 
village lot No. 14, preferred by the American 
Fur Company. The principles upon which that 
caveat is founded, and by which it is endeavored 
to be supported, apply with equal force to all 
the other land claims at Prairie des Chiens. 
The objections against the claim^ and the doc- 
uments adduced in its support, consist in this : 
that the settlement at Prairie des Chiens is of 
recent origin ; that its residents have intruded 
upon the public laud in violation of the laws of 
tlie United States, and that, in truth, the Indian 
title to the country in question has not been ex- 
tinguished ; objections which, if sustained in 
one case, must conclude all cases there. Upon 
a critical examination of this matter, so une.x- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



275 



pectedly and so recently presented to them, the 
commissioners have not been able to discover 
anything in the protest of the United States' 
Indian factor, in the documents he has adduced, 
nor in his own fair and candid statement, which 
could sanction a doubt as to the propriety of 
confirming the claim set up by the American 
Fur Company. 

It appears to have been in the spring of leVS, 
that Pierre [Pere] Marquette and Mons. [Louis] 
Joliet took their departure from the French 
establishment at Green bay, on a voyage of 
discovery up the Fox river and down the Ouis- 
consin [Wisconsin), to the Mississippi. This 
channel of communication between the great 
lakes and the Mississippi, from about that 
period, had attracted a considerable portion of 
public attention. The French voyagers con- 
tinued afterwards generally to take that route ; 
their Indian traders most usually did, and it is 
the same channel through which [Jonathan] 
Carver also penetrated into the Mississippi 
country, in 1766. 

Although the commissioners have not, on this 
head, been able in so short a time to procure 
that ample and certain information which is 
desirable, yet it is believed that not very many 
years after its first discovery, in 1673, by the 
French, a permanent establishment was made 
by them at Prairie des Ciiiens. Vestiges of an 
old and strong French fort are still discernable 
there, although it is stated to liave been de- 
stroyed so early as in the first years of the 
Revolutionary War. 

Wjien, in 1805, the late Gen. Pike was on his 
voyage up the Mississippi, lie computed the 
fixed white population of the place, in the ab- 
sence of i\\c traders and those connected with 
them, at 3/0, and the total number of them at 
from 500 to 600. Mr. Schoolcraft, in 1820, es- 
timates the population at 500. No evidence can 
be obtained from the traditionary history of 
the country, that, at any one period, that settle- 
ment has rpceived, by emigration, any sudden 
and large augmentation in the number of its in- 



habitants. It has never been characteristic of 
the French Canadian settlements to increase 
rapidly; and it is considered a fair inference, 
from all that can be learned on the subject, 
that, for a long and an indefinite time, its num- 
bers have been considerable, and increasing 
only at a tardy pace. This consideration is sup- 
posed to be eminently corroborative of the po- 
sition the commissioners have assumed of the 
antiquity of this settlement. 

With what propriety the inhabitants of Prai- 
rie des Chiens, who were born there, and whose 
ancestors have for more than a century resided 
there, may be said to have "taken possession of 
the public lands in violation of the laws;" — 
how they may be said to be "intruders" who, 
and whose ancestors, through so many political 
changes, have, with the assent, expressed or im- 
plied, of each successive sovereignty, continued 
to inhabit the country which gave them birth, 
it is hard to imagine. 

It has been urged against them that their only 
right in the soil which they occupy consists in 
the permissio7i accorded them by the Indians to 
remain there. Surrounded, as that settlement 
always has been, by numerous hordes of fero- 
cious savages, quite well disposed at all times 
to cause their power to be felt, it may perhaps 
be emphatically said (especially since the 
power of the French government here was over- 
thrown) that its inhabitants have occupied 
their lands "by jyermission of the Indians." 
Left with none to defend them, they must have 
accomodated themselves to their humors: it 
has from neassity resulted that they have been 
compelled to submit to their commands and 
however reluctantly to subserve perhaps often 
their vindictive views. But it is not considered 
that anything in their history, in such respects, 
detracts from the force of their present claims. 

The commissioners have not had access to 
any public archives iiy which to ascertain with 
positive certainty, whether either the French or 
English government ever effected a formal ex- 
tinguishment of Indian title at the mouth of 



270 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



tlio ()iiisc')iisiii [Wisconsin]; yet the same obser- 
vation, with tlie same tiulh may be made in re- 
lation to the land now covered by the city of 
Detroit. It is believed that the French govern- 
ment particularly, was not accustomed to hold 
formal treaties for such purposes with the In- 
dians. And when lands have been anciently 
procured from them, either in virtue of the as- 
sumed right of conquest or by purchase, evi- 
dence of such acquisition is rather to be sougiit 
for in the traditionary history of the country, 
or in the casual and scanty relations of travel- 
ers, than among cjllectioiis of Slate papers. 
Tradition does recognize the fact of the e.\- 
tinguishment of the Indian title at Prairie des 
Chiens by the old French government before 
its surrender to the English. And by the same 
species of testimony, more positive because 
more recent, it is established also that in the 
year 1781, Patrick Sinclair, Lieut. Gov., in the 
province of Upper Canada, while the English 
government obtained over this country, made 
a formal purchase from the Indians of the lands 
comprehending the settlement of Prairie des 
Chiens. In Pike's Journal, allusion is made to 
ihe last mentioned purchase. [Pike's Jonrnal, 
Appendix to Part I, Page 47]. The agent 
[Isaac Lee] also took down some testimony con- 
cerning the same facts, which may be found in 
the subjoined abstracts. 

Whatever purchases may thus have been 
made by the French or Jiritish authorities, 
[they] have since been sanctioned by the treaty 
of St. Louis, holden on the 3d of June, 1816 [be- 
tween the United States and that portion of the 
Winnebagoes residing ou the Wisconsin river]; 
and by another treaty(sce acts of the ^d session 
of the 14th Congress pp. 307-309), concluded also 
at St. Loui.s, on the '24111 of August of the same 
year. It is provided (Art. 2) that the United 
Slates relinquish to the tribes with whom that 

treaty was holden a certain tractof country lying 
norlh of a west line from the south bend of 
Lake Michigan, '^exceptiny out of said relin- 
quishment a tract three leagu.'s square at 



the mouth of llio Ouiscon-:in [Wisconsin], in- 
cluding both banks," etc.; thus giving additional 
sanction to the allegation of a previous acqusi- 
tion of the country comprehending the Prairie 
des Chiens settlement. For it will not escape 
observation, upon a reference to the treaty of 
the 3d of November, 1804 (U. S. Laws, Vol. 
1 pp.4'2S),that the last mentioned treaty does not 
contain a cession of the tract thus excepted by 
the United Slates from their relinquishment. 
The real object of the clause alluded to in the 
treaty of the 3d of November, it is apprehended, 
was to enable the United States, in its election, 
to erect a fort on the west bank of the Mis- 
sissippi, where the Indian title had not yet 
been extinguished, and where a more eligible 
site, it was sup])Osed, could be selected. 

If further evidence were necessary on this 
head, it might be found perhaps in the provis- 
ions of the 4th article of the treaty of Green- 
ville. The settlement of Prairie des Chiens 
lies "erts< of the Mississippi: it is ^'irest" from 
Detroit. It was certainly "in the possession of 
the French peoi^h,''' who, or whose children still 
inhabit it. It is believed to be comprehended 
within both tlie words and the spirit of the pro- 
visions of the 3d and 4th articles of that treaty. 

After all, it is not deemed important (except 
so far as it may seem to strengthen the equity 
of the claimants), to establish the proposition 
of an early extinguishment of the Indian title. 
There can be no doubt but that the Indian title 
is now extinguished. It would be hardly ad- 
missable to suppose that the American govern- 
ment have been themselves guilty of an act of 
oppressive usurpation and violence; and yet, it 
cannot otherwise be if the Indian title be not 
extinguished— for they have erected forts and 
established garrisons there [at Prairie des 
Chiens]. It would equally violate every prin- 
ciple of decorum for thg commissioners to sup- 
pose that they had no power, and that the peo- 
ple of Prairie des Chiens had no right in re- 
lation to this matter, when the law of May 11, 
1820, under which they act, expressly extends 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



211' 



to that people all the benefits and all the 
rights which, in virtue of former acts of Con- 
jjress, the people residing within the Detroit 
land district heretofore possessed in relation 
to their land titles; and also imperatively re- 
quires of the commissioners tliat they give effect 
10 that act. 

The act of the 3d of March, 1807, vested in 
those for whose benefit it was passed, a right 
to be confirmed in their claims upon the exhi- 
bition of proof of coniinued possession from 
.luly 1, liOC, to March :j, 1807, inclusive. The 
extension to the people of Green Bay and 
Prairie des Cliiens of the provisions of that act, 
il is presumed, conferred ujjon them upon the 
exhibition of like proof, a like right. Proof of 
this tenor has been adduced by Jo])n .Jacob 
Astor, Ramsey Crooks and Robert Stewart, co- 
partners under the firm [name] of "The Ameri- 
can Fur Comjtany," formerly styled "The 
Southwest Company," as well as by others whose 
claims they have confirmed; and the commis- 
sioners have not felt themselves ju-tified in 
adopting any course of reasoning which would 
frustrate the object of the law from which they 
derive all the power they have possessed. 

A majority of the commissioners have felt 
obliged, nevertheless, to withhold from many 
of the claims tlie sanction of their confirmation; 
not because those claims were less equitable, 
but because the proof adduced of occupancy, 
possession and improvement did not reach far 
enough back; they considered that the posses- 
sion, etc., contemplated by the law, was an in- 
dividual and exclusive possession from July, 
179(i, to March, 1807. The fact in relation to 
the claims not confirmed seems to have hecu 
that the lands so claimed had been immemori- 
ally occupied by the villagers in common, or as 
a common; and that they had not been individu- 
ally and exclusively appropriated until after 
July, 1796. 

As no dissent on the part of the villagers was 
at any time expressed or rather as none was 
jiruved, or attempted to be proved, one of the 



commissioners was willing to deduce from cir- 
cumstances appearing, a presumption of assent, 
equivalent to a formal conveyance. Upon such 
hypothesis, the present claimants combining 
tlieir own exclusive possession with the ante- 
cedent occupancy of the villagers in common, 
under whom they might be considered to claim, 
would be resfjectively entitled, under the law, 
to confirmations; but a majority of the com- 
missioners believing that such construction wa.s 
at least obnoxious to much doubt felt obliged 
reluctantly to reject it, and, without further dif- 
ference of opinion, they all resolved to present 
with these cases to the revising power, their re- 
spectful and most earnest petition in behalf of 
the unsuccessful claimant.?, that their claims 
may be confirmed. Although some of these 
claimants have been in the exclusive occupancy 
of their possessions but for a very short space 
of time, yet their cl.aims are considered not the 
less meritorious; for those who have thus re- 
mained in possession for the shortest period 
would seem to have been removed from their 
former and f)ldcr possessions, because those 
possessions were deemed necessary for the con- 
venience of the troops by whose permission they 
have located themselves on the tracts now 
claimed. * * * 

All of which is respectfully submitted, 

WlL7.[.\M WoODBBIDGK, 

Secretary of Michigan. 
Henry B. Brevoort, 

Register Land Office, Detroit. 
J. Kearslkt, 

Receiver Land Office, Detroit. 

survey of r.ucius i.yos, csited .states deputy 
surveyor, IS2S. 
In the "Field Notes, etc., of the survey of 
private land claims at Prairie du Cliien ; the 
whole made in July and Augu-<t, 1828, by Lu- 
cius Lyon, deputy surveyor," there is a record 
of the survey of the following claims: 

Heirs of James Aird Claim Xo. 1 

Charles Menard do 2 

Joseph Rolette do 3 



278 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Joseph Rolette do 4 

Phelix Mercer [or Mercier] do 5 

Jeau Fisher [Rolette] do 6 

Magdallne Qouthrie FMadeline Gouth- 

ier or Magdaline Gauthier] do 7 

Dennis Courtois do 8 

John Simpson do 9 

Joseph Rolette do 10 

Benjamin Cadotte do 11 

Michael Brisbois do 12 

Heirs of Claude Gagnier do 13 

Francis Chainvent [Francois Gheune- 
viene, or Ghennevie'-e, as written 

by Isaac Lee] do 14 

Heirs of James Aird do 15 

Augustin Hebert [Augustus Hebert, 

as written by Isaac Lee] do 16 

John Baptiste Ouilmette [Jean Bt. Al- 
bert, as written by Isaac Lee] do 17 

Heirs of James Aird* do 18 

Joseph Rolelte* do 19 

Heirs of John Campbell do 20 

Francois Vertefeuille* do 21 

Augustin Heberl* do 22 

Heirs of Pierre Jandron [orJaudron, 
claimed in 1820, by Augustus 

Hebert,]* do 23 

James McFarlane* do 24 

Antoiue Lachapelle do 25 

Julian Lariviere* do 26 

John Simpson* do 27 

Joseph Rolette* do 28 

Andree Bazin [Andrew Basin, as writ- 
ten by Isaac Lee] do 29 

Pierre Lariviere do 30 

Julian L iriviere do 31 

Jean M. Querie [Jean Marie Quere, as 

written by Lee]* do 32 

Charles Lapointe* do 33 

Pierre Lessard* do 84 

Strange Powers [Poze]* do 35 

Francois Lapointe, Sr.* do 36 

Francois Lapoiule, Jr.* do 37 

Michael Lapoiute* do 38 

Pierre Lessard* do 39 

Therese Lapointe* do 40 

Charles Lapointe* do 41 

Joichara L imierre [ Joseph Lemiie as 

written by Lee]f do 42 



•Notconflrmed by the commissioners in 1820.— Eu. 
•Not confirmed, in 1820.— Ed. 



Thomas McNair* do 43 

Heirs of Claude Gagnier*. ... do 70 

SURVEY OF UPPER VILLAGE LOTS. 

Michael Brisbois Lot So. 1 

Francois Vertefeuille do 4 

Alexander Dumont do 5 

Augustin Hebert do 6 

Joseph Rivard do 7 

VILLAGE LOT.S IN ST. FRIOL [fERIOLE]. 

Andrew Bazin Lot No. 13 

Strange Powers do 14 

Fraueois Provost do 15 

Jean M. Querie do 16 

Pierre Lessard do 17 

Francois Lapointe do 18 

Charles Lapointe do 19 

Barth. Monplasir do 20 

MAIN VILLAGE LOTS. 

Nicholas Boilvin Lot No. 13 

American 'Fur Company do 14 

Michael Brisbois do 15 

Francois Bouthellier do 16 

Joseph Roletle do 17 

Heirs of James Aird do 18 

Marshal Mann do 19 

Cliarles Lapointe do 20 

Joseph Rolettle do 21 

Charles Lapointe do 20 

Joseph Rolette do 21 

ITEMS FROM LTON's "fIELD NOTES," 1828. 

[I] 

[Concerning the main village lots numbered 
by the agent, in 1820, from 1 to 12 inclusive, 
Mr. Lyon, the deputy United States surveyor, 
in 1828, says:] 

"The ground where all the Main Village lots 
up to No. I 3 were situated, is now, and has been 
for several, years, occupied for military pur- 
poses. Other lots situated in the lower part of 
the village, were designated by the command- 
ing officer, and taken possession of by the in- 
habitants, in lieu of the lots thus occupied, but 
these lots have not been confirmed." [The 
sufferers by this were Michael Brisbois, Nich- 

♦In 1820, not confirmed. — Ed. 

+Surveyed in 1828, but not marked "confirmed."- Ed. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



279 



olas Boilvin, La Frombois, John Babtiste Coron, 
Joan Fisher Rolette and Wilfred Owens]. 

["] 

"Tlic wlioii' island formed by the sli)iiyli or 
Marias de St Friol [FerioleJ is subject to inun- 
dation. About two months ago the water was 
of sufficient depth for steamboats to ))ass in any 
direction over the island. The fences were 
swept away; the fort, was, for a time, abandoned 
by the troops; and the inliabitants were com- 
pelled to retreat across the slough, on to the 
prairie near the bluffs; retire to the lofts of 
the houses, or live in boats and on rafts." 
[III.] 

"Tlie surveyed village lots are level and ele- 
vated about ten feet above low water. There 
are houses and other btiildings on all of them 
e.xcept No. 16. Several mounds of a character 
already described are also scattered over the 
island." — Field notes of Lucius Lyon, United 
States deputy surveyor, July, 1828. 

[IV.] 
"Marais is the appellation which the French 
apply to designate a marsh, fen, bog or swamp. 
The word is adopted and use<l in the same sense 
by the English on the lakes and Mississippi." 

[V.] 

"From the mean of a series of ten days' ob- 
servation of the meridian altitude of the sun. 
Mars, and one of the fixed stars, the latitude of 
Fort Crawford appears to be -ii deg. .5 min. 
This, I believe, is somewhat less than the obser- 
vation of Prof. Douglas and Maj. Long." 
[VI.] 

"This farm [Farm lot No. 7, confirmed to the 
heirs of James Aird], by the description appears 



to be bounded on the Mississppi; but on account 
of the high water, it now, and has been for sev- 
eral months quite im]iossible to determine 
precisely where the bank of the liver is and the 
line is run direct to the place of beginning. 
The land can be of no value should there be any 
cut off." 

[VIL] 
" There appears to have been a mistake in en- 
tering this claim [Farm lot No. 37, confirmed to 
Francois Lapointe, Jr.] The farm occupied is 
nearly twice the witlth mentioned in the claim." 

[VIIL] 

"This claim [Farm lot No. 42] by the record 
of the commissioners does not appear to have 
been confirmed; but, as there was reason to 
think it had been omitted in the list through 
mistake, the description was inserted and I 
have made a survey accordingly, but have since 
learned that it was not occupied in 1802 [1820] 
nor any time previous, consequently could not 
have been recommended for confirmation by 
tlie commissioners." 

[IX.] 

"I have surveyed this claim [Farm lot No. 4.'i] 
agreeably to the confirmation by the commis- 
sioners, extending from the bluffs toward the 
Mississippi, but have no doubt from the concur- 
rent testimony of tlie owner and every other 
person on tlie jirairie, that it ought to have been 
ill a contrary direction, ii]) the coulee. The 
house and improvements on which the claim is 
founded are there, and it was ex]'ected the 
claim would cover them; but by some mistake, 
or design of the person who was entrusted with 
making out the description, it does not." 



280 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER X 



FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. 



To three Canadians of French descent be- 
longs the honor of being the first settlers in 
what is now Crawford county. Their names 
were Basil Giard, Pierre Antaya and Augustin 
Ange. The year of their arrival on the "Prai- 
rie dos Chiens," was IVftl. Soon after them 
came Michael Brishois Pierre La Pointe took 
up his residence on the Prairie the next year — 
1782. These five men may fairly be considered 
the pioneers par excellence of Crawl'ord county. 
That posterity should desire to know more of 
them than merely their nann's. who can wonderV 

OF THE FIRST FIVE SETTLERS. 

Of Basil Giard there is but little to i-ecord 
He did not figure in public affairs. Tie had a 
Spanish claim of three miles square allowed 
him by the United States, where IMeGregor, 
Iowa, is situated. He was a Canadian trader. 
He died in Prairie du Chien in 1819, at about 
seventy years of age. He left quite a family 
by a Sac woman. Some of his grand-c'iildien 
are yet living in the county. 

Pierre Antaya was, as already mentioned, a 
native of Canada. He was a farmer. I lis wife 
had some Fox Indian blood in her veins. 'J'hcy 
raised a large family, mostly girls. Antaya 
died soon after the peace of 1815, between the 
United States and Great Britain. 

Awgustin Ange first came west as a voyac/eur 
but in time became a trader. Tie finally went 
among the Sioux of tlie Prairie, on the Missouri, 
to trade. He attended the Indian treaty at 
Prairie du Chien, in 1825, but retuined after 
the treaty to his home on the upper Missouri, 



where he subsequently died, and where he left 
a family. 

Michael Rrisbois was born at Maska, below 
Montreal, in 1760. His grandfather emigrated 
from Normandy. His parents were Joseph and 
Marguerite I^risbois. In 1775, Michael was a 
student in a college at Quebec. In 1779 he was 
in Mackinaw. He reached the "Prairie des 
Chiens" in 1781, probably very soon after the 
arrival of Giard, Antaya and Ange. 

About tlie year 1785, Brisbois married a fair 
and handsome Winnebago woman. By this 
marriage he had three cliildren — one was 
a daughter, Angellic ; tlie others were boys, 
Michael and Antoine. On the 8th of August 
1796, he was again married, this time at Mack- 
inaw, to Domitelle Gautier de Verville, gener- 
ally called Madelaine, daughter of Charles Gau- 
tier de Verville. Her mother, wife of De Ver- 
ville, was, before her marriage, Madelaine 
Chevalier. The resiiltof the marriage of Michael 
Brisbois to Domitelle Gautier deVerville, was a 
family of ten children; one of whom — B. W. 
T->risbois — is still a resident of Crawford county. 
The father died, in 18.37 and is buried on the 
bluff overlooking the prairie. 

Pierre LaPointe, as we have seen, came to the 
"Prairie des Chiens" in 1782. He, too, was a 
native of Canada. He was well educated and 
well informed. He was one of the best of 
Indian interpreters, and his services were much 
in quest \iy the traders. In 1817 he was in the 
employ of Joseph Brisbois, at Bad Ax. He 
died three or four j'ears later, a little past sev- 
enty years of age. His wife was a sister of 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



281 



the Sioux chief, Wahashaw. They raised a 
family. La Pointe wa8 a sensible, good man, 
and servicable to the pioneer settleraeiit in 
Crawford county and to the Indians. 

NAMES OF EARLY SETTLERS. 

Of those who followed the five Canadians 
just mentioned, within a few years, and settled 
at the Prairie, there were : Jean Marie Cardinal, 
Claude Gagnier, Antoine Brisbois, Marie Son- 
ligne, Dennis Courtois, Pierre Lariviere, Jean 
Marie Courville, Josei>h Rolette, Patage La- 
pierre, Nicholas Colas, Pierre Lafleur, Francois 
LaRoche, Francois Bellard, John Campbell, 
Jean Marie Caere, Nicholas Boilvin. Antoine 
Sicoer, Fiaiicois Bouthellier, Augustus Mason, 
Joseph Laplante, Francois Lavigne, Peter An- 
tega, Augustin Ilebert, Benjamin Cadotte, 
Francois Vcrlefenille, James Frazier, Pierre 
Jaudron, John Simpson, M. St. Condone, Henry 
Monroe Fisher, Francois Provost, Robert Dixon, 
Joseph Senie, Jose]ih Crele, John Stork, Andre 
Todd, Michael La Bothe, Jean Baptisle Fari- 
bault, Francois Rocker, Jean Baptiste Barthe- 
lette, James Vernier, Cliaries Lapointe, Fran- 
cois Lapointe, and a brother of the two last 
named ; also, one Michael Lapointe. 

Of others who settled at the Prairie before the 
year 1S20, there were Julian Lariviere, Andrew- 
Basin, Strange Powers, (whose name was fre- 
quently written 'Poze,') Bartolome Montplai.sier, 
Josej)h Lemrie, Benjamin Roy, Francis Dease, 
Oliver Ciierrier, Augustin Roe, Duncan Camp- 
bell, Pierre Lessard, Thomas McNair, Etiene 
Dionne, John W. Johnson, 'i'iieodore Lupin, 
Charles Menard, Felix Mercier, Francois Cheu- 
neviene, John Baptiste Albert, Adam Wilraot, 
John T,. Finly, Charles Duquette, La Foinbois, 
John Maptiste Caron, Lewis Crawford, Robert 
B. B(>lt, Alexander Dumont, Joseph Rivard, 
Nicholas Brisbois, Wilfred Owens, Jean F. Ro- 
lette, Marshall .Mann, James McFarJane, An- 
toine LaChapelle, Francois Galorneau, James 
H. Lockwood, Tlu'odore Lupin, Michael Peril- 
lard; M. du Choquette, Peter Barrette, Sr. 



AN tJNSOI.VED PROBLEM. 

'riierc is an unsolved problem concerning ihe 
lirst advent of settlers to the "Prairie des 
Cliiens" — a question which has not been settled. 
In 1781, Patrick Sinclair, lieutenant-governor of 
IT[)per Canada, held a treaty at JIackinaw with 
the Fox Indians, when the "prairie" was pur- 
cliased of that tribe — but for whom, is tiie (jues- 
tion? At that time, the Engiisii government 
had jurisdiction (and exercised it) over this 
whole region. Was tiie purchase on belialf of 
that government, simply to extinguisli the In- 
dian title, so that settlers could have an assur- 
ance of being undistuibed? or, did Sinclair pur- 
chase the "prairie" for himself ? If neither, was 
it bought directly foi- Ijazil Giard, Pierre An- 
taya and Augustin Ange? or, were these latter 
only the agents for other settlers? A satisfac- 
tory answer, liowe\er, at this late date, would 
not be of any ])articular value; as a'l the old 
settlers, finally, after the United Stales came 
into possession of the country, who had titles 
confirmed to them, by the general goveininent, 
had the confiimalion based wholly upon occupa- 
tion. 

WHERE THE FIRST SETTLEMENT WAS MADE. 

It is a maiterof some consequence to know just 
where, on the "prairie," the early settlers were 
located. As to this, there is no uncertainty. 
Their location was made on tiie Mississippi 
sliore, about midway of the prairie, some dis- 
tance above the site of what had formerly been 
an Indian village. Here a slough, which 
they designated the "Marias de St. Feriole," 
runs up from the river, and lieing . generally 
filled with water, separates from tiie princij)al 
prairie a strip of lower ground nearly half a 
mile wide, and something more than a mile in 
length. LTpon this tract, fronting the Missis- 
sippi, and upon the opposite border of the 
slough, these settlers erected their houses in 
separate groups, designated collectively as the 
village of "Prairie des Ciiiens," that upon the 
main land being long distinguished b} the name 
of "St. Feriole." It is said that the ground at 



282 



HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



first occupied temporarily was a little distance 
below; but the locality in question was settled 
upon as early as 1785. These occupants con- 
sisted of traders and voj'agers who engaged nl 
most exclusively ill traffic with the Indians. They 
usually passed the winter months at the Indian 
villages, and during the summer transported 
tlieir collection of furs to Mackinaw, returning 
with their canoes l.iden with goods for tlie next 
season's trade, and a supply of provisions. In 
the winter the village was lialf deserted, while 
in the summer its numbers were swelled not 
only by the return of its own people, but 
also by tradeis from other quarters, and by 
throngs of Indian visitors. 'I'he inliabitants 
placed little or no value upon the soil, except as 
a location for their village, conveniently situ- 
ated for the purposes of their favorite employ- 
ment; yet they found leisure to cultivate small 
portions of the prairie in a rude way, aiul occa- 
sionally a roijageur, wearied with his roving 
life, <n- unable longer to etidure its har(lshi))S, 
settled down and devoted liimself exclusively to 

farming. 

The first location upon the "prairie" beyond 

the environs of the village was made at its 
upper extremity in 1788, by Jean Marie Car- 
dinal, a hunter and trapper, who died not long 
afterward, and Nicholas Colas succeeded to his 
possessions by marrying his widow. She lived 
to old age, and died at the village in 1827. Tra- 
dition ascribes her the distinction of havingbeen 
the first white woman in the settlement. From 
a statement of hers, it is probable that she came 
to the prairie with her husband during the 
course of a great flood in the Mississippi. Pierre 
Antaya made the second location of the de- 
scription in question in 1790; Joseph Crele the 
third, in 1791; and Claude Gagnier the fourth, 
1792 — all upon the upper portion of the prairie. 
Dennis Courtois came to the village in 1791, and 
located upon the prairie two years later. 

NO SETTLEMENT IN CRAWFORD COUNTY BEFORE 

1781. 
So much currency has been given to tradi- 
ditions concerning a very early date at which, 



it is alleged, Prairie du Chien (and therefore, 
Crawford county,) was first settled, that it is 
here necessary to state, in substance, what these 
li'aditions are, and then give them their refuta- 
tion. In this connection, it is proper to con- 
sider the following from the pen of the late 
Alfred Brunson: 

"The first regular settlement at Prairie du 
Cliien, other than traders, as well as I can ascer- 
tain, was commenced by a man of the name of 
Cardinal, who cime to the country as a hunter 
and trapper. \\h ch must have been between 
1720 and 1730. He came from Canada, with 
his wife, who, as far as I can learn, was the first 
white woman upon this prairie. He probalily 
came with the troops who came to Green l?av 
in 1726, and hearing from the traders of the 
rich hunting grounds on the Mississippi, tiied 
his fortune in this direction. On his first visit 
he ascended the river as far as Cannon river, 
just above where Red Wing now stands, but 
preferring this ])oint to any other he saw, took 
up his resilience here, and is said to have made 
the first farm upon Prairie du Chien. 

"His wife, who outlived him, and it is said a 
dozen other men to whom she was married, one 
after the other, died here in 1827, computed 
from the best data that could he obtained, to be 
1.30 years of age. B. W. Brisbois, Esq., who 
was born and raised on this prairie, heard her 
say that when she came to the place first, the 
waters were so high' that they came up from 
the VVisconsin, next to the bluffs where the 
ground is some feet lower than the rest of the 
plain, in their bark canoe. He also heard her 
say that wlien slie first came to this country, the 
buffalo were so thick and in such droves as to 
impede their progress sometimes, when they had 
to wait for them to cross the river before the 
canoe could pass in safety." 

But the writer just quoted, in saying that 
Cardinal "must have come to the country' be- 
tween \1 iO and 1730," bases it wholly iqjon the 
supposed fact that the flood mentioned by Mrs. 
Cardinal was that of 1727, he not knowing that 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



283 



a similar flood occurred in the Mississippi in 
1785. Besides, it is shown elsewhere in this 
history that the "prairie" was visited in IVGG 
and in 1780, and that there were no white set- 
tlers upon it at either of those dates. 

Arthur St. Clair, then governor of the iiortli- 
west territory, made a report of official pro- 
ceedings in Illinois county from March 5, to 
June 11, 1790, in which he says: 

"There is another communication between 
Canada and the Mississippi by the Wisconsin 
river, a little above the mouth of which is Prai- 
rie dii Cliien. At that place there was a con- 
siderable town, while the country was in the 
hands of the French. It has gone to ruin; but 
by that communication the British carry on all 
the trade of the upper part of the Mississippi, 
and at the Prairie du Chien, they assemble 
twice in every year in great numbers, frequently, 
I have been informed, to the amount of 500 or 
600 persons. It would certainly be for the 
National honor that an ostal)lishmeMt that would 
command that communication was made; but 
the great distance, and the difficulties that 
might attend the supporting it, will probably 
prevent it at present." 

St. Clair had only hearsay evidence that there 
was, (in the "praii'le, a considerable town 
while the country was in the hands of the 
French."' And that the report he « as in pos- 
session of as to the \>\nce was entirely unreli- 
able is shown by his ne.xt sentence: "It [Prai- 
rie du Chien] has gone to ruin." 

Much has also been said about early French 
traders having their homes upon the "prairie" 
at a lime long anterior to its actual settlement; 
especially has it been claimed that there was a 
trader located here soon after Joliet's discovery 
in lCTI,of the upper Mississippi. Concerning 
tills trader and Joliet's discovery, Rev. Alfred 
Brunson. in the publication already quoted from 
in this chai)ter, says: 

"The third place visited and settled by white 
men, in what is now Wisconsin, is Prairie du 
Chien. But at what time the first vi.sit or per- 



manent settlement was made, is in the dark, and 
rather uncertain. Marquette^'and Joliet de- 
scended the Wisconsin river into the Missis- 
sippi, June 17, 1673. But as they sailed doirn 
the river, and this prairie lying iihove. the junc- 
tion, and being entirely hid from view at the 
mouth of the Wisconsin by the timber on the 
bottoms. I think it extremely doubtful wiiether 
they ascended the'^Mississippi to this point,'and 
such a landing not being mentioned by them, it 
is not probable that they did so. 

"Furthermore,',^ as this])^, prairie was then 
claimed by the'Sioux, whose villages were^over 
100 miles above, there could have been no In- 
dians_at' the place, unless by accident, to call 
their attention to it. 

"In 1680, seven ..years later, Hennejjin as- 
cended the Mississippi, a prisoner to the Sioux. 
He could hardly have passed this beautiful 
place without noticing and stopping at it; nor 
is it at allprobable that his captors, who were 
the owners of the soil, would have passeil it un- 
noticed. But as he makes no mention of it, it 
is not probable tliafany trader or Indian vil- 
lage occujiied the place at that date. But as he 
was released from captivity the next year, 
1681, through the interposition ofja trader, and 
returned to'Quebec byrthe way of the^AViscon- 
sin river, it is (jrobable that the trader lived at 
Prairie du Chien. Cshould infer, from the cir- 
cumstances, that the trader could not have been 
there when Hennepin ascended the river, or he 
would have procured his release at that time, 
and sent him home. This was jirobably the be- 
ginning of the fur trade at this place, that is in 
1681, which grew to the magnitude in which 
Carver found it it 1 706, eighty-five years after- 
wards. But who this trader was is unknown. 
This is to be regretted, as his name might be 
honored by being attached to some building or 
public work, if it were known. As it is, Hen- 
nepin should not be forgotten, as he probably 
was the first white man, except the trader in 
question, who ever saw this place." 



28-t 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



The trader mentioned by Mr. Brunson is now 
known to have been Duliith, who never resided 
on the "prairie," but who, having heard that 
some white men had been captured, started to 
their rescue from a point many miles north of 
the present location of Prairie du Chien. As is 
shown in another chapter, when Carver visited 
the "Prairie des Chiens" in lYBG, it was simply 
and piiridy an Indian village. Whatever tlien 
there was of the fur trade here in 1766, was with 
Indians who were visited for the purposes of 
trade by the fur trader. 

A very general way of expressing the antiq- 
uity of the settlement upon the "prairie" preva- 
lent to this day is to say that it is as "old as 
Pliiladelphia." This "ball was set in motion" 
by Charles J. Latrobe, an English traveler, who 
was in Prairie du Chien in 1833, where, he say.'*, 
he found but few Indians and these Menomo- 
nees; and then adds: 

"The old French settlement of Prairie du 
Chien, founded the same year as the city of 
Philadelphia, and occupying as much ground as 
the penitentiary of that flourishing place, lies 
on the margin of the river, and consists of a 
fe\v old, grav trading and dwelling house-i with 
nothing either in architecture or position to 
merit further notice. It seems doomed to re- 
main under tlie same spell as others of a like 
origin." 

The report of the commissioners, Nov. 9, 
1821, made to Congress (or to the Secretary of 
the Treasury of the United States), which in 
another chapter is given entire, says, concern- 
ing the early settlement at "Prairie des Chiens:" 

"It has never been characteristic of the 
French Canadian settlements to increase rap- 
idlv; and it is considered a fair inference from 
all that can be learned on the subject that, for 
a long and indefinite time, its numbers have 
been considerable and increasing only at a 
tardy pace. This consideration is supposed to 
be eminently corroborative of tlie position the 
commissioners have assumed, of the antiquity 
of the settlement [of Prairie des Chiens]. 



"With what propriety the inhabitants of 
Prairie des Chiens, who were born there, and 
whose ancestors have for more than a century 
resided there, may be said to have taken pos- 
session of the public lands in violation of the 
laws, how they may be said to be intruders, 
who, and whose ancestors, through so many po- 
litical changes, have, with the assent, express or 
iniplitd, of each successive sovereignty, contin- 
ued to inhabit the country which gave them 
birth, it is hard to imagine." 

This, as already indicated, was written in No- 
vetnber, 1821; and, if the statements contained 
therein are facts, then the first settlement upon 
the "prairie" ante-dates the year 1721. But let 
us examine the sources of their information as 
to the ancestors of the people living at "Prairie 
des Chiens" in 1821, having resided there "for 
more than a century," and see, too, how many 
of those were residents in 1821 "were born 
there." The testimony of every person living 
on the "prairie," of any standing, was taken in 
1820, to aid in establishing the antiquity of the 
settlement there, to the end that their land 
claims might be confirmed. The substance of 
this evidence has l)een published; and we look 
in vain for any statement indicating the resi 
dence here of any one of those testifying, or of 
any of their ancestors, before the year 1781. 
And the only one who gave testimony (and a 
large number were sworn) lending in the least 
to establish a settlement on the "prairie" before 
that date was Michael Brisbois. The following 
is his deposition in full: 
"Tebkitoet of Michigan ( 
County of Crawford. ) 

"Be it remembered that on this day person- 
ally appeared before me, Isaac Lee, a justice 
of the peace in and for said county, and agent 
duly appointed to ascertain the title to lands at 
Green Hay and Prairie des Chiens, Michael 
Bi'isbois, of said county, who, after being sworn 
according to law, deposeth and sailh that he, 
this deponent, is sixty years of age; that he 
has been thirty-nine years in this country; 




\: 



."^^ 






/> 



l?^- 








Mrs. Dousman 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



y87 



that, from the best information lie lias been 
able to obtain, and from bis own knowledge, 
Prairie du Cliien, extending from the mouth of 
the river Wisconsin to the upper part of the 
prairie, has been occupied and cultivated in 
small improvements, in virtue of sundry claims 
of French people, both before and since depo- 
nent's arrival in the country; that he (deponent) 
has never heard of any Indian claim to said 
tract except that about eighteen years ago the 
French people became somewhat apprehensive 
as to their title, which fact being made known 
to the Indians, one of the first chiefs of the 
Fox Nation, named Nanpouis, ratified at Caho- 
kia, near St. Louis, an ancient sale of said prai- 
rie to the French; that, in the year seventeen 
hundred and eighty-one. Gov. Sinclair bought 
the islands of Michillimackinac, Green Bay 
and Prairie du Chien; that this deponent 
saw the papers relating to said purchase exe- 
cuted and folded up, to be sent to Montreal or 
Quebec; deponent was informed on his first arri- 
val at this place, that it derived its name from a 
large family called Des Chiens, who formerly 
resided here; that the same family or their de- 
scendants were here at the time of deponent's 
arrival, and were called 'Des Chiens.' 

"M. Brisbois. 

"Sworn and subscribed before me, this 21st 
day of October, A. D. 1820. 

Isaac Lek, J. P. C. C. and Agent." 

It will be observed that the date of Brisbois' 
arrival "in this country" was 1781; and that the 
"prairie" had been occupied and cultivated in 
small improvements in virtue of sundry claims 
of French people, both before and since" his ar- 
rival; and that the chief of the Fox Nation rati- 
fied an ancient sale of said prairie to the 
French, in 1H02. In order to fully understand 
how these things could all be and yet the first 
settlement of the "prairie" date no farther 
back than 1781, it is necessary to introduce in 
this connection anoth>-r deposition: 



"Territory of Michigan, ) 
County of Crawford, \ 

"Be it remembered, that on this day, person- 
ally appeared before me, Isaac Lee, a justice of 
the peace in and for said county, and agent 
duly appointed to ascertain the title to lands at 
Green Bay and Prairie des Chiens, Pierre La- 
pointe, of said county, who, after being sworn 
according to law, deposeth and saith that he is 
seventy years of age; that he has been forty- 
four years in this country, of which period he 
has resided thirty-eight years at Prairie des 
Chiens; that in the year seventeen hundred- 
and eighty-one, this deponent was at Michilli- 
mackinac, and acted in the capacity of interpret- 
er at the treaty held by Gov. Sinclair 
with the Indians, for the purchase of the is- 
lands of Michillimackinac, Green Bay and Prai- 
rie des Chiens; that, during the time deponent 
has resided at the jirairie he has never known 
the Indians to make claim to said tract of land 
as their property, that deponent was present at 
Prairie des Chiens and saw the goods delivered 
to the Indians in payment for the said prairie 
by Basil Giard, Pierre Antaya, and August! n 
Ange, according to the stipulations of the treaty 
with Gov. Sinclair above mentioned. 

"PiEREE Lapointe, his X mark. 

"Sworn and subscribed before me this 2:5d 
day of October, A. D. 1820. 

"Isaac Lbb, J. P. C. C, and Agent." 

Lapointe, it will be noticed, says nothing 
about Brisbois having been present at the 
"prairie" when the goods were delivered to the 
Indians in payment for it; but he does mention 
who were present. And we know that Messrs. 
Giard, Antaya and Ange, not only come in 
the early part of 1781, but came to remain. The 
probability is, then, that they at once com- 
menced improvements, and upon the arrival of 
Mr. Brisbois from Mackinaw in the fall of tlie 
same year,he found the "jirairie" already oc- 
cupied by these three men; so that it was true 
that it had been "occupied and cultivated in 
small improvements, in virtue of sundry claims 



It; 



288 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



of French people, both before and after "his ar- 
rival tliere," as set forth in his deposition. As 
to the ratification of a sale to the French, by a 
Fox chief in 3 802, of the "prairie," it is very 
evident that the sale referred to is the one 
made by that tribe to the French settlers in 
1781, at Mackinaw, at the instigation of Gov. 
Sinclair. 

EARLY CUSTOMS AND HABITB. 

Enough has already been said to show that 
the early settlers of Crawford county were all 
confined to the "Prairie des Chiens ;" and that 
a very large proportion of them were Canadian 
French. These inhabitants were nearly all un- 
mjirried men when they established themselves 
here. They adopted the customs of their In- 
dian neighbors to some extent, and very gen- 
erally formed temporary domestic alliances 
with females of that race. During early days 
an Indian mistress was installed in nearly every 
cabin. One after another, however, as they 
found opportunity to procure wives of their 
own race from distant places, these dusky 
sweethearts were discarded. These families of 
the mixed blood for a while greatly outnum- 
bered the white, and traces of Indian lineage 
are still not infrequently met with among the 
descendants of these people. The settlement 
received considerable acceleration to its growth 
from this cause, and drew accessions to its 
numbers gradually from other French Cana- 
dian colonies. In the course of fifteen or 
twenty years it grew to the extent of thirty or 
forty houses, sheltering a population of 300 or 
400. In 1805 there were sixteen houses in the 
principal village, half as many more at St. 
Feriole, and several scattered about the prairie, 
thirty-seven in all. The French settlement 
made little if any further growth of progress. 
Ill 1817 the number of houses was not more 
than thirty-eight. In 1820, the place is de- 
scribed as containing, in all, about eighty 
buildings, including those of the garrison, being 
mostly shabby constructions of logs and bark and 
surrounded by picket yards. The traders were 



generally men of considerable wealth, for it 
required means to carry on their business, pro- 
vide stocks of goods and provisions for long 
periods, and transport them hundreds of miles 
by oarsmen kept constantly employed for that 
purpose. Many of them were gentlemen. The 
voyageurs constituted a very different class; 
they were generally very poor, and dependent 
on their small wages, which barely sufficed to 
supply them with the simplest necessaries of 
life. Although there was no administration of 
law, the will of their employers, enforced by 
possession of their subsistence, was very nearly 
absolute over them, and the distinctions of mas- 
ter and servant were strongly marked. The 
houses of the wealthy, though constructed of 
logs, sometimes clapboarded, yet rude and un- 
attractive in external appearance, were com- 
fortably, neatly and even elegantly furnished. 
Those of the poorer class were very inferior 
structures, often without floors, and with straw 
for a covering, while their furniture consisted 
of a few rude kitchen utensils, benches and 
other domestic requirements, equally meager. 
Such a state of affairs could only exist in a 
primitive community, far removed from the 
rest of the civilized world. 

A. sort of middle class eventually sprung up 
in the small farmers scattered about the prairie, 
who were somewhat less dependent upon the 
will and caprice of the aristocratic traders. 
They were enabled to live better than the 
voyageurs and employes of the latter, whose 
diet consisted chiefly of corn soup; but they 
were necessarily content with wooden carts, 
plows, and other implements, to which the 
team was attached by raw-hide thongs. Coffee 
mills were at first used for grinding. These 
were superseded by mills turned by hand power, 
the burrs being out from native granite 
bowlders. Amid these conditions, apparently 
favorable to the development of lawlessness 
and violence, these people, surrounded by sav- 
age life, were remarkably characterized by 
docility, habitual hospitality, and a disposition 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



'280 



submissive to any authority assumed over them. 
Violent crimes were extremely rare, even when 
the village was the scene of drinking and 
carousing throngs. Upon their wintering 
grounds, the traders practiced many devices to 
overreach one another, which would generally 
be stigmatized as dishonorable; but on their 
return to the village, met and settled all diffi- 
culties over a glass of wine. Beyond these 
tricks of trade, they generally manifested a 
commendable spirit of honor, and when their 
word war^ pledged it might be safely relied on. 
Morality, indeed, as usually understood, was at 
a very low ebb, but this was largely due to 
necessary relations with the savages. They 
were destitute of schools or spiritual teachers. 
Their amusements were limited to rude dances, 
foot and horse racing, and other similar sports^ 
copiously enlivened by the free use of intoxi- 
cating liquors. Yet instances are not waniinj: 
to show a delicate appreciation of the higbei 
sentiments that adorn humanity. Upon one 
occasion, a mother whose dying babe had neve 
received the ordinance of baptism, there bein; 
no priest within reach, in her distress sent for : 
justice of the peace, and with swelling heart 
besought his ministration. With tearful eyes 
he read the baptismal service and christened 
the babe. The mother's gratitude touched his 
heart ever after with a feeling of awe whenever 
the event recurred to his memory. 

CEAWFORD COUNTY IN 1805. 

Maj. Pike who was on the "prairie" in 1805, 
as elsewhere explained, says: 

"The present village of the Prairie des 
Chiens, was first settled in the year 178.3, and 
the first white settlers were Mr. Giard, Mr. An- 
taya, and Mr. Dubuque.* The old village is 
about a mile below the present one, and has 
existed during the time the French were pos- 
sessed of the country. It derives its name from 
a family of Reynards who formerly lived there, 
distinguished by the appellation of Dogs. The 

•This Is the only statement ertant credltinnr Mr. nnhuquo 
with hiivlnir been onoof the early settlers In what it now 
Crawford county. It is an error.— Ei>. 



present village was settled under the English 
government, and the ground was purchased 
from the Reynard [Fox] Indians. 

"The village of the Prairie des Chiens is 
situated about one league above the mouth of 
the Uuisconsin [Wisconsin] river. On the east 
bank of the river there is a small pond or marsh 
which runs parallel to the river in the rear of 
the town, which, in front of the marsh, consists 
of eighteen dwelling houses, in two streets; six- 
teen in Front street, and two in First street. 
In the rear of the pond are eight dwelling 
houses; part of the houses are framed, and in 
place of weather-boarding, there are small logs 
let into mortises made in the uprights joined 
close, daubed on the outside with olay, and 
handsomely whitewashed within. The inside 
furniture of their houses is decent, and indeed, 
in those of the most wealthy displays a degree 
of elegance and taste. 

"There are eight houses scattered round the 
country, at the distance of one, two, three and 
five miles; also, on the west side of the Mis- 
sissippi, three houses, situated on a small stream 
called the Giards river, making, in the village 
and vicinity, thirty-seven houses, which it will 
not be too much to calculate at ten persons each, 
the population would be .370 souls; but this 
calculation will not answer for the spring or 
autumn, as there are then, at least 500 or GOO 
white persons. This is owing to the concourse 
of traders and their engagees from Michilli- 
mackinac and other parts, who make this their 
last stage, previous to their lauching into the 
savage wilderness. They again meet here in 
the spring, on their return from their wintering 
grounds accompanied by 3i'0 or 400 Indians, 
when they hold a /«?>,■ the one disposes of rem- 
nants of goods, and the others reserved peltries. 
It is astonishing there are not more murders and 
affrays at this place, as there meets such an 
heterogeneous mass to trade; the use of spirit- 
uous liquors being in no manner I'estricted; but 
since the American government has become 
known, such accidents are much less frequent 



290 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



tban formerly. The prairie on which the vil- 
lage is situated is bounded in the rear by high 
bald hills. It is from one mile to three quar- 
ttTS of a mile from the river, and extends about 
eight miles from the Mississippi, to v^here it 
strikes the Ouisconsin [Wisconsin] at the 
Petit Gris; which bears from the village south- 
east by east. 

"If the marsh before spoken of was drained 
(which might be easily done), I am of the opin- 
ion it would render the situation of the prairie 
healthy, which now subjects its inhabitants to 
intermitting fevers in the spring and autumn. 

"There are a few gentleman residing at the 
Prairie des Cbiens, and many others claiming 
that appellation; but the rivalship of the Indian 
trade, occasions them to be guilty of acts at 
their wintering grounds, which they would 
blush to be thought guilty of in the civilized 
world. They possess the spirit of generosity 
and hospitality in an eminent degree; but this 
is the leading feature in the character of frontier 
inhabitants." 

TRADITIONS AND KECOLLECTIONS OF PRAIRIE DU 
CHIEN.* 

Charles Brisbois, son of Michael Brisbois, 
was born in 1798. After the peace of 1815, he 
engaged in the service of the Hudson's Bay 
Company, and returned home in 1843, after 
twenty-eight years' absence. He was a lieuten- 
ant in Capt. Wiram Knowlton's company, raised 
in the Mexican War to occupy Fort Crawford, 
at Prairie du Chien, while the regulars had 
gone to the front for service during that war ; 
and was engaged in the removal of Indians to 
the west, and died of fever in the old garrison 
at Prairie du Chien, in 1848.' 

Michael Brisbois, Sr., was arrested after the 
war, charged with treasonable practices during 
the British occupation, in 1814 — 15, and sent to 
St. Louis for trial. Col. Thomas H. Benton de- 
fended him, and he was acquitted. He really 
took no active part in behalf of the British, 

♦Adaptpd from an article by B. W, Brisbois and L. C. 
Draper, in the IXth Vol. of the Collections of the State His- 
torical Society of WisconsiQ. 



simply furnishing supplies, as he had to the 
Americans, as a mode of livelihood. He died 
at Prairie du Chien, in June, 1837, at the age 
of seventy-seven years, greatly respected. He 
was six feet in height and quite stout in form. 
His widow survived him several years. 

His oldest son, Michael Brisbois, Jr., was 
born, doubtless, at Prairie du Chien, about 1790. 
He was a lieutenant in the British Indian ser- 
vice, and served under Col. McKay in the af- 
fairs at Prairie du Chien, in 1814, accompany- 
ing the American prisoners as far as Rock 
Island, whence they proceeded by themselves 
to St. Louis ; and he also served under Lieut. 
Graham in reiielling the Americans at Rock 
River Rapids. He was as unusually fine in his 
appearance as a man, as his Winnebago mother 
was as a woman ; and acquired a very exten- 
sive knowledge of Indian languages, which in- 
duced Gov. William Clark, of St. Louis, super- 
intendent of western Indian affairs, to obtain 
his services as Indian interpreter. About 1820 
he was out deer hunting near St. Louis, and 
was shot by some unknown person, thus ending 
his days in the prime of life. He had married 
a daughter of Pierre Ahtaya, one of the early 
Prairie du^Chien pioneers, and had a daughter. 
He was a man of remarkable agility ; could 
easily jump over an ordinary tent, six feet in 
height. He spoke with ease and fluency all the 
Algonquin languages, and was very active with 
the Indians during the British possession of 
Prairie du Chien in 1814. 

Pierre La Pointe's wife was a sister of the 
great Sioux chief, Wau-pa-sha ; they raised a 
family. Their daughter, Mrs. Antoine La Cha- 
pelle, whom La Pointe taught to read and 
write, was the mother of Theophilus La Cha- 
pelle, who, in 1841-2, represented Crawford 
county in the Legislative Assembly, and in 1842 
-4, in the Legislative Council, and now, quite 
aged, is in the Insane Asylum at Mendota. 
B. W. Brisbois' wife was a daughter of Mrs. 
Antoine La Ciiapelle. La Pointe was a very 
sensible, good man, and greatly serviceable to 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



291 



tlie pioneer settlement, as well as to the In- 
dians. 

Joseph Crele, who died in Caledonia, Wis., 
Jan. 27, 1866, was about ninety-four years old 
when he passed away, and not of that fabulous 
age as reported — so several old people at Prai- 
rie du Chien, who had long known him, agree. 
Mr. Brisbois has no knowledge of Crele's 
father having resided at Prairie du Chien. 
Crele was accustomed to fibbing and exager- 
ating his age. Once M. Brisbois, Sr., accused 
him of it, when he confessed his frailty in that 
direction, with tears. He appears to have set- 
tled at Prairie du Chien in 1^91, when he must 
have been quite a young man. 

James Aird, a Scotchman and Indian trader, 
was another early Prairie du Chien pioneer. 
He emigrated from Mackinaw. He had many 
trading operations with Joseph Rolette. He 
died not very long prior to 1820 — supposed 
from a beard of the wild rice getting in his 
throat. His death occurred in a building located 
where the Shei'man House now is. He had no 
family. He was over six feet in height, and 
was greatly respected. Mr. Brisbois has no 
knowledge of Aird's brother, George, mentioned 
in Capt. Anderson's narrative as among the 
traders, about 1810. He probably died not very 
long thereafter. The names of neither of the 
brothers appear among the volunteers against 
Prairie du Chien, in 1814. 

Of the capture of Prairie du Chien by the 
British, in 1814, Mr. Brisbois, though only 
eight years old at the time, has a very vivid re- 
collection of that notable event, and its attend- 
ant circumstances. He can, however, give no 
particulars of the Indian leaders. It must have 
been at Kickapoo river, now Wauzeka, which 
was the locality of a former Fox village, 
twenty-one miles from Prairie du Chien, that 
Augustin Grignon and Michael Brisbois, Jr., 
with a Sioui and Winnebago Indian, left the 
main British force under Col. McKay, and went 
to Prairie du Chien to procure some person to 
take back to the colonel, from whom he could 



gain intelligence. Arriving in the night they 
took Antoine Brisbois, residing three miles 
above the town, and brought him to the Ferry 
Place, on the Wisconsin, then called Petit Gris, 
some five or six miles from Prairie du Chien, 
where they left their canoe, and there awaited 
the arrival of Col. McKay. While yet in Prairie 
du Chien, young M. Brisbois, Jr., ventured to his 
father's residence, Michael Brisbois, Sr., r.nd 
mounted a fence near by, to get as good a view as 
he could of one of the American gun-boats. 
Those on the boat, noticing his too inquisitive ob- 
servations, fired a rifle shot at him, the ball pass- 
ing between his legs and lodging in his father's 
house. This was not far from the American 
Fort, and near the present Dousman residence. 
Mr. Brisbois thinks Joseph Rolette was quite 
active during these operations. He was stationed 
on "the Point," some two-thirds of a mile above 
the fort, and was fired on by the Americans 
under Lieut. Perkins, from the fort on the 
mound. Thinks Capt. Yeizer, who commanded 
the gun-boats, was cowardly ; he cut the cables 
and left; otherwise the British could have 
been repulsed ; and being thus left without the 
aid of the gun-boats, Lieut. Perkins was com- 
pelled to surrender his fort tothe Britisli forces. 
Most of the citizens, Mr. Brisbois thinks, joined 
the British. Of the American^rcannon balls 
found in recent years, Horace Beach, of Prairie 
du Chien, has one, and the late Mrs. Dousman 
had two — fired from a three-pounder, and lodged 
in a ridge nearly a mile from the fort, up the 
river, near where Rolette's party were stationed. 
Yeizer had several cannon on the gun-boats, and 
was said to have had 2.50 men ; while the Brit- 
ish had only one small cannon. Although there 
was much firing on both sides prior to the sur- 
render, yet the actual damage was slight, the 
British and Indians suffering no loss. Capt. 
Rolette was sent with dispatches to Mackinaw; 
an<l when his boat hove in sight of that island 
garrison, large numbers thronged the shore, 
anxious to obtain the earliest tidings from Prai- 
rie du Chien. "Capt. Rolette, what's the news?" 



292 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



"A great battle— a sanguinary contest," re- 
pponded the heroic Rolelte, with an air of great 
solemnity and importance. "How many were 
killed ?" "None." "How many wounded ?" 
"None." "What a bloody contest !" vocifer- 
ously shouted the crowd, as they escorted the 
hero from the boat to the garrison. 

While the British held Prairie du Cliien, An- 
toine Dubois and one Champignier were sent 
several miles into the woods, to procure a supply 
of meat for the garrison, as related by Capt. An- 
derson. They were both shot by a treacher- 
ous Sioux, at one discharge, killing Champig- 
nier outright and mortally wounding Dubois. 
The latter made a trail of gun-powder, some 
five feet from the dead body of his companion, 
completely encompassing it, well knowing it 
would prove a protection against wolves ; and 
then made his way, as best lie could, to Prairie 
du Chien. This murderous attack on the 
two unsuspecting Frenchmen occurred in Gi- 
ard's Coulee, some five or six miles west 
of the Mississippi. When a party repaired 
to the spot from Prairie du Chien, some 
thirty persons in all, including several youths 
not over fourteen years of age, they found 
Champigniers's body untouched by the wolves, 
though the tracks of these animals were plenty 
outside of the powder lines, but none within. 

Two Sioux chiefs were apprehended, and con- 
fined in the fort as hostages until the culprit 
should be found; he was soon brought in, 
when the chiefs were released. The condemneil 
Sioux was shot by six men, selected for the 
purpose, all firing a platoon together, just a 
little south of Dousman's mound, at the streets 
where Mr. Dousman commenced a pond. Mr. 
Brisbois witnessed this execution, as did indeed 
the whole garrison, the inhabitants of the village, 
and such Indians as were present. The doomed 
Sioux had no syrajiathizers. The wounded man, 
Dubois, lived some three days. Rolette's first 
wife was a sister to this unfortunate man; and, 
it may be added, Dubois's wife was a sister of 
the famous Sioux chief, Wau-pa-sha. LaPointe, 



as already stated, had also married a sister of 
this noted warrior. 

When it was known that peace had been 
made between the United States and Great 
Britain, the British evacuated Prairie du Chien. 
In the succeeding night there was a meteoric 
shower, and the same night the fort burned down 
causing its total destruction. It was quite gen- 
erally supposed that it was set on fire by some 
of the British party, though some pretended 
it was caused by some stray meteor from the 
heavens. 

Francis Michael Dease, an old trader, is re- 
membered by Mr. Brisbois. He was rather 
above the common size, with dark hair, and was 
fond of children. Capt. Dease shared in the 
capture of Prairie du Chien in 1814. He ap- 
pears at this period to have filled the double 
position of sub-Indian agent under Col. Dick- 
son, and captain of the militia of Prairie du 
Chien. His life was mostly devoted to the In- 
dian trade,and he was engaged in both the North 
West Fur Company, and the Hudson's Bay 
Company service. He was never mari-ied, and 
died on Red River, now Manitoba, Aug. 15, 
1865, at the age of seventy-nine years. 

Of Col. Robert Dickson, the British leader 
of the Sioux, Winnebagoes and Menomonees, 
Mr. Brisbois has a good remembrance. He had 
a red head and a red face. When at Praire du 
Chien, he always stopped with Mr. Brisbois, Sr, 
he would bring newspapers with him, and was a 
great reader. 

Though he knew Capt. Duncan Graham, Mr. 
Brisbois can give no particulars of his career. 
He was a small sized man, quite unassuming, 
upright in his intercourse with his fellow-men 
and highly respected. 

He was the father-in-law of Alexander Fari- 
bault, lately deceased, who was the founder of 
the flourishing town that bears his name. Capt. 
Graham was an officer in the British Indian de- 
partment, and was present in command of a 
party of Dakota or Sioux warriors, composing a 
portion of the force that was defeated by Col. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



293 



Croghan, at Lower Sandusky, in 1813. He be- 
came a citizen of the United States subsequent 
to the war, and traded with the Sioux Indians 
for many years; he died in 1844, or 1845, at 
Wabasha, where lie had been living with his 
son-in-law, Joseph Buisson. He must have been 
seventy-five years old or more at the time of 
his demise; and for several years previously liad 
passed his leisure days in going from one part 
of this wild region to another, being a man of 
remarkable physical vigor, although of slight 
build. 

The crop of 1819 having failed in Lord Sel- 
kirk's colony on Red river, Duncan Graham, 
with one Laidlaw, was employed in the spring 
of 1820 to conduct three boats from Prarie du 
Chien, laden with 200 bushels of wheat, 100 
bushels of oats and thirty bushels of peas, to 
Pembina. This timely supply cost Lord Sel- 
kirk about $6,000. 

Capt. Graham was a native of the Highlands 
of Scotland, descending from a good family 
He appears to have shared with Robert Dickson 
and the Indians in the campaign of 1813 on the 
Maumee, and at Fort Stevenson, and the next 
year at Prairie du Chien, and the Rock River 
Rapids. He married a half-brcod Dakota woman 
— a desctndant of Penechon, a noted Sioux 
chief, said to have been the son of a white 
trader of that name, who lived on the eastern 
shore of Lake Pepin — and as the Indians used 
to relate, the first white man ever seen by their 
ancestors. Capt. Graham had one son. Alex- 
ander, and four daughters, the latter marrying 
respectively: Alexander Faribault, James 
Wells, Joseph Buisson and Oliver Cratt. For 
his war services, Capt. Graham was granted 
lands in Canada, which from litigation never 
realized him anything. lie is said to have been 
the first white man who penetrated so far in 
the northwest as the Devil's Lake, in Dakota, 
an island in which was named after him. 

At a very early period, one Grant was said 
to have penetrated the country on what is now 
Grant river, discovered lead there, mined some 



of it and buried the mineral. He went away, 
and never returned for it. As late as 1827, 
Joseph Brisbois, B. W. Brisbois and Julian 
Larriviere went in quest of the hidden mineral 
searching all along to the head of the river, but 
found none. B. W. Brisbois used to hear his 
father speak of Grant. Mr. Brisbois has no 
further traditions of him. Grant river took its 
name from him, and his early lead discovery 
there, and Grant county took its name from the 
river. 

Wau-pa-sha, the distinguished Sioux chief, 
derived his name in part from wau-pa, leaf, 
called The Leaf, or Red Leaf. The French 
called him La Feuille, The Leaf — sometimes 
The Falling Leaf. His village was at the j)res- 
«nt locality of Winona. He was a full blooded 
Sioux, rather small in size, with a Roman nose, 
and Caucasian countenance. Once when cutting 
a, willow, his knife caught, and accidentally de- 
stroyed one of his eyes, and he ever after wore 
a black handkerchief over that half of his face. 
He died of small-pox, at Prairie du Chien, in 
the fall of 1835. 

One of the Car-imau-nee family of Winneba- 
goes was known as Tete de Chien, or Dog's 
Head. He lived in 1827, at English Prairie, 
now Muscoda. He was a prominent man, of 
considerable good sense and very honest. The 
Indians cultivated some fields there, and lived 
there as one of their changeable localities. 
Lawence Rolette, a brother of Joseph Roktte, 
had a trading establishment at that locality. 

Pierre Pauquette related to iVIr. Brisbois this 
incident: Once Gov. Doty was traveling with 
an Indian, and pointing to Fox river, asked its 
native name. Supposing the governor meant 
the element, and not its particular geoj;raphical 
name, the Indian responded "Nee-nah," water. 
Doty not doubting that he had now learned its 
aboriginal name, endeavored to have it restored, 
but <lid not succeed to any great extent. Pau- 
quette cited this as a case in point, showing liow 
geographical blunders sometimes occur. 



294 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



13aribaiilt, was the name of an old Canadian 
French trader, who liad his trading post on 
what is now known as Baraboo river, and which 
stream took its name from him. As Mr. Bris- 
bois, Sr., knew him well, and often spoke of 
him, he must have traded there the latter part 
of the last century, or early in this. Mr. Bris- 
bois does not know what became of him, or 
anything further of his history. 

SETTLERS BETWEEN 1820 AND 1840. 

Judge James Duane Doty became a resident 
of Prairie du Chien in the fall of 1823, but 
removed to Green Bay the following year. Her- 
cules L. Dousman came in 1826, in the employ 
of the American Fur Company. Joseph M. 
Street came to the place as United States In- 
dian agent, in 1828, and remained until some 
years after the Black Hawk War, when he was 
transferred elsewhere. In 1830, Thomas P. 
Burnett came to Prairie du Chien as sub-Indian 
agent, and removed into Grant county, seven 
years after. I. P. Perrit Gentil became a resi- 
dent in J 832. J. T. Mills came to the prairie 
in 1834, as a tutor in the families of Col. Zachary 
Taylor and Joseph M. Street. Some men who 
were stationed here in the military service of 
the United States, made selections of eligibk' 
locations within a short distance of the prairie, 
to which they returned after their term of ser- 
vice had expired ; among whom may be men- 
tioned Edward Hughes. John McClure, J. P. 
Hall and Daniel Frost. 

In 1835, after the removal of Gen. Joseph 
M. Street, Indian agent, to Rock Island, and 
the Rev. David Lowry to his Indian school, 
there were but four American families (strictly 
such) remaining in Crawford county outside of 
Fort Crawford ; and these four — all on the 
prairie — were those of J. H. Lockwood, Samuel 
Gilbert, Ezekiel Tainter and John Miller. 
There was one Irish family and three or four 
discharged soldiers, who had concluded to make 
the Prairie their home. All the remainder in 
in the county were of French and mixed blood. 



There, were, in all, about 500 souls, not includ- 
ing those in Fort Crawford. 

In 1836, John H. Folsom came to the Prairie, 
and remained here until December, 1839, when 
he removed to what is now the town of East- 
man. He remained there until May, 1840, when 
he returned to Prairie du Chien, where he has 
ever since resided. Rev. Alfred Brunaon reached 
Prairie du Chien, July 16, 1836. There also, 
this year, came E. W. Pelton, William and 
James Fisher, Milo Richards and John Thomas. 

In the fall of 1836, the total population out- 
side of Fort Crawford, was 537 in the county, 
including one slave. The names of the heads 
of families, and the number in each family, 
were as follows : 



Name of Head of Family 



Pamuel Gilbert 

Antoine La Chapelle. 

Piere La Chapelle 

J . H . Lockwood 

Joseph P. Mills 

HenryCurtis 

John Miller 

John Moisten 

William S. Lockwood 
Thomas P. Burnett.. 

Richard Curtis 

Edward Hug'hes 

Ezekial Tainter 

AUenHill 

H- L. Dousman 

Thoiniis P Street 

Charles Menard, Sr ... 

Frnneis Galino 

Antoine Kabonad . . 

Peler Loambare 

Peter Grimard 

Dennis Courtis 

Fredrich Stramb 

Francis Larrivier 

Louiser Kevoir 

JohnLimery 

Isaac Harrison 

Joseph Martin 

Francis Chenneviere.. 

Baptiste Larivier 

Charles Minare 

Joseph Itunsau 

John Colton 

Joseph Thomas 

Liman Frost 

Jettedier P. Hall 

James Gilbert 

Charles Antoine 

Francois Provost 

George Brisbois 

Joseph Brisbois 

M ichael Brisbois 

Pierre Larivier 

Julien Larivier 

Baptiste Larivier 

Louis Barrette 

Pierre Barrette, 

Hyacinth Lapoint 

Maria Lapoint 

Louise Querie 



White 


White 


Total. 


Males. 


Females. 


9 


4 


13 


5 


2 


7 


4 


1 


5 


8 


3 


6* 


1 




1 


1 




1 


6 


3 


9 


2 


2 


4 


1 




1 


1 




: 


4 


5 


9 


2 




2 


3 


5 


8 


2 


3 


5 


15 


1 


18 


3 


1 


4t 


3 


3 


6 


3 


5 


7 


1 




1 


1 




1 


2 


4 


6 


5 


2 


7 


5 


4 


8 


1 


1 


•> 


2 


1 


3 


2 


4 


6 


1 




1 


5 


1 


6 


6 


3 


9 


4 


4 


8 


5 


3 


8 


1 


2 


8 


3 


2 


4 


2 


4 


6 


2 


1 


3 


4 




4 


3 




3 


5 


7 


12 


1 


3 


4 


3 


1 


4 


7 


1 


8 


3 


3 


6 


3 


1 


4 


4 


4 


8 


2 


1 


3 


3 


'> 


5 


6 


1 


7 


1 


2 


3 


3 


1 


4 




1 


1 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



295 



Name of Head of Familt. 



Alexis Cowchevier, 

Baptiste Gaulbier 

George Fiwher 

Strange Powers (Poze) 

Isaac P. P. Gentil 

Francis Lapoint 

Au^vistln IJuissou 

Abratiara Prepagnier 

TuEiis liell 

Josepli Demerior 

Margaret Davis 

Joseph Labat 

Margaret Cambell 

John Ilruner 

-Joseph Kolette 

H. Hermaringer, 

Jules Sleephach 

Joant St. Cyr 

Isaac Monrow 

James Keed 

William Wilson 

Exevier If rizzet ,. 

Joseph lluye ', 

Ellen Grenio 

Thomas Hore 

Oliver Cherrier 

John Miller.. 

Charles Lapoint 

Arcange Gallerneau 

Jeremiah Quin 

Whiteside Argus 

Betsey Hawkins 

Richard Hartwell 

Christof er Antoyer 

Era Putman 

John Dunlap 

William Parsons 

Marie Fostnot 

I. Dourille 

Xj. Cardinal 

I. Dourille Fillion 

L. Shurena 

Oliver Lnndrich 

J. H. Noro „ 

Joseph Morisette 

Joseph Moquin 

Joseph Champigne 

Joseph St. Cyr 

S. Barthe 

Benjamin Brandrlch 

Joseph Godfrey 

Alexander Garieple 

G.M.Ganlin 

Francis St. John 

^Barnard W. Urisbois 

Alexander Dupine 

P. Felix 

A. Martin , 

C. .McNillage 

John CambcII 

B Marshall 

John P. Finly 

Elisha Drown 

Charles Bruce 

John Vale. 

S- Shimmerhorne 

J. Grillin 

Nathaniel Manning 

Thomas— (Name crumbled out). 

George — " '• '* . 

Joseph McDorn 

H.Colbert 

A. Lemmons 

J. Thompson 

John Pcnell 

S. Hudson 

William Shuster 

Samuel Lamb 

J. B. Dermerer 

L. "Dermerer 

I), Cambell 

J. Pitt 

0. Nohie 

J.Searly. 



White 
Males. 



White 
Females, 



Total. 



5t 
U 

5 

5 
11 

4 

8 

3 



Name of Head of Family. 



A. Hagon 

J. Hidy 

William Hayley 

G. Genthery 

A. Brunett 

J. Vauahin 

M. Fitspairick 

H. Lane 

J. Marceinstire 

Joseph Benson 

D. Frost 

Alon/.o Jefford 

H. S. Allen 

H. H. Sibley 

J. B. Brown 

Alexander Famboust. 

P. Allard 

J. Boefscacn 

M. L. Brine 

Joseph Lord 

L. Lisabell 

Louis Martin 

Joseph Bouscan 

Joseph Brillard 

E. Lanitor 

J, Moore 

J. B. Dallam 

Silas Holloway 

William Holloway 



Total 33' 



White 
Males. 



White 
Females 



196 



Total. 



537 



The number of officers and men stationed at 

Fort Crawford, Pr»irie du Chien in W. T. 206 
Women at do do do do do do 13 

Children do do do do do do do 23 

Slaves of both sexes do do do do do 17 

Total 850 



* 1 Male slave. 

+ 1 Female slave. 

t 1 Free colored male, 

8 1 Free colored female. 



PRESENT RESIDENTS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, WHO 
WERE LIVING HERE IN 1836: 

Town of Prairie du Chien: Edward Hughes, 
John McClure, Felicite Uuseaum, Flavian Cher- 
rier, Louis Stram and wife. 

City of Prairie du Chien: Mrs. Peter Grim- 
mard, John H. Folsom, Charles Menard, O. B. 
Thomas, Oliver Cherrier, Mrs. Julian Lariviere, 
H. W. Brisbois, Mrs. Laramie, Joseph Duneau 
and Louisa Dechamp. 

Town of Eastman: Nicholas Chenevcrt, Comb 
Cherrier, Mrs. Comb Cherrier, James Fisher 
and William Fisher. 

Town of Bridgeport: Theresa Barretts. 

Of these, four were born in Crawford county: 
Theresa Barrette in 1805; Louisa Dechamp and 
Mrs. Julian Larivere in 1S07; and B. \V. Bris- 
bois in 1808. 



296 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



SETTLEKS IN 1837, '38 AND '39. 

In 1837 the following persons became settlers 
in the county: Alexander McGregor, Soth 
Hill, S. A. Clark, George W. Pine, Messrs. 
Smith and Merrick, Thomas Biigbee, Dr. B. C. 
Miller, Levi R. Marsh, D. Hopkins, H. W. Sav- 
age and Thomas A. Savage. Following these 
during the next two years were: William 
Wright, W. H. C. Folsom, Elisha Warner, Wil- 
liam Kurts, Jackson Foster, Mr. Revel, Chris- 
topher Bowen, Joseph Curley, Mr. Tyler, 
Richard Lane, James Foster and others. 

PIONKEE TIMES. 

The character of the pioneers of Crawford 
county was a compound of civilization and 
primitive simplicity, exhibiting the polite and 
lively characteristics of the French, and the 
thoughtlessness and improvidence of the aborig- 
ines. Possessing the virtues of hospitality, and 
the warmth of heart unknown to residents of 
cities, untrameled by the etiquette and conven- 
tional rules of modern "high life," they were 
ever ready to receive and entertain their friends, 
and more intent upon the enjoyment of the 
present than to lay up store, or make provision, 
for the future. With few wants, and contented 
and happy hearts, they found enjoyment in the 
merry dance, the sleigh-ride, and tlie exciting 
horse-race, and, doubtless, experienced more 
true happiness and contentment than the plod- 
ding, calculating, and money. seeking people of 
the present day. This was the character of the 
settlers who occupied this country before the 
arrival of the Yankees; a cla-s now entirely ex- 
tinct, or lost sight of by the present population; 
but it is one which unites the present with the 
past, and for whom the old settlers entertain 
feelings of veneration and respect. 

H. S. Baird says: — "During the early ye.jrs of 
my residence here at Green Bay, the social 
circle, although limited, was by no means insig- 
nificant. It was composed of the families of 
the garrison and the Americans, and several of 
the old settlers. If it was small, it was also 
united by the ties of friendship and good feel- 



ing. Free from the formalities and customs 
which are observed by the elite of the present 
day, we met to enjoy ourselves, more like mem- 
bers of one family than as strangers. The 
young people of that period (and all felt young 
then) would assemble on a few hours' notice at 
the house of a neighbor, without form or cere- 
mony. Young ladies were then expected to ap- 
pear at an eaily hour in the evening, and not at 
the usual hour of retiring to rest; nor were they 
required to appear in court or fancy dresses. 
The merry dance followed, and all enjoyed 
themselves until the early hours in the morning. 
One custom prevailed, universally among all 
classes, even extending to the Indians; that of 
devoting the holidays to festivity and amuse- 
ment, but especially that of 'calling' on New 
Year's Day. This custom was confined to no 
class in jiarticular. All observed it; and many 
met on that day, who did not again meet until 
the succeeding year All then shook hands, and 
exchanged mutual good wishes. All old ani- 
mosities were forgotten, all differences settled, 
and universal peace established. 

"During the winter season. Green Bay was en- 
tirely insulated. Cut oflE from communication 
with all other parts of the civilized world, her 
inhabitants were left to their own resources for 
nearly half a year. The mails were few and far 
between. Sometimes but once a month, never 
more than twice, did we receive them; so that 
the 7iCics when received here was no longer 
?iews. The mails were carried on a man's shoul- 
ders from Chicago to Green Bay, through the 
wilderness, a distance of about 250 miles, and 
could not contain a very great quantity of in- 
teresting reading matter. Under such circum- 
stances, it became necessary tliat we should de- 
vise some means to enliven our time, and we 
did so accordingly; and I look back upon those 
years as among the most agreeable of my life. 
The country at that early day was destitute of 
roads or places of public entertainment. Noth- 
ing but the path, or 'Indian trail' traversed the 
wide expanse of forest and prairie from Lake 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



297 



Michigan to the Misoissippi; and tlie travel by 
land was performed on foot or on liorseback. 

"But there was then another mode of locomo- 
tion, very generally adopted by tliose wlio took 
long journeys, now become obsolete, and which 
•would be laughed at by the present fast-going 
generation; that of the Indian or bark canoe. 
The canoe was used in all cases where comfort 
and expedition were desired. These may ap- 
pear strange words, when you reflect that the 
traveler sat cooped up all day in a space about 
four feet square, and at night encamped on the 
bank of the stream, cooked his own supper, and 
slept upon the ground, with no covering but a 
tent and blanket, or, oftentimes, nothing but 
the wide canopy of heaven, having, after a day 
of toil and labor by his crew, accomplisl)ed a 
journey of thirly or forty miles. But these 
journeys were not. destitute of interest. The 
voywjeur was enlivened by the merry song of 
his light-hearted and ever happy Canadian 
crew, his eye delighted by the constant varying 
scenery of the country through which he passed, 
at lil)erty to select a spot for his encampment, 
and to stop when fatigued with the day's travel, 
and, above all, free from care, and from the 
fearful apprehensions of all modern travelers 
on railroads and steamboats; that of being 
blown up, burned or drowned. 

'•I can better illustrate this early mode of 
travel by giving an account of a party of pleas- 
ure undertaken and accomplished by myself. 
In May, 1830, being obliged to go on the annual 
circuit to Prairie du Chien, to attend court, I 
concluded to make it a matter of pleasure, as 
well as business. I accordingly obtained a good- 
sized and substantial norlliwest bark canoe 
(about five fathoms, or thirty feet, in length, 
and five feet wide in tlie center), a good lent, 
or 'niarqute," together with mattresses, blankets, 
bedding, mess basket, and all thinsjs required 
as an outfit on such exjieditions. The party 
consisted of my wife, self, two small children, 
two young ladies as companions, and a servant 
girl; niy crew, of four Canadians (experienced 



men, and good singers) and two Menomonee 
Indians as bow and steersmen. The canoe was 
propelled both by oars and paddles. We as- 
cended the Fox river to Fort Winnebago, and 
descended the Wisconsin to the Mississippi, and 
thence up the latter, four miles, to Prairie du 
Chien. 

"The voyage occupied eight or nine days in 
going, and about the same length of time in re- 
turning, during wliicli the ladies camped out 
every night save two. They did all the cook- 
ing and household work. The former was no 
small item; for with appetites sharpened by 
pure air and exercise, and with abundance of 
fresh venison, with fowl and fish to satisfy them, 
the quantity of viands consumed by the party 
would liave astonished modern epicures, and, 
perhaps, shocked tlie delicate tastes of city 
belles. We frequently encamped early in the 
afternoon, at some spot which attracted our at- 
tention from its natural beauty or romantic ap- 
pearance, and strolled along the hank of the 
stream, plucking beautiful wild flowers, which 
abounded; or, clambering up some high bluff 
or commanding headland, obtained a view of 
the surrounding country, and traced the mean- 
dering stream through its high banks, far in the 
distance. It was in the merry month of iMay, 
when the forest was clothed in its deepest ver- 
dure, the hills anil prairies redolent with flowers, 
and the woods tenanted by melodious songsters. 
It was truly a trip of pleasure and enjoyment. 
Many trips for pleasure have been undertaken, 
where j)arties may have experienced the retine- 
nienls and accomodations, and enjoyed the lux- 
uries to be found in the jiresent day in old and 
long settled countries; but I believe few, if any, 
realize more true delight and satisfaction than 
did this party of pleasure in a bark canoe." 

As time passed along, many changes took 
place. Other lucn and their families came in, 
and became a part and parcel of the commu- 
nity, introducing new ideas, and bringing with 
them the customs and habits of the places from 
which they removed. The title acquired by 



'298 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



the government, by treaties with the Indians, 
and these lands being surveyed and brought 
into market, and offered at a mere nominal 
price, increased the number of settlers from the 
eastern and other States. By energy and per- 
severance, they surmounted all obstacles, and 
by their courage and firmness ; and to them is 
owing the development of the country, the 
opening the way for the introduction of civili- 
zation, education, and the arts and sciences ; 
and to them should be awarded the merit of 
having largely contributed, by their talents and 
labor, to the formation and organization of the 
territory, now State of Wisconsin. Not many 
years ago, the whole State of Wisconsin, except 
Green Bay and Prairie du Chien, was a wilder- 
ness, with here and there a settler, and those in 
the lead-region in the southwestern part. It 
seems almost incredible to think, or in any way 
realize what has since taken place, as it seems 
almost like enchantment. 

But the delights of pioneer life carried with 
them many difficulties and hardships. C. M. 
Baker, in his address at the old settlers' meet- 
ing of Walworth county, in 1869, says: 

"I have spoken of the men who first settled 
old Walworth; but what, old comrades in this 
life-battle in the wilderness that was, what of 
our companions, the women? 

"Most of them had been delicately reared, 
and were accustomed to the luxuries and refine- 
ments of cultivated society; and most, or all, 
had good homes, with the necessaries and con- 
veniences of life in abundance, and were sur- 
rounded by kind friends and dear relatives. To 
these they had been bred ; to all these they 
were strongly attached. But tliese ties » ere 
sundered, these homes were left behind, when, 
after the last trunk was packed, and the last 
farewell was sadly uttered, they set their faces 
westward for a new life and a new home, they 
knew not whither; but they knew it must be 
among strangers. They shared with us the 
toils of the journey, the weary miles of sunshine 
and storm, as we journeyed on and onward. 



They partook with us of the coarse fare and 
rude accommodations of the wagon and way- 
side, the canal-boat and the steamer, the log- 
tavern, and the bivouac under the open heavens, 
all this they encountered without murmuring, 
and cheerfully. 

"And when, late in autumn or early spring, it 
may be, in the cold storm, or driving mists and 
chilly winds that cut to the bone, they took 
their departure from Chicago or Milwaukee, 
the last outposts of civilization over those low, 
lonely prairies which surrounded the one, or 
through the gloomy forests which enveloped the 
other, over dismal roads beset with ruts or 
stumps, without sign of cultivation or human 
habitation, then it was that the hour of bitter 
trial came to their hearts; then it was, that, 
amid their loneliness and utter heart-desolation, 
the dear homes and kindred they had left, rose 
up before them, and, through their tears, they 
looked down upon the little ones who clung to 
them. But not a murmur, not a word of regret 
or repining, escaped them. The feelings, too 
deep for utterance, which swelled within them, 
were smothered in their bosoms. When we, at 
last (some later, some earlier), had found a 
place where to make a home in these pleasant 
groves and prairies, pleasant to us men ; for 
here there were herds of bounding deer, and 
flocks of wild fowl, the wolf and the sand-hill 
crane, and game, large and small, to give us 
sport. The lakes and streams abounded in fish, 
and we could take them at our will. The 
country was all open, and free to roam over as 
one great park. There was excitement for us 
in all this, suited to our rougher natures and 
coarser tastes. We could roam and fish or hunt 
as we pleased, amid the freshness and beauties 
of nature. 

"But how was it for our wives? From all 
these bright, and, to us, fascinating scenes and 
pastimes, they were excluded. They were shut 
up with the children in log-cabins, when they 
were fortunate enough to get tliem, lude huts, 
without floors often, and, not unfrequently, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



299 



without doors or windows, while the cold, 
bleak winds of March and December whistled 
through them. Frequently they were covered 
with shakes fastened on with poles, between 
which the stars at night looked down upon the 
faithful mother and her sleeping infants. Here, 
in one small room, filled, perhaps, with smoke ; 
without furniture, except a little of the rudest 
kind, rough slab stools, an equally rough table, 
and a bedstead, if any, made of poles fastened 
into the house; without kitchen-utensils, save, 
perchance, a kettle, a skillet, and a frying-pan ; 
destitute of crockery, and with a little tinware, 
they were called upon to do, unaided, the duties 
of a housewife. With these conveniences and 
these surroundings, they took upon them for 
weeks and months, and even for years, the 
burden of their households in a continued strug- 
gle with hinderances and perplexities. These 
were the heroic women to whom our hearts did 
homage; and I should fail in my duty at this 
time, if, in the roll-call of worthy and honor- 
able names, they should not be remembered." 

The experience of the settler in Walworth 
county, however, was no worse, and in some 
respects better than those who lived farther in 
the interior of the State. Many of these pio- 
neers have passed away ; some are still living, 
and are enjoying, in the evening of their days, 
wealth, and the comforts obtained by honorable 
toil and industry. Their conduct and action as 
public servants will bear the scrutiny of pos- 
terity, and they will lose nothing in compari- 
son with legislators or rulers of the few past 
years. May those who succeed them in either 
capacity follow their example, and prove as 
true to the interests of the State, as did the old 
settlers in their time! and may the present and 
future Legislatures, by their acts, retrieve the 
character and credit of the country from the 
odium brought upon it by reckless and incon- 
siderate Legislation! 

INCIDENTS OF I'lOKEEB HISTOEY. 

In 1820, an expedition of three Mackinaw 
boats, with six men each, was fitted out for the 



Selkirk settlement on the Red river of the 
north. The boats were loaded with wheat, oats 
and peas, and started April 15th from the "prai- 
rie." The following year, Lord Selkirk pur- 
c' ased cattle at the "prairie" and had them 
sent to the colony under the guidance of J. B. 
Loyer, a noted pilot of the place. In 1823, the 
Virginia steamboat, the first one to reach Craw- 
ford county, landed at Prairie du Chien. In 
1826, occurred the highest flood in the Missis- 
sippi that had then been seen since the year 
1785. The river rose twenty-six feet inundat- 
ing the site of the old village. The cholera 
in 1832 reached the county and about 100 
soldiers died in two weeks in the garrison at 
Prairie du Chien. In 1833, smallpox broke out, 
but did not extend greatly among the white in- 
habitants, although it made serious ravages 
among the Indians. In 1836, in Crawford 
county (confined ■ of course to the "prairie") 
speculation ran wild — as in many other places 
in the west." 

"There were but few Americans in this settle- 
ment," says Alfred Brunson, "previous to the 
occupancy of the fort by the United States 
army in 1816. In 1805, Lieut. Pike found a few 
Americans here; but the most of the traders 
and .settlers were Canadian French. When I 
moved my family to this place in 1836, there 
were but three or four American families in the 
place, out of the garrison and the Indian de- 
partment. At that time the Indian title had 
not been extiiigui.shed to any portion of the 
country north of the Wisconsin, except to this 
prairie, as above stated by common consent. 

"In 1830, or thereabout, Judge J. II. Lock- 
wood, under a license from the war department 
and by consent of the Sioux, to whom he paid 
an annual ground rent, built a saw-mill on the 
Red Cedar branch of the Chippewa, at which 
establishment some gardening, but no farming 
was done. In 1838, after the treaties with the 
Indians of 1837 had been ratified, one company 
ascended the St. Croix to the Falls; another to 
the Falls of Chippewa; and in 1839, another 



300 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



company went to the Falls of Black river — all 
of them to build and run saw-mills. But each 
became the nucleus of more extended settle- 
ments, which have been extending themselves 
wider and wider, until they settled a part of 
Minnesota, which has been taken from us; and 
the counties of Lapointe, St. Croix, Chippewa, 
La Crosse and Bad Ax, which have been or- 
ganized from the western portion; and the 
counties of Richland, Sauk and Adams, from 
the eastern portion of what was originally 
Crawford county, leaving the present county to 
contain 558 square miles; and, in 1850, 2, .399 in- 
habitants." 

PROMINENT PIONEERS. 

We hold in remembrance the pioneers, of the 
country and cherish their memories for tlie 
indomitable courage they manifested, and for 
the trials they endured. Generally speaking, 
it would be invidious to single out a few of these 
worthies as entitled to particular mention, 
where all filled their spheres with so much 
credit. However, circumstances have conspired 
to make historical characters of a few in so 
marked a manner that a more than passing no- 
tice of them is demanded of the historian. 

HERCULES L. DOUSMAN. 
[By Henry H. Sibley .1 

Hercules L. Dousman departed this life at 
Prairie da Chien in the State of Wisconsin on 
the 12th day of September, ] 868. The announce 
ment of the event, the intelligence which was 
soon spread far and wide, that death had sud- 
denly stricken a man so long and favorably 
known, throughout the west, was productive of 
more sad emotions in the entire State in which 
he was an honored citizen, than are usually man- 
ifested in a single community, when it is 
made known that one of its most prominent 
members has been unexpectedly called away. 
Indeed so identified with the territorial and 
State history of Wisconsin and Minnesota had 
my lamented friend become, that his name was a 
familiar word in almost every household, as that 



of a kind-hearted, high-minded man, and public 
spirited citizen. 

Col. Dousman was born in the Island of Mich- 
illimackinac, or Mackinac as it is now called, 
in the year 1800. He was the son of Michael 
and Catharine Dousman, long and highly es- 
teemed residents of the island, the soil of which 
now covers their remains. He was sent to 
Elizabethtown, N. J., for a high school edu- 
cation, where he remained until he had at- 
tained the age of eighteen yenrs, when he re- 
moved to New York and engaged himself as a 
clerk to a Mr. Robinson, a dry goods merchant 
in the city. 

His services in that capacity continued for 
two years and he then returned to the home of 
his parents at Mackinac. He was soon there- 
after employed as a clerk by the American Fur 
Company, under the man.agement of John Jacob 
Astor, Mackinac being the principal western 
depot of that association. 

In I 826 he was dispatched to Prairie du Chien, 
as the confidential agent of the company, to 
take charge of the business at that important en- 
trepot of the fur trade. Here the great natural 
abilities of Col. Dousman, combined with the 
thorough commercial education he had received, 
displayed themselves in the broad and almost 
limitless sphere to which he had been assigned. 
The late Joseph Rolette Sr., was his ostensible 
superior, inasmuch as he held the position of part- 
ner with the American Fur Company, but in reali- 
ty the commanding talents of Col. Dousman soon 
placed him in actual control of the business of 
the company in this region. In fact the entire 
country north and west of Prairie du Chien, to 
the British boundary (except the Mississippi 
valley above the falls of St. Anthony, and the 
upper St. Croix and its branches), with its numer- 
ous trading stations, and fur tradei's and other 
employes, was tributary to that post until the 
year 1S;54, when a new and different organization 
was effected. 

It required a man of sound and cultivated 
judgment, and of great executive ability to 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



301 



systematize operations in so extensive a district, 
embracing many thousands of Indian hunters 
belonging to distinct and separate tribes, wild 
and savage in disposition, and even more ad- 
dicted to inter-tribal war than to the chase. 
Among these discordant and belligerent bands, 
were stationed at intervals more or less regular 
the fur traders and ooyageurs of the great com- 
pany, entrusted with merchandise amounting in 
the aggregate to many hundreds of thousands of 
.'dollars annually. None but those familiar with 
-the ramifications and intricacies of the trade 
with wild Indians in early days, can rightly 
estimate the business tact and energy requisite 
to bring order out of confusion, and to reduce 
to a proper working system the operations of 
traffic in so wide a field. No higher tribute can 
be paid to the surpassing abilities of Col. Dous- 
man as a business man, than the bare mention of 
the fact that he was successful in his efforts to 
effect an organization almost perfect in all its 
parts. 

My personal acquaintance with the subject of 
this memoir dates back to the year 1829. I was 
then a mere boy employed as a clerk by the 
American Fur Company at their central agency 
at Mackinac. Col. Dousman and others in 
charge of important districts were required 
to report in person during the summer of 
each year at that point, whither they weTit in 
charge of the Mackinac boats that contained the 
furs and skins collected during the previous 
year. I became quite intimate with him, al- 
though he was by many years my senior, and at 
each of his annual visits he depicted the beauties 
of the wild western land in stich glowing colors, 
and the abundance and variety of game animals 
and birds it contained; that my youthful imag- 
ination was captivated,and ray love of adventure 
aroused, so that in 1834, at his earnest solicita- 
tion, I formed with him and the late Joseph 
Rolette Sr., a co-partnersliip with the American 
Fur Company of New York, which passed in 
that year under the direction of Ramsey, as 
president. 



By the terms of the agreement, Messrs. Ro- 
lette & Dousman were to continue in charge 
of the station at Prairie du Chien and conduct 
the trade with whites and Indians in the region 
more immediately contiguous, and tributary to 
that post, while I was to be placed in control of 
all that country above Lake Pepin to the head 
waters of the streams emptying into the Mis- 
souri, and north of the British ^line, with my 
headquarters at St. Peters, now Mendota. Col. 
Dousman was therefore under providence chiefly 
instrumental in linking my destinies with the 
soil, which has since become the territory and 
State of Minnesota. I ara thankful for the 
recollection that from our first acquaintance 
to the day of his death, our warm friendship 
was mutual and undiminished, and that the 
harmony existing between us was never in a 
single instance marred by any serious con- 
troversy. 

A biography of Col. Dousman commencing 
with his advent to the upper Mississippi, would 
not fall far short of Wisconsin and Minnesota. 
Although there was probably no office in the 
gift of the people of the State to which he could 
not have successfully aspired, he made it a rule 
of his life to acce]it no pulilic position. Never- 
theless, so widely and so favorably was he 
known, that his advice with reference to the 
management of Indian affairs in the northwest 
was eagerly sought by high dignitaries of the 
general government, and if that advice had 
been always followed, many grave errors might 
been avoided. During his connection with 
the American Fur Company, of New York, and 
subsequently as a partner with myself, with the 
extensive firm of Pierce, Chateau <fe Co., of 
St. Louis, to whom the interests of the former 
corporation in this region were transferred in 
1843. Col. Dousman was brought into close rela- 
tions with the Winnebagocs, Menomonees, some 
of the lower bands of Sioux, and a portion of 
the Chippewas, and his influence, especially over 
the first named bandsjwas almost without limit. 



302 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



The Winnebagoes were regarded as among 
the most turbulent and dangerous of the wild, 
western savages, and nothing but the benign 
rule, under which they were brought by my de- 
ceased friend, prevented outbreaks of violence 
which would necessarily have resulted in great 
destruction of life and property among the 
white settlers. His tact, sagacity, and consum- 
mate knowledge of Indian character were 
displayed on many critical occasions, when a col- 
lision seemed inevitable, and the services he 
thus rendered in the cause of peace, were the 
subject of public recognition by government 
officers, both civiL and military. Gen. Alex. 
MaComb, formerly in chief command of the 
United States army, held him in high estima- 
tion, as did Gen. Brooke, who, in after years 
commanded the department of the Upper Missis- 
sippi, with his headquarters at Prairie du Chien, 
and their policy in the management of the Indi- 
an tribes of the northwest was that recommend- 
ed ordinarily by Col. Dousman. The attempts 
of the government to negotiate treaties with 
the Winnebagoes were often frustrated by the 
jealous suspicions of their chiefs and head men, 
and their great reluctance to sell their land, and 
it was almost impossible to succeed in that di- 
rection, without first securing the consent and 
influence of the individual who was the trusted 
friend and counsellor of these wild bands. They 
had unbounded faith in the honesty of Col. 
Dousman, and they looked to him for protection 
from the rapacity of unprincipled agents, and of 
the swarm of white cormorants who were ever 
on the alert to deprive the ignorant savages of 
the pittance to which they were entitled from the 
United States govern 'i ent. 

Hon. Simon Cameron, then United States 
senator from Pennsylvania, was a member 
of a commission many years since to make 
payments under treaty stipulations to the Win- 
nebagoes and their mixed bloods; and having 
received material assistance from the subject of 
this memoir, he took occasion to state subse- 
quently on the floor of the Senate, that in all 



his long experience, a more truthful, energetic, 
fearless man he had never met, than Hercules 
Dousman, and that his talent, if possible, ex- 
ceeded his virtues. Seldom indeed, if ever, 
has it fallen to the lot of a man in private sta- 
tion to wield an influence so extensive, and at 
the same time so beneficent. The primitive peo- 
ple among whom he so long resided, were ac- 
customed to depend upon him for advice and 
assistance when trouble overtook them. He 
acted as peacemaker in their disputes, often- 
times preventing litigation by his wise coun- 
sels, and he was withal ever ready to minister 
to the wants of the poor and the distressed 
without distinction of race. 

Although not a politician in the ordinary ac- 
ceptation of the term. Col. Dousman was in 
sentiment a conservative democrat; but he was 
inrlependent enough to condemn whatever he 
deemed wrong in the acts of his own party; and 
with equal candor he never withheld his tribute 
of praise from political opponents, when, in his 
judgment, the line of policy pursued by them 
was in accordance with the public welfare. So 
prominent was this trait in his character, and so 
convinced were the people at large of his un- 
swerving integrity, that if he had assented to 
the solicitations of his friends to become a 
candidate for high public position, he would 
unquestionably have received the votes of very 
many who differed from him in politics. 

When the War of the Great Rebellion burst 
upon the country, the personal influence and 
the purse of Col. Dou.sman were cast into the 
scale in support of the Lincoln administration; 
and few private citizens accomplished more 
than himself in arousing the people of his sec- 
tion to the emergency of the peril, and in 
equipping regiments for the field. He fre- 
quently expressed to me his earnest conviction 
that it was the duty of. every man in the com- 
munity to devote his means and his energies to 
maintain intact the integrity of the Federal 
Union, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



303 



Col. Dousinan was a firm friend of his own 
territory and State. Intimately acquainted as 
he was witli the topography of the country and 
its vast capacity for pioduction, he advocated 
its claims to consideration and predicted the 
brilliant future of Minnesota with all the en- 
thusiasm of an old settler. Next to his own 
State, to which he was ever loyal, his affections 
were bestowed upon the younger sister of Wis- 
consin, and his memory merits a warm place in 
the hearts of the people of Minnesota for the 
anxiety he manifested, and the efforts he 
made to advance their material interests. 
Norlli western Wisconsin has also good cause to 
cherish him in gr.iteful remembrance. For 
many years an owner of steamers on the I'pper 
Mississippi, he accomplished much in directing 
immigration and business to her ports; and but 
for his unremitting exertions and the liberal 
outlay from his own resources in aid of the en- 
terprise, the railway from Milwaukee to Prairie 
du Chien, that great thoroughfare of travel and 
lr:insj)(>rtation, would lone; have remained un- 
constiucted. 

The strict business habits of the deceased, 
and the many opportunities afforded in a new 
and rapidly growing region for judicious in- 
vestments, enabled him to amass an ample for- 
tune. 

While he was always liberal in his contribu- 
tions to religious and charitable objects, and 
noted for his hospitality, Col. Dousman was by 
no means given to extravagance, nor did lie en. 
courage it in those within the sphere of his in- 
fluence. Many men are yet living who are in- 
debted for their prosperity to the pecuniary aid 
and wise direction they received from him in 
time of need. 

In 1844, Col. Dousman was united in mar- 
riage to the widow of his former partner in 
business, Joseph Rolette, Sr., who died some 
years previously. The issue of the union was 
a son, now twenty-three years of age, who bears 
the name and is possessed of many of the char- 
acteristics of the father. Thp estimable widow 



resides with her son in a new and splendid resi- 
dence erected upon the site of the old homestead 
at Prairie du Chien. 

Mr. President, I am well aware that I have 
very imperfectly discharged the duty devolved 
upon me by the society, of preparing a suitable 
memoir of my cherished friend. I might have 
entered into much greater detail, but in so doing 
I would have been compelled to transcend the 
limits allotted ordinarily to an obituary of any 
man however distinguished. On the other 
hand I could not have said less without doing 
violence to my feelings. I cannot but recall to 
mind with the keenest regret that the friend of 
my early and riper years, my associate in busi- 
ness for nearly a quarter of a century, who 
directed my steps for the first time to what is 
now Minnesota, and to whom I was fervently 
attached, has been gathered to his father's. He 
left behind no enemies to exult in his sudden 
departure from tlie earth, but many dear reh- 
tives and warm friends to lament the loss of one 
whose place can never be filled in their af- 
fections. All that was mortal of the imposing 
I'linn and presence of the departed now lies 
mouldering in the cemetery he himself had do- 
nated to the Catholic Church in Prairie du 
Chien, and the magnificent marble monument 
erected by loving hands to commemorate his 
virtues will have become dim and tarnished by 
time, long ere the remembrance of his noble 
example shall cease to exercise an influence on 
the community of which he was an honored 
member. 

' 'Alas for them but not for tlicc. 
They cannot choose but weep the more. 
Deep for the dead their grief must be 
Who ne'er gave cause to niouru before " 

.lANE F. DOUSMAN, 

w idow of the late Col. Hercules L. Dousman, 
died at her residence, at Prairie du Chien, on 
the ]3th of January, lss-2. Mrs. Dousman was 
born at Prairie du t'liieii, April 12, 180>^, and 
with the exception of an occasional tcmi)oraiT 
absence, resided hfre nnlil her death. She was 



J9 



304 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



the daughter of Capt. Henry Monroe Fisher (a 
near relative of President Monroe), and of Made- 
laine De Verville, a member of one of the most 
distinguislied French families, connected with 
the early settlement of the west. She enjoyed 
the best educational advantages which her home 
afforded in the early days, and subsequently 
spent some years at a prominent school at 
Cincinnati. In ]819 she was married to Joseph 
Rolette, a man of superior education and intel- 
gence, who, at the time, was the agent of the 
American Fur Company, and principal mer- 
chant and trader at Prairie du Chien. By this 
union she had three children — Joseph, Virginia 
and Frederick Rolette, all of whom she out- 
lived many years. Mr. Rolette died in 1842, 
and two years later she was married to Col. 
Hercules L. Dousman, a sketch of whose life 
appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Dousman 
died in September, 1868, and from that time 
until her death she continued to occupy her 
beautiful home which mai-ks a historic spot on 
the banks of the gre.at Father of Waters. She 
leaves one son, Hercules L. Dousman, her only 
surviving child, who succeeds to her large es- 
tate. She was buried beside the grave of her 
husband, the late Col. Dousman, in the beauti- 
ful cemetery which he had donated to the Ro- 
man Catholic Church. She had been a life-long 
and consistent member of this Church, and was 
buried with its most solemn and impressive 
ceremonies. Mrs. Dousman was in many re- 
spects a remarkable woman. Even in her old 
age, she might have been called beautiful ; and 
her light,elastic step, her graceful, stately bearing 
and her cheerful, pleasant face, gave ample proof 
of past and prepossessing beauty. Through her 
■whole life she was a type of physical perfec- 
tion, and retained the full and perfect use of all 
her senses until the day she died. Her noble, 
generous soul was in harmony with its earthly 
tenement, essentially kind, affectionate, sympa- 
thetic and tender-hearted, she always sought to 
alleviate suffering and to assist the distressed. 
Her soul glowed -^ith Cbristian charity, and 



she never seemed so happy as when doing some 
work of love. In all the relations of life, as 
daughter, wife and mother, Mrs. Dousman gave 
an example worthy of imitation. Of the social 
circle she was the life and soul. Sensitive by 
nature, and quick of perception, she seemed in- 
stinctively to know the feelings of others, and 
to guai-d them with special care. With those 
who have seen her at her beautiful home, and 
who have experienced her generous hospitality, 
her memory will ever live green and unfading. 
Alfred Brunson was born in Danbury, Fair- 
field county. State of Connecticut, Feb. 9, 1V93. 
His education was such as could be obtained in 
the common schools of those times. In 1800 
his father n oved to Sing Sing, N. Y., on the 
Hudson river, where he was drowned in 1806, 
when his mother moved back to Danbury with 
seven children, of whom Alfred was the eldest, 
then thirteen years of age. He was then placed 
under the care of his uncle to learn the shoe- 
making trade, were he remained for five years. 
He had a taste for reading, and an ambition to 
pursue some higher calling than his trade. 
Reading and hearing of Roger Sherman, the 
celebrated statesman, who was of the same 
trade, he felt an ambition to follow his steps, 
and leave the world the better for having lived 
in it. To accomplish this object, like Arndt, he 
planned to study and practice law, and if a war 
occurred, which the signs of the times strongly 
indicated, to share in its dangers, and, if possible, 
in its glories. In the fall of 1808, having a disa- 
greement with his uncle, he started for Ohio, 
where he had another uncle. He remained a 
while at Carlisle, Penn., and finding himself 
not perfect as a workman, received instruc- 
tions until he became very thorough in his trade 
He had been religiously inclined from the time 
of his father's death; and now, being in a Meth- 
odist family, he attended church with them, and 
was thoroughly awakened, and on Feb. 3, 1 809, 
was converted to God. Soon after this, he felt 
called of God to preach, and joining tiiat church, 
abandoned his former plans, and devoted his 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



305 



time in preparing for the ministry. In the fall 

(of 1809 he returned to Connecticut. He stop- 
ped at Bridgeport, and informed his mother 
I and uncle of his whereabouts, and paid the lat- 
1 ter for the balance of his time, and continued 
' to live here, where the way opened up for him 
to commence public religious services as he was 
licensed to exhort. In 1811 he married, and 
opened a shop for business; but the War of 1812 
so interfered, that lie re-moved to Ohio,to work 
on a farm. Realizing his insecurity on the fron - 
ier, lie entered the army under Gen. Harrison, 
in 1813, for a year. He was at the taking of 
Maiden and the re-laking of Detroit. Attheexpi- 
ration of his teini of service, he returned home, 
and in 1815 was licensed to preach. In 1818 he 
formed a new ciiruitin Huron Co., Ohio, where 
in si.x months, he established twenty-four ap- 
pointments, and gathered up 150 members. His 
next circuit was in the northwest p.irt of Penn- 
sylvania; was ^00 miles round, iiaving 
forty-four apijoiiitmentsto fill in four weeks. He 
had a colleague, and they had :!0() conver- 
siotis as the fruit of their lalxpi-. In 1821 
he joined the Ohio Annual Conference. The 
Pittsburg (Penn.) Conference was organized in 
182.5; with which he was connected. He trav- 
eled extensively through this region of coun- 
try, preaching with great success, and literally 
"contending for the faith that was once deliv- 
ered unto the saints." In the meantime, he form- 
ed a knowledge of jurisprudence necessary to a 
wise administration of discipline, and for four 
years read law, not anticipatingadmission to the 
bar. In 1831 the Meadville College was offered 
forthe jiatronage of the Conference to which he 
belonged. The offer was accepted; and he was 
appointed on that district, in order that his val- 
uable services might be given for the benefit of 
the institution. In 183.">he learned of the sad 
condition of the Indians on the Upper Missis- 
sippi, and determined to press his way toward 
these and other poor sufferers. He entered 
Wisconsin on the 25lh of October of the same 
year. He was then presiding ei*ler of a district 



extending from Rock Island to the head of the 
Mississippi, in eluding the Indian Mission. He 
concluded, in looking for a place to locate 
his family, that, as Prairie du Chien seemed 
to be the outpost of civilization, it wotdd 
not be wise to go beyond. He could not find 
a suitable house to rent; and material for 
building and labor costing such an enormous 
sura, he wrote home to his wife, who contract- 
ed for a boat, and material prepared and ready 
to be put together, to be moved with the fami- 
ly. He reached home the following February, 
to find that his faithful wife had made all nec- 
essary preparations. During this journey home, 
he encountered some serious difficulties in ford- 
ing streams, and among wolves, but was provi- 
dentially preserved from the violence of either. 
In June, 1836, he put the material forthe house 
into the boat, with two families beside his own; 
descended French creek and the Alleghany 
river to Pittsburg. There he tied to a steam- 
boat, and was towed to St. Louis. Then he tied 
to another steamer, and was towed to Prairie 
<lu Chien, 1,950 miles by water from Meadville. 
He reached his destination July 16, 1836. Owing 
to the pressing wants of the district, the house 
was not erected until the next spring. He was the 
first Methodist preacher who ever set foot on the 
soil north of the Wisconsin river. In 1839 he 
was compelled to resign his ministerial labors 
because of ill health. Being now without in- 
come he accepted several offices of low grade, 
and, being desirous to attend to matters in 
court he was admitted to the bar on the ground 
of his former law reading, and practiced for ten 
years. In 1840 he was elected to the territo- 
rial Legislature. In 1842 he was appointed In- 
dian agent at La Pointe in Like Superior. In 
1840 his wife, two daughters, and son-in-law 
died. In 1850 he was a candidate for the cir- 
cuit judgeship, but, was defeated. He returned 
to the ministry, and was appointed at Mineral 
Point. In 1853 he was made presiding elder of 
Prairie du Chien district, which included an 
extensive territory. Under his administration, 



306 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



it was made to flourish and bear precious fruit, 
and, at the close of his term of service, was di- 
vided into two districts. In 1862 he was made 
chaplain in the army; went as far as Kentucky, 
where he was taken ill, and was compelled to 
resign his position. In 1867, having partially 
recovered, he was made effective in the minis- 
try, and was made presiding elder of a district, 
but was subsequently twice re-appointed to 
other districts. At the close of his four years' 
service he was compelled to retire on account of 
ill health. 

During his ministry, he was sixteen years a 
presiding elder, and a delegate to the General 
Conference four times; he wrote much for both 
religious and secular journals; and assisted in 
building about thirty churches. He died in 
Prairie du Chien, Aug. 3, 1882. 

Emma Brunson was born in Fairfield, near 
Bridgeport, Conn., Jan. 21, 1*791. Her maiden 
name was Burr. She was distant relative of 
Aaron Burr. She was married to Alfred 
Brunson in August, 1811, and emigrated with 



her husband to Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1818. 
Her husband becoming a Methodist minister in 
1813, she was made subject to frequent removals, 
and shared with him the toils and the privations 
of his life. During her married life, she resid- 
ed in Painsville, Youngstown and Hubbard, in 
Ohio; Detroit, in Michigan; Alleghany City and 
Meadeville, Penn., and Prairie du Chien, Wis. 
In 1836 she removed to the last named place. She 
died in that village in 1843, at the age of fifty- 
five. She was the. mother of eight children, all 
of whom attained their majority. Mrs. Brun- 
son was an intelligent, motherly woman, one 
who sympatized deeply with the afllicted. She 
often invited to her house young men who were 
sick, and away from their own home and nursed 
them with a mother's care. By her affectionate 
kindness and attention, she obtained the cogno- 
men ot "Mother Brunson." She was univer- 
snlly respected and beloved by all who were ac- 
quainted with her. One of her daughters, the 
wife of the late Thomas P. Burnett, died the 
same day that her husband died, and three 
weeks after her mother's death. 




HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



307 



CHAPTER XI. 



PIONEER LIFE. 



Records of pioneer times are interesli ng, 
and they are not without their lessons of in- 
struction. By the light of the past, we follow 
in the foot-prints of the adventurous and enter- 
prising pioneer. We see him, as it were, amid 
the labors and struggles necessary to convert 
the wilderness into a fruitful field. We sit by 
his cabin fire, partaking of his homely and 
cheerfully-granted fare, and listen to the ac- 
counts which he is pleased to give us of fron- 
tier life, and of the dangers, trials, hardships 
and sufferings of himself and others, in their 
efforts to make for themselves homes in regions 
remote from civilization. Through these 
pioneer records, we make our way along to the 
present. From small beginnings we come to 
the mighty achievements of industry, the com- 
plex results of daring enterprise, subduing and 
creative energy and untiring preseverance. 

Following on in the path of progress and 
improvement, we see once waste places rejoic- 
ing under the kindly care of the husbandman; 
beautiful farms, with all the fixtures and appur- 
tenances necessary to make the tillers of the soil 
and their families contented and happy, are 
spread out before us; villages are built up as if 
by magic, and by hundreds human souls are 
congregated within their precincts; the marts 
of trade and traffic and the workshops of the 
artizans, are thronged; common gchooln, union 
schools and high schools have sprung up; 
young and ardent minds — children of the rich 
and tlie poor — may press forward together in 
the acquisition of science, literature and art; 
churches are built and a Christian ministry is 



sustained for the inculcation of religious senti- 
ments and the promotion of piety, virtue and 
moral goodness; the press is established, whence 
floods of light may emanate for the instruction 
and benefit of all; railroads are built to bring 
the products of every clime, and the people 
from afar, to our doors; and the telegraph 
"upon the lightning's wing" carries messages far 
and near. Let the records of the pioneers be 
preserved; in after years our children and our 
children's children will look over them with 
pleasure and profit. 

THE LOG CABIN. 

The first important business of the pioneer 
settler, upon his arrival in Crawford county ,wa8 
to biiild a house. Until this was done, some 
had to camp on the ground or live in their 
wagons — perhaps the only shelter they had 
known for weeks. So the prospects for a house 
which was also to b§ a home, was one that gave 
courage to the rough toil, and added a zest to 
the heavy labors. The style of the home 
entered very little into their thoughts — it was 
shelter they wanted, and protection from stress 
of weather and wearing exposures. The poor 
settler had neither the money nor the mechanical 
ajjpliances for building himself a house. He 
was content, in most instances, to have a 
mere cabin or hut. This was made of round 
logs light enough for two or three men to lay 
up. The house would generally be about 
fourteen feet square^ — perhaps a little larger or 
smaller — roofed with bark or clapboard, and 
floored with puncheon8(logs split once in two and 
the flat side laid up). For a fire-place, a wall 



308 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



of stones and earth was made in the best practi- 
cable shape for the purpose, in an opening in 
one end of the building, extending outward, 
and planked on the outside by bolts of wood 
notched together to stay it. Sometimes a fire- 
place of this kind was made so large as to oc- 
cu])y nearly the whole width of the liouse. In 
cold weather, when a great deal of wood was 
needed to keep the proper warmth inside, large 
logs were piled in the fire-place. To protect 
the crumbling back wall against the effects of 
the fire and to throw forward the heat, two 
back-logs, one on top of the other, were placed 
against it. 

For a chimney, any contrivance that would 
carry up the smoke would do. They were 
usually constructed of clay and sticks. Imagine 
a cold winter's niglit, when tlie storm of wind 
and snow was raging without, the huge fire 
blazing within, and the family sitting around! 
It might be cozy enough if the cold was not too 
intense; and, in reality, before those fire-places 
tiiere was often something of cheer, as the 
farmer sat smoking — if he had any tobacco; 
and the wife knitting — if she had any yarn and 
needles. 

For a door to his log cabin the most simple 
contrivance that would serve the purpose was 
brought into requisition. Before a door could 
be made, a blanket often did duty in guarditig 
the entrance. But, as soon as convenient, some 
boards were split out and put together, hung 
upon wooden hinges, and held shut by a wooden 
pin inserted in an auger-hole. 

PIONEER FUBNITURB. 

In regard to the furniture of the pioneer's 
cabin, it may be said that it varied in propor- 
tion to the ingenuity of the occupants, unless it 
was where settlers brought with them their old 
liousehold supply, which, owing to the distance 
most of them had to come, was very seldom. 
It was easy enough to improvise tables and 
chairs; the former could be made of split logs; 
the latter were designed after the three-legged 
stool pattern, or benches served tlieir purpose.. 



A bedstead was a very important item in the 
domestic comfort of the family; and the fashion 
of improvising them was as follows: 

A forked stake was driven into the ground 
diagonally from the corner of the room, and at 
a proper distance, upon which poles reaching 
from each side of tlie cabin were laid. The 
wall ends of the poles were either driven into 
auger-holes or rested in the openings between 
the logs. Bark or boards were used as a sub- 
stitute for cords. Upon tliis, the wife spread 
her straw-tick; and if she liad a home-made 
feather bed, she piled it up into a luxurious 
mound and covered it with her sheets and bed- 
quilts. Sometimes sheets were hung against 
the wall at the head and side of tlie bed, which 
added much to the cozinessof this resting place 
— this pioneei-bed room. Tlie sleeping arrange- 
ment was generally called a "prairie bedstead." 

PRIMITIVE COOKERY. 

If the settler arrived in the early part of the 
season and had not time to plant, or had no 
fields prepared for that purpose, he could, at 
least have a Iruck-patch, where a little corn was 
plant' d, also a few potatoes and turnips, and 
some other vegetables were put in the ground. 
Of course tliis was only to make his small sup- 
ply, which he had brought with him, reach as 
far as possible. His meager stores consisted of 
fiour, bacon, tea and coffee. But these sup- 
[)lies would frequently be exhausted before a 
regular crop of wheat or corn could be raised, 
and as game was plentiful, it helped tc eke 
them out. But when the corn was raised, it was 
not easily prepared for the table. The mills 
for grinding were at such distances away, that 
every other device was resorted to for making 
meal. 

Some grated it on an implement made by 
punching small holes through a ])iece of tin or 
sheet-iron, and fastening it upon a board in 
concave sliape, with the rough side out. Upon 
this the ear was rubbed to produce the meal. 
But grating could not be done when the corn 
became so dry as to shell off when rubbed. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



309 



Some used a coffee-mill for grinding it; and a 
very common substitute for bread was hominy, 
a palatable and wholesome diet, made by boil- 
ing corn in a weak lye till the hull or bran 
peeled off, after which it was well washed to 
cleanse it of the lye. It was then boiled again 
to soften it, when it was ready for use, as 
occasion required, by frying and seasoning it 
to the taste. Another mode of preparing 
hominy was by pestling. A mortar was made 
by burning a bowl-shaped cavity in the end of 
an upright block of wood. After thoroughly 
cleaning it of the charcoal, the corn could be 
put in, hot water turned upon it, when it was 
subjected to a severe pestling by a club of suffi- 
cient length and thickness, in the large end of 
which was inserted an iron wedge, banded to 
keep it there. The hot water would soften the 
corn and loosen the hull, while the pestle would 
crush it. 

PRIMITIVE THRESHING. 

When breadstuflfs were needed, they had to 
be obtained from long distances. Owing to the 
lack of proper means for threshing and clean- 
ing wheat, it was more or less mixed with for- 
eign substances, such as smut, dirt and oats. 
And as the time when the settlers' methods of 
threshing and cleaning may be forgotten, it 
may be well to preserve a brief account of 
them here. The plan was to clean off a space 
of ground of sufficient size, and, if the earth 
was dry, to dampen it, and beat it to render it 
samewhat compact. Then the sheaves were 
unbound and spread in a circle, so that the 
heads would be uppermost, leaving room in the 
center for the person whose business it was to 
turn and stir the straw in the process of thresh- 
ing. Then, as many horses or oxen were 
brought as could conveniently swing around 
the circle, and these were kept moving until llie 
wheat was well trodden out. After several 
"floorings" or layers were threshed, the straw 
was carefully raked off and the wheat shoveled 
into a lieap to be cleaned. This cleaning was 
sometimes done by waving a sheet up and 



down to fan out the chaff as the grain was 
dropped before it ; but this trouble was fre- 
quently obviated when the strong winds of 
autumn were all that was needed to blow out 
the chaff from the grain. This mode of pre- 
paring the grain for flouring was so imperfect 
that it is not to be wondered at that a consider- 
able amount of black soil got mixed with it, 
and unavoidably got into the bread. This, 
with an addition of smut, often rendered it so 
dark as to have less the appearance of bread 
than mud; yet upon such diet the people were 
compelled to subsist for want of a better. 

GOING TO MILL. 

Not the least among the pioneers' tribulations 
during the first few years of the settlement, 
was the going to mill. The slow mode of 
travel by ox teams was made still slower by the 
almost total absence of roads and bridges, 
while such a thing as a ferry was hardly even 
dreamed of. The distance to be traversed was 
often as far as sixty or ninety miles. In dry 
weather, common sloughs and creeks offered 
little impediment to the teamsters ; but during 
floods and the breaking up of winter, they 
proved exceedingly troublesome and dangerous. 
To get stuck in a slough, and thus be delayed 
for many hours, was no uncommon occurrence, 
and that, too, when time was an item of grave 
import to the comfort and sometimes even to 
the lives of the settlers' families. Often a 
swollen stream would blockade the way, seem- 
ing to threaten destruction to whoever would 
attempt to ford it. With regard to roads, there 
was nothing of the kind worthy of the name. 

When the early settlers were compelled to 
make these long and difficult trips to mill, if 
the country was prairie over which they passed, 
they found it comparatively ea.sy to do in sum- 
mer when grass was plentiful. By traveling 
until night, and then camping out to feed the 
teams, they got along without much difficulty. 
But in winter such a journey was attended with 
no little danger. The utmost economy of time 
was, of course, necessary. When the goal was 



310 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



i\ ached, after a week or more of toilsome 
travel, with many exposures and risks, and the 
poor man was impatient to immediately return 
with the desired staff of life, he was often 
shocked and disheartened with the information 
that his turn would come in a week. Then he 
must look about for some means to pay ex- 
penses, and he was lucky who could find em- 
ployment by the day or job. Then, when his 
turn came, he had to be on hand to bolt his 
own flour, as, in those days, the bolting ma- 
• chine was not an attached part of the otlier 
mill machinery. This done, the anxious soul 
was-ready to endure the trials of a return trip, 
his heart more or less concerned about the af- 
fairs of home. 

Those milling trips often occupied from three 
weeks to more than a month each, and were at- 
tended with an expense, in one way or an- 
other, that rendered the costs of breadstuffs ex- 
tremely high. If made in the winter, when 
more or less grain-feed was required for the 
tean-, the load would be found to be so consid- 
erably reduced on reaching home that the cost 
of what was left, adding other expenses, would 
make their grain reach the high cash figure of 
from *.3 to $5 per bushel. And these trips could 
not always be made at the most favorable season 
for traveling. In spring and summer, so much 
time could hardly be spared from oth.-i- 
essential labor; yet, for a large family, it was 
almost impossible to avoid making three or four 
trips during the year. 

WILD ANIMALS. 

Among other things calculated to an annoy 
and distress the pioneer was the prevalence of 
wild beasts of prey, the most numerous and 
troublesome of which was thewolf. While it was 
true, in a figurative sense, that it required tiie 
utmost care and exertion to "keep the wolf from 
the door," it was almost as true in a literal 
sense. There were two species of these animals, 
the large, black, timber wolf, and the smaller 
gray wolf that usually inhabited the prairie. 
At first, it was next to impossible for a settler 



to keep .Mnall stock of any kind that would 
serve as a prey to these ravenous beasts. Sheep 
were not deemed safe property until years after, 
when their enemies were supposed to be nearly 
exterminated. Large numbers of wolves were 
destroyed during the early years of settlement. 
When they were hungry, which was not uncom- 
mon, particularly during the winter, they were 
too indiscreet for their own safety, and would 
often approach within easy shot of the settler's 
dwellings. At certain seasons their wild, plain- 
tive yelp or bark could be heard in all directions 
at all hours of the night, creating intense ex- 
citement among the dogs, whose howling would 
add to the dismal melody. 

It has been found by experiment that but one 
of the canine species, the hound, has both the 
fleetness and courage to cope with his savage 
cousin, the wolf. Attempts were often made to 
capture him with the common cur, but this 
animal, as a rule, proved himself wholly unre- 
liable for such a service. So long as the wolf 
would run the our would follow; but the wolf, 
being apparently acquainted with the character 
of his pursuer, would either turn and place him- 
self in a combatative attitude, or. else act upon 
the principal that "discretion is the better part 
of valor," and throw himself upon his back in 
token of surrender. This stategic performance 
would make instant peace between these two 
scions of the same house; and not unfrequently 
dogs and wolves have been seen playing to- 
gether like puppies. But the hound was never 
known to recognize a flag of truce; his baying 
seemed to signify "no quarters;" or, at least, so 
the terrified wolf understood it. 

Smaller animals, such as panthers, lynxes, 
wildcats, catamounts and polecats, were also 
sufficiently numerous to be troublesome. And 
an exceeding source of annoyance were the 
swarms of mosquitoes which aggravated the 
trials of the settler in the most exasperating 
degree. Persons have been driven from the 
labors of the field by their unmerciful assaults. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



3U 



Thctiialsuf the pioneer were innumerable, 
and the cases of actual suffering might fill a 
volume of no ordinary size. Timid women 
became brave through combats with real dan- 
gers, and patient mothers grew sick at heart 



with the sight of beloved children failing in 
health from lack of the common necessaries of 
life. The struggle'was not for ease or luxury 
but was a constant one for the sustaining means 
of life itself. 




312 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XII 



FIRST THINGS. 



THE MILITARY ROAD. 

The first regularly laid out road in Crawford 
county, leading out of it, was what was known 
as the "Military Road." It was built at the ex- 
pense of the United States for the transporta- 
tion of supplies from Fort Howard, as the army 
post at Green Bay was called, to Fort Winne- 
bago, near what is now the city of Portage, 
Columbia county and Fort Crawford at Prairie 
du Chien, and for the passage of troops to and 
from these posts. In summer, provisions and 
the munitions of an army could be ti'ansported 
in batleaux by water from the lakes to the Mis- 
sissippi, but in winter this could not be done; 
bcTice, the necessity for a road between Green 
Bay and Prairie du Chien by way of tiie por- 
tage of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. 

The road was a crude affair and was con- 
structed by cutting through timber land, clear- 
ing a track about two rods wide and setting 
mile stakes On the prairies, the mile stakes 
were also set, and mounds tlirown u]) of earth 
or stones. On the marshes or other low places, 
corduroy roads were made by crossing timbers 
and covering with brush and earth. 

Commencing at Fort Crawford in Prairie du 
Chien, the road ran to Bridgeport. A ferry at 
this point took soldiers and supplies across the 
Wisconsin river. The road tlien ran up on to 
the divide, keeping it to the Blue Mounds. The 
first stopping place after leaving Piairie du 
Chien was at Wingville, forty-one miles distant, 
where there was a log house; the next was at 
the Blue Mounds, at the same distance beyond. 



oncerning this highway, a report was made 
to Congress Sept. 1, 1839, by Capt. T. J. Cram, 
as follows: 

"Military road from Fort Crawford, by Win- 
nebago, to Fort Howard, at Green Bay; Com- 
mencing at Prairie du Chien, and running as 
far east as to tiie Blue Mounds, this road is laid 
on the ridge dividing the waters flowing toward 
the north from those flowing toward the south. 
At the Blue Mounds tliis dividing ridge deflects 
to >< ard the northeast, and continues on this 
course to within about four miles of Fort Win- 
nebago, where it is lost in a summit level, de- 
nominated the portage. This remarkable sum- 
mit is one among a few others of similar char- 
acter in our country, possessing the property of 
dividing the waters flowing into the Gulf of 
Mexico from those which flow into the Gulf 
of St. Lawrence. The part of the road from 
Fort Crawford to the portage, a distance of 
about 115 miles, will need the sum of $5,700 to 
be expended, chiefly in the repairs and con- 
struction of small bridges and the opening of 
ditches, which are not only necessary to the 
immediate use of the road, but also to the pres- 
ervation of the road itself. Tlie construction 
of a safe and permanent road across the por- 
tage for about four miles, will require the sum 
of 15,955. Owing to the periodical overflowint:8 
of this summit level, the road across it is ren- 
dered utterly impassible, and continues so for 
several days at a time, ani<iunting to some 
weeks during each year. At such times the 
United States mail and travelers to Fort Win- 
nebago are obliged to be taken around on a cir- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



313 



cuitous route of about fifteen miles, crossing a 
lake on their way, in order to reach the desired 
point; and it is not unfrequently tlie ease that 
the unwary traveler is led into the middle of 
the portage l>efore he beeomes fully apprised of 
his danger, when all of a sudden, his horses are 
mired in the midst of a flood of water, from 
which he finds it impossible to extricate his 
team, and might perish in sight of the fort, 
but for the assistance of tiie soldiers, who come 
off in canoes to his rescue. A thorongii and 
critical examination has been made with a view 
of CDUstrucling a road around the portage. It 
is found, however, that the cost of such a con- 
struction, besides an increase of distance and 
the inconvenience of a ferry, would quite equal 
the cost of making the present I'oad good and 
safe at all times. 

"The sura required to complete the con- 
struction of the part of the road between Fort 
Winnebago and the south end of Lake Winne- 
bago, a distance of about sixty miles, is §6,320. 
The land in the vicinity of this portion of the 
road is of good quality, and similar in most re- 
spects to that described elsewhere in this re- 
port. From the south end of Lake ^Vinnebago 
to within about six miles of Fort Howard, at 
Green Bay, the road is exceedingly bad, and 
the cost of transportation over it is a heavy tax 
upon the settlers, and tends greatly to retard 
the settlement of the wliole tract of country 
between Green bay and the Wisconsin river. 

"I he tract of land bordering the east side of 
Lake Winnebago, and thence along Neenah 
river to Green bay, is chiefly covered with ex- 
cellent timber, consisting of various kinds of 
oak, white pine, sugar maple, bass wood, black 
walnut, etc., and from its proximity to naviga- 
ble waters, on both sides, must become valua- 
ble. The soil of this tract is deep, with a sub- 
stratum of limestone, and being well watered 
with numerous small brooks, is well adapted to 
farming. The military road along here passes di- 
rectly through the settlements of the Brother- 
town and Stockbridge Indians. Tlu' farms of 



the Brothertown people are in a promising con- 
dition ; and the clearing-s, fences and snug 
buildings show that their proprietors are not 
behiiul any of the farmers of Wisconsin in the 
art of agriculture. Their respectable appear- 
ance, civil and quiet demeanor and exceedingly 
industrious habits, all combine to render them 
good and worthy citizens of the United States. 
It is to be regretted, however, that the general 
appearances of the Stockbridge settlements are 
not so favorable ; and yet, were it not for the 
contrast of their neighbo'-s, the Stockbridge 
people might be said to have evinced signs of 
civilization not often met with in the settle- 
ments of the red men. 

"The cost of constructing the road from 
Fond du Lac to Green Bay, about fifty-six miles, 
would be $17,292, to be expended in bridging, 
ditching, and filling the wet places with dura- 
ble materials, all of which exist in abundance 
on the road. I'hus the whole sum required to 
complete the construction of the military road 
from Fort Crawford, by Fort Winnebago, to 
Fort Howard, an extent of about 2.i5 miles, 
amounts to $35,267. This sum, with strict 
economy in adopting the most simple kind of 
construction, would not more than cover the 
cost of completing this road, which, in a mili- 
tary point of view, is of unquestionable impor- 
tance; connecting, as it does, a chain of mili- 
tary posts, which the safety of the people of 
Wisconsin and the north part of Illinois will 
require to be maintained for several years to 
come." 

THE FIRST STBAJIBO^T UP THE MISSISSIPPI. 

A steamboat first made its appearance in 
Crawford county in 1S21. It was called the Vir- 
<jinia, and owned in St. Louis. Joseph Rolette, 
Alexis Baily and a few more went on her to 
Fort Snelling. They stopped and cut wood as 
they needed it. J. B. Toyer went as pilot. It 
was a stern wheeler, aud a man with a pole was 
stationed on the bow to aid in steering. The 
inhabitants were greatly surprised when they 
first saw the boat in the middle of the river 



334 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



without sail, as the keel boats always kept near 
the shore in ascending the river. 

Baily was the first man to see the boat ; he 
procured a spy glass of Michael Brisbois and 
thus discovered its character. Madame Bris- 
bois went on board and remarked how strange 
it was that tliey did not have to go doicn into it, 
as in other boats she had seen. 

THE FIRST SCHOOL. 

The first school taught in Crawford county 
was a private one. It commenced in Prairie dii 
Chien, May 25, 1818. It was taughtby Willard 
Keyes. lu June he had about thirty scholars, 
"mostly bright and active, at two dollars per 
month." He boarded with Mr. Faribault. He 
taught three months. Mr. Keyes remained in 
Prairie du Chien until May, 1819, when he 
found it "of no use to remain longer in this ex- 
pensive place ;" so he went down the river to 
Madison Co., 111. 

FIRST POSTAL ARRANGEMENT. 

In 182.3 Judge James Duane Doty, at Prairie 
du Chien, finding that the mail matter for the 
place came up the river on keel-boats, or by mil- 
itary express, sent occasionally for tlie special 
purpose, to Clarksville, Mo., a village about 
100 miles above St. Louis, and the then near- 
est postoflice, made application to the post- 
oflice department for the establishment of a 
postoflSce at Prairie du Chien, which was 
granted. This was the first postoflice in Craw- 
ford county. Judge Doty was appointed post- 
master — the first one in the county. The judge 
was given the privilege of expending the pro- 
ceeds of the ofiice for carrying the mail. The 
receipts for postage, together with contributions 
from the principal inhabitants and oflicers of the 
garrison, enabled him to send John B. Soyer, 
an old voyageur, one trip to Clarksville during 
the winter, for which he was paid $30. 

During the winter of 182.3-4, Judge Doty 
concluded to change hia residence from Prairie 
du Chien to Green Bay, and resigned his office 
of ' postmaster, and recommended James H. 
Lockwood for the vacancy. Mr. Lockwood was 



appointed with the same power and authority 
that Doty had. Lockwood applied during the 
summer of 1824, and got a postoflice established 
at Galena, and Ezekiel Lockwood appointed 
postmaster; also an office at Rock Island, with 
Lee Davenport, postmaster ; the proceeds of 
both offices to be applied by James H. Lock- 
wood to defraying the expenses of conveying 
the mail from Prairie du Chien via Galena and 
Rock Island, to Clarksville, Mo. The increased 
fund, by this new arrangement, enabled the 
postmaster at Prairie du Chien, James H. Lock- 
wood, to send the mail twice during the winter 
to Clarksville; and thus the postal arrangements 
remained until the close of 1825, when a post 
route was extended from Springfield, 111., to 
Galena ; and, on the first of January, 1826, 
John D. Winters, the contractor, arrived at 
Galena with the first mail sent through by this 
arrangement. The office at Prairie du jChien 
continued to send to Galena for her mail at her 
own expense until the fall of 1832, when Dr. 
Addison Philleo, who had obtained the contract 
to Prairie du Chien, sent the mail through ; and 
thus tlie latter place had a regular mail for the 
first lime brought there under permanent gov- 
ernment arrangements. 

THE FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL. 

The first Sunday school established in Craw- 
ford county was at Prairie du Chien, in the 
the spring of 1825, by Mrs. Juliana Lockwood, 
wife of James H. Lockwood. There was not, 
at that time, any meeting to attend on Sunday ; 
even the Roman Catholics had a priest visit 
them only occasionally ; and Mrs. Lockwood 
having been accustomed to see the children 
collected in Sunday schools, and seeing a large 
nu nber playing about the streets on the Sab- 
bath, concluded it would be doing them a good 
service to gather them into a Sunday school. 
She proposed the subject to Miss Crawford, a 
young lady reared in the place, who spoke Eng- 
lish and French fluently, and who had a good 
common education. The latter agreed to assist 
her. The two together influenced Dr. Edwin 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTr. 



315 



James, the surgeon of the United States army, 
who was then stationed at Fort Crawford and 
John H. Kinzie, formerly of Chicago, then quite 
a young man, in th^ employment of the Ameri- 
can Fur Cora[)any, at Prairie du Chien, also 
to take hold of the matter. 

The four collected the children and com- 
menced tlieir school in the spring of 1825; and 
continued it until the winter following, but not 
without opposition. Some took the ground that 
it was the design to make Protestants of the 
children. To counteract this, the teachers in- 
troduced and taught the children the Roman 
Catholic catechism. During the winter, how- 
ever. Dr. James was ordered to another post, 
and Mrs. Lockwood went in the spring of 182G 
to New York. Mr. Kinzie and Miss Crawford 
also left the place, both going to Mackinaw. 
This broke up the school, and another was not 
collected until 1830, when the members of the 
different Protestant denominations united in 
forming a union Sunday school. This contin- 
ued for a few years, until the Methodists, becom- 
ing, by far, the most numerous, assumed the 
management of it, and it became a Methodist 
Sunday school. 

FIRST PROTESTANT MEETINGS. 

In the year 1828 Gen. Joseph M. Street was 
appointed Indian agent at Prairie du Chien, and 
arrived alone in the fall of that year to assume 
the duties of his office ; and, in the winter, re- 
turned to Illinois, and brought his family to 
Prairie du Cliien in the spring of the following 
year, being the first family who settled in Prai- 
rie du Chien that made a profession of religion 
of the Protestant faith, of any of the different 
sects. 

In 1830, a man by the name of Coe, who 
claimed to be a minister of the Presbyterian 
Church, and missionary to the Indians, passed 
through the country, and remained over Sun- 
day at Prairie du Chien, and made an attempt 
at preaching ; but he was a very illiterate man, 
and not overstocked with good sense. He made 
iwveral trips to the upper Indian country, and 



on one occasion took passage on a keel boat and 
arrived within about thirty miles of Fort Snel- 
ling on Saturday night ; and as the boat would 
start early in the morning, and he would not 
travel on the Sabbath, he went on sliore without 
])rovisions, and encamped over Sutiday, and on 
Monday made his way to Fort Snelling, hunsjry 
and nearly exhausted. Sometime in the year 
1832, a student of divinity, of the Cumberland 
Presbyerian sect, came here and taught school 
for about six months, and on Sundays attempted 
to preach. 

At the treaty of Fort Armstrong, Rock Island, 
of which Gen. Scott and Gov. Reynolds were 
the commissioners, concluded Sept. 15, 1832, in 
part consideration for a claim of land, it was 
stipulated that the general government should, 
for a term of twenty-seven years, maintain a 
school at or near Piairie du Chien for the edu- 
cation and support of such Winnebago children 
as should be voluntarily sent to it, to be con- 
ducted by two or more teachers, and at an 
annual cost not to exceed the sum of $3,000. 
To carry out the stipulations of the treaty, the 
United States, the next year (1833), sent the 
Rev. David Lowry, of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian denomination, as superintendent of the 
Indian school ; but it was about a year before 
suitable buildings were erected on the Yellow 
river, in Iowa, and Mr. Lowry remained at 
Prairie du Chien, and preached on Sundays ; 
and during this time he collected those profess- 
ing religion, of the different denominations, into 
a society. 

In the fall of 1835 the Rev. Alfred Brunson 
visited Prairie du Chien, and returned home 
the same autumn ; and in the spring of lS3Ghe 
came back with his family, as superintendent 
of the Methodist Episcopal Mission of the upper 
Mississippi and Lake Superior. He purchased 
a farm and built a house, he materials for which 
ho brought with him from Meadville, Penn., 
and continued several years laboring in liis 
missionary capacity. He several times visited 
th^ missions on the upper Mississippi, and when 



316 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



at Prairie du Chien preached and formed a 
Methodist society. 

In the year 1836 the Rev. Mr. Caddie, of the 
Episcopal Church, came to Prairie du Chien as 
a missionary, but was shortly after appointed 
chaplain to Fort Crawford, in which c.ipacity 
he continued until 1841, when feeling, as he ex- 
pressed it, that he was not in his proper place, 
preaching to soldiers who went to hear him 
more from compulsion than anything else, he 
resigned his chaplaincy and again entered the 
raisi^ionary service in .another part of the terri- 
tory. Mr. Caddie, while chaplain of the fort, 
formed a Church of the few communicants of 
Prairie du Chien, and of the officers and ladies 
of the fort, which he called Trinity, but was 
obliged, for most of the Church officers, to elect 
non-communicants. 

In the year 1842 the Rev. Mr. Stephens, of 
the Presbyterian Church, who had been on a 
missionary service somewhere in the Indian 
country, came as a missionory of that denomi- 
nation, formed a Church, and continued here 
two or three years. There being too few mem- 
bers of his Church to supply the means of sup- 
port with the stipend he received from the 
missionary society, he left. 

FIRST M. E. CHURCH EDIFICE. 

In 1812, the subject of religion created consid- 
erable interest, and at a quarterly meeting of con- 
ference, helcl in Prairie du Chien on the 25th 



day of September, in that year, the project of 
building the First Methodist Episcopal church, 
was talked over and resolved on. At that same 
meeting a committee of three, Mr. Dandley, H. 
Brace and Sam Gilbert, were appointed to secure 
a suitable piece of ground on which to build; to 
make out plans, estimate the cost, and to ob- 
tain subscriptions in money, materials and labor 
for the erection of the church. 'I'he committee 
selected lot No. 1 5, of H. L. Dousman's addition to 
St. Friole, part of farm lot No. 32, as the most 
suitable piece of ground for the purpose. This 
lot was donated to the Church by Col. II. L. 
Dousman. Subscriptions to the amount of $1,- 
034.93, in cash and materials were soon raised; 
and on the 6th of April, 1843, the building com- 
mittee, Rev. A. Brunson, Sam Gilbert and H. 
Brace, entered into a contract with H. H. Baily 
and G. W. Blunt, for the erection of the church. 
The building was to be fifty feet long by thirty- 
six feet wide, with stone foundation; to have 
on the front end a tower fotirteen feet square 
at the base, and thirty feet high from the main 
plate, with spires at each corner; to have a gal- 
lery on the fiont end eight feet wide. Blunt 
and Baily agreed to have this. building finished 
by Sept. 1, 1843, in consideration of $1,010; 
but the church was not finished at the time. 

The Sund.ay School Library was formed by 
subscription and donations, and comprised many 
volumes — some verv valuable works. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



31' 



CHAPTER XIII 



FORMATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY AND LOCATING THE 

COUNTY SEAT. 



The people who were living within what are 
now the limits of Crawford county, on the 18th 
day of April, 1818, became, by an act of Con- 
gress of that date, citizens of Michigan terri- 
tory, along with all others who then resided be- 
tween Lake Michigan and the Mississippi river 
north of tlie northern boundary line of the State 
of Illinois as fixed by the act just mentioned. 
Instead of being in the territory of Illinois,they 
were now in the territory of Michigan, the for- 
mer territory having become extinguished. It 
was incumbent, therefore, upon the governor of 
Michigan, Lewi.s Cass, to at once form new 
counties out of the area thus added to his terri- 
tory and to provide for their organization. This 
he proceeded to do by issuing proclamations, 
one of whicii was as follows: 

FORMING AND NAMING THE COUNTY. 

"Whereas, by the seventh section of the act 
of Congress, passed April 18, 1818, entitled, 
"An Act to ennble the people of the Illinois 
territory to form a constitution and State 
government, and for the admission of such 
State into the Union on an equal footing with 
the original States," it is provided, that all that 
part of the territory of the United States, 
lying north of the State of Indiana, and which 
was included in the former Indiana territory, 
and which is situated, north of, and not included 
within the boundaries prescribed by this act, to 
the State lierel)y authorized to be formed, shall 
be, and hereby is attached to and made part of 
the Michigan territory, from and after tlio for- 
mation of the sajd State; and whereas the con- 



tingency, upon which the annexation of the 
said tract of country to the said territory of 
Michigan, has occurred, by the formation of 
the State of Illinois, 

"Now therefore,! do by these presents proclaim 
the same, and that the inhabitants of the said 
tract of country, are by tlie said act of Con- 
gress, "entitled to the same privileges and im- 
munities, and subject to the same rules and 
regulations, in all respects, with the other citi- 
zens of tlie Michigan territory. 

"And I do, by virtue of the ordinance of 
Congress, of July 13, 1787, lay out that j)art of 
the tract of country to which the Indian title 
has been extinguished, included within the fol- 
lowing boundaries, namely: "Hounded on the 
nortli by the county of Michillimackinac, as es- 
tablished by an act of the governor of the said 
territory,of this date;on the east by the said ,coun- 
tyof Michillimackinac, and by the western boun- 
dary of the said territory,as the same was estab- 
lished by the act of Congress, passed January 
l^l'iO.i, entitled. An Act to divide tlie In- 
dian territory into two separate governments;' 
on the south by the States of Indiana and Illi- 
nois, and on the west by a line to be ilrawn due 
north from the northern boundary of the State 
of Illinois, through the middle of the portage 
between the Fox river and the Ouisconsin river 
to the county of Michillimackinac, into a sepa- 
rate county, to be called the county of Brown. 

"And I do establish the seat of justic^e of the 
said county of Brown, at such point on the Fox 
river, and within six miles of the mouih thereof, 



318 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



as may be selected by a majority of the judges 
of the county court of the said county. 

"And I do, by virtue of the ordinance afore- 
said, lay out that part of the tract of country to 
which the Indian title has been e.ictinguished, in- 
cluded within the following boundaries, 
namely: Bounded on the north by the county 
of Michillimackinac, on the east by the county 
of Brown, on the south by the State of Illinois, 
and on the west by the western boundaries of 
the territory of Michigan, into a separate 
county, to be called the county of Crawford. 

"And I do establish the seat of justice of the 
said county of Crawford at the village of Prai- 
rie du Chien. 

"In testimony whereof, I have caused these 
letters to be made patent, and the great seal of 
the said territory to be hereunto affixed. 
"Given under my hand at Detroit, this twenty- 

si.xth day of October; in the year 

of our Lord one thousand eight 
[L. S.] hundred and eighteen, and of the 

Independence of the United States, 

the forty-third, 

Lewis Cass." 
In order to understand what extent of coun- 
try was, by this proclamation, formed "into a 
separate county, to be called the county of Craw- 
ford," it is necessary to know that the south- 
ern jimits'i'f the county of Michillimackinac, as 
established by the governor at the same date, 
ran across from Lake Michigan to the Missis- 
sippi, east and west, near the northern limits 
of the present county of Barron. 

Crawford county was thus named by Gov. 
Cass after Fort Crawford, the military post 
then located at Prairie du Chien. 

THE COUNTY KEliUCED TO ITS PEESEKT LIMITS. 

It was not until 1829, that the limits of Craw- 
ford county, as defined by the proclamation of 
the governor of Michigan, Oct. 26, 1818, 
were .disturbed. In that year, the Legislative 
Council of the territory of Michigan, by an act 
approved October 29th, to take effect the 1st 
day of Janua'y, 1830, formed out of its area, a 



new county which received the name of Iowa, 
embracing the whole of Crawford county lying 
south of the Wisconsin river; so that the county 
last named was now limited to the region north 
of that stream. But it still embraced what are 
no«' the counties of St. Croix, Dunn, Pepin, 
Eau Claire, Taylor, Clark, Buffalo, Trempea- 
leau, Jackson, Wood, Adams, Juneau, Monroe, 
La Crosse, Vernon, Sauk and Richland;and parts 
of Green, Dane, Columbia, Marquette,Waushara, 
Portage, Marathon, Lincoln, Chippewa, Barron 
and Polk counties. 

Crawford county remained with its bounda- 
ries unchanged, after the passage of the act of 
1829, until 1834, when its eastern boundary "'as 
restricted to the Wisconsin river above the por- 
tage, by the Legislative Council of Michigan 
territory extending the western boundary of 
Brown county to that stream; so that now 
Crawford county had that river for its entire 
southern and eastern boundary. No other 
changes were made in the boundaries of the 
county so long as it remained a part of Jlichi- 
gan territory. 

In 1836 the territory of Wisconsin was 
formed and Crawford county, of which it was 
a part, was soon shorn of a portion of its area 
by the Legislature of the new territory. This 
was effected by the formation of Portage 
county, which extended across the Wisconsin 
river, by virtue of an act approved Jan. 12, 
1838, entitled: 

"An ACT establishing a county, to be called 
Portage, defining its territory, etc. 

Section 1 . Be it enacted by the Coniicit and 
House of Representatives of the terrritory of 
"PFiisco^siH, that township number 10, range 6, 
township number 10, range 7, townships num- 
bers 10 and 11, in range 8, townships 10, 11, 12 
and 13, in ranges 9, 10, 11 and 12, east of the 
fourth principal meridian, and the territory 
within the following described boundaries, viz.: 
Crossing the Wisconsin river on tlie townshi]) 
line between 10 and 11, six miles due west; 
thence up in a line parallel and six miles from 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



.121 



the west shore of said river, to a point opposite 
to the upper rapids thereof, and thence due 
east to said rapids, be, and the same is hereby 
established and declared to be a county, with 
the name of Portage, and the seat of justice is 
hereby established at Kentucky city. 

"Sec. 2. All acts and parts of acts, which in 
any way contravene the provisions of this act, 
are hereby declared to be null and void." 

But the loss sustained by Crawford county in 
the Legislature extending the county of Portage 
across the Wisconsin, was much more than com- 
pensated for, seven days after, by the addition 
of a large extent of country on the north. It 
happened in this way: The northern portions 
of Wisconsin territory had, while a part of 
Michigan territory, formed parts of ti e counties 
of Michillimackinac and Chippewa, as already 
explained. The dividing line between the State 
of Michigan and the territory of Wisconsin, as 
e^^lablislu■d in 1836, left the county seats ol 
these two counties outside of Wisconsin terri 
tory; so now there was a considerabe a,\x\ 
witliin the limits of the latter without any oi 
ganizMtion. All this was added "for all judi 
cial purposes" to Crawford count}', by an ac 
of the Legislature of Wisconsin territory, ap- 
proved Jan. 19, 1838, which was as follows: 

An act to enlarge the county of Crawford. 

Section 1. Beit enacted by the Corincil anil 
House of Hepresentatives of the Territory of Wis- 
consin, That all that part of Wisconsin territory 
lying south and west of Lake Superior, and 
east of the Mississippi and Grand Fork rivers, 
and north of the Wisconsin river, heretofore 
not included in any other county in this terri- 
tory, be, and the same is hereby attached to and 
made apart of Crawford county, for all judicial 
purposes." 

As the county was now constituted, it in- 
cluded, for judicial purposes, nearly all of what 
is now the State of Wisconsin north and west 
of the Wisconsin river, and so much of the pres 
ent State of Minnesota as lies east of the Mis- 
sissippi and Grand Fork rivers. But, because 



of the spread of settlements, it was not destined 
to long remain with such an extended area. It 
comiiK'iiced in 1840 to be shorn of its wide do- 
main, by the formation of the counties of Sauk 
and St. Croix. 

In 18.39 an election precinct was established 
by the commissioners of Crawford county, at 
Sauk Prairie, and an election was there held in 
the fall of the same year, at which fourteen 
votes were cast, returns being made to Prairie 
du Chien. Owing to the difficulty of communi- 
cating with so distant a county seat, the citizens 
petitioned the Legislature to set off a new 
county. Accordingly by an act of Jan. 11, 1840, 
the county of Sauk was formed, comprising 
townships 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, of ranges 3, 
4, 5, 6 and 7, east, lying north and west of the 
Wisconsin river. To this, township 13, of 
range 2 east, was added in 1849. 

But the loss of territory on the south by tlie 
formation of Sauk county was not all the di- 
minution suffered by Crawford county in 1840; 
f(ir, by an act of the territorial Legislature 
[lassid January 9, to take effect August 1, of 
that year, "all of the territory of Wisconsin 
lying west of a line commencing at the mouth 
of the Porcupine river, on Lake Pejnn, thence 
up said river to its first forks, thence on a di- 
rect line to the Meadow Fork of Red Cedar 
river, thence up said river to Long Lake, thence 
along the canoe route to Lac Courte Oreille, 
thence to the nearest point on the Montreal 
river, thence down said river to Lake Superior, 
thence north to the United States boundary 
line," was formed into a separate county, and 
named St. Croix. 

On the 18th of February, 1841, the county of 
Portage was enlarged, which deprived Craw- 
ford of a considerable tract. This was done by 
the passage of an act entitled: 

An Act to enlarge the boundaries of Portage 
county and for other purposes. 

J3e it enacted by the Council and House of 
Hepresentatives of t/ie Territory of Wisconsin : 



20 



322 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



"Section I. That all tliat district of country 
lying immediately north of the counties of 
Sank and Portage, and comprised in ranges two, 
three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine, east 
of the fourth principal meridian, and extending 
north to the northern boundary of the territory 
except fractional townships fourteen and fifteen 
north, in range nine east, shall be, and the same 
is hereby annexed to and made a part of the 
county of Portage." 

Following this, was the creation in 1842, out 
of a part of Crawford, of the county of Rich- 
land. During the winter of 1841-2, the few 
residents of what is now that county, held a 
mass-meeting at the Eagle mill and prepared 
a petition to the territorial Legislature, then in 
session, setting forth their desire to be detached 
from Crawford county, in which they then be- 
longed, and to be set apart in a new county. 
In compliance with this request, by an act 
dated Feb. 18, 1842, a new county was formed 
and named Richland, having its present bound- 
aries, so the limits of Crawford county were 
materially narrowed. 

In 1845 still another diminution of territory 
took place; for on the 3d of February, of that 
year, the Legislature passed 

An act to divide the county of Crawford, 
and to organize the county of Chippewa. 

Se it enacted by the Council and Souse of 
Hepresentatives of the Territory of Wisconsin: 

Section 1. That the county of Crawford 
shall be limited to that district of country 
which lays north of the Wisconsin and east of 
the Mississippi rivers, and south of a line be- 
ginning at the mouth of Buffalo river, thence 
up the main branch of said river to its source, 
thence in a direct line to the most southern 
point on Lake Chetac, thence in a direct line 
drawn due east until it intersects the western 
boundary line of Portage county, as enlarged 
by an act approved Feb. 18, 1841 ; and west of 
the western boundary lines of the counties of 
Portage and Richland. 



Sec. 2. That all that district of country 
lying west of Portage county enlarged as afore- 
said, north of the northern boundary line of 
Crawford county aforesaid, east of the Missis- 
sippi river and south of the boundaries of the 
county of St. Croix, as prescribed in the act ap- 
proved Jan. 9, 1840, organizing said county, 
to be known under the name of Chippewa 
county. 

By an act approved Jan. 14, 1846, concern- 
ing the boundary line between the counties of 
Crawford and Chippewa, it was declared as fol- 
lows: 

Section. 1. That the boundary line between 
the counties of Crowford and Chippewa, shall 
be a line commencing at the mouth of Buffalo 
river, on the Mississippi river, thence up the 
main branch of Buffalo riverto its source, tlience 
along the dividing ridge between the waters of 
Chippewa river and Black river, until it reaches 
the head waters of Black river, thence in a 
direct line drawn due east until it intersects the 
western boundary line of Portage county, as en- 
larged by an act approved Feb. 18, 1841, which 
line shall hereafter be the northern boundary of 
Crawford county, and the southern boundary of 
Chippewa county, any law to the contrary not- 
withstanding." 

By the Revised Statutes of 1849, it was de- 
clared that "the district of country included 
within the following boundaries" should form 
and constitute the county of Crawford: 

"Beginning at a point in the western bound- 
ary line of this State, in the Mississippi river, 
opposite the mouth of the Wisconsin river; and 
running thence northerly on the boundary line 
of this State, in said Mississippi river, to a 
point opposite the mouth of Buffalo river ; 
thence on the southern boundary line of Chip- 
pewa county, until it strikes the range line be- 
tween ranges 1 and 2, east of the meridian 
aforesaid; thence south on said range line to 
the northeast corner of township 12, north of 
range 1 east; thence west on the township line, 
to the northwest corner of township 12, north 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



323 



of range 2 west of said meridian; thence south 
on the range line, to the middle of the Wiscon- 
sin river; thence down the middle of the main 
channel of said rivei-, to the place of begin- 
ning." 

The last dismemberment of the county ("the 
most unkindest cut of all") was brought about 
by the passage of the following act and the 
amendment thereto: 

An act to divide the county of Crawford and 
organize the counties of Bab Ax and La 
Crosse. 

The People of the State of Wisconsin, repre- 
• seyiied in Senate and Assembly, do enact as fol- 
lows : 

Section 1. All that portion of the county of 
Crawford lying between sections 19, 20, 21, 22, 
•2\ and 24, in township 11 and township 15, 
north of ranges '2, '^, 4, 5, 6 and 1 west, be and 
hereby is organiziil into a separate county, to 
be known and called by the name of Bad Ax ; 
and nil that portion of Crawford county lyinj;' 
north of township luunber 14, north of range.'- 
2, 8, 4,5, 6 and 7, be and hereby is organized 
into a separate county to be known and called 
by the name of La Crosse. 

Sec. 2. On the first Tuesday in the month 
of April next the electors of said counties of Bad 
Ax and La Crosse shall, in addition to electing 
their town officers, vote for and elect all officers 
necessary for a complete county organization, 
and the county nfficers so elected shall qualify 
by bond and oath as prescribed by law, and en- 
ter upon the duties of their respective offices 
upon the third Monday of May and continue in 
offipe until the first Monday of January, one 
tliousand eight hundred and fifty-two, and until 
their successors are elected and (pialified. It is 
hereby made the duty of the clerk of the board 
of supervisors of the county of Crawford to make 
out not'Ces of such elections, to be posted in the 
respective counties upon the publication of this 
act; and the sheriff of Crawford lounty shall 



cause the said notices to be duly posted as in 
other general elections. 

Sec. -3. The county of Bad Ax shall remain 
one town until the board of town supervisors 
shall divide the same into three or more towns, 
and the supervisors, town clerk, and town treas- 
urer may act as and be county officers for such 
offices respectively. 

Sec. 4. All that portion of the county of La 
Crosse laying south of townships range No. 1 0, is 
hereby organized in a separate town to be called 
the town of La Crosse, and the towns of Albion 
and Pine Valley shall retain the present respec- 
tive boundaries except as herein altered; and 
the count}- board of supervisors shall have 
power at any time to organize new towns or al- 
ter the boundaries of any town or towns. 

Sec. 5. The county of Crawford as so organ- 
ized-shall constitute and be one town and the 
town supervisors shall also be the board of 
county supervisors; the board of county super- 
visors shall have power at any time to divide 
the county into three or more towns according 
to law, when they shall deem it necessary. 

Sec. 6. From and after the third Monday of 
May next, the said counties of Bad Ax and La 
Crosse shall be organized for judicial [and] 
county purposes, and for all purposes and matters 
whatever, and the county of Chippewa shall be 
attached to the county of La Crosse for judicial 
purposes. The circuit court shall be holden in 
the county of Bad Ax on the third Monday of 
May and fourth Monday of November of each 
year, and in the county of La Crosse on the 
fourth Monday of February and the fourth Mon- 
day of August of each \ ear. 

Sec. 7. All writs, process, appeals, suits, 
reonizances, or other proceedings whatever al- 
ready commenced, or that may hereafter be 
commenced, previous to tlie tliird Monday of 
May next, in the county or circuit court of 
Crawford county, shall be prosecuted to a final 
judgment, order, or decree, and execution may 



324 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



issue thereon and judgment, order or decree 
may be carried into execution in like manner, 
and the sheriff of said county shall execute all 
process therein in like manner as if this act had 
not passed, anything in this act to the contrary 
notwithstanding. 

Sec. 8. The returns of all elections provided 
for in this act shall be made for the county of 
Bad Ax to the clerk of the board of supervisors 
of the present town of Bad Ax, who shall issue 
certificates, within ten days from the time of 
holding such election, to the persons elected to 
the respective offices. The returns for the 
county ot La Crosse, shall, so far as county of- 
ficers are concerned, be made to the clerk of 
the board of town supervisors for the town of 
Albion, and said clerk shall issue like certifi- 
cates of election within fifteen days after said 
election, to the persons duly elected. 

Sec. 9. The county seat of the county of 
Bad Ax shall be at snch place as the board of 
supervisors shall designate, until a place shall 
be permanently located by election upon that 
subject, and the qualified electors may vote at 
any election for the permanent hjcation, and the 
place (designated by ballot) that shall have a 
majority of all the votes cast on that subject 
shall be the permanent county seat for said 
county. 

Sec. 10. The county seat of the county of 
La Crosse shall be located at the village of La 
Crosse for the term of three years, upon condi- 
tion that the people of the town of La Crosse 
shall furnish suitable buildings for county pur- 
poses free of all cost or expense to the county 
for such buildings: Provided, that if such 
buildings are not prepared within one year that 
the county seat shall be permanently located 
at such place as shall be designated by ballot, 
at any election of the county, previous notice 
for thirty days having been given that such 
election will be held, and the place having a 
majority of all the votes cast upon that subject, 



shall be the county seat of said county. And in 
case no place shall be selected, the board of 
supervisors shall designate some suitable place 
for the same purpose. 

Geo. H. "Walker, 
Speaker of the Assembly, pro-tem. 
Samuel W. Beall, 
Lieut. Governor and President of Senate. 
Approved March 1st, 1851. 

Nelson Dewbt. 

An act to amend an act entitled "An Act to 
divide the county of Crawford, and organize the 
counties of Bad Ax and LaCrosse." 

The People of the State of Wisconsin, rep- 
resented in Senate arid Assembly, do enact as 
follows : 

Section 1. All that portion of the county of 
Crawford, included within the following bound- 
aries, shall form and constitute, and is hereby 
organized into a separate county, to be known 
and called by the name of Bad Ax, viz : Begin- 
ning at the northwest corner of the county of 
Richland, thence running south on the range line 
between ranges two and three west, to the north- 
east corner of section 24, of township 11, north- 
of range 3 west; thence west on the section line 
to the boundary line of this State, in the main 
channel of the Mississippi river; thence north- 
erly on the boundary line' of this State,in the said 
river, to the point of intersection of said bound- 
ary line and the township line between town- 
ships 14 and 15 north; thence east on said town- 
ship line to the northeast corner of township 
14 north, of range 1 east; thence south on the 
range line between ranges 1 and 2 east, to the 
southeast corner of township 13, of range 1 
east; thence west on the township line between 
12 and 13 to the place of beginning; and all 
of that portion of the county of Crawford lying 
north and southwest of the said county of Bad 
Ax be, and hereby is organized into a separate 
county to be known and called by the name of 
La Crosse. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



825 



Sec. 2. Section one of the act to which this 
is amendatory is hereby repealed. 

Frederick W. Horx, 
Speaker of the Assembly. 
Duncan G. Reed, 
President pro tern, of the Senate. 

Approved, March 1, 1851. 

Nelson Dewey. 

It was thus that Crawford county was re- 
duced to its present limits ; and the Re- 
vised Statutes of 1858 enacted that: "The 
district of country included within the fol- 
lowing boundaries shall form and constitute the 
county of Crawford, to-wit: Beginning at a 
point in the western boundary line of this State 
in the Mississippi river, opposite the mouth of 
the Wisconsin river, and running thence east- 
erly up the middle of the main channel of the 
Wisconsin river, to a point where the range 
line between ranges 2 and 3, west of the me- 
ridian aforesaid, intersects the middle of said 
main channel; thence north on said range line, 
to the northeast corner of section 24, of town- 
shi]) 11 north, of range 3 west; thence west 
on the section line to the west boundary line of 
this State, in the main channel of the Mississippi 
river ; thence southerly on said boundary line 
to the place of beginning." 

The limits of the county as thus defined have, 
by the Revised Statutes of the State, published 
since that date, been re-afiirmed ; so that the 
extent of its territory is well understood and, 
doubtless, established permanently. 

THE COUNTY OROANIZED. 

Steps were soon taken by Gov. Cass, after 
the issuing of his proclamation of October 26, 
1818, forming and naming the county of Craw- 
ford, to organize it. The officers to be ap- 
pointed were a chief justice of the county 
court, two associate justices, a judge of probate, 
a clerk of the court, a register of probate and 
of deeds, a sheriff, three justices of the peace, 
and three county commissioners. The Michi- 
gan executive, not having at hand sufficient 
data to warrant him in making out the appoint- 



ments for the different offices, hit upon the plan 
of sending blank commissions to be filled after 
agreement among the citizens as to the proper 
persons to hold these offices. Accordingly, the 
principal inhabitants, after receiving the pro- 
clamation of Gov. Casp, assembled at the house 
of Nicholas Boilvin, in Prairie du Chien, to 
determine what names should be inserted in the 
blanks of the commissions sent from Detroit. 
Boilvin, being already a justice of the peace, 
under a previous ajjpointment, was authorized 
to administer the oath of office to those persons 
agreed upon at the meeting. The result of the 
deliberation at the citizens' meeting was as fol- 
lows : For chief justice, John W. Johnson ; 
associate justices, Francis Bouthillier and Wil- 
fred Owens; judge of probate, Wilfred Owens; 
clerk of the court, John S. Findly ; register of 
probate and of deeds, John P. Gates ; sheriff, 
Thomas McNair; justices of the peace, James 
H. Lockwood, Nicholas Boilvin (already com- 
missioned) and John W. Johnson ; county com- 
missioners, Joseph Rolette, James H. Lockwood 
and Dennis Courtois, all of "Prairie des Chiens." 
The clerk of the court was ex-officio county 
clerk. 

The blank commissions, brought out from 
Detroit by an army officer, reached Prairie du 
Chien in the spring of 1819. The names of the 
citizens chosen at the meeting for the respective 
offices were inserted in the blanks, and the oath 
of office was administered to each by Nicholas 
Boilvin, justice of the peace, and thereupon they 
entered upon the discharge of their official 
duties. This completed the organization of the 
county. 

The sheriff, in addition to his ordinary 
duties, was required to make out the assess- 
ment rolls, and then, upon warrant of the com- 
missioners, collect the taxes, by first demanding 
at the usual place of residence of each person, 
the sum assessed to him, within five days from 
the receipt of the warrant; and if, thereujion, 
payment was not made, the goods and chattels 
of the delinquent were forthwith distrained and 



326 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



sold after five days' public notice. The com- 
missioners were not allowed any compensation 
for their services. All this will more fully ap- 
pear by sections 2 to 5 inclusive, of the act of the 
territory of Michigan, passed Sept. 10, 1819, 
now given, as follows: 

An Act respecting the counties of Brown and 
Crawford: 

Section 1 . Be it enacted hy the govertior and 
judges of the territory of Michigan: That the 
county courts for the counties of Brown and 
Crawford, shall be held on the second Monday 
of July in every year. 

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted : That 
tlie duties required by the act entitled "An Act 
to regulate the assessment and collection of ter- 
ritorial taxes," to be performed in tlie said coun- 
ties, by the supervisor of territorial taxes, 
shall be performed by the sheriffs of the said 
counties respectively, and the duties required by 
the said act to be performed by the territorial 
treasurer, shall, within and for the said counties, 
be performed by the county commissioners of 
the said counties respectively, except so much as 
relates to the receipt of the taxes levied by the 
said act, and the prosecution of delinquent 
sheriffs and coroners, which last mentiimtd 
duties shall be performed by the county treas- 
urers of the said counties respectively. And the 
taxes specified in the said act shall be collected 
agreeably to the provisions thereof, except as 
herein excepted, in the said counties, and the 
amount shall be paid into the treasury of the 
proper county, and expended, upon the order of 
the county commissioners, for any claims, 
which, by law, are payable at the county treas- 
ury. 

Sec. 3. And he it further enacted : That 
the commissioners of the sa'd counties shall not 
receive any compensation for their services. 

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted : That 
the act passed the twenty-seventh day of Octo- 
ber, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight 
hundred and eighteen, entitled "An Act respect- 
ing tiie counties of Brown and Crawford," be 



and the same is lureliy lepealed: I'ruvided, 
Tiiat all rights which have accrued under the 
said act shall remain valid. 

Sec. 5. Aiid be it further enacted : That 
this act shall take effect and be in force 
from and after the thirty-first day of December 
next. 

The same being adopted from the laws of one 
of the original States, to-wit, the State of Ohio, 
as far as necessary and suitable to the circum- 
stances of the territory of Michigan. 

Made, adojited and published at the city of 
Detroit, in the said territory, this 10th day of 
September, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and nineteen. 

Lewis Cass, 
Governor of the territory of Michigan. 
A. B. Woodward. 
JoHx Griffin, 
one of the judges of the territory of Michigan. 

The county officers, at first, kept no records 
in a permanent way of their doings. Memor- 
anda were made on shingles or bits of paper. 
The officers of the county continued to hold by 
appointment from the governor of the territory 
until 1825, after which, all except sheriffs, jus- 
tices, judges and their clerks, were chosen by 
the people. This was in pursuance of an act of 
Congress directing the Legislative Council of 
Michigan to provide for the manner of their 
election. 

locating the county seat. 

In his proclamation of October 26, 1818, 
forming and naming the county of Crawford, 
Gov. Cass also, it will be remembered, located 
the county seat "at the village of Prairie du 
Chien." 

But this language was of doubtful mean- 
ing, as there were at that time two villages 
ujion the prairie ; besides, no particular place 
was designated where the public buildings were 
to be erected. It became necessary, therefore, 
for the Legislative Council of the territory of 
Michigan to make plain what in the proclama- 
tion was of doubtful import, by passing an act 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



327 



uot only specifying particularly which of the 
two villages was to be the seat of justice, but to 
locate the precise spot where the public build- 
ings were to be erected ; so the following act 
was passed and approved July 24, 1824 : 

An Act to establish the seat of justice with- 
in the counties of Brown and Crawford. 

Whereas, Lewis Cass, governor in and over 
the territory of Michigan, did, by proclamation, 
bearing date the 26th day of October, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 
and eighteen, lay out all that tract of country to 
which the Indian title has been extinguished, 
and comprehended within certain boundaries 
therein defined, into two separate counties, to- 
wit : the counties of Brown and Crawford, and 
by one of the provisions of said proclamation, a 
majority of the judges of the county court of 
the county of Brown, were authorized and re- 
quired to establish the seat of justice of said 
county at any point within six miles of the 
mouth of Fox river in said county, and whereas, 
the said judges have neglected to comply with 
the requisitions contained in said proclamation, 
to the great and manifest inconvenience of the 
people of said county ; and whereas, also, by 
the said proclamation the seat of justice of the 
said county of Crawford was fixed at the vil- 
lage of Prairie du Chien, but no particular 
place within said village was designated where 
the public buildings should be erected, and it 
appearing doubtful by said proclamation which 
of the said villages upon said prairie were al- 
luded to in said proclamation ; therefore, 

Section 1. Jie it enacted by t/te Governor and 
Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan, 
That the county commissioners in the county of 
Brown, or a majority of them, shall have power, 
and they are hereby required, on or before the 
first day of October next ensuing, to establish 
the seat of justice of said county of Brown, at 
any point they may deem expedient, within 
six miles of the mouth of Fox river. 

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the 
seat of justice of the county of Crawford shall 



be, and the same hereby is established upon the 
farm lots situated at Prairie du Chien, numbered 
thirty-four and thirty-five upon the map or sketch 
of the claims to lands at said place, submitted 
to the commissioners in the year one thousand 
eight hundred aud twenty, and entered in the 
names of Pierre Lessard and Strange Poze, or 
upon whichever of the said lots, the three high 
mounds lying immediately below the village of 
St. Ferriole (so called), and above the lot claimed 
by Francis Lapoint, senior, may be found to be 
situated when the boundary lines of said lots are 
run by the surveyor, or may be otherwise ascer- 
tained; and the county commissioners are hereby 
required to erect the court-house upon the high- 
est or center mound of the said three mounds, 
and all the other public buildings of said county 
in the immediate vicinity thereof, whenever the 
person who is owner of said mounds and the 
lands adjacent shall execute to the commissioners 
of said county, for the time being, for the use of 
said county, a quit claim deed of a lot which 
shall include the said three mounds, bounded in 
front by a certain road, leading from the village 
of St. Ferriole to the old French trading fort 
(so called), and extending in the rear of said 
mounds thirteen rods. 

The owner of the lot which included "the said 
three mounds", was James Duane Doty, who 
immediately proceeded to quit claim to the 
county commissionei's his interest therein by 
the following deed: 

" Whereas, by the second section of an act of 
the Legislative Council of the territory of Michi- 
gan, entitled 'An Act to establish the seats of jus- 
tice within the counties of Brown and Crawford,' 
ap])roved by His Excellency, Lewis Cass, on the 
third day of July, one thousand eight hundred 
and twenty-four, it is provided 'that the seat 
of justice of the county of Crawford shall be, 
and the same hereby is established upon the 
fiirm lots situated at Praire du Chien, num- 
bered thirty-four and thirty-five, upon the map 
or sketch of the claims to lands at said place, 
submitted to the commissioners in the year one 



328 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



thousand eight hundred and twenty, and ordered 
entered in the names of Pierre Lessard and 
Strange Poze, or upon whichever of the 
said three high mounds lying immediately be- 
low the village of St. Ferriolle, (so-called), 
and above the lot claimed by Francis LaPoint 
Sr., may be found to be situated when the 
boundary lines of said lots are run by the sur- 
veyor, or may be otherwise ascertained; and the 
county commissioners are hereby required to 
erect the court house upon the highest, or cen- 
ter mound of the said three mounds, and all the 
other public buildings of said county in the im- 
mediate vicinity thereof, whenever the person 
who is owner of said mounds and the lands adja- 
cent, shall execute to the commissioners of said 
county for the time being, for the use of said 
county, a quit claim deed of a lot which shall 
include the said three mounds, bounded in front 
by a certain road leading from the village of 
St. Ferriole to the old French trading fort (so 
called), and extending in the rear of said 
mounds 13 rods. 

■'And, whereas, the said Lessard and Strange 
Poze (or Powers), did, by deeds bearing date 
the twenty-third and twenty-fourth days of 
] ebruary, one thousand eight hundred and 
twenty-four, sell and convey the said town lots 
numbered thirty-four and thirty-five, in fee, to 
James Duane Doty; 

"Now, therefore, be it kown, that I, the s li.l 
James Duane Doty, being the owner of said 
mounds and lands adjacent thereto, (excepting 
and specially reserving such just claim as the 
United States may have as owners of the same), 
for and in consideration of the provisions con- 
tained in the act aforesaid, and for and in con- 



sideration of the piobiible increase in value 
of lots aforesaid, from the erection of public 
buildings on the mounds before mentioned, 
and for diyers other good and sufficient consid- 
erations, have bargained, sold and quit claimed, 
and by these presents do bargain, sell and quit 
claim unto the commissioners of said county 
of Crawford, for the time being, and to and for 
the use of the said county, all my right, title, 
interest, estate, claim and demand, both at law 
and in equity, and as well in possession as in 
expectancy, of, in and to a certain lot which shall 
include the said three mounds, bounded in front 
by a certain road leading from the village of St. 
Ferriole to the 'old French trading fort,' (so 
called), and extending in the rear of said 
mounds thirteen rods; according to the follow- 
ing plat or sketch of that part of the Prairie du 
Chien upon which the said mounds are situated; 
that is to say: [Here a map is inserted]. To- 
gether with all and singular the hereditaments 
and appurtenances thoreunto belonging. 

"In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my 
hand and affixed my seal, this twenty-eighth 
day of August, one thousand eight hundred and 
twenty-four. James D. Doty, [l. s.] 

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of 
us, Robert Irwin, Jr., A. J. Irwin. 

County of Brown, ss: 

"Be it remembered, that on this thirty-first 
day of August, one thousand eight hundred and 
twenty-four, came before the undersigned. Jus- 
tice, James Duane Dot)', who acknowledged 
that he had executed the foregoing deed, for 
the purposes and uses therein expressed; all of 
which I do certify according to the statute. 
Robert Irwin, Jr., 
Justice of the Peace." 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



329 



CHAPTER XIV. 



MILITARY OCCUPATION. 



So much has been printed about a supposed 
"FreiR-li Fort," as having once been in existence 
within the present limits of Crawford county 
that it would be thought strange should men- 
tion of it be wliolly omitted in this connection. 
But the truth of history demands that we write 
it down. 

TUK "FRENCH FOET" — A MYTH. 

Tliere was never on tiie "Prairie des Chiens" 
— never within what are now the boundaries 
of Crawford county — a French military po-st of 
any kind; — never a stockade or fortification 
built by the French, or while France held do- 
minion over this region, at what is now Prairie 
du Chien; nor were French soldiers ever sta- 
tioned here; no official French document has 
ever been discovered giving any account of a 
fort here, no traveler visiting the "jsrairie" 
during French domination in tlie northwest 
(and there were a nuinl)er of them) mentions 
any fortification; no one has placed on record 
that he has bec^n told that such was the fact by 
one who had seen anything like a French mili- 
tary post here. How then does it come to pass 
that writers are so emphatic in asserting that 
tiiere ?(V/,s' once a Frencli fort on the "prairie':"' 

A Wisconsin historical writer of marked 
ability says: 

"Tile exact time at which a military post was 
established at Prairie du Chien, ha.s been tlie 
subject of much speculation, some putting it as 
late as 177.5, while it is stated in a report of a 
committee of Congress, to have occurred in 
1755, which was the year following the recon- 
ciliation of the French and Sacs and Foxes. 



The latter date may "be the correct one, as the 
French surrendered Canada to the English in 
1760; but it is very evident that there must 
have been a post at a much earlier date, at or 
near the prairie. The evidence of this early 
occupation is found in the official documents of 
the taking possession of the Mississippi valley 
in the name of the French King, by 'Nicholas 
Perrot, commanding at the post of the Naudoue- 
sioux' at the post of St. Anthony, May 8, 1689, 
to which documents, among the names of wit- 
nesses, was 'Mons De Borie-Guillot, command- 
ing the French in the neigliborhood of Ouis- 
konche, [Wisconsin] on the Mississip])i.' No 
more suitable place could have been selected 
for a military post than Prairie du Chien, and 
from all the information thus far obtained, its 
location must be conceded as an established 
fact. Judge Geo. Gale, in his work on the Up- 
per Mississip))i; says, 'We may safely infer 
that the country about Prairie du Chien was oc- 
cupied as a French post at least as early as 
April 20,1689, and possibly the ])revious fall.'" 

It is now well known that the French were, 
in 1689, "on the Mississippi," it is equally well 
known that their post was many miles above 
what is now the city of Prairie du Chien. They 
were there commanded by Mons. De Borie- 
Guillot. It is stated to have been "in the 
neighborhood" of the Wisconsin river. Any 
one acquainted with early French documents 
knoAS that "in the neighborhood" are words in 
them of extremely doubtful import as to dis- 
tance; places hundreds of miles away being put 
down frequently as being "in the neighbor- 



330 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



hood." The writer cited also says that "it is 
stated in a report of a committee of Congress 
[that the building of the French Fort] occurred 
in 1775." What is here referred to is not "the 
report of a committee of Congress," but of one 
to Congress, in 1821, "concerning the land 
titles at Prairie des Chiens," given in full in 
this history in the chapter on private land 
claims. What that report says is this : Vlt is 
believed that not many years after its first dis- 
covery [i. e. the first discovery of the Upper 
Mississippi] in 1673, by the French, a perma- 
nent establishment was made by them at the 
Prairie des Chiens. Vestiges of an old and a 
strong French Fort are still disceruable there, 
although it is stated to have been destroyed so 
early as in the first years of the Revolutionary 
War." It will be noticed that the year 1775 is 
not mentioned by the commissioners. An ex- 
planation of the "vestiges of an old and a strong 
French Fort" will hereafter be given. 

The writer previously cited, having, "as a 
base of operations," the report from which the 
extract just given is taken, goes on to say: 

"In the year 1755 the government of France 
established a permanent military post near the 
mouth of the Wisconsin, in consequence of 
which a number of French families settled in 
that vicinity, and established the village of 
Prairie du Chien. The fort near the Wisconsin, 
established in 1689, had evidently been aban- 
doned sometime previous. By the treaty of 
Versailles in 1763, the village and fort followed 
the condition of the Canadas, and tiie Illinois 
country, as it was called, passed to the Crown 
of England. In 1783 the events of the Ameri- 
can Revolution again changed their condition, 
and June 1st, 1796, the village and fort form- 
ally surrendered to the United States." 

Now, this reads like veritable history; but we 
have already seen that it has no foundation in 
fact. But, before discussing further the matter 
at issue it is necessary to introduce the journals 
of two travelers both of the name of Long. The 
first is that of Capt. J. Long: 



"In the month of June, 1780, news waft 
brought [to Mackinaw] from the Mississippi, 
that the Indian traders had deposited their 
furs at La Prairie des Chiens, or Dogs' Field, 
(where there is a town of considerable note, 
built after the Indian manner) under the care 
of Mods. Longlad [Langlade], the king's inter- 
preter; and that the Americans were in great 
force at the Illinois, a town inhabited by differ- 
ent Nations, at the back of the Kentucky State, 
under the Spanish government, who have a fort 
on the opposite shore commanded by an officer 
and about twelve men, to prevent illicit trade. 

"The commanding officer at Michillimackinac 
[Mackinaw], asked me to accompany a party of 
Indians and Canadians to the IMississippi, which 
I consented lo with the utmost cheerfulness. 
We left the post with thirty-six southern In- 
dians, of the Attigaumies [Fox Indians] and 
Sioux Nations, and twenty Canadians, in nine 
large birch canoes, laden with Indian presents. 
After a march of three days I was taken ill, 
which I attributed to hard living in the Nipe- 
gon country; considering, however, the urgency 
of the business, and that there was not any one 
of the party capable of acting as interpreter, I 
struggled with my indisposition; apprehending, 
also, that if I could not pursue the journey, I 
should be exposed to great inconveniences; and 
therefore I increased my endeavours, deter- 
mined to risk my life at all hazards. 

"The fourth day we encamped at Lac les 
Puans [Winnebago Lake], so called, I appre- 
hend, from the Indians who reside on the banks 
being naturally filthy ; here we got plenty of 
deer and bears, Indian corn, melons and other 
fruit. The southern Indians have more vil- 
lages, and are better civilized than the northern, 
the climate being warm, and nature more pro- 
lific, which enables them to raise the fruits of 
the earth without much labor. Their houses 
are covered with birch bark, and decorated 
with bows and ari'ows, and weapons of war. 
Their beds are bark and matts made of rushes. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



331 



"We pursued our voyage to Ouisconsin [Wis- 
consin], a fine river, with a strong current for 
about sixty leagues, wliich our canoes ran down 
in a day and a half; and upon which we saw an 
immense quantity of ducks, geese and otiier 
fowl. On this river we were obliged to unload 
our canoes, in order to transport our goods 
across the portage, about two miles in length. 
We encamped on the banks, and intended set- 
ting off at break of day, but one of the Indians 
was bitten by a rattlesnake, which Mr. Adair 
calls the bright inhabitant of tiie woods, and 
which had fourteen rattles. 

"Mr. Beatty relates that as he was preaching 
to the Indians and others, at a small house near 
Juniata river, a rattlesnake crept into the room 
but was happily discovered and killed; and be- 
fore the people could well recover themselves, 
a snake of another kind was discovered among 
the assembly, which was also killed without 
any other detriment than disturbing the con- 
gregation, which surprised liira very much, as 
it was a matter of astonishment liow these rep- 
tiles could crawl into the house without being 
offended by some one, and which always excites 
them to bite. 

"The Indians say that when a woman is in 
laV)or, holding the tail of a rattlesnake in her 
hand, and shaking the rattles, assists her 
delivery. It is always observable that the In- 
dians take out the bag which contains the poi- 
son of this venoiniius reptile, and carry it alive 
in their medicine box when they go to war. 

"This unfortunate accident retarded our jour- 
ney till the unhappy ^^(Terer relieved himself 
i)y cutting out the wounded part from the calf 
of his leg, and applying salt and gunpowder, 
ainl binding it up with the leaves of the red 
willow tree ; he was soon able to proceed, bear- 
ing the pain with that fortitiule for which the 
savages are so eminently distinguished. 

"At the close of the next day we encamped 
near the river, and it rained very hard ; the 
Indians made some bark huts. One of them 
walking s(ime distance in the woods, discovered 



a small log house, in which he found a white 
man, with liis arms cut off, lying on his back. 
We conjectured he had been settled at the spot, 
ami killed by a bad Indian, which must have 
happened very recently, as he was not putrid. 
J5efore our departure we buried Iiim. 

"The next day we arrived at the forks of the 
Mississippi, where were 200 Indians of the 
Nation of the Renards or Foxes, on horseback, 
armed with spears, bows and arrows. They 
did not seem pleased with our appearance, 
which Warbisbar, the chief of our band, told 
me. Just before we landed they dismounted, 
and surveyed us. The Sioux asked me if I 
was afi-aid. I told them I had seen a greater 
number of savages before, and more wild than 
any of the southern Indians. Warbisbar gave 
orders to strike ashore. As soon as we landed, 
the Renards took our Indians by the hand, and 
invited them into their camp. In the space of 
an hour they prepared a feast, which consisted 
of live Indian dogs, bear, beaver, deer, moun- 
tain cat, and raccoon, boiled in bear's grease, 
and mixed with huckleberries. After the re- 
past, tlie Indians danced and sung. A council 
was then held, when the chief of the Renards 
addressed Warbisbar to this effect : 'Brothers, 
we are liappy to see you ; we have no bad heart 
against you ; although we are not the same Na- 
tion by language, our hearts are the same ; we 
are all Indians, and are happy to hear our great 
Father has i)ity on us, and sends us wherewithal 
to cover us, and enable us to hunt.' 

"To which Warbisbar made answer : 'It is 
true, my childriMi, our great Father has sent me 
this way to lake the skins and furs that are in 
the Dog's Field, under ('apt. Longlad's charge, 
le:ist the (4reat Knives, (meaning the Ameri- 
icans) should plunder them. I am come with the 
while man (uieaning me) to give you where- 
withal to cover you, and ammunition to hunt.' 

"When the speech was finished, we imme- 
diately distributed the presents, got our canoes 
into the water, and left the Renards in the most 
friendly manner. After seven days' journey 



332 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



we arrived at La Prairie des Chiens, where we 
found the merchants' peltry, in packs, in a log 
house, guarded by Capt. Longlad [Langlade], 
and some Indians, who were rejoiced to see us. 
After resting sometime, we took about f^OO 
packs of the best skins, and filled the canoes. 
Sixty more which remained, were burned, to 
prevent the enemy from taking them, having 
ourselves no room to stow any more, and pro- 
ceed on our journey back to Michillimackinac. 
About five days after our departure, we were 
informed that the Americans came to attack us, 
but to their extreme mortification we were out 
of their reach. Seventeen days after leaving 
La Prairie des Chiens, we arrived at Lac les 
Puans, where we found a party of Indians en- 
camped. The next day we embarked, and ar- 
rived at Michillimackinac, after an absence of 
eighty days. Soon after my return, I waited 
on the commanding officer, expecting payment 
for my services, but was referred for satisfac- 
tion to the Indian traders, from whom I never 
received any compensation." 

It may be here remarked that the current tra- 
dition among the French Canadian inhabitants 
at Prairie des Chiens, as to a French fort hav- 
ing once been in existence on the "prairie" was 
supplemented with another tradition that it 
was burned in the second year of the Revolu- 
tionary War. Now this "second year," to the 
inhabitants, was the year I'ZSO; that is, to 
tlie French and Canadians, but more especially 
to the Indians of the upper lakes; for, not until 
1119, had the contest between the mother coun- 
try and the colonies made much if any im- 
pression, either at Mackinaw or Green Bay. 
The reader should here bear in mind that it was 
in 1780 that the sixty packs of furs were burned, 
and doutbless the log house with them ; as the 
Americans were hourly expected from below, 
and did actually arrive in five days from that 
time, to attack the place. 

The other journal of which mention has been 
made, is that of Maj. S. H. Long, who, in 
1817 made a tour to the portage of the Fox 



and Wisconsin rivers; returned to Prairie du 
Chien and made a voyage to the Falls of St. 
Anthony, in a six-oared skiff, accompanied by a 
Mr. Hempstead as interpeter, and by two young 
men named King and Gun, grandsons of Capt. 
Jonathan Carver, who were going up to the 
Sauteurs to establish their claim to lands granted 
by those tribes to their grandfather. The day 
after his arrival (July 23d,) he examined the 
country to find a location better adapted for a 
post than the one then in use, but did not suc- 
ceed. While here he made excursions in the 
surrounding country, and refers to the remains 
of ancient earthworks above the mouth of the 
Wisconsin, more numerous and of greater ex- 
tent than had heretofore been noticed. 

The following is his description of the ancient 
mounds — prehistoric earth works: 

"The remains of ancient works, constructed 
probably for military purposes, were found more 
numerous and of greater extent on the high- 
lands, just above the mouth of the Wisconsin, 
than any of which a description has been made 
public, or that have as yet been discovered in 
the western country. There the parapets and 
mounds were found connected in one series of 
works. Whenever there was an angle in the 
principal lines, a mound of the largest size was 
erected at the angle; the parapets were termi- 
nated by mounds at each extremity, and also at 
the gateways. No ditch was observed on either 
side of the parapet. In many places the lines 
were composed of parapets and mounds in con- 
junction, the mounds being arranged along the 
parapets at their usual distance from each other, 
and operating as flank defences to the lines. 

"The Indians in the vicinity of Prairie du 
Chien can give no account of these ancient 
works, and their only mode of explaining their 
existence is by supposing that the country was 
inhabited at a period anterior to the most re- 
mote traditions, by a race of white men similar 
to those of European origin, and that they were 
cut off by their fore-fathers. It is said that 
tomahawks of brass and other metals, different 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



333 



from those in use among the present Indians, 
have been found under the snrface of tlie ground, 
[Keating.] and stories are told of gigantic 
skeletons being often disinterred in the neigh- 
borhood. Mr. Brisbois, who has been for a long 
time a resident of Prairie du Chien, informs me 
that he saw the skeletons of eight persons that 
were fonnd in digging a cellar near his liouse, 
lying side by side. They were of gigantic size, 
measuring about eight feet from head to foot. 
He added, that he took a leg bone of one of 
them, and placed it by the side of his own leg, 
in order to compare the length of the two, the 
bone of the skeleton extended six inches above 
hie knee. None of these bones could be ])re- 
served, as they crumbled to dust soon after they 
were exposed to the atmosphere." * 

What Vjearing this extract from the journal 
of Maj. Lgng has upon the subject of the "Old 
French Fort" will be discerned by a careful con- 
sideration of the following from Isaac Lee, the 
agent appointed to receive claims to land at 
"Prairie des Chiens" in 1820: 

"The remains of what is commonly called the 
'Old French Fort' are yet [1820] very disting- 
uishable. Though capacious and apparently 
strong, it was probably calculated for defense 
against musketry and small arms only. None 
can recollect the time of the erection of the 
fort — it was far beyond the memory of the old- 
est; nor can the time of its erection be deter- 
mined Ijy any evidetice to be obtained. Some 
difference of opinion seems to exist there [at 
Prairie des Chiens] as to the question whether 
it was originally built by the French or by the 
Spanish government. It is evidently very an- 
cient." 

That "the remains of ancient works, con- 
structed probably for military purposes," as 
mentioned by Maj.S. H.Long, had (in the case 
of one of them), been used for the purpose of 
erecting upon it the log house described by 

• As Maj. Long's Journal Iselsewhere quoted from In this 
history, we only give so much as relates to the ancient earth- 
worlts. in this connection, for reasons which will soon 
appear. 



Capt. J. Long, seems extremely probable. The 
burning of this log house "in the second year 
of the Revolutionary War" — in reality in 1780 
— accounts for the tradition as to the French 
Fort having been then burned; and "evi- 
dently very ancient" earthworks seen by Isaac 
Lee were manifestly one of the series of pre- 
historic earthworks first described by Maj. 
Long. 

Concerning the "French Fort," the following 
is to be found in the "Illustrated Historical At- 
las of Wisconsin," published in 1878: 

"With regard to the establishment of a 
French post or fort at the prairie previous to 
the beginning of the. present settlement in 1783, 
the only account in contemporaneous records, is 
that by Lieut. Long, of the trading establish- 
ment burned in 1780. The current supposition 
of something earlier and more important, is 
founded in a misconstruction of the local tra- 
dition preserved among the early inhabitants 
of the place, as embodied in the testimony be- 
fore Isaac Lee, in 1820, and that gentleman's 
report in relation to the same. * » * 
The map accomjianying Lee's report, locates * 
* what was commonly called tlie 'Old French 
Fort,' burned during the Revolutionary War, 
which he refers to 'as apparently strong, as the 
remains were yet very distinguishable.' The 
location and the circumstances and date of 
burning, harmonize with Long's account of the 
trading post; the remains of a wooden structure 
burned in 1780, would scarcely be distinguish- 
able in 1820; but a contemporary account, per- 
haps sheds some light on the nature of these so- 
called remains, and shows how easily Lee 
might have been misled by proximity of loca- 
tion and current popular opinion. In 1817, 
Maj. Stephen H. Long, of the United States 
army, found at Prairie du Chien some earth- 
works, which he describes as of ancient con- 
struction, for military purposes, delineating 
their fortified lines, parapets, gateways and 
sally-ports. The Indians, he says, ascribed 
them to a race of white people like the present, 



384 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



from the manner in which human skeletons 
were found buried in them. They were, in fact, 
a series of interesting monuments of tlie labor 
of the pre-historic mound-builders, as subse- 
quent investigation has shown." 

The location of what the people of Crawford 
county called the "Old French Trading Fort" 
in 1824, identical with the so-called "French 
Fort" of 1820 and 1821, but which we have 
shown was not a French Fort at all, but the re- 
mains of a pre-historic earth-work on which 
there was erected during the first year of the 
Revolution a log house, used as a store house 
by fur traders, and burned in ITSO, has been of 
late a matter of dispute. But its position, what- 
ever it may have been, has no historical signifi- 
cation; and we shall not, therefore, attempt to 
fix its site. 

THE FIRST FORT CRAVi^FORD. 

The building of a regular fort in Crawford 
county, by the United States, was begun on the 
"prairie" in 1816. The site was that of Fort 
McKay, described in another chajiter. Here, 
during-tliat summer, four companies of United 
States riflemen were employed in the work. 
The quarters consisted of long block-houses, 
with shed roofs sloping outward, and arranged 
so as to inclose a space .340 feet square. These 
walls were covered at opposite corners — the 
northwest and southeast — by two square block- 
houses, of two stories each, the upper story 
placed di.agonall}' across the first, su as to pre- 
sent eight faces. These were each armed with 
two pieces ofartillery. The remaining corners 
were stockaded. The works contained accom- 
modations for five companies. 

While the work was going on, James H. 
Lockwood arrived at Prairie du Chien; and he 
records the following concerning the fort: 

"When I arrived at Prairie du Chien, Sept. 16, 
1816, there were four companies of riflemen 
under command of Brevet Maj. Morgan, build- 
ing a fort, which was constructed by placing 
tiie walls of the quarters and store houses on 
the lines, the highest outside, and the slope of 



the roof descending within the fort. There 
were block houses at two corners and large 
pickets at the others, so as entirely to enclose 
the fort. John W. Johnson, from Maryland, 
was United States factor, with a certain Mr. 
[Robert B.] Belt as assistant and book-keeper, 
and John P. Gates was interpreter. Col. Alex- 
ander McNair was the sutler of the fort, and 
his nephew, Thomas McNair, and John L. 
Findly, were the clerks in his eni))!oy and had 
charge of the business." 

The work when completed was called "Fort 
Ciawford," in honor of the (then) Secretary of 
the Treasury of the United States. As the 
name was afterwards extended to the count j, 
it is proper that some mention should be made 
of the man. 

WILLIAM HARRIS CRAWFORD, 

a lawyer and statesman, was born in Nelson 
Co., Va., Feb. 24, lYTS; he died near Elberton, 
Ga., Sept. 15, 1834. His father, Joel, in 1V83, 
removed his family to Georgia, but died in 
1788; and young Crawford, after assisting his 
mother to support the family by teaching, for 
several years, at length studied law. In 1799 
he commenced practice in Lexingtoti, Ogle- 
thorpe county, and soon became distinguished 
in his profession. In 1800 he was appointed, 
with Horatio Marbury, to revise the laws of 
Georgia, and compiled the first digest of her 
laws, which was published in Savannah, in 1802. 
He was a member of the State Legislature, 
1803-7; United States Senator, 1807-13; and 
was its president pro Um in March, 18 12. In 
this body he shone pre-eminently, soon making 
himself known and respected by the force of 
natural ability, energy and loftiness of mind. 
His influence was further increased by his per- 
fect integrity and unflinching fiimness. He 
evinced, in the consideration of many impor- 
tant and exciting questions, s1atesmanslii|> of a 
high order. He was oppo ed to the policy of a 
war with Gre.^it Britain, but firially voted for it. 
Having declined the war secretaryship in 
1813, Mr, Crawford accepted the post of minis- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



335 



ter to France, where he remained two years, 
and acquired the friendsliip of La Fayette, who 
appointed him agent for his American lands, 
and with whom, after his return home, he car- 
ried on a confidential correspondence. On his 
return to the United States, he was appointed 
to the war department, but in October, 1816, 
was transferred to the treasury department, the 
duties of which he continued to discharge until 
1825, when he became the democratic nominee 
for the Presidency, but was defeated. A long 
and severe sickness desti'oyed all chance of his 
election by the House, and removed him hence- 
fortii from the political arena. Mr. Adams 
offered to continue him as Secretary of the 
Treasury; hut he declined. He was strongly 
opposed to tlie nullification movement, and was 
generally regarded as the greatest of the citi- 
zens of tleorgia. In 1827 he was appointed 
judge of the northern circuit court of that State, 
which office he retained until his death. 

A EEIGX OF TERROR. 

United States troops landed in Prairie du 
Chien, June 21, 1816, under Brig. Gen. Thomas 
A. Smith. Immediately, there succeeded a 
reign of terror. 

The conduct of the commanding officer was 
not calculated to win the good will of tlie peo- 
ple. Choosing to regard them as intruders, he 
turned out the occupants of such houses as he 
wished to use for the purposes of the troops. 
Fort Crawford was commenced, as we have seen, 
on the site of Fort McKay, and the dwellings 
in tlie vicinity were ordered to be taken down 
and removed. Upon Gen. Smith's departure, 
he directed the officer left in command, as shown 
in another chapter, to destroy the settlement 
and send the male portion of the people under 
arrest to distant points to be tried for the offense 
of inhabiting tlie place, whenever he should sec 
jjroppr. Lieut. Col. Talbot Chambers as- 
sumed command during the following winter. 
One of his first acts was the arrest of Michael 
Brisbois upon a charge of treason for having 
engaged in the Firitish service during the War 



of 1812. He was sent to St. Louis underarrest; 
but no charge being preferred against him, he 
was discharged. Upon some trivial jiretext, 
Joseph Rolette was banished to an island in the 
Mississippi, where he was compelled to pass the 
winter. Citizens of the place were tried by 
courts martial, and sometimes publicly whipped 
for slight disobedience of the commanding 
officer's orders. Disputes between citizens upon 
a mere matter of property were dragged before 
military tribunals, whose decrees were rigidly 
enforced. The small beginingsof civil author- 
ity previously established were thus almost 
altogether supplanted for a while. Perhaps, in 
the main, the ends of justice were practically 
attained in tlie regulation of disputes and the 
punishment of offenses; but there was no excuse 
for treating the unoffending inhabitants as a 
conquered people. Happily, the authority of 
those mentioned was brief, and their successors 
were men of less arbitrary proclivities. 

Concerning the arbitrary acts of Gen. Smith 
and Col. Chambers, one of the pioneers, James 
IT. Lock wood, says: 

"J]revet General Smythe [Smith], the colonel 
of the rifle regiment, who came to Prairie du 
Chien in 1816 to erect Fort Crawford, arrived 
in June and selected the n ound where the 
stockade had been built and the ground in front 
to include the most thickly inhabited part of 
the village. The ground thus selected en- 
croached upon the ancient burying ground of 
the Prairie, so that the inhabitants were obliged 
to remove their dead to another place. 

"During the winter of 1816 or early in the 
spring of 1817, Lieut. Col. Talbot Chambers 
arrived at Fort Crawford, and assumed the com- 
mand, and the houses in the village being an 
obstruction to the garrison, in the spring of 1817, 
he ordered those houses in front and about the 
fort to be taken down by their owner?, and 
removed to the lower end of the village, where 
he pretended to give them lots. 

"When Gen. Smythe [Smith], firstarrivedat 
Prairie du Chien, he arrested Michael Brisbois, 



336 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



then the most prominent citizen of the Prairie, 
and placed him under a guard of soldiers for sev- 
eral days, charging him with treason, for having 
taken up arms against the United States. After 
keeping him in duress for several days, he was 
sent on board of a boat under a guard to St. 
Louis, Gen. Smythe refusing to let Mrs. Bris- 
bois send her liusband a package of beaver pelts 
to raise money in St. Louis to pay his expenses. 
Tiie guard took him to St. Louis and landed 
him on the levee, where they left him, not hav- 
ing delivered him over to the civil authorities, 
or instituted any proceedings against him, but 
left him there without money or means to re- 
turn home. But Mr. Brisbois was known in St. 
Louis, at least by reputation, and readily found 
friends who assisted him to return home. Dur- 
ing his absence the commandant, who I believe 
was Lieut. Col. Hamilton, ordered Mrs. Brisbois 
and family out of her house, and took possession 
of it, in which to spread the contractor's flour 
to dry; and also took possession of Mr. Brisbois' 
bake-house, with about two hundred cords of 
dry oven wood, which was used by the commis- 
sary or contractor, for which aggresssions and 
injuries Mr. Brisbois received no compensation. 

"Although in a time of peace, and our gov- 
ernment had received the country by treaty 
stipulation, the oflicers of the army treated the 
inhabitants as a conquered people, and the com- 
mandants assumed all the authority of gov- 
ernors of a conquered country, arraigning and 
trying the citizens by courts-martial and sen- 
tencing them to ignominious punishments. This 
was more particularly the case under the reign 
of Col. Chambers, who was a brave soldier in 
the tield, but a weak man and not qualified for 
a commandant, as he was generally governed 
by some favorite officer or officers, who, not 
being responsible for the outrage committed by 
their superior, would induce him to do acts to 
gratify their whims or prejudices. 

"Charles Menard, the husband of the notable 
Mary Ann, was arrested, having been charged 
with selling whisky to the soldiers. He was 



brought about five miles from his residence 
under a guard, tried by a court-martial, whip- 
ped, and with a bottle hung to his neck, 
marched thiough the streets, with music play- 
ing the rogue's march after him. Menard pro- 
tested that he had- not sold liquor to the sol- 
diers, but that they asked him for it, and that 
he refused to let them have any, as he di<l not 
keep liquor for sale. 

"And during Col. Chamber's reign, for some 
alleged immoral conduct, he banished Joseph 
Rolette to an island about seven miles above 
Prairie du Chien, where he obliged him to pass 
the winter, but in the spring permitted him to 
return to the village to attend to his business, 
as his outfits were coming in from the Indian 
country." 

A MILDER REIGN. 

In 1819, Lieut. Col. Leavenworth was sent 
with the 5th regiment, of United States In- 
fantry, to occupy Forts Crawford and Arm- 
strong, and to build a fort at the mouth of the 
St. Peters ; and, from this time onward, affairs 
at the first mentioned post were conducted less 
arbitrarily towards the citizens of Crawford 
county. During this year, Maj. Nathan Clarke, 
of the United States army, was at the fort with 
his wife. Here, his daughter, afterward Mrs. 
Charlotte O. Yancleve, was born. The next 
year (1820) tlie garrison consisted of a company 
of infantry, ninety-six strong, under command 
of Capt. Fowle. In 1826, because of high 
water, the troops for awhile abandoned the fort 
and took possession of the higher ground east 
of the slough. This was in May, and the water 
rose twenty-six feet in the Mississippi, abovt; 
low water mark. Another notable flood occur- 
red in 1828. 

Fort Crawford continued to be occupied until 
1826, when it was evacuated, the troops being 
transferred to Fort Snelling ; but it was )'e-oc- 
cupied in August, 1827, by four companies from 
Fort Snelling, under Maj. Fowle, in conse- 
quence of troubles with the Winnebagoes. In 
1829, Maj. Stephen Watts Kearney was in conj- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



337 



maiiil. His successor was Col. Zachary Taylor, 
who continued to occupy the fort until the 
year 1831, when tlie garrison was removed by 
him to a new fort on the "prairie," leaving the 
sick in the old hospital and the surgeon in the 
old fort. The next, however, the complete 
evacuation took place. 

THE FIRST FORT CRAWFORD IX 1833. 

In 1833, the English traveler, Latrobe, was, 
as already mentioned, in Prairie du Chien. Of 
the first Fort Crawford, he says: 

"To the north of the village an ancient quad- 
rangular block-house, built of squared logs, and 
as usual, so contrived as to present eight faces ; 
the upper part of the square standing across the 
angles of the lower, marks the position of the 
oM military post." The fort was located on 
vill;ige lots numbered 9, 10 and 11, as marked 
on the map of 1820, accompanying the report of 
Isaac Lee, on private land claims in "Prairie 
des Chiens."* It was near what is now (1884) 
the Dousinan residence, in the fourth ward of 
the city of I'rairie du Chier. 

Z.VCHART TAYLOR 

was liorn in Orange county, Virginia, ITOO, ami 
was (k'sceniird from an English family wlm 
settled in that State ill 1692. His father, C'nl. 
Richard Taylor, was a companion-iii-Trnis of 
Washington, and bore a name dn-aiU'd in In- 
dian warfare; his mother, as usual in the case 
of men who in any way distinguished tliem- 
pelves, was a women of high spirit and intelli- 
gence. The military life of Zachary Taylor, 
who was always noted for his hardihood, com- 
menced at the out-break of the war with Eng- 
land in 1812, when he was commissioned as 
lieutenant, and sent to defend the borders 
against thelndians; his great exploit on this 
occasion was the defence of Fort Harrison on 
the Wabash, at the head of a garrison number- 
ing only fifty-two men. He rose from grade to 
grade till he became general in the subsequent 
Indian wars of Florida and Arkansas, but ac- 

•See American State Papers— Public Lands, Vol IV ; also 
lijron'a Map of 1828. of the sur%-pv of privafo lani claims, nl 
Prairie des Ctiien. 



quired his great popularity in the invasion of 
Mexico, 1846, when he crossed the Rio Grande, 
and gained in succession the battles of Palo- 
Alto, Reseca-de-la-Palma, Monterey and Buena- 
Vista. His character is very well expressed by 
the nick-name of 'Rough-and-ready; given to 
him, according to a very natural practice on the 
part of a free people, of characterizing, by an 
expressive term, a popular favorite. Gen. Tay- 
lor was elected President in November, 1848, 
and entered upon office in March, 1849. He 
was carried off suddenly, before completing his 
term, by an attack of cholera, in July, 1850, and 
was succeeded by Vice-President Fillmore. 

NOTABLE EVENTS. 

There are many events worthy of record 
which happened during the occupation of the 
first'Fort Crawford, no one,however,raore tragic 
or fatal in its consequences than the following, 
related by a person who was on the "pfairie" 
at the time, and a soldier: 

"The old Fort Crawford was then [June, 
1829,] commanded by Maj. Kearney, and gar- 
risoned by the first regiment of the United 
States Infantry. Among the soldiers were 
many persons who possessed thorough and even 
classical educations, wliom adventure or some 
other motive, had enlisted in the United States 
army. There was a young man of this class in 
Fort Crawford, named Reneka. He was a fa- 
vorite with both the officers and men. His 
strict, soldier-like attention to duty, and cour- 
teous bearing, made him many friends, and he 
bid fairto occupy the highest non-eominissioned 
rank in the army. But in an unguarded mo- 
ment he allowed himself to accept the jiroffered 
invitation of his comrades, to join them in a so- 
cial glass, and — fell. 

"Unaccustomed to liquor, the poison soon 
fiew to his brain, and he complained of being 
dreadfully sick; he iiiiiiicdiately left his com- 
panions, and starte<l for the barracks. Entering 
the sally-port with a firm but excited tread, he 
passed the sentry on his way to his i|iiai-lers,from 
which he was directly afterward seen to issue 



21 



338 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



■with a rifle. The rifle was one which he had 
purchased a short time before, for the purpose 
of hunting, and always kept it in his quarters, 
ready loaded. 

"It is supposed that, on reaching his room, the 
liquor he drank had made him crazy, for taking 
his rifle he rushed out into the parade, and rav- 
ing like a maniac, he whirled the heavy rifle 
around his head. Aroused by the disturbance, 
the oflicer of the day, Lieut. Mackenzie* came 
out of his quarters at the further end of the 
long parade, and calling to the corporal of the 
guard, told him to "take that fellow to the 
guard-house." Hardly had the order escaped 
his lips, when Reneka observed him, and in- 
stantly poising his rifle, ghot Mackenzie 
through the brain. It was a long shot, but a 
deadly one. In making it, Reneka had killed 
his bosom friend. He was arrested and con- 
fined in the guard-honse, and when he became 
sane, and learned he had killed his best friend, 
no words of mine can picture the heart-rending 
agony of remorse that seized him. But he was 
delivered over to the civil authorities, convicted 
of murder,and sentenced to be hung and brought 
back here to be executed. 

"The gallows was erected over the slough, 
and the day of execution arrived. I did not go 
to see him hung, but it is said he made an affect- 
ing speech to his comrades, warning them 
against strong drink. He showed up his own case 
in the strongest light, and described the grief 
of his mother when she should hear of her boy's 
disgrace. Many an old veteran shed tears when 
Reneka was swung off into eternity. But this 
is not an isolated instance where youth, talent, 
hope — all, were sacrificed to king alcohol. The 
army and early history, present a multitude of 
such victims; even now, none are exempt from 
the baleful effects of the curse; every individ- 
ual feels, or has felt, personally or socially, its 
injurious influence." 

*John Mackenzie was a native of North Carolina, gradu- 
ated at Wet^t Point, and entered the army in 1819 as second 
lieutenant; promoted to tirsl lieutenant, November, 1822, 
and killed as stated in the text, Sept. 26, 1828. 



In 1829, a daughter of Col. Taylor was mar- 
ried in the fort to Dr. A. C. Wood. The mar- 
riage of another daughter to Jefferson Davis has 
been the cause of much speculation and a good 
deal of romancing. Concerning this marriage 
a recent writer says: 

"Many are the historical reminiscences given 
of the early days of Fort Crawford, and many 
are the incidents and adventures of the men 
who subsequently became conspicuous in the 
annals of our history. Perhaps none figure more 
conspicuously, or so often, as does Jeff. Davis. 
Here [in Fort Crawford] he first received his 
first initiation into the vigor of military life on 
tlie frontier; but, as he remained here but a 
short time, being ordered to Fort Winnebago 
as speedily as possible by Col. Taylor, who dis- 
liked him heartily, we cannot credit that he 
figured in all the incidents related of him, as it 
would have necessitated a continual season of 
wakefu'ness and fasting, neither of which are 
leading characteristics of our Jeff. 

"In Fort Crawford it was, so it is said, that he 
surreptitiously wooed and won the fair Noxie 
Taylor, and the consequent ill-will of ^?ff<er 
familas, Old Zack! This has passed into his- 
tory; and the window through which she 
escaped, and the rope by which she descended 
to the arms of her lover, would be shown as evi- 
dence of the truthfulness of the romance, had 
the house been left standing and the rope pre- 
served; but unfortunately for posterity, they 
are numbered among the things that were, and 
inasmuch as she was but twelve and he twenty 
when he was stationed here, and they did not 
marry for over four years after this, and then 
in Louisiana,, the faithful chronologist is forced 
to write, upon the authority of one who learned 
his first words in english from Jeff., that the 
whole stoiy, or rather all the stories of the 
elopement are of the purest fiction." 

A correspondent of The Teller, in 1883, writ- 
ing from Mississippi, reports an interview with 
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff. Davis, from which we clip 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



839 



the following regarding his reputed elopement 
with Gen. Taylor's daughter: 

"When he mentioned the Gazette, I felt that 
m_v time had come, and thai, it was now, or 
never about thai elopement from Prairie du 
Cliien. You see it was only a year or so ago that 
'Johannes Factotum,' (who is no other than 
Geo. W. Perrigo, the genial editor of the 
Gazette) wrote for the Globe-Democrat of St. 
Louis, a long yarn about that elopement^a yarn 
which the amiable Johannes contradicted the 
very next week and which elicted from Mr. 
Davis a private letter to a friend in relation to 
the matter in hand. Parts of this letter have 
been published, and the part that concerns us at 
present is here inserted, being an authoritive 
answer to my question. 'Did you or did you 
not, Mr. Othello Davis, steal away that old 
man's daughter at the barracks at Fort du Chien 
and marry her .against the consent and wishes 
of her friends and kindred?' 

"Mr. Davis Joth 'a round, unvarnished taU 
deliver' about the whole business and here w i 
have it: 'The story of my elopement will 
Gen. Taylor's daughter is as unfonndeil as tic 
rest. I was one of the two otlicers selecti'il 
from the First Infantry for promotion in ll:f 
new regiment of dragoons, organized in March, 
1833, which separated us from Col. Taylor's 
regiment. In 1835 I went to Kentucky, where 
Miss Taylor was with her father's sister, ncni 
Louisville, and theie married her in tin 
presence of Gen. Taylor's brother, sister, his son- 
in-law and daughter (Dr. and Mrs. Wood), with 
many other members of the family. I served 
under Taylor in the siege of Monterey and was 
one of the commissioners to arrange for its 
capitulation. * * * Every incident in the 
letter of 'Johannes Factotum' is totally ilesli- 
lute of the least foundation in truth. That 
letter plac( d meat Prairie du Chien in Is:m, 
when I was serving in f e First Dragoons, l'. 
S. A., of Arkansas.' 

"It seems a pity to have that nice little 
elopement story torn into threads and iiatches 



in this cold-blooded, unromanlic day, but the 
truth about these things we must have, no mat- 
ter what the cost of ink and paper and in wear 
and tear of tender sensibilities." 

A soldier named Barrette was killed in 1831, 
by J. P. Hall, an officer, who struck the man on 
his head with a pitch-fork handle, and broke his 
skull. Hall was acquitted. 

JOHN H. Fonda's narrative. * 

In the year 1829, Col. Zack Taylor arrived 
and took command of old Fort Crawford. Col. 
Taylor was a brave man and a good officer. It 
was about this time that large bodies of recruits 
were coming on, would stop here a few days, 
and then continue up or down tiie river, as they 
might be ordered. The army regulations then 
admitted of enlisting for a term of three or five 
years. Taking advantage of this, I enlisted in 
Aprili of 1829, for a term of three years, pre- 
vious to the rescinding of the article permitting 
that term of enlistment. Under the command 
of Taylor I was a corporal, and attained the rank 
of quarter-master's sergeant. Having a natu- 
lal turn for such things, I had acquired a good 
knowledge of military tactics, and being then 
free from the prevailing habit of drinking liq- 
uiir, an evil common to the soldier, I, perhaps, 
(if the truth is known,) stood high in the esti- 
mation of my superior officers. I said that 
Taylor was a brave officer, and now repeat it, 
asserting that he was ignorant of fear. On one 
occasion when all the soldiers were mustered 
for "dress parade," Taylor came sauntering in 
from the quarters, and running his eye along the 
front rank, observed a large stout German re- 
cruit out of line. The German was a raw re- 
cruit, anxious to do his duly, but did not under- 
stand the English language. So when the order 
was given to "dress," the soldier remained as 
before. Col. Taylor remarked this, and think- 
iTig it an act of wilful neglect on the soldier's 
pari, walked up to him and after one or two 
trials, got hold of his ears, and shook the fel- 
low severely. This treatment was called "wor- 

• Written in 1858. 



340 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ling," a favorite mode of punishment with Tay- 
lor, but the German not knowing how to appre- 
ciate it, nor why it was inflicted upon him, had 
no sooner got his head free than drawing back, 
he struck Taylor a blow that felled him to the 
ground like a log. This was mutiny, and the 
officers and guards would have cut him down, 
if Taylor had not rose up and said, "let that 
man alone, he will make a good soldier," and 
the German was allowed to go back to his place 
and never got punished for his insubordination. 
After he could sjieak our language, I found him 
an intelligent man, and an agreeable companion. 
He afterwards became one of the most faithful 
soldiers in the garrison, was promoted, and 
served in the Black Hawk War of 18.32. 

A depredation had been committed by the 
Fox and Sauk Indians on the whites at the 
mines. A number of horses were stolen, and 
word was received at the fort that assistance 
from the troops was necessary to recover them. 
Lieut, Gardenier was immediately put in 
command of a body of soldiers, and sent down 
the river to Dubuque, where the Indians were 
said to be encamped. I accompanied Lieut. 
Gardenier* as pilot of the line. We arrived at 
the mouth of the slough, after dark one night, 
and encamped. It rained hard all night, and 
next day, and though the blufis where Dubuque 
is buried, and all the country was thoroughly 
searched, yet no Indians were discovered, and 
we got neither horses nor glory on that occa- 
sion, but I got a better knowledge of the min- 
eral region than I had previous to this expedi- 
tion. At Dubuque, the country was rough, 
wild and wooded, with few indications of civ- 
ilization; and across the Mississippi at Galena, 
the face of the country was rugged and rocky, 
but the discovery of mineral had caused an ex- 
citement that brought emigrants there in 
swarms, who, on their arrival would go pros- 



* John R. B. Gardenier, a native of New Torli, entered 
West Point as a cadet in 18:;3; was appointed brevet Sec- 
ond Lieut. July 1, 1838. First Lieut.. 1836; assistant Com. 
Subsistence and Captain. 1839; and died a( Darijauelle 
Springs, Ark., June 34, 18.")0, 



pcctiiu/, frequently making fortunes, but oftener 
failing to make anything. 

It was during Taylor's command, in the year 
1829, that the present Fort Crawford was com- 
menced. It was known that I came down the 
Wisconsin river, and therefore Taylor chose me 
to pilot the men up along that river to a given 
point, where they were to cut timber for 
building the fort. I guided them as far as 
where Helena now is. We found such timber 
as was needed, and the men commenced cutting 
down the trees, and prejiaring the logs to raft 
down stream. I returned to the fort, having 
performed the duty allotted me, to the satisfac- 
tion of the commandant. This apparently 
raised me in favor, for I was appointed to do 
much outside duty, and frequently had a file of 
men under me. Many a time was I sent out on 
special duty, which none would have been en- 
tru.sted with but such as could command the 
implicit confidence of Old Zack himself. In 
an early stage of the fort's erection. Col. Tay- 
lor sent for we, to know where would be the 
best place to burn lime I told him that the 
stone along the bluff, to the eastward was of a 
sandy formation, but I was sufficiently acquaint- 
ed with the west side of the river, to know that 
plenty of good limestone existed there. He 
then gave me directions to take a file of men, 
and go over and find a convenient spot to make 
a kiln. It was an easy matter to have told of 
several with certainty, but it was always my 
motto to " obey orders, if you break owners," 
so, following his directions, I took two men 
and started across the Mississippi in a 2i'''oque. 
This species of water-craft was a dug-out 
made from the trunk of a mammoth pine. 
In the center of this large canoe was rigged a 
mast, with a large square sail. There was no 
wind, so we had to propel it with paddles. On 
reaching the west side, below where the town 
of McGregor now is, we turned the dug-out 
down stream, and running along the bluff until 
we reached the coulee where old Jack Frost 
then lived, and there landed. Near this coulee, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



341 



(at the present day known as Limestone Cou- 
lee,) we soon found suitable stone in abund- 
ance. There was no difficulty in doing this, 
for a better quality of stone or more of it, can- 
not be found, even at this day, than is in the 
bluffs south of McGregor. The place picked 
out, we had nothing more to do but return to 
the fort. 

The men who were with me were both stone- 
masons. One was known by the name of Dun- 
bar, a lively, fearless fellow, ready for any mis- 
chief ; the other, as Baird, a timid person, who 
■was afraid of Indians, of dying, drowning — in 
fact anything that had any affinity to danger. 
It was a warm, sultry day, and we continued to 
loiter in the cool shade, 'neath the bluffs, con- 
versing, lolling on the grass, occasionally jerk- 
ing a piece of rock out on the mirror-like sur- 
face of the Mississippi (that being the way we 
worked for the government) until about 4 
o'clock in the afternoon. I had prophesied a 
storm that day, on account of the calm ; but 
my predictions sometimes failed, and no atten- 
tion was paid to my remark, until we heard a 
deep, distant rumble, and Baird jumped up and 
said, "what's that?" I knew that it was the 
coming storm, for lying on the ground, I lieard 
the thunder distinctly, and looking up, I saw 
tlie fleecy clouds borne on the wind over the 
bluffs; but winking at Dunbar, he suggested 
the howling of wolvei. This was very proba- 
ble, for wolves were more common than they 
are now, and the wildness of the place gave 
weight to the idea; but to increase his fright, I 
attempted to account for the growing darkness 
and roaring thunder on some volcanic principle. 
A new terror seized him, and casting a hasty 
glance up at the wild, rugged, precipitous bluffs, 
he implored us to hasten back, and made off in 
double quick time. It was now time to think 
of returning, and going down to the pirocjue, 
found Baird crouched in the bottom, shivering 
with fear. We told him to get in the bow, and 
trimming the sail, Dunbar took charge of it, 



while I sat in the stern to steer. We waited 
for the storm to burst upon us. 

Drops of rain commenced falling, the river 
became ruffled, the thunder sounded nearer, at 
last the storm burst with terrific fury. This 
was our time; putting out from the shelter of 
the bluff, the wind struck us, and away went 
the piroque, plowing through the waves, dash- 
ing the spray from its bows, and leaving a foam- 
ing wake astern. With the wind blowing a per- 
fect hurricane, and with the thunder, lightning, 
rain and water on a general tear, Dunbar and 
I were in our element. But how was it with 
Baird? Poor fellow! he sat in the canoe, pray- 
ing us to take down the sail (the piroque would 
have instantly filled had we done so), but see- 
ing we did not answer his prayers, and think- 
ing he was certainly to be drowned, he appealed 
to Heaven. One exclamation of his was, "Oh, 
Lord, if I must die let the gallows claim its 
own! " We laughed at his fear as he continued 
to curse, pray, blaspheme, and finally to threaten 
us, when Dunbar told him to stop his noise. 
This made him cower down, but when the 
canoe struck the government landing he was 
standing in the bow, and the sudden jerk 
pitched him headlong, a distance of twenty feet 
out on shore. He recovered himself, and takinjr 
to his heels, ran to the fort, never once halting 
until he was safe in his quarters. I made my 
report to quarter-master Garland, and was after- 
wards sent back with a body of men to make 
lime; but poor Baird did not go with us, for he 
could never bo induced to go boating on the 
Mississippi again. 

It was in the fall of 1829, while the present 
Fort Crawford was building, that Col. Z. Tay- 
lor ordered a body of men to proceed to the 
l)inerie8 on Menomonee river, there to cut logs, 
hew square timbers, make plank and shingles 
to be used in the construction of the fort and its 
defences. The number of soldiers drafted for 
the purpose was seventy, besides three officers 
and myself. Col. Taylor himself came to me as 
he had done before, and did afterward, and said 



342 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



he wanted me to pilot that expedition. It was 
late in the .season, and I did not like to hear 
the responsibility, and told him so; but Taylor 
had more confidence in me than I had in my- 
self, and nothing would do but I must go. We 
left here in seven Mackinaw boats, with ten 
men in each boat. The officers accompanying 
the expedition were Lieut. Gale,* Lieut Garde- 
uier, Sergt. Melvin, and myself as pilot. Lieut. 
Gale was the senior officer, and had the com- 
mand. I was put in command of the advance 
boat. Gale in the third boat, Melvin in the iifth, 
and Gardenier in the rear boat, with orders to 
keep the boats well up, and see that they reached 
shore together at night. 

The weather was fine for that season of the 
year; cold nights and clear, frosty mornings. 
The boats made good headway against the cur- 
rent, kept together admirably, and the men felt 
vigorous under the influence of the pure, brac- 
ing atmosphere. Officers and men were in good 
spirits, and we passed along swimmingly until 
we reached Wabashaw's Prairie. As we en- 
tered Lake Pepin floating ice was encountered, 
the current was swifter, and the cold intense. 
Now, instead of the men being in good spirits, 
good spirits got into the men, and from that 
moment we had trouble. Lieut. Gale would 
get ashore with his gun and a couple of men, to 
kill some of the geese and ducks for our mess, 
and always left orders for the boats to keep to- 
gether. One afternoon, when we had entered 
the Chippewa river, Gale landed on the north- 
west shore to shoot brant geese, that were very 
plenty, leaving Lieut. Gardenier in command, 
with strict orders to keep all the boats togetlier, 
and at night to land them in a body, so the 
men might form one camp. This was necessary 
for the sake of convenience, and because it kept 
the men from getting separated, in case tlie 
river should close suddenly. 

After Gale went ashore, I took his boat, which 
was the flag-boat of the expedition, and ap- 

* Levin Gale, a native of Maryland, entered West Point as 
a cadet in 1833; brevet Second Lieutenant July 1, 1837; and 
died at Dixon' Ferry, 111., Sept. 1, 1832. 



pointed one of the men to take temporary com- 
mand of mine, continued up the river. Chippe- 
wa river is a very crooked stream, and the chan- 
nel is worse. Often only one or two of the 
boats would he in sight, on account of the bends 
and abrupt turns in the river. At sun-down we 
had arrived to within fifteen miles of the mouth 
of the Menomonee river, and only three boats 
in company. I decided to encamp, and wait 
for the other four boats. 

Selecting a ])lace on the southeast side of the 
river, the men prepared to camp, and I sent 
a skiff to the opposite shore to bring over 
Lieut. Gale and one soldier named Earl, who 
had come down stream opposite to the camp. 
Gale saw the other boats were missing, and 
sent me down in the skiff to find them and 
hurry them up. Some distance below, I 
met Melvin with two of the boats. He said 
Gardenier had run aground on the sandbar that 
I had carefully warned him (.Melvin) to look out 
for. I had guessed as much, for Gardenier was far 
behind when the other boats were warned. The 
channel near the bar, ran across the river at 
right angles with the coui'se of the stream'. 
Lieut. Gardenier was not aware of this, and 
when his boats struck the bar the men tried to 
force them over into the deep water of the chan- 
nel just above, but this made matters worse, for 
the boats were heavily laden with stores, and 
the quicksand closing around them, soon made 
it impossible to move back or forwards. Be- 
tween the boats and the shore on either side, 
the swift, icy water was too deep to wade, and 
the only alternative was to remain where they 
were until the other boats took them off. So 
when I got down to the bar, there they were 
tight enough — in more respects than one It 
was very cold, and to keep their blood in circu- 
lation, they had tapped two of the whisky 
casks, and were circulating the liquor — every 
soldier was allowed a certain amount of whi.'^ky 
per diem, at that time called "whisky rations" — 
this article of the soldier's rations was abolished 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



348 



iluriiig Jackson's administration, and coffee and 
sugar substituted. 

On arriving alongside of the boats, I saw it 
was useless to think of getting them off tliat 
niglit, so telling all who could to tumble into the 
skiff, I pulled for the shore, and after three or 
four trips, had all the men together with their 
blankets and provisions, safely landed in the 
Chippewa bottoms. After the fires were made, 
I got into the skiff and rowed back to the main 
camp, where Melvin had arrived before me. I 
reported to Lieut. Gale, and sitting down re- 
galed myself on roasted goose. Next morning 
we went to Lieut. Gardenier's to inquire into 
the matter of running tlie boats aground. A 
council was held, and resulted in Lieut. Gar- 
denier's being sent back. There was an effort 
to attach the blame on me, but it fell through. 
The day foUowii'g was spent in unloading the 
boats, and fruitless attempts to get them off the 
sand bar. On the third night tlie Chippewa 
river closed, and while the ice was getting 
stronger, we made sleds to draw the stores on 
the ice fifteen miles up to the point on the 
Mehonionee river, where we were to cut timber. 
By the time the sleds were made, the ice on the 
river was strong enough to bear a team, and 
the sleds were loaded with casks of whisky, 
blankets and provisions, and we drev? them up 
to the proper place on the Menomonee river, 
where Gale remained with two men to watch 
the stores, while I returned with the men and 
sleds for another lot. 

It seems that soon after I left. Gale discov- 
ered a war party of Chippewas on the path, 
looking for Sioux, and, having a natural fear of 
Indians, he made off through the wooded bot- 
toms at the top of his speed. The chief of the 
party sent a couple of his swiftest runners to 
bring Gale back, but they could not overtake 
him. The warriors had no idea of disturbing 
anything, but seeing the liquor and goods lying 
around without a guard, they were tempted to 
help themselves, and took some of the goods 
and filled everything they had that was capable 



of holding whisky, and then departed. It is 
seldom war parties are out after snow has 
fallen; I have only noticed it among the Sioux 
and Chippewas, who were always warring 
against each other. I arrived the second day 
with more goods, and learned from the two 
men that Lieut. Gale had been gone almost 
sixty hours from camp. I sent men in the 
direction he had taken, and discharged guns 
every moment, and stationed a look-out on the 
high ground that commanded an extensive view 
of the Chippewa flats. The day passed without 
our finding the Lieutenant. On the third day, 
the oldest chief of the war party paid us an- 
other visit, returning all the things they had 
taken except ihe whisky, which they promised 
to pay for with venison. 

While the party were in the camp, the look- 
out reported that he could see some object mov- 
ing on the marsh, about three miles distant. 
Two soldiers were sent out who succeeded in 
creeping on Lieut. Gale, and catching him be- 
fore he could get away. He had been wander- 
ing three days and three nights, and exposure 
liad deranged bis mind, and he did not recog- 
nize his friends. He was brought in, and, on 
examination, I found his feet and legs were 
frozen up to the knees. A hole was cut in the 
ice, and the Lieutenant's limbs thrust through. 
After the frost was out of the frozen parts, they 
were greased with melted deer-fat, and wrap- 
ped up in blankets. In a few hours Gale had 
come to his senses, especially that of feeling, 
and ordered us to carry him down to Prairie du 
Chien. We made him as comfortable as possi- 
ble on a sled, and with three men started to 
draw him to the Prairie, leaving sergt. Melvin, 
who was my senior, and ranked me, in command 
of the men. Lieut. Gale endured great pain, 
for every motion was torture, but when wo 
came within sight of the Indian lodges on Wa- 
bashaw Prairie, he forgot his pain and wanted 
us to avoid meeting the Indians. Tiiis would 
have been a difficult thing to accomplish, so we 
marched into the village, and Wa-ba-shaw 



344 



HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



came out of his wigwam to welcome us. Upon 
learning the comlition that Gale was in, the 
chief had him carried into his lodge and 
treated after the Indian manner with a concoc- 
tion of white oak bark and poultice of roots. 
To these remedies Gale owed his perfect re- 
covery, if not his life. We left Wabashaw 
Prairie and arrived safe at Prairie du Chien, 
and the Lieutenant was placed under the care 
of Dr. Beaumont.* I was immediately ordered 
up the river again with the three men, and had 
to drive two yoke of oxen back. When we ar- 
rived at the camp on Menomonee river, the men 
had a log cabin almost finished, and were draw- 
ing the goods into it. 

We had only been there a short time, when 
one of the men who was drawing a sled, sliji- 
ped down and broke his lower jaw. Sergt. 
Melvin was a severe disciplinarian and be- 
lieved in flogging a soldier for an accident. He 
ordered the man to strip and prepare to receive 
a few lashes. It was brutal to scourge a man 
who was already suffering with pain, so I told 
the man to keep his coat on. The sergeant 
glared at me, but perhaps he discovered some- 
thing in the expression of the men's faces, for 
he kept silent^ and the man was put on the sick 
list. The men were divided into three gangs, 
two of thirty men each, one gang commanded 
by Melvin, another by me ; and the third gang 
of ten men, remained in camp. It was my first 
duty to build a large flai-boat, and having 
selected a piece of timber suitable for the gun- 
wales, we erected scaffolds and prepared pulley's 
and ropes to raise the log upon them. 

This preparation attracted the attention of 
Melvin, and he supposed the men were about to 
hang him. Fear had previously caused him to 
have built a small block-house in which he had 
placed all the arms and ammunition, and where 
he now unnecessarily shut himself up. He gave 

*Dr. William Beaumont, a native of Maryland, entered 
the army as a surg-eon's mate in 181;;, promoted to surgeon, 
resigned .and retired from the service Dec. 21, 1839. He was 
the author of an interesting work relating to experiments on 
the gastric juice. 



me orders through a loop hole, but would never 
come out to see if they were faithfully executed. 
The work progressed steadily until the river 
opened. Trees had been felled, timber hewn, 
stuff for the flat-boat got out, and we had di- 
vided the log with whip-saws, and the parts 
were being hewed into proper shape for gun- 
wales, when one of the men laid his thigh open 
to the bone with a broad-ax. It was necessary 
that the man should have medical aid, so j\lel- 
vin made out his report of the work done, also 
a charge against me for creating mutiny, and 
appointed me to carry the documents and two 
wounded men — the man who broke his jaw was 
unfit for duty — in a dug-out down to headquar- 
ters. I paddled down the river without acci- 
dent, and entered the slough north of the 
fort, one evening after dusk, and was sur- 
prised to hear the bugles playing the "Dead 
March." I had the men put in the hospital as 
soon as I landed, and then rei)aired to Maj. 
Garland's oftice, when I found Taylor and his 
officers, holding a council. They were deliber- 
ating on the removal of Lieut. McKenzie's body 
from the old burying ground near the mound, 
where Col. Dousman's dwelling stands, to the 
orficers grave-yard north of the new fort. It was 
to be done with the honors of war, and the mu- 
sicians were practicing for the occasion, which 
accounts for the music I heard. I delivered ihe 
papers to quarter-master Garland, and after pe- 
rusing them in silence, he began to read Mel- 
vin's charge against me in his droll tone, that 
convulsed all present with laughter. Garland 
asked me if we intended to hang the sergeant. 
I told him we hadn't thought of such a thing, 
and then gave a straight forward account of all 
that had transpired from the departure of the 
seven boats, up to my leaving the camp on the 
Menomonee in the dug-out. I was not court- 
martialed. 

Lieut. Gardenier, Boisley, myself and seven 
min, returned to the pineries to bring down 
the rafts. We found on our arrival, that the 
men had worked well, and had got out a large 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



345 



quantity of square timber, witli any amount of 
shingles, and the Hat-boat was put together and 
nearly finished. Two rafts were soon formed 
of the timber, and I was put in command of one, 
and Lieut. Gardenier took the other. My raft 
was the largest, but it drew less water, and, 
therefore, all the provisions for the men of both 
rafts were placed on it, except a barrel of whis- 
ky. Melvin was left with some of the men, to 
bring down the shingles in the flat-boat as soon 
as it WIS launched. 

The rafts were run out of the Menomonee 
down into Chippewa river smooth enough. 
One night I made fast to the shore, just above 
the head of Boeuf slough, on the Chippewa, 
and was waiting for the other raft. It presently 
appeared in sight and I noticed that something 
unusual was going on, for the raft floated rail- 
fence fashion, first against one shore and then 
against the other, bumping along as though it 
was intoxicated, perhaps that whisky barrel 
leaked. I cried out to Gardenier to either make 
fast above me, or pull for the point opposite 
the slough. He heard me, and tried to make' 
the opposite shore, but owing to the strong cur- 
rent or some mismanagement, the raft was 
sucked into the slough, without touching, and 
was carried down some distance, and struck on 
a small tow-head or island. I thought it best to 
wait until morning before going lo them, and 
quietly ate my supper which Boiseley had pre- 
pared. The principle dish of this meal, was a 
hedgehog that I had shot. It was cooked by 
throwing it into the fire whole, and after being 
'perfectly roasted, taken out ami all the (luills 
and hair scraped off, and liie entrails taken oui. 
After it had undergone this process, it looked 
as nice as any roasted pig I ever saw, and witli 
proper seasoning, it tasted better. 

In the niDrniiig, I put some food in Boisley's 
canoe, and went down to the raft. The nun 
were glad to get the grub, for they had had 
nothing to eat but whisky, all night and- you 
may believe they were not in the best working 
order. I saw how matters stood, and suggested 



that the raft be "broke," and towed out of the 
slough piece-meal. Gardenier didn't approve of 
the plan, for he said such a large stream of wa- 
ter must have an outlet somewhere, and he 
would follow it, and take his risk of getting 
through to the Mississippi river. 

At the entrance of this slough, the Chippe- 
wa river forms an elbow, the acute angle of 
which is the mouth of the slough. This slough 
was indeed a pretty stream of water, wide and 
deep, with fine banks, and had I not learned bet- 
ter, I would probably have made the same 
error that the lieutenant did. I told him, that 
when we drove oxen through the frozen bot- 
toms, I found out where the slough spread out 
into a wide marsh, and following it up to 
the Chippewa, we often came to large piles of 
drift-wood, that would certainly stop the raft. 

It was decided, however, that the raft should 
go down the slough, and orders were given to 
swing her off the island, and bidding me good- 
bye, they were swept down the stream. I went 
along down the the Chippewa into Lake Pepin, 
without seeing anything of Gardenier's party, 
and feeling anxious about them, for they had 
been absent four days without provisions. I got 
into the canoe with Boisley, and taking our 
guns and something to eat, started to find them. 
I knew very near where the raft would bring 
up, so putting into a slough that has its rise in 
big marsh, we paddled the little canoe through 
the water at a good rate, until unfortunately we 
run on a sunken log and were ujjset. Boisley 
siezed the guns and carried them ashore, but all 
our food and ammunition was damaged or lost. 
I turned the canoe right side u]), and getting in, 
we continued up the slough, came to the marsh, 
and, as I expected, found the raft janinu'd 
against a pile of drift wood in the slough, some 
distance above. The raft was deserted by every- 
thing except the whisky barrel, and that was 
ti/tpti/. Bosley said the men had been gone 
from the raft at least two days, and knowing 
that they would head oil my raft, somewhere 
below, we did not try to find them, but staited 



346 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



to return to our party. We had gone back some 
distance, when, passing close to a small island 
covered with willows, a band of young Sioux 
braves jumped up and give a war-whoop. The 
Indians told us to come to them, and even waded 
towards us, but preferring to keep our guns, 
blankets, and canoe, in our own possession, we 
paddled away through the islands, and soon got 
out of their reach. 

In our baste to leave the Indians, we missed 
our way, and wandered around in the marsh for 
two days before we reached the Mississippi 
river, far above our raft. We were hungry, for 
oui- provisions gave out two days previous, our 
guns were wet, and all the powder spoiled, so 
we could not shoot any game for food. 
Landing on an island in the river, we hauled 
the canoe up, and went to sleep without a fire. 
Next morning the wind blew so, we dared not 
leave the island. I had been so long without eat- 
ing, that I did notoare if I ever saw food again. 
I liad a hot, bitter sensation in my stomach. 
Late in the afternoon of that day we saw a ca- 
noe, with two Indians in it, coming down the 
western shore. I told Boisley, we must meet 
that canoe if we wanted to live. Shoving the 
canoe out, we got in, and by paddling and drift- 
ing, made the west shore, where we were pick- 
ed up by the Monomonee chief,Wa-ba-naw, and 
his squaw. I asked the chief for food, and told 
him how long we had been without. He landed 
and made camp and bis squaw cooked some 
hominy. This was given to us in very small 
quantities at first, and no entreaty or threat 
could make the Indian increase the dose, until 
it suited his pleasure. He continued to feed 
us at intervals, little by little, until our ajjpe- 
tites became ravenous, and then he made us lie 
down, and we fell asleep. Wa-ba-naw's squaw 
aroused us at midnight, and set before us a ket- 
tle of thick bouillon, made of hominy and meat, 
and told us to eat. We eat all the soup, went 
to sleep, and awoke in the morning as well as 
ever. Old Mrs. Wa-ba-naw called me her son 
ever after, and I always gave her a present of 



snuff, when she came to see me. She lives on 
the island opposite Prairie du Chien, and she 
says she has seen twice fifty years, but that falls 
short of her real age. She is blind and lives 
in a wigwam with hereon, who, with anotl:er 
Indian, murdered an old white man, and was 
pardoned the same year I came to Prairie du 
Chien. Mother Wa-ba-naw knows many tradi- 
tions of the country. 

Wa-ba-naw went down to the raft with us, 
from which we liad been gone six days. The 
men were glad to see us safe, and getting the 
raft into the current, we floated down, keejting 
a good lookout for any signs of Gardenier's 
party. Second day after my return to the raft, 
a signal was discovered on an island below us. 
It proved to be the missing party. They had 
been absent eleven days, ^nd had eat nothing 
but acorns and roots. We treated them accord- 
ing to Wa-ba-naw's direction, for they were al- 
most famisiied, and would have killed them- 
selves, had they been allowed to eat all their 
appetites craved. They took the high land 
after leaving the raft, and traveling ahead of us, 
made a raft of drift-wood that carried them to 
the island. The wind broke up their raft, and 
it was swept away, making them prisoners on 
the island. There they remained without eat- 
ing, until we took them off. They had resolved 
to kill and eat a man named Austin Young, 
who was resigned to his fate, and had gone 
down to the river for water, while his comrades 
loaded a musket and cast lots who should shoot 
him. He filled the kettle with water, and was 
about to go back, when he saw the raft coming, 
and told his companions. Our appeai'ance at 
that time saved his life. 

Putting tlie weakest of the party into a Mack- 
inaw boat we liad picked up, I sent them down 
to the Prairie with a couple of men. Tlie boat 
must have got down a long time ahead of the 
raft, for when we arrived at Point Rock, I met 
Lieut. Gardenier looking well as ever, and he 
promised me something handsome if I would 
not give the particulars in my report, as to how 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



347 



tlie raft was lost. But I knew Tajlor liated a 
liar as bad as he did a drunkard, so when I ar- 
rived at the fort I stated all the facts just as 
tliey were; and it was well I did, for Col. Tay- 
lor would soon have found out the truth. Be- 
sides, I secured the respect of Lieut. Gardenier 
by 80 doing, for he was an honorable man. His 
wife sleeps in the officers' grave yard, where the 
slabs that mark the resting place of those who 
died at that early day, may now be seen. 

I think it was in the year. 1830 that I witnessed 
a murder in the garrison of Fort Crawfoi'd, 
without being able to prevent it. One Coffin, a 
provost sergeant, whose duty it was to s])y on 
the men, make arrest* and report everything 
that occurred, was shot by one Beckett, a soldier. 
The facts of the transaction as I recollect them, 
are the.se: 

Provost Coffin had discovered the soldier 
Bi'fkelt in the act of leaving the fort through 
one of the windows, from which a couple of 
iron bars had been removed. It was one night 
after tattoo. Coffin was on the watch, and he 
caught the man just as he got out, and kicked, 
beat and otlierwisc injured him, until he was 
nearly dead, -ind then had him dragged to the 
guard-house. The soldier was in a dangerous 
condition, and the physician had him put in the 
liospital, where he laid sick a long time, lie 
asked and received permission to go back to his 
company as soon as he was able to be up. lie 
liad ever been a favorite with his comrades, and 
they all expressed their joy at his return; but 
he replied to their kind welcome with a strange 
quiet in his manner that left an impression of 
dark foreboding on tlio minds of his friends. 
He continued in a state of morbid taciturnity, 
in spite of efiforts made to cheer him. 

One day while acting quarter-master's ser- 
geant, I was going out with a tile of men to see 
to butchering some cattle, when an officer 
named Green hailed me and said the j)ay-mas- 
ler was at the quarter-master's department, 
Miul I had better go there soon, if I wanted my 
ji.iv. I tlien had all the money I needed, and 



not being afraid to trust Uncle Sam, I went on 
with the men. When I got back I went into 
the quarter-master's office to make my report, 
and found the pay-master gone. The only per- 
sons present, was Coffin, who had a little desk 
in the office, at which he was writing, and the 
soldier Beckett, who had come in and was 
standing with his musket near the stove. I 
noticed something strange in Beckett's appear- 
ance, and, knowing his disposition, it instantly 
occurred to me, that he intended to shoot Cof- 
fin, who stood with his back towards us. 

Without speaking, I walked towards Beckett, 
hoping to approach near enough to snatch the 
musket; when designing my purpose, he 
warned me off, and (juickly shot Coffin — a cart- 
ridge of three buck-shot and a ball passed 
through him, and he fell dead without a groan. 

Beckett was arrested, and confined in the 
guard-house. He was ironed with great care — 
his hands a;id feet confined with irons, an iron 
collar around his neck, with a bar connected, 
extending through the shackles of his hands 
and feet. He laid in a stone cell, on the floor 
made of square timber eighteen inches thick, 
to which he was confined by a band of iron pass- 
ing over his body and fastened firmly on either 
side. A guard was placed over him, but with 
all this precaution he managed to escape. 

He got away as far as Cassville, and went to 
work in the mines somewhere south of that 
place, and was found by Capt. Billy Harris,* 
who was down there hunting for deserters. He 
was carried to Mineral I'oint, tried by the civil 
authorities, convicted, brought back here, and 
hung like a dog. The sheriff who sent his soul 
into eternity, barely escaped on a fleet horse 

with his life, for the soldiers were enraged at 
the indignities shown to their unfortunate com- 
rade, and tried to kill him. 

THE sicco>fr) fokt ckawkokd. 
The building of the second Fort Crawford 
was commenced in 1829, occupied by the gar- 



♦Hnpt. Wm. L. Iliirris. a nntivo of Virginia, was a cadet 
iQ LSI!); brevet second lieutenant. VH; llrsi lieutenant. 1830: 
served in the Biaclt Hiiwli War: assistant coniiuissary of 
subsistence. IStS; dismissed, October, )!«(>. and died in 1111- 
uois, in February, 1837. 



348 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



rison in 1831, and completed in 1832. It was 
located upon the main land below the village as 
then existing, upon the site of several ancient 
mounds, already referred to, now occupied by a 
convent. It was constructed of stone, quadran- 
gular in shape. The north and south sides were 
officers' quarters, each 35x242 feet. The east 
and west sides were each filled by two build- 
ings, 1 7.5 feet long, separated by a sally-port. 
These four faces embraced in all an inclosure of 
about 250x400 feet and consisted of an elevated 
basement and one story above. They were de- 
signed to accomodate a regiment. The com- 
mandant's residence and headquarters and the 
hospital were upon the outside. 

A recent writer says: 

"Owing to the high waters of '21, '26 and'28, 
it was decided by Col. Zachary Taylor to erect 
a new fort on higher ground. The cite chosen 
was Pike's Hill, a high, projecting bluff, three 
miles below, on the Iowa side, because of its 
commanding both the Wisconsin and Mississ- 
ippi rivers, but after two years successive fail- 
ure to build a roa<l that could not be affected by 
the disastrous floods of the region, it was aban- 
doned, and a position on the main land, which 
is about forty feet higher than the island, was 
selected, and in 1832 new Fort Crawford was 
completed and occupied." 

"The north quarter of the new fort," says Mr. 
Fonda, "was completed in the summer of 1830. 
The powder magazine, at the southeast corner 
of the fort, was built the same year. It took 
four men ten months (the way we worked for 
government) to build it. Tiie walls are of 
rock, three feet thick, and each rock matched 
into another, like flooring, and cemented to- 
gether. 

"In building the fort, we disturbed an Indian 
mound. It was a common burying place of 
the Indians, and we took out cart-loads of 
bones. 

"Col. Zachary Taylor (afterward President of 
the United States) was in command of the last 
Fort Crawford from its first occupation until in 



the fall of 1836, when he was succeeded by Gen. 
Brooks, who was followed by Gen. Wilson in 
1843, and he by Col. Davenport in 1845." 

NOTABLE EVENTS. 
[1832.J 

The cholera raged terribly among the troops 
in the year of 1832. 100 soldiers died at Fort 
Crawford in two weeks. They were buried 
on the prairie soutli of the old Dagoon stable. 
Only four citizens died of the cholera, and these 
in one house. 

[1833.] 

Charles J. Latrobe, the English traveler, was 
at the new fort in 1833. He says: 

"Within these few years [the first Fort 
C'rawford] has been superceded by a large 
spacious range of stone barracks, built on the 
gentle swell on the opposite side of the bayou. 
An Indian mound, round which the new build- 
ings were constructed, was removed in leveling 
the square, and forty-eight bodies, some enclosed 
in wooden or bark coffins, were removed. Fort 
Crawford, as the new erection is called, is cal- 
culated to afford quarters to the entire regi- 
ment, though only a few companies were there 
at the time of our visit." 

[1834.] 

Charles Fenno Hoffman, in his "Winter in 
the West" says: "On the 12th of November, 
1834, he arrived at the prairie, and was enter- 
tained by Col. Z. Taylor at the fort. He re- 
mained two weeks. The garrison consisted of 
five companies of the 1st infantry. Says the 
village is a half mile from the fort, with an- 
tique looking timber houses, containing an am- 
phibeous population of voyaguers and hunters, 
half French and half Indian. Visits the 
mounds and fortifications on the bluffs." 
[1836.] 

Rev. R. Caddie, of the P. E. Church, came to 
Prairie du Chien as a missionary in 1836, but 
was shortly after appointed chaplain at Fort 
Crawford, where he continued until 1841, when 
he resigned and entered the missionary service 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



349 



in another part of the territory. While here he 
organized Trinity Church. 

In the fall of this year Col. Z. Taylor, with 
his regiment, left this fort for Florida, and 
Gen. Hrooke assumed command. As "new 
lords make new laws" so a little incident con- 
nected with this change shows how the public 
money is sometimes disposed of. Gen. Brooke 
thought the house in wliich Col. Taylor, with a 
large family, had lived for many years, was not 
good enough for him, and he applied to the de- 
partment of war for a new house. The answer 
was, "no, can't afford it; repair the old one." 
To do this the old house was entirely removed, 
or torn do^vn, except the cellar, and over this a 
new building was erected, costing ?iV,Oi)0, under 
the head or repairs. Tliis house, with all th(' 
government land, was subsequently sold, being 
bought by John Lawler, the house remodeled 
and the grounds improved. 

Many humorous anecdotes are related cf Tay- 
lor and his method of ))unishing slight offences, 
while in command of Fort Crawford. The 
method was styled "wooling," and consisted in 
taking hold of the man's ears and sliaking him. 
A soldier named Brady made a wager with a 
comrade that the colonel would not "wool" 
him. The man greased his ears well and dur- 
ing parade put himself in the way of punish- 
ment. Taylor ruslied at him, caught liim by 
the ears, but they slipped from his grasp, again 
and again he attempted to clutch them, but in 
vain, he could no more hold them than he could 
hold an eel, atid he gave up the effort in di;;- 
gust. Brady won his wager, escaped the "wool- 
ing," hut his 7-ifse gained him the guard house. 

S. A. Palmer, of Pottsville, l*a., was here in 
1836, and relates that there were 300 troops at 
the fort, four substantial stone buildings, each 
20G feet long, forming a square ; a few mean 
houses, tenanted by a miserable set of French 
and Indians. 

[1837.] 

Capt. F. Marryat, the English novelist, came 
from Green Bay to Fort Winnebago in 



June, 1837, and from the latter place to Prairie 
dn Chien with a party bringing provisions for 
the fort. While here he visited the mounds. 
He remained a week at the fort, which he says 
is a mere enclosure, intended to repel the at- 
tacks of Indians, but is large and commodious, 
and the quarters of the officers are excellent 
built of stone, which is not the case at Fort 
Winnebago or Fort Howard. 
[1846.] 

This year, 1846, and the succeeding year, 
Fort Crawford was garrisoned by a comjiany 
of volunteers under Capt. Wiram Knowlton 
the regular troops having gone to Mexico. Con- 
cerning this occupancy, Mr. Fonda says : 

"It was this same year [1846] that the affairs 
with Mexico came to a head; war was declared 
and volunteers were raised throughout the 
country. Orders were received from the secre- 
tary of war to raise a company to occupy 
Fort Crawford during the trouble with Mexico. 
A company was enlisted under BrevetMaj. A. 
S. Hove.* 

"\^'iram Knowlton was captain, Charles Bris- 
hois, first lieutenant; and on the 3d day of 
September, 1836, 1 received a second lieutenant's 
commission from Gov. Henry Dodge. The in- 
ferior officers were scrgts. D. Gary, F. N. 
Grouchy and E. Warner ; and corporals W. R. 
Curts, A. Tilow, B. Fox and J. A. Clark ; the 
whole number of men in the company was 
seventy-three. The men were a little aristo- 
cratic, and they all wanted to wear officers's 
uniform ; but after the onc! year (which was 
the term of enlistment) had expired, a new 
company was mustered by Major Garland, and 
placed under the command of Capt. Knowlton, 
who maintained the strictest of military disci- 
pline. This company was styled the Dodge 
Guards, and was commanded by the officers of 
the first company." 

♦Alcxnnder S. Hove, a Virffininn, whs ii ciulet in IS2) ; 
entered the army ii,i brevet secdiid lieutcniini 1827 ; llrst 
lii-uteniint. ls;t:i ; eiiptuin, IKW ; was disiinji-uislied in the 
Imltles of Palo .Alto and Kasaea de la I'alnia, in the latter of 
which he lost an arm, and breveted major. He died at 
Baton Kouge, La , Dee. !>, IS4". 



350 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



[1847]. 

On the 20th of June, 1847, two ejectment 
suits were tried in the circuit court involving 
title to farm lots 33 and 34, heretofore held and 
supposed to be owned by the United States 
government, and on which Fort Crawford is 
situated. The suit was brought by Ira B.Brun- 
son, B. W. Brisbois and Cyrus Woodman, 
against a tenant of tlie United States, the gov- 
ernment taking up the defense. The suits 
were decided in favor of the plaintiffs. 

Tlie following appeared in the Patriot of 
August, 184*7: 

"in memory op LIEUT. CHAELES BEISBOIS, WHO 
DEPARTED THIS LIFE, AUG. 13, 1847. 

"Of congestive chills, at Fort. Crawford, on 
Friday evening, the 13th inst., Charles Brisbois, 
first lieutenant of the volunteers, stationed at this 
post, aged forty-nine years, five months and 
thirteen days. The disease of which Mr. 
Brisbois died, was contracted when on a 
visit to St. Louis, and in the fatal termina- 
tion, the community has lost one of the 
most valuable citizens, and society an hon- 
ored member. He was born and educated 
in the western country, and from youth to 
manhood had been engaged in the fur trade, 
connected with the Hudson Bay Fur Company. 
Residing in a country where there was no law, 
he had ever acted upon principles of right, 
and fiirmeil a character, which in later years, 
in his intercourse with men, had won for him 
the confidence and respect of all. In July, last 
year, he became second lieutenant of the Dodge 
Guards, and has since been promoted to first 
lieutenant, which office he filled at the time of 
his death. As a soldier, his upright and impar- 
tial conduct had secured the confidence of 
his su])eriors in rank, and tjie respect of all 
under his command ; as a citizen, he was liberal 
and active; as a friend, faithful, generous and 
kind. He has left a wife and family, and a 
large number of relatives and friends to mourn 
their loss. His funeral took place on Saturday 
evening, with military honors, and a large con- 



course of people were in attendance, and joined 
in the solemn ceremony that consigned to their 
last resting place, the earthly remains of an 
esteemed friend, a kind husband and father 
and a worthy citizen." 

"At a meeting of the officers of Fort Crawford, 
Wisconsin Territory, agreeable to previous no- 
tice : Maj. A. S. Hove, was chosen chairman, 
Dr. S. S. Beach, secretary. Capt.Wiram Knowl- 
ton presented the following preamble and reso- 
lutions, which were unanimously adopted : 

" TT7if?'e«s, We have been, by all-wise 
Providence, deprived of our estimable friend 
and oflicer, first lieut. Charles Brisbois, whose 
loss we feel in common with his bereaved wife, 
children and friends, to be irreparable to his 
family, his relatives, his home and country. 

"■Therefore, resolved, That we will wear the 
usual badge of mourning for thirty days, in 
token of our sincere respect to his memory. 

'^Resolved, Tliat we deeply sympathize with 
his family, who have been deprived by an all- 
wise Ruler, of a kind and affectionate husband, 
father and protector, who was an honest, just 
and upright man, as well as a worthy citizen 
and officer, who was beloved by all who knew 
him, and above all suspicion of wrong and an 
irreparable loss, both to his country, wliicli he 
had volunteered to serve during the war with 
Mexico. 

[Signed] 

A. S. Hove, Brevet Major, U. S. A* 
WiRAM Knowlton, Capt. Wis. Vol. 
S. S. Beach, Acting Ass't Surgeon. 
J. ir. Fonda, 9d Lieut. Wis. Vol." 

Concerning Charles Brisbois, Mr. Fonda says: 
"On the 13th day of August, 1847, first lieut. 
Charles Brisbois, died at his post, from a dis- 
ease contracted while on a visit te St. Louis, 
and in its fatal termination the community lost 
one of its most valuable citizens, and society an 
honorable member. He was born and educated 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



351 



in the western country, and from youth to man- 
ho (I had been engaged in the fur trade con- 
nec'tcd with the Hudson Bay Fur Company. 
Hesiding in a country where there was no law, 
ho ever acted upon the principles of right, and 
formed a character, which in his intercourse 
with his fellow-man, had won for him the con- 
fidence and respect of all. As a soldier, his up- 
right and impartial conduct had secured him 
the confidence of his superiors in rank, and the 
respect of all under his command; as a citizen 
he was liberal and active; as a friend, faithful, 
generous and kind. He left a wife and family, 
and a large number of relatives and friends. 
We buried him in the old Catholic burying 
ground, with military honors, and a large con- 
course of the people were in attendance, and 
joined in the solemn obsequies that consigned 
to the last resting place, the earthly remains of 
Lieut. Charles Brisbois. 

"After Brisbois died, I was promoted to the 
first lieutenancy in the volunteer company of 
Dodge Guards, and received my commission 
dated from the 13th day of August, 1S47. I 
took an active part in the affairs of the post, 
often performing duties that belonged more 
pro])erly to the commanding officer, while Cai)l. 
Knowlton, being a superior disciplinarian, took 
much pride in drilling the men." 
[1847] 
On the 1-lth of September, 1847, Major Hove, 
commandant,at Fort Crawford received orders to 
repair to Baton Rogue, and left immediately. 
[1848] 
"In the year 1848 a society was formed at 
Fort Crawford" says Mr. Fonda "called the 
'Fort Crawford Temperance Society.' Tlie 
object of tlie society was to promote the cause 
of temperance. All that was requisite to be- 
come a member was to sign a pledge to abstain 
from the use of liquor as as a common beverage, 
for six months, a year, or any length of time a 
pel son joining might see fit to set opposite his 
name. The society met each Saturday night, 
and so long as the interest was kept up, its in- 



fluence may have been beneficial; but like many 
such societies, it was short lived and its effects 
forgotten. 

"It is an impossibility to keep liquor out of 
the garrison, if the men are determined to have 
it. No matter how vigilant and watchful 
the ofticers may be, the soldiers will smuggle 
it in some way. Maj. Garland had arrived 
at Fort Crawford, and was stopping at 
my quarters, and was expected to inspect the 
men. So strict orders were given to prevent 
the men passing in and out with suspicious pack- 
aares, and to search all such, to see if thev had 
whisky about them. Trusty sentinels were 
put on guard at all the sally-ports, and when 
the first review came off, every man was in his 
place, and after Capt. Knowlton had drilled 
them awhile, the major was perfectly satisfied 
with their discipline and equipments, and com- 
plimented the officers on the fine appearance of 
the men. Ihat same evening, after supper, 
Maj. Garland proposed a stroll tlirough town 
It was a nice, moonlight night, and we remained 
out some time after tattoo. When we reached 
the gate that opened into the grounds that sur- 
rounded tiie fort, something attracted the ma- 
jor's attention, and he pointed an object out to 
men, and asked: 'Is that a cat going towards 
the fort?' I looked in the direction, and sup- 
posing it was only a cat creeping across the 
green, I paid no more attention to it. When 
we were about to enter the little private wicket 
in the northeast gate, Maj. Garland spoke and 
said: 'See, that cat is making in this direction; 
it moves strange, let us see what's the matter 
with it.' So passing along under the wall, we 
reached a little ditch ])aved with rock, that car- 
ried off the water from the inside of the fort, 
here we discovered a string stretching out to- 
wards the cat, that still continued to appioach 
us. Stepping on this string the major cut it, 
and all at once the cat stopped within a few feet 
of us. It was evident the string govern< d ihc 
motions of the cat, and taking hold of one t nd, 
we drew the apparent cat up to us; but in cki>e 



352 



HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ex^iraination, it proved to be a cat's skhi, 
stuf'ed lotth a bladder full of whisky! The ma- 
jor had just been speaking of the unusual sober 
appearance of tbe volunteers, while I had 
lauded the reforming influence of the temper- 
ance society. He little suspected that the pa- 
trol guard we passed in our walk, had the bar- 
rels of their guns charged with fire-water, war- 
ranted to Mil forty rods/ but it was even so. 

"On the 6th day of September, 1848, I ob- 
tained 'my honorable discharge' from the 'Dodge 
Guards,' and returned to citizen, but not to pri- 
vate, life; for soon my friends offered me the 
office of justice, which 1 accepted and held for 
a number of years; since which time, all matters 
of interest have been noticed by many other 
persons, who have made the public familiar 
with them. I will merely remark, that I have 
witnessed the gradual progress of civilization 
in the west for fifty years; came to Prairie du 
Chein when it was the most extreme settlement 
in the northwest; have seen the dawning of a 
new epoch, since the introduction of railroads 
and the electric telegra|)h, and being yet strong 
and robust, I may live to enjoy a share of their 
benefits." 

[1856]. 

On the 1 2th of June, 1856, the government 
officers and troops departed with stores and pro- 
visions, on the steamer War Eagle, for Fort 



Snelling. The garrison consisted of four com- 
panies of United States rifles. The local news- 
papers expressed the desire that the fort would 
not be used again as such, and the grounds 
should be brought into market. 

The Fort Crawford military lands were pur- 
chased of J. H. Lockwood and James D. Doty, 
by the United States, in the year 1829 and cov- 
ered the front and main portions of farm lots 
numbered 33 and 34, of the private land claims 
at Prairie du Chien, and comprised about 160 
acres. Fort Crawford, as we have seen, was 
built on this tract in 1829, 1830 aiid 1831. 1'here 
was also a reservation of section 18, township 
7, in range 4 west, in what is now the town of 
Wauzeka, near the present village of Wauzeka. 
This section has its southeast corner at the 
mouth of the Kickapoo river; the tract was gen- 
erally known as the "Cattle Guard." On the 
I7th of November, 1864, the acting commis- 
sioner of the general land office, by order of the 
war department, offered for sale at public auc- 
tion, at La Crosse, the government land at Fort 
Crawford, which had been surveyed and sub-di- 
vided into town lots, 80x140 feet, with streets 
sixty-five feet and alleys twenty feet wide, con- 
forming to the plat of the village of Prairie du 
Chien. Then and subsequently all these lots 
were sold and the United States were thus di- 
vested of all interest in the military lands and 
reservation in Crawford county. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



355 



CHAPTER XV 



TERRITORIAL, STATE AND CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATION. 



From the date of the organization of the 
northwest territory in 1T87, until the time when 
what is now Wisconsin became a part of the 
territory of Michigan, the inhabitants upon the 
" prairie" had no voice in sending any officer to 
represent them, eitlier in the legislatures of the 
northwest territory, the teTitory of Indiana or 
the territory of Illinois, or in the Congress of 
the United Stales. But the creation of Craw- 
ford county ill 18)8, soon brought with it th( 
power to hold elections for delegates in Con- 
gress The following were the successful can 
didates, all of whom received more or less vote 
in Crawford county: 
cox<;ressioxal delegates fi;om Michigan ter 

BITOBY. 

XVIth Congress, William Woodbridgc,* 
1819-20. Solomon Sibley,f 1820-21. 

XVIIth Congress, Solomon Sibley, 1821-23. 

XVIIIth Congress, Gabriel Richards,182.3-25. 

XlXth Congress, Austin E. Wing, 1825-27. 

XXth Congress, Austin E. Wing, 1827-29. 

XXIst Congress, John Biddle, 1829-31. 

XXIId Congress, Austin E. Wing, 1831-33. 

XXIIId Congress, Lucius Lyon, 1833-35. 

XXlVth Congress, George W. Jones,^ 
1835-37. 

Members of the Legislative Council of the 
territory of Michigan, representing districts of 
which one of the counties was Crawford, were 
also voted for on the " prairie," so that there 

•Resigned in 1820 ' 

+To fill vacancy of William Woodbridge, resiftned. 

tWas a delPKftte until Mirhitrnn bccnmo a State, with nis 
pesidenee in Wiscimsin, which was then n portion of thp 
territory of Michisran. 



was in fact a representation at Detroit as well 
as at Washington. 

DELEGATES TO CONGRESS FROM WISCONSIN TBB- 
BITORY. 

George W. Jones, elected Oct. 10, 1836. 
James D. Doty, elected Sept. 10, 1838. 
James D. Doty, elected Aug. 5, 1840. 
Henry Dodge, elected Sept. 27, 1841. 
Henry Dodge, elected Sept. 25, 1813. 
Morgan L. Martin, elected Sept. 22, 1845. 
John H. Tweedy, elected Sept. 6, 1847. 

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF WISCONSIN TERRI- 
TORY, REPRESENTING CRAWFORD COUNTY, 
[l.]— CRAWFORD. 

First session, First Legislative Assembly: no 
member; 1836. 

Second session. First Legislative Assembly: ' 
no member; 1837-38. 

Special session. First Legislative Assembly: 
no member; 1838. 

First session, Second Legislative Assembly: 
George Wilson; 1838. 

Second session. Second Legislative Assembly: 
George Wilson; 1839. 

Tiiird session. Second Legislative Assembly: 
Joseph Brisbois*; 1839-40. 

Fourth (extra) session, Second Legislative 
Assembly: Charles J. Learnedf; 1840. 

[ll.] — CRAWFORD AND ST. CROI.X. 

V'u-^t session, 'I bird Legislative Assembly: 
Charles J. Learned; 1 840-1. 

Second session. Third Legislative Assembly: 
Charles J. Learned; 1841-2. 



*In place of George Wilson, resigned. 
♦In place of .Joseph Brisbois, resigoad. 



32 



356 



HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



First session, Fourtli Legislative Assembly: 
Theophilus LaChapelle; ] 842-3. 

Second session, Fourth Legislative Assembly: 
Tbeopliilus LaChapelle; 184.3-4. 

Third session, Fourth Legislative Assembly: 
Wiram Knowlton; 1845. 

[ill.] — CRAWFOED, CHIPPEWA, ST. CROIX AND 
LA POINTE. 

Fourth session, Fourth Legislative Assembly: 
Wiram Knowlton; 1846. 

[rv.] — cRA-svrORD. 

First session, Fifth Legislative Assembly: 
Benjamin F. Manahan; 1847. 

[v.] — CRAWFORD, CHIPPEWA, ST. CROIX AND LA 
POINTE. 

Special session. Fifth Legislative Assembly: 
Benjamin F. Manahan; 184'/. 

Second session. Fifth Legislative Assembly: 
Benjamin F. Manahan; 1848. 

By the apportionment of members of the 
First Legislative Assembly of the territory of 
Wisconsin, as made by Gov. Dodge, upon the 
basis of a census taken in 1836, Crawford 
county was allowed two members of the house 
of Representatives, but no member of the 
Council. The people of this county claimed 
that, under the organic act, each county was 
entitled to be represented in each house ; and 
Thomas P. Burnett was unanimously elected by 
them to be a member of the Council. The full 
number of members authorized by law had, 
however, been chosen in other counties, pur- 
suant to the governor's apportionment and 
proclamation; and very naturally Mr. Burnett's 
election was not certified to by the governor, 
nor was he admitted to the seat which he 
claimed. 

MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY OF WISCONSIN TERRI- 
TORY, REPRESENTING CRAWFORD COUNTY. 
[ I ]. — CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

First session, First Legislative Assembly : 
James H. Lockwood, James B. Dallam, 1836. 

Second session. First Legislative Assembly : 
Ira B. Brunson, Jean Brunet, 1837-8. 



Special session, First Legislative Assembly : 
Ira B. Brunson, Jean Brunet, 1838. 

First session. Second Legislative Assembly : 
Alexander McGregor, 1838. 

Second session. Second Legislative Assembly: 
Alexander McGregor, Ira B. Brunson, 1839. 

Third session. Second Legislative Assembly : 
Ira B. Brunson, Alexander McGregor, 1839-40. 

Fourth (extra) session Second Legislative 
Assembly : Ira B. Brunson, Alexander Mc- 
Gregor, 1840. 

[ II ]. — CRAWFORD AND ST. CROIX. 

First session. Third Legislative Assembly : 
Alfred Brunson, Joseph R. Brown, 1840-1. 

Second session. Third Legislative Assembly : 
Joseph R. Brown, Alfred Brunson, 1841-2.* 

First session. Fourth Legislative Assembly : 
John II. Manahan, 1842-3. 

Second session, Fourth Legislative Assembly: 
John H. Manahan, 1843-4. 

Third session, Fourth Legislative Assembly : 
James Fisher, 1845. 

[ III ]. — CRAWFORD, CHIPPEWA, ST. CROIX AND LA 
POINTE. 

Fourth session, Fourth Legislative Assembly: 
James Fisher, 1846. 

[ IV ] . CRAWFORD. 

First session, Fifth Legislative Assembly : 
Joseph W. Furber, 1847. 

[v]. CRAWFORD, CHIPPEWA, ST. CROIX AND LA 

POINTE. 

Special session, Fifth Legislative Assembly : 
Henry Jackson, 1847. 

Second session, Fifth Legislative Assembly : 
Henry Jackson, 1848. 

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 

The first constitutional convention assembled 
at Madison, on the 5th day of October, 1846, 
and adjourned on the 16th day of December 
following, having framed a constitution, which 
was submitted to a vote of the people on the 
first Tuesday in April, 1847, and rejected. The 
person representing Crawford county in the 
convention was Peter A. R. Brace. 



*Seat contested and awarded to TheopUilus La Chapelle. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



357 



The second constitutional convention assem- 
bled in Madison Dec. 15, 1847, and adjourned 
Fel). 1, 184S, having framed a constitution, 
which was submitted to a vote of the people on 
the second Monday in March following, and 
adopted. It was the constitution of Wisconsin, 
now (1884) in force. The member representing 
Crawford county in the second constitutional 
convention, was Daniel G. Fenton; he repre- 
sented Chippewa county, also. 

MEMBERS OF THE SENATE WHO HAVE EEPEESENT- 
ED CRAWFORD COUNtY. 

Senators representing even numbered dis- 
tricts were elected in 188), and hold office till 
Jan. 1, 1883, those from odd numbered districts 
were elected in 1882 and hold office until Jan. 
1, 1887. Senators are elected for four years. 
As Crawford county is in the fourth senatorial 
district (:<n even number) a Senator will be 
elected in tlie fail of 1884, and every four j'cars 
thereafter, will) will represent the county in the 
State senate. 

1848— Third district, D. G. Fenton. 

1849-50 — Third district, James Fisher. 

1K51-52— Third district, Hiram A. Wright. 

1853-54— Fifteenth district, Levi Sterling. 

1855-56 — Ninelieeptli district, William T. 
Gibson. 

1857— Thirtieth district, William T. Price. 

1858-59— Thirtieth district, William II 
Tucker. 

1860-61— Thirtieth district, Buel E. Hutch- 
inson. 

18 62— Thirtieth district, N. S. Gate. 

1863— Thirtieth district, William S. Purdy. 

1864-6— Thirtieth district, Wm. Ketcham. 

1866-67— Thirtieth district, Benjamin Bull. 

1868-69— Thirtieth district, Wm. Ketcham. 

1870-71 — Thirtieth district, George Krous- 
kop. 

1872-73— Twenty-eighth district, Henry L. 
Eaton. 

ls74_75 — Twenty -eighth district, George 
Krouskop. 



1870-77- Twenty-eighth district, Daniel L. 
Douns. 

1878-79- Fourth district, George W. Swain. 
1880-81- Fourth district, O. B. Thomas. 
1882-83— Fourth district. Van S. Bennett. 

MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY WHO HAVE REPRE- 
SENTED CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

From the organization of the State to the 
fall of 1882, members of Assembly were sleet- 
ed annually; the biennial election beginning in 
the fall of 1884. 

[l.] — CHIPPEWA AND CRAWFORD. 

First session, 1848, Wm. T. Sterling. 
Second session 1849, James O'Neill. 
Third session, 1850, Wm. T. Sterling. 
Fourth session, 1851, Wm. T. Price. 

[ll.] — BAD AX, CHIPPEWA, CR.^WFORD AND LA 
CROSSE. 

Fifth session, 1852, Andrew Briggs. 

[hi.] BAD AX AND CRAWFORtl. 

Sixth session, 1853, Hiram A Wright. 
Seventh session, 1854, Wm. F. Terhune. 
Eighth session, 1855, James Fisher. 
Ninth session, 1856, Andrew Briggs. 
Tenth session, 1857. Buel E. Hutchinson. 
Eleventh session, 1858, James R. Savage. 
Twelfth session, 1859, Thomas W. Tower. 
Thirteenth session I860, Wm. C. McMichael. 
Fourteenth session, 1861, Daniel II. Johnson. 
Fifteenth session, 1862, O. B. Thomos. 
Sixteenth session, 1863, James Fisher. 
Seventeenth session, 1864, Horace Beach. 
Eighteenth session, 1865, O. B.Thomas. 
Nineteenth session, 1866, Geo. E. Harrington. 
Twentieth session, 1867, O. B. Thomas. 
Twenty-first session, 1868, James Fisher. 
Twenty-second session, 1869, Benj. F. Fary. 
Twenty-third session,1870, William Raymond. 
Twenty-fourth session, 1871, D. VV. Briggs. 
Twenty-fifth session, 1872,0. A. Caswell. 
Twenty-sixth session, 1873, Peter Doyle. 
Twenty-seventh session, 1874, Wm. H. Evans. 
Twenty-eighth session, 1875, Zenas Beach. 
Twenty-ninth session, 1876, Fergus Mills. 
Thirtieth session, 1877, S. L. VVannemaker. 



358 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Thirty-first session, 1878, J. H. Jewel. 
Thirty-second session, 1879, Alley Peterson. 
Thirty-third session, 1880, Atley Peterson. 
Thirty-fourth session, 1881, Atley Peterson. 
Thirty-fifth session, 1882, Atley Peterson. 
Thirty-sixth session, 1883, Thomas Curley. 

UNITED STATES SENATORS FROM WISCONSIN. 

Isaac P. Walker, elected June 8, 1848. 
Henry Dodge, elected June 8, 1848. 
Isaac P. Walker, January, 1849. 
Henry Dodge, elected January 30, 1851. 
Charles Durkee, elected February 1, 1855. 
James R. Doolittle, elected January 23, 1857. 
Timothy O. Howe, elected January 23. 1861. 
James R. Doolittle, elected January 22, 1863. 
Timothy O. Howe, elected January 24, 1867. 
Matt. H Carpenter, elected January 26, 1869. 
Timothy O. Howe, elected January 21, 1873. 
Angus Cameron, elected February 3, 1875. 

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO HAVE REPRESENTED 
CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

XXXth Congress, 1847-49, Second District — 
Mason C. Darling. 

XXXIst Congress, 1849-51 , Second District — 
Orsamus Cole. 

XXXIId Congress, 1851-53, Second District — 
Benjamin C. Eastman. 

XXXIIId Congress, 1853-55, Second District 
— Benjamin C. Eastman. 

XXXI Vth Congress, 1855-57, Second District 
— Caldwallader C. Washurn. 



XXXVth Congress, 1857-59, Second District 
Caldwallder C. Washburn. 

XXXVIth Congress, 1859-61, Second District 
— Cadwallder C. Washburn. 

XXXVIIth Congress, 1861-63, Second Dis- 
trict — Luther Hanchett* and Walter D. Mcln- 
doe. 

XXXVIIIth Congress, 186.3-65, Third Dis- 
trict — Amasa Cobb. 

XXXIXth Congress, 1865-67, Third District 
— Amasa Cobb. 

XLth Congress, 1867-69, Third District — 
Amasa Cobb. 

XLIst Congress, 1869-71, Third District — 
Amasa Cobb. 

XLIId Congress, 1871-73, Third District— 
J. Allen Barber. 

XLIIId Congress, 1873-75, Third District— 
J. Allen Barber. 

XLIVth Congress, 1875-77, Third District- 
Henry S. Magom. 

XL Vth Congress, 1877-79, Third District- 
George C. Hazelton. 

XLVIth Congress, 1879-81, Third District- 
George. C. Hazelton. 

XLVIIth Congress, 1881-83, Third District- 
George C. Hazelton. 

XLVIHth Congress, 1833-85, Seventh Dis- 
trict — Gilbert M. Woodward. 



♦Died Nov. 34, ]S63, and Walter D. Mclndoe elected to fill 
the vacancy, Dec. 30, 1863. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



359 



CHAPTER XVI 



THE COURTS— PAST AND PRESENT. 



From the first settlement in 1781, in wliat was 
afterward Crawford county, until the year 1805, 
the citizens, confined in their residences to the 
"Prairie des Chiens," were without administra- 
tive officers, or other constituted authorities, 
but permitted the most learued man to exercise 
the powers of civil magistrate, according to his 
understanding of their traditionary customs. 
In accordance with the Jay treaty. Great Brit- 
ain surrendered all pretentions to the north- 
west on the 1st of July; 1796, and the people of 
Prairie des Chiens became by adoption, citizens 
of the United States, without any agency of 
their own. But the new government was in no 
condition to extend its civil jurisdiction to a few 
people so remote, and they were now left more 
than ever to themselves. They were simply 
recognized as citizens of the northwest territory, 
of whom even the govenor had heard but little. 
Upon the formation of Indiana territory, "Prai- 
rie des Chiens" fell into the jurisdiction of it; 
and now, for the first time, the citizens of the 
"prairie" were made fully aware that they were 
amenable to territorial laws, in the appoint- 
nicnl among them, as a justice of the peace, of 
Henry Monroe Fisher. 

Mr. Fisher held his office" of justice of the 
peace and captain of militia by appointment of 
the governor of Indiana territory, which terri- 
tory then (180.5) included also the whole of the 
present Slate of Wisconsin. Being an influen- 
tial trader, Mr. Fisher, in his triple capacity, 
became the most prominent man in "Prairie des 
Cliiens." His parents were Scotch, or of Scotch 
descent; and he was born near Lake Champlain, 



not far from the line separating the State of 
New York from Lower Canada, or Canada East. 
He came from Canada by way of Mackinaw and 
Green Bay, somewhere about 1790. He carried 
on a very extensive trade with the Indians in 
"Prairie des Chiens" region, and furnished out- 
fits to other traders, some of whom traded above, 
and others below that place,. The Sauks, Foxes, 
Sioux, Winnebagoes and Menomonces then re- 
sorted there in great numbers for the purpose 
of procuring supplies of clothing, ammunition, 
etc. 

Mr. Fisher continued in trade at the "prairie" 
until 1815, when he left in company with his 
son, and a son of the late Michael Brisbois, to 
join the Hudson Bay company, as trader on the 
Red river of the north, and continued in the 
service of that company until 1824. In 1826 
he had just returned from Lac Traverse, the 
head water of the Minnesota river, where he 
had passed two years in the employ of the 
American Fur Company. He then gave unmis- 
takable evidences of a man of extraordinary 
activity and vigor for his age. He died at Prai- 
rie du Chien in 1827. He was a tall, well-built 
athletic man, and capable of enduring hardships 
and fatigue, and of course well calculated for a 
frontier life of those times. He was easily «x- 
cited, and possessed indomitable courage and 
perseverance. The only judicial oflSce that he 
ever held was that of justice of the peace, at 
Prairie du Chien, as before mentioned. 

One of the daughters of Mr. Fisher was, 
first, the wife of Joseph Rolette ; afterward, 



360 



HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



the wife of Hercules L. Dousman. Another 
daughter is Mrs. Henry S. Baird, of Green Bay. 

After the formation of the Territory of Illi- 
nois, Prairie des Chiens passed under its juris- 
diction, as did all the rest of what is now Wis- 
consin. The citizens upon the "prairie" were 
now residents of the county of St. Clair, in the 
Territory of Illinois, and they had as successor 
to Mr. Fisher, as justice of the peace, an Irish- 
man, appointed by the governor of that terri- 
tory, by the name of John Campbell. 

This officer was also a sub-Indian agent at 
Prairie des Chiens." Concerning Campbell, we 
have an interesting narrative from the pen of 
James H. Lockwood, who says : 

"Campbell charged, for celebrating the rites 
of matrimony, 100 pounds of flour, ^nd for dis- 
solving them, 200 pounds, alleging that when 
people wanted to get unmarried, they would 
willingly give double what they would origi- 
nally to form the matrimonial connection. 

"'J'he couturne de Paris [law of Paris] so far 
prevailed in this country generally, that a part 
of the ceremony of marriage was the entering 
into a contract in writing, generally giving, if 
no issue, the property to the survivor ; and if 
they desired to be divorced, they went together 
before the magistrate and made known their 
wishes, and he, in their presence, tore up the 
marriage contract, and according to the custom 
of the country, they were then divorced. I wns 
once present at Judge Abbott's, at Mackinaw, 
when a couple presented themselves before 
him and were divorced in this manner. When 
the laws of Michigan were first introduced at 
Prairie du Chien, it was with difficulty that the 
justice of the peace could persuade them that a 
written contract was not necessary, and some of 
them believed that because the contract of mar- 
riage gave the property to the survivor, that 
they were not obliged to pay the debts which 
the deceased owed at the time of his death. 

"There was an instance of this at Praire du 
Chien. A man by the name of Jean Marie 



Quen (de Lamouche,) who had been married 
by contract, died without issue, leaving a widow, 
some personal property and a good farm, but 
was indebted to Joseph Rolette about $300, 
which his widow refused to pay, alleging that 
•the contract of marriage gave her all the prop- 
erty ; nor could she be convinced to the con- 
trary, until I had brought suit and' obtained a 
judgment. 

"In the absence of religious instructions, and 
it becoming so common to see the Indians use 
so little ceremony about marriage, the idea of a 
verbal matrimonial contract became familiar to 
the early French settlers ; and they generally 
believed such a contract of marriage was valid 
without any other ceremony. Many of the 
women; married in this way, believed, in their 
simplicity and ignorance, that they were as law- 
fully the wives of the men they lived with as 
though they had been married with all the cere- 
mony and solemnity possible. 

"A woman at Prairie du Chien, respectable in 
her class, told me that she was attending a ball 
in the place, and that a trader, wlio resided on 
the lower Mississipj)i had his canoe loaded 
to leave as soon as the ball was over, proposed 
to marry her ; and as he was a trader, and 
ranked above her, she wa-i pleased with the 
offer, and as his canoe was in waiting, he would 
not delay for further ceremony. She stejijied 
from the ballroom on board his canoe, and went 
with him down the Mississippi and ihey lived 
together, three or four years, and she had two 
children by him. She assured me she then be- 
lieved herself as much the wife of this man as 
if she had been married with all the ceremony 
of the most civilized communities, and was not 
convinced to the contrary until he unfeelingly 
abandoned her and married another ; and from 
her m.Tnncr of relating it, I believed her sincere. 

"In speaking of the courts of justice of the 
county, and of their county seats, Mr. Brisbois 
related to me tliat some time previous to the 
War of 1812, he and Mr. Campbell had a dis- 
pute about a heifer that was worth at the time, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



361 



perhaps $S ; and as each believed it to be bis 
property, they applied to they applied to the 
lawyer at Cahokia to assist them in finding out 
who was the real owner. The mode of travel- 
ing in those days, was in a canoe, manned with 
six or eight men to paddle, and taking with 
them some flour, tea and sugar for the burgeois, 
and some hulled corn and deer tallow, enough 
to season the soup for the men, depending upon 
shooting game by the way, or buying wild fowl 
or venison from the Indians. The parties liti- 
gant were obliged to take their witnesses with 
them, paying them for their time and expenses, 
from their departure until their return home. 
The parties were also obliged to take a bundle 
of beaver skins, and dispose of them at St. 
Louis to pay the expenses of lawyers." 

The plaintiff recovered in the action, which 
was brought in Cahokia, before a justice of the 
peace, the sum of $16. But the defendant ap- 
pealed to the county court of St. Clair county. 
As "Prairie du Cbein" was in that county, the 
sheriff had about 500 miles to travel to subpa'iia 
the witnesses for the new trial. But, being an 
Indian trader, he fitted out a boat, and having 
" stocked it with goods adapted to the Indian 
market, proceeded thither with his papers. Hav- 
ing subpcBnaed the witnesses, (including most of 
the residents of "Prairie du Chieii") he made 
his return, and charging, as he had a right to do, 
a travel fee for each, his cost and the costs of 
the suit altogether, it is said, exceeded 1900. 
Finally, before the suit came on forbearing in 
the county court, it was settled. The parties each 
incurred an expense of about $1,500. 

Upon the death of Campbell, Nicholas Boil- 
vin succeeded to his dignities, in consequence of 
which, when the British forces appeared in 
1814, he hurriedly left the place, but returned 
after peace was declared, and resumed his func- 
tions. His off-hand way of administering jus- 
tice may be illustrated by an anecdote: 

"Col. Boilvin's office was just without the walls 
of the fort of Prairie du Chien, and it was 



much the fashion among the officers to lounge 
in there of a morning, to find sport for an idle 
hour, and to take a glass of brandy and water 
with the old gentleman, which he called taking 
a little '(/(^e/^we c7«we.' A soldier, named Fl-y, 
had been accused of stealing and killing a calf 
belonging to M. Rolette, and the constable, a 
bricklayer of the name of Bell, had been dis- 
patched to arrest the culprit and bring him to 
trial. While the gentlemen were making their 
customary morning visit to the justice, a noise 
was heard in the entry, and a knock at the door. 

Come in, cried the old gentleman, rising and 
and walking toward the door. 

Bell — Here sir, I have brought Fry to you, as 
you ordered. 

Justice — Fry, you great rascal! What for you 
kill M. Rolette's calf? 

Fry— I did not kill M. Rolett's calf. 

Justice — ^(shaking his fist) You lie, you great 
rascal! Bell, take him to jail. Come, gentle- 
men, come, let ics take a little qu^lque-chose.''' 

Col. Boilvin was a native of Canada. Upon the 
erection of Crawford county, he was commis- 
sioned anew by Gov. Cass, holding the office of 
justice of the peace after the country became a 
part of Michigan territory. He died near St. 
Louis and was buried at that place. He was 
fully sixty years of age. He was of common 
height; rather stocky, stooped and bow legged. 
He left a son of the same name, who went to 
California and died there. 

Of Col. Boilvin, James H. Lockwood says: 

"Mr. Campbell, of whom I have previously 
made mention as Indian agent and justice of 
the peace, had passed to his long home before I 
came to the country [in 1816], and I found a 
Canadian of French extraction by the name 
of Nicholas Boilvin clothed with the dignified 
office of sub-agent and justice of the peace. 
* * * His law library consisted of a single 
volume of the old statutes of the Northwestern 
territory, one of Illinois, and one of Missouri 
territory; but in deciding eases, be paid no at- 



382 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



tention to the statutes, but decided according 
to his own ideas of right and wrong." 

COUNTY COURT. 

In another chapter it has been stated that the 
county court, upon the organization of the 
county, consisted of chief justice, John W. 
Johnson, associate justices, Francis Bouthel- 
lier and Walford Owens, whose successor, in 
1821, was Joseph Rollelte. The justices of the 
peace appointed at the same time were James H. 
Lockwood, Nicliolas Boilvin and John W. John- 
son. In connection with the judiciary of the 
county, nothing further can be given concern- 
ing justices of the peace and trials before them 
at an early day, except to narrate the following 
from the pen of James H. Lockwood: 

A MODEL JUSTICE. 

"When the 5th regiment of the United States 
Infantry came into the country in 1819, and 
established their headquarters at the mouth of 
the St. Peters river, they brought with them a 
man by the name of John Marsh, a graduate of 
some eastern college, as teacher of the post- 
school at headquarters. He appeared to have a 
great fondness for the Sioux Indians, and was 
endowed with the faculty of acquiring languages 
with great facility. He soon learned the Sioux 
language so that he spoke it with as great ease 
as they did themselves. Getting tired of teach- 
ing an army school, he came down to Prairie du 
Chien in 1826, and went over to Green Bay. 
He afterward met Gov. Cass, who was much in- 
terested in getting Indian information, — tlieir 
traditions, anecdotes and tales; and he em- 
ployed Marsh by the month for that purpose 
and procured for him the appointment of sub- 
Indian agent at Prairie du Chien, and appointed 
liim justice of the peace for Crawford county. 

"Some of his decisions were almost equal to 
those of Judge Reaume of Green Bay. He was 
in the practice of taking notes for collection, 
and issuing process on them. Some person stnt 
him a note to collect from Green Bay against 
Benjamin Roy. Now there were two men in 
the country of that name, one resided at the Por- 



tage of Wisconsin, and the other was in the 
employ of the American Fur Company at Prai- 
rie du Chien. Neither of them could write his 
name. The note was signed with a mark, and 
witnessed by a man who wrote his name, and 
the witness had gone into the Black river 
country to winter. Marsh believing that the 
Roy that was here was the man, issued pro- 
cess and had him brought before him, but he 
denied any knowledge of the note; but Marsli, 
satisfied that he was the person who gave it, 
rendered judgment against him for the amount, 
and said he would examine the witness when he 
came down in the spring. Hercules L. Dousman 
hearing of this decision, went to Marsh and told 
him that if he proceeded any farther in the 
in the case, he would report him to Gov. Cass. 
That ended the proceeding." 

EARLY TRIALS BEFORE JUSTICES OF THE PttACK. 

As to some early trials before justices, Mr. 
Lockwood says: 

"Of all the foreigners that came to this coun- 
try, the Canadians of Freneh extraction seemed 
to have the lea.«tidea of the privileges of Aniei-- 
ican citizenship. It-appeared almost impossible 
to instil into their minds anything of the indt- 
pendence of self-government, and this was not 
confined entirely to the uneducated, but would 
apply more or less to the partially educated 
classes. They do not consider it a privilege to 
vote for the ofKcers who are to govern them; 
and consider it only desirable to use the elective 
franchise in order to gratify some friend who 
has asked them to vote for himself or his candi- 
date; and when so requested, they are too poll e 
to refuse, unless a previous promise had be n 
made to some other. 

"In the spring of the year lf^24, a delegate to 
Congress was to be elected for Michigan; .timI 
Michigan, like all other portions of the Union, 
had several patriotic men who desired to sacri- 
fice themselves to the service of their country. 
Among the numerous candidates, Mr. [Josepii] 
Rolette and I each selected one for our support, 
and solicited the votes of the Canadians for our 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



363 



respective candidates. Among the voters was 
a respectable and industrious farmer living in 
the lower end of Prairie du Chien, by tlie name 
J5:irreltc, whose vote had been solicited both b)' 
Mr. Rolette and myself; but Barrette being en- 
gaged in getting in his spring crop of grain, and 
thinking if he went to the election he would of- 
fend one or the other of us, which he wished to 
avoid, concluded it would be wisest to remain at 
home, and work on his farm. Mr. Rolette's idea 
of the elective franchise was such, that he be- 
lieved that every man was bound to vote, and, 
moreover, that he should do it precisely in accor- 
dance with the leader's wishes, without exercis- 
ing any judgment whatever of his own. Mi'. 
Rolette being a Canadian by birth, of French 
extraction, and although an educated man, con- 
sidered himself insulted by Barrette's not coming 
to the election and voting for his candidate, and 
declared that he would be revenged on him. 

"Tliere was a law at that time in Michigan 
preventing stud horses from running at large 
when over eighteen months of age, under a pen- 
alty of ten dollars for each offence, if wil- 
lingly or willfully at large. At this time the 
water was high in the Mississippi, and the old 
village of Prairie du Chien was an island. One 
morning shortly after the election, Mr. Rolette 
with his men brought me two horses of the 
aforesaid description, and hitched them before 
my door. I was then a justice of the peace. 
Rolette entered my bouse under considerable 
apparent excitement, saying, he had brought me 
two horses that were running at large contrary 
to law. I answered him, that I did not want 
the horses, nor was I going to take charge of 
them. Mr. Rolette then asked, as they were at 
large contrary to law, what was to be done? I 
answered, that I would have nothing to do with 
the horses, and should not take charge of them; 
but if he wished to make a complaint against 
their owners, I was bound to take notice of it. 

"Mr. Rolette then concluded to make sucii 
cwmplaint against Barrette, the owner of one of 
the horses, and let the other off, as he had no 



pique to gratify in his case. Process was ac- 
cordingly issued against Barrette, and soon re- 
turned served. On the day of trial, a man by 
the name of Perkins, heretofore spoken of, see- 
ing that the suit was brought by an apparently 
wealthy man to oppress a poor one, volunteered 
his services to assist in defending him, and on 
calling the case the defendant demanded a jury. 
The Legislature of Michigan had some two or 
three years before this reduced the jury before 
a justice of the peace to six, and the year pre- 
ceding this trial, they had repealed that law, 
without any saving clause. 

'Tnder these circumstances, I decided that 
the repeal of the law, revived the old one of 
twelve jurors, and accordingly had a jury of 
that number summoned and sworn. It so hap- 
pened that tliere were some Americans on the 
jury, and as the trial proceeded, the defendant 
admitted that his horse was at large, but not 
willingly or wilfully, and j)roved that his horse 
was old, and had been worked down very poor 
in the spring, and that when he was through 
with his work and wished to turn him out on 
the prairie, to save himself from the penalty of 
the law, he had taken him to be castrated to 
the only man on the prairie that pretended to 
perform such operations. But he declined do- 
ing so, saving that the horse was too poor and 
weak to live through it, and that he had better 
turn him out on the prairie to rest and recruit a 
few days, as he could do no harm. Under 
this testimony, the jury brought in a verdict 
for defend Hit, stating that Barrette's horse was 
neither willfully or willingly at large, con- 
trary to law. 

"After this Barrette, by advice of his friend, 
bro\ight suit against Mr. Rolette, before N. 
Boilvin, Esq., another justice of the peace, for 
trespass, and swimming his horse across the 
slough of St. Ferule, and had another jury, who 
gave Barrette five dollars damages and costs, 
which mortified Mr. Rolette very much. lie 
did not care so much about the money, as he 
<lid about attempting to punish a Canadian 



364 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



farmer for disobeying bis wisbes, and to bave 
that farmer beat bim." 

A LAWYER "squashed." 

The magistrates of Prairie du Cbien gained 
for tbemseives a merited reputation for energy 
in the administration of the laws. They'fined 
a man of ninety for indecency; scourged a sol- 

■ dier at tbe public whipping post, and looked 
with wonderful complacency upon tbe ejection 
of an Indian froni a wheat field, in which be bad 
been trespassing. There was a jail in tbe place 
calculated to keep delinquents, just so long as 

■ they wished to remain and no longer. Report 
has it, that the jailor was accustomed to bolt the 
door with a boiled carrot. In truth_, up to this 
time law bad exercised but little sway in the 
place. Tbe traders made and executed laws to 
suit their own convenience and but little regard 
was bad to justice. 

The magistrates who held court in the place 
were for tbe most part illiterate men, and knew 
little about law or mode of proceedure in legal 
matters. They decided all matters according to 
their own notions of right and wrong, and often- 
times justice became comedy in their hands. 
The following is an illustration of their mode 
of dispensing justice: A case was being tried 
before one of these magistrates, on which a jury 
had been empaneled, and lawyers employed. 
During tbe trial one of the lawyers made an ob- 
jection to tbe character of tbe evidence offered 
by a witness. He informed the judge that it 
was not legal. His honor overruled the objec- 
tion, and the case proceeded. The lawyer ob- 
jected again, and was again silenced. A third 
time be objected, and, endeavoring to convince 
the obdurate judge that be was proceeding con- 
trary to all law, when the foreman of tbe jury 
sprang to bis feet, and tliundered out, that be 
bad taken his oath as a juror to decide the case 
according to the evidence; be wanted to liear 
tbe whole thing, and if that fool of a lawyer 
was going to keep on in tbat^style, he would 
leave tbe court. It is needless to say that the 
lawyer was effectually "squashed." 



FIRST TEEM OF THE COUNTY COURT. 

Although the chief justice and the two associ- 
ate justices were appointed in 1818, no record 
of their proceedings has been preserved anterior 
to li>2H, when, in May, tbe "county court of 
Crawford county met in session." The record 
for this term is as follows: 

May 12, 1823, Prairie du Cbien, county court 
of Crawford county met in session; J. L. Findly, 
C. C. C. C. 

Tbe oath of tbe grand jury: The grand jury 
do solemny swear that you will dilligently and 
true presentment make in behalf of the United 
States of America, of all complaints made to 
you, and of all unlawful acts that should come 
to your knowledge, that shall be required of 
you according to law, without fear, fraud or par- 
tiality. So help you God. 

Tbe grand jury being sworn, retired, and 
brought in tbe following report: "No bill 
made." J. L. Findly, C. C. C. C. 

The court adjourns until 10 o'clock to-mor- 
row. J. L. Findly, C. C. C. C. 

The court met agreeable to adjournment, and 

proceeded to business. 

Nicholas Perrine 

vs. 
Hardin Perkins. 

Names of the jurors: Sandy Simprau, Fran- 
cis Vertifeulle, Joseph Rivard, Oliver Cher- 
riere, Michael Brisbois, Edward Persan, Josepii 
Brisbois, John Dis Pouse, Alexis Bailey, Fred- 
erick Barnard, James Reed, A Range. 

Tbe complainant plead a non suit. Tlie 
judges decided that the writ of attachment was 
illegal, and that complainant was non-suited, 
with all costs. J. L. Findly, C. C. C. C. 

Ordered, that .John Brunei and John Dispouse 
are licensed as tavern keepers in tbe borough of 
Prairie du Ciiien for one year. 

J. L. Findly, C. C. C. C. 

Ordered, that James Reed be licensed as a 
tavern keeper in the borough of Prairie du 
Chien for one year. By order of tbe court. 

J. L. Findly, C. C. C. C. 



This process is a writ of 
Attachment. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 



365 



Tlie eouit decree that the proceedings of 
James H. Lockwood, Esq., are legal and proper 
and are to be filed in the clerk's office. By 
order of the court. 

J. L. FiNDLT, C. C. C. V. 

Ordered, that tliis court have designated the 
limits of the jail to be one mile square. 

J. L. FiNDLY, C. C. C. C. 
Ordered, that the court be adjourned until the 
next term in course. 

J. L. FiNDLT, C. C. C. C. 
A CHANGE. 

No change was made in the county court 
from the time of the first appointment of the 
justices, until July 31, 1830, on which day Josepli 
Rolette was commissioned chief justice in 
place of John W. Johnson, and Jean Brunet, 
associate justice instead of Francois Bouthellier, 
both Johnson and Bouthellier having removed 
fn^ni the county. And this was then all the 
more a necessity, as the court, having previously 
been shorn of its powers, as will hereafter be 
more fully explained, was, by an act of the Leg- 
islative Council of the territory of Michigan, 
approved July 31, 1830, fully restored to its 
just powers, as originally possessed. On the 
14th day of May, 1831, Joseph M. Street was 
appointed to succeed Joseph Rolette as chief 
justice, and James H. Lockwood was appointed 
an associate justice. 

No other changes were made in the county 
CO 'rt until September 6, 1834, when Hercules 
L. Dousman was appointed associate justice, in 
place of Jean Brunet. The court remained un- 
changed from this time until abrogated by the 
disti'ict court upon the organization of Wiscon- 
sin territory, according to the provisions of the 
organic law, as set forth in 

"Sec. 15. And be it further enacted. That all 
suits, process, and proceedings, and all indict- 
ments and informations which shall be unde- 
termined on the third day of July next in the 
courts held by the additional judge for tlie 
Michigan territory, in the counties of Brown 
and Iowa; and all suits, process, and ]jroce('il- 



ings, and all indictments and informations, 
which shall be undetermined on the said third 
day of July, in the county courts of the several 
counties of Crawford, Brown, Iowa, Dubuque. 
Milwaukee and DesMoines, shall be transferred 
to be heard, tried, prosecuted, and determined 
in the district courts hereby established, which 
may include the said counties." 

OF THE. JUSTICES OF THE COUNTY COURT. 

That justice was administered without much 
regard to the forms of law, at an early day, in 
Crawford county, is not to be charged against 
the justices of the county court as a dereliction 
of duty on their part. They were all men of the 
pioneer stamp and their honesty can not be im- 
pugned. John n. Fonda says: 

"I remember that soon after I came to Prairie 
du Chien, Joseph Rolette was chief justice I 
forget who his associates were, and it was rich 
to watch the proceedings and decisions of the 
court. Joseph M. Street, H. L. Dousman, M. 
Brisbois and James H. Lockwood were after- 
wards appointed to the offices of chief justice 
and associate judges, and a decided improvement 
was introduced in the manner of conducting the 
court. Severally, the associates had the powers 
of a justice of the peace; they could marry per- 
sons, issue warrants for arrest, etc., but it was 
only collectively that they had original juris- 
diction in civil and criminal matters." 

That those who come after them should de- 
sire to learn something of these men is a matter 
of no wonder. The first who held the responsi- 
ble position of chief justice was, as already 
stated, John W. Johnson. 

The nativity of Mr. Johnson is unknown, but is 
believed to have been American, as lie came 
from >[aryland to the "prairie." His ad- 
vent here was as LTnited States factor in June, 
!S1C. He continued in that position so long as 
he remained here — a period of sixteen years. 
lie filled the office of chief justice of the county 
court from the spring of 1819, when that court 
was first organized, until succeeded by Joseph 



366 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



M. Street, in 1830. In 1832, he was relieved of 
his duties as factor, by the winding up of the 
factor system of Indian trade, when he removed 
to St. Louis, where lie died some years after. 

Mr. Johnson was a man of good sense and judg- 
ment, but had from quite a young man held the 
appointment of United States factor and resided 
in the Indian country, where he could obtain 
but little knowledge of the proceeding of courts 
or the ordinary transactions of civilized life. 

Joseph M. Street emigrated from Rich- 
mond, Va., in the winter of 1805-6, to Frank- 
fort, Ky., where he soon engaged in the pub- 
lication of The Western World, and for sev- 
eral years took a conspicuous part in the 
gladiatorial tick! of Kentucky politics. Ap- 
pointed in 1 828, to the agency of the Winne- 
bagoes, at Prairie du Chien, he remained there 
for a number of years. He died on the Des 
Moines river, Iowa, while agent for the Sacs 
and Koxes, May 5, 1840, at about the age of 
sixty years. 

Of Francois Bouthellier but little is known. 
He was in what is now Crawford county, at an 
early day, and was agent of the Southwest Fur 
Company. On the 27th of May, 1816, he leased 
to John W. Johnson, United States factor, the 
buildings of that company, which were after- 
ward attempted to be confiscated to the general 
government, but without success. Lot No. 16, 
in the main village of Prairie des Chiens was 
claimed by him in 1820, and the claim allowed 
by the agent of the United States, Isaac Lee. 
1'he testimony taken to substantiate his claim 
was in substance as follows : 

"Michael Brisbois and Dennis Curtois, being 
duly sworn, depose and say that the above de- 
scribed tract of land [village lot No. 16] was 
occupied in the year one thousand seven hun- 
dred and ninety-two, by Michael La Botlie ; 
that, after his death, Francois Bouthellier pur- 
. chased said lot at auction, and that the occu- 
pation of said lot has been kept up by the said 



Michael La Bothe and Francois Bouthellier, 
from the year one thousand seven hundred and 
ninety-two, to the present time." 

After leaving Crawford county. Judge Bouth- 
ellier moved to Galena, near which place he 
died in 1833. 

Wilfred Owens ended his days in 1821, by 
cutting his throat, in a fit of mental derangement. 
The following notice of his death appeared in the 
Detroit GazeUe,Oct. 5, 1821 : "Died, at Prairie 
du Chien, on the 23d of August last, Mr. Wilfred 
Owens, merchant. He committed suicide by 
cutting an artery of his arm and of his throat, 
in the presence of two of his friends, and was 
supposed to be insane. Mr. Owens was judge 
of probate and associate justice in the county of 
Crawford, and a very respectable member of 
society." 

Mr. Owens was a Kentuckian, and was sent to 
Prairie du Chien by Alexander McNair, of St. 
Louis, as his clerk in the sutler business, giv- 
ing him an interest in the profits. 

Joseph Rolette assistant and afterward, for 
a short time, chief justice of the county court 
of Crawford county, was a native of Canada 
where he was born about the year 1787. He 
was, while young, an auctioneer's clerk, and 
was remarkably expert in catching and an- 
nouncing the rapid bids made for goods offered 
at public sale. He appears to have located at 
"Prairie des Chiens" in 1804. He early be- 
came a prominent and enterprising trader. Like 
other Canadian traders, he sided with the Brit- 
ish during the war of 1812-15, and was active 
in the capture of Mackinaw from the Ameri- 
cans in 18 12. 

Up to thirty years of age, Rolette us d no 
liquor or wine — an unusual thing for a trader. 
He died at Prairie du Chien, in 1841, over the 
age of sixty. His perception was quick, and 
he had a wonderful power in calculating fig- 
ures. Tlujugli not daring in his character, he 
would fight when it seemed to be necessary. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



367 



Once, in crossing tiie Mississippi at Prairie du 
Chien, at a dangerous time, when the ice ran 
lieavily, the late II. L. Dousman was one of the 
party with him. Rolette got so alarmed for 
his safety, that he solemnly promised that, if 
spared, he would devote $1,000 towards the 
erection of a Catholic church on the prairie. 
After no little hard work, the icy obstacles were 
overcome and they approached the shore in 
safety. On landing, while one foot was yet in 
the boat, Rolette exclaimed: "Collect it if you 
can; you haven't got my note for it!" Dous- 
man so badgered him that he subsequently paid 
the amount for the object promised. 

Of the subject of this sketch, James H Lock- 
wood, in his published narrative, says: 

"Joseph Rolette was a Canadian by birth, of 
French extraction, and an educated man. He 
told me he was educated for the Roman Catho- 
lic Church, but not liking the profession, lie 
quit it and served a regular apprenticeship to 
mercantile business, and, about the year 1804, 
came to Prairie du Chien in business connection 
with Mr. Cameron, an old Indian trader, ^vho 
usually resided at Lac-qui-Parle on the St. 
Peter'.s river. Mr. Rolette superintended the 
business at the prairie, and kept the books of 
the concern, wintering occasionally at, and in 
the vicinity of, Lake Pepin, and returning to 
Prairie du Chien early in the spring, to take 
advantage of the spring trade of the Indians 
visiting here. Mr. Rolette was an active mer- 
chant and trader, and I suppose would be called 
a clever merchant; that is, he was active in tak- 
ing every advantage of his neighbor for making 
money, without regard to the morality of the 
transaction. Although he was active in busi- 
ness, and used every exertion to make money, 
it was not with the miserly disposition of hoard- 
ing it, for he was equally liberal in scattering 
it. Among many bad qualities as a citizen, 
Mr. Rolette yet possessed many redeeming 
traits. He was hospitable and generous, and 
liberal to the poor, and where a man had met 
with loss by accident, he was generally one of 



the first to afford relief; and, for an Indian 
trader, he had considerable enterprise for the 
prosperity and improvement of the country. I 
believe that he introduced the first swine into 
the country, but am not snre that such is the 
fact; I know that he introduced the first sheep, 
and that he was much imposed on in the purchase. 
He bargained with an American below this on 
the Mississippi, to deliver him a certain num- 
ber of ewes on the prairie.j;.^The man brought 
the number of sheep, and told him they were 
according to contract, and Mr. Rolette, know- 
ing very little about sheep, counted them and 
directed his man to take them to his farm, and 
paid for them agreeably to contract,and after a 
while some one examined them, and found that 
instead of ewes they were nearly all wethers. 

"About 1S40, a man by the name of Manhan, 
who was a tanner and currier, came to this 
place, and proposed to set uj) his business here 
but not having the necessary means, Mr. Ro- 
lette advanced them to him; but it turned out a 
poor adventure. I must here relate m anecdote 
of Rolette. His ambition was always to be 
ahead of me in everything. I think that some 
time in 1823, I mentioned to some person that 
I thought a distillery would do well at the 
Prairie, and that I would introduce some rye; 
and if I could induce the French to raise it on 
the front of their farms that were sandy, I 
would build a distillery, but wished to get the 
rye growing first. Mr. Rolette, hearing of my 
suggcfition, concluded at once that he would build 
a distillery; and in going to Mackinaw, he fell 
in with a man by the name of Curtis, who had 
been a captain in the army, and had been cast - 
iered by court-martial, and being without means 
of support, was ready for almost anything. He 
persuaded Mr. Rolette that he was a scientific 
man and could do almost anything, and, es- 
pecially, was well acquainted with distilling. 
Mr. Rolette engaged him, and brought him to 
the prairie, in 1824; ^>ut as iIh; distillery was 
not yet built, Mr. Rolette employed him as a 
teacher in his family, for which he was very 



368 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



well qualified. During this time Mr. Rolette 
ordered and received the coppers and other ap- 
paratus for his distillery. For some reason, the 
buildifng of the distillery was delayed until the 
spring of 1828, when a man by the name of 
Giapon, a Canadian by birth, clerk of our cir- 
cuit court, and fond of a joke, told Mr. Rolette 
one day, that I would make him build a distill- 
ery; that I had only to say that I was going to 
build one, and he would be certain to immedi- 
ately do 80. It was not true that I had ever 
said so to Giapon; but Mr. Rolette soon after 
sent his coppers to St. Louis, and nothing more 
was beard of the distillery. 

"It was so well understood that Mr. Rolette 
would oppose any measure that he did not in- 
troduce, that when I wished to carry out any 
object without opposition, that I considered for 
the public good, I would get some person to go 
to Mr. Rolette and tell him that I was going to 
introduce such a measure, and I would soon 
after liear that Mr. Rolette was going to do the 
same thing. I would, of course, second him and 
we would get along without any difticulty. Mr. 
Rolette was evidently the first man of this little 
village when he came to the country, and some 
may say that in representing his foibles, I have 
maliciously taken advantage of him, as he can- 
not now answer for himself. As we were for 
several years opposing candidates for the rank 
and consideration of the first man of our little 
village, and were rival Indian traders, I have 
introduced our respective names only when 
necessary to elucidate the events in the history 
of the region of Prairie du Chien. 

"I have lived among this people of Prairie du 
Chien upwards of thirty years, and have taken 
considerable interest in elections, and frequently 
asked the people to vote for the candidate that 
I supported, and recollect but a solitary instance, 
in all that time, whei-e a man had the independ- 
ence to refuse my request. It was amusing, 
after the county of Crawford was organized, 
and an election was to take place for a delegate 
to Congress from Michigan^ to- see these people 



about election time. It so happened that Joseph 
Rolette and myself influenced about an equal 
number of voters, and as we generally supported 
different candidates, these people would meet, 
and talk among themselves about the election, 
asking each other who they were going to vote 
for? The answer invariably was, 't/e va vote 
pour Mans. Rolette,-'' or 'Je va vote pour 3Ions. 
ZiOchwood ;'' the names of the opposing candi- 
dates never being mentioned, and very seldom 
known; a rather amusing circumstance." 

Mrs. Kinzie relates in lier Wau-Hun the fol- 
lowing capital story of M. Rolette. The scene 
was on Lake Winnebago, where M. Rolette 
was engaged with a trading boat, when he met 
another boat aa which were his employes, di- 
rectly from Prairie du Chien. "Of course, after 
an absence of some weeks from home, the meet- 
ing on those lonely waters, and the exchanging 
of news, was an occasion of great excitement. 
The boats were stopped; earnest greetings in- 
terchanged; question followed question. 

'JSh/ bieti' — inquired M. Rolette, 'have they 
finished the new house? ' 

' Old, Monsieur.'' 

'■Et la cheminee, fume-t-ellef (Does the 
chimney smoke?) 

'iVow, Monsieur.^ 

'And the harvest; how is that? ' 

'Very fine, indeed.' 

'Is the mill at work? ' 

'Yes, plenty of water.' 

'How is Whip?' (His favorite horse.) 

'Oh! Whip is first rate.' 

"Everything, in short,about the store, the farm, 
the business of various descriptions being satis- 
factorily gone over, there was no occasion for 
further delay. It was time to proceed. 

'Eh! hien — adieu! bon voyage!'' 

'■Arrachez — mes gens! ' (Go ahead, men.) 

Then suddenly — '■Arretez^arretez!'' (Stop! 
Stop! ) 

' Comment se 2^ortent Madame Rolette et les 
enfantsJ" (How are Mrs. Rolette and the 
children?)'" 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



360 



Mrs. Kinzie also gives us another glimpse of 
M. Rolette's cliaracter. The Indians, she says, 
called him Ah-kay-zaup-ee-tah, or Five More; 
hecause, as they said, let them offer what num- 
ber of skins they might, in bartering for an arti- 
cle, his terms were invariably "five more." 

"Upon one occasion," continues Mrs. Kinzie, 
"a lady remarked to him, 'Oh, M. Rolette, I 
would not be engaged in the Indian trade; It 
seems to me a system of cheating the poor In- 
dians.' 

'Let me tell you, madame,' replied he with 
great nairete, 'it is not so easy a thing to cheat 
the Indians as you imagine. I have tried it 
these twenty years, and have never succeededl' " 

A general memoir of Joseph Rolette was 
commenced July 27, 1876, L^Opinion Piiblicque, 
a paper published in Montreal. It was written 
by Joseph Tasse, is in French, and is continued 
in a number of issues of that paper. This 
memoir, along with many others, has since been 
published in book form by Mr. Tasse. 

James H Lockwood died in Prairie du t'hien, 
Aug. 24, 1857, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. 
He was born in Clinton, Co., N. Y., in 179.3. He 
continued until his sixteenth year, employed on 
his father's farm, getting such an education as 
the circumstances of the country then afforded; 
when to be able to read, write and cipher was 
considered sufficient qualifications to teach a 
common school. He engaged in the study of 
law for a time, but abandoned that to become 
a clerk for a sutler attached to a portion of 
Gen. Izard's army in 1841. In 1815 he was in- 
vited by Lewis Rouse, of Green Bay, to assist 
him, as he had secured the sutling of the rifle 
regiment, which was then in Buffalo. He ac- 
cepted the invitation, and had the pleasure of 
riding to Buffalo on the stage, which, with 
colors flying, bore to that city the welcome 
tidings of peace. The troops were then ordered 
ioe.<<— at that day a word of very different sig- 
nification from what it is now; and on the 15th 
of August, 1815, Mr. Lockwood arrived at 



Mackinaw. In 1816 Mr. Lockwoodengaged as 
clerk for a party of traders. Green Bay and 
Prairie du Chien were the only settlements in 
this State at that time. He continued in this 
situation, until in the fall of 1819, he made his 
home in Prairie du Chien, where he resided 
ever since. 

The subject of this sketch had been justice of 
peace, associate justice of Crawford couunty, 
postmaster and member of the territorial legis- 
lature. In 1842, he united with the Episcopal 
church. His funeral was attended by a large 
concourse of friends. Service was read by 
Rev. John H. Egar; an address was delivered 
by the Rev. A. Bronson. Prayer was offered 
by Rev. Mr. Radcliffe. Many incidents of 
jVIr. Lockwood's life are to be found in otiier 
chapters of this history. 

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE H. L. DOUSMAN.* 
[By an "Old Settler."] 

The Wisconsin press has noticed without dis- 
tinction of party, the demise of Hercules Louis 
Dousman, of Prairie du Chien; and the press 
has done itself honor, by the respect it has 
paid to so eminent a man. 

A great portion of the newsjiapers now print- 
ed in this State cannot, however, be aware of 
the most varied and striking incidents in the 
career of the subject of their obituaries. But 
an aeiiuaintance with the affairs of the territory 
and of the State for more than thirty years, 
enables the writer of this article to state several 
particulars which bring the extraordinary capa- 
city and excellence of Col. Dousman into strong 
relief. In 18:J4 he was known at Washington 
as a man whose influence in the vast regions of 
the upper Mississippi was only equalled by his 
intimate knowledge of its interests. By this is 
meant his familiarity with the geography of the 
country — the disposition of the savage tribes — 
his just and comprehensive views of the future 
progress of the great northern northwest; of its 
resources, agricultural, geological and commei- 



•So Imporlant an historical ciiiirnetcr is Mr. Doiisinun 
that we Kive this tribute a place notwilhstanUiriK the Bkttcll 
of him by Gen. Sibley, in a previous chapter.— Ed. 



sro 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



cial; and his personal influence in quelling 
frontier disturbances as well as giving counsel 
to the officers of the government. He was 
always the adviser of those who commanded 
troops at Fort Crawford, Fort Winnebago, Fort 
Snelling and the line of forts which watched 
the frontier. He was the friend of Col. Brooke, 
and the confidant of Gen. Dodge. When a civil 
commission was sent to the Colean de Prairie, 
in 1835, to examine the resources of this extra- 
ordinary tract, which as tlien was not even 
mapped, the United States geologist was in- 
structed by Mr. Poinset, then secretary of war, 
to consult with Hercules L. Dousnian, and with 
him alone. 

Gen. Alexander Macomb, then commander- 
in-chief, directed thus: You will, on reaching 
Prairie du Chien and presenting the letters 
with which you are furnished, to Mr. Donsman, 
ask him to furnish such geographical, miner- 
alogical and general statistics as will promote 
the efficiency of your command. Incidentally 
you will be able to secure the clue to a mass of 
information which the government requires, 
and which can be furnished so accuratt'jy and 
reliably by no other individual in that important 
tract of the northwest. At this period Mr. 
Nicolet and Gen. J. C. Fremont had not exe- 
cuted the government map of the space between 
the Mississippi and Missouri rivers; and in fact 
the ti'aders and voyageiirs estimated them as 
being .300 miles nearer to each other than they 
are now established to be. On the arrival of 
the State geologist. Col. Dousman produced a 
map which he had constructed for the use of 
the American Fur Company, which he present- 
ed. This map was constructed from years of 
close observation, extended business and keen 
judgment. It was made without instruments, 
and actually came within twenty-five miles of 
the true distance as afterwards established by 
the United States engineers. Those who were 
present can never forget his remark in reference 
to this m inuscript chart. '■'■ Il-ya pent-etre qiielque 
erreiir, maix Jai examhie le supet/ votis' nalley pax 



rous egarer heimcoup .''^ '' There is perhaps some 
error, but I have examined the subject; you 
wont be much out of the way." 

After the return of the geological expedition 
(via New Orleans) to Washington, the secreta- 
ry of war addressed an autograph letter of 
thanks to Mr. Dousman for the aid, information, 
and hospitality he had tendered to the com- 
mand; in truth, next to his knowledge of the 
country, his hospitality was unbounded in it. 

Ft so happened that the writer, present 
upon this occasion, was sent in a different ca- 
pacity to Prairie du Cliien in 18.38. A quarter 
of million dollars, (a lage sum in those davs, 
thirty years ago), was to he paid by Indian com- 
missioners to the W^innebagoes. Here was a 
labyrinth to unspread, a complication to sim- 
plify. The gentlemen comprising the commis- 
sion candidly v^rote to the President of the 
United States, that their instructions were am- 
ple, but that the Winnebagoes were discontent- 
ed, and that the commission wanted more light 
as to their discretion in a matter which might not 
only embroil the government, but might lead to 
the past scenes of the Black Hawk War. The 
dispatch of the secretary of war, in answer, 
was this: "A gentleman upon your commission, 
can inform you that some years ago, when with 
his father, instructions were sent to the United 
Slates geologist to eonsnlt Hercules L. Dous- 
man, Esq., at Prairie du Chien. Mr. Dousman 
has undoubtedly the letter addressed to him 
from the war department. In the meantime I 
renew the general statement. He is the most 
valuable man on the upper Mississippi. He 
has great influence over many tribes, and is es- 
teemed by John Jacob Aslor, Ramsey Crooks, 
and all connected with tlie western outfit, as the 
most competent civilian within that interesting 
portion of the valley of the Mississippi. It ap- 
pears that a candid consultation with him is de- 
sirable, before returning to Washington, as you 
contemplate, without carrying out the objects 
of the commission which the Gevernraent is 
desirous to hare accomplished. It is understood 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



371 



tliat his influence over the Winnebago Indians 
is iinl)oundefl, and it is very desirable to have 
them permanently removed west of the Missis- 
sippi." 

So the commissioners opened their sessions. 
False claims were adjusted. Just claims were 
allowed, interminable difficulties solved, and 
general justice done. Nor were the fiscal duties 
those which involved the most peril. Five 
thousand Winnebago Indians were encamped 
between tlie plains of Prairie du Chien,andthe 
Pointed Rocks, seven miles up the river. Occa- 
sionally the whole body assembled all around 
the stockade of Fort Crawford, which was gar- 
risoned by only 100 men. At one time it was 
contemplated to call in volunteers from across 
the river, and pay them out of the specie lield 
by the commission. In fine, if not a scene of 
terror and confusion, men held their breath, and 
Uiouglit of something else than dancing with 
ladies at military balls. The ri'd heathen wer( 
upon us. To add to the diaieinm;i, some so' 
dieis broke into the magazine and pillage<. 
kegs of specie, amounting to several thousam' 
dollars. In fine, it was proposed to abanclon : 
portion of the quadrangle of the fort, and de 
fend the rest to the last. Besides this, the trooi)> 
were not far from mutinous. In this extremity 
Hercules Dousman called a council of the In- 
dians, upbraided, alarmed and deterred them. 
The W'innebagoes ajtpointed a commissioner of 
their own, connected with lhc>ir blood and 
interests. He sat on the board — ;dl animosities 
were ajipeased, all was unison and harmony. 
Ilenee the influence of a powerful character 
like thai of Hercules Dousman, a man whose 
life was at the mercy of any desperate, discon- 
tented meinlier of the most ferocious race 
known from Lake Sujierior to the Rocky 
Mountains, is unparalleled in the history of 
"such men who have only led the life of Kit 
Carson." Ex-Uiiitcd States senator, Hon. 
Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, in relat- 
ing the treaty, ])ayment and its results, re- 
marked in the United States senate a few vears 



ago: "I have lived in almost every State of the 
Union; I now represent in part the Keystone 
State but in all my experience, a more truthful, 
energetic, fearless, noble-hearted man I never 
met than Hercules Dousman. His talent, if 
possible, exceeded his great virtues." 

A public print remarked sometime since that 
Mr. Solomon Juneau, Gov. James Duane Doty 
and Col. Hercules L. Dousman, were the men 
who possessed the gre.atest influence over the 
Indian tribes. Certainly Mr. .luneati was well 
acquainted with the Fol Avoines, or Menom- 
onees; he had had dealings with many of their 
bands. He also had much influence with a cer- 
tain portion of the Chippewas. His fairness 
and amiability entitled him to more than this. 
Gov. Doty, except as an old settler and promi- 
nent public man, had no influence at all with 
any trilje or liand from Detroit to the Missis- 
sippi river; whereas, the absolute influence of 
Dousman extended everywhere over the Potta- 
wattaniios, the Chippewas living around the 
bounds of Lake Superior itself — over the di.s- 
eontented chiefs of all of them, and over the 
ambitions half-breeds. Tlie Menomonees called 
him father in four different treaties, for the sub- 
stantial reason that for nearly forty years he 
supplied them with provisions du.ing the Indian 
pestilence, "Lapicotte," or the confluent small- 
pox. 

In the hereditary wars between theOjibewas 
and Sioux, when the Indian Itureau was para- 
lyzed in its functions, Hercules L. Dousman 
was the only man in the length and breadth of 
the land who (ronid or would, or dared to act as 
a pacificit ir l)etwcen these powerftd Indian 
Nations, and it is not loss singular that lie lived 
so long without any casuality in a region so 
wild and tempestuous. Nor were his rela- 
tions with the c'i|)italists of New York and St. 
Louis less reinaikable. In case of the non-ad- 
vent of specie to comply with treaty stipulations, 
to i)ay off soldicrs,or of any general public neces- 
silv, a courier to either of these comnicrcial cen- 
ters, from Hercules L. Dousman, brought the 



23 



372 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNl Y. 



money to any point within a circumference that 
is now measui-ed by empires. No living man, 
ever in the United States, possessed the same 
direct visible and operative power over the 
aborigines. Personally, he was a remarkable 
man, quite unassuming, eminently gentleman- 
like, and of commanding presence. Cautions 
in his undertakings, but the soul of honor in 
fulfilling them; above all envy, detraction, or 
malice. But it may also be observed that his 
personal courage was so well known, and shown 
on remarkable occasions, that very few braves, 
either white or red, in the valley of the Missis- 
sippi, tried conclusions with him a second time. 
He knew the Indian languages and spoke French 
with the purity and precision of the Choul- 
leaus and Pratts. In fact, the writer of these 
pages, a Frenchman by language but an Ameri- 
can by birth, supposed that Col. Dousman had 
been educated in France. He had never crosse<l 
the ocean. 

Death had already taken away but a short 
time before his brother. Dr. Dousman, of Mil- 
waukee, and this new fiat of heaven has dimin- 
minished the number of eminent and excellent 
men who came to the west even anterior to a very 

Old Settler, 
teeritoeial cikcutt cotjet. 

No sooner had the three counties of Brown, 
Crawford and Michillimackinac been organized 
and their county courts established, than it was 
felt to be agreat draw-back to the prompt admin- 
istration of justice that, in all civil cases of over 
$1,000, and in criminal cases that were capital, as 
well as in actions of ejectment, in the allowance 
of writs of error, and mandamus, recourse must 
be had to the supreme court at Detroit; the latter 
place being the seat of government of Michigan 
territory. Therefore, in .lanuary, 1823, an act 
of Congress provided for a circuit court, and 
for the appointment of a judge for these conn- 
ties. This court had concurrent jurisdiction, 
civil and criminal, with the supreme court of 
the territory, in most cases, subject, however, 
to have its decisions taken to ihe latter tribunal 



by a writ of error. The law provided for hold- 
ing one term of court in eacli year, in each of 
the counties named in the act; so, at last, there 
was to be a speedy administration of justice at 
home, and the people were to be relieved from 
all military arbitrations, which frequently had 
been imposed upon them. James Dnane Doty 
was appointed judge of this court at its organi- 
zation. Appeals were taken from the county 
court to the "circuit court of the United States 
for the county of Crawford," as Judge Doty's 
court was called. A May terra was held in 
Prairie du Chien; a June term in Green Bay; a 
July term in "the borough of Michillimackinac," 
in each year. In 1824 Henry S. Baird, of l>rown 
county, was appointed district attorney. Doty 
held the office of judge until May, 1S.32, when 
he was succeeded by David Irvin. The new 
circuit included all of Michigan not in the pen- 
insula, the now State of Wisconsin, and the 
country north of St. Croix river and east of the 
Mississippi to latitude 49 — now under the gov- 
ernment of Minnesota. In the winter or spring 
of 1823, Doty was apjjointed by President 
Monroe the additional judge. At the session 
of 1823-4, Congress changed the tenure of 
office of the judges of Michigan from "good be- 
havior" to the term of four years, and Judge 
Doty's re-appointment was announced in Nile's 
JRegister of Feb. 28, 1824. The first term of 
Judge Doty's court was held at Mackinaw, in 
July, 1823. 

James Duane Doty was born at Salem, ) 
Washington Co., N. Y., in the year of 1799. 
He received a common school education, 
and then devoted himself to the study of 
law. In 1818, he removed to Detroit, in the 
territory of Michigan, where, in the following 
year, he was admitted to the bar. lie early at- 
tracted attention, and, in 1820, accompanied 
Gov. Cass on one of his extensive tours, and was 
present when the governor hauled down the ) 
British flag displayed by the Chippewas on the 
American side of the straits of Mackinaw, des- 
pite their menaces. In the winter of 1821, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



3V.3 



while visitiiir; Washington, Doty was admitted 
to the bar of the United States supreme court. 
A ye.ai- later, upon the passage of the act form- 
ing nortliern Mic-liigan into a judicial district, 
lie was selected by President Monroe to occupy 
the bench. In the fall of 1823 Judge Doty, 
with his wife — he had recently married a daugli- 
ter of Gen. Collins, of Oneida Co., N. Y., — re- 
moved to Prairie dii Chien for the purpose of 
entering upon his duties; but, the following 
spring, because the traders did not manifest a 
very friendly spirit, and believing that Green 
Bay was a healthier place, establislied his home 
there. During this year the organization of the 
courts was completed, and thereafter he held 
liis terms with strict regularity until 18.32, 
when he was succeeded by Judge David Irvin. 
'I'liiis relieved of official duties, he made re- 
peated lours over the then unsettled territory, 
became thoi'oughly acquaiuteil with its natural 
resources, ai.il contriliuted not n little towards 
obtaining the good-will of tiie Inilian tribes to 
ward the government. In l>i31-2, he was luu 
of the commissioners who surveyed the Unileii 
Slates niil.laiy roads from (ireen ]>ay to C hi- 
cago and Prairie du Chien. In is:'. I he was 
elected to the territorial council of Michigan, 
in which he served two years with distinction. 
In thai body he introduceil the pi'ojiosilion for 
the formation of a Slate government, and the 
se])ara'e teiritorial organization of Wisconsin, 
which i>revailed in 1836. Meanwliile, at tlie 
Green Hay land sales of I835-G, he was in- 
trusted with large sums of money for invest- 
ment in eligible locations, ami many flourishing 
villages now stand on sites of his selection. He 
was i-liiefly instrumental, at the Belmont ses- 
sion of ihe Wisconsin legislature, allhough not 
a member, in securing the loeation of the seat 
of government at the Four F.akes, now .Madison. 
In 1838, he was elected delegate in Congress 
Irom Wisconsin territory, serving until 1841. 
Ilebecame governor, by appointment from Pres- 
ident Tyler, in September, 184', whicli office he 
held until June, 1844, being the second terri- 



torial governor of Wisconsin. He was a mem- 
ber of the first convention chosen to draft a 
State constitution in 1846. He was elected to 
Congress from the third or Green Bay district, 
in 1848, and re-elected in 1850. At the close 
of his term in 1853, he retired to private life. 
His last residence in Wisconsin was at Mena- 
sha, on Doty's island, of Lake Winnebago. In 
1861 he was appointed superintendent of Indian 
affairs by President Lincoln, and subsequently 
governor of Utah, holding this position until 
his death, which occurred June 13,1865. He 
was emphatically one of the most eminent pio- 
neers of Wisconsin, and his important public 
services entitle him to lasting honor. 

HOLDING COURT UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 

To reach Prairie du Chien from Green Bay, 
Judge Doty had to travel the distance in a bark 
canoe, by way of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. 
Annual journeys were undertaken between the 
two points, from 1825 to lB28,by the judge and 
(ILslrict attorney, Henry S. Baird, in one canoe. 
It was usually manned by seven Indians, and the 
trip each way occu]iied about seven days. Baird 
took his family along. Mrs. Baird, who is now 
(1-^4) still living, relates the journey was ren- 
dered very enjoyable by its sociability and 
novel IV. It was through a wilderness, on wild 
waters, and no white inhabitant found along its 
entire course. 

In 1S29 Morgan L. Martin came to Green 
Bay, and was subseqently admitted to the bar 
by the court. In May, of the same year, he and 
Judge Doty, and the district attorney (Baird), 
witli a Menomonee Indian for a guide, traveled 
on horsebat^k from Green Bay to Prairie du 
Chien and back. It took tlieni seven days each 
way. During the journey, they saw no white 
man. Their course leil through what is now 
Fond du Lac, (ireen Lake, JIadison, Blue 
Mounds and Dodgeville; crossing the Wiscon- 
sin river six miles above its confluence with the 
Mississippi. 

In those early days, courts were held in rooms 
in log dwellings, log school houses, and barns. 



374 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



in an emergency, as was the case at the May 
term, 1820, at Prairie du Chien, when the site 
of the village was inundated by the Mississippi. 
"It would naturally be imagined that, under such 
circumstances [as the flood] court could not be 
held. But not so; a large barn, situated on dry 
ground, was fitted up for the occasion. 'J he 
judge and the attorneys occupied the extensive 
threshing floor, and tlie jurors the mows. When 
the latter retired to make up a verdict, they 
were conducted by an oflicer to another barn or 
stable." After Iowa county was created, and 
the county seat established at Mineral Point, 
the court was also held at that place, as well as 
at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien. 

A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE CIECUIT COURT. 

It was thought advisable to try tlie Indian 
prisoners confined for the murder of Gagnior 
and Lipcap at Prairie du Chien, in Judge 
Doty's court; so, in order to give him jurisdic- 
tion, and, at the same time not to bring his 
court in conflict with the county court of Craw- 
ford count}', the following acts were passed: 

An Act to restrict the jurisdiction of the 
county courts of the counties of Michillimacki- 
nac, Brown and Crawford. 

Jie it enacted by the Legislaiive Cotincil o/the 
Territory of Michigan^ that from and after the 
first day of July next ensuing, it shall not be 
lawful for the county courts, in the counties of 
Michilliraackinac, Brown and Crawford, to take 
or to hold, or entertain jurisdiction of the trial 
of any civil or criminal cause; nor shall it be 
lawful for the clerks thereof, as such, to issue 
any venire whatever, for anyjury or juries, re- 
turnable at the said county courts, or either of 
them. 

Sec. '2, That all its suits, indictments, recog- 
nizances, process, writs, appeals and all other 
matters and things whatsoever, relating to 
causes civil and criminal, pending in or return- 
able to the said county courts, are hereby trans- 
ferred and made returnable to the circuit court 
of the United States, to be held in each of the 



said counties where the same are pending; and 
the circuit court is hereby authorized and re- 
quired to hear, try, and determine all such 
suits, indictments, recognizances, process, writs, 
appeals and all other matters and things afore- 
said, according to law, and in like manner as 
the said county courts would have been re- 
quired to hear, try, and determine the same, if 
this act had not been passed. 

Approved June IS, 1828. 

According to the provisions of this act,Judge 
Doty convened his court on the 25th of August 
1828. On the 1st day of September, Chick- 
hongsic, or the Little Boeuf,and Waniga,or the 
Sun, were indicted for murder, as accomplices 
of Red Bird in the killing of Gagnier and Lip- 
cap, in June of the preceding year, as related 
ifi a previous chapter. The two Indians (Win- 
nebagoes) just mentioned were convicted and 
sentenced to be hung on the 26th of December 
following; but, before that day, they were par- 
doned by the President of the United States. 
Two other Indians, charged with the murder of 
Melhode and family, were at tlie same term 
discharged under a nblle prosequi. Afterward 
the jurisdiction of the county court was restored 
by the act which follows: 

An Act to provide for holding a special ses- 
sion of the circuit court of the county of Craw- 
ford. 

JBe it enacted by the Legislative Council of the 
Territory of Michigan, That "the additional 
judge for the Michigan territory, in the counties 
of Miciiillimackinac, Brown and Crawford," be 
and he is hereby authorized to hold a special 
session of the circuit court for the county of 
Crawford, at such place in the borough of Prai- 
rie du Chien, as he may appoint, on Monday, 
the twenty-fifth day of August next, and so 
long a time thereafter as may be necessary for 
the trial of all such criminal cases as shall then 
and there be moved and prosecuted in the said 
court;and the clerk of said court shall issue venir- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



375 



ies for fifteen grand, ami twelve petit jurors to at- 
tend the said session. 

Sec. 2. Tliat the jurors aforesaid shall be free 
white males of this territory, above the age of 
twenty-one year8,and shall have resided therein 
one year previous to the said twenty-fifth of 
August, and, no other qualifieation shall be re- 
quired by the court, of the said jurors; and if 
any juror is subpoenaed as a witness in any 
criminal ease, to be prosecuted as aforesaid, or 
does not possess a full knowledge of the En 
glish language, he shall not be discharged for 
such cause alone. 

Sec. 3. That no person, indicted for any 
crime at the said session, shall be allowed by 
the court to challenge peremptorily, and without 
cause, mure than twelve jurors of the said panel, 
anything contained in any law to the contrary 
notwithstanding: Provided, Tiiat any defici- 
ency in said panel, from any cause whatever, 
shall not operate to prevent the court from caus- 
ing a sufficient number of jurors to complete 
the i)an(l aforesaid, to be summoned from 
among the neighboring citizens. 

Approved June 3, 1828. 

An Act to restore the jurisdiction and powers 
of the county court of the county of Crawford. 

Be it enacted by the Legislative Council of the 
Territory of Michigan. That it shall hereafter 
be lawful for the county court of the county of 
Crawford, to take and entertain jurisdiction of 
all causes, civil and criminal, that may arise in 
said county, and to direct the issuing of all 
necessary process for carrying the same into 
effect, in as ample a manner as was possessed 
by said court, previous to the passage of the 
act entitled "An Act to restrict the jurisdiction 
of the county courts of the counties of Michilli- 
mackinac, Brown and Crawford, approved June 
18, one thousand eight hundred and twenty- 
eight, or as said court would liave possessed, 
provided the act aforesaid had not been passed. 

Sec. 2. That there shall be one term annu- 
ally of said court, to be held on the first Mon- 
day of November, in each and every year. 



Approved July 31, 1830. 

While Judge Irvin, the successor of Judge 
Doty, was holding his office, it was thought 
best to better provide for the publication of all 
legal notices in the counties of Brown, Iowa 
and Crawford; so the following act was passed, 
applicable, however, to both circuit and county 
court: 

An Act to provide for the publication of all 
legal notices in the counties of Brown, Iowa 
and Crawford. 

Section. ] . Be it enacted by the Legislative 
Council of the Territory of Michigan, that when 
notice of any application to any court or judi- 
cial officer in any of said counties of Brown, 
Iowa and Crawford, of any proceeding in any 
court, or before any judicial officers, in either 
of said counties, is required to be published in 
any newspaper, the said notice shall be pub- 
lished by posting one copy of it on the door of 
tiie house where the circuit court was last held, 
in the county in which said application is made 
or proceeding had; and the court or judge may 
order a further publication, if, in their discre- 
tion, the nature of the case shall require it, by 
inserting a copy thereof in a newspaper. 

Sec. 2. The provisions of the foregoing 
section shall not effect any application made or 
jH'oceeding had as aforesaid, previous to the 
1st day of June next. 

Approved Feb. 1, 1833. 

The territorial circuit court, with David 
Irvin as judge, continued until the year 1836, 
when it was, along with the Crawford county 
court, abrogated by the organization of the ter- 
ritory of Wisconsin. 

Pavid Irvin wns born in Albermarle Co., Va., 
inl7fl4, and was of blended Scotch and Irish par- 
entage. His father was a Presbyterian minister 
and a teacher of the ancient languages of much 
local reputation. Young Irvin was educated for 
a lawyer and started in life in the Shenandoah 
valley. As he did not meet with mucli success 
there, he a])plied to his old school-mate, William 



.•376 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



C. Rives, who was at that time in high favor 
with President Jackson, to get him an office. 
Mr. Rives suggested a judgeship. The term of 
office of Judge Doty, as judge of the additioTial 
district for ^Michigan territory, liaving expired, 
(1832), that po.sition was tendered Irvin and ac- 
cepted. Upon the organization of tlie territoi'y of 
Wisconsin, lie was appointed associate justice 
of the supreme couit by President Jackson. 

Being a bachelor. Judge Irvin's residence was 
not necessarily confined to any locality. lie 
alway.s preferred southern society ; and as 
soon as his last office was ended, he went to Si. 
Louis, where he remained some length of time. 
He subsequently became a citizen of Texas and 
a wealthy man. 

Thougli only thirty-six years old when he 
first came to what was afterward the territory 
of Wisconsin, Judge Irvin seems never to have 
been regarded by the people as one of their 
number. He was free from the vices which 
too often, in those days, injured or even ruined 
some of the most promising men in the west. 
He was generally regarded as a fair and up- 
right judge, of respectable ability. The pecu- 
liarities of his character, and his entire with- 
drawal many years ago from all connection wiih 
the State of Wisconsin, have led to numerous 
attempts, on the part of early settlors, to do- 
scribe him. "Judge Irvin," says one who knew 
him well, "was about six feet in height, very 
erect and well proportioned. His hair was 
auburn, eyes blue, features narrow. He was 
not a laborious .judge, but was attentive to duty, 
honest and upright in every particular. He 
was candid, and without intrigue or deception. 
For integrity and moral principle, he enjoyed 
general confidence. He was fond of a horse 
and a dog; always esteeming his horse and dog 
the finest and best. Being a bachelor, these 
animals seemed to be the especial objects of his 
care and attention. He was fond of hunting, 
particularly for prairie chickens. Upon these 
excursions he would frequently take members 
of the bar with him. He was very economical, 



but scrupulously just in all his dealings. He 
indulged in acts of kindness to his relatives, 
but did not sliow much sympathy for others. 
While lie treated all with urbanity and respect, 
he did not form particular attachments for 
strangers." 

A description of Judge Irvin, by the late 
Judge C. M. Baker, of Walworth Co., Wis., is 
interesting: 

"He [Judge Irvin] was a Virginia gentleman 
of the old school. Social, kind-hearted, aristo- 
cratic, as became a Virginian of the F. F's, he 
was a bachelor with hi^; whims and peculiarities. 
He was a great lover of hunting, particularly of 
prairie hens, in the shooting of which he was 
an expert. On this he prided himself; and no 
one must excel him, if he would keep in his 
good graces. He was 'also learned in the knowl- 
edge of liorses and dogs, as well as in the law. 
His own horse, Pedro, and his dog, York, to 
whom he was much attached, and whose supe- 
rior blood often formed the themo of his con- 
versation, were as well known to the bar as the 
judge himself. They were necessary append- 
ages to the judge .ind the couit It was said 
by the wags that, if oriC wanted to win his ca^e 
before tiie jiitlgo, he must prai.-e his dog and 
his horse. ]3ut of truth it can be said of him 
that he was a lover of justice, detested mean- 
ness, was well grounded in the principles of the 
law, and was possessed of very respectable per- 
ceptive and reasoning powers. He seldom con- 
sulted law books, with which the bar of those 
days was poorly supplied; but, on the whole, 
for the limes, was a fair and respectable judge." 

TERRITORIAL DISTRICT COURT. 

The act of Congress which provided for the 
organization of Wisconsin territory, declared 
that the judicial power therein should be vested 
in a supreme court, <listrict courts, probate 
courts and justices of the peace. Charles Diinii 
was commissioned cliief justice and David Ir- 
vin and William C. Frazer, associate judges. 
The act of Congress before mentioned requiicd 
that the territory of Wisconsin should be di- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



S11 



vidfd into the three judicial districts. The 
tliree judges of the supreme court were district 
judges. The counties of Crawford and Iowa 
were constituted, by the territorial Legislature, 
the first district, to which was assigned Chief 
Justice Dunn. He also, ujaon the erection of 
Grant county, held court therein. Judge Dunn 
continued chief justice and judge of the first 
district until the territorial district court was 
abolished by the admission of Wisconsin as a 
State, in 1848, notwithstanding a strong effort 
was made to have hira ousted from office by cer- 
tain citizens of the district, who circulated the 
folio 'ving petition: 

To his Excellency, James K. Polk, President 
of the United States: 

The undersigned, citizens of the first judicial 
district, composed of the counties of Crawford, 
Grant and Iowa, in the territory of Wisconsin, 
would most respectfullj' represent to your e.x- 
cellency, that many persons in this judicial dis- 
trict, whose practice or business brings them in 
contact with our court, complain that Charles 
L)unn, chief justice of the territory, and presid- 
ing judge of our district, is in the constant 
habit of favoring the practice and clients of his 
brother, Mr. Francis J. Dunn, a practicing law- 
yer in said district, in all rules of court, pleas, 
motions and points of law, made by him, to the 
injury of those persons who may be so unfortu- 
nate as to have Mr. Dunn retained against them. 
Your petitioners are aware tiiat charges of tills 
nature cannot be sustained otherwise than by 
circumstantial evidence. The circumstance, 
therefore, on which they would rely to convince 
your excellency of the truth of this charge, is, 
tiiat the docket of the district court of the 
county of Iowa alone contains over 250 causes, 
set for trial at the last term of court, and the 
brother of Judge Dunn, a very young lawyer, is 
retained in fully one-half of these causes. Not- 
withstanding the lucrative and successful prac- 
tice of young Mr. Dunn in the circuit of his 
brother, the murmurs and complaints of the 
members of the bar and their clients, at tliis 



state of things, might pass unheeded if Mr. 
Francis J. Dunn possessed talents to warrant 
such success. But with abilities not above me- 
diocrity, there is nothing to justify so great and 
lucrative a practice, over older and belter law- 
yers, butthe fact of his being the brother of the 
judge. 

Your petitioners would also represent to your 
excellency, that the said Charles Dunn has, in 
violation of the laws of the territory, presided 
in suits at law wherein his brothers have either 
been plaintiff's or defendants, which the records 
of our courts will show, in numerous instances. 
We would particularly call the attention of your 
excellency to the case of Dunn vs. Marsh, in 
the Crawford district court. The notorious Jef- 
fries, in the corrupt reign of Charles II, could 
not have been guilty of a more shameful prosti- 
tution of justice to subserve his master, than 
this act of Judge Dunn to put money in the 
pocket of his brother. 

Your petitioners would further represent to 
your excellency, that the said Charles Dunn, 
acting as judge of the first judicial district, did, 
in the year 1841, on the complaint of one John 
Dowling, of Galena, in the State of Illinois, 
now deceased, grant an injunction against the 
Hank of Mineral Point, appointing his brother, 
Mr. John Dunn, and two others, his personal 
friends, receivers to close the affairs of said 
bank. It is a matter of some notoriety that one 
of the receivers, thus appointed, boasted that 
they would each make at least ^10,000 out of 
the pickings of the bank. 

About the time this iujuction was granted, 
the cashier of the bank absconded. He was pur- 
sued and overtaken by Mr. John Dunn, one of 
the receivers, and Dr. William Davidson, who 
took from him acceptances and bills of exchange 
to the amount of 870,000 or $80,000. In a news- 
paper publication made about the time of the 
arrest of the cashier, to satisfy the public mind, 
the receivers state that the assets taken from 
the cashier and other officers of the bank, inde- 
pendent of the bonds, notes, banking house and 



378 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



otiier property of the bank, amounted to nearly 
$100,000 ! In tbe meantime, Dowling, the 
complainant against the bank, dies, and Mr. 
Francis J. Dunn obtains tlie administratorship 
of his estate in this territory, being at the iame 
time agent and attorney for the receivers. Act- 
ing thus for the plaintiffs and defendants, he 
holds the keys of the front and back doors of 
the bank; and having at the same time associ- 
ated with him, in the practice of the law, Mr. 
D. Walter Jones, the president of the bank at 
the time of its failure, and having further 
cemented that partnership by the marriage of 
that person into the family, the door has been 
effectually closed to all inquiry, and the affairs 
of the bank have been wrapped in mystery now 
for over four years. 

During that time no expose of the condition 
of the Bank has been made, although frequent- 
ly required by public meetings and other- 
wise, and no dividend has been made, except a 
prviate one of about $8,000, which was divided 
among a very small number of bill-holders, at 
tlie rate of fifty cents on the dollar, to the ex- 
clusion of a large body of creditors of the 
bank, who were not advised of the terms and 
condition on which that dividend would be 
made. 

However, before this partial and private divi- 
dend was made there was a payment made 
out of the assets of the bank to Dr. Wil- 
liam Davidson, of Grant county, one of the 
persons vvho assisted in arresting the cashier, 
and who held the bills of the bank to a consid- 
erable amount. It is alleged that Dr. David- 
son obtained this payment by threats that he 
would make an expose of certain illegal acts of 
tlie receivers or their agent. Be that as it may, 
it is the opinion of legal men that the payment 
to Davidson, and the partial division shared by 
a few of the bill holders, is a violation of the 
condition of tbe bond given by the receivers, 
and that tue creditors of the bank ( ou'ld recov- 
er f rom tiie receivers and their securities, if not 
the full amount of their claims, at least the 



same rate of dividend which their agent had 
paid to others. 

But to seek justice before the presiding judge 
of the district, when it is known that he did 
not emigrate to the territory with a character 
like Ciesar's wife, who is openly accused of pre- 
siding in cases wherein his brothers were 
parties, whicii is in direct violation of the laws, 
would be adding another act to the farce of jus- 
tice which has so fr(>quently been enacted in 
this district. 

If the conduct of Judge Dunn, in any 
public capacity in which he has acted through 
life, was such as to place him above the sus- 
picion of doing a dishonorable act, the mur- 
murs and complaints against him would not 
have the weight with us they otherwise possess. 

But it is asserted that, he did, while a mem- 
ber of the Legislature of the State of Illinois, 
in the year 1839, receive from a certain Samuel 
Wiggins a fee or bribe of $:300, to procure the 
passage of an act through the legislature, know n 
as the "Wiggin's Loan;" a more corrupt and 
swindling act never having been passed by any 
legislative body in the Union I 

This rumor considered, your excellency will 
not be surprised that the man against whom 
the broad charge is brought, true or false, that 
he sold himself as a legislator, may on slight 
grounds render himself obnoxious to the susji:- 
cion that lie is corruptible as a judge ! But 
there are other and graver charges against 
Judge Dunn, which are not based on suspicion. 
The proofs to sustain them are tangible and can 
be produced before any competent tribunal. 

These proofs must serve to convince your ex- 
cellency that, under any circumstances, Charles 
Dunn, chief justice of this territory, is un- 
worthy and unfit to fill his present high and re- 
sjionsible office. They are first — 

"That while holding court in the county of 
Iowa, at the spring term of said court, in the 
year 1838, Judge Dunn was intoxicated during 
the whole term of court. That during the said 
term a certain McCumberwas indicted and tried 



HISTORY OK CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Sl9 



for the murder of George C. Willard, a lu'ijlicw 
of Gen. Dodge. The defendant, owing to the 
cliarge of the jud^e to the jury, was convicted of 
man.siaughter, and received the sentence of the 
law, altliougli from the testimony it was clearly 
a case of self-defense. These facts can be es- 
tablished by the testimony of W. W. Chapman, 
late United State's district attorney, Iowa terri- 
tory; John Catlin, Esq., Madison; Moses M. 
Strong, Esq., Iowa county; Thomas P. Burnett, 
Esq., Grant county; J. D. Selhorst late sheriff, 
Iowa county; I. T. Lathrop, late postmasler. 
Mineral Point; F. Gheon, late marshal Wis- 
consin territory, and Thomson Campbell, Ks(j., 
secretary of state, Springfield, 111. 

"Second. — That at the Octoljcr term of the 
Grant cii'cuit court, held at Lancaster in 1838, 
Edwaid C. Oliver was indicted for tlie murder 
of John Russell at Cassville In the trial of 
this case, after hearing the testimony, the jury 
retired and remained out all night. Having 
disagree d as to the testimony of John Allen, 
the principal witness for the prosecution, they 
came into court, and at their request this wit- 
ness was recalled. At his previous examination, 
Allen was intoxicated; on being recalled into 
couil, he was still more so. During his re-ex- 
amination by the jury, the prisoner was not in 
court, nor had he been ordered in for that pur- 
pose! The testimony of Allen on his re-ex- 
amination, was stronger against the prisoner 
than it had previously been. The jury again 
retired, and immediately returned into court 
with a verdict of guilty, against the prisoner. 
The counsel for Oliver then moved the court 
for a new tii.il. One of the grounds on which 
tliis motiiin was based, was that a witness for 
the prosecution had been recalled at the request 
of the jury, and was re-examined in court with- 
out the prisoner being present. Tliis motion 
was ovenuled by the court, and sentence of 
death was pronounced on him! A bill of 
exceptions was then drawn up and tendered to 
tlie judge, who suffered the prisoner to be exe- 
cuted with this bill of exceptions in hispocket! 



During the whole term of tliis court the 
judge was intoxicated; after its adjournment he 
was attacked with delirium tremens, jumped 
out of his chamber window, and was thereby 
dis(jualified from attending to his otticial duties 
in Crawford county, which court immediately 
succeeded that at Lancaster. The witnesses to 
this outrage on law and decency, are John S. 
Horner, Esq., register of the land office at 
Green Bay; Hon. Thomas S. Wilson, judge of 
United States district court, Iowa territory; 
Mortimer Bainbridge, Esq., DuV)U((ue; John S. 
Fletcher, G. M. Price, J. Allen Barber, Nelson 
Dewey, Thomas P. Burnett and John II. Roun- 
tree, Esqs., Grant county. 

'•Third. — Thatata previous term of the Grant 
circuit court, Judge Dunn was intoxicated dur- 
ing the term of the court, and was attacked with 
/ncuiia u 2)otn. The witnes.'-es are Dr. Wood, 
John S. Fletcher, Clovis I.e Grand, Thomas P. 
Burnett, J. A. Barber, G. AI. Price and Nelson 
Dewey, Grant county; W. W. Chapman, Parley 
Eaton and Moses M. Strong, Esqs., Hon. Judge 
Wilson and Joseph P. Hoge, member of Con- 
gress from Galena, Illinois. 

"Fourth. — That at a special chancery term 
appointed by Judge Dunn to be held at Mineral 
Point, in January, 1840, he was so much intoxi- 
cated as to disqualify him from holding the 
said term of court. The witnesses are Moses 
M. Strong, Parley Eaton and J. T. Lathrop, 
Esqs., and James II. Gentry, late sheriff, and 
John Bracken, late under-sheriff of Iowa county. 

"Fifth. — That while holding a court at Prai- 
rie du Chien, in Crawford sounty, for the trial 
of C'he-ge-waif-cum, a Chippewa Iiulian, indict- 
ed for the murder of Mr. Akins, an Indian 
trader. Judge Dunn was intoxicated during the 
whole term of the court. The witnesses are, 
the Hon. Judge Wilson, James C'liurehma.i, 
Esq., Galena, Ills.; Thomas P. Burnett, D. 
G. Feiiton, clerk of the court, William Wilson, 
J. H. Lock wood and II. Dousman, P]airie du 
Chien. 



380 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



"Sixth.— That on tlie 23a of February, 1843, 
Judge Dunn having become intoxicated at a 
ball, spent the day in Platteville, playing cards 
in a grocery, with James R. Vineyard, indicted 
for the murder of C. C. P. Arndt, a member of 
the Legislative Council, whom he had recently 
had before him on a writ of habeas corpus, and 
released from the jail of Dane county, on bail. 
Witnesses: Alonzo Piatt, William Davidson, 
Dr. Bevans, John Morrison, J. M. Gordhue 
and B. C. Eastman, of Grant county; and J. II. 
Gentry, of Iowa county. 

"Seventh. — That at a late term of circuit 
court, for the county of Crawford, at Prairie du 
Chien, Judge Dunn was again intoxicated dur- 
ing the term of the court. The witnesses are: 
Moses M. Strong, B. C. Eastman, Tliomas P. 
Burnett and D. G. Fenton, Esqrs., and Ira 
Brunson, Esq., postmaster, Prairie du Chien." 

In presenting to your excellency charges of 
.so sorious and degrading a nature against the 
chief justice of our territory, your petitioners are 
aware that they ought to be s\istained by the ac- 
companying depositions of the witnesses named, 
but as the majority of tlie witnesses are members 
of the court over which Judge Dunn presides, 
many causes operate on them to prevent their giv- 
ing their voluntary testimony against him. We 
would, therefore, most respectfully request that 
you cause the records of our courts to be examined 
and the testimony of the witnesses named to be 
procured, and if they should sustain the charges 
herewith made against Judge Dunn, that you 
will, in conformity to the opinion of the late 
attorney-general, the Hon. Felix Grundy, re- 
move him from office. If, however, you siiould 
not concur in that opinion, and question your 
power to remove a territorial judge, for an open 
violation of the laws, and for drunkeness on 
the bench; then we would further request you 
to lay this petition before the Congress of the 
United States. 

How extensively this petition was circulated 
and sigtied is unknown; neither has it trans- 
pired as to whether it ever reached the eye of 



the President; one thing is certain, however, if 
the attention of the chief executive of the Na- 
tion was called to it, he gave it no heed. 

Although the territory of Wisconsin was cre- 
ated in 1836, yet Judge Dunn did not hold 
court in Crawford county until the next year, as 
appears from the following entries in the court 
journal: 

"Territory of Wisconsin, ) 
County of Ceaavford. ) 

Monday, May 1, 1837. 

"This being the day appointed by law for the 
commencement of the term of the district court 
of the United States for the county of Crawford, 
and the judge of the said district court not at- 
tending, the court stands adjourned until to- 
morrow. Thomas P. Street, 

Clerk." 

Entries of a like tenor were made May 2 and 3, 
when on May 4, 1837, the entry was as follows: 

"4th day. May term, 1837. Thursday morn- 
ing, May 4, 1837. The court met; present, the 
Hon. Charles Dunn." 

And he continued to hold court every year 
in Crawford county until 1848, when he was 
succeeded by the judge of the fifth judicial cir- 
cuit of the State of Wisconsin. 

John H. Fonda, in 1858, says: 

"I believe that I sat on the jury when the 
first criminal case was tried under the territorial 
law of Wisconsin. As no harm can be done, I 
will give a brief history of this case, to show 
how such things were then managed. Judge 
Dunn was presiding at that time, and Ezekiel 
Taintor, who summoned me, was acting sheriff. 
The detendent was a Dacotah Indian, charged 
with the crime of murdering a young man 
named Akins, whose father was prosecuting. 
From the evidence it appeared that Akins, the 
senior, was a trader at the head of the Missis- 
sippi, where he had a trading house. Young 
Akins attended to the trading house department, 
while his father, who resided in a house some 
distance off, furnished the goods and capital. 
In his intercourse with the Indians, the son had 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



381 



seen a remarkably liandsome young squaw, and 
taken some kind of liking for her. The squaw 
was the wife of a young brave. By means of 
numerous presents, Akins persuaded the .squaw, 
to desert her husband, and live with him in 
tlie trading house. When the Indian came for 
his squaw, Akins locked the doors and refused 
to let her go. The Indian went away, but 
returned the next evening about dusk, and 
walked into the house where Akins was sitting, 
and again asked for his squaw. Akins refused 
to let her go, and the Indian shot him dead on 
the spot. The father of young Akins had the 
Indian ijrought down here [Prairie du Cliien] 
for trial. 

"The case was conducted with very few for- 
malities; and whenever the court took a recess, 
the jury were locked up in a grocery, where, for 
the sum of seveuly-tive cents eicli, we could have 
all the liquor we wanted, ]ir.)vided we did not 
waste or cirry any away. Now, imbibing was 
quite pri'valent among all classes, in that day, 
and if each of the jurymen di-aiik his seventy-five 
cents worth in one night, the judge and counselors 
could not have been far behind in that respect, 
and some individual was heard to say, that the 
prisoner was the only sober man in the court 
room. After the jury were charged, we were 
locked up two days and three nights. I gener- 
ally got out and went home nights, but came into 
court in the morning; and on the third morning 
we brought in a verdict of 'not guilty,' and the 
Indian was di.sciiarged." 

Charles Dunn was born December 28, 1 799, at 
Bullet's Old Lick, Bullett Co., Ky., which is 
about^ixtcen miles from Louisville. He was the 
eldest of a family of five .sons and four daugh- 
ters, and at the age of nine was sent to school 
at LouisviUe, where he remained a number of 
years, when he was called home and sent on a 
business tour to Virginia Maryland and Wash- 
ington. Upon his return home he read law a 
short time with Wordeii Pope, a distinguished 
lawyer of Louisville. Me afterward proceeded to 
Frankfort and continued his law reading for 



about two years with the eminent John Pope, 
then secretary of state, and who was the first 
law professor in the Transylvania University, 
at Lexington. 

Mr. Dunn, in May, 1819, went to Kankakee, 
at that time the capital of Illinois, where he 
completed his studies under the direction of Na- 
thaniel Pope district judge of the United Stales. 
In 1820 he was admitted to the bar, Sidney 
Brcese being admitted at the same time. He 
then commenced practice at Jonesboro, Union 
Co., III. In 1821, he married Mary E. Shrader, 
daughter of Judge Ostro Shrader, who had been 
a United States judge in Missouri territory. He 
remained in practice at Jonesboro for several 
years, and then removed to Golconda, Pope 
Co., 111. 

For two years Mr. Dunn was engrossing 
clerk, during two sessions of the House of Rep- 
resentatives of the Illinois Legislature, and for 
five years its chief clerk. In 1829 he was ap- 
pointed by Gov. Ninian Edwards, acting com- 
missioner of the Illinois and Michigan canal, 
and with his associates on the commission, Ed. 
ward Roberts and Dr. Jane, surveyed and platted 
the first town of Chicago. The first town lots 
of this embryo metropolis were sold by the 
commissioners on behalf of the State in the lat- 
ter part of 1829, and the sales continued in 18^0 
and in 1831, during which years the survey of 
the canal and railway line was made and re- 
jiortcd. 

In the early part of 18:;-2 Indian troubles com- 
menced and a requisition was made upon tlie 
State authorities of Illinois for troops to engage 
in service against the Indians led by Black 
Hawk. Three brigades responded to the call, 
and Mr. Dunn entered the service as captain of 
a company he had raised in Pope county, where 
he then resided. His company was assigned to 
the 2d regiment, which was commandel by 
Col. John Ewing, and attaclied to the first bri- 
gade, under Gen. Alexander Posey. 

Soon after in an engagement with the Indians 
(what engagement is unknown) Capt. Dunn be- 



382 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



came the victim of a blundering mistake on the 
part of a sentinel, by which he was severely, and 
at first it was thought mortally, wounded* On 
apjiroaching the sentinel he was severely 
wounded by him in the groin, of course through 
the mistake of the soldier. Dunn was taken 
back to Fort Dixon, where he was confined by 
his wound until after the war was ended by the 
battle of Bad Ax. 

As soon as he was sufficiently recovered, Capt. 
Dunn returned home, and in the spring of 1833 
acted as assistant paymaster in paying off the 
first brigade. During that year he resumed the 
practice of his profession. In 1835 he was 
elected a member of the House of Representa- 
tives of the State Legislature, from Polk 
county, and was chairman of the commit- 
tee on the judiciary during the session. Upon 
the recommendation of the Illinois delegation 
ill Congress, and the delegate of the territory of 
Wisconsin, George W. Jones, he was appointed 
by President Jackson, in the spring of 1830, 
chief justice of Wisconsin territory. He ar- 
rived at Mineral Point July 4, 1836, and was 
then and there sworn into office, which he held 
until the organization of the State judiciary. 
The last term of his court was held at Mineral 
Point, in October, 1848. 

Judge Dunn was a member of the second 
constitutional convention of the State from 
La Fayette county, and was chairman of the 
committee on the judiciary of that body. He 
took a leading part in framing what afterward 
became and still is, the constitution of Wiscon- 
sin. Subsequently, he was elected State sena- 
tor for the district composed of the county of 
La Fayette. He served in that capacity during 
the sessions of that body in 1852 and 1853, and 
was chairman of the committee on the judiciary 
during both of those years. 

On the expiration of his term of ofiice as 
chief justice, Judge Dunn engaged in the prac- 



* It bas found its way into print that this accident hap- 
pened in what is now the town of Dunn, hence the name, but 
this is an error. — Ed- 



tice of the law in La Fayette and adjoining 
counties. He was regarded one of the most 
eminent among those who were or had been 
in the profession, in Wisconsin. While chief 
justice, his judicial studies were especially 
"■nerous, as, during the greater portion of the 
time he was on the bench, his district, as circuit 
judge, was the most populous and important in 
the territory, and produced, it is believed, the 
greatest amount of litigation. His judicial smd 
ofticial duties were performed with rare ability, 
fidelity and integrity; and, although he had a 
few enemies (who has not?), he always com- 
manded during his residence of thirty-five years 
in Wisconsin, both in public and private life, 
the confindence and esteem of a very large pro- 
portion of the people. To near the time of his 
death, in 1872, at the advanced age of seventy- 
two, he continued in the vigorous practice of 
his profession at Belmont, and was, at that 
time, the oldest lawyer in the State. 

Mr. William Hull says of him: "As a lawyer. 
Judge Dunn ranked as one of the best. As a 
judge, he was as honest and impartial as a man 
of his temperament could possibly be. A good 
pleader himself, he held us all to the strict tech- 
nicalities of the common law practice, which 
then prevailed, and, although at times prone to 
give way to the violence of his personal feel- 
ings, he was generally liked and respected by 
the members of the bar in his district and ter- 
ritory. He could never forget his dignity on 
the bench; on the road traveling from court to 
court; at the stopping-places for the night; and 
during the sessions of the courts; he was, with 
his friends, at all times courteous and a gentle- 
man; to those whom he did not like, he could 
and did occasionally preserve a different course. 
This trait in the juiige's character can only be 
accounted for by premising that, like all other 
descendants from the first families of Virginia, 
the Dunns claimed to have the royal blood of 
Powhatan flowing in their veins, through his 
daughter, the historical, abused Pochahontas. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTr. 



383 



"In all places and at all times Judge Dunn 
never put off liis dignity. One instance of this 
ruling trait will bear to relate. Game of all 
kinds was very plentiful in those early days 
and deer-liiinting was a common pastime. Af- 
ter the fall terms of tlie courts had terminated, 
on one occasion the judge, his brother Frank, a 
henchman of Frank's, Abe. Fields, a gentleman 
now prominent in an adjoining State, and Mr. 
Hull, of La Crosse, were in camp on the Kicka- 
poo river, near Wayne's mill. The judge, for 
some cause, did not, as had been observed, take 
much interest in the unnamed gentleman. The 
second day of the hunt, the judge, a true sports- 
man, had killed a magnificent buck, and it had 
been brought into camp. The deer was hung 
up for dressing. Judge Dunn, with coat off, 
sleeves rolled up and knife in hand, had com- 
menced work. After a few cuts with the knife 
had been made, the gentleman wishing to make 
some remark to the judge, spoke loudly — 
'Dunn!' As quick a flash Judge Dunn stopped 
his work, turned facing the gentleman, and with 
piercing black eyes flashing lightning, re- 
sponded, — 'Judge Dunn, if you please, sir!' 
After this explosion there was silence in the 
camp for awhile." 

STATE CIRCUIT COURT. 

The constitution of the State of Wisconsin 
vested the judicial power of the State in a su- 
preme court, circuit court, courts of probate and 
in justices of the peace. The State was divided 
into five judicial circuits. The fifth circuit was 
composed of the counties of Crawford, Iowa, 
La Fayette, Grant and St. Croix, as organized 
in 1848; the county of Richland being attached 
to Iowa county, Chippewa to ("rawford, and 
L:iP()int to St. Croix, for judicial purposes. I5y 
an net of the State Legislature, of 1 s.50, a sixth 
judicial circuit was formed. In this circuit was 
included among others the county of Crawfonl. 
In 18G1 this circuit was made to include the 
counties of Crawford, Bad Ax, LaCrosse, Mon- 
roe and Jackson. 

In 1 864 Crawford and Richland counties were, 
by the following act, made a part of the fifth 
judicial circuit of the State : 



[Published April 18, 1864.] 

An Act to detach the counties of Richland 
and Crawford from the sixth judicial circuit, 
and to attach said counties to the fifth judicial 
circuit. 

Tlie People of the State of Wisconsin, repre- 
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as fol- 
loics : 

Section 1. The counties of Richland and 
Crawford, in the State of Wisconsin, are hereby 
detached from the sixth judicial circuit, and the 
same are hereby attached to, and shall hereafter 
constitute a part of the fifth judicial circuit, in 
said State of Wisconsin. 

Sec. 'J. This act shall take effect on the first 
day of January, A. D. 1865, and be in force 
from and after that time. Approved March, 31, 
1864. 

Crawford county still remains in the fifth 
judicial circuit of the State. 

CIRCUIT JUDGES. 

At the first judicial election, Mortimer M. 
Jackson was chosen judge of the fifth judicial 
circuit, which, as we have seen, included, in 
1848, along with other counties, that of Craw- 
foid. The first term of the court began in 
Prairie du Chien, Nov. 13, 1848. 

The following are .the judges who have dis- 
pensed justice upon the Crawford county bench, 
since Wisconsin became a State : 

M. M. Jackson, 1848-1850. 

Wiram Knowlton, 1850-i856. 

George Gale, 1857-1862. 

Kdwin Flint, 1863-1864. 

J. T. Mills, 1865-1876. 

M. M. Cothren, 1877-1882. 

George Clementson, 1883 — (still in office). 

The June'ter'm, 1861, of the court was hold 
by Judge I. E. Messmore. lie had been ap- 
pointed by the governor as judge ni)on a change 
in Judge Gale's district ; but the supreme court 
decided the law changing the district unconslitu- 
lional, and Messmore was ousted from otiice. 

Mortimer M. Jackson, the subject of this 
sketch was born in Rensselaerville, Albany 



384 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Co., N. Y. He studied law in the ci.ty of New 
York, and came to Wisconsin in 1838. He 
was afterward attorney general of the terri- 
tory. On the organization of the State gov- 
ernment in 1848, he was elected, as already 
stated, judge of the fifth judicial circuit, by 
virtue of which he was also a member of 
the supreme court. On the expiration of the 
term of Judge Stow as chief justice. Judge 
Jackson, was chosen by his colleagues chief 
justice, but declined to serve. In 1861 he was 
appointed United States consul at Halifax, 
Nova Scotia, and in 1880 was promoted to con- 
sul general of the United States for tlie British 
maritime provinces, in which capacity he acted 
until 1882, with residence at Halifax. lie then 
returned to Wisconsin. 

Wiram Kuowlton was born in Chenango 
Co., N. Y., January 24, 1816. He was brother 
of James H. Knowltoii, one of Wisconsin's 
eminent lawyers. In May, 1837, he came with 
his father's family to Wisconsin, locating at 
Janesville. Commencing the study of the law, 
he subsequently completed it with Parley Eaton, 
at Mineral Point. He was afterward admitted 
to the bar, and commenced the practice of his 
profession at Phxtlville. 

In 1840, Mr, Knowlton settled in Prairie du 
Chien and practiced law for some five years. 
When tlie Mexican war broke out he raised a 
company of volunteers in Crawford county, and 
was captain of the company. His company, 
however, (lid not go to Mexico, but were as- 
signed to detached service on tlie frontier with 
lieadquarters at Fort Crawford. .After the war 
closed he resumed the practice of law. and in 
18.50 he was elected judge of the sixth judicial 
circuit embracing among other counties, that of 
Crawford. During three years of this time, he 
was ex-officio justice of the supreme court. He 
served six years as judge of sixtli circuit. He 
remaineil in Prairie du Chien until about 1864, 
then removed to the north part of the State, 
where he died in June, 1873. He was a man of 
very fine ability. 



George Gale was a native of Burlington, Ver- 
mont. He was the youngest son of Peter and 
Hannah Tottingham Gale, and was born on the 
30th of November, 1816. He had the advantage 
of a good common school education. In March, 
1839, he commenced reading law. In 1840, he 
was appointed postmaster at Waterbury Center, 
Vt. He was admitted to the bar in 1841; emi- 
grated west, and settled in Elkhorn, Wal- 
worth county, Wisconsin. Here he opened 
an office, and entered into a successful practice 
of his profession. 

Mr. Gale, besides holding several town offices, 
was, in the autumn of 1847, elected a member 
of the convention to form a State constitution, 
serving in that body on the judiciary committee. 
He was elected, the same fall, district attorney 
and a year after a member of the State senate. 
On the 4th of July. 1851, the subject of this 
sketch received from Gov. Dewey the appoint- 
ment of brigadier general of militia. In the 
fall of that year, he removed to the upper Mis- 
sissippi, locating at La Crosse. He was soon 
elected county judge for a term of four years, 
for the counties of La Crosse and Chippewa. 
He resigned his office Jan. 1, 1854, and in 
April, 1856, was elected judge of the sixth judi- 
cial circuit, his term of office commencing Jan. 
1, 1857, and continuing six years. He served 
the whole term, and discharged the duties of 
his office with ability. During 1857, lie re- 
moved from La Crosse to Galesville, Trempea- 
leau county. 

Mr.Gale's health partially failed in the summer 
of 186'J, and he spent the three following win- 
ters in the south and east, most of I he time in 
the service of the sanitary and christian com- 
missions. During Februa.y and March, 1863, 
he had charge of the United States sanitary 
commission depot on Morris island, South Caro- 
lina. He died in Galesville, Wisconsin, on the 
ISth of April, 1808, in the fifty-second year of 
his age. 

Judge Gale, however, is best known to the 
State as a friend of education. Seeing that all 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



385 



northwestern Wisconsin was witliout college 
achantages, he first urgecl upon the people of 
La Cro.ise to take the inititaory steps toward 
founding an institution near that village. Fail- 
ing in this, he decided to remove to the Trem- 
pealeau valley, start a village and found a col- 
lege. Accordingly, in 185:5, he purchased a 
large tract of land, where Galesville now stands, 
and in 1S54, secured from the Legislature of 
the State the organization of Trempcleau 
county, and the location of the county seat on 
his land. He also obtained a charter for a uni- 
versity for the same location. The board of 
trustees was organized in ISbo, and the college 
building commenced in 1858. The preparatory 
department was opened in 1859, and the colle- 
giate in 1861. Lil865, Mr. Gale resigned the 
presidency of the college. He was a graduate 
of no college, but from his great interest in edu- 
cation, he was made master of arts by the Ver- 
mont university, in 1857, and doctor of laws by 
the Galesville university, in 1863. 

His contributions to literature have been con- 
siderable and valuable. In August, 1845, he 
started the Western Star, the first newspaper in 
Walworth county, Wisconsin. In 184'5, he is- 
sued the first edition of the Wisconsin Form 
IJook. 1864, he contributed to the historical 
society of tlie State a valuable paper on the his- 
tory of the Winnebago Indians. In 1866, he 
published the Gale family genealogy. In 1867, 
his history of the upper Mississippi was pub- 
lished, embracing a history of the northwest 
from A. D. 1600 to the present time. His wri- 
tings all show close investigation, vigorous re- 
search, and a clear delineation of historical 
facts. 

Edwin Flint settled in Mason City, Iowa, in 
1869, where he now resides, and where he entered 
intoapartnership with B. F. Hartshorn, forming 
tlie law firm of Hartshorn & Flint. He was born 
in Braintree, Orange Co., Vt., May 25, 1814. He 
is the son of Phineas and Abigail Weld Flint, 
of Vermont, who were the parents of seven 
children. His father was a farmer and died in 



1826. His mother died in Mason City, in 1874. 
Mr. Flint remained on his father's farm until 
he was thirteen years old, and the following 
year he went to Windsor, whore ho passed a 
year in the office of of the Vermont Clironicle. 
He went thence to Burlington, where he was 
employed by Chauncey Goodrich, a book pub- 
lisher of that city. He there prepared for col- 
lege, paying his way in the printing office. He 
was matriculated at the Vermont University, 
at Burlington, in 1833, and graduated in 1836. 
Soon after that event, he went south and became 
a teacher in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. 
In 1840 Mr. Flint was admitted to the bar at 
LaFayette, Ind.; and, after a brief time went 
to Jackson, Mich., where he began the practice 
of his profession, remaining there until 184 1, 
when he became impaired in health and returned 
south. In 1848, he went to Fond du Lac, Wis., 
and entered fully into the practice of the law. 
In 1851 he moved to La Crosse, and the next 
year was elected district attorney, and in the 
same year, chairman of the board of supervisors. 
In 1861 lie was chosen to the Slate senate 
from the La Crosse district. The next year, ' 
1862, he was elected judge of the sixth judicial 
circuit of Wisconsin, which position he filled 
with credit for six years; but as Crawford was 
detached from that district in 1864, he only 
presided in this county two years. In 1876 lie 
retired from the practice of the law. 

Josepli T. Mills was born in Crane Ridge, 
Bourbon Co., Ky., Dec. 18, 1812. He received 
an academic education, studied law, was ad- 
mitted to the bar, came to the west and located 
in Bond Co., Ills., in 1831. In 1843 he removed 
to Wisconsin, and permanently settled in Lan- 
caster, Grant county, where he entered upon 
the practice of the law. He was elected circuit 
judge of the fifth judicial circuit, and served 
from 1865 to 1877. He was a member df ihe 
assembly in 1856, 1857, 1862 and 1879. 

Montgomery M. Colhren was born at Jerusa- 
lem, Yates Co., N. Y., Sept. 18, 1819. His 
father was Nathaniel Cothren, and his mother 



386 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Clarimla Weed. Mr. Cothren was educited in 
New York, and subsequently studied law at 
Kalamazoo, Mich. Having removed to Mineral 
Point, he was admitted to the bar of the United 
States district court in 184.3, by Judge Charles 
Dunn, since which time he has been in active 
practice of his profession or upon the bench. 
He was a member of the last territorial Legis- 
lature of Wisconsin, and served in the State sen- 
ate in 1849 and 18.50. In the presidential elec- 
tion of 1852, he was one of the electors for the 
State at large, and cast his vote for Franklin 
Pierce and William R. King. During tlie 
same year he was elected judge of the fifth 
judicial circuit, and served in that capacity 
twelve years. At the close of his second term 
as circuit judge, he declined a re-election, and 
for the twelve years ensuing, engaged in the 
practice of the law; but, in 1876, he was again 
chosen judge this time, of the fifth judicial circuit, 
which now included within its limifs, Crawford 
county. lie served one full term. In 1879 Judge 
Cothren was nominated for associate justice of 
the su])rerae court by a caucus of the Demo- 
cratic members of the Legislature, but the 
nomination was not confirmed at the polls. In 
the campaign of 1880, he was tiie Democratic 
candidate for member of Congress in the third 
district, but was defeated by Geoige C. Hazel- 
ton. The bar of southern Wisconsin has been, 
and now is graced with many lawyers of com- 
manding ability; second to none in this list is 
the name of Montgomery M. Cothren. 

George Clementson, a native of England, 
was born March 13, 1842. His parents came 
to this country in 1849; they came west to 
Wisconsin the same year, and located in 
Grant county. Here the boy grew to 
manhood, receiving his education in this 
State. He read law here and completed his 
law studies at the Slate University of Michigan, 
lie was admitted to the bar in March, 1868. 
After his admission, he engaged in the practice 
of law. In November, 1869, he associated with 
Hon. Allen Barber,of the firm of Barber & Clem- 



entson holding a leading position as members 
of the bar in this section of the State. 

In the fall of 1868, Mr. Clementson was elected 
district attorney, and held that office for four 
years. After that he was repeatedly solicited 
to accept the nomination for office, but steadily 
refused, preferring to devote all his time to the 
interests of his profession. However, he could 
not well refuse the call of friends to run for 
judge of this judicial circuit, and was elected, 
still holding that office. He was united in 
marriage May 10, 1869, to Mary Burr, a native 
of Ve!-mont. They have four children: George 
B., Joseph A., Martha and l?essie. 

The counties in the fifth circuit, the times 
of holding court in each and the places where 
held, are set forth in the following tabular state- 
ment: 

FIFTH CIRCUIT. 

Judge— Georg-e Clementson, Lancaster. 

Term expires first Mnnday of January, 1889. 



Counties. 



Grant 

Iowa 

La Fayette 
Riehlanct. . 
Crawford.. 



Terms. 



Where held. 



Laws. 



let Tuesday in Feb... I Lancaster i Sec-2«4.R.S. 
1st Tuesday in Sept.. . I Lancaster, -j |Ch.43, L 1879. 

Dodgeville. . 'seo.2424, K.S. 



4th Tuesday in March 
Ist Tuesday in Oct 

4th Tuesday in June. . 
1st Tuesday in Dec... 

3d Tuer.dav in April. . 
4th Tuesday in Oct... 

4th Tuesday in May. . 
^d Tuesday in Nov... 



Darlington. 



Richland ) 
Centre f 

Pr. du Chien 



Sec.2424,R.S. 
Sec.2424,K.S. 
Sec.2424,R.S. 



Every term in each of said counties shall be a special term 
for the whole circuit.— Sec. 2424, B. S. 

COUNCT COURT OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

It will be remembered that mention has 
already been made that, among other courts 
provided for by the constitution, was one en- 
titled court of probate, now very generally 
known as county court, as, in the act establish- 
ing the court, it is so designated. 

The first proceedings of this court taken 
from the record are as follows: 

"State of Wisconsin, ) 
County of Crawford, f 

"Monday, Jan. 7, A. D., 1850. 
''This being tlie day appointed for the hold- 
ing and organizing of the county court of the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



389 



county of Crawford, in the State of Wisconsin, 
agreeable to and in pursuance of an act of the 
Legislature of the Slate of Wisconsin, approved 
March 31, A. D., 1849, entitled 'An act estab- 
lishing a system of county courts in and for the 
State of Wisconsin.' 

"Whereupon the Hon. Daniel G. Fenton, 
judge elect, took his seat as judge of this said 
county court, and produced his certificate of 
election as judge of said county court, by virtue 
of an election lield on the 7th day of September, 
A. D., 1849, for the election of county judges, 
together with his oath of office endorsed there- 
on, which said certificate and oath of office was 
read in open court and filed in the clerk's office 
of this court in words and figures following, to 
wit: 

"State qf Wisconsin, J 
County of Crawford. ( 

"We the under-igiied, clerk of the county 
board of supervisiors and justice of the peace 
ill and for said county aforesaid, liereby certify 
that on the Ulh day of September, A. 1). 1S49, 
we procured and canvassed the reUirns of the 
election held in said county on the 3d day of 
September, A. D. 1S49, for the election of 
county judge, and the following is the result 
of said canvass, to-wit: 

"For the office of county julge, Daniel G. 
Fonliin received the greatest number of votes, 
and is declared by us duly elected judge of the 
county court in and for the said county of Craw- 
ford, and forthe county of Chippewa, thereunto 
atlaclied for judicial purposes." 

"In witness whereof, we have hereunto set 
our hands the day and year above written. 

H. Baldwin, Clerk of the Board of County 
Supervisors. 

WiRAM Knowlton, Justice of the Peace. 

Aaron Hogan, Justice of the Peace. 

"The above is certified to as correct, by the 
clerk." 

Judge Daniel G. Fenton then took the oath 
of office, and his first order as judge was this: 



"Ordered that Alexander Leclerc be appoint- 
ed inspector of this court." 

Mr Leclerc was duly sworn into office, and 
court adjourned until the following day at 11 
o'clock A. M. 

At the next day's session the court ordered 
that "the rules of the circuit in and for the 
State of Wisconsin, be adopted as the rules of 
this court until otherwise ordered." The court 
then adjourned until court in course. 

The next session occurred on February 4th 
and 5th, 1850; and adjourned at the end of the 
second day without doing any business. 

The next session convened on March 4th, and 
the first business was the examination and ad- 
mission to the bar of Hiram Wright, as attor- 
ney and counselor at law. The record shows 
considerable business done at this terra. 

Judge Fenton died the 1 Itli day of Aug. 1861. 
Hiram A. Wright was appointed as his success- 
or, on Nov. 3d, 1851, by Gov. Nelson De*ey, 
and took the oath of office on that day, on the 
opening of the November term of court. 
Judge Wiight resigned the office after the 
close of the November term, of 1853; and on 
Jan. 18, 1851, Gov. William A. Barstow appoint- 
ed IiaB. Brunson as Judge Wright's successor. 
Judge Brunson held the office until his death, 
Aug. 21, 1883. flis successor, and the one now 
(1884) in office, is C. S. Fuller,who was appointed 
county judge, Sept. 1, 1883. 

Ira B. Brunson was the oldest son of Rev. 
Alfred Brunson. He was born at Fowler, Ohio, 
on the 5lh day of November, A. D. 1815, and at 
the time of death was in his sixty-eiglilh year. 
He came to Wisconsin and settled at Prairie du 
Chien in the year 1836. He was a man of 
strong mind, of great energy, and possessed of 
that kindness of heart and disposition and hon- 
esty of purpose that has endearcil him to all the 
community. The people among whom he lived 
for nearly a half century ajipreciating his intel- 
lectual g4'eatne88 and his incorruptibility have 
from time to time forced upon him its official 
positions, many times to his great pecuniary 



24 



390 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



disadvantages, tlie duties of which have, how- 
ever, always been so acceptably performed by 
him that the people refused to take no for an 
answer. Coming into what was the extreme 
limits of the western frontier when a young 
man, he was at once recognized as capable, 
brilliant and upright, and was by almost a un- 
animous vote elected a representative from 
Crawford county to the first Legislature of the 
territory of Wisconsin. The territory at that 
time consisted of the counties of Brown, Iowa, 
Crawford, Des Moines, Dubuque and Milwaukee, 
and being the same territory now comprising 
the two States of Wisconsin and Iowa. During 
the Legislative session of 1837 and 18.3fi, con 
vened at Burlington, Des Moines county, he 
attended as such representative, his associate 
from this county being Jean Brunet. The jour- 
nals of the House of Representatives for these 
two sessions show that none was more active 
than he, and none better understood the wants 
of the people of the vast territory over which 
their laws were to operate. Some of the best 
statutory provisions possessed to-day by these 
two great States were inspired by him. He was 
also elected from Crawford county to the sec- 
ond Legislative assembly which convened at 
Madison in 1839, and was a member of the Leg- 
islature of 1840. In looking over the record he 
appears to be the last of all those who com- 
posed the Council and House of Representatives 
that assembled at Burlington Nov. 6, 1837. 
Soon after returning from his legislative duties 
he was appointed postmaster at Prairie du Chien, 
which office he held for several years; then lie 
was elected register of deeds, county surveyor, 
sheriff of Crawford county, clerk of the circuit 
court, and in 1854 county judge, which last 
named position he has held to the time of his 
death, making nearly thirty years service in 
that office. His kindness to those in want, his 
care for the rights, and his sympathy for the 
distress of those with whom he came in con- 
tact in this office, his just judicial mind as ex- 
hibited in his judicial decisions have endeared 



him to the entire people of the county, who 
will sincerely mourn his loss, a loss that is es- 
pecially felt to be irreparable by his old settler 
friends. The judge, in politics, was a democrat, 
and during the War of the Rebellion, was a 
prominent war democrat. Being too far ad- 
vanced in years to go himself, he readily as- 
sented to the enlistment of his three sons, who 
volunteered with his ajiprobation, and all of 
whom to the great joy of the father were gal- 
lant LTnion soldiers. The judge, socially, was 
one of the most genial and affable of men, one 
who, by his manners and his conversation, left 
the impression upon all, of his broadness of 
mind and extreme kindness of heart, and he in 
fact was a great broad-minded man with a heart 
and conscience as tender as a child's. He is 
gone; like the mighty monarch of the forest, 
around which vines had wound themselves and 
smaller trees had grown up in the shadow of its 
branches, that has been prostrated by violent 
storms, and in its fall has carried vines and 
trees down with it, so to-day as death lays low 
this kindly and good man, around whom his 
wife and children clung, and his innumerable 
admirers and friends so loved and trusted, they 
too lie crushed and prostrate with grief. 

CLERKS OF THF TEERITOEIAL COUNTY COURT. 

John L. Findly, 18:i3— 1829. 
Joseph Brisbois, 1830—1836. 

CLERKS OF UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT. 

Thomas P. Street, 1837. 
Daniel G. Fenton, 1841—1848. 

CLERKS OF STATE CIRCUIT COURT. 

Daniel G. Fenton, 1848. 

Hiram Baldwin, 1849—1850. 

Ira B. Brunson, 1851—1853. 

O. B. Thomas, 1854— 1855. 

Samuel Cowden, 1856-1857. 

James Fisher, (Nov. Term) 1857. 

Walter B. Hunt, 1858—1860. 

N. McCartnev, 1861 — 18d2. 

P. S. Bibbs, 1863- 1864. 

N. McCartnev, 1865-1868. 

James E. Campbell, 1869-1875. 

W. A. Vaughn, 1875—1876. 

David B. Richardson, 1877—1878. 

T. G. Brunson, 1879—1880. 

James E. Campbell, 1881—1882. 

William G. Campbell, 1883 (in ofiice). 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



391 



CHAPTER XVII. 



THE BAR— PAST AND PRESENT. 



The history of the bar of any county deals 
with men who, as a rule, rank high in intelli- 
gence, and who have been, and are among the 
most potent forces in shaping its intellectu-il 
and social standard. Crawford county is not 
an exception to this rule. During the last half 
century there have been a number of attorneys 
who have lived within its limits and practiced 
law in its courts, who have earned enviable 
places in the annalj of the Slate and Nation. 

James H. Lockwood was the pioneer lawyer 
in Cra*ford county, he having settled in Prai- 
rie du Chien, Sept. T6, 1816, though be did noi 
engage in the pmctice of law till several year; 
later, being employed in mercantile business ii 
the meantime. He was not only the first t< 
practice law in Crawford county, but the firsi 
to be admitted to the bar and the first to prac- 
tice the profession within the limits of what is 
now the State of Wisconsin. 

In his auto-biographical writings, Lockwood 
says thai .Judge Doty hehl a term of court in 
Crawford county, in May, 1824. In speaking of 
his first legal experiences, he further says: "As 
th^re were then no attorneys here, and Judge 
Doty, learning that I had at one time studied 
law, and had relinquished the profession for 
mercantile pursuits, suggested that I had better 
resume the practice of law, and kindly tendered 
me the use of his library and any instrticlions I 
might require, in order to refresh my studies. 
Not being extensively engaged in business at 
this time, I availed myself of Judge Doly's 
suggestions, and studied hard all the following 
winter and spring. I commenced the practice 



of the profession, and attended the courts of 
Brown and Mackinaw, and found no attorneys 
in Brown. But, he says he found several at 
Mackinaw, whom he names, and among them 
Henry S. Baird, who did not move from Mack- 
inaw to Green Bay until September, 1824, and 
was admitted to practice in Brown county dis- 
trict court on the 4th of October following, that, 
being the iirst day of the term. Mr. Lockwood, 
therefore, was not only the first lawyer in ihe 
territory now included in Wisconsin, but was 
the first to practice within what are now the 
limits of the State." 

The subject of this .sketch was a native of 
Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y , and was born Dec. 7, 
179-3. He came to Mackinaw in the summer of 
1815. He went to Creen Bay in July, 1816, 
and came to Prairie du Chien two months later. 
Ho filled the office of justice of the peace for a 
number of years. In the year 1831, he was ap- 
pointed associate justice of the county court of 
Crawford county, and held the ofKce until the 
court was abrogated. He died Aug. 24,1857. 

The early years of Mr. Lockwood's life being 
passed on a farm, he did not enjoy the advan- 
tages of a classical education, but his great 
innate abilities largely compensated for his 
lack of scholastic training, so that he was a man 
(if marked characteristics and extraordinary in- 
tellectual power. Judge Lockwood's wife, Mrs. 
Sarah Ann Lockwood, was born June 12, 1803, 
and died Feb. 12, 1877. 

Th.imas Pendleton Burnett, one of the very 
early practicing attorneys in Crawford county, 
was born in Pittsylvania Co., Va,, Sept. 3, 1800. 



392 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



In his early childhood his parents moved to 
Kentucky, where he was reared on a farm, with 
very meagre opportunities for obtaining an 
education. But having a taste and aspirations 
for the law he improved every facility to study, 
and in spite of poverty and lack of tutors, lie 
acquired an academic education, read law, was 
admitted to the bar, and engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession in Paris, Ky., where he 
was elected and served as district attorney. Mr. 
Burnett took an active part in politics during 
the presidential campaign between John Quincy 
Adams and Andrew Jackson, on the side of 
"Old Hickory." President Jackson afterwards 
recognized his services by appointing him sub- 
Indian agent, under the agency of J. M. Street, 
at Prairie du Chien, his appointment, dating 
Oct. 15, 1829. He arrived and entered upon 
the duties of his position in June, 1830, at a 
salary of S500 a year. Besides doing most of 
the active work of the agency he did some- 
thing in the law practice, by permission. 

In 1834 he severed his connected with the 
agency and devoted himself entirely to his pro- 
fession. In January, 1835, he was appointed 
district attorney for the counties of Crawford, 
Iowa, Dubuque and Des Moines, but resigned 
the office the following September. In October, 
1835, Mr. Burnett was elected a member of the 
Territorial Council of Michigan territory, 
■which was to meet at Green Bay, and was cho- 
sen its president. 

Upon the organization of Wisconsin territory 
in 1836, Mr. Burnett was appointed district at- 
torney for Crawford county, which he promptly 
declined u))on the receipt of his commission, in 
December, 1836. On the 29th of the same 
month he married Lucia M. Brunson, and the 
next spring moved to Cassville. Grant county. 
Upon the organization of the territorial supreme 
court Mr. Burnett was made reporter, and pub- 
lisheil his first report in 1841. He was elected 
to the General Assembly from Grant county in 
1844 ; was chosen a member of the first con- 
vention, and during its session wassummoned 



home to the bedside of his dying mother and 
his sick wife. He made the trip, eighty five 
miles, in a lumber wagon, in a day and night. 
His mother died November 1. The fatigue 
and exposure of the twenty-four hours' ride 
proved too much for Mr. Burnett, and he was 
taken violently ill, and he breathed his last on 
Nov. 5, 1846. His wife soon followed him 
only living three hours after his death. As a 
lawyer, Wisconsin has furnished few peers of 
Thomas Pendleton Burnett. He possessed a 
broad, analytical mind, and devoted his large 
capabilities and energies assiduously to his pro- 
fession. He first mastered his case, and then 
presented it with a clearness and logical force 
that carried conviction with his arguments. 

James B. Dallam came to Prairie du Chien in 
1827. He had been reading law before he 
came to Crawford county, but had not been ad- 
mitted to the bar. He engaged in clerking for 
a sutler in Fort Crawford, after his arrival in 
Prairie du Chien, and subsequently was sutler 
in Capt. Dead's company. He went to Florida 
and was killed there by the Indians. 

O. B. Thomas is the oldest member of the 
bar of Crawford county, now resident of the 
county, having been in practice here twenty-six 
years. Mr. Thomas is the son of John and Caro- 
line C. Thomas, and was born in Bennington 
Co., Vt., Aug. 21,1832. He came to Prairie du 
Chien when four years of age (1836) in company 
with his parents. He received his literary edu- 
cation at the common schools, and then took a 
regular course at the National Law School, of 
Poughkeepsie,N. Y.,and graduated in 1856. He 
returned to Prairie du Chien, and entered upon 
the practice of his profession in 1857. He raised 
a company for the late war and was commission- 
ed captain of company D. 31st regiment Wiscon- 
sin Volunteer Infantry, and served three 
years. During this time he was with his com- 
pany and regiment in all battles participated 
in by them. He was elected district attoiney 
of Crawford county, in an early day, was 
re-elected and served several terms. He was 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



393 



elected as a republican to represent Crawford 
county in the State Legislature and served 
during the years 1862-5-7. He was a presi- 
dential elector on the republican ticket in 
1S72. He was elected to the State senate 
for the term of 1880-1, and served on import- 
ant committees, was admitted to the supreme 
court of the State in 1860, and to the United 
States courts the same year. He lias an exten- 
sive practice throughout the State, and is justly 
ranked as one of the leading attorneys of Wis- 
consin. In 1876, he formed a law partnership 
with Mr C. S. Fuller, at Prairie duChien, under 
the firm name of Thomas & Fuller, which lias 
been continued to the present time. Mr. 
Thomas was married at Prairie du Chien in 
June, 1875 to Sarah, daughter of Samuel Rosen- 
cranlz. Mi's. Tliomas is a native of Giant 
county, Wisconsin. They have two children — 
John, aged four years, and Carrie, aged two 
yeari;. 

Charles Learned located in Prairie du Chien 
and commenced the practice of law in 18^8. 
After continuing in active practice a number 
of years, was appointed county judge, in which 
capacity he officiated eight years. After retir- 
ing from office he resumed his profession, and 
some years later removed to Dubuque, Iowa, 
and died there. 

P. R. Brace settled in Prairie du Chien about 
1839. He engaged in the practice of law a 
number of years in Crawford county, and sub- 
sequently removed up north, somewhere in Min- 
nesota, where he died not long after. 

D. G. Fenton settled in Prairie du Chien in 
1840 and commenced the practice of law. Sev- 
eral years afterwards he was elected clerk of 
the United States district and circuit territo- 
rial court, and held the office a number of years. 
He was subsequently elected county judge to 
succeed Learned. At the expiration of his 
first term he was re-elected, and died wliilt' in 
office. 

Leander Leclerc was . a French Canadian, 
who came from the Dominion and settled 



in Prairie du Chien in 1842. He brought a 
stock of goods with him, and engaged in the 
mercantile business several years after his arri- 
val. ILiving a partiality for the legal profes- 
sion he read law, and served a number of years 
as justice of the peace. In 1852 he was elected 
sheriff of Crawford county, serving one term 
of two years. Subsequently he devoted his at- 
tention to the practice of law. Mr. Leclerc was 
not a great lawyer, but he was a man of great 
industry and energy and worked into quite an 
extensive practice, especially in the lower courts. 
He married before leaving Canada, and had a 
family of three daughters and one son. lie 
died Sept. U, 1872. 

Wiram Knowlton, one of Wisconsin's emi- 
nent lawyers practiced first in Grant county, 
then in Crawford, In the chapter of this his- 
tory entitled "The Courts— Past and Present," 
will be found a more extended biographical 
iK)tice of Judge Knowlton. 

Buel E. Hutchinson, who held a prominent 
place in the bar of Crawford county for fifteen 
years, is a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y., born 
Nov. 26, 1829. He received an academic edu- 
cation, studied law and came west, settling in 
Prairie du Chien, Wis., in 1848, where he pur- 
^ued the practice of his profession until he re- 
moved to Madison, in 1863, save while in th« 
Legislature and in the army. He was elected 
district attorney for Crawford county in 1857 
for the term of two years. He was elected to 
the General Assembly of Wisconsin in 1857 
and to the State Senate from the thirtieth dis- 
trict in 1860-1. 

In August, 1861, Mr. Hutchinson entered the 
army as commissary, with the rank of captain, 
and remained in the service with Gen's. Curtis 
and Steele's commands until September, 1863. 
Since that time he has resided in Madison; and, 
in 1879, represented the capital county in the 
Legislature, being elected by a large majority 
over two competitors, a democrat and a green- 
backer. He is now (1884) receiver in the land 
office at Aberdeen, Dak. 



394 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Wiliard Merrill arrived in Crawford county 
in 1856, and in July of that year settled down to 
the practice of law as a partner of Buel E. 
Hutchinson. Mr. Merrill was born at Rome, 
N. Y., Jan. 16, 18-31. He was graduated from 
Amherst College, in Massachusetts, in 1854, and 
studied law at the Poughkeepsie law school. 
He was admitted to practice in the supreme 
court at Watertown, April 1, 1856. He came 
to Prairie du Chien shortly afterward, and dur- 
ing the succeeding four years struggled man- 
fully to place himself among the prominent at- 
torneys of Crawford county. In April, 1860, 
he removed to Janesville, Wis., and opened a 
law office, where he continued to practice until 
his removal to Milwaukee in Jan. 1873. He 
was a member of the lower branch of the State 
Legislature in 1871. In the fall of 1870, and 
after his election to the Assembly, he was ap- 
pointment a member of the joint-Legislative 
committee, whose duty it was to visit and ex- 
amine into the condition of the penal and be- 
nevolent institutions of the State In the spring 
of 1871, he was appointed a member of the 
State board of charities and reform, which po- 
sition he satisfactorily filled until 1874, when 
business matters prevented the proper discharge 
of his duties on the board, and he resigned. On 
Jan. 1, 1868, he had formed a law partnership 
with Hon. J. B. Cassoday, now associate justice 
on the bench of the supreme court. This part- 
nership continued until his removal to Milwau- 
kee in January, 1873. He then accepted the posi- 
tion of secretary to the Northwestern Mutual 
Life Insurance Company, which office he tilled 
until his promotion, in December, 1881, to the 
position of superintendent of the agencies. In 
the summer of 1880 Mr. Merrill was elected 
president of the Amherst College Allumni As- 
sociation, and presided at their annual meeting 
during commencement week, on the 30th of 
June, 1880. He is at present a trustee of Ripon 
College, of Wisconsin, also filling similar posi- 
tions on the official board of the Milwaukee 
Female College and the University of Milwau- 



kee, the latter of which is struggling to rise 
from its its inceptive limits. Mr. Merrill has 
been a member of the Presbyterian denomina- 
tion for the past thirty years, and politically is 
a radical republican. While practicing at the 
bar, his legal talents were unquestioned, and as 
an advocate he was able and meritorious. His 
gentlemanly qualifications endear him to a ho>t 
of friends, and, to use his own expression, "my 
life has been uneventful, but very pleasant." 

Hiram A. Wright was admitted to the bar uf 
Crawford county, after examination, on May 
6, 1851. 

Benjamin Bull came from Grant Co , Wis., 
and settled in Prairie du Chien in 185-2, at once 
engaging in the practice. of law. He was 
actively connected with the bar of Crawford 
county a quarter of a century. Mr Bull was a 
native of Virginia, born in Harper's Ferry, Jan. 
1, 1798. He came with his parents to Xenia, 
Ohio, was there educated, and rea<l law and 
was admitted to the bar. In 1824, lie went to 
Martinsville, Ind., and remained there until 
1818, most of the time in active practice. He 
took somewhat of an active part in politics as a 
member of the old whig party, and held several 
local offices among which was probate judge. 
Coming west, he settled a few months in Mineral 
Point, then went to Grant county, practised 
law as a partner with Col. A. Cobb, while there, 
and from thence removed to Prairie du Chien. 
Mr. Bull was elected to the State senate from 
this district in 1865, and served two years in 
that body. He continued to ply himself to his 
profession until his death, Jan. 23, 1879. He 
married Miss Elenor Garrison, in Indiana. 
They were the parents of ten children, four of 
whom are residents of Crawford county. 

Daniel H. Johnson located in Prairif du Chien 
about 1845, a young man fresh from an Illinois 
college, and engaged in teaching school, and 
studying law in the meantime. When prepared 
to pass an examination he was admitted to the 
bar in Crawford county, and commenced the 
practice of law. Some time previous to 185t he 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



S95 



began writing articles for the columns of tlie 
Prairie du Chien Courier, and in that year he 
purchased au interest in the paper, and assumed 
the editorship of it during his connection with 
it, which only continued a year or two. lie 
carried on the practice of his profession at the 
same time and, being a man of remarkably re- 
tentive memory and extraordinary innate ability, 
he soon attained a prominent place in the bar of 
the county. In 1860-61 he was a member of 
the General Assembly from Crawford county, 
and daring the war was appointed assistant 
attorney general of Wisconsin. Mr. Johnson 
moved to Milwaukee soon after the war closed, 
where he still resides and pursues his profession. 
He has filled several city offices, among them 
city attorney, and represented that city in the 
Legislature in 1867-8 and iu 1870-1. He ranks 
among the first lawyers of the State. 

Jeremiah N. Kast was admitted to practice 
as an attorney in 1878, and resides at Bell 
Center. He has been a resident of Haney town- 
ship since 1832. He was born in Medina Co., 
Ohio, Dec. 2, 1834. He moved with his father. 
Chancy Kast, to Scott township, Feb. 8, 1850. 
He enlisted Aug. 18, 1862, in company D, 31st 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until 
December, 1863, when he was discharged for 
disability. He was severely injured while in 
the war, losing three fingers of his left hand. 
Mr. Kast has been twice chairman of the town- 
ship board, and has served fifteen years as jus- 
tice of the peace. In 1868 he turned his atten- 
tion to the study of law, and was adraitlod to 
the bar at Prairie du Chien in 187S. He has 
been engaged in practice since that time. Mr. 
Kast has been married three limes. His first 
wife was Elcndar Jane Webb, to whom he was 
married March 23, 1853. She was a daughter 
of Peter M. Webb, and born in Illinois in 1831. 
She died June 20, 1874. His second wife was 
Jilary L. Stantorf, also born in Illinois, in 1856. 
She died Oct. 30, 1878. His present wife was 
Emily Hrickner, born in Ilaney township, in 
1856. Mr. Kast bad twelve children by his 



first wife; two by his second marriage, and a 
son and daughter by his present wife. 

Andrew C. Phillips came from Maine, his 
native State, to Prairie du Chien, in about 1855, 
and practiced in the courts of- Crawford county 
until 1857, when he returned to Maine, after 
tt Inch he was appointed United States consul 
to Fort Erie, Canada. He since came west 
again, and now lives in Sioux Falls, Dak. 

John Johnston settled in Prairie du Chien, 
and practiced law several years along in the 
fifties. He was a man of fine education and 
abilities, but of a modest and retiring disposi- 
tion, which operated somewhat against his suc- 
cess as a lawyer. He moved south somewhere 
in Illinois, and report says he abandoned the 
law and entered the ministry. 

Walter R. Bullock, a nephew of Gen. J. C. 
Breckenridge, came from Kentucky to Prairie 
du Ciiien in 1856, and, entering into partner- 
ship with D. H. Johnson and B. T. Hunt, under 
the firm name of Johnson, Bullock & Hunt, 
opened a law office. He continued in practice 
until 1860, when he went south and entered the 
confederate army and was made an aid-de-camp 
on Gen. Breckenridge's military staff. After 
the close of the war he settled in the city of 
Baltimore, and there practiced law till his 
death, which occurred several years ago. 

A. V. Blair, a New York State man, located 
in Prairie du Chien in the practice of law about 
1856, and remained there some five years. He 
was a very fluent talker, but only a fair lawyer. 
Prior to the beginning of the war he moved 
away, and from the best information obtainable 
went off south. Sometime along in the fifties, 
while he was practicing law in Prairie du Chien, 
a band of river pirates traveled up and down 
the Mississippi, having their ow-n boats, robbing 
and pillaging the towns along its course. 
Among the places visited by the marauders was 
Prairie du Chien, where considerable properly 
Was stolen. The citizens of the place, and 
other towns in the vicinity to which the thieves 
had paid nocturnal visits, were greatly excited 



396 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



and indignant over the matter, and banding to- 
gether for tlie purpose, hunted down and ar- 
rested some twenty-five of the supposed mem- 
bers of the gang of outlaws. The prisoners 
were brought to Prairie du Chien. An im- 
promptu court was organized, a jury summoned, 
and tliey were tried; and, although there was 
no evidence showing the guilt of the prisoners, 
about a dozen of the most suspicious characters 
among them were convicted, on general princi- 
ples, and sentenced by the court to castigation 
of from five to twenty-five blows upon their 
naked backs, and to have their heads shaved. 
The verdict of the mock court was promptly 
executed by the excited mob, which numbered 
nearly 1,000 men. One desperate fellow 
of the gang of culprits Svvore he would burn 
the town of Prairie du Chien, and would wreak 
his vengeance upon the citizens. Mr. Blair 
had been i)rominent in the whole transaction, 
and acted as attorney for the prosecution in the 
trial. He treasured up the threat of the des- 
perado, and so firmly believed it would be car- 
ried outjthat he repeatedly told Mr.O. B.Thomas 
and others he was almost afraid to go out upon 
the streets after nightfall, lest he should hv 
assassinated. Mr. Thomas, who has a keen .ap- 
preciation of a good joke, thought he would 
test Mr. Blair's courage. Their oftices, in 
which they slept, joined, and one dark night, 
quite late, Mr. Thomas slipped out of the back 
door and procuring a heavy billet of wood, 
slammed ii against Blair's rear door, shouting 
at the same time, in disguised voice to Blair, to 
come forth; that he had come to be avenged for 
his punishment received at the hands of the 
mob in which he — Blair — was so prominent an 
actor, and the next breath began to give orders 
to his imaginary comrades to surround the 
building. Blair was so terribly frightened that 
notwithstanding he had two loaded guns in his 
room for self protection, as he had boasted, he 
bounded out of bed with a scream, and, without 
stopping to investigate or to even put on a sin- 
gle additional article of clothing, rushed out of 



the front door and down stairs, and, hatless, 
pantless and shoeless ran for dear life, never 
halting till he reached the residence of Mr. 
Thomas' father, several blocks distant. There 
he related his blood-curdling experience and 
hair-breadth escape from the midnight assas- 
sins. The senior Thomas dressed himself, 
and, arming themselves to the teeth, he and Blair 
returned to investigate the whereabouts of the 
would-be murderers. Meantime young Thomas 
quietly returned to his room, and when aroused 
by his father and Blair from a feigned sound 
sleep, he affected great surprise at what had 
passed, and sympathized deeply with the vic- 
tim of the burglarious attack. Thomas never 
let the joke out until after Blair left the place. 
B. T. Hunt was a native of Ohio, and though 
a man of limited education, he possessed groat 
natural powers and resources which earned 
for him a high rank as a lawyer. As an 
advocate his arguments were logical and con- 
vincing, and his eloquence, which was of 
the Tom Corwin s yie, captivating and irresisti- 
ble. Mr. Hunt came to Prairie du Chien, and 
began the practice of law, as a member of the 
lirm of Johnson, Bullock, & Hunt, in 1857, and 
after remaining three years, he removed to 
Elkader, Clayton Co., Iowa, in I860. He was 
there elected circuit judge, and filled the office 
one term, after which he resumed the legal 
profession until his death, several years ago. 

Kufus King located in Prairie du Chien and 
began the practice of law in the courts of Craw- 
ford county in 18.57, and continued until the 
War of the Rebellion broke out. He then cr- 
tered the army as quartermaster of the 31st 
regiment of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 
serving through the war. Soon after returning 
home, he went to Chicago, and is still praelic- 
iny his profession in that city. Mr. King is an 
amiable gentleman and a lawyer of clover 
ability. 

Edward Lowry, who was one of the most bril- 
liant lawyers ever connected with the bar ot 
Crawford county, was a native of Vermont, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



397 



from whence he emigrated to Wisconsin and 
settled in Lancaster, where he engaged in the 
practice of law some ten or twelve years, at the 
end of which time he removed to Priiirie dii 
Chien, about 1860. After practicing his pro- 
fession some three or four years, he recruited a 
company of voluntears and went into tlie army 
as its captain. While in the service he con- 
tracted a disease from the effect of wliicli he died 
soon after coming home. His family now reside 
in Lancaster, Wis., wliere one of Ids sons is 
engaged in the law practice. 

Daniel Webster settled here in 1860. He 
was born Sept, 4, 1^44, in McGrawville, Cort- 
land Co., N. Y ., and is the son of Mansel and 
Lucinda Webster. In 1851 he removed with 
his parents to Galena, 111., where 1 e spent his 
boyluiod days. In 1857 he went to Allamakee 
Co., Iowa, where he began the study of law. 
In 18()ii he came to Prairie du Chien, pursuing 
his studies there, lie enlisted in May, 1864, in 
in company C, l:}4tli regiment Illinois Volun- 
teers, 100 day service, and served the term of 
enlistment. On his return from the war Mr. 
Webster resumed his law studies, being ad- 
mitted, in 1868, to practice in the circuit court 
of Crawford Co., Wis., in 1871 to the district 
and circuit courts of Iowa, and, in 1882, to tlie 
supreme court of Wisconsin. In 1876 Mr. Web- 
ster formed a partnership with his brother, M. 
.VI. Webster, for the practice of law, which 
partnershi]) continued until the death of liis 
brother, which occurred Oct. 16, 1881. Mr. 
Webster has since continued the practice alone. 
He was elected police justice of the city of 
Prairie (111 Chien in 1880 and 1881, being re- 
tilectrd in IS'^:!. Mr. Webster was married 
April l:i, ISTI, to Maggie, daugter of William 
Dunlap, born in Pittsburgh, Penn. They have 
had four childien, three of whom are living — 
Gertrude, aged eleven years ; Maud, aged five 
years; and Daniel Jr. Edith died in infancy. 

L. F. S. Viele came in 1862. He is a son of 
Sie])hen S. and Caroline Mary (Lum) Viele, and 
was born in Seneca Falls, N. Y. He received 



his education at Seneca Falls academy and at 
Hamilton College, and was preceptor of Seneca 
Falls academy. He studied law in his father's 
office, at Seneca Falls, and on admission to the 
bar entered into partnership with him in the 
jiraetice of law. Mr. Viele went to Boscobel, 
Wis., in February, 1862, where he opened 
a law office, continuing in practice until October 
of that year at which time he came to 
Prairie du Chien, and established himself 
in practice at this place. He was elected 
district attorney of Crawford county in the fall 
of IS62, and served from January,l 86.3, to Janu- 
ary, ]8'i5. In April, 1865, he was elected jus- 
tice of the peace, being re-elected each term 
since and having served in that capacity eigh- 
teen years. The greater part of that time he 
has held the offices of notary, circuit court com- 
missioner, and United States court commis- 
sioner. In 1867, in addition to his legal 
business, he accepted the agency of certain in- 
surance companies, both fire and life, and has 
worked up an extensive business in both, and is 
a thorough business man in every sense of the 
term. 

Dealton Tichnor lived and practiced law in 
the justice's courts in Lyn.wille, in Crawford 
county, but never practiced in the higher courts. 
lie went into the army during the late war, 
and died there. 

William Dutcher located in Prairie du Chien, 
in the practice of law, in 186.'!, and was an active 
member of the Crawford county bar for about 
twelve years. During his residence here he 
filled a number of local offices; was elected dis- 
trict attorney to fill a vacancy, and re-elected 
for a full term. He moved to Boscobel, Grant 
county, a number of years ago, where he is still 
practising law as a member of the firm of 
Brooks & Dutcher. Mr. Dutcher is a fine 
lawyer, and a very genial, companionable man. 
He possesses such a keen sense of the ludicrous 
and his mental composition so bubbles over 
with humor, that he never loses an opportunity 
to play a joke on his best friend, not even 



398 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



allowing his own family to escape. His co- 
practitioners at the bar relate many very laiigli- 
able anecdotes of contests of wit, in which his 
antagonist generally came out second best. 

Joseph Wilcox came to Prairie du Ciiien 
about 1865, and practiced law two or three 
years, and was elected district attorney, but 
resigned and moved away before his term of 
office expired, because of charges of corruption 
in office. He subsequently settled somewhere 
in Iowa. 

David Noggle moved to Prairie du Chien 
fmm Janesville, Wis., in 1S65, and practiced 
law in Crawford county two years, at the end of 
which time he removed back to Janesville, and 
was soon after appointed United States district 
judge of the territory of Idaho. His health 
failed under the exposure of frontier life and 
the duties of his office, and he resigned, and 
returned to Janesville, but lie never rallied, and 
died with softening of the brain a year or two 
after coming back to Wisconsin. Judge Noggle 
possessed a large and powerful physique and a 
massive brain; and, although he had but a 
limited literary education, he was a brilliant 
orator and a very able advocate. He was a 
man of strong impulses and decided convictions, 
and hence was a steadfast friend and a bitter 
enemy. 

Peter D.iyle was born at Myshall, county Car- 
low, Ireland, Dec. 8, 1844. When he was 
six years old his parents came to the State of 
Wisconsin and settled at Franklin, Milwaukee 
county, his father engaging at first in farming 
and afterward in mercantile pursuits. He also 
held several local offices. Mr. Doyle's first les- 
sons were received at home; and at the com- 
mon school in Franklin he acquired a know- 
ledge of the ordinary English branches. Sub- 
sequently he pursued a collegiate course. He 
spent a short time in the office of the clerk of 
the United States district court in Milwaukee, 
and in 1863 entered in the law office of Butler 
tfc Cottrill in that city, intending to make law 
his profession. Having spent about two years 



in the study of law, Mr. Doyle taught school for 
a short time inMilwaukee, and then, havingbeen 
offered an acceptable position in a railway office 
at Prairie du Chien, removed to that place in 
July, 1865, witii the intention of remaining there 
for awhile and then resuming legal studies Busi- 
ness arrangements at Prairie du Chien, however, 
proving satisfactory, he continued there until 
his election as secretary of State in 1873. 

In the spring of 1872 the subject of this 
sketch was nominated by the democratic city 
convention as first mayor of the city of Prairie 
du Chien, but he declined to accept, not desir- 
ing to enter political life. In the fall of the 
same year he was elected to the Assembly from 
Crawford county, and in the Legislature of 1873 
took an active part in the discussion of manj-of 
the important measures of the session. In Sep- 
tember of the same year he was nominated for 
the position of secretary of State by the reform 
convention held in Milwaukee, and was elected 
at the ensuing election. In November, 1875, he 
was re-elected. 

The Milwaukee JVcios, one of the leading pa- 
pers of the State, in refering to his re-election, 
and the manner in which he had performed the 
duties of his office, used the following language. 
"No man has ever occupied the department 
of the secretary of the State, who has displayed 
a better knowledge of its duties, or greater 
ability and honesty in their discharge, than have 
characterized the Hon. Peter Doyle. Though 
comparatively a young man, being but a little 
over thirty years of age, he shows a maturity 
and wisdom in his action upon public affairs 
which give the impression of his being a much 
older man than he really is; and his official con- 
duct has the discretion, the dignity and sobriety 
which belong to advanced years. He is a 
thorough mill of business, a well read law}er, 
and a scholar of ripe acquirements. He is 
really one of the ablest men in public life in 
the State. His reports and the part which he 
has taken in the administration of the State 
finances are evidences of the thorouffh fitness 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



399 



and great capacity which he brought into the 
office. The rigor with wliicli lie discharges all 
the duties which the law |ilaccs u])on him, aiul 
the lalxirious care which he bestows on not only 
the larger, but the minor details of business, 
are such as have not been surpassed even by the 
most industrious and experienced of his prede- 
cessors. 

Politically, Mr. Doyle is a democrat, but is 
liberal in his views, making party interests sub- 
ordinate to those of the State and country. He 
first engaged actively in political affairs after 
the nomination of Horace Greeley for the pres- 
idency in 1S72, and worked untiringly in his 
behalf. He favors the largest degree of per- 
sonal liberty consistent with the welfare of so- 
ciety, and is strenuously opposed to interference 
by the State in matters pertaining to individual 
right or private conscience. 

In religion, Mr. Doyle is a Catholic, this 
having been ilie faith of liis parents. 

Mr. Doyle is ujiwaid of six feet in height, 
of well develojied form, ;ind is capable of en- 
during ranch physical and mental labor. He is 
dignified in appearance and deportment, but is 
modest and unassuming, and has a high appre- 
ciation of real merit. He deliberates carefully 
and acts with promptness, energy and decision. 
Sincere and honest in his convictions, and earnest 
in the advocac}- of his principles, he looks only 
to that which he believes to be right, disregard- 
ing mere exjiediency. He is a forcible writer 
and speaker, is clear in his views, logical in ar- 
gument, and classical in style. He is fond of 
poetry, and is familiar with many of the woiks 
of the English and German poets, as well as the 
ancient classical authors. He appreciates highly 
the society of literary friends, and devotes his 
leisure hours maiidy to literary pursuits. He 
is unmarried." Mr. Doyle, though a resident of 
Prairie du Chieii since 1865, and a member of 
the Wisconsin bar has never been an active 
pra -titioner in the profession. 

Andrew Huntington came to Prairie du Chien 
in 1S05, and forming a partnership with David 



Noggle, began the practice of law. After two 
years of active connection with the 'Crawford 
county bar, he left here, and after some changes 
finally settled in Green Bay, and is there prac- 
ticing his profession. Mr. Huntington is an 
estimable gentleman and a brilliant lawyer, 
ranking among the first of the bar in the State. 
Thomas L. Redlon settled at Uelle Center, 
Crawford county, and commenced the practice 
of law immediately after the close of the late 
civil war, he having been in the United States ser- 
vice. He remained and practiced some eight or 
ten years. 

Myron Mansel Webster, was a New York 
State man, born in McGrawville, Jan. 18, 18.36, 
where he received his early education. In 
youth he came west and studied law with H. M. 
iAIcGinnis, at Galena, 111., and was admitted to 
the bar at the district court in Allamakee, Iowa, 
in .July 1857, and later to the snpreme court of 
Iowa. After ten years of active practice in 
Allamakee, Mr. Webster moved to Prairie du 
Chien, arriving Nov. 1, 1867. He was soon after 
admitted to the bar of Crawford county, and to 
practice in the State and United States courts. 
He devoted himself studiously to his profession 
until hi-* death in October, 1881. In profession- 
al life Mr. Webster was a pain.s-taking, ener- 
getic and conscientious attorney, and was one 
of the ablest and brightest lawyers ever con- 
nected with the Crawford couiUy bar. Socially 
and in business life he was a man of irreproach- 
able character, and hence commanded the re- 
spect and esteem of all who knew him. At a 
meeting of the Crawford c<ninty bar, held for 
the purpose, soon after his decease, reso- 
lutions were passed embodying very flatteritig 
encomiums on his life and character. These 
were spread upon the court recordsand publish- 
in the local press. 

S. S. Ferrell was admitted to the bar of 
Crawford county, in 1871, on examination by a 
committee consisting of Wm. Dutcher, O. B. 
Thomas and G. C. Hazleton. Mr. Ferrell read 



400 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



law ill Iowa county. He has never practiced liis 
profession. His biography will be found in 
another chapter. He resides in Marietta. 

J. N. Kast was born in Medina, Medina Co., 
Ohio, Dec. ii, 1833. He was educated in the 
place of his birth. Mr. Kast was admitted to 
the bar in Crawford county at the November 
term of the circuit court, 1871, and has practiced 
in the courts of this county. Grant, Richland, 
Vernon and Iowa counties. He resides at 
Belle Center. 

Hon. Charles S. Fuller, county judj^e of 
Crawford county, and a member of the firm of 
Thomas & Fidler, attorneys at law, is the son of 
Cliarles and Celestia Fuller. He was born in 
Crawford Co., Penn., June 30, 1849. When 
four yeans of age he came to Wisconsin with 
liis parents, locating in Dane county. He was 
educated at tiie State University at Madison, 
and graduated from the law department in June, 
1875. He soon after came to Prairie du Chien, 
and after six months' practice formed a law 
partnership with O. B. 'I'homas, one of the lead- 
ing lawyers of the State, under the firm name 
of Thomas & Fuller. This connection has con- 
tinued for seven years. Thomas & Fuller have 
a practice extending throughout the State and 
in the higher courts. Mr. Fuller is the present 
efficient superintendent of city schools, having 
been elected to that office in July, 1883. He 
was married in Witidsor, Dane, Co., Wis., June 
19, 1877, to Clara, daughter of Edward Esponett. 
She was born in Alton, 111. They have tiiree 
children, two boys and one girl — Ada S., Her- 
bert S. .and Charles E. On Sept. 1, 18S3, Mr. 
Fuller was appointed by Gov. Rusk county 
judge of Crawford county, to succeed Judge Ira 
B. Brunson, deceased, and now occcpics that 
position. 

J. B. Walton, of Wheatville, is an ETiglish- 
man by nativity, born in Birmingham in 18'2G, 
and there received a common school education. 
After emigrating to this country he studied 
law in Madison, Wis.; was admitted to the bar 
in the circuit court of Crawford county in 1877, 



in Prairie du Chien. In 1868 and 1869 he held 
the office of county surveyor in Crawford 
county. In 1876 and 1877 he served as deputy 
clerk of the circuit court, and in 1877 filled the 
office of court commissioner. 

Alpheus E. Frank studied law and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in Crawford county in 1875. 
He opened a law office in Prairie du Chien and 
commenced practice. The following fall he was 
elected district attorney and served one term 
of two years. Soon after his retirement from 
that office he moved to I'eadwood, Dik., where 
he still resides, engaged in the practice of his 
profession. 

George Mills, son of ex-Judge Joseph T. 
Mills, of Lancaster, Wis., located in Praire du 
Chien about 1875. He was an active member 
of the Crawford county bar until 1880, and 
then went to Lake City, Col., where he is pursu- 
ing his profession. 

William H. Evans, district attorney of Craw- 
ford county, has resided here since 1877. He is 
a native of Petersburg, Va., born Nov. 3, 1842, 
and the son of Joseph and Mary (Hall) Evans. 
His father was a mechanic, and, in pursuit of 
more favorable locations for business, changed 
his residence from time to time to several of 
the larger cities in the south and west. Wil- 
liam H. received a common school education, 
and in 1860 came to Clayton, Crawford Co., 
Wis. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in com- 
pany D, 31st Wisconsin Infantry. He received 
a gunshot wound in a skirmish before Atlanta, 
.July 3 ', 1864, but continued in the service 
until the expiration of his term of enlistment. 
He began the study of law at Clayton, Wis., 
and was admitted to the bar in the circuit court 
at Piairie du Chien, in May, 1873. He piac- 
ticed law at Clayton with marked success until 
Januiry, 1877, when, having been elected 
district attorney at the preceding election, 
he removed to Prairie du Chien, the better to 
discharge the duties of his office. Mr. Evans 
has been elected to the same office three times 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



401 



since, and is now serving his fourth term. He 
was elected, on the democratic ticket, to repre- 
sent Crawford county in the General Assembly 
of 1873-4. He has won his way into the front 
ranks of his profession in the county, and now 
enjoys a lucrative practice. Mr. Evans was 
married in May, IseY, at Rising Sun, Wis., to 
Mary J., daughter of Michael and Catharine 
Flannagan. She was born in Ireland, emigrat- 
ing to the United States, with her parents, in 
childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have seven 
children, five sons and two daughters — Joseph 
P., William M., Frederick J., Mary E., Francis, 
Catharine E. and Charles P. 

Ct. L. Miller, attorney at law and collection 
agent, De Soto, Wis., was born in Steuben Co., 
Ind., March 28, 1848. He completed his lit- 
erary education at the Wisconsin State Uni- 
versity ; read law and was admitted to the bar 
in 1877, since which time he has been practic- 
ing in Crawford and Vernon counties Mr. 
Miller was elected county superintendent of 
schools of Crawford county in 1876, serving 
two years. In 1882 he was elected sergeant- 
at-arms of the house in the Wisconsin General 
Assembly. 

T. R. Ward is a resident of Soldiers' Grove, 
Clayton town, and has been engaged in tlie 
law practice since May, 1878, wliich was the 
date of his admission to the bar, by Judge 
Colhren, in Prairie du Chien. Mr. Ward was 
elected justice of the peace in 1877, and cho.'ien 
town clerk in 1878. He was born in Rockford, 
111., Sept. 8, 1853. 

S. C. McClure, of the town of Eastman, has 
been admitted to the bar of Crawford countv ; 
80, also, M. E. Norris, of the city of Prairie du 
Chien. 

Prof Thomas Nyhan practiced law in Prai- 
rie du Chien for some time ; but afterward re- 
moved out of the county. 

PRESENT COUNTT OFFICIALS. 

Charles H. Speck, register of deeds of Craw- 
ford couTity, is the son of Frederick and Louisa 
Speck, and was born Oct. 9, 1854, in Milwaukee, 



Wis. He came with his parents to Crawford 
county in 1860, who settled in Eastman town- 
ship, where Charles H. was reared on a farm. 
In 1876, while feeding a threshing machine, 
his right arm was drawn into the cylinder and 
crushed nearly to the elbow, causing amputa- 
tion of the arm. In 1878 he engaged in the 
insurance business, also dealing in farm machin- 
ery. He was elected town clerk of East- 
man, and served three years. In the fall of 
1880, Mr. Speck was elected for the term begin- 
ning Jan. 1, 1881, to his present office, and be- 
ing re-elected in the fall of 1882, is now serving 
his second term. Mr. Speck was married in 
Eastman, Oct. 1, 1878, to Charlotte, daughter of 
Mark Ingle, born in Canada. They have two 
children — Benjamin F. and Ettie L. 

Alexander M. Beach, sheriff of Crawford Co., 
Wis., is the son of Justus and Salina (Borah) 
Beach, and was born Oct. 1, 1834, in Wayne 
Co., 111. He was reared on a farm. When 
twenty years of age he came to Wisconsin, 
spending throe years in various localities in the 
State; after which lie settled on a farm in East- 
man township, this county, and engaged in 
farming. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in 
company F, 8th regiment, Wisconsin Volun- 
teers, known as the "Live Eagle" regiment. He 
was promoted to first sergeant of liis companv, 
serving three years and one month. During 
that time he engaged in all the battles and 
skirmishes in which his regiment took part, 
including twelve battles and twenty-five minor 
engagements and skirmishes. His service was 
in the western army under Gen's. Grant and 
Sherman. On his return from the army Mr. 
Beach resumed farming at the old place, in 
Eastman town, continuing until 1868, when 
he sold out and engaged in merchandizing at 
Eastman. In the fall of 1882 he was elected 
sheriff of Crawford county, and moved to Prai- 
rie du Ciiien, entering upon the duties of his 
office Jan. 1, 1883. On Jan. 1st, 1884, he be- 
came a partner in the printing and publishing 
business of the Prairie du Chien Union, by pur- 



402 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



chase of the business interest of Mr. T. W. 
Lacy. Mr. Beach was married Sept. 28, 1858, 
to Angeline, daughter of John Ellis. She is 
a native of Maine. They have had three chil- 
dren— E. J., Nettie and H. Walter. 

Aaron Denio, clerk of Crawford county, and 
son of Aaron and Sarah (Fitzgerald) Denio, 
was born Jan. 9, 1825, in Grand Isle Co , Vt. 
When twelve years of age he removed with his 
parents to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he 
was brought up on a farm. He pursued the 
occupation of a farmer in the summer, and 
taught school during the winter months, until 
1855, when he removed to Pra'rie du Chien, 
Wis. He was here employed as a teacher, and 
subsequently as a clerk in a forwarding and 
commission house. Mr. Denio enlisted Aug. 
)1, 1862, in company D, ;i 1st regiment, Wiscon- 
sin Volunteer Infantry. Before leaving the 
State, he was appointed commissary sergeant, 
and was subsequently made quarter-master ser- 
geant, serving three years, t 'n his return from 
the war he was employed for three years and a 
half as clerk in the county treasurer's office. 
In 1870 he was elected county treasurer, re-elect- 
ed in 18/2 and 1874, defeated in 1876 and again 
elected in 1878, serving 1879 and 1880. In 1882 
he was elected to the office he now holds, for 
the term of 1883 and 1884. Mr. Denio, although 
a rc])ul)lican in politics, has been elected in a 
democrntic county with very flattering majori- 
ties, lie was married in St. Lawrence Co., N. 
Y., Jan. 8, 1853, to Melinda Fitzgerald. Two 
children were born to them — Mary Adell and 
William A. Mrs. Denio died in April, 1875. 
Mr. Denio married, Dec 1, 1879, in Franklin 
county, Mrs. Salena A. Matthews, widow of 
Andrew Matthews, and daughter of Francis 
Ncvin. Mrs. Denio was born in St. Lawrence 
Co., N. Y. 

Henry Otto, treasurer of Crawford county, 
ami mayor of the city of Prairie du Chien, was 
born in Rhine-province, Bavaria, Feb. 97, 
18-31 . He is the son of Peter and Sarah Otto, 
being educated in Bavaria, and learning the 



carpenter trade. He emigrated to the L^nited 
States in 1849, locating at Cleveland, Ohio, 
where he spent four years working at his trade. 
He then returned to his native country, remain- 
ing but one year, and in 1854, returning to 
Cleveland. In 1855 he came to Prairie du 
Chien, Wis., and the following year, April, 
1856, was married to Anna B., daughter of 
Phillip Hoffman, born in Monroe county, Illi- 
nois. Immediately after marriage Mr. Otto en- 
gaged in hotel keeping at Prairie du Chien, 
which business he continued until May, 1882. 
Mr. Otto served several years as alderman and 
as a member of the school board. In 1880 he 
was elected treasurer of Crawford count)-, 
served one term of two years, was re-elected in 
1882, and is now serving his second term. lie 
was elected mayor of the city of Prairie du 
Chien at the municipal election of 1883. Mr. 
and Mrs. Otto have had nine <'hildren, six of 
whom are living — Henry, August M., Annie F. 
E., Emma P., Ottilie and Nettie. Phillipina 
died, aged five years; George P. died, aged one 
year; Sarah died aged three years. 

Will G. Campbell, clerk of the circuit court 
of Crawford county, is a son of Peter and Isa- 
bella Campbell, and was born near Lancaster, 
Grant Co., Wis., Jan. 27, 1856. His parents 
are natives of Scotland and emigrated to 
American in 185!. The father was of high- 
land and the mother of lowland birth. Will G. 
was raised on his father's farm and was edu- 
cated at the Boscobel High School, completing 
the course of studies in that institution. He 
began teaching when quite young, and has 
taught sixteen terms, all within an area of three 
townships of Crawford county. He came to 
Crawford county with his parents in 1857, who 
located in Marietta township Mr. Campbell 
was elected to the office of town clerk — the 
first time when just of age — four terms; town 
treasurer one term, and on the 7th of November, 
1882, he was elected by the democrats to the 
office which he now holds. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



403 



CHAPTER XVIJI. 



RAILROADS. 



In 1816 the frontiers of the United States 
settlements had been extended into Michigan, 
Illinois, and Missouri, while Prairie du Chien 
was its most distant military outpost. This re- 
mote village was brought into communication 
with approaching civilization by the agents of 
the American fur company from the way of the 
lakes, and by military transportation from the 
way of St. Louis. Canoes or keel boats, pur- 
sued these ways at long intervals, yet with some 
degree of regularity, and this intercourse, slight 
as it was in comparison with modern con- 
nections by steam and rail, was sufficient to 
draw hither a few Americans for purposes of 
trade, or in discharge of some United States 
agency in connection with Indian or military 
affairs. The arrival of the first steamboat in- 
augurated a new era in commercial affairs and 
the building of roads in various directions tend- 
ed to increase trade and traffic at this point. 
Hut the multiplication of steamboats and roads 
did not satisfy the demands of the public for 
cheap and rapid transit. Railroads began to be 
looked upon as a necessity, and a line that 
should connect Lake Michigan with the Missis- 
sippi as particularly desirable. 

THE MILWAUKEE AND MISSISSIPPI EAII.KOAD. 

Between the years 1838 and 1841, the territo- 
rial Legislature of Wisconsin chartered several 
railroad companies, V)ut with the exception of 
the ''Milwaukee «& Waukesha Railroad Compa- 
ny," incorporated in 1847, none of the c irpora- 
tions thus created look any particular shape. 
The commissioners named in its charter met 
Nov. 23, 1847, and elected a president. Dr. L. 



W. Weeks, and a secretary, A. W. Randall 
(afterward governor of Wisconsin). On the 
first Monday of February, 1848, they opened 
books for subscription. The charter of the com- 
pany provided that $100,000 should be sub- 
scribed and five per cent, thereof paid in before 
the company should fully organize as a corpora- 
tion. The country was new. There were plenty 
of active, energetic men, but money to build 
railroads was scarce, and not until April 5, 1849, 
was the necessary subsciption raised and per- 
centage paid. A board of directors was elected 
on the 10th day of May, and Byron Kilhourne 
chosen president. The charter had been pre- 
viously amended, in 1848, authorizing the com- 
pany to build a road to the Mississippi river, in 
Grant county, and in 1850, its name was changed 
to the "Milwaukee & Missi8sij)pi Railroad Com- 
pany." After the company was fully organized, 
active measures were taken to push the enter- 
prise forward to completion. The city of Mil- 
kaukee loaned its credit, and in 1851 the pioneer 
Wisconsin railroad reached Waukesha twenty 
miles out from Milwaukee. In the spring of 
1852, Edward II. Broadhcad, a prominentengin- 
eer from the state of New York, was put in 
charge of the work as chief engineer and super- 
intendent. Under Ids able and energetic ad- 
ministration the road was pushed forward in 
1852 to Milton, in 1853 to Stoughton, in 1854 to 
Madison, and in 1857 to the Mississippi river, at 
Prairie du Chien. 

The first regular train reached Prairie du 
Chien, in April, 1857; and the terminus of the 
road waslocatedat "Lower Town." It is appro- 



404 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



priate here to observe, that this enterprise, a 
great one for its day, and for the era in which it 
was achieved, was undertaken and successfully 
carried through, (to their honor be is said) by 
citizens of Wisconsin, residents of the city 
of Milwaukee. 

In this connection it is proper to state that 
Mr. E. H. Broadhead, of Milwaukee, was the 
then president of the road. William Jervis, of 
the same city, was superintendent, and E. P. 
Bacon, general freight agent. Among other 
gentlemen who took a leading part in carrying 
through this great work, may be here men- 
tioned, the Hon. Ed. D. Holton, still living, and 
the Hon. Ashael Finch, lately deceased, (both 
of the city of Milwaukee). 

CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE 4 ST. PAUL RAILWAY. 

In 1S59 and 1860, the Milwaukee & Missis- 
sippi Railroad Company defaulted in the pay- 
ment of the interest on its bonds. A fore- 
closure was made and a new company, called 
the "Milwaukee & Prairie dii Chien." took its 
place, succeeding to all its rights and propeitv. 
In 18b7,the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Com- 
pany obtained control of the Milwaukee & 
Prairie du Chien railroad. The Legislature of 
1857 had ])assed an act, authorizing all stock- 
holders in all incorporated companies to vote 
on shares of stock owned by them. The direc- 
tors of the Milwaukee <fe St. Paul company had 
secured a majority of the common stock, and, at 
the election of 1867, elected themselves a board 
of directors for the Prairie du Chien company. 
All the rights, property and interests of the lat- 
ter company came under the ownership and con- 
trol of the former. In 1865, Alexander Mitchell, 
of ]\Iilwuukee, was elected president, and S. S. 
Merrill, general manager, of the Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railway Company. They were retained 
in their respective positions bv the new organi- 
zation, and still continue to hold these offices, a 
fact largely owing to the able and efficient man- 
ner that lias characterized their management of 
the company's afiEairs, 



When, in the spring of 1857, the Milwaukee 
& Mississippi railroad reached Prairie du Chien, 
it was the only one at the time terminating on 
the upper Mississippi within the State of Wis- 
consin. The business of the road was for- 
warded from Prairie du Cliien, by a line of 
packets, known as the Old Galena Packet Co., 
whose president was Orrin Smith, now deceased, 
and whose secretary was J. Russell Jones, sub- 
sequently United States minister to Belgium, 
still living, a prominent and prosperous citizen 
of Chicago. By means of this line of packets, 
passengers and freight were transferred between 
the terminus of the road and St. Paul, Minn. 

The period at which this road reached the 
Mississippi river, marks a distinctive era in the 
history of the great northwest. At the time of 
which we speak, strange as it may now seem, 
Minnesota and all the country north of St. 
Paul, including the marginal border of our own 
State on the Mississippi, were importers of the 
necessaries of life, including meat and flour. 

'J'he first shipment of grain from Minnesota 
to the great lakes, was made by way of Prairie 
du Chien to the city of Milwaukee, in the 
autumn of 1859, and consisted of ten car loads 
of wheat. The event was so remarkable, as in- 
dicating the wondrous transition, which the coun- 
try was undergoing, that however insignificent 
such a shipment might now appear, this one 
was made the subject of a congratulatory tele- 
gram to the chamber of commerce of the city of 
Milwaukee. As indicating the maryelous de- 
velopment of the country the fact may be cited, 
that more tlian 100 carloads were shipped daily 
from the same point, to the same destination 
within two years from the date of the first ship- 
ment,. 

In the spring of 1S64 it became apparent from 
the failure of the water in the so called "slough" 
at Lowertown, from which cause it was no 
longer possible for the larger class of boats to 
reach the landing at the terminus ot the railway, 
through the .so called "Pigseye;" that a change 
of base must be made, the company was forced 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



405 



to abandon their terminus, at Lowertown, for a 
more favorable landing at so called "Upper- 
town." At the latter place the company, at 
great expense, established new tracks, comprising 
one of the finest railv\'ay yards in the United 
States; erected an elevator of 200,000 bushels 
capacity, at a cost of $75,000, and built a sub- 
stantial and commodious hotel called the "Dous- 
man House," at a cost of 845,000. 

At the completion of this road it was a doubt- 
ful question in the minds of many, including 
some of the most sagacious men in the country, 
whether this progenitor of the great system of 
iron lines that now radiate from the city of Mil- 
waukee, could ever successfully compete for the 
commerce of the upper Mississippi valley with 
ils great natural rival, the Mississippi river. 

Hitherto St. Louis was the one mart known 
to tiie shipper from Dubuque to St. Paul. By 
means of this ro.id Milwaukee first appeared as 
the great rival of St. Louis for this commerce, 
but more especially for the grain trade of 
the ujiper Mississippi valley. ]<y means of 
the facilities which we have just mentioned, 
and of the indomitable pluck of the men wlu 
controlled the pioneer railway of Wisconsin, 
the currents of trade w'hich hitherto had flowed 
landward without interruption, were turned 
over this line to the city of Milwaukee. This 
was the inception of the great grain traflie, 
which continued to grow until Milwaukee be- 
came the largest grain market in the world. 
This remained the sole railway terminus on the 
Mississippi north of Dubuque, until the autumn 
of 1859, when the La Crosse road was extended 
to the city of La Crosse. At this time the two 
lines were rival interests, and so remained until 
1866, when they became consolidated, and known 
as the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, with 
Alexander Mitchell as president and S. S. Mer- 
rill, general manager, of whom it is hardly neces- 
sary to state that they are citizens of Milwaukee. 
Receding a step in our narrative, we may now 
mention that there was no railway connection 
in Iowa opposite Prairie du Chien till the year 



1 S63. This year the late Judge Green, of Cedar 
Rapids, Iowa, undertook and built the first 
twenty-five miles of the McGregor Western 
Railway, one of the five principal land grant 
railways of Iowa. 

Subsequently this railway became the prop- 
erty of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Company, 
under whose auspices the road commenced by 
Judge Green and built by liim to Calmar, Iowa, 
a distance of forty-five miles, has been con- 
structed across the entire State of Iowa; across 
the territory of Dakota ; and today has its 
western terminus upon the banks of the Mis- 
souri, where it only halts in the presence of 
vast Indian reservations, the opening of which 
to wliite settlement it only awaits, to proceed 
on its way to the Pacific ocean. 

The Milwaukee & St. Paul Company also 
resumed the long neglected railway construc- 
tion ill Minnesota, and in the year If CO, began 
aiitl Completed the work of building what is 
now known as the Iowa & Minnesota division 
of the C liicago, Mil waukc e & St. Paul Railway, 
completing another connection with the city of 
St. Paul. Somuch for the railway interests that 
center about Prairie du Chien. 

This brings us to a point where we may ap- 
propriately speak of some of the local features 
of Prairie du Chien. 

In connection with the railway system cen- 
tering here, is an important element, known as 
the transfer system. 

In ISol Alexander McGregor, the original 
proprietor and founder of the town of Mc- 
Gregor, Iowa, and after whom the town was 
named, operated a steam ferry between Mc- 
Gregor and Prairie du Chien, wliicli was sub- 
sequently purchased and operated by the rail- 
way company. As the transfer business in- 
creased, other facilities were devised. 

The steamer, A/lamaJcee, a magnificent ferry 
boat was built by Col. H. L. Dousinan, for the 
railway company, and put on the river at this 
point in ^?r,9. At first it was customary to 
br.ak bulk of all kinds of freight on each side 



25 



406 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



of the river. Necessity being the mother of in- 
vention, improved methods were devised. Mr. 
John Lawler, for many years the agent of 
the railway company at tliis point, caused 
large barges, called "transfer barges," to be 
constructed, which were fitted with railway 
tracks, corresponding to similar tracks upon 
the banks of the river. 

Cars were loaded upon each barge, and the 
barges taken in tow by the steamer, one on 
either side. The cars, light or laden, were thus 
safely transferred across the river. 

This system of transportation was employed 
with more or less modification until the year 
1873, when Mr. Lawler devised the pontoon 
railway bridge now in use, under contract with 
the railway company, constructed across both 
channels of the Mississippi, permanently unit- 
ing the divisions of the railway company ter- 
minating in McGregor and Prairie du Chien. 
In this hazardous experiment, involving an im- 
mense expenditure, Mr. Lawler was encouraged 
by the railway company. The work was 
pushed vigorously to a speedy completion. 
The bridge, a novelty in its kind, is believed to 
be the first railway bridge ever operated under 
similar conditions. For the ten years last past, 
the business of the company has been transfer- 
red as safely and promptly over it, as business 
is transferred over any other style of bridge 
yet devised. 

John Lawler, president and proprietor of the 
Prairie du Chien & McGregor Railway Com- 
pany, and one of the most prominent and influ- 
ential citizens of the State, came to this city 
from Milwaukee in 1857, the year in which the 
Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railroad was 
completed to the Mississippi. He was appointed 
station agent at this place, and held the posi- 
tion for several years, when he resigned it in 
order to be able to devote his entire time and 
attention to his own business affairs. He also 
attended to the duties of other importanttrusts, 
and filled several responsible corporate offices, 
having been for about ten years vice-president 



of the McGregor Western Railway Company, 
and for a long time president of the Northwest- 
ern Packet Company. Soon after the com])le- 
tion of the railroad to this place, he became in- 
terested, on behalf of the railway company, in 
the question of securing the cheap and speedy 
transfer of passengers and freight across the 
Mississippi river from Prairie du Chien to Mc- 
Gregor. For some time this transferring was 
done by having cars placed in barges constructed 
for the purpose, and thus towed by a steamboat. 
This method, however, being available only 
during the season of navigation, and not being 
in other respects entirely satisfactory, in 1843, 
with a view to having a cheaper and more per- 
manent transfer, he invented and obtained a 
patent for the railway pontoon bridge that has 
since been in use at this point, and which has 
been also adopted and used at Wabasha, ]V[inn.. 
and other places. This was a matter of private 
enterprise; it involved a large outlay of capital, 
and being original, was necessarily, to some ex- 
tent, experimental. Ihe result, however, justi- 
fied Mr. Lawler's confidence in ultimate success; 
and to-day such bridges are justly regarded as 
the safest and most economical for transfer pur- 
poses on the principal rivers. The invention 
and successful operation of this bridge, the 
co«t being comparatively small to that of the 
usual iron structures, has made Mr. Lawler ex- 
tensively known throughout this country, and 
also in some others. As illustrating this, it may 
be proper to mention, incidentally, that some 
time ago, Russian engineers visited Prairie du 
Chien, and examined the construction of the 
bridge, with a view to having similar ones in- 
troduced in Russia. Mr. Lawler's superior busi- 
ness ability and exceptional executive capacity, 
have been fully recognized and appreciated by 
the managers of the railway company with 
which, in busintss relations, he has been so 
closely united; and delicate and responsible 
duties in connection with the increase and pro- 
gress of that great corporation have frequently 
devolved upon him. In all such cases, the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



407 



officers of the company have justly placed the 
most implicit confidence in him, in every re- 
spect, and it is not too much to say that results 
have always justified their action. While never 
seeking wealth, as the great object of life, and 
while ever ready to contribute to objects of 
benevolence, education or charity, the business 
enterprises in which Mr. Lawler has been en- 
gaged, have brought to him a share of the 
world's goods much beyond that of ordinarily 
successful business men, and he ranks among 
the wealthiest of the citizens of the State. Al- 
tl)0Ugh the main pursuits of his life have been 
essentially of a business character, still Mr. 
Lawler has been a close student of books, has 
devoted much attention to literature and science, 
and has delivered addresses on literary and sci- 
eiilitic suijjects at several places iu the north- 
went. )Ie is a life member of the State Histori- 
cal Socieiy of Wisconsin, and a member of the 
American Society of Civil Engineers. He was 
one of the principal organizers of the Irish 
Catholic Colonization Society of the United 
States, and is now one of its directors. He has- 
also been for some time past one oi the trustees 
of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance 
Company, of Milwaukee. Mr. Lawler has stead- 



ily refused to enter political life, although fre- 
quently solicited to do so. In 1876, and again 
in 1880, he was nominated bj^_ihe_ democratic 
State convention as presidential elector; and it 
is believed that this representative capacity is 
the only one in which he has ever been; before 
the people for their suffrages. He has ever 
been a strong friend of education, and Iserved 
for some lime as a member of the I board 
of regents of the State University. Hte was 
for two or three years president ofV the 
board of education of the city of Prairie\du 
Chieu, and it was while he w:is acting in this 
capacity that the present high school building 
was erected, he having procured an advanta- 
geous loan from the State to assist in having this 
done. He has, by his earnest and successful 
efforts in behalf of the educational interests of 
the localily where he has lived, deserved the 
waniu-sl gi;ilitude of his fellow citizens. 'I l.e 
College of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary's 
Institute, two of the leading institutions of 
learning in the State, and ones in which he 
has taken asprcial interest, largely owe their ex- 
istence and present prosperous condition to his 
liberality. 




408 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XIX 



AGRICULTURE AND THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The trend of the earliest industries of a 
country, is the result of the circumstances under 
which those industries are developed. The at- 
tention of pioneers is confined to supplying the 
immediate wants of food, shelter and clothing. 
Hence, the first settlers of a country are farm- 
ers, miners, trappers, or fisherman, according 
as they can most readily secure the me.ans of 
present sustenance for themselves and their 
families. In the early history of Wisconsin 
this law is well exemplified. The southern part 
of the State, consisting of alternations of prai- 
rie and timber, was first settled by farmers. Asi 
the country has developed, wealth accumulated 
and means of transportation have been fur- 
nished, farming has ceased to be the whole in- 
terest. Manufactories have been built along 
the rivers, and the mining industry of the south- 
western part of the State has grown to one of 
considerable importance. The shores of Lake 
Michigan was first mainly settled by fishermen, 
but the latter growth of agriculture and^ manu- 
factures has nearly overshadowed the fishing 
interest; as has the production of lurflber, in 
the north half of the State, eclijDsed the trapping 
and fur interests of the first settlers. 

Farming, at the present time, is almost en- 
tirely confined to the south half of the State, 
the northern half being still largely covered by 
forests. A notable exception to this statement 
is found in the counties on the western border, 
which are well settled by farmers much farther 
north. The surface of the agricultural portion 
of the State is for the most part gently undulat- 
ing, affording ready drainage, without being so 



abruptly broken as to render cultivation diffi- 
cult. The soil is varied in character,and mostly 
very fertile. The southern portion of the State 
consists of undulating prairies of variable size al- 
ternating with oak openings. The prairies 
have the rich alluvial soil so characteristic of 
the western prairies, and are easily worked. 
The soil of the "openings" land is usually a 
sandy loam, readily tilled, fertile, but not as 
"strong" as soils having more clay. The pro- 
portion of timber to prairie increases passing 
north from the southern boundary of the State, 
and forests of miple,basswood and elm, replace, 
to some extent, the oak lands. In these locali- 
ties, the soil is more clayey, is strong and fertile, 
not as easily tilled, and not as quickly exhausted 
as are the more sandy soils of the oak lands. In 
that portion of the State known geologically as 
the"driftless" region, the soil is invariably good 
where the surface rock is limestone. In some 
of the valleys, however,where the lime-rock has 
been removed by erosion, leaving the underly- 
ing sandstone as the surface rock, the soil is 
sandy and unproductive, except in tliose locali- 
ties where a large amount of alluvial matter has 
been deposited by the stream. The soils of the 
pine lands of the north of the State, are gener- 
ally sandy and but slightly fertile. However, 
where pine is replaced by maple, oak, birch, 
elm and basswood, the soil is"heavier"and very 
fertile, even to the shores of Lake Superior. 

The same natural conditions that make Wis- 
consin an agricultural State, determined that 
during its earlier years the main interest should 
be grain-growing. The fertile prairie cover- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



409 



ing large portions of the southern part of the 
State had but to be plowed and sowed with grain 
to produce an abundant yield. From the raising 
of cereals the pioneer farmer could get the 
quickest returns for his labor. 

There is the same struggle for existence, and 
the same desire for grain the world over, and 
hence the various phases of development of the 
same industry in different civilized countries 
is mainly the result of the widely varying eco- 
nomical conditions imposed upon that industry. 
Land is thoroughly cultivated in Europe, not 
because the Europeans have any inherent love 
for good cultivation, but because their land is 
scarce and costly, while labor is superabundant 
and cheap. In America, on the otlier hand, and 
especially in the newer States, land is abundant 
and cheap, while labor is scarce and costly. In 
its productive industries each country is alike 
economical in the use of the costly element in 
production, and more lavish in tlie use of that 
which is cheaper. Each is alike economically 
wise in following such a course, when it is 
not carried to too great extremes. With each 
the end sought is the greatest return for the ex- 
penditure of a given amount of capital. In ac- 
cordance with this law of economy, the early 
agriculture of Wisconsin was mere land-skim- 
ming. Good cultivation of the soil was never 
thouglit of. The same land was planted suc- 
cessively to one crop, as long as it yielded enough 
to pay for cultivation. 

The economical principle above stated was 
carried to an extreme. Farming, as then prac- 
ticed, was a quick method of land exliaustion. 
It was always taking out of tlie purse and never 
putting in. No attention was paid to sustain- 
ing the soil's fertility. The only aim was to se- 
cure the largest crop for the smallest outlay of 
capital, without regard to the future. Manures 
were never used, and such as unavoidably accu- 
mulated was regarded as a great nuisance, often 
rendering nece-ssary the removal of stables and 
outbuildings. Straw-stacks were invariably 
burned as the most convenient means of dispos- 



of them. Wheat, the principal product,brought 
a low price, often not more than fifty cents a 
bushel, and had to be marketed by teams at 
some point from wliich it could be carried by 
water, as this was, at an early day, the only 
means of transportation. On account of the 
sparse settlement of the country, roads were 
poor, and the farmer, after raising and thresh- 
his wheat, had to spend, with a team, from two 
to five days, marketing the few bushels that a 
team could draw. So that the farmer had every 
obstacle to contend with except cheap and fer- 
tile land, that with the poorest of cultivation 
gave a comparatively abundant yield of grain. 
Better tillage, accompanied with the use of 
manures and other fertilizers, would not, upon 
the virgin soils, have added sufficiently to the 
yield to pay the cost of applying them. Hence, 
to tiie first farmers of the Stale, poor farming 
was the only profitable farming, and conse- 
quently the only good farming, an agriculturo- 
economical paradox from which there was no 
escape. 

Notwithstanding the fact that farmers could 
economically follow no other system than that 
of land-exhaustion, as described, such a course 
was none the less injurious so the State, as it was 
undermining its foundation of future wealth,by 
destroying the fertility of the soil, that upon 
which the permanent wealth and prosperity of 
every agricultural community is first dependent. 
Besides this evil, and together with it, came the 
habit of loose and slovenly farming acquired by 
pioneets, which continued after the conditions 
making that method a necessity had passed 
away. With the rapid growth of the northwest 
came better home markets and increased facili- 
ties for transportation to foreign markets,bring- 
ing with them higher prices for all products of 
the farm. As a consequence of these better 
conditions, land in farms in the State increased 
rapidly in value. With this increase in the 
viilue of land, and the higher prices paid for 
grain, should have come an improved system of 
husbandry which would prevent the soil from 



410 



HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



deteriorating in fertility. This could have been 
accomplislied either by returning to the soil, in 
manures and fertilizers, those ingredients of 
which it was being rapidly drained by con- 
tinued grain-growing, or by the adoption of a 
system of mixed husbandry, which should in- 
clude the raising of stock and a judicious 
rotation of crops. Such a system is sure to 
come. Indeed, it is now slowly coming. 
Great progress upon the earlier methods 
of farming have already been made. But 
so radical and thorough a change in the 
habits of any class of people as that from the 
farming of pioneers to a rational method that 
will preserve the soil's fertility and pay for the 
labor it demands, requires many years for its 
full accomplishment. It will not even keep 
pace with changes in those economical condi- 
tions which favor it. In the rapid settlement 
of the northwestern States this change has 
come most rapidly with the replacement of the 
pioneer farmers by immigrants accustomed to 
belter methods of culture. In such cases the 
pioneers usually "go west" again, to begin 
anew their frontier farming upon virgin soil, as 
their peculiar method of cultivation fails to 
give them a livelihood. In Wisconsin as rapid 
progress is being made in the system of agri- 
culture as, all things considered, could reason- 
ably be expected. 'I'his change for the better 
has been quite rapid for the past ten years, and 
is gaining in velocity and momentum each year. 
It is partly the result of increased intelligence 
relating to farming, and partly Jie result of 
necessity, caused liy the unprofitableness of the 
old method. 

As has been before stated, Wisconsin is essen- 
tially a grain-growing Stale. This interest has 
been the principal one, not because the soil is 
better adapted to grain-growing tlian to general 
stock, or dairy farming, but rather because this 
course, which was at an early day most im- 
mediately profitable, has been since persistently 
followed from force of habit, even after it had 
failed to be remunerative. 



The increase in the production of grain was 
very rapid up to 1S70, wliile since that time it 
has been very slight. This rapid increase in 
grain raising is first attributable to the ease 
with which this branch of farming was carrie<l 
on, upon the new and very rich soils of the 
State, while in the older States this branch of 
husbandry has been growing more difficult .tikI 
expensive, and also to the fact that the war in 
our own country so increased the demaml for 
grain from 1861 to 1866, as to make this course 
the most immediately profitable. But witli the 
close of the war, came a diminished demand. 
Farmers were slow to recognize this fact, and 
change the character of their productions to 
accord with the wants of the market, but rather 
continued to produce the cereals in excess of 
the demand. The chinch bug and an occasional 
poor season seriously injured the crops, lea\iiig 
those who relied principally upon the produc- 
tion of grain, little or nothing for their support. 
Hard times resulted from these poor crojis. 
More wheat and corn was the farmer's usual 
remedy for hard times. So that more w heat 
and corn were planted More crop failures, 
witli low prices, brought harder times, until 
gradually the farmers of the State have opened 
their eyes to the truth that they can succeed in 
other branches of agrictilture than grain grow- 
ing, and to the necessity of catering to the de- 
mands of the market. 

EAELT FARMIJJfi IN CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

For about sixty years after tlie first settlement 
within the present limits of the county, farming 
was wholly confined to the "prairie," and the 
methods employed to carry it on were very 
primitive. "There was not," says James H. 
Lockwood, "at the time I came to Prairie du 
C'hien [Sept. 16, 1816], any Indian corn raised 
there. The traders for the upper Mississippi 
had to send down for their corn wl ich they 
used, to the Sauks and the Foxes at Rock 
Island, and trade with them for it. It is be- 
lieved that the first field of corn raised at Prai- 
rie du Chien, was by Thomas McNair, an Anieri- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



411 



can, who had married a French girl and settled 
down to farming. 

"The farmers of Prairie du Chien appeared 
to be a more thrifty and industrious people than 
those of Green Bay; they raised a large quanti- 
ty of small grain, such as wheat, barley, oats, 
peas, and also some potatoes and onions. Every 
two or three farmers united and had a horse 
flouring-mill ; the stones being cut from the 
granite rock found in the country. There they 
ground their wheat, and sifted the flour by 
hand. The surplus flour was sold to the Indian 
traders for goods, or exchanged with the In- 
dians for venison, ducks and geese, or dressed 
deer-skins, as' there was no money in circulation 
in the country. Any purchase made was paya- 
ble in goods from the traders or flour from the 
inhabitants. 

"The manner in which the traders dealt with 
the farmers was this; to let the farmer set his 
price on anything that he had to sell, without 
grumbling or saying anything about its being 
high, as it was payable in goods; the trader 
charging his price for the goods — so each i)arty 
got all he asked, and neither had cause for com- 
plaint, but of course the trader was not the loser 
by the transaction. Mr. Michael Brisbois re- 
lated to me a transaction which took ])lacL' 
between himself and a farmer by the name of 
Pierre Lariviere. This Lariviere was ambitious 
to pass with his neighbors for the best farmer 
in the country, and went to Mr. Brisbois to see 
what he was paying for flour, which I think 
was then six dollars per 100 pounds; but Lari- 
vere, desirous of the ojiporlunity of boasting to 
his neighbors that he had gotten more for his 
flour than they did, expressed a wish that Mr. 
Brisbois would pay him more than the market 
value for his flour, which Mr. Brisbois told liiiu 
he could not do. "Oh," said Mr. Lariviere, "you 
can make it up by charging more for the goods 
with which you pay me;" and so they closed 
the bargain, not to Mr. Brisbois' loss. The 
prices compared somewhat like this : When 
flour was worth $8 per 100 pounds, hyson or 



young hyson tea was worth §8 per pound; if 
flour was worth only .*;G, tea would remain the 
same i>rice; when the farmer got $9 per bushel 
for onions and -Si per dozen for eggs, he paid 
the above price for tea. 

"The women of Prairie du Chien, mostly 
daughters of the Indian traders, had been raised 
in the habit of drinking a great deal of tea in 
the Indian country, where other beverage for 
children could not be procured, and it thus 
became, from long habit with them, almost a 
necessary of life, and they would make any sac- 
rifice to obtain their favorite beverage. When 
eggs were worth $1 per dozen, rosin soap was 
worth $1 per pound, and calico, that at this date 
would be sold at Prairie du Chien from twenty 
to twenty-tive cents per yard, was then sold at 
|2 per yard; clay pipes at forty cents each, and 
common tobacco at about |2 per pound. So 
much flour was made at Prairie du Chieu at 
this time, that, in 1820, Joseph Rolette con- 
tracted with the government for supplying the 
two companies of troops at Fort Crawford with 
it, they preferring the coarse flour of the prairie, 
which was sweet, to the fine flour transported 
in keel boats in the long voyage from Pitts- 
burg, which would be sour on its arrival. 

"There were on the prairie about forty farms 
cultivated along under the bluffs where the soil 
was rtrst rate, and enclosed in one common 
lieM, and the boundaries generally between 
them marked by a road that afforded them in- 
gress and egress to their fields; the plantations 
running from the bluffs to the Mississippi, or to 
the slough of St. Ferriole, and from three to 
five arpents wide. The owners did not gener- 
ally live immediately on their farms, but clus- 
tered together in little villages near their front, 
and were much the same description of inhabi- 
tants as those of Green Bay, except that there 
were anuniber of families of French extraction, 
entirely unmixed with the natives who came from 
the French villages of Illinois. The farmers' 
wives, instead of being of the Indian tribes 
about, were generally of the mixed blood. They 



412 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



were living in Arcadian simplicity, spending a 
great part of their time in fishing, huniing, 
horse racing or trotting, or in dancing or drink- 
ing. They had little or no ambition for pro- 
gress or improvement, or in any way bettering 
their condition, provided their necessities were 
supplied, and they could often collect together 
and dance and frolic. With these wants grati- 
fied, they were perfectly satisfied to continue in 
the same routine and habits of their forefathers 
before them. They had no aristocracy among 
them except the traders, who were regarded as 
a privileged class. 

"Joseph Rolette, in connection with the In- 
dian trade, carried on farming, after the fashion 
of the country, pretty extensively. Michael 
Brisbois, besides being a trader, carried on the 
business of baking and farming to some extent, 
receiving of the inhabitants 100 pounds of flour 
and giving in return tickets for fifty loaves of 
brea<l, and these tickets made a convenient 
change to purchase trifles from the Indians. 
None of the inhabitants pretended to make 
their own bread, but depended entirely upon 
the bake house. Jean Baptists Faribault did 
something in the line of Indian trade and car 
ried on a small farm, but soon after left the 
prairie to reside on the St. Peter's river." 

The following extract from a publication by 
tiie late Alfred Brunson, gives truthfully the 
first avocations of the "greater portion of tlie 
original settlers:" 

"The greater portion of the original settleis 
here, came to the country as hunters, traders 
or employes, and taking wives of the natives, 
commenced farming upon a small and primitive 
scale, while they also hunted, trapped and voy- 
aged, as occasions occurred. They probably 
raised their bread, vegetables and some meal, 
while their skins and furs bought their cloth- 
ing, and what else they needed out of the store." 

AGRICULT0EE OF CRAWFORD COUNTT. 
[By Alfred Brunson, 18S1.] 

The general formation of the country is hill v. 
Some portions of our original county (including 



what is now Crawford, Vernon, La Crosse, etc.,) 
is levi'l, but more of it undulating. The level 
portions of it are at the heads of the largest 
streams, where it is apt to be swampy and 
marshy. Near the Mississippi the hills, or 
bluffs, rise in some places 500 feet above the 
river; but as you ascend the streams the hills 
lessen down to a gentle undulation on the small 
streams, and to a level or marsh and swamj) on 
the larger ones. In the present limits of the 
county the land is generally hilly or rolling. 
The level or marshy portions are on the margins 
or bottoms of the great rivers. The whole of 
the original, as well as the present county, 
abounds in streams of pure water, and abundance 
of water iiower. The purity of the waters in 
the smaller streams and lakes — those that are 
fed entirely from springs — may be judged of 
from the fact that they abound with speckled 
trt>ut. But those larger streams, which rise in 
swamps and marshes, many of them being tam- 
erack swamps, show the effects thereof in the 
highly colored state of the water. 

The prairie region extends from the Wiscon- 
sin, north, by a width of from thirty to fifty 
miles from the Mississippi, to within ten miles 
of Lake Superior at its western extremity, with 
sufticient timber for farming purposes the most 
of the way. Between the Black and Chippewa 
rivers, on the present mail route, the timber is 
too scarce to encourage a general settlement; 
but along the river hills, and also east of the 
mail route, timber is more abundant. East of 
the Kickapoo, and on the headwaters of the St. 
Croix, Chippewa an<l Black rivers, and on the 
western branches of the Wisconsin, all within 
the original county of Crawford, there is no 
lack of timber; indeed, it is generally a dense 
forest of pine, mixed with hard wood. Within 
the present limits of the county, except a dense 
forest on the east side of the Kickapoo, the 
county is divided between prairie and timber, 
and open woodland, so that no portion of it can 
suffer for want of timber; and except along tlie 
precipitous bluffs of the river, there is but little 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTV. 



413 



waste land. It can mostly be p'oughed, grazed, 
or kejit for timber, and is not more uneven 
tiian some of tlie best cultivated portions of 
weslei-M Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio, along 
llie Ohio river. 

Tiie general character of the soil is good; 
within the present limits of Crawford county, 
in Bad Ax, La Crosse, the western portions of 
Chippewa, and southern parts of St. Croix, it 
may be considered as first rate. Indeed, it is 
hard to imagine how it can be improved. Fur- 
ther east and north, when you reach the pine 
region, the soil becomes of less value, excej)t in 
places where the pine does not grow. 

The soil in that portion of the country first 
named is mostly a vegeialile mould, formed 
from the decay of vegetable matter, or its ashes, 
when burnt over. It is mixed with sand suffi- 
ciently to give it warmtli; and this seems to in- 
crease as we go north, showing that nature, or 
nature's God has provided against the vicissi- 
tudes of the climate. The poorer soils spoken 
of are, in tlie pines too sandy, and in the 
marhes too wet, and in a few instances a cold 
clay. 

Of the crops and the general yield, it would 
be difficult for me to speak, because I have not 
sufMcient data. Much depends on the mode of 
cidtivation and the season; 50, 40, 30 and 20 
bushels of wheat to an acre have been raised. 
So far as I know, ;iO of wheat, 50 of corn and 
oats, and from 100 to 200 bushels of potatoes, 
are considered an average crop. 

In the cranberry marshes, whicli arc found at 
the liead of the larger streams, the crops in good 
seasons are said to average several hundred 
bushels per acre. 

Of the manner of cultivation, and of its de- 
fects, I can say but little. The old French set- 
tlers, when the Americans first came among 
tliem, wrouglit tilings as their fathers did 200 
years before 

To yoke oxen, they tied a pole across the 
backs of their horns. They liad no wagons, 
and their one-hol'se carts were without tires. 



boxes or skeins on the axles. They usually put 
in only spring crops. Their wheat, oats, barley 
and peas were sown on the ground with no 
other |ireparation than burning off the weeds, 
stubble and grass of the last yeais growtli, and 
ploughed in — the ploughing being usually in the 
same direction — no crossing and no manuring. 

The ground cultivated was in a narrow strip 
at the foot of the bluffs, where was the best 
soil, say from forty to eighty rods wide, and en- 
closed in one common field from five to seven 
miles long, having but one fence on the west 
side and across each end, the bluffs on the east 
answering for a fence on that side. The corn 
planted was of the early Indian variety, which 
ripens in the early part of September, yielding 
from thirty to fifty bushels per acre, according 
to the mode of cultivation. The wheat, oats, 
barley and peas being harvested in August, and 
the corn in September; the field was usually 
thrown open in October, as soon as the potatoes 
were s;athered, as common pasture. If wood 
was scarce in the ensuing winter, or before the 
ice became good for procuring it from the 
islands and bottom lands of the river, most 
likely the fence would be used in their stores, 
being dry, and the place of the rails would be 
supplied before spring by new and green ones. 
These annual changes of the rails rendered it 
of little consequence whether they were made 
of oak, ash, ma|)le or willow, the three latter 
being usually the easiest obtained, composed 
the most of the fencing material of the farm. 

The grain cradle was not known here until 
the arrival of Americans, the scythe and sickle 
l)eing tiie only instruments used for that purpose. 
The French bind their grain with willow withes 
to this day. In other respects, they have 
availed themselves of the improvements intro- 
duced by the American immigrants, and some 
of them are now among our best farmers. 

Most of the new inventions for ploughs, 
harvesters and threshing machines are now in 

use. 



414 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



The markets are good, and also the facilities 
for reaching them. From the earliest settle- 
ment of the country the military and Indian 
departments, including the fur trade, always 
furnished a good market for our surplus produce 
until a sliort time since, when the amount jiro- 
duced has been greater than the demand fi-om 
that source. To supply the deficiency, the lum- 
ber trade since 1838 has kept the demand more 
than equal to the supply; add to this the demand 
growing out of the immigration, so that hitherto 
the demand for every thing, except wheat, in 
the two last years, lias much more than equalled 
the home supply. And our prospects for a 
market are good for a long time to come in our 
own country, and nearly at our own doors. 
The lumber trade, the Indian trade and annuities, 
the military posts at the north and west of us, 
together with the continued tide of emigration; 
to which may also be added the mining interests; 
all together bid fair to consume the most of our 
surjilus produce, except, perhaps, wheat. 

Within two or three years past, the produce 
of wheat has been larger than the demand in the 
country. But the facilities for transportation 
by steamboat on the Mississippi has supplied 
us with a market in St. Louis. Our merchants 
purchased the wlieat, cleaned it thoroughly, 
had sacks made of coarse domestic cotton, hold- 
ing over a bushel each, and sent it to St. Louis, 
where its superior quality and clean state com- 
manded the highest price, making it profitable 
for both the producer and the merchant. 

The opening of the navigation of the Wis- 
consin and Fox rivers, already gives us a choice 
of markets, between St. Louis and the lakes, 
for all we have to spare over and above the up 
river and home demand. And if, as is expected, 
the Milwaukee <fc Mississippi railroad should 
reach the river, we should have an additional 
facility for reaching an eastern market. Nor 
-will it make much difference, if any, whether 
the road reaches that river at this point or not, 
80 far as the surrounding country is concerned. 
The road must reach the river somewhere, but 



if not, some other one will, within a short dis- 
tance, by steam ; so that before our surplus 
produce gluts the market on this great river, 
we shall have the double facility of steam-boat 
and railroad whereby to reach an eastern mar- 
ket, and that too at but a trifiing expense. As 
it is well known that the average of our crops 
exceed that of the eastern part of our State, 
after deducting the expense of reaching tin; 
lake, we shall have equal, if not greater profit 
per acre than will our more eastern neighbors. 

Our stock is that which is most common to 
the country. We have no animals of special 
note, unless it is pony breed of horses; and not 
many of them. Our early French settlers came 
to the country by water, and in bark canoes or 
Mackinaw boats, and could not bring with 
them the real Canadian or Norman horse. In- 
deed I do not remember of seeing one of that 
breed in this country. If there is one or more, 
they must have come by land from ^ome States 
bordering on lower Canada. The original stock 
of horses here probably came from the south 
and west, and were from the stock introdncdby 
the Spanish into Mexico, Santa Fe, etc., and 
from thence spread among the Indians. Carver 
mentions an expedition of the Winnebagoes 
towards Santa Fe, and the capture of eighty 
horses at one time, which they brought home 
with them. The French settlers here may 
have obtained horses from their brethren at 
Kaskaskia, or in Missouri. But in either case 
they were originally obtained, most probably, 
from the Indians to the south and west of tliem. 

The present breed of horses or j)onies are 
not generally of an extraordinary character. 
Only a few very great travelers have been 
found among them. I have, however, seen one 
of but modeiate size, which is said to have 
traveled before a light train on the ice, from 
Mount Trempeleau to this ])lace, 120 miles, 
between sunrise and sundown, in February, and 
that without any visible injury. But whether 
any of such bottom can be now obtained, I am 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



415 



uii;il)le to state. Our stock of liorsos lias great- 
ly iiii|iri)ved of late from immigration. 

The horned cattle in this country originally 
came from the Stales of Illinois and Missouri, 
and were not of the first quality. Some few of 
good quality were obtained from the droves 
brought up, but generally they were of the 
ordinary character. Immigration has lately 
brought some of good quality among us, but I 
know of none of the imported breeds of the 
day, though, no doubt, we have some of mixed 
bloods, which are quite valuable. 

Sheep have done remarkably well, so far as 
they have been tried; they are very hardy, "and 
produce good and heavy Heeces. To show their 
hardiness and the adaptation of the climate to 
their growth, I will give the following fact : 
In 18:-i7 a drove of sheep was brought to this 
place for slaughter. One of them, a wether, 
strayed from the Hock and took up its abode in 
the hills east of this prairie, and within three 
fourths of a mile of ray house, and strange to 
tell, but nevertheless true, he escaped notice of 
men, dogs and wolves, through two winters, and 
was discovered and killed in the spring of 1839, 
in good eating order. His hoofs were so worn 
bv traveling over the rocks, that they were but 
square stubbs. We know tliat he must have 
strayed from the said flock, because there had 
been at that time no other such drove on the 
prairie, from which he could have strayed. At 
this time there are a few small flocks of sheep 
which do exceedingly well, and show, most con- 
clusively, that our hilly an<l healthy country is 
well adapted to raising them on a large scale. 
I have never heard of any disease among them. 

As for liogs, we have some Berkshires, but 
they have become so mixed and crossed with 
other kinds, that but few of them can be dis- 
tinguished. Poultry of all kinds do well. 

The adaptation of the country to grazing, as 
compared with tillage, is a (juestion I am not as 
Well prepared to decide as are those of more 
experience. A few facts, however, may serve 
to show the grazing qualities of the country. 



The French here who usually own large droves 
of horses, seldom, and some of them never, feed 
them in winter, except such as they use; and, 
in the spring they are in tolerable order: In 
our low bottoms and ravines where the wild 
grasses grow high and rank, they are some- 
times beaten dovn by the fall lains and snow; 
in which case the snow usually covers a large 
quantity of green substance which the horses 
reach by pawing away the snow, it snow there 
is. If the grass is not beaten down by the 
snow, but stands up and reaches above it then 
they eat off the tops. And what is remarkable 
in this country, this dry grass, reaching above 
the snow, is eaten with avidity by the horses; 
and from the fact that they keep in good order 
on it, it must have considerable nutrition in it, 
even in that dead and dry condition. 

There are, however, other means of grazing 
in the country. On some of the islands and 
river bottoms, there are not only thickets of 
underbrush on which the animals browse, but 
rushes abound in many places, on which horses 
and cattle will even thrive through the winter. 
These rush beds are not very numerous; they 
abound most in thickly timbered regions wheie 
the wild grass is thin, or does not grow ai all 
In the winter of 1842-3, when the hay failed at 
the falls of the Chippewa, the cattle not wanted 
for immediate use were driven to, and watched 
in the rush bottoms. 

In the same winter a party of us voyaging 
with horses through Lake Superior and back, 
our hay and oats having failed, we were oblig- 
ed to resort to the rushes on which our horses 
subsisted three days before we reached the set- 
tlement. 

The quality of our prairie hay is said to be 
better than the same article further south. 
Those who have lived in the southern parts of 
Illinois and Missouri say that they can winter 
cattle easier in this region than in the former 
places. They think the grass here makes more 
substantial hay, i)robably from not being so 
much drenched in the summer by rains. 



416 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



But a principal reason why cattle can be 
easier wintered is the character of our winters. 
We are not one day in mud and wet snow, nor 
l)eing drenched witli rain, and the next day 
frozen with icicles. Cattle, under such sudden 
and repeated changes, cannot do a* well as with 
us, where but few changes occur, probably not 
more tlian one or two, and sometimes not one 
through the whole winter. Dry snow, and dry 
cold weather, even if somewhat severe, when it 
comes on gradually and is uniform, does not ef- 
fect man or beast as does the contrary kind of 
weather. If it requires much labor to provide a 
winter's stock of povender, we have good health 
and physical strength to perform it, and we are 
satisfied to work if we have health, rather than 
get along without it, and shake half the year 
with the ague and fever. If our cattle cost us 
more to raise and keep, they bring a better price 
when raised than do those that come up them- 
selves in sickly regions. 

As between grazing and tillage, I think there 
is but little to choose if either is to be pursued 
by itself. But both together is certainly prefera- 
ble; because the straw and stalks from tillage 
go far in wintering cattle, which would be a loss 
if we had no cattle to eat them. 

Of dairies we cannot say a great deal, having 
but few; but we could say much in favor of 
their establishment. Wiiat few dairies we 
have are on a small scale, but have been and 
are very profitable, and would, no doubt, be 
more so on a larger scale. I have already, 
stated the facility we have for raising and win- 
tering cattle; these, of course, are necessaiy toa 
dairy, and so far it is an encouragement. The 
next, and indeed the great question is, as to the 
market for the products of the dairy and of 
this, let facts answer. The most of the chee-e 
consumed in our mines, our pineries and on this 
entire frontier, is made-on the Western Reserve 
in Ohio, and transported 2,000 miles by the 
rivers; and having changed hands several 
times, each of which must have some profit to 
pay for freight, storage, commission, etc., the 



price realized by the producer cannot equal 
more than half the cost to the consumer. Hav- 
ing lived myself on that reserve, and having 
some knowledge, by experience, of the cost 
of clearing land, and getting it into grass, the 
crops obtained, etc., I am certain that cattle can 
be raised and kept in this region for one-half 
the expense necessary to be incurred for tlie 
same purpose in that country; and, of course, 
if the products of the dairy here equal the pro- 
ducts there, per head of cattle, and the producer 
here realizes no more than the producer does 
there, the business must be much more profita- 
ble here than there; but if the producer here 
realizes double what the producer does there, 
and that too at one-half the expense for raising 
and keeping cattle, then the business is propor- 
tionately more profitable. The only difference 
and the only drawback in this country to this 
business is the difference in the wages of hired 
help. But the difference in costs and prices in 
favor of this country will more than balance 
the difference in wages. 

The extent of our horticultural experiments 
are but limited. That the country is adapted to 
the growth of fruits is evident from the fact 
that the wild fruits indigenous to this climate 
are very abundant; such as crab apple, plums 
of some dozen or twenty varieties, grapes, 
cherries, currants, raspberries, blackberries, 
strawljerries and several other varieties. 

The French who first settled Detroit planted 
apple trees, pear trees and various other kinds 
of fruits, and, judging from the fact, I expected 
to find such trees in abundance in this region. 
But in this I was disappointed; finding of their 
planting but a few apple trees, and these of an 
inditfei'ent quality. 

About the year 1S30 Gen. Street, the Indian 
agent, brought a lot of apple trees from Ken- 
tucky to this place, and set them out on a lot 
at the north end of this prairie. Ihey have 
had but little care and are natural fruit, yet 
they have grown well and are very fruitful 
when not injured by the frost. In 1838 I pro- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



417 



cured fifty grafted fruit trees from Kentucky, 
the nearest place from which I could then pro- 
cure them. But the distance of transportation 
and change of climate must have affected them. 
Furtlierraore, the warmth of the steamboat 
caused them to bud in the moss in which the)- 
were done up, so that but four or five of them 
lived. I have since tried seedlings of this coun- 
try's growth, and though I have had bad luck, 
the mice and careless ploughman injuring the 
trees, yet there are some fine and very promis- 
ing orchards in the country. What is wanted 
is a nursery in the country, so that the trees 
will become acclimated, and there can be no 
doubt but that apples, pears and plums will do 
as well as in any country as far north as this. 

As for peaches our hopes and prospects are 
not so flattering. In 1846 I had twenty- peach 
trees, which, in March, showed buds for as 
many bushels of fi'uit; but a severe frost in 
Ajiril killed them down to the very roots. A 
neighbor of mine had beat me, in that he had 
thirty or forty bushels of the fruit the season 
before, and had hopes of 100 at the time, 
but his shared the fate of mine, or nearly so. 
A few s])routed and made a great effort to live. 
We could raise peaches here if we could pre- 
vent the sa]) from starting before the late severe 
frosts in the spring. I do not agree with the 
theory that hard freezing before the sap has 
started kills these trees. For forty years I 
have watched these trees in the west, and T 
have never been satisfied that either the fruit 
or the tree has been injured by the frost before 
the sap starts in the spring. Mut invariably 
if the sap has started, and is followed by a 
black frost, that is, something harder than a 
mere white frost, the fruit, if not the tree, is 
killed. 

Various remedies have been tried and recom- 
mended for this evil — a northern declivity, cov- 
ering the roots with straw when the ground is 
frozen, etc. But the best, as I think, is en- 
grafting tlio peach upon the wild plum. The 
plum, we know, seldom fails of bearing fruit on 



account of frost, because it is late in putting 
forth its sap; and if the peach top is dependent 
on the plum root for sap it cannot get it, nor 
start its buds, until the plum root, according to 
the law of its nature, gives it. And as that 
period is so late, the frost usually does not in- 
jure the plum, neither can it injure the peach. 
Another advantage of this mode of grafting 
is, that the worm has sometimes killed the 
peach by goring its roots ; but that occur- 
rence, as far as I know, never happened to the 
plum. 

The raising of peaches in this climate is a 
desideratum of which most persons despair. It 
is laid to the climate ; but in this I think they 
are mistaken. Lower Canada, Vermont, New 
York, northern Pennsylvania, Ohio, and I think 
Michigan, once were favored with abundance of 
this delicious fruit. In 1812, when I first emi- 
grated to northern Ohio, those farms which had 
been long enough cleared to have jicaehos on 
them abounded in this fruit, and the trees and 
fruit continued to grow and do well until about 
the year 1830, when the late spring frosts began 
to kill, not- merely the fruit, but the trees them- 
selves. And what is singular, the frost took 
those in the valleys in one year, and those on 
the hills in another; and so on from one loca- 
tion to another ; until, in 18.36, when I left that 
country, there were but a few peaches left, and 
from the newspapers I learn that since then this 
same cause has worked farther and farther south, 
until fears are entertained of the loss of this fruit 
as far as Philadelphia and Baltimore. 

Now, from all this, the evil appears to be in 
the changes of the seasons and not in the cli- 
mate. The climate in the same place must be 
the same. But seasons have changed and re- 
changed since the settlement of America, and 
favorable seasons may yet come round tons 
again in this matter. 

CRAWFORD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The Crawford County Agricultural Society 
was organized Sept. 30, 1871, with a capital of 
$250. The following is a list of ofiicers since 



418 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



its organization to and including 1884: Presi- 
dent, North Miller; secretary, C. D. Lompart; 
treasurer, Dennis Bell. 

List of officers for the year 187'2: President, 
John M. Gay; secretary, C. D. Lompart; treas- 
urer, Richard Wollin. 

List i)f officers for the year 1873: President, 
North Miller; secretary, C. D. Lompart; treas- 
urer, Richard Wollin. 

List of officers for the yeur 1874: President, 
North Miller; secretary, C. D. Lompart; treas- 
urer, Richard Wollin. 

List of officers for the year 1875: President, 
L. A. lionney; secretary, Fergus Mills; treas- 
urer, Richard Wollin. 

List of officers for the year 1876: President, 
Gilbert Stuart; secretary, Fergus Mills; treas- 
urer, James Smith. 

List of officers for the year 1877: President, 
Gilbert Stuart; secretary, Fergus Mills; treas- 
urer, D. W. Briggs. 

List of officers for the year 1878: President, 
North Miller; secretary, Fergus Mills; treas- 
urer, Richard Wollin. 

List of officers for the year 1879: President, 
Edward Garvey; secretary, J. K. l.ongdon, 
treasurer, D. W. Briggs. 

List of officers for the year 1880: President, 
Edward Garvey; secretary, A. B. Withee; treas- 
urer, I). W. Briggs. 

List of officers for the year 1881: President, 
Edward Garvey; secretary, George Dean; treas- 
urer, James Smith". 

List of officers for the year 1882- President, 
Robert Morris; secretary, A. B. Withee; treas- 
urer, James Smith. 

List of officers for the year 188-3: President, 
James Sraethurst; secretary, A. B. Withee, 
tie i.^urer, James Smith. 

List of officers for the year 1884: President, 
James Smethurst; secretary, A. B. W ithee; 
treasurei', James Smith. 

The grounds of the society are located on the 
souLJiuesl quarter of section 10, adjoining the 
village plat of Seneca on the east; the area, nine 



and three-fourths acres. The grounds were 
purchased of Samuel P. Langdon by the society 
in 1872, and in the fall of that year a fair was 
held thereon, but the tirst fair of the society 
was held in the village of Seneca, in the fall of 
1871, on grounds near Kane's hotel. The 
amount of property belonging to the society at 
this time (1884) is valued at about $600. Fairs 
are held in the fall, in September or October, 
the twelfth annual one being holden on the i:5th, 
26th and 27lh of September, 1883. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article L The name of the society shall be 
"The Crawford County Agricultural Society." 
Its object shall be to promote the Agricultural, 
Horticultural Mechanical and Household Arts. 

Article II. The society shall consist of 
such citizens of this and other States as may 
signify their intention to become members, and 
on subscribing not less than $1, and annually 
thereafter $1. 

Article III. The officers of this society 
shall consist of a president, vice president, sec- 
retary and treasurer, who shall constitute the 
executive committee. Also a general committee 
shall be appointed, consisting of one member 
from each town in the county. 

Article IV. It shall be the duty of the sec- 
retary to keep the minutes and have charge of 
books of the society. Also to carry on the cor- 
respondence with other societies, with individ- 
uals,and with the executive committee in further- 
ance of the objects of the society. The treas- 
urer shall keep the funds of the society, and dis- 
burse the same on the order of the president or 
vice president, countersigned by the secretary, 
and shall make a report of the receipts and ex- 
penditures at the annual meeting. The execu- 
tive committee shall have charge of all the 
property transmitted to or belonging to this 
society, and shall have charge of all communi- 
cations designed for )>ublication and so far as 
they may deem expedient shall arrange and 
publish the same, The general committee are 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



410 



charged with the interest of the society in the 
towns where they respectively reside. 

Article V, There shall be an annual meet- 
ing of this society on the fair grounds at 2 
o'clock p. M., on the second day of the fair, for 
the purpose of electing the officers of the so- 
ciety, who shall assume the offices to which they 
were elected on the lirst day of January follow- 
ing, 'i'he general committee shall be appointed 
by the executive committee. The executive 
committee shall have power to till any vacan- 
cies that may occur in the offices of the society. 
Special meetings may be called by the execu- 
tive committee after giving proper notice of not 
less than ten days, stating the day, hour and 
place of said meeting. Seven members shall 
constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business. 

Article VI. The society shall hold its an- 
nual fair at such time and place as it shall des- 
ignate. 

Article VII. This constitution may be 
amended or altered by a vote of two thirds of 
the members present at any annual meeting. 

AMENDMKNTS. 

Article I. The fair grounds shall be loca- 
ted within five miles of the geographical center 
of Crawford county. 

Article II. The annual meeting of the so- 
ciety shall bo held at Seneca on the last Satur- 
day of November of each year, at 1 o'clock i-. m. 

Article III. There shall be a vice president 
elected from each town in the county] and one 
from the city of Prairie dii Chien, who shall 
constitute a general committee. 

Article IV. There shall be an officer elected 
annually, styled general superintendent, whose 
duly it shall be to oversee the division suju-rin- 
tendents and see that each department has a 
su|)ci-iiitciHk'nt. 

rules axd regulations. 

Hulk 1. All competitors living within ten 
miles of the fair grounds, must enter their nanus 
upon the secretary's book, and have the article or 
animal on the ground by 5 o'clock p. m. ou the 



first day of the fair. All articles and animals 
must remain on the ground until 4 o'clock p. m. 
of the last day of the fair, unless removed by 
permission of the president. 

Rule 2. The judges will be on the ground 
promptly at 10 o'clock a. m. on the second day 
of the fair and answer to their names and pro- 
ceed to the discharge of their duties. Three 
will constitute a quorum. The superintendents 
will fill vacancies in their respective divisions. 
Judges are required to report in writing, and 
notice in detail all entries in their respective 
classes, stating the merit of each. The object 
of this society is improvement in its various 
branches, and this will not be attained if men- 
tion is made only of the most worthy articles. 
It is hoped that judges will keep this in mind. 
Judges may withhold premiums when, in their 
estimation, articles are not worthy. Judges will 
hand their reports, properly signed, to tlieir re- 
spective superintendents at as early an hour as 
possible after the decisions have been rendered. 
A majority must sign. Superintendents \v\\\ 
see that the judges pass no article unnoticed in 
their divisions. 

Rule 3. The secretary will furnish e.ach en- 
try with a card numbered to correspond with 
the number on entry book, which mu>t be at- 
tached to the article, and judges making their 
report will be governed by number instead of 
name of exhibitor. 

Rule 4. No exhibitor, or his agent, will sit 
as a judge in the class in which he exhibits. 
Any article or animal competing for more 
than one premium must ])ay additional entry 
fee, nor will any article or animal be allowed to 
compete for more than one premium, except as 
part of a collection. 

Rule 5. Judges' report must be made to tiie 
superintendent of the department. No premi- 
ums will be piid except on reports duly signed 
by the proper superintendents and judges, and 
the proper officers are authorized and instiuctcd 
not to pay premiums until they are satisfied tiiat 
all the rules and regulations have been com- 



420 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



plied with; it is therefore necessary that judges 
report as required. 

Rule 6. Competition is only open to manu- 
facturers of Crawford county, except for farm 
machinery and arts. 

Rule 7. Canned fruit, etc., except wine must 
have been put up tiie present season. 

Rule 8. The same animal after arriving at 
maturity, and having taken first premiums for 
two consecutive seasons in the same class, shall 
not be allowed to compete for a regular pre- 
mium afterwards. 

Rule 9. Farm products must have been raised 
the present season by the exhibitor to en- 
title to premium. Forage will be furnished to 
animals on exhibition free of charge. Stock 
cows must show offspring to entitle to premium. 
Brood mares must show a sucking colt. All 
animals entered as full bloods, must sliow pedi- 
grees full blood, to compete with full bloods, 
grades with grades, natives wiih natives. Ani- 
mals entering for trial, time to be test, distance 
and lime of test to be arranged by the superin- 
tendents and judges. Butter, cheese, bread, 
cake, etc., must be tested by the judges. Su- 
perintendents will see that no others molest any 
article in their respective classes, except by 



permission of exhibitor. Team? will be allowed 
on the grounds if properly secured. 

Rule 10. When articles are entered which 
are not on the premium list, the judges may 
award such articles premiums if, in their judg- 
ment, such articles are worthy of it; which pre- 
mium shall not exceed the regular premium in 
their respective classes. 

Rule ] 1. Entry fee twenty per cent, of pre- 
mium. Price of membership tickets $1, and 
entitles the purchaser to a vote at all meetings 
of the society, and admits a gentleman and 
lady, or a man and his wife, or all of their un- 
married children under twenty-one vears of age, 
during the entire fair, and is not transferable. 
Children under fifteen years of age and not be- 
longing to families holding tickets will be 
charged fifteen cents per day. Persons holding 
single day tickets will not be granted a pass, 
except from 11 o'clock a. si. to 2 o'clock p. m. 

Any person not included in the above regula- 
tions, will be charged twenty five cents per day 

As faras is practicable the premiums will be 
paid at the close of the fair. 

Rule 12. All teams of horses, herds of cat- 
tle, sheep or swine, or collection of canned fruit 
or any other article must be owned by the per- 
son who enters it. 




HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



423 



CHAPTER XX 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



Among the numerous physicians who have 
piacticed medicine in Crawford county, some 
have attained positions of eminence in the pro- 
fession. 

The first person to practice the healing art in 
this county was, strange to say, a woman, wliose 
name was Mary Ann Menard, familiarly known 
as "Aunt Mary Ann." 

Of this "person of consequence," James H. 
Lockwood, in 1S55, wrote as follows: 

"Among the other inhabitants of notoriety at 
that time [1816], was a Mrs. Menard, of mixed 
African and white blood. She came from some 
one of the French villages below, and was thei: 
married to Charles Menard, a Canadian oi 
French extraction. She had been married 
twice previously, first to a man by the name of 
Du Chouquette, by whom she had two sons, one 
of whom was in the employ of Mr. Astor in that 
unfortunate expedition of his sent in isioby 
sea and across the continent to the mouth of the 
Columliia river, now Oregon territdrj'. Her 
next husband was named Gagnier, by whom she 
had three sons and three daughters. After 
Gagiiicr's death, she married Charles Menard, 
by whom she had three sons and two daughters. 
She was generally called by the inhabitants 
aunt Mary Ann, and was a person of conse- 
quence among them, being midwife, and the 
only person pretending to a knowledge of the 
healing art. ITntil a fort was erected at Prairie 
(ill ( liien, and a surgeon arrived there with the 
troops, aunt Mary Ann was sent for by the 
sick, and attended them as regularly as a physi- 
cian, and charged fees therefor, giving them, ai? 



she exressed it, "device and yarb drink." She 
was an excellent nurse, and even after there 
were regular surgeons of the army stationed at 
Fort Crawford, Mary Ann continued to practice 
among the inhabitants. Whether they em- 
ployed her because they had more faith in her 
skill, or because they could ]>ay her with more 
ease, as she took her pay in tlie produce of the 
country, but was not very modest in her charges, 
I cannot with certainty state; and fiequeiitly 
after the army physician had attended a patii nt 
a long time, who perhaps for want of good 
nursing could not be cured, Mary Ann would 
take tiie patient home with her, and by the 
force of good nursing and "yarb drink" restore 
him to health, so that wo frequently joked the 
physician about Mary Ann's superior skill in 
the healing art. There are at this time many 
of her descendents residing at Prairie du Chien, 
wlio are generally as industrious and orderly in- 
habitants as any others." 

B. C. Miller was the first resident physician 
educated in the science of medicine, who prac- 
ticed in Crawford county. He was a native of 
Now York State, from near Poughkeepsie, and 
settled in Prairie du Chien in 18.37. Dr. Miller 
was a man of exemplary habits, and pos- 
sessed superior medical skill for those early 
days. Ho c.ontrnued in practice in this county 
until his death, which occurred in 1S45. He re- 
sided in that porucm (jf Prairie du Chien ktn>wn 
as "Lower Town," and died there. 

Dr. S. S. IJoach came to Prairie du Chien and 
located in the practice of medicine in 1843, be- 
ing then a young man. He pursued his jiro- 



26 



424 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



fession in Crawford county about five years, 
and then moved to New Orleans. From there 
he went to California when the gold fever was 
raging in 1S49. Returning from the Pacific 
coast he re-commenced practice in New Orleans, 
but removed to Atlanta, Ga., some years later, 
where, with the exception of a few months in 
1864 spent in Indiana, he devoted his energies 
to the healing art until his death, which occur- 
red in December, 1879. Dr. Beach was ap- 
pointed physician to the government barracks 
in Atlanta in 1864, and filled that position until 
the barracks was disbanded. He was a man 
of extraordinary skill and attained a high rank 
in his profession. 

Jeremiah Day moved from Grant Co., Wis., 
about 1845 and located in Prairie du Chien. 
He was an able physician and conducted quite 
a large practice during the four or five years he 
remained there. He removed to St. Paul, where 
he died some years later. 

E. P. Wood came to Prairie du Chien about 
1850, and setttled down to practice medicine, 
and also conducted a small drug store. He re- 
mained some six or seven years, then went off 
south. 

Alonzo Benedict was a native of Troy, N. Y., 
and was born Oct. 6, 1814. He obtained his 
education there and commenced the study of 
medicine. In 1834 he went to Wheeling, 
Va., where he completed his medical course 
and began the practice of his profession in 1836. 
The same year he married Martha Taylor and 
continued there in practice six years. He then 
removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he spent 
nine years in active professional life. From 
there he returned to Wheeling, Va., but after a 
brief stay went to Nashville, Tenn. Being an 
abolitionist at heart, the institution of slavery 
was very obnoxious to him, hence his residence 
in Nashville was limited to a few months, 
when he came north and settled in Prairie du 
Chien in 1861. Here he labored in his pro- 
fession until his death which occurred on Feb. 
25, 1864. Dr. Benedict possessed fair ability 



as a physician, and being a splendid nurse 
he was quite successful in the treatment of 
disease, and commanded a large practice. He 
was an upright, pious gentleman, and was 
highly respected and esteemed as a citizen. 

Dr. Joel Dart Jones was born at Middletown, 
Conn., Sept 16, 1818. In his family record is 
much of historic interest. His father, Joel 
Jones, was born at Hebron, Conn., May 14, 
i792, and was married Sept. 13, 1815, to Miria 
Dart. He removed to Conneaut, Ohio, in 1819. 
He was the sixth son of Capt. Samuel Jones, of 
Hebron, Conn., who was an oflicer in the French 
and Indian wars. He held two commissions 
under King George II, of England. Return- 
ing from the war, he settled in Hebron, and 
married Lydia Tarbox,by whom he had six sons 
and four daughters. Nine of the ten lived to 
years of maturity. Samuel, the eldest son, was 
a lawyer, and practiced his profession for many 
years at Stockbridge, Mass. From another 
brother descended the late Hon. Joel Jones, 
first president of Girard College, the late Sam- 
uel Jones, of Philadelphia, and Matthew Hale 
Jones, of Easton, Pa. From a third brother de- 
scended Hon. Anson Jones, second president of 
the republic of Texas. The family is in pos- 
session of a letter written by Capt. Samuel 
Jones to his wife at Fort Edward, dated Aug. 
18,1758. One hundred and ten years previous 
to the date of that letter, his ancestor, Capt. 
John Jones, sat at Westminister, as one of the 
judges of King Charles I. Col. John Jones 
married Henrietta (Catherine), the second 
sister of Oliver Cromwell, in 1623, and was put 
to death, Oct. 17, 1660, on the restoration of 
King Charles II. His son, Hon. Wm. Jones, 
survived him, and one year before liis father's 
death, was married to Hannah Eaton, then of 
the parish of St. Andrews, Holden, Epinton. 
He subsequently came over to "these American 
Colonies," with his father-in'law, the Hon. 
Theophilus Eaton, first governor of the colony 
of New Haven and Connecticut, where he oc- 
cupied the office of deputy governor for some 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



425 



years, and died Oct. 17, 1706. Tlie mother of 
Dr. .Tones was born at Chatham, Conn., March 
27,1797, — is still living with him, and has 
nearly attained to the ripe old age of eighty- 
seven years. Dr. Jonoswas married at Prairie 
d\iChien, June 15, 18.54^ to Josephine S. Bris- 
hois, daughter, of Col. B. "W. Brisbois. They 
have four children — Josephine M., widow of 
Victor Bertholet, and a resident of Prairie du 
Chien, Bernard Walter, a graduate of Rush 
Medical College, Chicago, Ills., and in the em- 
ploy of the Penn Mining company, at Vulcan, 
Mich. Joel D., is a student at the University 
of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, and Joseph R., a 
telegraph operator in the employ of the Cliicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company at 
North McGregor, la. Dr. Jones took a regular 
course at the medical department of the Uni- 
versity of St. Louis, and graduated in March, 
Ij^.tI. He settled in Prairie du Cbien the same 
year, and began the practice of his profession 
with flattering prospects, and exceptional suc- 
ce.'^s. Possessed of a most happy and genial 
disposition, and thoroughly skilled in his pro- 
fession, he has won many warm friends that 
place him in the front rank of the leading phy- 
sicians of the State. 
R. E. Glover came to Crawford county in 1 fi55, 
not having yet attained his ninjority. lie stud- 
ied medicine, and located at Belle Center about 
1866, and continued in practice some ten years, 
then moved away, and is now living at Gran- 
ger, Mo. 

Harry Fairbanks settled in Prairie du Chien 
in 1855, and remained there in practice until 
1860 or 1861, then removed to Harper's Ferry, 
Iowa, where he died a few years later. 

Darius I\Iason, physician and surgeon, was 
born in Bristol county, Mass., April 1, 1830, and 
was educated chiefly at the Friend's Academy i 
in New Bedfor<l, Mass. In 1850 he began the 
study of medicine in the medical department of 
Howard university, and subsequently prose- 
cuted his studies in the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons in New York city, from which he 



graduated in 1853. He filled the position of house 
physician and surgeon in Randall's Island Hospi- 
tal, N. Y., in 1853-5-t. Coming west, he located 
in Prairie du Chien in 1856, and soon built up 
a fine medical practice. In September, 1862, he 
entered the array with a commission as surgeon of 
the31st Wisconsin Volunteers. Early in 1864 he 
left the regiment and became surgeon of the en- 
rollingboardof the third district of Wisconsin, 
and filled the office till the close of the war, when 
he returned to Prairie du Chien and resumed 
practice, continuing until he removed to Mil- 
waukee in June, 1878, where he still resides 
and is doing a very extensive professional busi- 
nets. Dr. Mason is constitutionally adapted for 
the surgical branch of the medical profession, 
by his cool nerve, rare good judgment and in- 
ate genius for mechanics; and, as is usual 
where nature especially qualifies a person for 
a given work, liis tastes coincides with, and is 
an index of those qualifications and determines 
the choice of avocation, so it is with him; and 
h,e has devoted his energies largely to the 
study and practice of surgery, and has at- 
tained an eminence in his i)rofession, unsur- 
pa-:sed by any in this State, and equaled by few 
in the west. Added to iiis professional skill, 
Dr. Mason is a thorough gentleman, and is high- 
ly esteemed by all who know him. 

J. J. Whitney located in Prairie du Chien in 
1 856, and practiced medicine in Crawford county 
two or three years. When the mining excite- 
ment at Pike's Peak was at its height he caught 
the gold fever, and went out there, remaining 
al)out two years. On his return to Wisconsin he 
engaged in work for the Northwestern Mutual 
life insurance company until 1862, when he was 
commissioned assistant surgeon of the (8th reg- 
iment Wisconsin Volunteers, and served to the 
close of the war. lie tiieii settled in Indianap- 
olis, Ind., from whence he returned to Prairie 
du Chien in 1867. In 1869 or 1S70 he removed 
to Emmettsburg, Iowa, where he remained some 
ten years, then went to Dakota. 



426 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUMTY. 



Dr. G. Morgan came from Indiana and located 
in tlie town of Haney, Crawford county, about 
1856. He practiced medicine there a number 
of years, then removed to Nebraska, and has 
since died. He was born in the Slate of New 
York in 1839, and was a skillful physician of 
the alopathic school. 

Dr. H. Brunner was a German by birth, and 
was educated for the medical profession in his 
native country. He emigrated to this country 
and settled in Prairie du Chien in 1857 or 1858. 
He was an able physician and a fine man, and 
had a large practice, especially among liis own 
countrymen. After residing in the"prairie"about 
ten years, he removed to Iowa, practicing a short 
time in Lansing and in McGregor, then went to 
Fremont Neb., where he soon secured an exten- 
sive practice, and continued to do a large busi- 
ness until his death from Bright's disease, in 
1881. 

Charles St. Johns came to Prairie du Chion 
in 1858, and after practicing medicine a little 
over a year, he removed to Ohio; and it was 
rumored that he abandoned the pill bags for 
the pulpit. 

B. D. Eastman was an Ohio man by birth, 
but he moved from Pecatonica, 111., where he 
had been engaged in the practice of medicine, 
to Prairie du Chien in the fall of 1862. The 
last years of the war he served as a ward sur- 
geon in the Swift United States Hospital, sit- 
uated at Prairie du Chien. He « as also a part- 
ner with Dr. John Conant in practice for a 
time. Dr. Eastman was an able physician and 
a thorough gentleman. His usefulness was 
curtailed by physical debility from weak lungs. 
He died in Prairie du Chien in 1865. 

John Conant, physician and surgeon, proprie- 
tor and manager of the Prairie du Chien Re- 
medial Institute, was born in Illinois near Chi- 
cago, Feb. 9, 1839. He received his literary 
education at Antioch college. Yellow Springs, 
Ohio, under the direction of Horace Mann, 
president. He began his medical studies at 
Chicago, took one course of lectures at the Rush 



Medical college,and subsequently a regular course 
at the Chicago Medical College, from which he 
graduated in 1860, when twenty-one years of 
age. He began tbe practice of his profession at 
Pecatonica, 111., and in 1863 was appointed as- 
sistant surgeon of the 45th regiment of Illinois 
Volunteer Infantry. After the capture of Vicks- 
burg, he was assigned to old Fort Crawford as 
hospital surgeon. The fort hospital was a branch 
of the Swift United States General Hospital of 
Prairie du Chien, under the management of Dr. 
F. W. Kelley, surgeon in charge. Dr. Conant 
continued at his post till after the close of the 
war. He then located at Prairie du Chien and 
built up a very extensive practice. On the 
completion of the celebrated Prairie du Chien 
artesian well he opened the Remedial Institute. 
This establishment is fitted up with a view to 
the treatment and cure of chronic diseases, and 
comprises the use of the Turkish, Russian, and 
electric baths, also hot and cold mineral water 
baths. Practiced attendants are in charge, and 
the institution which is commodious and complete 
in its appointments, is conducted on the most ap- 
proved modern plan. A free use of the baths and 
of the mineral water is to produce a certain cure 
of rheumatism and all other chronic complaints. 
The hot air treatment has proved very beneficial 
to consumptive patients. The Institute is pa- 
tronized by people from nearly every State in 
the Union. Some who have failed to get relief 
at the Hot Springs of Arkansas, have been 
treated here with marked success. Dr. Conrnt 
was married at Elyria, Lorain Co., Ohio, in 1861, 
to Ellen Groat. One child, a daughter, 
Louisa, was born of this marriage. Mrs. Conant 
died, and several years after Dr. Conant was 
married again in Prairie du Chien, in February, 
1872, to Amy Edwards, a native of London, 
England. They have one son, John H. Conant. 
Dr. Conaiit has been honored by his fellow citi- 
zens with the election to the office of mayor two 
terms. 

Emil Steiger, physician and surgeon, was born 
in Switzerland, July 7, 1838, was educated at 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



421 



Zurich, jMiinieli and Basel, and graduated from 
the medical college of Basel in the class of 1860. 
He soon afterward came to America and entered 
the federal array as assistant surgeon of the 39th 
New York Volunteer Infantry (Garibaldi 
Guards), and continued in the service till 1864. 
In 1865 lie came to Prairie du Chien and en- 
tered uj)on the practice of his profession. He 
was married in that city, March^lS, 18T0 to 
Mary E., daughter of John B. Plunimer. 
Mrs. Steiger was born in England. Dr. Steiger 
has built up an extensive practice, and is counted 
among the leading members of his profession 
in western Wisconsin. 

Frederick Jaeger, a native of Wurtemburg, 
Germany, studied medicine before coming 
over, and upon arriving in this country he first 
settled in the practice of his profession in Al- 
bany, N. Y. He afterwards removed to Wood- 
ville, Ohio, where he practiced many years, and 
came from there to Prairie du Chien in 1867. 
He only remained about one year, then went 
back to Ohio, settling in the town of Elmore, 
where he died in 1877. 

Alexander F. Samuels, M. D., B. D., son of 
S. H. Samuels, was born Sept. 11, 1842, in 
New Orleans, La. When four years of age he 
removed with his parents to Memphis, Tenn., 
where he was educated. He attended lectures 
in medicine in the old Memphis Medical Col- 
lege, and at the breaking out of the war en- 
tered the hospitals as contract physician and 
served in both armies as such from Ohio to the 
gulf of Mexico. He graduated as M. D. from 
the University of Nashville, Tenn., in 1867. He 
is also a graduate of Nashotah Theological 
Seminary, of Wisconsin, and officiated for some 
years as an Episcopal clergyman' Dr. Samuels 
has practiced medicine in ]\Iempliis, Tenn., and 
St. Louis, Mo., and has traveled in nearly every 
State in the Union. He has officiated as clergy- 
man in INIaine, Missouri, Wisconsin, Tennessee 
and Mississippi. He settled at Prairie du 
Cliicn, Wis., in 1875, and is now practicing 
medicine. He was married in October, 1881, to 



Margaret E. Dietz, of La Crosse, Wis. They 
are the parents of one child. 

J. S. Barry was an Irishman by nativity. He 
graduated with the degree of M. D. from Rush 
Medical College, Chicago, and located in Prairie 
du Chien in 1877 in the practice of his profes- 
sion. He moved from here to Vulcan, Mich., 
where he died in the summer of 1883. 

L. C. Halsted, of Wauzeka, is a native of 
Genesee Co., N. Y., where he was born April 
19, 1819. He received a common school edu- 
cation; began teaching at the age of seventeen; 
was engaged in teaching and farming till twenty- 
three years of age, when he began the study of 
medicine; attended lectures at Geneva Medical 
College, Geneva, N. Y., graduating in the class of 
1843; spent several years in traveling after gradu- 
ation, after which he established himself as a phy- 
sician at Colesville, Wyoming Co., N.Y.; thence 
to Clai'ence Hollow, where he remained two 
years. In 1848 became to this State and located 
at Wauwatosa, where he practiced his profession 
till 1854, when, his health failing he retired 
for a time from professional duties. He en- 
listed as a private in April 1861, in the 1st Wis- 
consin \'olunteer Infantry, for a period of three 
months.' At the expiration of his three months' 
service he was appointed surgeon of the 7th 
Wisconsin Battery, in which capacity h« served 
till the spring of 1864, when he resigned and 
soon after located at Wauzeka, where he has 
since resided. He engaged in other occupa- 
tions than the i)ractice of medicine till 1875, 
when he returned to medical practice. He was 
married in the State of New York to Harriet 
Sawin, who died at Wauwatosa in 1856. 

During the existence of Fort Crawford, there 
were a number of surgeons in charge succes- 
sively; but the most of them never mingled 
much among the citizens outside, and very 
little was known of them by the early settlers. 

A Dr. Moore was surgeon in the fort a num- 
ber of years prior to 1840, in which year he 
died. He practiced some among the early set- 
tlers, and was a very skillful physician for 



428 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



those times. He erected a brick dwelling on 
the east side of south Church street, which still 
stands nearly opposite to what is now (1884) 
L. Case's residence. 

It is a notable fact that Dr. William Beau- 
mont, in the United States army service was at 
one time located at Fort Crawford, and there 
conducted some of his experiments upon Alexis 
St. Martin, who was wounded at Michillimacki- 
nae, Midi., in 1822, resulting in a fistulous open- 
ing into the stomach, whereby the process of 
digestion could be observed; and some of these 
experiments were made at Fort Crawford. The 
subject of these experiments (Alexis St. Mar- 
tin) is still (1884) living; he resides at Oakdale, 
Mass. 

Dr. Elwees succeeded Dr. Moore as surgeon 
in Fort Crawford, taking charge about 1840. 
He remained surgeon of the post until the 5th 
regiment went into the Mexican war, then 
went off with it. 

There was also a Dr. Wood, who had surgi- 
cal charge of the fort for a time. Dr. Wood 
was a son-in-law of Col. Zachary Taylor. He 
had some practice outside the fort among tlie 
citizens. 

Charles McDougal came as surgeon to the 
military post of Fort Crawford, in the fall of 
184], and retained that position until the war 
with Mexico commenced, when he accompanied 
a regiment into the field. He was also a sur- 
geon in the late war, and attained considerable 
celebrity in that capacity. 

In the last years of the war of the rebellion, 
a military hospital was established at Prairie 
du Chien, and named the Swift United States 
Hospital. The hospital comprised several 
wards, and at times contained a number of sick 
and wounded soldiers. 

Dr. F. W. Kelly was surgeon in charge, and 
Dr. Baxter, Dr. B. D. Eastman, Dr. J. B. Carey, 
Dr. John Conant and Dr. Charles True, were 
ward surgeons. 

Dr. Kelly remained in charge till late in the 
year 18i55, when he went to Chicago, where he 



has resided and practiced medicine up to the 
present time. 

Dr. Baxter is a brother to Dr. J. H. Baxter, of 
Washington, D. C, medical purveyor of the 
United States army. He left here soon after 
the close of the war, and is now (1884) in 
Washington city. 

Dr. Casey came here from Patch Grove, 
Grant Co., Wis., and when he severed his con- 
nection with the hospital, he returned there; 
but having asthmatic trouble, he went in search 
of a more agreeable climate to Salina, Kan., 
and leaving there, he finally located in Detiver, 
Col., and engaged in practice, combining the 
drug business with it. He was an able physi- 
cian and a successful practitioner. 

Dr. True studied medicine with Drs. Conant 
and Eastman, and after graduating, took charge 
of a hospital ward in the spring of 18fi5. After 
the hospital was wound up, he moved down into 
central Illinois, where he is still practicing 
medicine. 

.James Dinsdale, M. D., of Soldiers' Grove, 
was born in Yorkshire, England, November 
18, 1848. He came to this country and to NVis- 
consin the following year. Mr. Dinsdale at- 
tended the State University of Wisconsin dur- 
ing the winters of 18(57, ls68and 1869. In tiie 
fall of 1871, he entered Lawrence University, 
at Appleton, Wis. He graduated from this 
institution in 1875. He studied medicine the 
three following years, ending by a graduation at 
Rush Medical college in the spring of 1878. 
He tiien settled at Soldier's Grove, where he at 
once entered upon the ]iractice of his profes- 
sion and where he still resides. 

'J'he first physician to locate in the practice of 
medicine in the town of Utica, Crawford coun- 
ty, was Dr. Frediick Corfu. Soon after him 
came Dr. Isaiah Roberts, who moved from 
Jlount Sterling to Richland Center, where he 
died sometime after. Dr. Frederick Corfu went 
into the army in 1862, as assistant surgeon in 
the 1st regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 
After the m ar he returned and continued the 



HISTORY OF CliAWFORD COUNTY. 



429 



practice of his profession in that portion of 
Crawford county until !881, and then removed 
to the village of Union, Hardin Co., Iowa. lie 
was born in England in 18-23, and was there 
educated. Dr. Corfu was an able and successful 
physician. 

There was also Dr. F. J. Briggs, who resided 
in Mt. .Sterling and practiced medicine a short 
time. 

Dr. C. V. Porter, the only resident practicing 
physician in Utica, located at Mt. Sterling in 
1881. He is a native of the State of Maine, 



and was born in 1849; came to DeSoto, Vernon 
county. Wis., in 1871, and deciding to enter the 
medical profession, he graduated from the med- 
ical department of Michigan State University 
in 1875. Since which time he has been in ac- 
tive practice. 

A number of other physicians have practiced 
at various times in Crawford county: — Simeon 
F. Huntington, in Freeman; Dr. Fredett, in 
Eastman; Dr. Ross, in the town of Scott; and 
Drs. Oviatt, Brand, Hammond and Wood in 
Prairie du Chien. 




430 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXI 



PIONEER REMINISCENCES. 



The tales of tlie olden time carry with them 
a charm that is entrancing. We tlelight to 
listen to the recital of those, who, in their 
youth and while yet the savages were numer- 
ous, braved the dangers of pioneer life and 
settled upon the border. The reminisences of 
the e heroic men and women are always inter- 
esting to those who followed in their footsteps. 
We bespeak for tlie following narratives, tlie 
careful I'eading which their importance demands: 

BY JOHN SIIAW. 

In the fall of ISlo, I went up the Mississippi 
with a boat properly manned, on a trading voy- 
age. The Indian traders on the upper Missis- 
sippi, purchasing goods at St. Louis, were de- 
sirous of making payment by remitting lead 
from the mines on Fevre river, which they had 
received in trade from the Indians, and which 
was of their own smelting and manufacture 
from the mineral. This promised to open up a 
new field of trade and commerce; but the pro- 
cess of boating up the Mississippi at this period, 
was at times quite tedious. The boats were 
propelled up stream by means of poles and 
sails, and with favorable wind, 110 miles have 
been accomplished in a single day. From 
twelve days to a month were requisite for the 
voyage from St. Louis to Prairie du Chien, 
while the descending trip was made in from six 
to ten days. 

I had conversed with Indians at the treaty at 
Portage des Sioux, and at St. Louis, about trad- 
ing with them, and asking their permission to 
build a saw-mill in their country, if I could find 
a suitable locality, as it was a pine region, and 



pine lumber was then worth seventy dollars a 
thousand in St. Louis. I now started to carry 
out these views. At the place now called Belle- 
vue, in Iowa, about fifteen miles below Galena, 
and about si.Y below the mouth of Fevre rivei-, 
I stopped, and found a water-power, which I 
judged would fully answer my purpose. Here 
a small stream flo**ed into the Mississippi, and 
some thirty or forty rods above its mouth w;is 
a fine locality for a mill ; and logs could be 
rafted down the Wisconsin, and other streams 
upon which the pine grew abundantly, as I had 
learned from traders and Indians in that quar- 
ter. The Indians had previously informed me, 
that if I should go up for such a purpose, I 
must obtain written i)ermission of the govern- 
ment. I now had a regular license from Gov. 
Clark, the superiutendent of Indian affairs, to 
trade with the Indians. 

There were a few Indians then encimped at 
this Bellevue locality, and others collected 
while I remained, so that in all, there were 
300 or 400 warriors, and many more squaws 
and cliildren, assembled there. I soon discov- 
ered but little feeling of friendship on the part 
of the Indians tnwards the Americans. I liad 
a talk with them, reminding them of their 
promises to me, and my wish to trade at that 
point, and erect a mill there. After I had dis- 
tributed presents during several days to the 
amount of $300 in value, and concluding that 
they iiad obtained all they could, they said they 
had been consulting about the matter, and de- 
clined to grant my request; that doubtless many 
whites would be soliciting similar favors and 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COLTNTF. 



431 



privileLies, and one grant of this kind would 
pave the way for another, and they innst firmly 
deny all; that they must check the advance of 
the whites, for if one should go into their coun- 
try, others, like swarms of becs, would follow. 
They constantly begged for whisky, of which 
I had none. 

I now proceeded on to Prairie du Chien, and 
tlierc engaged in some little traftic. The place 
was much scattered, and sparsely settled; there 
were some fifty or sixty dwelling houses, and 
all the people could speak the English, French 
and Indian languages, and all imperfectly. 
'1 here were perhaps three or four permanent 
traders located there, and, during the warm 
season of the year, some fifty or more would re- 
sort there, and la'te in the fall scatter abroad to 
their several trading stations on the upper Mis- 
sissi))pi anil its numerous tributaries. This had 
been the cu-itorn for many years. I do not think 
there was an American resident at Prairie du 
Chien. Tiie traders were polite and kind, and 
their hospitality was both general and generous; 
and wliile they drank freely, it was regarded as 
disgraceful to get drunk. 

Mr. James Aird, a Scotch trader, had been 
thirty-seven years in the upper Mississi])pi coun- 
try, making Prairie du Chien generally hisplace 
of summer resort. Joseph Rolette, Antoine 
and Michael Brisbois, Francis Boutielle, Jean 
IJaptiste St. Jean, Mons. Tiercourt, Mons. Ben- 
iiette, Mons. Palen, and many others, were 
among the traders. All these traders had fam- 
ilies, and mostly by Indian wives; but Michael 
Brisbois had a fine French wife. In Brisbois' 
family was a beautiful girl named Fisher, whose 
p.Ti-ents,* early settlers there, were dead; and 
Joseph Rolette was said to have married this 
young girl when she was only ten years of age. 
Kolctte was regarded as the largest trader 
there, and reputed wealthy. The marriages of 



•When fapt. Pike visited Prairie du Cliien in 1S0.5, he 
•^!>'iiks of Fisher H« iin .American, and a proojinent man of 1 
ihe phice. Ke then had the title of captain and judKe. and I 
then fllled those poaitions, as will elsewhere be shown, in this 
history. 



the traders with squaws was without ceremony, 
and to last only for a single trading season. 
The trader would make the engagement with 
the parents of the young squaw, to whom he 
would make liberal compensation; and by mak- 
ing a permanent marriage, the trader's business 
woidd be increased. When the trader renewed 
his engagement for his squaw wife for two or 
three years in succession, he generally then 
kept her for life. 

I remained a few weeks at Prairie du Chien, 
and then returned without molestation to St. 
Louis, taking down a few skins and hides, but 
the trip was unprofitable. I learned, while at 
Prairie du Chien, that the people there had 
chiefly depended upon the traders bringing flour 
and other supplies from Mackinaw, but their 
remoteness from the older settlements, would 
now render it necessary to engage in farming, 
and raise large crops of wheat, and that ar- 
rangements were then making for that purpose. 
I thought it would be a good locality for a grist 
mill, and promised the people that I would erect 
one, for which there was sufficient water-power 
at Fisher's Coulee, four miles above Prairie du 
Chien. This promise was gratifying to them, 
as they had no mode of grinding except some- 
times to hitch a liorse to a sweep, and grind on 
a small scale with a band and small stone; 
hence called a band-mill. 

About June, 1816, I relumed to Prairie du 
Chien with a large boat, and full load of mer- 
chandise and provisions, 1 then being but a 
common carrier for others. The post at Rock 
Island was then occupied, and commanded by 
Maj. Willoughby Morgan; this post was com- 
menced the previous year. On this visit, I be- 
lieve, I found a detachment of United States 
troops arrived at Prairie du Chien shortly be- 
fore me; perhaps from fifty to 150 in number, 
but I have forgotten the name of the command- 
ing officer. Their ariival was very unwelcome to 
the settlement generally. They were occupy- 
ing and repairing the old fort on the bank of 
the river, at the upper part of the town. 



432 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Having discharged my load, I descended to 
Fevre river, as I had orders from St. Louis mer- 
chants to bring down lead from the traders in 
payment for goods they had purchased there. 
Reaching i point then known as Kettle Chief's 
prairie,* some little distance below where Cass- 
ville now is, perhaps fifteen or eighteen miles, 
I there met the traders upon whom I had the 
orders, and some 2,000 or 3,000 Indians congre- 
gated, holding a sort of jubilee just after their 
corn planting, swigging whisky, and invoking 
the blessing of the Gieat Spirit upon their crop. 
The traders requested me to go down to the 
mouth of Fevre river, and there await their 
sending the lead down; they were very an.xious 
that I should take it down to St. Louis for them, 
and they had it piled up at the very spot where 
Galena now is. This I refused, as I could not 
consent to wait so long, and asked to go up 
with ray boat. This request the Indians re- 
fused, saying that "the Americans must not see 
their lead mines," as they were particularly sus- 
picious of Americans, but did not cherish the 
same feelings towards Frenchmen, with whom 
they had been so long connected and associated. 
Speaking, as I did, the French as fluently as I 
did the Fnglish, the traders declared to the In- 
dians that I was a Frenchman, and all my boat- 
men, which was true, were French voyayeurs; 
the Indians, with very little persuasion, con- 
sented that I might go to their smelting estab- 
lishments. 

About 200 Indians jumped upon my boat, 
while others followed in canoes, and we pushed 
on to the spot. There was no Indian town there, 
but several encampments, and no trading estab- 
lishment. There were at least twenty furnaces 
in the immediate neighborhood; and the lead 
was run into jo/ajMes or plats, or ffats, of about 
seventy pounds each. These fiats were formed 
by smelting the mineral in a small walled hole, 
in which the fuel and mineral were mingled, 
and the liquid lead run out, in front, into a hole 



* Probably named after the Fox chief Kettle, who was 
killed, in 1^, by a war party of Sioux and Menomonees. 



scooped in the earth, so that a bovpl shaped 
mass, of lead was formed therein. The squaws 
dug the mineral, and carried it in sacks on their 
heads to the smelling places. I loaded seventy 
tons of lead in my boat, and still left much at 
the furnaces. This was the first boat load of 
lead from Galena. The Indians had often pre- 
viously taken lead in small quantities in their 
canoes to Portage des Sioux and St. Louis, for 
purposes of barter. 

In the course of that year, I made two trips 
in the trade to Prairie du Chien, and also 
trips in 181 7-18*-] 9 and '20, making altogether 
nine trips. I am not certain that I took more 
than one other trip up Fevre river for a load of 
lead, for the traders, now making all their pur- 
cliases at St. Louis, would oarry down their 
own lead, and take back a new supply of goods 
suitable for the Indian trade. After the peace 
of 1815, and all was settled down again in quiet 
in the northwest, the channel of the Indian 
trade was completely changed, from Mackinaw, 
where it had so long centered, to St. Louis, as 
it was found far more accessible, and by this time 
there were several heavy establishments of mer- 
chandise selected with special reference to 
this trade. 

In 1818 I built a grist-mill, as I had prom- 
ised, at Fisher's Coulee, four miles above Prai- 
rie du Chien. It had but a single run of stones, 
and eventually proved a source of expense to 
me, but a matter of great convenience to the 
people. Lieut. Col. Talbot Chambers went up 
to Prairie du Chien in 1817, in my boat, and as- 
sumed the command of the garrison. Col. 
Chambers loved to make a display, was fond of 
drinking freely, and was naturally tyrannical 
and over-bearing, and, when intoxicated, was 
desperate and dangerous. Once, when so in- 
flamed with liquor, he chased a young female 

*I 11 a letter dated at Prairie du Chien, June 7th, 1818, it is 
stated: "Since you left this place, there have been several 
arrivjilB at ditfcrent times from St. Louis, amonj^ whom were 
Mr. IJoilvin, (who is now Indian agent, and civil magistrate, ) 
t'ol. McNair, Maj. Fowler, Mr. Shaw and Lieut, mow cap- 
tain) Hickman and lady. In two hours after his arrival, Col. 
Chambers started for St. Louis; whether he will return, 1 do 
not know. Hickman now commandB this post." 



HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



433 



into the house of Jacque Menard, with no good 
motive for doing so, when Menard reproached 
him; upon which Chambers ordered a file of 
twenty -five soldiers to tie him ii|), stri]), and 
give iiim twenty-five lashes with a cat o' nine 
tails, well laid on. 

While the ])reparationH were making for 
carrying tliis inhuman order into effect, a son 
of Nicholas Hoilvin, a bright and handsome 
youth of some ten years of age, ran up and com- 
menced crying and pleading in behalf of Me- 
nard, not wishing to see one of the citizens thus 
humiliatingly punished in public. After two 
or three blows were stiuck. Col. Chambers 
ordered the drummer to cease. Menard was 
a clever citizen, cultivated a large farm, and had 
a worthy family of quarter-bloods. Col. Cham- 
bers inflicted corporeal punishment in several 
instance', and finally, for cutting off both ears 
of one soldier, and one ear of another, was 
tried and cashiered, and then descended the 
Mississippi; went to Mexico, and joined the 
array there, and had risen to about the rank of 
colonel in that service, and was in the Mexican 
army at the surrender of the city of Mexico to 
Gen. iScolt. It was in consequence of ('ol. 
Chambers' petty tyrannies, the civil law not be- 
ing much in force or very effectual, that I aban- 
doned all idea of settling at Prairie du Chien, 
and all tlie designs of improvement I had 
formed, and sold my mill at a sacrifice. 

In 1819 I i)roceeded up Black river to the 
first fall, about six feet descent, and erected a 
saw mill on the southeastern bank of the stream. 
I had liai-ely got it fairly going, when hundreds 
ol Winncbagocs came there, in a starving con- 
dition, and impoituned me incessantly for every- 
thing I liacl for eating or wearing purposes, and 
I was thus soon 'eft without supplies, and re- 
turned to Prairie du Chien. The next spritig I 
wiMit up there again and found the Indians had 
burned the mill; I then rafted down a quantity 
of pine logs I iiad cut the previous year. These 



were the first mills erected in western Wis- 
consin. 

BY JAMES II. LOCK WOOD. 

I was born in the town of Peru, Clinton Co., 
N. Y., Dec. lib, 1*793 — and as the sequal will 
show, I have lived in the woods the most of my 
days. My father was a farmer, to which occu- 
pation I was raised until past the age of sixteen 
years. When I was between two and three 
years old, my father's house in Peru took fire 
and almost everything he possessed of a movable 
character, was consumed. He sold his farm, 
and about this period removed to the town of 
Jay, in the adjoining county of Essex, wliere he 
owned or obtained land. Here he made im- 
provements, and had good buildings, an orchard, 
and everything comfortable about him, when, 
about 1803, he got the Ohio fever. He sold his 
farm at a great sacrifice; but before he collected 
the money for it, he met a gentleman who had 
just returned from Ohio, who stated that though 
lands were cheap, and they could raise large 
crops of grain and flocks of cattle with little 
labor, yet many of the settlers were obliged to 
go twenty or thirtj- miles to mill, and there was 
no market for their fine cattle and rich harvests, 
and that a farmer witli a comfortable home was 
better off in tfee cold and unproductive region 
of northern New York, than in the fertile 
plains of Ohio without a market. These con- 
siderations dissuaded my father from removing 
to Ohio, and, in March, 1805, he settled in 
Champlain, Clinton Co., N. Y., where he pur- 
chased a farm, with a log dwelling and forty 
acres of improvement. 

Living thus on the frontiers, and removing front 
place to place, my educational advantages were 
very limited. But after moving to Champlain, 
the nearest school was at the village of Chazy, 
two and a half miles distant, whither I went 
])retty " regularly for two or three winters. In 
that day and in a new country, to be able to 
read, write and cipher as far as the rule of 
three, was considered sufficient qualifications to 
teach a common school. I was ambitious to ob- 



434 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



tain a good education, and relaxed no efforts to 
be punctual in ray attendance, although the dis- 
tance was great, and traveling through the deep 
snow was often very laborious. I read wilh 
avidity every book that chance threw in my 
way, or which I could obtain by borrowing in 
the neighborhood. 

In the summer of 1808 I boarded at Cham- 
plain village, and attended the school tanght by 
the late Dr. William Beaumont, who was then 
a student of medicine. Under his tuition I 
greatly improved myself in grammar, geogra- 
phy, etc., but at that early day I never saw a 
school atlas. Opportunities for attending better 
schools increased, and I continued alternately 
on the farm and at school until I was between 
sixteen and seventeen years of age, when 
I engaged in the study of the law. I, however, 
concluded that, from deficient early education 
and my native dirtidence, I should never make 
a great lawyer, and my ambition protesting 
against a second or third rate position, I aban- 
doned the law as I then supposed, forever, and 
sougiit and obtained a situation as a merchant's 
clerk. 

The merchant who employed me became the 
sutler to the Light Artillery regiment, then 
commanded by Col. Wm. Fenwick, and formed 
a part of Gen. Izard's army. This force com- 
menced its march from Plattsburgh to the west 
in August, 1814; and my employer having some 
business to transact in Plattsburgh, before his 
departure, sent me to attend to tlie sutling busi- 
ness, and I continued with the regiment until 
the campaign on the Niagara was over, and the 
troops retired into winter-quarters near Buffalo. 
In November my employer arrived, and taking 
offense at some of his acts, I demanded a settle- 
ment, and left him. I then engaged myself lo 
a man named Fuller, sutler for Maj. Ball's two 
companies of dragoons, then cantoned near 
Avon, N. Y., on the Genesee river, where I re- 
mained doing little or nothing during the win- 
ter, as the dragoons, for some reason, were not 
paid off. 



In April, 1815, I received a letter from the 
late Lewis Rouse * of Green Bay, a townsman 
of mine, dated at Buffalo, stating that he had 
obtained the sailing of the consolidated Rifle 
regiment, and desired ray assistance. Having 
no need of my services, I left Mr. Fuller and 
repaired to Buffalo, and the stage which con 
veyed me carried flying colors announcing the 
news of peace. 

Those of the troops enlisted for the war were 
now discharged, and those enlisted for five 
years retained; of the latter was the Rifle 
regiment, then understood to have been 
ordered to Detroit. As I had conducted 
Mr. Rouse's business principally, he wished 
me to go with him, and desiring to see the 
country, I accepted his invitation. The troops 
having left Buffalo about the first of June, we 
sailed from that place on the 1 5th of that month, 
in the schooner Lady of the Lake, said to have 
been the best, vessel then on the lakes and ar- 
rived at Detroit on or about the 10th of July. 
Here we found, that the regiment had been or- 
dered to Mackinaw. 

Detroit was then an old French village, with 
the houses mostly covered with bark. Waiting 
here a few days for a vessel on which to pro- 
ceed to Mackinaw, we engaged passage about 
the 15th of July, on a crazy old schooner com- 
manded by Capt. Pearson, bound for Druni- 
mond's Island, with pork and hard bread for 
the British troops then stationed at that place. 
On board the vessel as a passenger was Ramsey 
Crooks, since so distinguished among the Rocky 
Mountain traders, then on his way to Mack- 
inaw, to receive the property of the Sou i Invest 
Fur Company, which had been recently pur- 
chased by John Jacob Astor of New York. 
\\ e found this old crazy vessel without any con- 
venience of table or provisions. Mr. Crooks 



* Judge Rouse was a native of Rouse's Point, on Lake 
Champlain, and settled at Green Bay about 1824. He was 
judge of the norttiwest judicial district wliile Wisconsin yet 
f(jrnied apart of Michigan Territory. Hewasa nuin <>t" lu-oni- 
iiiencciD his day, and possessed many liind and gcntlcnuvnly 
qualities. He died suddenly at his residence, in ManitiiwcH\ 
April HIth, 1S55. at the age of sixty-three years. His sudden 
death was prohably caused by apoplexy, as he was of 
plethoric habit, and weighed over 300 pounds. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



485 



had come passenger on her from Buffalo, and 
the caj)tain liad promised him that he wonld 
lay in ample supplies at Detroit, but just as we 
had got under way from the latter port, Mr. 
Crooks went into the cabin and ascertained that 
the captain had failed to fulfill his engagement; 
and immediately he took the skiff, went ashore, 
and purchased dishes, knives, forks, spoons, and 
provisions, and we proceeded on our voyage. 
We were becalmed about ten days on the 
St. Clair river and flats, during which we went 
on shore and bought a sheep, which helped along 
with the rusty pork and hard bread. At that 
time, I had seen very little hardships, and I suf- 
fered much from such fare as hard bread and 
rusty pork. 

We were almost a month from Detroit to 
Drummond's Island, where we found a trader 
named LaCroix, with a boat bound to Mack- 
inaw, and with him we engaged our passage. 
No provisions could be had at Drummond's Is- 
land, so we were obliged to depend on the voy- 
agexirts' kettle of corn soup, a new kind of fare 
to me, and, I believe, I ate but a few moulhfulls 
from Drummonds Island to Mackinaw. We 
were two days reaching Mackinaw, where we 
arriveil on the morning of the 15th of August. 
Once there and recruited, we had a new source 
of anxiety, in daily expecting the arrival of the 
paymaster, until the close of navigation; and 
then I had to content myself, as well as I could, 
until the ensuing spring of 1816. At the re- 
quest of some of the inhabitants, I concluded 
to open a school, as it would keep me from idle- 
ness; if my .scholars did not learn much En- 
glish, I concluded I should stand a chance of ac- 
quiring sonic French; thus acting out the 
Yankee character of adapting one's self to cir- 
cumstances. And thus I spent the winter. 

During the winter of 1815-16, Congress pass- 
ed an act excluding foreigners from partici- 
pating in the Indian trade within the limits 
of the United States or its territories. This 
was then supposed to have been done through 
the influence of Mr. Astor; and, upon the pur- 



chase of the property of the SouthwestCompany, 
the American Fur Company re-appeared under 
the auspices of Mr. Astor, the headquarters of 
which were in Mackinaw. 

Although Congress had passed a law ex- 
cluding foreigners from the Indian country, 
it was found that the trade could not 
be carried on without their aid, as most of the 
clerks, interpreters and boatmen were foreign- 
ers; and, in the summer of 1816, the secretary 
of the treasury of the United States, issued or- 
ders' to the Indian agents on this frontier to 
license foreigners as interpreters and boatmen, 
on their giving bond with large penalties for 
their good conduct in the Indian country. Thus 
the British traders, who wanted to get into the 
Indian country, had only to employ an Ameri- 
can, to whom the goods were invoiced; and the 
license taken in his name, and the trader went 
as interpreter until they were beyond the Indian 
agencies, when the trader assumed the control 
of liis property, and carried on his business as 
usual. 

During the summer of 1816, it was projected 
to establish a United States fort at Green Bay; 
and, in July of that year. Col. .John Miller,then 
colonel of the -Sd regiment. United States In- 
fantry, was ordered on that service, and soon 
chartering three vessels, embarked three or four 
companies of rifle-men and infantry, with some 
artillery. Among the vessels was the Washing- 
ton, the largest of the fleet, commanded by 
Capt. Dobbins, on board of which vessel was 
the commandant. I had that year engaged ray- 
self as a clerk to some traders, to take charge of 
an outfit or trading establishment near the head 
of the St. Peters river, and the colonel appre- 
hending difticulty from the Indians in latidiiig 
at Green Bay, proposed to take the goods of 
several boats in the vessel, and tow the bo.its, 
and use them if necessary, in landing, and then 
return them to their owners. 

Accordingly, Augustin Grignon, myself and 
a French clerk by the name of Chappin em- 
barked on board the Washington, Mr. Grignon 



4.36 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



and Chappin acting in some measure as pilots. 
During the niglit of the second or third day 
out from Macknaw,the two other ve.ssels became 
separated from the Washington, and arriving 
in the vicinity of wliat is now called Washing- 
ton i.sland and harbor, and learning from Mr. 
Grignon that there was a good harbor, Col. 
Miller ordered the Washiitgtoii to put in there 
to wait for her consorts. We remained there 
nearly two days, during which time the officers 
and passeni;ers rambled over the island, and 
finally, in honor of our vessel, supposed to l)e 
the first one tiiat had entered the harboi-, we 
gave its name to Washington island and har- 
bor, \vhich they liave ever since retained. Find- 
ing the other vessels had got into Green bay 
ahead of us, and liad found a harbor at Ver- 
million island and were waiting for us, we 
proceeded up the bay, and arrived at Green 
Bay settlement about two days after, when the 
troops landed without the anticipated opposi- 
tion from the Indians. This was in the 
month of July, 1S16. 

Green Bay was a kind of traders' depot for 
the trade of that bay, the Fox and upper part 
of Wisconsin rivers, which were considered de- 
pen<lents of it. There then resided at Green 
Bay, as a trader,John Lawe, and four or five at 
the Grignon's. Augustin Grignon resided and 
traded at the Little Kaukalin. Those traders 
who pretended to make Green Bay their home, 
resided generally but a small portion of the 
year thei-e, as most of them wintered in tlie In- 
dian country, and generally spent two or three 
months of the summer at Mackinaw. The tra- 
ders of Green Bay mostly married, after the 
Indian manner, women of the Menomonee tribe, 
there being no white women in the country. I 
saw at this time but one vroman in the settle- 
tnent that pi'etended to be white, and she had 
accidentally been brought there at an early day, 
but her hist'ry, however, I do not now recollect. 
There were at Green Bay some forty or fifty 
Cinadians of French extraction who [iretended 
to cultivate the soil; but they were generally 



old, worn out voyageurs or boatmen, who, hav- 
ing become unfit for the hardships of the In- 
dian trade, had taken wives generally of the 
Menomonee tribe, and settted down on a piece 
of land. As the land did not cost anything, 
all they had to do was, to take up a piece not 
claimed by any other person, and fence and cul- 
tivate it. But they had generally been so long 
in the Indian trade that they had, to a great ex- 
tent, lost the little knowledge they had acquired 
of farming in Canada; so that they were poor 
cultivators of the soil, although they raised con- 
sideralde wheat, barley, peas, etc. Green Bay 
was at that time a part of the territory of Indi- 
ana, of which the seat of government was at 
Vincennes, wliicli was also the county town of 
the county to which Green Bay was attached — 
between 400 and ."^OO miles distant by the tedi- 
ous and circuitous route of that day. 

There was an old Frenchman at Green Bay 
of the name of Charles Reaume, who could read 
and write a little, who acted as justice of the 
peace. He had been commissioned under 
George III., when Great Britain held jurisdic- 
tion over the country and after it was given up 
to the American government and attached to 
Indiana, he had been commissined by Gov. Har- 
rison,* and being thus doubly armed with com- 
missins, he acted under either as he found most 
convenient. The laws under which he acted 
were those of Parisf and the customs of the 
Indian traders of Green Bay. He was very 
arbitrary in his decisions. 

The county seat was so distant and difficult 
of access, that if a person felt himself aggri(>ved 
he preferred suffering injustice to going to the 
expense of an appeal; so that, practically, 
Reaume's court was the supreme court of the 
country. He took care not to decide against 
anv of the traders who were able to bear the 



* Reaume received his commissiou rs justice from Gov. 
Harrison, of Indiana territory, which was probably not long: 
after the orsjanization of that territory in 1801. from wbich, 
till 1813, Gen. Harrison continued uniterruptedly its govern- 
or. 

t The code Ciiutumc ile Paris, the law of France, which 
groverned Canada, and all the territory of the northwest 
While under the French doininion. 



HIgTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



437 



expense of an appeal; in fact the traders made 
use of him to hold their men in subjection, but 
tiever submitted to him any difficulty between 
themselves. These were left to the arbitration 
of other traders. It was said of him, that a 
bottle of spirits was the best witness that could 
be introduced into his court, and that after the 
decision of a case, the losing party producing the 
above witness, has been granted a new trial or 
re-hearing, and a reversal of the former de- 
cision obtained. For misdemeanor, he sen- 
tenced the culprit to labor a certain number of 
days on his farm or cut and split a certain num- 
of r.iils for him. 

During my stay at Green Bay, waiting the 
arrival of my employers, one of their engages 
or boatmen had left their employ and engaged 
himself to an American concerned in sutling 
for the troops, and I went to Judge Reaume, 
stating the case to him, asked him what the law 
was on that subject, and what could be done. 
lie answered nie in his broken English: '■'■Til 
— make — de — man — go — hack — to — his — duty.'''' 
"But," I again asked, "what is the law on the 
subject?" He answered: '■'■de — law — i» — Vll — 
make — de — man — go — hack — to — /( /.s- — duty.'''' I 
reiterated my inquiry: "Judge Reaume, is 
tliere no law on the subject?" He replied with 
a feeling of conscious dignity: "JVe—are — 
accustomed — to — make — de — 7nen — go — back — to 
their — bourgeois." 

On the inth of September, 1S16, I arrived at 
Prairie du Cliien, a traders' vill.age of between 
twenty-five and thirty houses, situated on the 
banks of the Mississippi, on what, in high 
water, is an island. The houses were built by 
planting posts upright in the ground, with 
grooves in them, so that the sides could be 
filled in with split timber or round poles and 
then plastered over with clay and whitewashed 
with a white earth found in the vicinity, and 
ttien covered witii bark, or clapboards riven 
from oak. 'rra<liiion says the place took its 
name from an Indian chief of the F'ox tribe by 
the name of Chien or Dog, who had a village 



somewhere on the prairie near where Fort 
Crawford now stands. Chien, or Dog, is a 
favorite name among the Indians of the north- 
west. 

There were then [when Mr. Lock wood ar- 
rived there] of the old traders residing at Prai- 
rie du Chien, Joseph Rolette, Michael Brisbois, 
Francis Bouthillier and Jean Baptiste Faribault, 
all Canadians of French extraction, except Bou- 
thillier, who was from France, and Nicholas 
IJoilvin, who was Indian agent and held the 
commission of justice of the peace, under the 
government of Illinois territory, whence he 
came. 

Michael Brisbois informed me that he had 
resided in Prairie du Chien about thirty years;* 
and there was an old Scotchman by the name 
of James Aird,f connected with the company 
by which I was iirst employed in the Indian 
trade, who generally wintered among the Sioux 
Indians, and had been a trader about forty 
years. There was also another man by the 
name of Duncan Graham, who had been en- 
gaged in the Indian trade about the same 
length of tAme, and was captain in the British 
Indian department during the war, from whom 
I obtained considerable information of the In- 
dian country, and of the earlier days of Prairie 
du Chien. 

Pr.iirie du Chien was, at this time, an im- 
portant post for Indian trade, and was consid- 
ered by the Indians as neutral ground, where 
diffeient tribes, although at war, might visit in 
safely; but if hostile, they had to beware of 
being caught in the neighborhood, going or re- 
turning. Yet I never heard of any hostile 
movement on the prairie, after they had safely 
arrived. 



•Mr. Urishois. in lS3n, ga\e evidence before Isaac Lee. the 
Kt)vcrnini-nt agrnt. thnt he had been thirtv-nine years in (he 
country, and was then si\ty years of age; and" this would 
(five the year ITXl as the year of hi.s coming to Prairie du 
Chien. 

tMr. Aird was from Maclcinaw, and was a worthy man and 
enterprisinif trader. His Held of operations was mainlv with 
the Sioux, in what is now Iowa and Minnesota. On the re- 
turn of Lewis anc Clark's expedition in )80fi. they met Mr. 
Ainl with two trading lioats above the Bin Sioux river, on 
the Missouri; and in their journal they speak of him as "a 
very friendly and liberal gentleman." " In 1013, he had a trad- 
ing post at Mendota. 



438 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



The factories which John W. Johnson had 
charge of, were established by an act of Con- 
gress previous to the War of 1812, for the 
humane purpose of preventing the British 
traders from extortions on the Indians, and 
of counteracting British influence over them, 
which they exercised through the traders. But 
unfortunately they had the contrary effect, and 
through the bad management of the traders, the 
government of the United States was made to 
appear contemptible in the eyes of the Indians. 
The idea was then prevalent in the United 
States, that the most sleazy and cheap goods 
were what the Indians wanted, whereas the 
blankets furnished by the British traders, al- 
though of coarse wool, were thick and substan- 
tial, and so were the cloths and calicoes, wliile 
those furnished by the Americans were greatly 
inferior. It was many years before Mr. Astor, 
with all his wealth and sagacity, could obtain 
in England suitable blankets and cloths for the 
Indian trade, and also the proper guns. There 
was, at that time, an Indian gun manufactured 
in England, called the Nortliwest gun, of 
simple, plain and strong construction, and it 
was understood that the manufacture of blan- 
kets, cloths and guns was so much under the in- 
fluence of the Noithwest Fur Company, that 
an American could not procure the genuine 
article, and hence the goods furnished by the 
factors wore all of an inferior article, except 
tob ceo; and the British traders took especial 
pains when they happened to have a poor arti- 
cle, to call it American. They had been fur- 
nished lor many years with their tobacco from 
Albany, an inferior article, made into carrots 
of from two to three pounds; and when the 
American tobacco in plugs, and of a tolerable 
good quality, was introduced among them, they 
admitted that it was the best. 

When I first came to the country, it was the 
practice of the old traders and interpreters to 
call any inferior article of goods American, and 
to speak to the Indians in a contemptuous man- 
ner of the Americans and their goods, and the 



goods which they brought into the country but 
too generally warranted this reproach. But 
after Mr. Astor had purchased out the South- 
west Company and established the American 
Fur Company, he succeeded in getting suitable 
kinds of goods for the Indians, except at first 
the Northwest Indian gun. He attempted to 
introduce an imitation of them, manufactured 
in Holland, but it did not succeed, as the In- 
dians soon detected the difl^erence. 

At that time there were generally collected 
at Prairie du Chien, by the traders and United 
States factors, about 300 packs of 100 pounds 
each of furs and peltries, mostly fine furs. Of 
the different Indian tribes that visited and 
traded more or less at Prairie du Ciiien, there 
were the Menomonees from Green Bay, who 
frequently wintered on the Mississippi; the 
Chippewas, who resided on the head waters of 
the Chippewa and Black rivers; the Foxes, who 
liad a large village where Cassville now stands, 
called Penali; the Sauks, who resided about 
Galena and Dubuque; the Winnebagoes, who 
resided on the Wisconsin river; the lowas, who 
then had a village on the upper Iowa river; 
Wabashaw's band of Sioux, who resided on a 
beautiful prairie on the Iowa side of the Missis- 
sippi, about 120 miles above Prairie du Chien, 
with occasionally a Kickapoo or Pottawattomie. 

The Sauks and Foxes brought from Galena a 
considerable quant'ty of lead, moulded in the 
earth, in bars about two feet long, and from six 
to eight inches wide, and from two to four inches 
thick, being something of an oval form, and 
thickest in the middle, and generally thinning 
to the edge, and weighing from thirty to forty 
pounds. It was not an uncommon thing to see 
a Fox Indian arrive at Piairie du Chien with 
a hand sled, loaded with twenty or tliirlj' wild 
turkeys for sale, as they were very plentiful 
about Cassville, and occasionally there were 
some killed opposite Prairie du Chien. 

I must not omit to mention an early Ameri- 
can settler — Ezekiel Tainter. In 1833 the quar- 
ter-master of Fort Crawford advertised in Ga^ 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



439 



lena for proposals for a contract to furnish the 
fort with a year's wood. Mr. Tainter and a 
man by the name of Reed gotllie contract, and 
came to Prairie du Chien and supplied the first 
contract together, at the end of which Mr. 
Reed left the country. Mr. Tainter remained 
and c mtiiiued for several years to take the wood 
contract, together with that for supplying the 
fort with beef; and at this business, which he 
well understood, in connection with the cultiva- 
tion of a farm on the bluff where he cut his 
wood, he made money quite fast, as he was in- 
dustrious and saving. He sent for his family, 
whom he had left in the State of New York, 
and paid off some old scores that he had previ- 
ously been unable to do, and had some money 
left, for which he had no immediate use. Not- 
withstanding he knew nothing about merchan- 
dizing, he concluded, as he expressed it, "that 
the mercliaiiLs were coining money, and that he 
would have a hand in it;" and borrowing some 
means in addition to his own, went to St. Louis 
and purchased a small stock of goods, which, 
as might be expected, were not very judiciously 
selected for the market. 

During this time Mr. Tainter's brother, Gor- 
ham, arrived by his assistance, whom he took 
into partnership; but knowing as little about 
mercantile affairs as his brother, the business 
was not very well conducted. Both had large 
families to support, and it aj)pears that they 
kept no account of e.^penses, or of what each 
took from the store. If one wanted an article, 
the other took something else to balance it. 
They continued business for about two years, 
when they took an account of stock, and found 
a deficiency of about 1-3,000, for which they 
could not account; and as goods to this amount 
had been taken from the store without keeping 
any account of them, it did not at first occur to 
their minds that their families had consumed 
them. This satisfied Mr. Tainter that money 
was not so easily gained by merchandizing as 
he had supposed, .and he returned to farming, 



and is now a resident and worthy citizen of the 
county. 

Until the year 1824, it was believed that a 
steamboat could not come up to Prairie du 
Chien over the Des Moines and Rock river 
rapids. But, in the spring of that year, David 
G. Bates, who had for several years been en- 
gaged in running keel boats on the upper Mis- 
sissippi, the water then being in a good stage 
in the river, brought to Prairie du Chien a very 
small boat called the Putnam. She was one of 
the smallest class of boats that run on the Ohio 
in a low stage of water. Capt. Bates proceeded 
to Fort Snelling with his boat. In June follow- 
ing, boats of a much larger class came over the 
rapids and went to Fort Snelling w^ith supplies 
foi- the troops. Since then, •the river from St. 
Louis to Fort Snelling has been navigated by 
steamboats, increasing every year in size and 
conveniiMice. 

During the summer of 1820, I built the first 
framed Iioush that was erected in Prairie du 
Chien.* 1 sent men to the Black river and got 
the timber fortius frame and the shingles, and 
hail the plank and boards sawed by hand, and 
i)rought down to Prairie du Chien. But then I 
had no carpenter or jo'ncr, there being none 
here. I went on board of a keel boat that had 
landed, and inquired if tiiere was a carjjentcr 
and joiner on board, on which a ragged, dirty- 
looking man said that he professed to be one ; 
and, having seen quite as unin-epossessing fel- 
lows turn out much better than a])pearances in- 
dicated, I agreed with him at $1..5ii a day and 
board. 

I built on the site near Fort Crawford, now 
occupied by what is called the commanding 
oflicer's house. My house was of the following 
description : A cellar-kitchen, 30x26 feet, with 
frame on it of the same size, two stories high, 
w-iih a wing ir>x20 feet, on the south side, one- 
story, which I used for a retail store. There 
was a hill through tiie south end of the two- 



* This is an error, as tliere was a framed bouse in the place 
when visited by Thoni»\s G. Anderson, as we have already 
seen, in the year ISOO— [Ed. 



27 



440 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



story part, the whole length of the house, with 
stairs from the cellar kitchen up into the hall, 
and stairs from the hall to the upper story. The 
north end of the house was divided, the front 
part, about 3 4x16 feet, into a parlor, or sit- 
ting room; achimney in the centerof the north 
end, and a bedroom in the back part, about four- 
teen feet square; a door leading from the hall to 
the bedroom and one to the sitting room, and a 
door by the side of the chimney from the bed- 
room to the sitting room, and a door from the 
hall into the wing or store. 

This house I- afterward sold to the government, 
with the land on which the fort now stands. It 
was good enough for Gen. Taylor and family 
when he commanded here ; but as soon as Gen. 
Brooke was in command, he got an appropria- 
tion from Congress to repair the house and had 
it all torn down except a part of the cellar wall, 
and built the one which is there at present 
[1855] at a cost of about $7,000. 

BY WILLIAM J. SNELLING. 

The Chippewa and Dakota (Sioux) tribes have 
waged war against each other so long that the 
origin of their hostility is beyond the knowledge 
of man. Gen Pike persuaded them to make 
peace in 1803, but it lasted only till his back 
was turned. The agents for the Government 
have brought about several treaties between the 
tribes, in which forgiveness and friendship, for 
the future, were solemnly promised. Indian 
hereditary hate is stronger than Indian faith, 
and these bargains were always violated as soon 
as opportunity occurred. Nevertheless, our 
executive gave orders in 18'25 that a general 
congress of all the belligerent tribes on the 
frontier should be held at Prairie du Chien. 
They flocked to the treaty ground from all quar- 
ters, to see the sovereignty or majesty, we know 
not which is the better word, of the United 
States, ably represented by Govs. Cass and 
Clark, who acted as commissioners. 

The policy of the United States on this occa- 
sion was founded on an error. It supposed tliat 
the quarrels of the Indians were occasioned by 



a dispute concerning boundaries of their re- 
spective territories. Never was a treaty fol- 
lowed by more unhappy results, at least as far 
as it concerned the Dakotas. Tliey concurred 
in the arrangement of their boundaries proposed 
by the commissioners, as they do in every 
measure proposed by an American officer, think- 
ing that compulsion would otherwise be used. 
But they are not satisfied, nor have thty reason 
to be, for their ancient limits were grievously 
abridged. All the Indians present had, or im- 
agined they had, another cause of complaint. 
They had been supplied with food, while the 
congress lasted, by the United States, as was 
the reasonable practice, for they cannot hunt 
and make treaties at one and the same time. 
Dysentery supervened on the change of diet ; 
some died on the ground, and a great many per- 
ished on- the way from Prairie du Chien to their 
hunting grounds. Always suspicious of the 
whites, they supposed that their food had been 
poisoned ; the arguments of their traders could 
not convince them to the contrary, and hundreds 
will die in that belief. 

Moreover, they did not receive such presents 
as the British agents had been wont to bestow 
on them, and they complained that such stingi- 
ness was beneath the dignity of a great people, 
and that it also showed a manifest disregard of 
tlicir necessities. 

They were especially indignant at being 
stinted in whisky. It behooved the commis- 
sioners, indeed, to avoid the appearance of ef- 
fecting any measui-es by bribery, but the barba- 
rians did not view the matter in that light. To 
show them that the liquor was not withheld on 
account of its value, two barrels were brought 
upon the ground. Each dusky countenance was 
instantly illuminated with joy at the agreeable 
prospect, but they were to learn tliat there is 
sometimes a "slip between the cup and the lip." 
Each lower jaw dropped at least six inches 
when one of the commissioners staved in the 
heads of the casks with an ax, and suffered 
all the coveted liquor to run to waste. "It was 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 



441 



a great pity," said old Wakh-pa-koo-tay, speak- 
ing of the occurrence, "there was enough wasted 
toliave koptmedruiik all the days of my life." 
Wahk-pa-koo-tay's only feelings were those of 
grief and astonishinont, but most of his fellows 
thought that this making a promise to the eye 
in order to break it to the sense, was a grevious 
insult, and so they continue to regard it to this 
day. 

Everyone knows that, in the western country, 
French people make map!e sugar in the spring. 
In March, 1827, one Methode chose to set np his 
sugar camp at the mouth of Yellow river, two 
[twelve] miles from Prairie du Chien. His 
wife, one of the most beautiful women we ever 
saw, accompanied him with her five cluldreu. 
Besides these, the wolves and the trees were 
l;is only companions. A week elapsed, and he 
li;\d not been seen at the Prairie. One of hif 
friends, tliinking that he might have been taker 
ill, and was unable to come for his supplies, re- 
solved to visit his camp. 

On reaching the mouth of Yellow river, th( 
man shouted aloud, that Methode or his doj 
might answer, and thereby indicate in what 
e.xact spot in the woods his cabin stood. N( 
answer was retnrned. After searciiing upwardi- 
of an hour, and calling till he was li 'arse, he 
fell ti])on a liltlo path which soon brought him 
to the ruins of a hut that appeared to have been 
recently burne<l. All was still as it might have 
been at the birth of time. Concluding that 
Methode had burned his camp, and gone higher 
up the river, the honest Canadian turned home- 
ward. He had not gone ten steps when he saw 
something that made him quicken his pace. It 
was the body of Melhode's dog. The animal 
had been shot with half a score of balls, and 
yet held in his dead jaws a mouthful of scarlet 
cloth, which, apparently, he had torn from the 
calf of Indian's leg. The man ran at full speed 
to the bank of the river, throw himself into liis 
canoe, and jiachlled with all his nii^'ht till he 
was out of iiun-shot from Ihe shore. 



Having made known what he had seen 
a party was soon assembled, all good men 
and true, and well armed. 'J'hey soon gained 
the spot, and began to explore the ruins of the 
hut. The bodies of the whole family were 
there, and it was evident that accidental fire 
had not occasioned their death. They were 
shockingly mangled — Madame Methode in par- 
ticular. Her husband's hand grasped a bloody 
knife, from which it was inferred that he had 
not fallen unavenged. Yet the stains might 
have come from his own person. 

When the coroner's inquest sat, it appeared 
that a party of Winnebagoes liad been out, not- 
withstanding the treaty, against the the Chip- 
pewa s, and had returned unsuccessful. Fifteen 
of them had been seen near the Yellow river 
two days after Methode's departure from the 
[iraiiie. It was ascertained that two Winneba- 
goes had been buried that night. The white 
party returned to the village; and the next day ,an 
Indian boy <if fourteen admitted that he had seen 
Methodr's camp while hunting, and had commu- 
nicated his discovery to his companions. To make 
assurance doubly sure, Wn-inan-do»s-ga-ra-ha, an 
Indian of vn'v bad reputation, made his appear- 
ance in the village in a i>air of red leggins, one 
of which had been toin behind. He came to 
tell the agent, Mr. Boilvin how much he loved 
the Americans, and that he strongly suspected 
the Sacs of the murder that had been commit- 
ted, lie demanded a blanket and a bottle of 
whisky as a reward for his zealous friendship. 
Mr. Boilvin caused the friendly Indian to be 
arrested, and examined him closely. 'I'hen the 
murderer cilled up his Indian spirit, confessed 
his guilt, and implicated several others. 

A party of militia forthwith started for the 
nearest Winnebago camp. We are able to state — 
and we love to be correct in important particu- 
lars, that the captain wore neither plume nor 
sash, nor anything else that might have made 
him conspicuous; that the men did not march in 
the stj'le most a])pr()ved on Boston common ;that 
they beat no drum before them, and that none 



442 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



of them had ever seen a sham fight. No, each 
marched "on his own hook," each carried 
a good rifle or Northwest gun, and each kept 
his person as much out of sight as possible. 
The consequence was, that the Indian camp was 
surprised and completely surrounded, and the 
savages saw that their best and, indeed, only 
course, was to surrender quietly. However, the 
whites found only one of those they sought in 
camp, and took him away with them. The cel- 
ebrated chief De-kau-ray followed them. 

"Father," said he to Mr. Bolivin, "you know 
that there are foolish young men among every 
people. Those who have done this thing wer'e 
foolish young men, over whom I and the other 
wise men had no control. Besides, when 
they went to Yellow river, they had just 
drank the last of a keg you gave them 
yourself. It was the whisky, and not they, that 
killed Methode, and abused his wife. Father, I 
think you should excuse their folly this time, 
and they will never do the like again. Father, 
their families are very poor, and if you will 
wive tliem clothing and something to eat, you 
may be sure that they will never kill another 
white man " 

"I shall give them nothing," said the agent, 
"and will be sure that they will never kill an- 
other man;they will assuredly be hanged." 

"Your heart is very hard, father," replied 
De-kau-ray. "Your heart is very hard, but I 
cannot think that it will be as you say. You 
know that if you take our young men's lives we 
cannot prevent others from avenging them. 
Our warriors have always taken two lives for 
one. Our Great Father, the President, is not 
so hard hearted as you are. Our young men 
have killed a great many of your people, and 
he has always forgiven them." 

At that time Prairie du Chien had no great 
reason to boast of her administration of justice. 
A soldier, indeed, had been scourged at the 
public whipping post; a man of ninety had been 
fined for lewdness; an Indian had been kicked 
out of a wheat field, on which he was samp- 



ling, and the magistracy prided themselves not 
a little on these energetic acts of duty. A jail 
there was, but it was of wood, and stood so far 
from the village, that a prisoner might carve 
the logs at noonday without much danger of de- 
tection. Scandal says, that the jailor of it used to 
bolt the door with a boiled carrot. In this 
stronghold the criminals were put at night 
— the place did not own a set of fet- 
ters — and in the morning they were mis- 
sing. Had they been left to their own de- 
vices, there is little doubt that they would have 
remained to brave their fate, but it is thought 
that some white man informed them what their 
exact legal responsibilities were, and advised 
them to escape. 

Col. Willoughby Morgan commanded the 
military at Prairie du Chien. He immediately 
caused two Winnebago chiefs to be seized, and 
informed the tribe that they would not be lib- 
erated till the murderers were delivered up. 
They were soon brought in, and as the civil 
authority had proved unable to keep them, they 
were committed to the garrison guard-house. 
Shortly after the garrison was broken up by 
order of the secretary of war, and the troops 
were removed to St. Peters, 200 miles farther 
up. There was no appearance of the district 
judge to try the prisoners, and they were there- 
fore transported to St. Peters, there to await 
his coming. 

BY JOHN H. FONDA. 

I was born in Albany Co., N. Y., and of a 
good family. My father kept me at school, 
until I had obtained what was then called a 
good English education, and it being my parents 
desire that I should follow a profession, he 
placed me in the oflice of a prominent lawyer, 
in my native town, where I studied law, with 
the assistance of the lawyer and his large law 
librar}'. But, after remaining in the lawyer's 
office about two years, I caught the emigration 
fever, a disease that prevailed pretty generally 
at that time, and a company being about to 
start for Texas, I took advantage of the circum- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



443 



stance to satisfy my desire for travel, and cast 
my lot with tliem. Bidding my folks a long 
farewell — (long, for I've never seen them since) 
we departed to seek adventure in the far west. 
And we got our share, I tell you ! This w as 
more than forty years ago, and the country west 
of the Alleghany mountains was new. Few 
and far between were the white settlements, 
while the country was filled with tribes of In- 
dians, who hunted the deer, bear, elk and 
other game that afforded food or fur. 

Our course lead through the State to Buffalo, 
where we took a boat to Cleveland, thence 
south through the State of Ohio, to Cincinnati, 
where we embarked on flat-boats and floated 
down the Ohio river into the Mississippi, which 
we went down as far as Natchez. At Natchez we 
stopped to sell the flat-boats. The inhabitants 
were French, Spaniards and Creoles. The boats 
were sold to an old half-breed trader, named 
Le Blanc, for some horses, a covered wagon 
and a team of mules. Before leaving Natchez, 
one of our party was seized with yellow fever 
and died. After burying our comrade, and 
completing our outfit, we were ferried over to 
the west side of the Mississippi into Louisiana, 
l»y the old trader, who charged an exhorbitant 
price for his service — so much so, that I remeni 
ber the company went on without paying him. 

Fioni Natchez we traveled directly west until 
we struck the Red river; this we followed nj) 
stream as high as where the Fort Towson bar- 
racks are, and camped on a branch, on a creek, 
cilled Le Bontte Run. Here the emigrants 
halted for a while to recruit, and hold a consul- 
tation for future proceedings, which resultc<l 
in a determination to settle on the prairie land 
near what they called the Cross Timbers, a tract 
of country watered by numerous streams, well 
timbered, and with soil of the richest qualities, 
lint the novelty the journey promised at the 
start had been sobered down to a stern reality 
during the last si.x months, and instead of ac- 
companying the party into the then Mexican 
territory, I remained with a Scotchman, who 



had taken a Chocktow squaw for a wife, and 
kept a trading post on the head waters of the 
Sabine river. With this Scotchman, I stayed 
during the winter of 1819, and in the spring of 
1820 svent down to New Orleans, with live voy- 
ageurs, to get a keel-boat load of goods for the 
Scotch trader, who had entrusted me with the 
business, for he took a liking to me, and knew 
of no other person in whom he could put as much 
confidence. The Red river was a narrow, 
crooked, turbid stream, steep banks on either 
side, and tilled with snags; but the winter rains 
had swollen it, so we floated down without an 
accident. 

On reaching New Orleans, I had no little 
trouble with the boatmen, whom I did not 
know how to manage at that time, though ex- 
perience afterwards taught me the modus oper- 
andi. 

It was eight or ten weeks before I had col- 
lected all the Indian goods; but what hindered 
most was the indolence of the French voyageurs, 
who would go to some of the low dance houses 
in the town, and spree all night, which made 
them useless all the next day; so in one or two 
instances I was obliged to hire Creoles to assist 
in loading goods that had been brought to the 
river. 

One evening after the boat's load was com- 
plete, and the men pretty well over the previ- 
ous night's frolic, I gave orders to move up 
stream. But, as for starting to go back, the 
men wouldn't listen to anything of the kind, as 
there was to be a grand fandango in town that 
night, and they had all anticipated going there. 
They went and I remained on board all night to 
watch the boat and goods. 

Next morning the men came staggering in, 
and threw themselves down on the rolls of 
calico and blankets, where they slept until 
afternoon. About 2 o'clock they bad all got 
up and were preparing some food, when I gave 
them to understand that we must start at sun- 
down. They gave no answer, and having ate, 
they went to sleep again. 



444 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



As the sun was going out of sight, I roused 
the men, directing them to get out the tow-line, 
poles, and run up stream. They paid no atten- 
tion to what I said, but gathered around one of 
their number, a big half-breed, who insolently 
told me that it would be impossible for us to 
ascend Red river, because of high water and 
the strong current at this season of the year. I 
knew the fellow was lying, for I had seen the 
river the last summer, and knew that if we had 
any trouble it would be from low water. And 
I was oh)liged to give the man a severe whaling, 
tying his hands and feet, and threatening the 
others with a similar dose, before they would 
go to their duty. The men worked steadily 
that niglit, part of the time towing and poling, 
and sometimes taking advantage of the eddies 
in the lee of projecting points. The big half- 
breed begged to be released the next morning, 
and made no more trouble during the trip. 
The boat soon entered Red river, where we 
found sufficient water to float ns, but had to 
make a number of portages before reaching 
what is called La Grange, a small French settle- 
ment [the French claimed all west of the Mis- 
sissippi in those days], but the men did not 
offer to leave at this point, for they paid strict 
obedience to me since I punished their leader, 
and were growing more respectful e;ich day as 
we approached the end of our journey. 

We started in June, and had been gone three 
months, and it being September, I was anxious 
to get hack, for the goods were much needed at 
the trading po.st, 

On the 2:id of September (I kept a journal) 
we were met about twenty miles below the 
trader's block-house, by one of his half-breed 
sons, who had come to take command of the 
keel-boat and crew, so I might go ahead and 
give in my report of the trip, before the boat- 
men had a chance to make any of their usual 
complaints. This custom was undoubtedly a 
good one, though I did not take advantage of it 
to the detriment of the men, but gave a favor- 
able report of everything. When the boat ar- 



rived, Monsieur Jones, as the old Scotchman 
was called, met them as they landed, praised 
the men for their faithfulness, and paid them 
what little might be due them, giving to each a 
trifling present. Now, I had observed while 
acting as clerk the previous winter, that a few 
beads, paints or cheap calicoes, would purchase 
many valuable furs; and after going down with 
the bales of skins, I had learned, after receiv- 
ing the cargo of goods, that a considerable 
sum was placed to my employer's credit, which 
made the fur trade appear very profitable in my 
eyes Sol readily agreed to receive what wages 
were due me in goods, hoping to make a large 
profit on them. The old Scotchman did not seem 
over pleased with the goods I had selected by 
his direction; however, he paid me with some 
of them. And thus ended my connection with 
the first and last expedition that I ever accom- 
panied on Red river, or the lower Mississijipi, 
and also the detailed account of it, which is as 
correct as memory will allow me to relate. 

I clerked for tiie trader during the fall and 
winter of 1820, but had very few opportunities 
to sell my goods, for good reasons; first, the 
goods I had were not suitable; and if they h.ul 
been, I could not have traded them, for the old 
Scotchman, who had been an enyac/e in the 
Hudson Bay Fur Company, was exceedingly 
grasping, and would not let me buy fur on pri- 
vate account, any wiiere near the trading post. 
This prompted me to make several excursions 
among the Shawnee and Osage Indians, from 
whom I got a few packs of vahiable fur. But, 
though there was an excitement about a trader's 
life that had a charm for me, yet often, when 
camped by a sheltered spring, ambition would 
whisper, " you have another missioTi to fulfill." 

Soon after the grass was well up, in the 
spring of 1823, I put my trappings on board of 
an old pack-mule, and straddling a mustang 
colt, started for Santa Fe along with two fel- 
lows who had come up from New Orleans. My 
companions were agreeable enough, but seemed 
to have no other motive than to see the country 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



445 



and to enjoy some of the pleasures of luinter 
life tliey had "hered tell on." 

We traveled to the source of the Red river 
llirousjli tlie Comanche country, north to the 
forks of the Canadian river, where we took the 
old Santa Fe trail, which led us over and 
thruMgh the southern spur of the Rocky moun- 
tains, to Santa Fe, where we arrived without 
any of those thrilling adventures, or Indian 
fights, that form the burden of many travelers' 
stories. We had expected to meet Indians, 
and were prepared for them, but aside from a 
party of Kioways, with whom I tried to trade, 
we did not see anj-. 

At Santa Fe I lost sight of my traveling com- 
panions among the traders, and soon left the 
trading post for Taos, where I passed the win- 
ter. The houses were all one story high, and 
built of clay on large gray brick. The people 
are Spaniards, Mexicans, Imlians, a mixed breed 
and a sprinkling of trappers. 

Taos was a lively wintering place, and many 
were the fandangoes, frolics and fights which 
came off during the season I stayed there. But, 
though at an age when a young man is most 
impulsive, I seldom liad a desire to join in the 
dance, and never had but two personal affrays, 
which, owing to my superior strength, termi- 
nated in my favor. 

In May, 1S24, I had become perfectly dis- 
gusted with Taos and inhabitants, for the latter 
were a lazy, dirty, ignorant set, and as a whole, 
possessed less honor than the beggarly Win- 
neV)agoes about Prairie du Chien at the present 
time. Informing the Spaniard of my intention 
to leave, I went down to Santa Fe. Here I 
found a company of traders preparing to cross 
the plains, and soon made the acquaintance of 
of a St. Louis merchant, who engaged me to 
oversee the loading and unloading of his three 
wagons, whenever at was necessary to cross a 
stream, which frequently happened. 

The whole caravan of wagons, cattle, oxen, 
Imisos, mules left Santa Fe in good condition; 
but the number that reached the Missouri 



river was not so large — the oxen and cattle 
died from thirst, the horses and mules became 
exhausted and were left — and disease did the 
business for the men in some cases. It was a 
hard journey, and one that I never cared to re- 
peat; yet, it has always appeared to me, that 
the barren country, east of the Canadian river, 
would at some day prove valuable. It is rich 
in minerals. The ground in some places was 
covered with pieces of a crusted substance that 
tasted like saleratus. There were several 
springs of a volcanic nature. 

From the merchant, whose name was Camp- 
bell, I learned much of Mexico, its climate, 
l>roducts, peoj)le and geography. He had been 
down the Del Norte and into the interior as far 
Sonora, where he married the daughter of a 
Mexican. I took great pleasure in hearing this 
man talk, and probably I gained more knowl- 
edge of Mexico from his conversation, than in 
any other way. 

It was October before we got to St. Louis, 
which ])lace I saw for the first time, and Camp- 
hell having no further need of my services, paid 
me in hard Mexican dollars, and I left him. 

Having now been absent from home about 
six years, and possessing the means to carry me 
back, I was tempted to return. But chance 
tlirew me into the society of a person named 
Knox, a mason by trade, who persuaded me to 
follow the same business. Being naturally of 
a mechanical turn, I was soon able to earn fair 
wages. I worked steadily at the mason work 
and at bricklaying for fifteen months, at the end 
of which period I was dubbed a mason, and 
could do a passable job of plastering — the last 
accomplishment stood me in pretty well when 
Fort Crawford was built. 

It was in the year 1825 that I had heard of 
Prairie du Chien, and made up my mind to see 
the country in that direction. But before pro- 
ceeding to give you an account of the early 
history of Wisconsin as far back as the year 1825, 
let me first tell you what hardy exercise and 
western life have done for my constitution. 



440 



HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



I should have told you, that when a boy, I 
was uncommonly large for my years ; and it 
was my delight to swim, ride, run, wrestle, fish 
and hunt, in all which robust and athletic 
sports, 1 greatly excelled, and it is possible, 
tliat this love of sport, interfered not a little 
with the course of my studies, for my father 
sometimes had to reprimand me, and limited 
my hunting excursions to one day in a week, 
and that was generally Saturday. So, in con- 
sideration of the short allowance that restric- 
tion gave me, I frequently extended my hunts 
to two days, thus including the first day of the 
week, and appropriating it to my purpose. I 
can rocollect on one occasion, when about 
sixteen years of age, I was along with two or 
three young companions, hunting ducks and 
other water fowl, on a small branch of the Mo- 
iiawk river. It was in the spring of the year, 
and oue of the early freshets caused by the melt- 
ing of the snows on the Catskill mountains, had 
swollen the creek and overflowed large tracts 
of low land, thus forming an admirable feeding 
ground for mallard, widgeon and numerous 
other wild fowl, that instinst taught to leave the 
sea coast for these inland marshes, where the 
food they liked was most plentiful. The ducks 
flew best in the morning and latter part of the 
afternoon, and were almost as abundant as they 
are here on the Mississippi. 

What I am now going to relate, happened on 
our second day out, which perchance was one 
of those first days of the week. We had liunted 
with good success the day before, and were de- 
termined to have one day more. But the wind 
had changed, and the weather was raw, and 
though we waited patiently all the forenoon, 
the ducks did not come in much, so very few 
were killed. It was very cold and chilly, but 
having forgot the tinder-box, (there were no 
phosphorus matches then) we did not light a 
fire as we would like to have done. Late in 
the afternoon,.as we were lying in a clump of 
willows, on a sort of peninsula between the 
stream and a pond made by the rise, the ducks 



began to fly over us in clouds and settle down 
on the pond. This was what we had been 
waiting for; but while waiting, we had got so 
benumbed by the cold wind, that it was with 
difliculty we could load our guns, and after dis- 
charging them with indiflierent success, I was 
determined to have a fire, before another duck 
was shot at. So, directing my companions to 
collect what dry leaves, twigs and wood tliey 
could, I proceeded to ignite it in this manner: 
Having arranged the leaves and twigs properly 
I took a piece of gun-wadding, and filling it 
with powder, laid it among the leaves, upon 
which a handful of powder was also thrown. 
After this, I opened the pan of my fowling- 
piece, percussion caps being unheard of at that 
time, and putting in a good priming, pulied 
back the hammer, and placing the gun near the 
leaves, pulled the trigger. The "flash-in-the- 
pan," was instantaneously followed by anotlier 
flash that made me start backward, with haste. 
My hair and eye-brows were badly burnt, and 
my right hand was severely scorched. 

The fire burned briskly in the willows but I, 
had enough fire in my hand williout wishing for 
more. As we rode home tiiat evening, few 
words were spoken, and when the wagon stopped 
in front of our house, I alighted and went di- 
rectly to my room. So severe were my burns, 
that they kept me confined to the house for six 
long weeks; during this time I was under the 
care of my mother, God bless her! she is dead 
now. That kind mother tried to impress upon 
my mind the duty I owed to my Heavenly 
Father, she advi.«ed me to regard the command- 
ment, "remember the Sabbath," etc., and those 
early injunctions have nevei' been forgotten 
though often disregarded. But it was not until 
the following fall, that I shouldered my gun 
and commenced to hunt again. Then came 
back my old roving habit, with it the fondness 
for manly sports, hunting included. 

This early training, together with the almost 
constant exercise I had experienced, during ray 
wandering mode of life, had toughened raj 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



447 



muscles and so completely developed me phy- 
sically, that I was no mean match for two ordi- 
nary men; besides the desire to behold new 
scenes, had grown stronger than ever. 

It was no other tlian a natural consequence 
ilun, that having heard of Prairie du Chien, 
and the "lead diggings" southeast of it, that I 
should have a desire to take a trip up the Mis- 
sissippi river to the mineral region, from where 
reports came of fortunes being made by pros- 
pecting — these stories formed alluring induce- 
ments. 

Having some money, and a sound constitution, 
that five years of border life had made capable 
of enduring any degree of hardship and fatigue, 
I left St. Louis, and started up the river in a 
little Ohio steamboat — I believe steamboats 
commenced running above St. Louis, the same 
year I left, 182'), — loaded with army stores for 
military posts on the upper Mississippi. The 
l)o:il proceeded up ^tream till we reached the 
mouth of the Illinois river, where we met a 
keelboal coming down oti board of which was 
ati express, bound with dispatches for the com- 
manding officer at Jefferson barracks. They 
brought ro|K)rts of Indian murders in the north, 
and the snnie boat bearing the dispatches had 
been attacked, and had many ball marks on its 
sides, also a wounded man on board. The 
^teamboat took the e.xi)ress aboard, and was 
about to return with him, to St. Louis, so I bid 
Captain Hales good-bye, and left his boat. I 
learned now, that the mining region was the 
scene of the Indian troubles, that the inhabitants 
were leaving the country through fear, and the 
greatest misery and confusion prevailed at the 
"diggings." So instead of continuing up the 
Mississippi as intended, I joined a ])arty of five 
Fieiu'hmen, who designed going to Green Uay, 
and having no definite object in view at the 
time, 1 agreed to go with them. We had little 
knowledge of the route, but one of the French- 
men had somewhere seen an old outline map, 
and assured us we could reach the lakes by go- 
ing up the Illinois river. We had entered the 



river and gone up a few miles from its month, 
when we were seen by some Indians who made 
signs for us to approach the shore. 

After some hesitation we landed, and, to the 
disappointment of the Frenchmen, were re- 
ceived in a most friendly way by the Indians, 
who treated us with roasted ducks and venison. 
They furnished us a guide for a small reward, 
and we resumed our course without entertain- 
ing any further alarm on account of Indians. 
The weather was delightful, and we enjoyed 
ourselves as well as early travelers ever did. 
The river afforded splendid scenery; at times 
it flowed through large prairies that formed a 
boundless area of fertile country, covered with 
luxuriant grass, and on which we fre(juenlly 
saw deer and elk feeding. Water fowl were 
abundant, and we could fea.st on them at every 
meal; while the river was swarming with excel- 
lent fish, that often formed a delicious addition 
to our other fare. There was no difiiculty in 
killing game along that beautiful stream. 
Hardly an hour of the day passed but we had 
op])ortunities to shoot deer from the canoes, for 
it was the latter part of June, and in the heat 
of the mid-day the animals would come down 
to the river, where in the shade of small groves 
that lined the banks, they found a cool retreat. 
One of our i)arty, a diminutive Frenchman, had 
a long Canadian duck-gun, of which he never 
ceased boasting, yet seldom confirmed his 
words by making use of it. The barrel of 
the gun, independent of the stock, was full five 
feet in length. I had curiosity to see how it 
could shoot, and asked the owner to let me try 
it. He let me haye the gun and I loaded it 
with a heavy charge of powder and seven slugs 
or pieces of bar lead, aiul then laid it beside me 
in readiness for the first good shot. 

Many chances offered where it was easy to 
have killed deer, but no notice was paid to 
them, and we continued to paddle up the river 
until near noon, when, just as the canoe passed 
around a hea<lland, I observed a noble stag, 
standing knee deep in the water, on a bar, near 



448 



HISTORY OF CR WFORD COUNTY. 



the outlet of a small stream. He was about 700 
feet from the canoe, with his side toward us, 
when I raised the long gun and fired. The 
deer dropped without a struggle, and, on haul- 
ing liim ashore, we found that every slug had 
struck it. Some had entered his glossy side, 
one broke a shoulder, another the back-bone. 
The result of tlie shot so pleased the little 
Frenchman, that I really believe money would 
have been no inducement for him to part with 
his gun; though I would not have given my 
short rifle for a dozen such. While engaged in 
securing the choicest portions of the venison, 
our Indian guide told us that it was but a short 
distance to a larger body of water, on the shore 
of wiiieli lived the great chief of his tribe, 
whose name was Much-ke-tay-ke-nay. This 
piece of intelligence made us think we were near 
the large lake, Lake Michigan; but we were dis- 
appointed, for late in the afternoon we entered 
tlie foot of Lake Peoria, and were met on land- 
ing by a number of Indians, from whom we 
learned that it was more than 200 miles to the 
nearest trading post on the lake, which was 
Chicago. We had to remain with this tribe 
several days, before our guide would leave the 
encampment; and during which time I saw 
several Indians of other tribes, one of whom 
was Black Hawk, who, I afterward found out, 
was then trying to get these Indians to join the 
Winnebagoes against the whites in the north- 
west. At length the councils were concluded, 
and our guide signified his willingness to pro- 
ceed. Under his direction we paddled along 
until we came to the Des Plaines river, from 
which we passed into a large slough or lake, 
that must have led us into a branch of the Chi- 
cago river, for we followed a stream that 
brought us o]i])osite Fort Dearborn. 

At this period, Chicago was merely an Indian 
agency; it contained about fourteen houses, and 
not more than seventy-five or 100 inhabitants 
at the most. An agent of the American Fur 
Company, named Gurdon S. Hubbard, then oc- 
cupied the fort. The staple business seemed to 



be carried on by Indians, and runaway soldiers, 
who hunted ducks and muskrats in the marshes. 
There was a great deal of low land, and mostly 
destitute of timber. The principal inhabitants 
were the agent, Mr. Hubbard, and a French- 
man by the name of Ouilmette,* and John B. 
Beaubien. It never occurred to me then, that 
a large city would be built up there. But great 
changes have taken jilace during the last thirty 
three years. I read that the old log fort, sur- 
rounded with its palisades, was torn down two 
years ago, and that Chicago is now one of the 
largest cities in the west. Great changes 
have I seen in my life ; I was mail carrier in 
the northwest before there was a white settle- 
ment between Prairie du Chien and Fort Snel- 
ling — a government express, and volunteer dur- 
ing the Sauk war — from mere love of adventure, 
have I wandered through the wilderness of the 
west. I have explored its lakes and rivers 
in canoes, boats and on rafts, from Red river 
in the north to Red river in the south, and to 
New Orleans. I have traversed its woods and 
prairies, making myself familiar witli western 
scenes, the early settlers, and native Indians. 

The Indians you now see about town occa- 
sionally, all know me. Tbey seldom come 
down to the prairie without stopping at my 
house. It was only three or four weeks ago, 
that seven Indians came down from Crow 
Wing. They called on me in the night, and 
we had a talk together. They said there was 
no game in the neighborhood of their reserva- 
tion ; that they couldn't work, and so they had 
come down, and wanted to know how it would 
do to go and hunt in Iowa, at the head of 
Cedar river. I told them this universal change, 
that I have witnessed everyvvhere, had been 
going on there also — that the country was filled 
with settlers, and deer scarce. The poor fellows 
looked sorrowful. It was late when they left my 



*Antoine Ouilmette, whose wife was u Pottnwattiiinie 
wnnuin. is mentionerl in the treaty at Prairie du Chien, in 
]s;i<l, with the I'hippewns, Ottawas. etc.; and at the treaty 
of Cliioaf^o, September, 1863, pro\'i8ion ifi maile tor his 
children. It would appear that he died during the interim 
between the two treaties. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



449 



hoi:se ; and thougli I trieil to dissuade them 
from making the attempt, tliey resolved to go 
and see tlieir old hunting grounds on the Wis- 
consin. Many Indians have left their reserve ; 
and I have no doubt that they find shelter in 
the islands of the Mississippi, and in the Kicka- 
poo timber. 

The poor red man has has been robbed, de- 
ceived, and driven from his possession. This I 
have seen; indeed, I have assisted to drive them 
from their homes. And yet, no person under 
heaven sympaliiizes more sincerely with them. 
They are almost extinct; they are passing from 
the face of the earth ! But I look upon it as a 
decree of fate. Perhaps there are a few persons 
more sensible of the beauties of nature than I 
am, and yet so little loth to see those pristine 
charms effaced, the better to subserve the ad- 
vancement of art and civilization. 

It is near half a century since I came west, 
and the changes that have been rapidly affect- 
ing everything are too numerous for me to de- 
scribe. The growth of Chicago is one of those 
changes. When lliere in the year 18J5, it could 
boast of an old log fort, and a few cabins. 
What is it now I You know best, for I haven't 
been tiiere these last thirty years, but I know 
its iniiabitants are numbered at over 100,000 ; 
and where I once ])addied in a dug-out, is now 
erected large blocks of buildings. 

I5ut to go on with my story, we departed from 
Foit Dearborn, in a fishing boat, and proceeded 
north along the lake shore towards Green Bay. 
We camped on the beach every night, and 
finally arrived off Milwaukee bay, which we en- 
tere<l ; and went up Milwaukee river about half 
a mile above the mouth of the Menomonee, 
and landed on the east side of Milwaukee river, 
just below Solomon Juneau's trading house. 
I was not ac(iuaiiitfd with Mr. Juneau at this 
time, thougli I afterwards became related to 
him through marriage, and learned his history. 
><ven years before, he had been in the employ 
oi the Hudson Bay Fur Company, in the ca- 
capacity of voyayeur, and had visited Prairie 



(In Chien, where he found his uncle, my wife's 
father, who insisted on his leaving the com- 
pany, to whom he was indebted in the sura of 
§300, and loaned him the cash to pay the debt; 
besides furnishing him an outfit, with which he 
commenced trading with the Menomonee In- 
dians, in the vicinity of Milwaukee. 

I have already told how we arrived at Mr. 
Juneau's trading house, where the city of Mil- 
waukee is built; but I did not describe the city; 
for it was not in existence then or even 
thought of, neitlier have I seen the city since it 
was built. The log house of Solomon Juneau, 
standing on a slight elevation back from the 
river,and a few neighboring cabins, belonging to 
half breeds and Frenchmen, who had followed 
his example by marrying Indian women and set- 
tling down, then formed the only indications of 
the i)resent city of Alilwaukee. Mr. Juneau 
was the only merchant Milwaukee could then 
boast of and, were I so disposed, I could give a 
correct inventory of his entire stock contained 
in the old log house near the river,a.8 it was not 
an immense one by any means, and had been 
brought down from Green Bay in one IMackin- 
aw boat. He liad settled there first, surrounded 
by Indians, with whom he traded, but soon em- 
igration turned in his direction, and he after- 
wards found other neighbors, who brought with 
them the spirit of enterprise and advancement. 
The few hardy settlers who first erected their 
cabins near his, found him in a wilderness, the 
primitive state of which had never yet been 
disturbed by a white pioneer. South and south- 
west of Mr. Juneau's house, could be seen ex- 
tending large marshes, covered with tall swamp 
grass, rushes and water. The lake was about 
two miles distant, over the hill to the eastward; 
and on the west ran the river, beyond which 
was a wooded ridge that followed the river a 
distance of three miles up to the rajjids, that 
being as far as I explored the stream. The 
landscape has ])robably altered, yet an old set- 
tler would recognize my description of Milwau- 
kee's birth place, then in embryo. 



460 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



I left the neighborhood of Juneau's settle- 
ment in the summer of 18'27. We engaged 
a passage on one of Juneau's Mackinaw boats 
that were about starting for Green Bay, to bring 
back goods; as help was not over plentiful, he 
was glad to avail himself of our services down 
the lake until the boats reached Green Bay, 
whore others were to be engaged in our stead. 
It was a pleasant morning, when the two boats 
passed out of Milwaukee river and entered the 
broad bay. The sun was just rising, and 
though I was no sailor, yet I was charmed by 
tlie beauty of this inland sea. A fresh breeze 
commenced blowing from the southwest, and 
taking in all but the steering oar, we rigged the 
leg o-mutton sails, and were soon wafted in our 
swift sailing Mackinaws outside the point. The 
boats were loaded with blankets, furs, kettles and 
provisions, and yet their shape was such that 
they maintained a degree of buoyancy, for which 
they were highly jjrized by those who used 
them. I have used the Mackinaw boat on the 
Mississippi, and consider its shape (pointed at. 
both ends) admirably suited for the purpose 
of floating a large burden against strong cur- 
rents. 

We would land on the beach at night, and 
form our encampment on the white sand,vvhere, 
gathering around the camp-fire we told our tales 
of love, hunting and adventure, sung songs, sat- 
isfied our appetites,and smoked, or prepared food 
for the next day. This camping on shore was 
a pleasant pastime. With no tent save the star- 
spangled canopy of heaven, we would wrap our- 
selves in our blankets on a moon light evening, 
and lying down amid the baggage or on the 
clean sand, gaze out on the lake, where the 
white caps sparkled in the moon beams; or 
looking up at the wood-clad bluffs, whose dark 
outlines stood in bold relief against the sky, 
■we feasted on the romantic scenery, the mys- 
terious beauty of which inspired the most prac- 
tical among us with a deep sense of poetic feel- 
ing. If 1 ever felt poetic, it must have been 
during one of these night bivouacs, when listen- 



ing to the beating of the waves on the beach, 
mingled with the melancholy notes of some 
night bird. 

Many exciting incidents occurred during the 
voyage. One I will give an account of. It 
was early one morning, shortly after we had 
left our previous nights' camping place and got 
al)()ut half a mile from land, that we observed 
a number of wolves on a point and others 
swimming in the lake. Their howling ha<l at- 
tracted our attention, and we were wondering 
what possessed them, when one of the men re- 
marked, "Perhaps they are after deer." But 
where were they? This was soon found out, for 
some distance ahead of us on the right hand 
side, we discovered a large doe, that the bright- 
ness of the morning sun prevented us from see- 
ing before. She was swimming swiftly out to 
sea, and had evidently seen us, for she was 
straining every nerve to increase the distance 
between herself and our boat. Now I had often 
killed deer in the water, after having put 
hounds in the mountains to drive them down, 
but never before had I hunted with wolves. En- 
tering into the spirit of the thing, I examined 
the priming of my rifle, and took a station in 
the bow of the boat, as the men began to pull 
for the poor animal. The billows were running 
pretty high, but the make of the boats caused 
them to ride the waves without shipping a 
spoonful of water. 

A Frenchman named Joe King was in the 
other boat, urging the men to exert themselves 
to the utmost, that he might obtain the first 
shot. The two boats were about forty fathoms 
apart, and the distance between them and the 
doe, at the start, was equal. As the excitement 
of ttic race increased, the howling of the disap- 
pointed wolves was lost in loud shouts from the 
men, who propelled the rival boats through the 
waves that had increased in size, under the in- 
fluence of a northeast wind. Gaining at every 
pull on the struggling animal, we soon came 
within easy shooting distance. King now got 
ready to shoot, but I knew the unsteadiness of 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



461 



the boat, together with the excitement, would 
cause him to miss. Confident of the result, I 
was perfectly willing he should have the first 
shot. So, just as both deer and boat rose on the 
crests of the waves, he brought up his gun and 
fired. Spang! went the gun, and whiz went the 
ball, ricochetting over the waters. A clean 
miss, by thunder! now for my turn; and as the 
boat glided u]) to the panting animal, I sent 
a ball through his brain, to the envy of my 
rival, the Frenchman, King. 

King settled down near Juneau, and became 
a, resident of Milwaukee. He afterward sold 
some property that he had accumulated there, 
and removed to Rock river, where his family 
were living the last I lieard from them. 

We drew the carcass of the deer into the boat, 
and as the wind had increased to a gale, we 
concluded to run the boats on shore, and wait 
until the wind lulled. By skillful management 
the boats were made to ride breakers, and 
reached the beach in safety. The place where 
they ran the boats ashore, wasnear the mouth of 
two rivers, that flowed into the lake through an 
outlet. Here was a handsome, broad beach of fine 
white sand, behind which bluifs rose abruptly; 
and there being an abundance of dry driftwood 
scattered about, the spot offered a pleasant en- 
campment. Lifting the baggage out of the boat, 
we conveyed it higher up the beach, and depos- 
ited it on the smooth, water-worn pebbles 

The geography of this region being unknown 
to me, I tlierefore resolved to take a survey. 
Asking King and two others to accompany me, 
we ascended the barren lake bank, carrying our 
guns with us. Arriving at the brow after a 
hard pull, we enjoyed an uninterrupted view of 
the lake. As we looked over the vast expanse 
of water spread out before us, and strained our 
eyes along the silent shore, over which hung so 
much doubt and uncertainty, we felt curious to 
see more of the country. Continuing our ex- 
ploration along the sciulhern river, we advanced 
into a heavily timbered country, principally 
pine. No limber stealing lumbermen had then 



rafted on the stream, and we took pleasure in 
believing that ours was the first l)arty of white 
men who explored the country. We returned 
from our excursion into tlic interior at sunset, 
in season to join our companions in a feast of 
roast venison, which made a pleasant change, 
after living on dried meat and parched Indian 
corn. 

We were up early in the morning, as was our 
custom. The lake was dark and agitated, the 
surf was breaking very heavily on the shore, 
and unwilling to venture out while the lake was 
so rough, we leisurely prepared and ate our morn- 
ing meal. The sun had risen by the time we 
had finished breakfast, and as the wind was go- 
ing down, preparations were made to start; we 
were soon embarked and plowing our way toward 
Green Bay. 

Following along the coast we entered a pleas- 
ant bay, near the mouth of which were broad 
bars on which our men caught several trout and 
white fish. I had never seen these species of 
t!io finny tiibe before, and the pleasure experi- 
enced in devouring the delicious, salmon-like 
flesh, is needless to describe, for they now form 
a dish on tables of every class, who esteem them 
a delicacy. 

Our camp was on the northern side of the 
l)ay, under the lee of a point. On the bars and 
in the clear shallow water of the bay, I re- 
marked several large boulders; they were ap- 
l)arently composed of some rock, extraneous to 
tliat generally found in their vicinity. A query 
arose in my mind, tvhere these isolated rocks 
were formed — how, and why similar in shape? 
I was of an enquiring mind, yet possessed little 
knowledge of the geological formation of rocks, 
except what observation had taaglit nie. 'IMic 
boulders could never have been formed from 
earth rolling down the bank, mixing with the 
sand, become hardened by the water, like the 
round stones that covered the lake shore — they 
were of a different texture. It «as long after I 
had traveled on Lake Superior that the mystery 
was solved. When on that lake, in the neigli- 



452 



HISTORY OF OKAWFORD COUNTY. 



borbood of the pictured rocks, it occurred to 
me, tliat there was a resemblance between de- 
taclied portions of these rocks and those boul- 
ders; and it resolved itself in my mind, that 
those foreign rocks, found along the sl.ores of 
Lake Michigan, had their origin here; owing 
to the action of water, or other natural causes, 
in early ages — perhaps at the flood — they had 
been rolled to the place where I saw them 

Next morning while the others were loading 
tlie boats, I discovered some fine specimens of 
sulphurated iron ore in the lake bank. Making 
ihe men acquainted with my discovery, I got 
aboard and we soon doubled the point, and 
passed out into the lake, on our course. At each 
night'd encampment, I was in the habit of ex- 
amining the bluffs, and as a general thing, 
found that the iron and copper ore was miner- 
alized by snlplmr. If any geological survey 
has been made of the western shore of the lake, 
you will find my observations correct, if you 
consult it. 

Indications of the advanced season, were be- 
coming perceptible. Frosts were on the 
ground each morning, and the lake winds were 
sl)arper. Wild geese, brant and ducks were 
V inging their way towards the south. These 
unmistakable signs were not to be disregarded, 
and we made fewer stoppages and urged the 
boats on their destination. Coasting along the 
shore, we passed between the Pottawattomie 
island and the main land, and pulling into 
Green bay, took the southeast shore, and went 
up as far as Sturgeon bay, where we encamped. 
Left the camp early next morning, and by sail- 
ing and rowing we entered Fox river that night, 
and arrived at Green Bay. 

As we came into the village, the inhabitants 
crowded around us, with evident curiosity. They 
w-cre a mixed crowd I can tell you; they were 
Indians and iialf-breeds, voyageurs, Canadians, 
I'^n iicli, ;iiid to my inexpressable delight, there 
were also Americans — Yankees among them! 
In answer to my inquiry, one of these latter, an 
American soldier, said there were a number of 



Yankees in the settlement, that the United 
States fort there was garrisoned with them. 
The commanding officer, Gen. Cass, gave u.s a 
cordial welcome, and accepting his invitation, I 
accompanied him to his quarters, and under his 
hospitable roof I had a night of rest, enjoy- 
ment and refreshing sleep, that only a person 
who has camped out knows how to appreciate. 
I had a view of Fort Howard, and Green 
Bay settlement next morning, by daylight. The 
fort contained a large garrison of soldiers, 
mostly rifle companies who had just arrived 
with Gen. Cass and Col. McKenney.* Besides 
tlie ganison. Green Bay had a population of 
between 700 and 800 people, consisting of every 
Nation, from native Indian to tlie sable son of 
Africa; and amalgamation was not uncommon 
either, for all were connected by regular gra- 
dation of shades and color; and you might sup- 
pose an inhabitant's nationality to a fraction, 
as halt-breed, a two-thirds Fox, etc. 'Ihus you 
will preceive that society was a little mixed. 
This frequent inter-marriage had the bad effect 
to make them indolent, for they evinced neither 
enterprise nor intelligence. They gained a 
livelihood like the Indians, by hunting and fish- 
ing, or were in the employ of a fur com- 
pany that monopolized their time, and pre- 
vented them from engaging in agricultural 
pursuits. And had they time and knowledge, 
their disposition would lead them to prefer a 
pipe and idleness. So it is to the sturdy enter- 
prise of the white settler alone, that I can at- 
tribute the growth and improvement that have 
made themselves manifest in Wisconsin since 
1827, at which time emigration began to ponr 
into the territory. 

When at Fort Howard in the year 1827, the 
Indian affairs had assumed a threatening aspect. 
Reports of murders and disturbances, had 
spread tlirough the settlements. Not a strag- 



*Gen. Cu88 was not the conimandant of Fort Howard, as 
Mr. Fonda supposed; but was with Col. McKeiincy, on a com- 
mission to hold a treaty with the Chippewa, Mononionee and 
Winnebago Indians, whieh they did in -Aujfust, of that year, 
1837; at the great Ilutte Des Morts, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



453 



tjler arrived but brought an exaggerated ac- 
count of Indian difficulties. Prairie du Chien, 
Juneau's settlement, Chicago, Galena and Green 
l>ay, were then the only white settlements in 
the northwest, and all more or less threatened 
l)y Indians, wlio infested the country surround- 
ing tliem. I continued to hang around the 
fort, leading a sort of ranger life — sometimes 
accomiianying the officers on their hunting 
tours, l)ut refusing all proposals to enlist. 

It was the winter of 1S27 that the United 
States quarter-master, having heard of me 
through some of the men, with whom I was a 
favorite, came to me one day, and asked me if 
I thought I could find the way to Chicago? I 
told him it wasn't long since I made tlie trip by 
the lake. He said he wanted to get a person 
who was not afraid to carry dispatches to the 
military post at Fort Dearborn. I said I had 
heard that the Indians were still unfriendly, 
but I was ready to make the attempt. He 
directed me to make all the preparations neces- 
sary, and report myself at his quarters, at the 
earliest moment. I now began to consider the 
danger to be provided against, which might be 
classed under three heads: Cohl, Indians and 
liuiiger. For the first it was only needful to 
supply one's person with good hunting shirts, 
rtannel and deer-skin leggins, extra moccasins, 
and a Mackinaw blanket; these, with a resolute 
spirit, were deemed sufficient protection against 
the severest weather. And fortunate was he 
who possessed these. Hunger, except in case 
of getting lost, was easily avoided by laying in 
a pouch of parched Indian corn and jerked ven- 
ison. Against danger from Indians, I depend- 
ed ou the following: 

It was necessary at the time of the Winne- 
bago out-break, in 1827, for every man — and 
woman too — to be constantly on their guard 
against surprise. Much trouble was apprehended 
from the Indian tribes generally, who were 
jealous at the encroachment of the emigrants, 
especially in the region of the lead diggings. 
The emigrant, settler, hunter and trapper, never 



parted with their trusty rifle, either night or 
day. Weapons were an essential part of man's 
costume — his daily, yes, his constant compan- 
ions — tiiey were in the hands (<f the traveler, 
the homes of the hardy squatter, and had there 
been any sanctuaries in the territory then, I 
beliieve they would have been found in the pul- 
pits. The rifle provided food for the hunter. 
It also executed the arbitrary law of the land 
— self defense, and its decrees were final. It 
was during such a state of affairs, that I had 
passed my word to carry the mail between Fort 
Howard at Green Bay, and Fort Dearborn, 
commanded by Capt. Morgan,* tbat stood on a 
point, now forming a part of the city of Chica- 
go. Although the danger from the Winneba- 
goes had abated, owing to Black Hawk's fail- 
ing to entice other tribes into the conspiracy 
against the whites, and the Indian war of 1827 
ended; yet the recent troubles made me rub up 
my rifle, and prepare everything needful to in- 
sure the successful performance of the duty I 
was about to undertake. Carrying the mail 
during the depth of winter, a distance of 200 
miles, through a trackless wilderness, inhabited 
by wild beasts and wilder red men, was attend- 
ed with no small danger. It will not be inap- 
propriate, then, to describe my accoutrements 
and arms, to be used in case of emergency. My 
dress was a la hunter, one common to the early 
period, and best suited to my purpose. A 
smoke-tanned buck-skin hunting shirt, trimmed 
leggins of the same material, a wolf-skin cha- 
peaii, with the animal's tail still attached, and 
moccasins of elk hide. I must of had the ap- 
pearance of a perfect Nimrod. My arms con- 
sisted of a heavy mountaineer's rifle that I had 
bought in St. Louis. It was rather long when 
I got it — the stock w.as bound with iron, and 
carved on it was a cheek piece and buffalo Inill's 
head, that made it an efficient weapon in the 
hands of a strong man, even when not loaded. 
I, however, thought it unhandy, and had the 

*Ctipt. Willoutjhlty Morjfan, who piibs^quontly ro.ee loth© 
milk of Colonel, comrannded at Prairie du Chien, und died 
there. 



464 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



barrel shortened, the cheek piece cut off, and a 
strap attached to it, so I could sling it over my 
back. Suspended by a strap from my shoulder, 
was a large horn, containing two pounds of 
powder. Buckled around my waist over the 
hunting shirt, was a belt containing a sheath 
knife and two pistols, one of which got lost, 
the other I have now — attached to the belt also, 
was a pouch of mink skin, wherein I carried my 
rifle bullets. The foregoing comprised my 
arms and accoutrements of offence, if we accept 
a short handled axe, thrust in the waist-belt. 

It had been customary for the carrier who 
preceeded me, to be attended by a party of indi- 
viduals, who, for any motives might be induced 
to go with him. This precedent appeared to 
me erroneous, and had no effect in shaping my 
movements, for I had concluded that one per- 
son could pass through the country, safer from 
being interrupted, than a large party; yet, be- 
ing socially inclined, I chose a companion to go 
on the tramp with me. He was a Canadian 
named Boiseley and as he was a comrade with 
me for many years and figured in many inci- 
dents on the Mississippi, I will give a brief 
description of his person and appearance. 

Boiseley was short, thick-set, had long arms 
wilii big hands of tremendous grasp attached, 
and on the whole he was a little giant in 
stre.iglh. His head was small and covered with 
coarse, black hair, and his eyes were small, 
black and as piercing as a rattle snake's. There 
was nothing prepossessing in his person, in 
fact, niaiiy would think him repulsive; yet this 
was the person I chose to go with me. He had 
been with me on one or two hunts, and re- 
marking in him a spirit that was capable of 
enduring much fatigue, a sort of intimacy had 
spung up between us, and that prompted me to 
select him. Having neitiier parents nor friends 
— that I ever heard of — he readily consented 
to go anywhere with me. I directed him to 
exchange his dress — rags would be the best 
term — for a comfortable outfit, obtained at my 
expense, and had the satisfaction of seeing him 



transformed into a comparatively respectable 
looking man. He was accoutered in a style 
similar to myself. He sported a long Indian 
gun, and always carried a large knife, pistol and 
hatchet in his belt, bullet pouch and powder 
horn hung under his arm. To the horn were 
tied by sinew thongs several charms, which he 
believed possessed some mysterious power that 
preserved him from harm. Aside from this tinge 
of superstition, I found Boiseley was naturally 
intelligent and true as steel. Duringthe many 
long jaunts we had together, there was only 
one thing about him I could not become recon- 
ciled to, and that was this: We would start 
early in the day, each carrying a pack of equal 
weight, and after tramping all day he would go 
to work and make camp, and prepare any g;ime 
we had shot, without showing any evidence of 
fatigue; while I, a man of twice his size and ap- 
parent physical strength, would be so tired as 
not to care whether I ate at all. 

It was in company with this Boiseley that I 
presented myself before the quarter-master, 
and reported ourselves ready for the start. I 
have not forgotten the expression depicted in 
the quarter-master's countenance when he saw 
our slender equipment. It discovered a want 
of confidence in our ability; but assuring him 
that two of us could travel as safe as a regi- 
ment, and with greater celerity, my logic pre- 
vailed, and he confirmed me in Uncle Sam's 
service. He entrustsd me wllli the — not mail 
bag — but a tin canister or box of a flat shape, 
covered with untanned deer hide, that con- 
tained the dispatches and letters of the inhab- 
itants. Receiving these and my instructions, 
we departed. 

We left Green Bay on foot, carrying our 
arms, blankets and provisions. We had to pass 
through a country, as then little known to 
white men, depending on our compass and the 
cotirse of the rivers to keep the right direction. 
Taking an Indian trail that led in a southeasterly 
direction, we passed tlirough dense pine woods, 
cedar swamps, now and then a grove of red oak, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



457 



some of which reared their heads heavenward, 
and had for ages braved the fury of a thousand 
storms. Frequently would we disturb a gang 
of deer that had made their "yard" in the heav- 
ily timbered bottoms. And as we continued to 
]ilunge deeper and deeper into the primeval 
forest, and to proceed further on our course, 
the tracks of the fisher and the mink became 
more frequent, and occasionally a wild cat 
would getits quietus in form of a rifle ball. Once, 
at night fall, we encamped on a branch of what 
I now know to have been the Centre river. 
This stream was a live stream, several yards in 
width, and was not frozen over. It made sev- 
eral beautiful cascades as it flowed over the 
rocks. Under a projecting bank, Boiseley found 
the water perfectly alive with trout, and taking 
from his pack the light camp-kettle, he dipped 
out a mess of splendid speckled fellows, that 
relished well iifler being fried over the camp- 
fire. In the evening, after collecting ahuge pile 
of wood, we heaped the snow up to windward, 
and in the lee of the snow bank scattered some 
branches, on which we spread our blankets, and 
laid down with the packs beneath our heads, to 
listen to a serenade from the wolves. The night 
was spent in smoking, keeping fire and inter- 
vals of sleep. 

Leaving the trail at this tributary or branch 
of Centre river we followed the creek down to 
the m;iin si rerun, which r.ui in a southeast di- 
rection, and then taking a southerly course, we 
travelc'cl a distance of twenty miles, and then 
struck aniither river. Following this due east, 
through a rough, but heavily timbered country, 
«e arrived at the bank of the lake, on the 
second day after striking the river. It was 
near sundown when we made our camp near the 
mouth of this stream; and again within sight 
of the roaring breakers a load of uncertainty was 
taken from me, for with such a guide there was 
no going astray. It was decided that we should 
keep along the shore, at least where it could be 
done withdut diverging from a direct line run 
ning north and south; all headlands and i)oints 



we crossed, instead of going around them. The 
roughness and difliculty of our track, on account 
of the icy mountains formed by the industry of 
the breakers and Jack Frost, made it a "hard 
road to travel." But trudging along througli 
the snow, climbing over ledges of ice that in 
some places extended up the bank, and plunging 
through gullies and ravines, we managed to 
make good headway. Thus we continued to 
travel day after day, though not without variety, 
either of incidents, fair or foul weather, scenery, 
something was always exciting interest or at- 
tention. Oft the winter mornings would appear 
beautiful and serene, without a cloud to obscure 
the rising sun. Then as we journeyed we would 
see flocks of ducks and sea fowl sporting in 
the lake, amid pieces of ice that sparkled like 
crystals; and anon a fisher or otter would glide 
off from the ice-field where it had sought its early 
meal, to gain a safe retreat in some crevice of 
the lake bank. 

It was the fournteenth day afterleaving Green 
Bay that I arrived at Juneau's settlement on the 
Milwaukee river, and as I had a message from 
Charles Larrabee to -Mr. S "lomon Junean, I was 
welcomed by him, and remained two days with 
him to rest and recruit. I here learned that Joseph 
King had returned safe with the goods, but had 
a hard time getting back, being caught in the 
equino.xial storm, and encountered rough weath- 
er. The Frenchmen he hired at Green Bay, had 
already taken Menomonee squaws, and were 
living in their own cabins. Mr. Junean had two 
children at the time, was lord paramount of the 
settlement, and did a good business trading 
with the Indiatis. Boiseley and I left lii;; post 
to ])i osecute our journey. The river was frozen 
over, and the ice was near eight inches thick; 
taking this wc pushed off fortwo or three miles, 
and moving over the frozen marshes, came on 
the lake shore, and crossed a wooded point on 
the south side of the bay; here, finding a trail on 
the lake bank we followed it three days. 

On the third day, as we came out on a [irairie, 
we found ourselves near a number of Indian 



28 



458 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



lodges. We wished to avoid them, but it was 
too late now, for the watchful curs of the In- 
dians had seen us, and commenced a ferocious 
barking that soon brought the Indians out in a 
body. We soon learned these were all Menom- 
onees, who had maintained friendly feelings 
towards the whites since the massacre of Chi- 
cago. There was one old chief in the village 
who spoke broken English, and could speak 
French fluently. He had been to Detroit and 
knew much about the white man. He was the 
most savage appearing Indian I ever saw; yet, 
he displayed so much of dignity and decision 
in his manner, that I retained the impression 
that he was a noble Indian. He was a power- 
fully built man, about six feet tall, and well 
dressed for an Indian. He wore plain moccasins, 
deer-skin leggina reaching to his thighs, a calico 
shirt, a beaded cap with three feathers of the 
gray eagle in it, and a green blanket. There 
were also three other Indians worthy of notice, 
but they did not attract my attention by any 
peculiarity, so I'll not describe them. As a 
whole these Indians were lazy, and staid in 
their lodges starving, rather than go out to hunt, 
though the country was teaming with deer, 
wild turkeys and elk. Our stay with these 
Indians was short, inasmuch as they had no 
provisions; however, they treated us kindly, and 
directed us to the best route, when we left them. 
Instead of continuing along the lake, the old 
chief advised us to go a little west of south un- 
til we arrived at the Des Plaines river, then 
follow that, and we would find plenty of game 
for food, and friendly Indians who would show 
us the way to Fort Dearborn. 

The land route between Green Bay and Fort 
Dearborn was only traveled in the winter sea- 
son, as then the rivers are frozen over, and 
offer no obstruction to traveling in a direct 
course. So, following the Indian's directions, 
we came to as smooth a road as I ever wish to 
see. It was the frozen surface of the Des 
Plaines river. This led through wide prairies 
and some large groves. Grouse were to be 



seen budding on the trees, and we killed 
abundance of them as we passed along. The 
grouse, with now and then a fish caught in the 
shallow rapids, formed our only food for sev- 
eral days. Until a little northwest of Chicago, 
we met with few Indians, all as hungry as our- 
selves. But joining a party of thirty Potta- 
wattamies on their way to the Indian agency, 
we obtained from them a good meal of jerked 
venison and parched corn. 

One noon we arrived at the southern termi- 
nus of our journey, at Fort Dearborn, after 
being on "the way more than a month. It was 
in January, thirty years ago, and with the ex- 
ception that the fort was strengthened and 
garrisoned, there was no sign of improvement 
having gone on since my former visit. This 
time I was on business, and I advanced up to 
the sally port with a sense of my importance, 
was challenged by the sentry, and an orderly 
conducted me to the adjutant's office, where I 
reported myself as the bearer of dispatches for 
the commanding officer. Capt. Morgan was in 
the office, and advancing, intimated that he 
was that person, and took the case of letters, 
directing me to await his further orders. Get- 
ting a pass, I went outside the palisades, to a 
house built on the half-breed system, partly of 
logs and partly of boards. This house was 
kept by a Mr. Miller, wlio lived in it with his 
family. Here Boiseley and I put up during the 
time we were in the settlement. 

I received my orders from Morgan about the 
2.3d of January, and prepared to return with 
other letters. We started up one branch of the 
Chicago river, and after leaving this we fol- 
lowed the Des Plaines, taking pretty much the 
same way we had come; meeting wi'.h Indians 
and incidents, all of which were interesting, but 
only one of which I'll tell you now. 

It liappened that after sundown one day, as 
the twilight was coming on, we liad arranged 
our camp for the night in the edge of a grove, 
and the cheerful camp fire was casting its rays 
upon the trunks of the neighboring trees, when 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



459 



Boiseley seemed attracted by something to a 
large oak, that stood in the light of the fire. 
"What's there, Boiseley ?" said I. "Come and 
see," said he. "Bear sign, by thunder!" I ex- 
claimed, approaching the tree that bore marks 
of having been frequently climbed by that ani- 
mal, "lie must have been here often, and not 
long since, either, judging from the recent 
scratches." "Yes," said Boiseley, "but he has 
not been liere to-day, for the little snow that 
fell last night is not tracked near the tree." 
"Well, that's plain, but why does he climb this 
tree so much?" "To get the honey, of course." 
"Sure enough." Knowing now that we had 
found a bee tree, we naturally wanted a taste 
of its contents. Setting to work with our axes, 
we commenced hacking around the roots, and 
the tree being hollow and quite decayed, it 
soon cracked, tottered, and came down with a 
crash across our fire. Luckily our guns and 
packs were leaning against a tree a short dis- 
tance off, and escaped damage. The tree broke 
near its top, the smaller pan split open by the 
fall, disclosing a store of honey that was tempt- 
ing to us two hungry men. We filled the 
camp kettle with choice piecesof the comb, and 
as Boiseley was preparing a couple of grouse, 
(prairie-hens) for supper, I "dipped in" to the 
honey slightly. I have always hfen lilcssed 
with a good ajAjjelite, but on thai occasion it 
must have been a little better than usual, for 
after eating my bird, and discussing a fair 
ration of dried meat and parched corn, I thought 
it better to fill the kettle again with honey, by 
way of dessert. That evening I got honey 
enough for a life-time. The sweet extract of a 
thousand prairie flowers passed from sight, but 
not forever. A strange sensation seized me, 
and were you ever sea-sick? if you were, it will 
be useless for me to describe what that feeling 
was, for you have experienced it. In the morn- 
ing Boiseley invited me to join him at the 
honey pot, but I refused; and jiursuing our 
journey, we left the rich tre:it to tlie wild ani- 
mals. And siiici' that nitiiiorable night, when 



we cut down the bee-tree, I have never tasted 
honey without a feeling of nausea and disgust. 

Stopping a short time at the Juneau settle- 
ment on our way back, we kept on our course 
and arrived at Green Bay on the -iOth day of 
February. The quarter-master at Fort Howard 
expressed himself satisfied with my perform- 
ance; and he wanted me to make another trip; 
but as I had seen the country, which was all I 
cared for, I did not desire to repeat it. Getting 
my pay from the department, and a liberal do- 
nation from the people, a portion of which I 
gave Boisley, I left Uncle Sam's employ and 
took up my old profession — a gentleman of leis- 
ure, and continued to practice as such until the 
spring came, when, with a view to extend the 
field of my labors, I made ready to bid good 
bye to Green Bay. I had formed associations 
and friends among the inhabitants, with whom it 
was hard to ])art. The little Frenchman, with 
whose extraordinarily long gun I shot the buck 
in the Illinois river, had married and was liv- 
ing in a snug little home of his own, where I 
was ever a welcome guest. I felt solitary and 
perhaps gloomy when I turned my back on the 
settUment, and embarked in the canoe with 
Boisley, for I was doubtful of bettering my con- 
dition by the move. But doubts could not deter 
me from making the venture, and with determ- 
ination we plied our paddles and urged the 
canoe up Fox river. 

The route from Fort Howard to P'ort Craw- 
ford was not an unknown one by any means; 
yet it was through a wilderness then new, and 
led through an Indian country, inhabited by a 
race of men naturally cruel and treacherous, who, 
the year previous, had begun a war of exter- 
mination against the whites. Tons the way 
was unknown, and we entered on it without 
other guides than a few directions from an old 
voya(juer in the employ of the American Fur 
Company, who had made the triji. I shall not 
speak of the incidents that befell us, nor of our 
several camping scenes, just now, but suftice it 
to say, that we continued up Fox river into Lake 



460 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Winnebago; and carrying our canoe across the 
narrow portage formed by the ridge that sepa- 
rates the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, we launch- 
ed it in the latter; and were soon gliding down 
on its swift current, en route for the Mississippi. 
Proceeding on our voyage down the Wisconsin, 
we descried the beauties of a landscape en- 
hanced by the charms of summer verdure. The 
bluffs that towered up on either side, as they do 
now, had never reverberated the shrill whistle 
of the locomotive, neither were the bank.s 
sprinkled with promising villages; but nature 
remained the same as it had for ages and ages. 
Now and then could be seen the wigwams of 
the Winnebagoes, but of the habitations of the 
white man there were none. The pale faces up 
to this time, had not dared to settle on the hunt- 
ing grounds of the red men beyond the protect- 
ing influence of some fort. The whole splendid 
country about Madison contained but one white 
man, and that was Ebenezer Brigham, who had 
settled at Blue Mounds the year before I came 
to Prairie du Chien. 

It was in the summer of 1828 that the canoe 
came out at the mouth of the Wisconsin river, 
and then paddling up the Mississippi for three 
miles, we arrived at the village of Prairie du 
Chien,, at that time limited to the island over 
the slough, consisting of the old fort, now gone, 
and the houses of the people in its neighbor- 
hood, some of which are now to be seen. As a 
correct description of Prairie du Chien, its ap- 
pearance, its inhabitatants, and its position gener- 
ally, at that time (thirty years ago), would be 
interesting, I will give it to you; at the same 
time I will relate all such incidents and anec- 
dotes connected with the country or its princi- 
pal inhabitants, as they may come to mind. 

On my arrival at Prairie du Chien, in June 
1828, this was no insignificant point in the 
northwest. The establishment of a military 
•post here by the French, in an earlier day, 
which, as a natural consequence, caused a host 
of traders, camp-followers, army speculators 
and a mixed class generally to gather around, 



made it assume a liveliertone than many would 
imagine. Piairie du Chien was also an im- 
portant point in consequence of the Indian 
agency then located here. Gen. Joseph M. 
Street was appointed Indian agent the same 
year I came, and he was engaged in several 
negotiations and treaties with different tribes 
of Indians, among whom he managed to pre- 
serve comparatively friendly relations, inducing 
them to part with their land to the government, 
strip after strip, for which he saw them paid off 
in cash or goods. I will not be certain that he 
always commanded the confidence of the Indi- 
ans, but he was impartial in all his dealings 
with them, saw the conditions of engagements 
faithfully fulfilled, and made the annual pay- 
ments promptly at the proper time. It was at 
these same payments, some of which I attended, 
that the traders and employes of the fur com- 
pany reaped rich harvests. There are those 
here now, who made the bulk of their fortunes, 
after these payments, in trading with the unso- 
phisticated Indian. This being a point most 
accessible to a great many tribes, they frequent- 
ly received their payments here, at headquar- 
ters. These payments are great occasions to 
the Indian, because he would obtain new blankets 
and money, wherewith to buy guns, ammuni- 
tion and whisky; to the trader, for he would 
rake in all that money, giving in exchange a 
very siiperior quality of goods, at a very small 
advance on first cost; and to the government, 
as it offered a chance for purchasing more terri- 
tory. An Indian payment was invariably at- 
tended with a great jubilee, in most cases got 
up at the expense of the Indians. At these 
frolics the Indians generally got "plenty drunk,' 
but the traders got all their monc3\- and the 
government got their lands. Gambling « as a 
common thing at such times, and the Indian 
often returned to his village, empty handed, 
sans land, sans money, sans everything but a 
deep conviction of having been cheated. Thus 
it will be plainly seen that the trade carried 
on between the Indians and whites, was any- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



461 



thing l)iit advantageous to the former, while 
many of the dealings of the government with 
the Indians, threatened to embroil the frontiers 
in an Indiiui war. 

Besides the Indian agency, and being a mili- 
tary post, there was located here the head- 
quarters of the American Fur Company. This 
company was organized by John Jacob Astor, 
in the year 1809, and if memory serves me 
right, Joseph Rolette was the principal agent at 
this place when I arrived in 1828; and II. L. 
Dousman, who had come on the year previous, 
was also in the employ of the company. Of 
Rolette, I could relate a host of anecdotes, but 
space and other motives forbid. I will state, 
however, that his influence was considerable, 
his will arbitrary, and his word law. He held 
sway over the French inhabitants and voyaguers, 
which if not really tyrannical was exacting in 
its requirements. At the fire over the slough, 
when the company's buildings were burned, a 
powder magazine, filled with powder, stood in 
close proximity to the fire. This magazine was 
in eminent danger from the heat and flying 
cinders; and to prevent a terrible explosion, it 
was necessary to remove the powder. Rolette 
taking in everything at a glance, saw need of 
immediate action, and thereupon ordered all 
those in his employ to save the powder. And 
although it was almost as much as life was 
worth, they dared not disobey that mandate, 
and rushing in they seized the powder kegs 
and carried them through the fire and smoke 
down to the river. This incident shows his in- 
fluence over the people, who feared him worse 
than they did death. 

The Mississippi river, when I came here [in 
June, 1828,] was at a stage of water four and 
. one-half feet higher than it had been known be- 
fore, or has occurred during any subsequent 
rise. It was in June, and the site of the village 
was an island. To this same island, made so by 
too high water, was then restricted all that bore 
the name of Prairie du Chien. On the east 
of the slough, in the year 1828, there were only 



five houses; the one built by J. H. Lockwood, 
afterwards occupied by Col. Z. Taylor, north of 
the present fort; one other where union block 
now stands; the house of ono Larrivier, and 
two others that I cannot correctly locate. 

I have said that all Prairie du Chien was in- 
cluded in what is now termed the main village. 
But at that time there were many more houses 
and inhabitants there than at present. It is 
true that the people were chiefly Canadians, 
Frenchmen and traders ; and their habitations 
were less prized for architecture than comfort, 
yet there was much to admire in the neighborly 
sociality that pervaded the early society. 

For some years before 1828-9, little advance- 
ment or change had been going on in the ap- 
pearance of Prairie du Chien: Soon after, the 
Indian difliculties of 1827 were adjusted, and 
emigration increased, and settlers began to ar- 
rive, bringing with them seeds of progress. 
From that period the eastern emigrants com- 
menced gathering at this point, the population 
increased, improvement began and prospered, 
until we now enjoy the blessings of the electric 
telegraph, railroads and reliable steam naviga- 
tion. The arrivals of steamboats at that early 
day, were like angels' visits, "few and far be- 
tween." Well do I remember in 1828, when 
the steamboat Red Itover, commanded by Capt. 
Harris, arrived at this place. It was like the 
dawning of a new era, and Capt. Harris is still 
spared, and now commands a floating palace 
on the Father of waters. 

The principal citizens that resided in the vil- 
lage thirty years ago [1828), were J. Rolette, 
his wife and family ; J. H. Lockwood, merchant 
trader, and his wife and family ; J. Brisbois, 
family of four sons and two daughters ; Her- 
cules L. Dousman ; Gen. J. M. Street and 
family ; E. Bailey, who built the old Prairie 
House ; F. Gallanau, F. Chenviet, and Flavin 
Cherrier, who were wealthy farmers. Imay huya 
omitted some others, but the remainder of the 
people then here, were mostly traders Cana- 



462 



HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



dians, in the employ of the fur company, and 
those who lived on the Indian trade. 

It was in 1831, I think ,that I was with a few 
men getting out stone near Barrette's lower 
ferry. We lived in a cabin on the west shore 
of Wisconsin river. One evening, after we had 
gone to bed, two of the men, who had been to 
lo.*n for liquor, came rushing into the cabin 
and told us to get up, for they said the world was 
done ! We got up, and the awful grandeur of the 
sight that we witnessed I shall never forget. The 
air was tilled with a meteoric shower of phos- 
phorescent light. It came down in flakes and as 
thick and fast as hail. It continued for some 
time presenting a brilliant spectacle, and giving 
us a pretty good idea of the judgment day. 
After the first surprise passed, I knew it was 
some natural phenomena, (although I had never 
before or since heard it accounted for), but it 
appeared strange that the lire did not burn. 
In the morning no trace was left of the previ- 
ous night's wonder. 

When Taintor and Reed came here and took 
contracts to furnish the fort with wood, wliich 
was soon after the close of the Black Hawk 
War, when they were showing Black Hawk 
around tlie country, I moved upon the bluff, 
and went into the employ of Reed. The wood 
was furnished at a high price, and the con- 
tractors made a good profit from it. I remained 
on the bluff some time; finally,Reed went away, 
and I returned to the prairie. Uncle Ezekiel 
Taintor afterwards commenced to keep a store 
on the prairie, but the business not suiting liiin 
he discontinued it and returned to his farm, 
where he now lives, a respected and well-to-do 
citizen of (Crawford. 

In the year 1834,1 think it was, I moved 
back to the prairie, into the old tavern. That 
year the small-pox broke out in the village; 
many citizens were attacked with the disease, 
and hundreds of the Indians then living in this vi- 
cinity died. My oldestson, then nine months old, | 
was seized with disease, and recovered; but a 
Winnebago, whom we called Boxer, and who 



acted as my clerk and sold liquor to the Indians, 
caught the loathsome disease and died. I will 
relate the manner of his death; for he was a 
faithful fellow, and though he took in $100 
a day sometimes, lie never defrauded me of a 
cent. I was about to move to Bloody Run, and 
had sent Boxer over to see if the shanty was 
ready, and he took his canoe and went over. It 
seems on his way back he felt sick, and drew 
his canoe up on the point of the ishmd, 
east of the Run, where the fever came on, and 
he laid down by the water's edge to drink, and 
there he died. There I found him as I was 
going over to the Run. I buried him on the 
island, and can show you his grave, and say, 
there lie the bones of an honest Indian. I pro- 
ceeded to Bloody Run after burying ])oor Boxer, 
and was there taken with the sinall-pox myself. 
I laid down by a spring and remained there 
during the attack, four days and four nights, 
which time was passed in great misery, and 
seemed an age to me, but after the crisis passed, 
I was enabled to reach the prairie, where I soon 
regained my health, and tlien moved my family 
to Bloody Run. 

In Bloody Run I lived about two years. 
When we first went over there, the cabin I 
moved into leaked, and one day I was on the 
roof fixing it, when I saw a deer coming down 
the coulee, from the north, directly towards me. 
1 thought it was chased by something, and not 
being entirely recovered from my sickness, I did 
not get down to harm it. Soon after the deer 
passed I was attracted by an exclamation 
from my son, and looking, I saw a large gray 
wiilf making towards him. I got down quickly 
and snatching up a gun loaded with small shot, 
that my wife had been hunting with, I advanced 
toward the wolf, but it did not retreat until I 
sent a charge of shot into its face. 

Bloody Run was a great hunting ground, and 
Martin Scott, of whom I know many interesting 
anecdotes, made it it his favorite beat when in 
pursuit of game. From this circumstance it is 
said the Run derived its name, but tliat is an er- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



463 



ror, for the true origin of Bloody Run is known 
to some old settlers now alive, and it is as fol- 
lows: 

Bloody Run is so called, from an incident of 
backwoods' life, which I will relate as it was 
told me, by a person who was born in these 
parts, and who is now living in Prairie dii 
Chien. The name applies to a large ravine or 
valley, on the west side of the Mississippi, in 
Iowa, opposite Prairie du Chien, and one mile 
north of McGregor. A stream of pure, cool 
spring water, clear as a crystal and thickly 
skirted with a growth of timber, meanders along 
through the valley over its pebbly bottom to- 
wards the Mississippi, into which it flows. This 
stream winds between high wood-covered bluffs 
that bound the valley on either side, and at a 
distance of more than seven miles from its 
mouth, it furnishes power to run Spalding & 
Marsh's mill. 

In that season of the year when vegetation 
and verdure are at their height, a picturesque 
sight is presented to the tourist, as he wends 
his way along the stream through the valley of 
Bloody Run. The lover of nature has never 
imagined a wilder, more beautiful place than 
was Bloody Run, when I was there in 1834. 
No wonder that Martin Scott chose this as his 
favorite hunting-ground. His true sportsman 
instinct led him to this place, to watch for the 
red deer as it came down from the bluff at 
raid-day, to slake its thirst and cool its panting 
sides in the crystal waters of the run. Here it 
was his brag gun dealt death among the wood- 
cock, wood-duck and pheasants, that were very 
abundant in the valley; and here, too, trans- 
pired a scene of bloodshed that gave to this 
beautiful spot its ominous name. 

There is scarcely a stream, point, bluff, wood, 
coulee or cave in the west, but has attached to 
it some associations that are alone peculiarly 
historical ;and as I possessed a natural curiosity to 
learn the derivation of names that to me seemed 
peculi.'ir,my probings have often brought to light, 
mines of legendary lore and anticpic history. 



It was years ago, before the English were 
guided to and captured Prairie du Chien, and 
before the traitorous guide hid himself in a cave 
in Mill Coulee; when Prairie du Chien was in- 
habited by only a few French families and In- 
dian traders, that an event occurred which gave 
to the coulee, wherein North McGregor is now 
being built, the name of Bloody Run. A 
couple of traders lived on the prairie, named 
Antoine Brisbois and George Fisher, and as 
was the custom with those extensively en- 
gaged in the fur trade, these two traders had 
their clerks or agents,whom they supplied with 
goods to dispose of to the Indians. Among 
other clerks were two who lived with their 
families in Bloody Run. Their names were 
Smith Stock and a Mr. Kin^. King's wife was 
a squaw from the Sauk tribe, while Mr. Stock 
and wife were English, and both families lived 
on a little bench or table land, about a mile and 
a half from the mouth, on the north side of 
the valley. Their cabin was situated a few 
rods west of the log house now standing, and I 
can show you the stones of the old-fashioned 
fire-place, lying where they fell after the cabin 
went to decay. 

The clerks had sold a quantity of goods to 
the Indians on credit, who were backward in 
cancelling the debt. Among other Indians who 
had got in debt for goods, was a Sauk chief, 
Gray Eagle.* 

The chief had been refused any more credit, 
and would not pay for what he had really 
obtained. This dishonesty on the part of the 
chief made King impatient, and he told his 
wife that he would go to Gray Eagle's village, 
and if the chief did not pay, then he would 
take the chief's horse for the debt. His wife 
told him it would be dangerous to treat a chief 
that way, and warned him not to go ; but he 

*We have no further certain information of this chief. 

Me-ca-itch, or the EaKlea Sttult chief of Missouri, Bigned 
the treatv of 181.5. 

MHU-(|ue-Iee, or the HaWl Eagle, a Foi chief, siroed tho 
treaty at Uoek IhImikI in Ifta, 

Pe-a-cniii-a-car-niack, or lilack Headed Ea^le. fatlierand 
son. signed the treaty with the .Sauky an<l Foxes in l.SJC; and 
the aauio year Pe-a-ehin-wa. a 8auk chief, signed the treaty 
of Dubuque, with Gen. Dodge. 



464 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



said he had traded too long with the Indians to 
be afraid of them, and started to collect the 
debt. 

On his way to the village he met the chief, 
unarmed, riding on the very horse he had 
threatened to take. Approaching him, he 
dragged the chief off, gave him a beating, and 
got on the horse himself and rode it home, and 
tied it before the shanty door. When he told 
his wife what he had done, she said she was 
afraid the chief would seek revenge, and 
warned her husband to be cautious. Soon after 
Mrs. King rushed into the cabin and said that 
Gray Eagle was near at hand with some of his 
people. Upon hearing this. King arose to go 
out to the horse, but he scarcely reached the 
door before a bullet from Gray Eagle's rifle 
pierced his brain, and he fell across the thresh- 
hold a bloody corpse. The Indian took the 
horse. 

Mr. Stock, the remaining trader, persisted in 
his refusals to give the Indians credit, which so 
enraged them, that they shot him through the 
heart. After this last tragedy, the surviving 
members of those two families removed from 
the old claim, and for years after, no white 
man lived in the valley, which, from the mur- 
ders perpetrated there by the Indians, has ever 
since been called Bloody Run. 

Such is a description and history of the place 
where I went to live twenty-four years ago; 
and it remained about the same until within 
two or three years. I lived there two years and 
raised two good crops, and spent the pleasantest 
two years of my life. The Indians were very 
numerous, their reservations being close by, 
and they sometimes stole my corn and potatoes, 
and killed my hogs; but I should have con- 
tinued there, had the title to the land been 
good. But an advantageous offer was made 
to me to go up into Menomonee pineries, and I 
left Bloody Run. 

Within the last twelve months, Bloody Run 
has undergone a great change. The land titles 
have been investigated and adjusted ; the float- 



ing population of the west has began to settle 
there; mills have been built; dwellings erected, 
and a railroad is surveyed through the valley, 
and partly built. A young city is rearing itself 
in the valley; and will yet surpass its neighbor 
(McGregor) in population and trade, as it docs 
now in its natural advantages. 

It was in IR^g, while in the Menomonee 
pineries, that desirous of returning to Praiiie 
du Chien. I looked around for the means of 
doing so. I pitched upon a plan that few would 
think of in this age of progress, when a very 
few hours suflice to perform the journey, that 
then occupied as many days. But there were no 
conveniences of travel on the upper Mississippi 
then; a passage in a high pres-ure steam-boat, 
such as was the Science, could not be conntcd 
on with any certainty. I got a large Mackinaw 
boat, rigged an awning, and placed my family 
and what few worldly goods I possessed, in it 
and made the trip from the mills on Menomo- 
nee river to the prairie. 

We had a pleasant trip, sailing and float irg 
down the river ; and were I to give a minute 
sketch of it, you might think it interesting; but 
as I am anxious to give an account of things in 
general, rather than a personal history, I will 
merely notice one incident of our journey, 
which occurred before our safe arrival at Prai- 
rie du Chien. 

Our boat was thirty feet in length, and the 
awning extended over a space of fifteen feet in 
the centre, beneath which was placed our goods, 
provisions and bedding, at the same time afford- 
ing shelter for my wife and children, from the 
rain and night damps. In the stern I had re- 
served a space to work the steering oar, while 
in the bow was a stove, where my wife cooked 
our food and such game as I shot. With all 
the exposure of that trip, I look back at the 
time thus spent as among the pleasantest of my 
life. 

One day while the boat was floating lazily 
down with the current, opposite Trempealeau 
mountain, my attention was called to an animal. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUTSITY, 



465 



pointed out by my wife. It was on a long, 
narrow bar or point of an island just below us, 
and appeared to be playing with some object, 
unconscious of our approach. I was not long in 
discovering that it was a large panther, and 
made up my mind to shoot it, for at that time I 
had never killed one. So, telling my wife to 
take the oar and direct the boat to a point 
nearest the beast, I stood in the bow ready to 
fire as soon as we had approached near enough. 
The ]ianther kept dragging the object about, 
unmindful of the boat, until its keel grated on 
the sand within twenty feet of it. Just as the 
boat stopped I fired. The bullet pierced its 
vitals, and after satisfying myself that it was 
dead, got out to skin it, when I found tliat one 
of the panther's paws was firmly locked in the 
jaws of a large hard-shell turtle. It appeared 
to me that the panther liad 1)cen in search of 
food, and spying the turtle, crept u|) to it witli 
the intent to catch it, and he did catch it; 
"he caught a tartar." The turtle got a paw in 
his mouth, and kept hold so firmly that the pan- 
ther was unable to extricate it. I am of the 
opinion that the panther knew he had "put his 
foot in it," anil out of respect to liis unfortunate 
condition. I never boasted the exploit of killing 
him. Tlie skin of the panther was not worth a 
sou-markee, but the turtle was a prize I knew 
how to manage, for I was something of an epi- 
cure. The turtle furnished us witli many a de- 
licious feast, until we reached the Prairie. 

I found on arriving at Prairie du Chien that 
the speculating mania had come to a crisis, and 
"hard times" had put a damper on the spirits of 
the people, as well as put a stop to all enter- 
l>rises. Real estate was still held athigli rates, 
but it did not change owners as frequently as 
in 18.36. The state of affairs was similar to that 
of 18.58. 

In the year 1824, one cow would buy a small 
farm. As an instance, showing how cheap land 
could be bought then, I will cite a fact that oc- 
curred to me. A certain person owed me a bill 
of $5 and not having the money, he I 



came to me and offered to deed a piece of prop- 
erty to me to pay the debt. Low as such prop- 
erty was, taxes were very heavy, and so I 
would not accept the offer. H. W. Brisbois 
afteiwards paid §800 for the lot and now 
it is not to be had at any price. From 1840 
until the commencement of the war with Mex- 
ico, nothing to excite interest occurred; unless 
we remark that the country was rapidly filling 
up with new comers. In 1846 orders were re- 
ceived to raise a volunteer company of 100 men. 

When I left Bloody Run to go up to Lock- 
wood's mill on the Menomonee in 1836 or 1837, 
great speculative excitement existed. Land 
companies Nos. 1 and 2 were formed, and great 
improvements and projects were commenced. 
At Prairie du Chien and Cassville, towns were 
laid out, hotels built, and real estate was held 
at enormous prices. It was designed to make 
Cassville the capital of the Michigan territory; 
but men's practice always falls short of their 
theory. The hard times came on, and the much 
talked of project was abandoned; land depreci- 
ated, and a general stagnation of business ensued. 
Among the organizations of the times was a 
wild-cat banking institution, entitled the "Prai- 
rie du Chien Ferry Company." This company 
issued its shin-plasters at Prairie du Chien; 
some of which I have, and they bear the signa- 
tures of G. Washington Pine, president; and 
H. W. Savage, cashier. This pioneer bank, 
however, had to succumb to the pressure, and 
adopted the "suspend payment" system, which 
suspension has lasted to the present day. 

The Rev. Alfred Brunson and quite a number 
of persons, some now living in Curts' settle- 
ment, came here the year I went to the mills on 
Monomonee river. I went to Lake Pepin with 
my family in the steamboat Science. At the lake 
were two ti'ading houses. Immediately upon 
our arrival at the lake, a fierce battle was fought 
on its shores, between the Sioux and Chippewas, 
which resulted in the defeat of the latter. I 
passed the scene of the fight, and saw the mu- 
tilated bodies of the dead Indians. The Cliip- 



466 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



pewa Indians were better warriors than the 
Sioux, but being poor, their arras are almost 
valueless, which accounts for their defeat. 
From the Lake we went up to the Chippewa 
river in Mackinaw boats. The water of the 
Chippewa is as red as wine, and a crimson 
sireak may be seen for some distance below its 
mouth. This color I attribute to depos- 
its of iron ore through which the channel of 
tlio river runs. On reaching the mills (there 
being tliree of them), I entered U|)On my duties 
as lumberman. The mills were situated on the 
Monomonee river, in a tract of neutral ground 
between the Chippewa and Sioux Indians. 
These two tribes were constantly warring 
against each each other, and I had frequent op- 
portunities to see war parties of both tribes. 
There were some Chippewas living near the 
mills, wlio sold game, maple sugar, wild fruits, 
and like articles to the mill liands. 

On one occasion tlie hands had gone to work, 
and left their cabin locked up, when a number 
of Chipjiewas came in their absence, crept 
through a window, stole the blankets from the 
beds, pork from the barrel, tilled their blankets 
with ilour, and started away with all their plun- 
der. Fortunately the mill hands discovered 
their loss early. They pursued the Indians, 
overtook them, gave them a good whipping, and 
took away everything that liad been stolen. It 
was with such incidents as these, that we re- 
lieved the monotony of life in the pinery. 

One day my wife was alone in our cabin, 
when an old Chippewa, who had often visited 
us, came in with some maple sugar. My wife 
took the sugar, and in return gave him some 
pork and flour, at the same time telling him she 
thought there were Sioux Indians near, for 
that day she smelled kinnikinic smoke in the 
woods. The Chippewa soon left, and it seemed 
not more than a moment after that the house 
was filled with a war party of Sioux. The 
chief asked her if there was any Chippewas 
there, and she answered that she had -not seen 
any. The Sioux said they had tracked one to 



the cabin, and taking some of the sugar the 
Indian had brought, called it "Chippewa's su- 
gar," and said they would eat the sugar and 
cut the Chippewa's throat when they caught 
him. The war pai-ty ate all the food they could 
get, and then filed out; but they didn't catch 
the old Indian, for he managed to escape, and 
afterwards brought game to our house. 

There is something mysterious in the appear- 
ance of a war party. I have seen several, and 
they glided along like a serpent, with noiseless, 
even motion ; and had I not been looking at 
them I should not have known that they were 
passing within thirty feet of me. Once a raft 
broke to pieces, and I went with the men to 
recover the lumber. While engaged in collect- 
ing it, we had to pass over a ridge frequently 
during the day, and at night when we were go- 
ing over on our way back to the mills, we heard 
a laugh close by our side. We looked around 
for the cause, but not finding it, we were about 
to move on, when the laugh was repeated, and 
we were surprised to see what we had taken for 
a pine stump assume the form of a Chippewa 
scout. It appears he had been hid there all 
day watching for Sioux, and we had passed 
within arms' reach several times without see- 
ing him. 

I remained two years in the pineries, and 
could have made money, had I accepted the 
offer made me if I would remain longer, but I 
desired to return to Prairie du Chien. 

The year after my coming down from Lock- 
wood's mills, in 1840, an election occurred, and 
I was solicited to accept the office of constable 
in and for the county of Crawford and territory 
of Wisconsin. On the 28th of September, IStO, 
I was duly elected, and on the 19th day of Oc- 
tober, was qualified before C. J. Learned, to 
perform the duties of the office. The business 
of constable here eighteen years ago was not 
very considerable, yet there was a kind of char- 
acter attached to the office in that day, which 
made its occupant a person of note and dread in 
the eyes of the then unsophisticated inhabitants 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



i6l 



of this vicinity. Well do I reniembov the first 
writ I served; the trepidation that took hold of 
the person against whom it was issued, wlien I 
came into his presence. But lie has got bravely 
over that, and is at this time one of the first 
citizeiLs of Prairie du Chien, under obligation to 
110 man. 

Ezekiel Taintor was elected sheriff of Craw- 
ford county about 1840; at all events he occupied 
that office in 1841. This point was then the 
place for holding all criminal trials for the en- 
tire country northwest of it. Some very noted 
lawyers of those times were located here; 
among these was T. P. Burnett, a thorough read 
lawyer, and a gentleman of respectability. His 
public services will long be remembered by the 
citizens of Wisconsin. He died in 1S46, leav- 
ing a vacant seat in the territorial Legislature, 
and a large circle of friends. 

In tlie year 1841, J. Rolette, the first citizen 
of Prairie du Chien, died, and was buried in 
the Catholic grave yanl. l''our years previous, 
Michael Ih'isbois, an old fur trader and citizen, 
died, and was buried on the summit of a high 
bluff, in accordance with a request made pre- 
vious li> his death. The bluff is back of the 
town, and is called Mt. Pleasant, and strangers 
whose curiosity prompts them with a desire to 
see all the sights of this beautiful valley, often 
climb up to the grave, where, reclining beneath 
the weather-beaten cross, they feast on the mag- 
nificent scene that can be had from the bluff, 
or listen to the story of the old pioneer's re- 
quest. 

At a general election held on the 22d day of 
September, 1845, I was elected to the offices of 
coroner and constable for Crawford county. In 
the first office, the duties that devolved on me 
were neither few nor pleasant. The holding of 
inquests on the bodies of persona picked up in the 
river, and found murdered, were of more fre- 
quent occurrence than now. The country be- 
ing thinly settled, detection was easily avoided, 
and the penalties of the law hard to enforce; so 
evil disposed persons, not having the fear of 



certain j)unishment before them, perpetrated 
deeds of violence with perfect impunity. I was 
once notified that a dead body was lying in the 
water opposite Pig's Eye slough, and imme- 
diately proceeded to the spot, and on taking it 
out, I recognized it as the body of a negro 
woman belonging to a certain captain then in 
Fort Crawford. The body was cruelly cut and 
bruised; but the person not appearing to recog- 
nize it, a verdict of "found dead" was ren- 
dered, and I had the corpse buried. Soon after, 
it came to light that the woman was whipped to 
death and thrown into the river during the 
night; but no investigation was made, and the 
affair blew over. 

For a long term of years have I held positions 
that gave me every opportunity of observing 
and detecting crime; as a ))oliceman, constable, 
sheriff and justice of the peace, I was an al- 
most daily witness of rascalities, and could fur- 
nish a calendar of crimes perpetrated in the 
northwest that would startle even those who 
have lived here a much longer time, but who 
are not as thoroughly posted in criminal affairs. 
There is an individual now (1858) living in the 
town X-nown to be guilty of several murders. 
Others are aware of this fact. 

The subject of education was not an unknown 
one in Prairie du Chien at that day. Taxes 
were levied and money appropriated to estab- 
lish and sustain district schools. In January, 
1846, I was appointed collector for. district 
No. 2, of which C. W. Pelton was trustee. 

BY S. M. PALMER. 

Desirous of visiting Cassville, Prairie du 
Chien and that part of the territory bordering 
on the Mississippi, I accepted a cordial in\ ita- 
tation from Col. Daniels, of Cassville, to take 
a seat in his carriage for that place. It was a 
delightful morning in September, when, with 
an agreeable party, consisting of the colonel, 
Mr. Latham, of Mineral Point, and a Mr. 
Payne, of Boston, we bade adieu to the noble, 
generous people of Mineral Point, and proceeed 
over a rough, uncultivated, hilly, and tcilerably 



468 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



well timbered country, some six or ten miles to 
a pretty spot called Diamond Grove, near which 
was the residence of Col. John B. Terry. Jlere 
it was proposed to stop, but on approaching the 
house, it was evident that the family were not 
at home, and I proposed to pass on, but was 
overruled by Col. Daniels, who insisted that it 
was the seat of genuine hospitality, where the 
latch string was never drawn in; which proved 
to be the case on that occasion, at least, and the 
whole party entered the house. And although 
no member of the family was at home. Col. 
Daniels, presuming upon his friendship with 
the propeietor, opened the cupboard, and set 
out an excellent cold collation, to which was 
added a bottle of something stronger than milk, 
on which the party regaled themselves most 
satisfactorily. 

Proceeding across a tine rolling prairie, beau- 
tiful as a garden, though almost in a state of 
nature, with at rare intervals a small agricultu- 
ral improvement, of a hamlet of miners' huts, 
we struck the military road which traverses the 
dividing ridge extending across the territory, 
tlie western terminus being at Prairie du Chien, 
along which we continued through a succession 
of natural landscapes, the most rich and gor- 
geous that can be imagined, until we reached 
the intersection of the Cassville road; near 
which but a short distance along tlie last named 
road, we stopped for the night, at a small log 
hut, the only building of any description in the 
vicinity, excepting a small one on a recent im- 
provement, said to have been commenced by 
Hon. Thomas P. Burnett, near where we di- 
verged from the military road. 

We were generously welcomed and as com- 
fortably entertained as the limited means of our 
kind host and hostess would admit. The ride 
from this point to Cassville was through a 
country of extraordinary beauty, with a soil of 
unrivaled richness and fertility, though with- 
the exception of a very few small buildings and- 
improvements, untouched by the hand of man. 
The people of Cassville, proverbially intelli- 



gent, accomplished and enterprising, proud of 
what tliey considered the great beauty and im- 
mense natural advantages of the location of 
their town, were all bustle and excitement in 
view of many gr.and and important improve- 
ments already projected or in progress; first 
among which was a magnificent hotel, the 
foundation for which was already being laid. 
All classes appeared prosperous, hap|)y and con- 
tented, looking forward with confidence to a 
brilliant future for themselves and their favorite 
town. 

After remaining a short time here, I took 
passage (kindly accompanied by Capt. Estin 
and Mr. Latham) on board the steamboat Ad- 
venturer, a very small dilapidated and filthy 
boat, (for at that time there were comparatively 
few steamers of any description plying on the 
Mississippi, above Dubuque), for Prairie du 
Chien. This town, located on a beautiful prai- 
rie, some four miles above the mouth of the 
Wisconsin river, would have been fully equal 
in appearance to any other site on the Missis- 
8ipi>i, but for a slough or bayou which ran through 
it nearly parallel with the river, thus dividing 
the town, and giving to that portion next to 
the river, or Old Town, as it was called, the ap- 
pearance of an island, which was exclusively 
occupied by the store and warehouse, a large 
and elegant stone structure, and other build- 
ings of the North American Fur Company, 
with a few mean huts tenanted by a miserable 
set of French and Indians. It was here that 
John Jacob Astor, the New York millionaire, 
as a member Or chief of that mammoth fur 
company, made, it has been said, a considerable 
portion of his immense wealth. 

On the opposite side of the bayou, or New 
Town, was Fort Crawford, in which were about 
300 United States troops. It occupied a liigh, 
airy and commanding position on the prairie, 
and comprised four substantial stone buildings, 
each some -'00 feet long, forming a hollow 
square, in the center of which was a spacious 
parade ground. The officers and ladies of the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



469 



garrison were exceedingly courteous and agree- 
:il'le, exerting themselves to render our visit in 
every respect pleasant and satisfactory. The 
>ew Town contained but few dwelling houses, 
and those of a very ordinary character, the only 
one of any pretensions, which I recollect, being 
that occupied by Judge Lockwood. 

Returning to Cassville I took passage on 
board the steamer, Jlfissouri Fulton, a,ndh\d(\ing 
adieu to that delightful territory, in the fond 
hope of being permitted to visit it again in after 
years, set out cheerily for my eastern homes at 
Rock Island, in which stood Fort Armstrong, 
a handsome and truly formidable fortress. The 
captain kindly landed to afford the passengers 
an opportunity of witnessing the formalities of 
concluding a treaty which was being held be- 
tween Gov. Dodge, acting for the United States, 
and the chiefs of the Sauk and Fox Indians, 
during which the latter ceded to the govern- 
ment their immensely valuable reservation situ- 
ation on the Iowa river, west of the Missis- 
sipjji, and nearly opi)Osite to Rock Island, the 
sum stipulated for the purchase being, as it was 
then understood, seventy-five cents per acre.* 

Tlie acquisition of this domain was consid- 
ered of great importance to the country; not so 
much on account of its intrinsic value, as to get 
rid of those mischievous tribes of Indians, who 
up to a period very recent, had kept up a con- 
tinual warfare with their white neighbors, at 
tlu^ instigation of Black Hawk, who strenuously 
maintained to the last, that they had been nn- 



•This is substnntiall.T correct. The .''nuks Hiid Foxpr cnciort 
lit this treaty, 4011 scotionn. or 25(1, OOil acres, in eonsiilenition 
111' winch the sum of f:iO,(X)il was to lie paiil them the follow- 
iilK year, aiui $1(1. Ilflll a year tor ten yearn thereafter, iiiakinir 
HltoKcther .$i:iil.(.XKI In udiliticm, the (.'overninent ainee.l to 
l>ay certain del.t.s due lo traders, anil other claims, amonnl- 
lii).' in the ajrs:rc;rate to $."ii;,-_",l-1.67; anil ■itill farther provideil 
to pay certain annuities for several half-lireeii chililren for 
their eiUication, ct('.. the total amount of which cannot lie 
well estimatcil. This wonlil show the cost of the ceileil lands 
at lietween seventy and seventy-live cents per acre. It is 
Interestinsr to notice thnt lilai'k Hawk, who was present at 
the treaty, had no ollicial connection with it, having? Iieen 

Sractieally drposed liy our ifovernment at the close of the 
lack Hawk War, by the recognition of Keokuk, u head 
chief. 



justly deprived of the lands and homes inherited 
from their fathers, and which ended only with 
the capture of that brave old chief, and the con- 
sequent termination of war in August, 1832. 

Pending the treaty, some 400 of the Sauk and 
Fox tribes, old and young, male and female, 
were encamped on the western bank of the 
river, opposite the island, who, contrary to the 
siqiposed proverbial taciturn and stoical dispo- 
sition of that people, were engaged in all man- 
ner of sports, including horse racing and gamb- 
ling of every description. The men, many of 
them, were painted after a variety of grotesque 
fashions, their heads ornamented and decked 
out in scarlet cloth or flannel, with a profusion 
of feathers, beads and other finery. They ap- 
peared decidedly happy, and at times were 
boisterous in their mirth. After the passengers 
returned to the boat, they were visited, among 
others, by the co-chiefs. Black Hawk and Keo- 
kuk, who exhibited evident signs of pleasure 
and gratification at being introduced to them, 
particularly the ladies, toward whom they were 
decidedly gallant. This treaty was considered, 
and justly too, a highly important one, setling, 
as it did, forever, the difficulties and misunder- 
standings which had so long subsisted with 
those Indians, who were the original owners 
and occu|>icrs of all that beautiful country on 
botli sides of the river, for a considerable dis- 
tance above and below Rock Island, and Gov. 
Dodge was highly coni])limentod for the skill- 
ful and successful manner in which he conduct- 
ed the negotiations for the final result. 

Thus have I hastily ai;d imperfectly jotted 
down the reniiniscences of a brief residence in 
the territory, nearly a quarter of a century ago; 
and if, among tliem all, there shall bo found a 
single fact wortliy of preservation as conmclcd 
with its early history, I shall feel amjdy recom- 
pensed for the little time and labor it has cost 
mo in its jireparation. 

PoTTsviLi.E, I'a., Nov. 1858, 



470 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



THE SCHOOLS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



From the time of the earliest event of the 
families of French traders into the region now 
known as Wisconsin, to the year 1818, when 
that region became part of Michigan territory, 
education was mostly confined to private in- 
struction, or was sought by the children of the 
wealthier in the distant cities of Quebec, Mon- 
treal and Detroit. The early Jesuit mission- 
aries, and — subsequently to 1816, when it came 
under tiie military control of the United States 
— representatives of various other religious de- 
nominations sought to teach tlie Indian tribes 
of this section. In 1823 Rev. Eieazar Williams, 
well known for his subsequent claim to be the 
Dauphin of France, and who was in the employ 
of tiie Episcopal Missionary society, started a 
school of white and half-breed children on the 
west side of Fox river, opposite "Shanty-Town." 
A Catholic mission school for Indians was or- 
ganized by an Italian priest near Green Bay, in 
183U. A clause of the treaty with tlie Winne- 
bago Indians, in 1832, bound the United States 
to maintain a school for their children near 
Prairie du Chien for a period of twenty 'seven 
years. 

THE ORIGINAL SCHOOL CODE. 

From 1818 to 1836, Wisconsin formed a part 
of Michigan territory. In the year 1837, Mich- 
ignn was admitted into the Union as a State, 
ami Wisconsin, embracing what is now Minne- 
S(jta, Iowa, and a considerable region still fur- 
ther westward, was, by act of Congress, approved 
April 20tli of the year previous, established as 
a separate territory. Tlie act provided that the 
existing laws of the territory of Michigan should 



be extended over the new territory so far as 
compatible with the provisions of the act, sub- 
ject to alteration or repeal by the new govern- 
ment created. Thus with the other statutes, 
the school code of Michigan became the orig- 
inal code of Wisconsin, and it was soon form- 
ally adopted, with almost no change, by the 
first territorial Legislature, which met at Bel- 
mont. Although modified in some of its pro- 
visions almost every year, this imperfect code 
continued in force until the adoption of the 
State constitution in 1848. H'he first material 
changes in the code were made by the territo- 
rial Legislature at its second session, in 1837, by 
the passage of a bill "to regulate the sale of 
school lands, and to provide for organizing, reg- 
ulating and perfecting common schools." 

It was provided in this act that as soon as 
twenty electors should reside in a surveyed 
township, they should elect a board of three 
commissioners, holding office three years, to lay 
ofi: districts, to apply the proceeds of the leases 
of school lands to the payment of teachers' 
wages, and to call school meetings. It was also 
provided that each district should elect a board 
of three directors, holding office one year, to 
locate school houses, hire teachers for at least 
three months in the year, and levy taxes for the 
support of schools. It was further provided 
that a third board of five inspectors t-hould be 
elected annnally in each town to examine and 
license teachers and inspect the schools. Two 
years subsequently (1839) the law was revised 
and the family, instead of the electors, was 
made the basis of the town organization. Every 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



471 



town witli not less than ten families, was made 
a school district and required to provide a com- 
petent teacher. More populous towns were di- 
vided into two or more districts. The office of 
town commissioner was abolished, its duties 
with certain others, being transferred to the in- 
spectors. The rate-bill system of taxation, pre- 
viously in existence, was repealed, and a tax on 
the wliole county for building school houses and 
supporting schools was provided for. One or 
two years later the office of town commission- 
ers was restored, and the duties of the inspect- 
ors were asigned to the same. Other some- 
what important amendments were made at the 
same time. 

In 1840, a memorial to Congress from the 
Legislature, represented that the people were 
:inxious to establish a common school system, 
with suitable resources for its support. From 
lack of sufficient funds many of the schools were 
poorly organized. The rate^bill tax or private 
subscription was often necessary to suppliment 
the scanty results of county taxation. Until a 
State government should be organized the fund 
accruing from the sale of school lands could not 
be available. Congress had made to Wisconsin 
as to other new States, for educational purposes, 
a donation of lands. These lands embraced the 
.sixteenth section in every township in tlie State, 
the 500,000 acres to which the State was enti- 
tled by the provisions of an act of Congress 
passed in 1S41, and any grant of lands from the 
United States, the purposes of which were not 
specified. To obtain the benefits of this large 
fund was a leading object in forming the State 
constitution. 

ACUTATION FOE FREE SCHOOLS. 

Shortly before the admission of the State the 
subject of free schools began to be quite widely 
discussed. In February, 1845, Col. M. Frank, 
of Kenosha, a member of the territorial Legis- 
lature, introduced a bill, which became a law, 
authorizing the legal voters of his own town to 
vote taxes on all the assessed property for the 
full support of its schools. A provision of the 



act required its submission to the people of the 
town before it could take effect. It met with 
strenuous opposition, but after many public 
meetings and lectures held in the interests of 
public enlightenment, the act was ratified by a 
small majority in the fall of 1845, and thus the 
first free school in the State was legally organ- 
ized. Subsequently, in the Legislature, in the 
two constitutional conventions, and in educa- 
tional assemblies, the question of a free school 
system for the new State soon to be organized 
provoked much interest and discussior^. In the 
constitution framed by the convention of 1846, 
was provided the basis of a free school system 
similar to that in our present constitution. 

The question of establishing the office of 
State superintendent, more than any other fea- 
ture of the proposed school system elicted dis- 
cussion in that body. The necessity of-this of- 
fice, and the advantages of free schools sup- 
ported by taxation, were ably presented to the 
convention by Henry Barnard, of Connecticut, 
in an evening address. He afterward prepared 
by request, a draft of a free school system, 
with a State superintendent at its head, whicli 
was accepted and subsequently embodied in the 
constitution and the school law. In the second 
constitutional convention, in 1S48, the same 
questions again received careful attention, and 
the article on education previously prepared, 
was, after a few changes, brought into the shape 
in which we now find it. Immediately after 
the ratification by the people, of the constitu- 
tion prepared by the second convention, three 
commissioners were appointed to revise the 
statutes. To one of these. Col. Frank, the 
needed revision of the school laws was a.s- 
signed. The work was acceptably performed, 
and the new school code of 1849, largely the 
same as the present one, went into operation 
^lay 1st, of that year. 

IIIE SCHOOL SYSTEM UNDER THE STATE tJOVKU.V- 
MENT. 

In the State constitution was laid the broad 
foundation of our jiresent school system. The 



412 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



four corner stones were: (1) The guaranteed 
freedom of the schools; (2) the school fund 
created; (3) the system of supervision ; (4) a 
State University for liigher instruction. The 
school fund has five distinct sources for its cre- 
ation indicated in the constitution: (1) Pro- 
ceeds from the sale of lands granted to the 
State by the United States for educational pur- 
poses; (2) all moneys accruing from forfeiture 
or escheat; {'-i) all fines collected in the several 
counties for breach of the penal laws; (4) all 
moneys paid for exemption from military duty; 
(5) five per cent, of the sale of government 
lands within the State. In addition to these 
constitutional sources of the school fund, an- 
other and sixth source was open from 1856 to 
ISTO. 

By an act of the State Legislature in the 
former year, three-fourths of the net proceeds 
of the sales of the swamp and overflowed lands, 
granted to the State by Congress, Sept. 28, 1850, 
were added to the common school fund, the 
other fourth going into a fund for drainage, 
under certain circumstances ; but if not paid 
over to any town for that purpose within two 
years, to become a part of the school f Mid. The 
following year one of these fourths was con- 
verted into the normal school fund, leaving one- 
half for Ihe common school fund. In 1858 an- 
other fourtli was given to the drainage fund, 
thus providing for the latter one-half the in- 
come from the sales, and leaving for the school 
fund, until the year 1865, only the remaining 
one I'onrth lii the latter year this was trans- 
ferred to the normal school fund, with the pro- 
vision, however, that one-fourth of the income 
of this fund should be transferred to the com- 
mon school fund until the animal income of the 
latter fund should reach $200,000. In 1870 this 
provision was repealed, and the wdiole income 
of tlic normal fund left applicable to the sup- 
port of normal schools and teachers' institutes. 

At the first session of the State Legislature 
in 1848, several acts were passed which carried 
out in some degree the educational provisions 



of the constitution. A law was enacted to pro- 
vide for the election, and to define the duties 
of a State superintendent of public instruction. 
A district board was created, consisting of a 
moderator, director and treasurer ; the office of 
town superintendent was established, and pro- 
vision was made for the creation of town libra- 
ries, and for the distribution of the school fund. 
The present school code of Wisconsin is sub- 
stantially that passed by the Legislature of 1848, 
and which went into operation May 1,1849. 
The most important change since made was the 
abolition of the office of town superintendent, 
and the substitution therefor of the county 
superintendency. This change took effect Jan. 
1, 1862.* 

DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOLS IN CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

From small beginnings indeed, education has 
developed in Crawford as in other counties, 
step by step, growth upon growth, ever widen- 
ing and deeping to meet the wants of an increas- 
ing population, until to-day our schools stand 
abreast with the times, and are not far behind 
the foremost in Wisconsin. 

Here and there some fifteen to twenty years 
ago the traveler might meet on some cress road 
or deep in the head of some coulee, the old- 
time log cabin, poorly lighted, largely venti- 
lated, wretchedly constructed and furnished, 
where grown boys and girls with little children 
were taught from old fashioned and various 
text books, and often indeed, without even these 
poor aids. Educated and trained teachers were 
hard to obtain. Tiiere was little attempt at 
classification or any uniformity of method. One 
teacher spent part of his term in pulling down 
the work which the former teacher had built 
up, or in carrying the pupil over the same 
ground traveled by his predecessor, leaving the 
boy or girl at compound numbers or at frac- 
tions, to begin again the same process on the 
re-opening of the school and arrival of the next 
teacher. 



♦"Educational History, " by Prof. Eiiwanl Seariug, iu tlie 
tUustrated Historical Atlas of Wisconsin. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



473 



The programme and curriciilnin of tliese 
palmy days were the time worn reading and 
arithmetic in the forenoon; geography, reading 
and spelling in the afternoon. Language les- 
sons or grammar were seldom or never taught. 
Penmanship was a scarcity. The benches and 
desks were rude ; the ceiling low ; the floor 
rough and rickety. No outbuildings were visi- 
ble and on the whole the aspect looked uninvit- 
ing. Yet here and there some good, solid work 
was accomplished, owing, perhaps, rather to 
the determination and patience of the pupil 
than to the ability of the teacher and the aid of 
books, and out from even these poor schools 
have gone earnest hearted youths and maidens 
equipped and harnessed fairly for the struggle 
of life. So true it i.s that talent will finally 
ra.inifest itself in spite of lack of aid from 
e.xtensive sources. 

Crawford county had several superintendents 
of schools in these days known as township 
superintendents. 

By and by instead of the log cabin might be 
seen, along the public roads, here and there, 
the neat frame building ; sometimes roomy and 
well lighted, with .seats and desks in keeping, 
and occasionally a good blackboard and a maji 
or two on the walls. Some system, tnrv^ ;^^as at- 
teniiited in the examination of teachers, and 
also ill the discipline of the school room. 
Scholarship became a necessary factor in the 
teacher's fitness. The schools were more fre- 
quently visited ; better order prevailed ; the 
tests of successful work sought out both by 
superintendents and district boards, and the 
attention of the public now closely turned to 
the conditions of the schools. 

The township system of superintendents 
closed and that of coimty supervisors begun. 

COU>fTT SUPKRINTENDENTS. 

The county superintendents who have been 
been elected to that office and the year of their 
election are as follows: 

Joseph Evens, 1861; Orson Jackson; 186:i; E. 
Kielly, 1865; C. W. Clinton, IseT; M. E Mum- 



ford, 1869; F. D. Mills, 1871; L. G. Miller, 
187.5; .VI. E. Norris, 1877; James H. McDonald, 
1879; James H. McDonald, 1881. 

COUNTY SUPERVISION. 

The effect of this supervision and discipline 
is manifest in the better order of the schools 
and the progress of the pupils. Not only is it 
sought to have the intellect developed, but like- 
wise the heart of kindness and courtesy, in the 
school room and on the play grounds. A con- 
stant visitation, when not engaged in office 
work, is kept up by the superintendent, when 
methods of instruction are examined, suggested 
or recommended, and faithful work encouraged. 

Public lectures are frequently given; talks to 
the children on the beauty and nobility of ed- 
ucation, self government and a pure life, self- 
giving and unselfish are not infrequent. Teach- 
ers and pupils everywhere welcome the su- 
perintendent, and he has always a pl.ace in 
the hearts and homes of our generous people. 

The holding each year of normal institutes, 
under the management of a normal school con- 
<luctor, assisted by the county superintendent 
and most able and prominent teachers, is of in- 
calculable benefit. They present the best and 
standard methods of teaching; experiences of 
the most successful in the profession; the drill, 
the discipline and the elementary nature of the 
work, and are calculated to fit the teacher for 
abler methods of greater uniformity and of 
larger results in the school room. 

School boards and school patrons are of late 
turning their attention to the providing of text 
books for their districts of greater uniformity, 
and of school furniture, such as maps, globes, 
seats and desks. The outlay in this direction 
during the last school year (1883) has been 
large. The profession is becoming less and less 
an itineracy, good teachers being retained in the 
old places at an increased salary. 

There is yet much to do. The battle has not 
yet been won. May the time soon come when 
the school house will adorn the country, when 
the last log cabin will have disappeared and in 



29 



474 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



its place will stand the neat edifice with pleas- 
ant surroundings, calcuculated to train and ele- 
vate the ideas of the beautiful in the hearts and 
minds of the children, and when every man and 
woman, every youth and maiden in this beauti- 
ful country will have risen to a larger concep- 
tion of what America offers them and expects 
from them in return. A great people, a grand 
future, to be reached not so much by wealth or 
by victory on the battle field as through the 
agency and power of the common schools. 

It will be seen by the following figures that 
the schools are still steadily though slowly in- 
creasing. 

STATISTICS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY COMMON 
SCHOOLS.* 

Number of districts in the county, wholly in 

one town 73 

Number of joint districts, composed of parts 

of two or mure towns 21 

Whole number of schools in the county 94 

Number of pupils of school age in the county 5,023 
Number of schools with more than one de- 
partment 1 

Number of teachers required to teach the 

schools in the county 95 

Number of male teachers employed 55 

Mumber of female teachers employed, 108 

Number of different teachers employed 

(1883-3) 168 

Average wages paid male teachers per month $30.06 
" female " " " $18.94 

Number of pupils attending school last 

year 3, 532 

Number of districts in the county having a 

library 3 

* From (he annual report of the county superintendent for 
the year ending June 3U, 1883. 



Number of school houses built last year 4 

Cost of school houses built last year $2,084.85 

Cash value of all school houses in the county $34,259.85 

Highest valuation of any school house $3,037.50 

Amount raised by tax in the county for 

school purposes $16,075,24 

Amount paid out in the county for school 

purposes $21,352.76 

The above statistics do not include the statistics (or 
the city of Prairie du Chien. 

James H. McDonald, superintendent of 
schools of Crawford county, was born in Hart- 
ford, Conn., July 8, 1853. In 1859 he came to 
Madison, Wis., with his parents, and from there 
to Richland Centre. He received his primary 
education at the high school at Richland Cen- 
ter, and subsequently took a course of study at 
the Prairie du Chien college. At the age of 
sixteen years he began teaching school, and has 
made that his business for upwards of twelve 
years. He was elected county superintendent 
of schools of Crawford county in the fall of 
1879; served the term of 1880-81; he has been re- 
elected and holds the office till^Jan. 1, 1885. Mr. 
McDonald has made a most efficient and popular 
superintendent. He was married at Prairie du 
Chien Jan. 13, 1880, to Miss B. M. O'Niel, 
the daughter of Michael O'Niel. Mrs. Mc- 
Donald was born at Prairie du Chien. They 
have two sons — Joseph and John. Their resi- 
dence is Eastman, Wis. Mr. McDonald lost 
his right arm in a railroad accident May 30, 
1867. He has educated himself and by his en- 
ergy and studious habits has won success as a 
teacher, while, by the faithful discharge of his 
official duties, he commands the respect aud 
confidence of his constituents. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



4T5 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



VARIOUS THINGS. 



As the years pass away there are transpiring 
oontinually in the county incidents of impor- 
tance, whicli in their nature only require brief 
mention, but which cannot well be overlooked. 
Some of these are so transient in their character, 
that by much the larger portion of the people, 
they are soon forgotten; but what may seem 
uniiiipoi-tant now may become exceedingly im- 
|)i)i-t:int to future generations. It is the office of 
this chapterto preserve these small things await- 
ing the time when each shall no longer seem 
like "an insubstantial pageant faded." 

"PUECHASKD BY DK. ALEXANDER POSEY." 

Know all men by these presents. That 
I, Patsay (a woman of color), heretofore indent- 
ured agreeably to the laws of Illinois territory, 
to M. Street, and having recently been purchas- 
ed by Dr. Alexander Posey, at sheriff sale, as 
tile property of said Street, do hereby covenant 
and agree with said Posey to remain with Mrs. 
Street as her servant during the full period for 
which the aforesaid indentures were taken; and 
furthermore I do hereby voluntarily and of my 
own accord agree to go with the said Mrs. Street 
to Prairie du Chien, or wherever else she may 
wish to reside, and to serve her, in the capacity 
of a servant as above stated; and I do hereby 
again aver that my going with Mrs. Street, as 
aforesaid, is of my own free will and accord, 
and not throiigh tlie compulsion or evertion 
[sic] of said Posey or any other person. 

Given under my hand this 24th day of May, 
A. D. 1828. Patsay, her X mark. 

Witness: P. Redman, John Marshall, Joseph 
Caldwell. 



State of Illinois, ) 
Gallatin County, j 

Before me personally appeared Patsay (a wo- 
man of color) whose mark is affixed to her name 
in the following [foregoing] instrument of wri- 
ting, and acknowledged the same to be her free 
and voluntary act and deed for the purposes 
therein named; and that the same was done in 
the absence of Dr. Posey. Given under my 
hand and seal this 24th day of May, 1828. 

Thomas. F. Vaught, J, P. 

A PIONEEE INCIDENT. 

Le Grant Sterling in 1847 carried his plow 
on his shoulders from West Prairie to Mt. Ster- 
ling, on his way to Prairie du Chien, to get it 
sharpened. At Mt. Sterling, his load getting 
rather heavy, he hired a horse and rode the 
residue of the distance. On his way back 
he overtook Alexander Latshaw, whose wife 
was a relative, and a joyful meeting was of 
course the result. Mr. Latshaw was just then 
on his way out to settle in what is now Vernon, 
but what was then Crawford county. 

"the vast, ILLIMITABLE, CHANGNIG WEST." 
[By John D, Lawler, 1871.] 

The histories of the various States compris- 
ing the Union, are excedingly prolific in thril- 
ling incidents, and especially may this be said 
of States bordering on the Mississippi river. 
Few of the thriving cities, towns and vil- 
lages that line its banks from St. Paul 
to New Orleans, but have connected with their 
first settlement and aftergrowth, circumstances 
which serve to invest them with more than or- 
I dinary interest, an interest the more fascinating 



476 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



from the fact, that the circumstances chronicled 
concerning them are just so far removed as to 
be out of our memory, and yet within the rec- 
ollection of some of our elders, and indeed, upoti 
the narratives of these men are we compelled 
to rely for the history of the western country. 
They tell us of the hardships and dangets 
endured by the early settlers, of 

' 'The battles, sieges, fortunes— 
They have passed." 

They picture in vivid colors the barbarities of 
the savages, their ruthles.s massacres and their 
fiendish cruelties. 

It seems almost impossible that such things 
should have occurred in this age and country; 
and yet, fifty years ago, they were of common 
occurrence, and they are narrated by those who 
have witnessed them — the hardy pioneers, who 
led the van of civilization into the vast wilder- 
ness of the west who, in youth, smoked the 
pipe of peace at the council fires of the savages, 
or mi.xed in deadly fray with this ruthless foe, 
and in old age they beheld the places where 
once their camp fires burned brightly, in the 
depth of unbroken forests, covered with the 
habitations of civilized life. 

The unparalleled growth of this country is 
nowhere better evidenced than in this State. 
Half a century ago there were scarcely 1,000 
inhabitants, and but two settlements within its 
limits; to-day, the population is more than 
1,000,000, and numerous cities, towns and vil- 
lages have sprung up as by magic. 

AN OLD PBOPHBCY FULFILLED. 

In the New England Magazine for September, 
1832, — a magazine edited by J.T. &E. Bucking- 
ham — was printed an article reviewing a book 
entitled " A Tour to Prairie du Chien, etc.," by 
Caleb Atwater. Mr. Atwater's vision of an 
interoceanic railway was thus presented in his 
book : 

"Along the National road, when completed 
from Wheeling to Jefferson City, in Missouri, 
a railroad might be made, and from thence up 
the Platte all the way to the Pacific, without a 



hill in the way worth naming. I know, from 
personal observation, that not a single hill or 
valley prevents the construction of a railroad 
from Wheeling to St. Louis ; and that, I doubt 
not, is the worst part of the route. When lo- 
comotive engineers are brought to the perfec- 
tion experience and ingenuity will soon bring 
them, goods and passengers could pass between 
the two seas in ten days. That this will be the 
route to China within fifty years from this 
time scarcely admits of a doubt. From sea to 
sea a dense population would dwell along the 
whole route, enliven the prospect with their in- 
dustry, and animate the scene." 

This was more than the interviewer, "a gen- 
tleman who has resided several years in the 
western country," could stand, and he demol- 
ished Mr. Atwater's railroad with the following 
words : 

"Ay, when railroads shall have been con- 
structed over 1,000 miles of land almost as 
barren and arid as the desert of Sahara, this 
may be the channel of communication between 
New York and China. Pray, will the passen- 
gers in Mr. Atwater's locomotive engine carry 
their food with them, or will they stop to hunt 
the buffalo ? Will the Indians have been exter- 
minated, or will the steam cars run over them? 
Will forests have grown up on the road to sup- 
ply his boilers with fuel ? * * * That such 
a communication may take place between the 
Atlantic states and the East Indies some day, 
we will not dispute, for nothing is impossible 
with God ; but that it will exist any time within 
the next two centuries we beg leave to doubt. The 
obstacles which exist at present are as follows : 
The Indian title is to be extinguished over a 
route of about 1,.500 miles; a railroad must 
be laid over two thirds of that distance ; 
wood must grow along the road, and reservoirs 
must be constructed to supply the engines with 
water. This seems to be a wilder scheme than 
even that of Oregon emigration." 

A CENTENARIAN. 

Antoine Valley died in the town of Prairie 
du Chien Feb. 28, 1881, in the 104th year of his 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 



477 



age. He was born in St. Antonine, Canada, 
Nov. 4, 1777. He settled at Prairie du Chien 
in 1854. He was the father of eighteen chil- 
dren, nine of whom survived him. He practiced 
total abstinence from alcoholic drink, and died 
wliile giving thanks for blessings received. 

CRAWNOED COUNTY IN 1873.* 

Among the striking physical features of this 
county are the towering bluffs, which often rise 
to the height of from 400 to COO feet, and which 
present their bold, rocky fronts on the whole 
line of their boundary, as well as along eitlier 
bank of the principal streams. The bottom 
lands lying at the foot of these blufFs are very 
fertile; and the soil, which is a light, sandy 
loam, is of great value for the production of 
garden vegetables of every description, which 
come to maturity much sooner than on the high 
lands in the same localities. Through this 
county, near its centre, runs a divide, which 
separates the valley of the Mississippi from 
those of the Wisconsin and Kickapoo rivers; 
and from this, at right angles with it, are alter- 
nations of ridge and valley, the former gener- 
ally wooded; while in the vales are fertile 
lands, valuable forests, prairie meadows and 
good water-powers on never failing streams. 

Agriculture and trade have hitherto been the 
pursuits of the people, to the almost entire neg- 
lect of manufactures; the census of 1870 show- 
ing an .aggregate of farm production of $H2n,- 
000, while the products of our manufactures 
was hut 1240,000. But, during the past year, 
the people have awakened to the importance 
of manufactures, over all other branches of in- 
dustry; and henceforth the hammer, loom and 
anvil are to have their devotees, as well as tlie 
plough. In the line of public improvement are 
excellent roads and good school houses, so 
numerous that every child enjoys the privilege 
of a good common school education. 'J'lie Mil- 
waukee & St. Paul Railway extends along tlie 
southern line of the county for a distance of 

* This sketch is compiled from the report of the com. 
missioner of ImmlKrailon for 18T3. 



twenty miles. Bridgeport is one of the princi- 
pal shipping points on the road for grain and 
live-stock; while at Prairie du Chien the com- 
pany have one of the largest freight depots in 
the State, a grain elevator with a capacity of 
250,000 bushels, and from which 275 cars have 
been loaded with wheat in a single day. The 
company have here large car works, a good 
passenger depot, and near this, one of the finest 
hotels in the west. The business of the com- 
pany has increased so rapidly under its excellent 
management, that it has been compelled to 
erect a temporary bridge over the Mississippi 
for the transfer of trains during the winter; 
while in the season of navigation in in 1870, 
three steamers were constantly engaged in the 
transfer of cars from one shore to the other. 

The commerce of the county at this time has 
an extent and importance which few would im- 
agine who have not examined the figures which 
show it; and this is not conducted by rail alone; 
but three organized lines of elegant steamers 
touch at the river town, and do not only a large 
freight, but passenger business also. The 
county is remarkably healthy,is well-watered and 
has heavy forests in every town. In her markets, 
lumber and all descriptions of building ma- 
terial are plenty and cheap. Improved lands 
may be purchased at from $15 to $30 per acre; 
and unimproved from $5 to $10. The public 
schools are under the charge of good teachers 
and an efficient county superintendent, and are 
accessible to nearly every child. In Piairie du 
Chien is a large German school, with an ac- 
complished native teacher; while the Catholics 
have a large "sisters'" school, and will soon 
open another, of a higher grade, in a large and 
beautiful building, which was erected at a cost 
of $50,000. 

Tiie people of Crawford county are intelli- 
gent, industrious, wide-awake to their interests, 
and hence are good patrons of schools, churches 
and the press; and, taken all in all, the county 
})ossesses the natural and other advantages, 
wiiich in future will permit her to take a front 
rank among those which make up the noble 
commonwealth of Wisconain. 



478 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CENSUS EKTUENS. 
CENSUS OF CKAWFOBD COUNTY FOR 1830. 

Free white males 243 

Free white females 102 

Foreigners, not naturalized 101 

Number of persons engaged in Agriculture 71 

Number of persons engaged in Commerce 58 

Number of persons engaged in Manulactures 29 

Free colored males 7 

Free colored females 9 

All other persons except, Indians, not taxed 131 

Total 492 

CENSUS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY FOR 1830. 

Free white males 1, 602 

Free white females 1,501 

Free colored males 6 

Free colored females 8 

Total 3,127 

CENSUS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY FOB 1840. 

Free white males '. 1,033 



Free white females.. 

Number of persons engaged in Agriculture.. 

Num ber of persons edgaged in Commerce 

Number of persons engaged in Manufactures. 

Free colored males 

Free colored females.. 



464 

329 

3 

102 

1 

4 

Total 1,502 

CENSUS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY FOR 1850. 

White males 1,434 

White females 1,047 

Free colored males 4 

Free colored females 13 

Total 2,498 

STATE CENSUS FOR 1855. 



TOWNS. 



Eastman 

Highland 

Marietta 

Prairie du Chien 
Utica 

Total 



AaOBEOATE POPU- 
LATION. 



White. 



295 
233 
173 
815 
253 



1,76 



240 
208 
139 
678 
263 



1,538 



Color- 
ed. 



13 



13 



13 





1 




O 
n 

Hi 
P 
P 

a 

a 

c 
3 


a 

a 
a 

; 


D 

s 

a 
o 

2 


535 
441 
312 
1,519 
516 




1 
1 




.... 


3 






5 


3,333 




2 



census of CRAWFORD COUNTY FOR 1860. 






"White. 


Free 
Colored. 




TOWNS. 


S 


a 
B 
£. 

CO 


pa 


3? 
B 

a 

m 


Total. 


Clayton 


440 
439 
413 
359 
145 
361 
1,337 
172 
119 
320 
351 


387 
369 
366 
203 
117 
319 
1,143 
159 
110 
305 
336 






827 








798 


Freeman 






779 


Haney 

Lvnxville . 


463 






362 


Marietta 






680 


Prairie du Chien 

Scott 


14 


14 


2,398 
331 




339 


Utica 






635 


Wauzeka 






677 










Total 


4,236 


3,804 


14 


14 


8,068 



CENSUS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY FOR 1865. 



TOWNS. 




M 
H 

en 


o 

o 

o 
d 


Total. 




554 
479 
465 
343 
161 
180 
1,805 
406 
347 
533 
135 
391 


538 
453 
465 
3«i 
119 
175 
1,737 
376 
314 
471 
117 
350 


42 

1 


1,082 
931 




Froernan " 


930 


Haney 


446 


Lyu.wille 

Marietta 


380 
3.')5 


Prairie du Chien 


3, .5.56 




783 


Scott 


661 


Utica 


994 




2.53 


Wauzeka 


741 


Total 








11,011 











CENSUS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY FOR 1870. 




TOWNS. 


Na- 
tive. 


For- 
eign. 


White 


COLOR 
ED. 


Total. 


Clayton 

Eastman 


1,137 
779 
753 
453 


279 
435 
526 
37 


1,416 
1,314 
1,379 

488 


1 


1,416 
1,214 
1,279 




489 






Marietta 


411 

2,457 


41 
1,303 


4.53 
3,642 


13 


4.52 


Pr'rie du Chien(town) 
Pr'rie du Chien (city). 


3,655 

2,7(0 


740 
930 
331 
945 
676 




60 
303 

17 
315 
347 


799 
1,233 

348 
1,360 

923 


1 


80O 


Seneca 


1.333 


Union 

Utica 


348 
1,260 


Wauzeka 


923 






Total 


9,612 


3,463 


13,054 


15 


15,769 



*In 1867 Lynxville merged into Seneca. 

CENSUS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY FOB 1875. 





Population. 



H 


b 
n 
P 

t-h 
P 
P 
p. 



c 
B 


5 

d' 
p. 


p 
p 


TOWNS. 


White. 


Color- 
ed. 


a 




en 




p 

tn 


B 
p 




Bridgeport. 


177 
851 
755 
798 
313 
498 
394 

411 
429 
404 
184 
485 
704 
773 
583 


186 
765 
688 
766 
258 
404 
326 

3.52 
535 
424 
209 
468 
687 
697 
511 


"4 
3 

"i2 


"3 

"3 

5 


363 

1,616 

1,443 

1,.564 

.571 

902 

720 

763 

964 

828 

393 

9.53 

1,391 

1,470 

1,094 




Clayton 

Eastman 








"3 










Pr. du Chien (town). 
Pr. du Chien (city). 
First Ward 




1 


2 


Second Ward 

Third Ward 

Fourth Ward 






1 


Scolt 


6 


1 




Seneca 




Utica 

Wauzeka. 


1 






Total 


7,759 


7,276 


18 


11 


15,035 


7 







HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



479 



CENSUS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY FOR 1880. 

niidgcport 448 

Clayton, including tbe following viUages 1,976 

Bell Center viiliig-e, part of, (see Haney) 27 

Soldiers' Orovo A'illage 106 

Wooster Mills village 02 

Eastman, including Batavia village 1,4.59 

Bntavia village 63 

Freeman 1,544 

Haney, including part of Bell Center village 636 

Bell Outer village, part of, {see Clayton) 71 

Marietta 1,037 

Prairie du Chien 724 

Prairie du Ohien city 2,777 

First Ward 689 

Second Ward 953 

Third Ward 723 

Fourth Ward 412 

Scott 1,046 

Seneca, including the following villages 1,446 

Lyniville village 155 

Seneca village 88 

Utlca, including the following villages 1,496 

Mt. Sterling village 95 

' Rising Sun villajre 53 

Towervillo village 38 

Wauy.eka, including Wauzeka village 1,055 

Wauzeka village 230 

Total... 15,644 

THE FDR TRADE IN CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

It has incidently been mentioned that trading 
with the Indians was largely the employment of 
the early pioneers whose homes were upon the 
prairie. This was indeed the case for nearly, 
if not quite, sixty years after the first settle- 
ment there; and, in this connection, a few words 
with regard to the fur-trade, its origin, progress, 
and importance, are not out of place. 

The northwest was visited and explored by 
French voyageiirs and missionaries from Canada 
at an early day. The object of the former was 
trading and gain. The Jesuits, ever zealous in 
the propagation of their religion, went forth 
into the unknown wilderness to convert the na- 
tives to their faith. As early as 1624 they 
were operating about Lake Huron and Macki- 
naw. Father Menard, it is related, was with the 
Indians on Lake Superior as early as 1C61. 
The early explorers were of two classes, and 
were stimulated by two widely different motives 
— the voycif/ei/rs, by the love of gain, and the 
missionaries, by their zeal in the propagation 
of their faith. Previous to 1679, a considerable 
trade in furs had sprung uj) with Indian tribes 
in the vicinity of Mackinaw and the northern 
part of "Ouisconsin." In that year more 
than 200 canoes, laden with furs, passed 
Mackinaw, bound for Montreal. The whole 



commerce of this vast region then traversed, 
was carried on with birch-bark canoes. The 
French used them in traversing wilds — other- 
wise inaccessible by reason of floods of water at 
one season, and ice and snow at another — also 
lakes and morasses which interrupted land jour- 
neys, and rapids and cataracts that cut off com- 
munication by water. This little vessel enabled 
them to overcome all difficulties. Being buoy- 
ant, it rode the waves, although heavily freighted, 
and, of light draft, it permitted the traversing 
of small streams. Its weight was so light that 
it could be easily carried from one stream to 
another, and around rapids and other obstruc- 
tions. With this little vessel, the fur trade of 
the northwest was carried on, as well as the 
interior of a vast continent explored. Under 
the stimulus of commercial enterprise, the 
French traders penetrated- the recesses of the 
immense forests whose streams were the home 
of the beaver, the otter and the mink, and in 
whose depths were found the marten, sable, 
ermine, and other fur-bearing animals. A vast 
trade in furs sprung up, and was carried on by 
different agents, under authority of the French 
government. 

When the military possession of the north- 
western domain passed from the government of 
France to that of Great Britain, in 1760, the 
relationship of the fur trade to the government 
changed. The government of France had con- 
trolled the traffic, and made it a means of 
strengthening its hold upon the country it pos- 
sessed. The policy of Great Britain was to 
charter companies and grant them exclusive 
privileges. The Hudson Bay Company had 
grown rich and powerful between 16Toand 1760. 
Its success had excited the cupidity of capital- 
ists, and rival organizations were formed. The 
business of the company had been done at their 
trading-stations — the natives bringing in their 
furs for exchange and barter. Other comi)anie8 
scut their voijageurs into every nook and corner 
to traftic with the trappers, and even to catch 
the fur-bearing animals themselves. In the 



480 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



progress of time, private parties engaged in 
trapping and dealing in furs, and, under the 
competition created, the business became less 
profitable. In 1815 Congress passed an act pro- 
hibiting foreigners from dealing in furs in the 
United States, or any of its territories. This 
action was obtained through the influence of 
John Jacob Astor. Mr. Astor organized the 
American Fur Company in 1809, and afterward, 
in connection with the Northwest Company, 
bought out the Mackinaw Company, and the 
two were merged in the Southwest Company. 
The association was suspended by the War of 
1812. The American re-entered the field in 1816. 

A more specific relation of these events is the 
following account from the pen of Eyman C, 
Draper, of Madison, Wis.: 

"In 1783 several of the principal merchants of 
Montreal entered into a partnership to prose- 
cute the fur trade, and, in 1787, united with a 
rival company, and thus arose the famous North- 
west Company, which, for many years, held 
lordly sway over the immense region in Can- 
ada and beyond the great western lakes. Sev- 
eral years later a new association of British 
merchants formed the Mackinaw Company, 
having their chief factory or depot at Macki- 
naw; and their field of operations was south of 
their great rivals; sending forth their light 
peroques and bark canoes, by Green Bay, the 
Fox and Wisconsin rivers to the Mississippi, 
and thence down that stream to all its tributa- 
ries. In 1809 Mr. Astor organized the American 
Fur Company, he alone constituting the com- 
pany; and in 1811, in connection with certain 
partners of the Northwest Company, and others, 
he bought out the Mackinaw Company, and 
merged that and his American Fur Company 
into a new association, called the Southwest 
Company. By this arrangement Mr. Astor be- 
came proprietor of one-half of all the interests 
which the Mackinaw company had in the In- 
dian country within the United States; and it 
was understood that the whole, at the expira- 
tion of five years, was to pass into his hands. 



on condition that the American or Southwest 
Company would not trade within the British 
dominions. The war of 1812 suspended the as- 
sociation, and after the war it was entirely dis- 
solved. Congress having passed a law prohibit- 
ing British fur traders from prosecuting their 
enterprises within the territories of the United 
States. Mr. Crooks, in 1815, closed up the af- 
fairs of the Southwest Company, preliminary to 
enlarged individual enterprise on the part of 
Mr. Astor." 

In the Illustrated Historical Atlas of Wiscon- 
sin (1878), the subject is treated of in these- 
words: "Loth to relinquish the profitable fur 
trade, that government [Great Britain] held pos- 
session of Mackinaw long after it acknowledged 
the independence of the United States by the 
treaty of peace in 178.3. Although it relin- 
quished all claim to this territory by the Jay 
treaty in 1796, that traftic was made a lever by 
which the Wisconsin outposts were held as sub- 
servient as before to British interests. The 
trade was for a long period controlled by an 
association of merchants at Montreal, known 
as the Northwestern Fur Company. The Mack- 
inaw Company was formed somewhat later, and 
operated toward Green bay and the upper Mis- 
sissippi. Their goods were brought through 
Canada, and having control of the fountains of 
iupply they closed the door against competition 
from the United States. The traders at Prairie 
du Chien, as at other outposts, were usually 
agents of one or the other of the great compan- 
ies, and their employes were engaged mostly 
at Montreal by contracts of the ironclad dis- 
cription. There were few, either traders or 
employes, independent of these associations. 
In 181)9, John Jacob Astor endeavored to es- 
tablish the American Fur Company, but aban- 
doned the undertaking and joined the North- 
west Company in 1811 in buying out the Mack- 
inaw Company, merging that and the American 
in the Southwest Company, of which Astor 
owned a half interest, with the arrangement 
that after five years it was to pass into his 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



481 



hands altogetlier, being restricted in its opera- 
tions to the territories of the United States. 
The War of 1812 suspended this association, 
:uid al its close British traders were prohibited 
by l:nv from pursuing their vocation witliin 
United States dominions; consequently the 
Southwest Company was wound up, and the 
American Fur Company reappeared under As- 
ter's exclusive control, with its western bead- 
cjuarters at Mackinaw. But the British traders 
evaded the prohibition by sending their goods 
across the lines in the name of American clerks. 
Being of superior quality, their wares still com- 
manded the Indian trade, while on the other 
hand the prohibition out off the new American 
Ciimiiany from the customary channel of supply, 
and its goods began to be imported to New 
York, and introduced by way of the lakes in 
1816. They were at first of inferior quality, 
especially the guns, cloths and blankets, and 
it was several years before acceptable merchan- 
dise for the Indian trade could be procured 
through this quarter, such was the hold of the 
British traders upon the foreign manufacturers. 
When accomplished, however, they were sup- 
planted, and the people of this region were re- 
leased from their grasp." 

A United States factory was established at 
Prairie du Chien in 1816, in charge of John W. 
Johnson, a worthy man, who remained in the 
discharge of his duties until the establishment 
was closed out by the winding up of the system 
in 1832, wiien he removed to St. Louis. These 
factories were established for the purpose of 
counteracting British influence and preventing 
extortion by the traders by furnishing goods to 
the Indians at fair rates, under the direct su- 
pervision of government agents. They, how- 
ever, fell short of accomplishing their purpose 
on account of the inferior quality of the goods 
usually furnished. 

Until 1816 goods came mostly from Montreal 
in bateaux or canoes, mostly by the Mackinaw 
or its successor, the Southwest comj)any, or by 
some private traders. But early in 181.") Mr. 



Astor purchased the interest of the Southwest 
company at Mackinaw and its dependencies, 
and in August of that year Ramsey Crooks, as 
already mentioned, went to Mackinaw as agent 
for Mr. Astor to complete the arrangements. 
In the spring of 1816 the goods of the Ameri- 
can Fur Compajiy were imported to New York, 
and thence by way of the lakes to Mackinaw. 
During that spring several Montreal traders ar- 
riving at Mackinaw with Indian goods, prob- 
ably not aware of the law of Congress prohibi- 
ting British subjects from trading within the 
American territories, now took advant.Tge of 
the order of the secretary of the treasury, and 
sent their goods into the Indian country, under 
the nominal direction of a hired Americin 
clerk, to whom the goods were invoiced and 
who took the license in his name, and gave 
proper bonds with security to the traders who 
owned them, who went along ostensibly as in- 
terpreters, until the boat passed all the Ameri- 
can forts and agencies, when they assumed the 
ownership, and proceeded as usual in their bus- 
iness — these clerks' bonds were considered as a 
mere formality to evade the law, and were worth 
so much brown paper, and no more. 

In the spring of 1817 the American Fur Com 
pany brought a large number of American 
clerks from Montreal and the United States, 
some of whom made good Indian traders and 
are yet in the country, but nearly one-half of 
them were found not qualified for the business, 
and in the following sjjring many of them were 
discharged from Mackinaw, which was the 
grand depot of the American trade. 

The American Fur Com])any, as had been the 
practice of the Mackinaw and Southwest com 
|)anies, made their outfits to Lake Superior, to 
the Mississippi, the head of St. Peters' and 
the Missouri. The boats for the Mississippi and 
^Missouri trade passed through the north end of 
Lake Michigan from Mackinaw, thence through 
Green bay to the settlement of that name; 
thence up the Fox river to the Little Kaukalin, 
where they made a portage of about three 



482 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



fourths of a mile. Augustin Grignon liad a 
trading house at this point and kept teams to 
transport the goods and furs, (the men taking 
tlie lioats empty up or down the rapids, as the 
case might be,) for which he charged about 
twenty cents per 100 pounds. The boats then 
proceeded to Grand chute, where the men made 
another portage of the goods or furs, and passed 
tlie boat over the Grand cliute empty. Thence 
they proceeded to the rapids at the lower end 
of Winnebago lake, where they usually made 
half loads over the rapids into the lake. Tiience 
they proceeded upward to where the Fox river 
enters the lake, thence up Fox river through 
Piakawa lake, and Lac de Boeuf, or J-JufEalo 
hike, and some smaller lakes to portage of Wis- 
consin, where a man by the name of Roy re- 
sided, who kept teams and hauled goods, furs 
and boats across the portage of one and one- 
fourth miles from the Fox to the Wisconsin 
river, for which he charged forty cents per 100 
jxiunds, and $10 for each boat. 

The boats then went down the Wisconsin to 
its mouth, and thence up the Mississippi about 
three miles to Prhirie du Chien; the traders of 
tiie lower Mississippi and Missouri never going 
down without a short stop at Prairie du Chien, 
where they generally spent some days in con- 
viviality, dinners, dancing, etc. Tradition 
says that many years since, when there were 
many wintering traders in both the upper and 
lower Mississippi, it was the custom of every 
trader visiting Prairie du Chien to have in store 
a keg of eight or nine gallons of good wine for 
convivial jnirposes when they should again 
meet in the spring, on which occasions they 
would have great dinner parties, and, as is the 
English custom, drink largely. But in ISlC 
there were but few of the old traders remaining, 
and the storing of wine at Prairie du Chien had 
become almost obsolete, although the traders 
were then well supplied with wine, and that of 
the best kind, of which they made very free 
use. It was then thought that a clerk in charge 
of an outfit must have his keg of wine, but after 



the American Fur Company got fairly initiated 
into the trade they abolished the custom of fur- 
nishing their clerks with this luxury at the ex- 
pense of the outfit. As has already been said, 
the Indian trade of the Mississippi and Missouri 
and their tributaries was carried on from Mack- 
inaw as the grand depot of the trade of the 
northwest. 

The traders and their clerks were then the 
aristocracy of the country, and to a Yankee at 
first sight, presented a singular state of society. 
To see gentlemen selecting wives of the nut- 
brown natives, and raising children of mixed 
blood, the traders and clerks living in as much 
luxury as the resources of the country would 
admit, and the engages or boatmen living upon 
soup made of hulled corn with barley, tallow 
enough to season it, devoid of salt, unless tliey 
purchased it themselves at a high price — all this 
to an American was a novel mode of living, and 
a|)peared to be hard fare; but to a person ac- 
quainted with the habits of life of the Canadian 
peasatitry, it would not look so much out of the 
way, as they live mostly on pea soup, seasoned 
with a piece of pork boiled down to grease; sel- 
dom eating pork except in the form of grease 
that seasons their soup. With this soup, and 
a piece of coarse bread, their meals were made; 
hence the change from pea soup to corn is not so 
great, or the fare much worse than that to which 
they had been accustomed, as the corn is more 
substantial than peas, not being so flatulent. 

These men engaged in Canada generally for 
five years for Mackinaw and its dependencies, 
transferable like cattle to any one who wanted 
them, at generally about 500 livres a year, or in 
our currency, aboiit 183.33; furnished witii a 
yearly equipment or outfit of two cotton shirts, 
one three point or triangular blanket, a poitage 
collar and one pair of beef shoes; being obliged, 
in the Indian country to purchase their mocca- 
sins, tobacco, pipes and other necessaries at the 
price the trader saw tit to charge for them. 
Generally at the end of five years these poor 
voyageurs were in debt from ^50 to $150 and 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



483 



coukl not leave the country until they had 
paid iheir indebtedness; and the policy of the 
traders was to keep as many of them in the 
country as they could; and to this end they al- 
lowed and encouraged their engagees to get in 
debt during the five years, which of necessity 
required them to remain. 

'J'hese new hands were by the old voyageurs 
called in derision mangeurs de lard — pork caters, 
as on leaving Montreal, and on the route to 
Mackinaw, they were fed on pork, hard bread 
a!id pea soup, while the old voyageurs in the 
Indian country ate corn soup, and such other 
food as could conveniently be procured. These 
mangeurs de lard were brought at considerable 
I'XiK'iise and trouble from Montreal and other 
parts of Canada, frequently deserting after 
lliey had received some advance in money and 
their equipment. Hence it was the object of 
the traders to keep as many of the old voyageurs 
in the country as they could, and they generally 
permitted the mangeurs de lard to get largely 
in debt, as they could not leave the country and 
get back into Canada, except by the return 
boats or canoes which brought the goods, and 
tliey would not take them back if they were in 
debt anywhere in the country, which could be 
easily asciirtained from the traders at Macki- 
naw. Hut if a man was prudent enough to 
save his wages, he could obtain passage, as he 
was no longer wanted in the country. 

CLIMATOLOGY UF OKAWFORD COUNTY. 

Tlie climate of a country, or that peculiar 
state of the atmosphere in regard to heat and 
moisture which prevails in any given place, and 
which directly affects the growth of plants and 
animals, is determined by the following causes: 
1st, distance from the equator; 2d, distance 
from the sea; 3d, height above the sea; 4th, 
prevailing winds; and 5th, local influences, 
such as soil, vegetation and proximity to lakes 
and mountains. 

Of these causes, the first, distance from tlir 
equator, is by far the most important. The 
warmest climates are necessarily those of trojii- 



cal regions where the sun's rays are vertical. 
But in proceeding from the equator toward the 
poles, less and less heat continues to be received 
by the same extent of surface, because the rays 
fall more and more obliquely, and the same 
amount of heat-rays therefore spread over an 
increasing breadth of surface; while, however, 
with the increase of obliquity, more and more 
heat is absorbed by the atmosphere, as the 
amount of air to be penetrated is greater. If 
the earth's surface were either wholly land or 
water, and its atmosphere motionless, the grad- 
uations of climate would run parallel with the 
latitudes from the equator to the poles. 15ut 
owing to the irregular distribution of land and 
water and the prevailing winds, such an arrange- 
ment is impossible, and the determination of 
the real climate of a given region, and its causes, 
is one of the most difficult problems of science. 

On the second of these causes, distance from 
the sea, depends the difference between oceanic 
and continental climates. Water is more slow- 
ly heated and cooled than land; the climates of 
the sea and the adjacent land are therefore 
much more equal and moist than those of the 
interior. 

A decrease of temperature is noticeable in 
ascendinsr hiirh mountains. The rate at which 
the temperature falls with the height above the 
soa is a very variable quantity, and is influenced 
by a variety of causes, such as latitude, situation, 
moisture, or dryness, hour of the day and season 
of the year. As a rough approximation, how- 
ever, the fall of 1 deg. of the thermometer for 
every 300 feet is usually adopted. 

Air in contact with any part of the earth's 
surface, tends to acquire the temperature of 
that surface. Hence, winds from the north are 
cold; those from the south are warm. Winds 
from the sea are moist, and winds from the land 
are usually dry. Prevailing winds are the re- 
sult of the relative distribution of atmospheric 
l>ressure blowing from places wliere tlie pres- 
sure is highest, toward places where it is lowest. 
As climate practically depends on the tempera- 



484 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ture and moisture of the air, and as these again 
depend on the prevailing winds wliich come 
charged with the temperature and moisture of 
the regions they have traversed, it is evident 
tliat charts showing tlie mean pressure of the 
atmospliere give us the key to the climates of 
the different regions of the world. The effect 
of prevailing winds is seen in the moist and 
equable climate of western Europe, especially 
Great Britain, owing to the warm and moist 
southwest winds; and in the extremes of the 
eastern part of North America, due to the warm 
and moist winds prevailing in summer and the 
Arctic blasts of winter. 

Among local influences which modify climate, 
tiie nature of the soil is one of the most im- 
portant. As water absorbs much heat, wet, 
marshy ground usually lowers the mean tem- 
perature. A sandy waste presents the greatest 
extremes. The extremes of temperature are 
also modified by extensive forests, which pre- 
vent the soil from being as much warmed and 
cooled as it would be if hare. Evaporation 
goes on more slowly under the trees, since the 
soil is screened from the sun. And as the 
air among the trees is little agitated by the 
wind, the vapor is left to accumulate, and 
hence the humidity of the air is increased. 
Climate is modified in a similar manner by 
lakes and other large surfaces of water. Dur- 
ing summer the water cools the air and reduces 
the temperature of tlie locality. In winter, on 
the other hand, the opposite effect is jjroduced. 

Tlie surface waier which is cooled sinks to 
lower levels; the warmer water rising to the 
surface, radiates heat into the air and thus raises 
the temperature of the neighboring region. 
This influence is well illustrated, on a great 
scale, in our own State by Lake Michigan. 

It is, lastly, of importance whether a given 
tract of country is diversified by hills, valleys 
and mountains. Winds with their warm vapor 
strike the sides of the mountains and are forced 
up into higher levels of the atmosphere, where 
the vapor is condensed into clouds. Air com- 



ing into contact, during the night or in winter, 
with the cooled declivities of hills and rising 
grounds becomes cooled, and consequently 
denser and sinks to the low-lying grounds, dis- 
])lacing the warmer and lighter air. Hence, 
frosts often occur at these places, when no 
traces of them can be found at higher level?. 
For the same reason the cold of winter is gen- 
erally more intense in ravines and valleys than 
on hill tops and high grounds, the valleys being 
a receptacle for the cold-air currents, wliich 
descend from all sides. These currents give 
rise to gusts and blasts of cold wind, which are 
simply the out-rush of cold air from such basins. 
This is a subject of great practical importance 
to fruit-growers. 

In order to understand the principal features 
of the climate of Crawford county, and the con- 
ditions on which these depend, it is necessrry 
to consider the general climatology of Wiscon- 
sin, particularly the western portion of the 
Slate, of which Crawford county is a part; and 
from this, the reader can readily deduce the 
character of the climate in the county. 

The remarkable manner in which so large a 
body of water as Lake Michigan modifies the 
temperature has been carefully determined, so 
far as it relates to Wisconsin, by the late Dr. 
Laphara, of Milwaukee. It is seen by the map 
that the average summer temperature of Racine 
is the same as that of St. Paul. The weather 
map for July, 1875, in the signal service rejiort 
for 1876, shows that the mean temperature for 
July was the same in Rock county, in the south- 
ern part of the State, as that of Breckinridge, 
Minn., north of St. Paul. The moderating 
effect of the lake during hot weather is felt in 
the adjacent region during both day and night. 

Countries in the higher latitudes, having an 
extreme summer temperature,are usually charac- 
terized by a small amount of rain-fall. The 
Mississii)pi valley, however, is directly exposed 
in spring and summer to the warm and moist 
winds from the south, and as these winds con- 
dense their moisture by coming in contact with 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



485 



colder upper currents from the north and west, 
it has a profusion of rain which deprives the 
climate largely of its continental features. As 
already stated, the average amount of rain-fall 
in Wisconsin is about thirty inches annually. 
Of this amount, about one-eight is precipitated 
in winter, three-eights in summer, and the rest 
is equally distributed between spring and autumn 
— in other words, rain is abundant at the time 
of the year when it is most needed. In Wis- 
consin the rainfall is greatest in the south- 
western part of the State; the least, on and 
along the shore of Lake Michigan. This shows 
that the humidity of the air of a given area can 
be greater, and the rainfall less than that of 
some other. 

In comparison with western Europe, even 
where the mean temperature is higher than in 
tlie Mississippi valley, the most striking fact in 
the climatic conditions of the United States is 
the great range of plants of tropical or sub- 
tropical origin, such as Indian corn, tobacco, 
etc. The conditions on which the character of 
the vegetation depends are temperature and 
moisture, and the mechanical and chemical com- 
position of the soil. 

The basis of this great capacity (the great 
ratige of plants) is the high curve of heat and 
moisture for the summer, and the fact that the 
measure of heat and rain are almost or quite 
tropical for a period in duration from one to 
tive months, in the range from Quebec to the 
coast of the gulf. Indian corn attains its full 
perfection between the summer isotherms 72 
deg. and 77 deg., in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri aud 
Kansas; but it may be grown up to tlie line of 
65degs., which includes the whole of Wiscon- 
sin. The successful cultivation of this impor- 
tant staple is due to the intense heat of summer 
and a virgin soil rich in nitrogen. 

While Milwaukee and central Wisconsin have 
a mean annual temperature of 45 deg., that of 
southern Ireland and central England is 50 deg.; 
the line of 72 deg., the average temperature for 



July, runs from Walworth county to St. Paul, 
while during the same month Ireland and En- 
gland have a mean temperature of only CO deg. 
In Wisconsin, the thermometer rises as high as 
90 deg. and above, while the range above the 
mean in England is very small. It is the trop- 
ical element of our summers, then, that causes 
the grape, the corn, etc., to ripen, while Eng- 
land, with a higher mean temperature, is unable 
to mature them successfully. Ireland, where 
southern plants may remain out-doors, unfrosted 
the whole winter, cannot mature these fruits 
and grasses which ripen in Wisconsin. In 
England a depression of 2 deg. below the mean 
of 60 deg. will greatly reduce the quantity, or 
prevent the ripening of wheat altogether, 60 
deg. being essential to a good crop. Wheat re- 
quiring a lower temperature than corn, is better 
adapted to the climate of Wisconsin. This 
grain may be grown as far north as Hudson 
bay. 

Autumn, including September, October and 
November, is of a short duration in Wisconsin. 
North of the 42d parallel, or the southern 
boundary line of the State, November belongs 
properly to the winter months, its mean tem- 
perature being about 32 deg. The decrease of 
heat from August to September is generally 
from 8 deg. to 9 deg., 1 1 deg. from September 
to October, and 14 deg. from October to Novem- 
ber. The average temperature for these three 
months is about 45 deg. A beautiful season, 
commonly known as Indian summer, frequently 
occurs in the latter part of October and in No- 
vember. This period is characterized by a 
mild temperature and a hazy, calm atmosjihere. 
According to Loomis, this aj)pears to be due to 
"an uncommonly tranquil condition of the at- 
mosphere, during which the air becomes lilled 
with dust and smoke arising from numerous 
fires, by which its transparency is greatly ini- 
])aired." This ])henomenon extends as far north 
as Lake Superior, but it is more cons]>icuous and 
protracted in Kansas and Missouri, and is not 
observed in the southern States. 



486 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Destructive frosts generally occur in Septem- 
ber, and sometimes in August. "A temperature 
of 36 deg. to 40 deg. at sunrise is usually attended 
witli frosts destructive to vegetation, the posi- 
tion of the thermometer being usually such as 
to represent less than the actual refrigeration 
at the open surface." In 1875, during October, 
at Milwaukee, the mercury fell seven times be- 
low the freezing point, and twice below zero in 
November, the lowest being 14 deg. 

The winters are generally long and severe, 
but occasionally mild and almost without snow, 
The mean winter temperature varies between 
23 deg. in the southeastern part of the State, 
and 16 deg. at Ashland, in the northern. For 
this season the extremes are great. The line 
of 20 deg. is" of importance, as it marks the 
average temperature which is fatal to the growth 
of all the tender trees, such as the pear and the 
peach. In the winter of ISlb-IG, the mean 
temperature for December, January and Feb- 
ruary, in the upper lake region, was about 4 
deg. above the average mean for many years, 
while during the previous winter tlie average 
temperature for January and February was 
about 12 deg. below the mean for many years, 
showing a great difEerence between cold and 
mild winters. In the same winter, 1875-76, at 
Milwaukee, the thermometer fell only six times 
below zero, the lowest being 12 deg., while 
during the preceding winter the mercury sank 
thirty-six times below zero, the lowest being 
23 deg. In the northern and northwestern 
part of the State the temperature sometimes 
falls to the freezing point of mercury. During 
the exceptionally cold winter of 1872-3, at La 
Crosse, the thermometer sank nearly fifty times 
below zero ; on December 24, it indicated 37 
deg. below, and on January 18, 43 deg. below 
zero, averaging about 12 deg. below the usual 
mean for those months. The moderating effect 
of Lake Michigan can be seen by observing 
how the lines indicating the mean winter tem- 
perature curve northward as they approach the 
lake. Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Two 



Rivers and the Grand Traverse region of Michi- 
gan, have the same average winter temperature. 
The same is true regarding Galena, III., Beloit 
and Kewaunee. A similar influence is noticed 
in all parts of the State. Dr. Lapham concludes 
that this is not wholly due to the presence of 
Lake Michigan, but that the mountain range 
which extends from a little west of Lake 
Superior to the coast of Labrador (from 1,100 
to 2,240 feet high) protects the lake region in 
no inconsiderable degree from the excessive 
cold of winter. 

According to the same authority, the time at 
which the Milwaukee river was closed with ice, 
for a period of nine years, varied between 
November 15 and December 1 ; the time at 
which it became free from ice, between March 
3 and April 13. In the lake district, snow and 
rain are interspersed through all the winter 
months, rain being sometimes as profuse as at 
any other season. In the northwestern part the 
winter is more rigid and dry. Northern New 
York and the New England States usually have 
snow lying on the ground the whole winter, but 
in the southern lake district it rarely remains so 
long. In 1842 and 1843, however, sleighing 
commenced about the middle of November, and 
lasted till about the same time in April — five 
months. 

The average temperature for the three months 
of spring, March, April and May, from Wal- 
worth county to St. Paul, is about 45 deg. In 
central Wisconsin the mean for March is about 
27 deg., which is an increase of nearly 7 deg. 
from February. The lowest temperature of 
this month in 1876 was 40 deg. above zero. 
April shows an average increase of about 9 
deg. over March. In 1876 the line of 45 deg. 
for this month passed from La Crosse to Evans- 
ton, 111., touching Lake Erie at Toledo, show- 
ing that the interior west of Lake Michigan is 
warmer than the lake region. The change 
from winter to spring is more sudden in the 
interior than in the vicinity of the lakes. "In 
the town of Lisbon, fifteen miles from Lake 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



487 



Michigan, " says Dr. Lapham, "early spring 
flowers show themselves about ten days earlier 
than on the lake. In spring, vegetation in 
places remote from the lakes, shoots up in a 
very short time, and flowers show their petals, 
while on the lake shore the cool air retards 
them and brings them more gradually into ex- 
istence." The increase from April to May is 
about fifteen degrees. In May, 1876, Pembina 
and Milwaukee had nearly the same mean tem- 
perature, about 55 degrees. 

The extremes of our climate and the sudden 
changes of temperature no doubt have a marked 
influence, both physically and mentally, on the 
Araeiican people. And though a more equable 
climate may be more conducive to perfect 
health, the great range of our climate from 
arctic to tropical, and the consequent variety 
and abundance of vegetable products, combine 
to make the Mississippi valley, perhaps, one of 
the most favorable areas in the world for the 
development of a strong and wealthy Nation. 

During the months of summer, in the interior 
of the eastern United States, at least three 
fourths of the rainfall is in showers usually ac- 
companied by electrical discharges and limited 
to small areas. But in autumn, winter and 
spring, nearly the whole precipitation takes 
place in general storms extending over areas of 
300, 500 and sometimes over 1,000 miles in 
diameter, and generally lasting two or three 
days. An area of low atmospheric pressure 
causes the wind to blow toward that area from 
all sides, and when the depression is sudden and 
great, it is accompanied by much rain or snow 
On account of the earth's rotation, the wind 
blowing toward this region of low pressure is 
deflected to the right, causing the air to circulate 
around the center with amotion spirally inward. 
In our latitude the storm commences with east 
winds. When the storm center, or area of low- 
est barometer, is to the south of us, the wind 
gradually veers, as the storm passes from west 
to east with the upper current, round to the 
northwest by the north point. On the south 



side of the storm center the winds veer from 
southeast to southwest by the south point. The 
phenomena attending such a storm, when we 
are in or near the part of its center, are usually 
as follows: After the sky has become overcast 
with clouds, the wind from the northeast gen- 
erally begins to raise and blow in the opposing 
direction of the march of the storm. The clouds 
which are now moving over us discharge rain 
or snow according to circumstances. The bar- 
ometer continues to fall, and the rain or snow is 
brought obliquely down from the northern quar- 
ter by the prevailing wind. After a while the 
wind changes slightly in direction and then 
ceases. The thermometer rises and the barom- 
eter has reached its lowest point. This is the 
center of the storm. After the calm the wind 
has changed from its direction to northwest or 
west. The wind blows again, usually more 
violently than before, accompanied by rain or 
snow which is now generally of short duration. 
The sky clears, and the storm is suddenly 
succeeded by a temperature 10 or 20 degrees be- 
low the mean. Most of the rain and snow 
falls with the east winds, or before the 
center passes a given point. The path of 
these storms is from west to east, or nearly 
so, and only seldom in other directions. 
These autumn, winter and spring rains are gen- 
erally first noticed on the western plains, but 
may originate at any point along their path, 
and move eastward with an average velocity of 
about twenty miles an hour in summer and thir- 
ty miles in winter, but some times attaining a 
velocity of over fifty miles, doing great damage 
'on the lakes. In predicting these storms,tho sig- 
nal service of the army is of incalculable practical 
benefit, as well as in collecting data for scien- 
tific conclusions. 

A subject of the greatest importance to every 
inhabitant of Wisconsin is the influence of 
forests on climate and the effects of disrobing a 
country of its trees. The general influence of 
forests in modifying the extremes of tempera- 
ture, retarding evaporation and the increased 



4S8 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



humidity of the air, has already been mentioned. 
That clearing the land of trees increases the 
temperature of the ground in summer, is so 
readily noticed that it is scarcely necessary to 
mention it; while in winter the sensible cold is 
never so extreme in woods as on the open sur- 
face exposed to the full force of the winds. 
The lumbermen in Canada and the northern 
United States labor in the woods without incon- 
venience when the mercury stands many degrees 
below zero, while in the open grounds, with 
only a moderate breeze, the same temperature 
is almost insupportable. In the State of Michi- 
g.Tii it has been found that the winters have 
greatly increased in severity within the last 
forty years, and that this increased severity 
seems to move along even-paced with the des- 
truction of the forest. Thirty years ago the 
peach was one of the most abundant fruits of 
tliat State; at tliat time frost, injurious to corn 
at any time from May to October, was a thing 
unknown. Now the peach is an uncertain crop, 
and frost often injures the corn. The jirecise 
influence of forests on temperature may not at 
present admit of definite solution, yet the me- 
chanical screen which they furnish to the soil, 
often far off to the leeward of them is sui5- 
ciently established, and this alone is enough to 
encourage extensive planting wherever tliispro- 
telcion is wanting. 

With regard to the quantity of rain-fall, we 
cannot positively affirm that the total annual 
quantity of rain is even locally diminished or 
increased by the destruction of the woods, 
though both theoretical considerations and the 
balance nf testimony strongly favor the opinion- 
thai more rain falls in wooded than in open 
countries. One important conclusion, at least, 
upon the meteorological influence of forests is 
certain and undisputed; the proposition, namely, 
that, within their own limits, and near tlieir 
own borders, they maintain a more uniform 
degree ot humidity in the asmosphere than is 
observed in cleared grounds. Scarcely less can 
it be questioned that they tend to promote the 



frequency of showers, and, if they do not aug- 
ment the amount of precipitation, they prob- 
ably equalize its distribution through the differ- 
ent seasons. 

There is abundant and undoubted evidence 
that the amount of water existing on the surface 
in Lakes and rivers, in many parts of the world, 
is constantly diminishing. In Germany, obser- 
vations of the Rhine, Oder, Danube and the 
Elbe, in the latter case going back for a period 
of 142 years, demonstrate beyond doubt that 
each of these rivers has much decreased in vol- 
ume, and there is reason to fear that they will 
gradually disappear from tlie list of navigable 
rivers. 

The Blue-Grass region of Kentucky, once the 
pride of the west, has now districts of such bar- 
ren and arid nature, that thair stock farmers 
are moving toward the Cumberland mountains, 
because the creeks and old springs dried up, and 
their wells became too low to furnish water for 
their cattle. In our own State "such has been 
the change in the flow of the Milwaukee river, 
even while the area from which it receives its 
supply is but partially cleared, that the proprie- 
tors of most of the mills and factories have 
found it necessary to resort to to the use of 
steam, at a largely increased yearly cost, to sup- ^ 
ply the deficiency of water-power in dry seasons 
of the year. What has happened to the Mil- 
waukee river has happened to all the other water- 
courses in the State from whose "banks the for- 
est has been removed; and many farmers who 
selected land upon which there was a living 
brook of clear, pure water, now find these I>rooks 
dried up during a considerable portion of the 
year. 

Districts stripped of their forest are said to 
be more exposed than before to loss of harvests, 
droughts and frost. Hurricanes, before un- 
known, sweep unopposed over the regions thus 
denuded, carrying terror and devastation in 
their track. Parts of Asia Minor, north Africa [ 

and other countries bordering on the Mediter- 
ranean, now almost deserts, were once densely 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



491 



populated and the granaries of the world. And 
there is good reaison to believe that it is the 
destruction of \he forests which ha.s produced 
this devastalioii. Fioiu such facts Wisconsin, 
already largely robbed of its forests, should 
take warning before it is too late. 

"l HAVE DISSOLVED THE PABTNEESHIP." 
[From the Prairie du Chien Union, July 1, 186^ . ] 

Dissolution Notice. — The patrons of the 
National Broad Ax, published at Boscobel, and 
Standard Bearer, published at Prairie du Chien, 
and others to whom it may concern, are hereby 
notified that I have, on the 30th day of June, 
18G4, dissolved the partnership heretofore exist- 
ing between L. R. Train and myself, under the 
name and style of L. R. Train and N. B. Moody, 
as editors, publishers and proprietors of the 
above named papers and printing business 
thereunto attached. * * * J am completing 
arrangements to continue publishingsaid papers, 
so that subscribers will suffer no loss, and trust 
that our patrons will be better pleased with our 
new arrangements than with the old. 

N. B. Moody. 

Pk.vikie du Chien, June 30, 1864. 

IN MKMORTAM. 
[From the Prairie du Chien Union. April 15, 1864.1 

Bar Meeting. — At a meeting of the bar of 
Cruu fiinl Co., Wis., held April 12, 18()4, con- 
siMjuciit upon the death of Lorenzo Harney, 
K-<1., ihe sheriff of Crawford County. Ed. D. 
Lowry was a])pointed chairman, and L. F. S. 
Viele, secretary. 

On mot inn of B. W. Brisbois, Ira B. Brunson, 
William Dutcherand Benjamin Bull were ap- 
pointed a committee to draft resolutions for the 
consideration of the meeting. 

Mr. Dutcher, chairman of said committee, re- 
ported the following resolutions, which were 
unanimously adopted: 

Whereas, It lias pleased Divine Providtiice 
to remove from our midst, Lorenzo Barney, 
Est]., one of our most distinguished citizens 
and prominent and efficient county officers, by 
the hand of death; therefore, 



Resolved — That in his decease the community 
has lost a valuable, energetic and useful citizen, 
and the county an efficient, honest, capable and 
humane officer, and his family a kind and affec- 
tionate husband and father. 

Resolved — That as a tribute of respect and 
esteem, the county officers of the county of 
Crawford and members of the bar, attend his 
funeral in a body. 

liesolied — That we hereby tender our warm- 
est sympathies to the wife and family of the 
deceased in their deep and irreparable afilction. 

Resolved — That a copy of these resolutions 
be signed by the chairman and secretary of 
this meeting and delivered to the family of the 
deceased, and published in the village papers, 
and also the same be published in the Milwau- 
kee papers. Ed. D. Lowey, CJiairman. 

L. F. S. Viele, Secretary. 

On motion of Mr. Dutcher, the chair appoint- 
ed Judge Brunson, B. Bull, William Dutclier, 
U. Dunn, O. B. Thomas and L. F. S. Viele, as 
pall bearers. 

On motion, adjourned. 

Ed. D. Lowry, Chairman. 
L. F. S. Viele, Secretary. 

SPECIAL election FOE MEMBER OF CONGEESS. 
LFiom the Prairie du Chien Courier, Deo. 18, 1862.] 

The governor has called a special election on 
Thursday, Dec. 30, to fill the une.xpired term of 
Hon. Luther Ilanchett as representative in Con- 
gress of the second district, which is vacant by 
his death, and which expires on March 4, 1863. 

The election will be held in the counties of 
Rock, Green, Lafayette, Grant, Iowa, Dane, 
Dunn, Sauk, Richland, Crawford, Vernon, La 
Crosse, Monroe, Juneau, Adams, Portage, 
Wood, Jackson, Eau Claire,Tempealeau, Buffalo, 
Pekin, Pierce, St. Croi.x, Chippewa, Clark, 
Marathon, La Pointe, Ashland, Polk, Burnett 
and Douglass. 

The election to fill the full term in the sixth 
congressional district, of which Mr. Ilanchett 



30 



492 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



was the memljer elect, will be held on the 30th 
of December. 

RAILROAD FINISHED. 
[From the Prairie du Chien Courier, Jan 27, 1863.1 

The track of the Milwaukee & Prairie du 
Chien Railway is now completed to the upper 
depot, where freight is now loaded. H. Bald- 
win shipped the first car load this week. He 
shipped 20,000 pounds of lard direct to New 
York, and has several car loads ready for ship- 
ment. 

PRESIDENTIAL, GUBERNATORIAL AND CONGRES- 
SIONAL VOTES OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 







Presi- 


Governor, 


Congress. 






1880. 




1881. 






1882. 




O 


W 


W 


>4 


W 


R) 


n 


»n 






B 




















s. 


a 


ff 


S 


D 
O 




B 


c 








§ 








g 


C 


c" 








K 




• 






p 


.^ 


0' 




34 


43 


2*^ 


16 


1 


18 


,t3 




Olavton 


221 
69 
18B 


215 

182 

62 


126 

48 
87 


89 
77 
34 


18 
""2 


133 

57 
92 


131 

158 
46 


■11 




14 


Freeman. . . 




1 






4'J 

96 


3- 


10 


15 


15 


25 


.5:1 


19 


Marietta 


75 


m 


;« 


10 


64 


47 


1 


PrairieduChien, town 


16 


9 


8 


29 




12 


72 




city, iBt 


ward 


5!) 


65 


40 


23 


7 


43 


73 


5 


LM 


ward — 


75 


118 


37 


51 


9 


46 


139 


4 


.Srt 


ward... 


67 


99 


40 


40 


3 


:w 


ires 




4th ward — 


19 


47 


13 


27 




18 


3.1 






... 


HI 
130 
186 
107 


i:d4 

96 
70 
117 


54 
75 
94 
6S 


42 
60 
35 
65 


"is 

11 

20 


91 
26 
141 
63 


57 

112 

53 

98 






38 




8 


Wauzeka 


3 


Total 


1,415 


1,459 


746 


636 


113 


867 


1,232 


136 



ATTEMPTED REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT. 

The location of the county seat upon "the 
prairie," so long as the population was largely 
confined to tliat locality, was not, of course, felt 
to be a matter of inconvenience ; but when thi; 
population had spread over the whole country 
the matter was looked upon by many in a differ- 
ent light. Action was finally taken in the mat- 
ter; and, in 1859, the following act was passed 
by the Legislature: 

[PubUshed March 24,1859]. 

An Act for the removal of the county seat of 
Crawford county. 

The people of the state of Wisconsm, repre- 
sented in the Senate and Assembly, do eiiact as 
follows ; 



J^ECTioN 1. That at the next general election, 
to be held in the county of Crawford in this 
State, the qualified electors of said county shall 
be, and they are hereby authorized to vote for 
the removal of the county seat of said county, 
from Prairie du Chien to the southeast quarter 
of the northwest quarter, of section si.xteen (16), 
township number nine (9), north of range number 
five, (5), west, which last named place is lierebv 
fixed as the point to which it is hereby proposed 
to remove said county seat; and if a majority of 
all the votes cast upon that subject at such elec- 
tion be in favor of such removal, then the said 
southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of 
.section sixteen, (16), township number nine, (9), 
north, of range number five, (5), west, shall be 
the permanent county seat of said county. 

Sec. 2. The votes cast on the subject of said 
removal of the county seat as above provided, 
shall be by ballot^ said ballot shall have written 
or printed on them, or partly written and partly 
printed the words, "For the removal of the 
county seat to the southeast quarter of the 
northwest quarter of section sixteen, (16), town- 
ship number nine, (9), north, of range number 
five, (5), west," or the words, "Against removal 
of county seat to the southeast quarter of the 
northwest quarter of section sixteen, (16), town- 
ship number nine, (9), north, of range number 
five west, said ballots shall be deposited by the 
inspectors of election in a separate box to be by 
them provided for that purpose. 

Sec. 3. At the close of the polls the said 
votes shall be publicly canvassed by the inspec- 
tors of election in the several towns, wlio shall 
respectively draw up a statement in writing, set- 
ting forth in words at full length, the whole num- 
ber of votes given for the removal of the county 
seat to the southeast quarter of the northwest 
quarter of section sixteen, (16), township num- 
ber nine, (9), north, of range number five, (5), 
west, and, the whole number of votes given 
against the removal of the county seat to the 
southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of 
section sixteen, (16), township number nine (9), 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



493 



north, of range number five, (o), west, and 
shall cause a duplicate copy thereof to be made, 
which statement and duplicate copy they shall 
certify to be correct, and one of such statements 
shall forthwith be delivered to tlie clerk of the 
board of nupervisors of said county, and siiall 
be thereafter canvassed, certified, and the result 
ascertained and declared by the same officers 
as provided by law for canvassing, certifying 
and ascertaining the result of elections for 
county oflicers. 

Sec. 4. In case a majority of the votes as 
aforesaid canvassed, shall be for removal of 
the county seat to the southeast quarter of the 
northwest quarter of section sixteen, (16), 
township number nine, (9), north of range num- 
ber five, (.5), west, then and in that case, the 
county seat of said county shall be at the said 
southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of 
section sixteen (16), township number nine, (9), 
north, of range number five, (o), west, otherwise 
said county seat shall be and remain at Prairie 
dii Chien. 

Sec. 5. This act shall take effect and be in 
force from and after its passage. 

Approved March 5, 1859. 

Hut tliis law was not acted upon, so, in 18C1, 
it was revised and amended as follows: 

[Published April, 23, 18(il ] 

An Act to revise and amend chai)ter 45 of 
tiie General Laws of 1859 entitled "An Act for 
llie removal of the county seat of Crawford 
county." 

The people of the SUite of Wisconsin, repre- 
sented ill Senate and Aisemhly, do enact as 
follows: 

Sectio:* 1. Chapter forty-five of the General 
Laws of 1859 entitled "An act for the removal 
of the county seat of Crawford county," is here- 
by revised and amended as follows: 

1st. Hy striking out from the first section of 
said act the words "next general election" 
where they occur in said section, and inserting 
ill lieu thereof the words and figures "general 
election for the vear 1861." 



2d, By adding to the fourth section of said 
act the following proviso: "Prvvided, that if a 
majority of all the votes cast at said election 
upon the subject, be in favor of such removal, 
the records and offices of said county shall re- 
main at Prairie du Chien, and the circuit and 
county courts of said county shall be held there 
until fire-proof ofiiccs are provided at the new 
county seat of said county, suflicient for the con- 
venient and safe keeping of all the records of 
said county, and the convenient accommodation 
of all the county oflicers of said county who are 
or may be by law entitled to have offices furn- 
ished at the expense of the count}', and until a 
proper room is provided for holding courts at 
said new county seat." 

Sec. 2. This act shall take effect and be in 
force from and after its passage and publica- 
tion 

Approved April 1.3, 1861. 

The history of the effort made to remove the 
county seat near to the geographical center of 
the county (in the town of Seneca) is briefly 
this: 

Prairie du Chien being in the extreme 
south western part of the county, an effort 
was put forth, by a number of the citizens 
of the county, remote from that place, 
to have the seat of government removed to 
a more central point. In 1861, for the 
purpose of encouraging the people to vote 
for the removal of the county seat, a company 
was formed and suflicient stock was subscribed, 
to erect a court bouse, which should be at the 
service of the county, until such time as thi' 
county should think proper to erect a more ex- 
tensive building. The site selected for the 
building was on section 16, township 9 of 
range 5 west, about one mile southwest of the 
village of Seneca. A building was erected at a 
cost of about 11,500. The stock was divided 
into shares of |10 each; the prime mover in the 
enterprise was Dealton Tichenor. There being 
no court house at that time at Prairie du Chien, 
it was supposed that the erection of a building 



494 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



suitable for court purposes and presenting the 
same to the county, would have a strong influ- 
ence when the vote was taken for the removal 
of the county seat; this hope was verified at the 
election in the fall of 1861. It is said that the 
proposition to remove the county seat to Seneca 
received a majority of the votes cast, but that 



through some technical point of law, or artful 
management on the part of the opposers of the 
movement, the enterprise was defeated. But 
the buildiug which might have been a court 
house still stands, and is at present used as a 
dwelling house. 




HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



495 



CHAPTER XXIV 



THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 



Before entering upon a consideration of the 
part taken by the citizen soldiers of Crawford 
comity, in the great contest between the slave 
owners of tlie south and the lovers of freedom 
in the north, it is proper to dwell for a brief 
period upon the causes leading to the conflict of 
arms and the incipient steps taken by the gen- 
eral and State governments in arousing and 
marshalling the hosts of liberty-loving men 
who afterward so grandly kept step to the 
music of the Union. 

Wisconsin's first efpoets. 

Whun Wisconsin was first called upon to aid 
Uie general government in its efforts to sustain 
itself against the designs of the secession con- 
spirators, the commercial affairs of the State 
were embarrassed to a considerable degree by 
the depreciation of the currency. The designs 
of the secessionists were so far developed at the 
ending of the year 1860, as to show that resist- 
ance to the National authority liad been fully 
determined on. It is not a matter of wonder, 
then, that Gov. Randall, in his message to the 
Legislature, early in January, I8Gi, should have 
set forth the dangers which threatened the 
Union, or should have denied the right of a 
State to secede from it. 

"Secession," said he, "is revolution ; revolu- 
tion is war; war against the government of the 
United States is treason." "It is time," he con- 
tinued, "now, to know whether we have any 
government, and if so, whether it has any 
strength. Is our written constitution more 
than a sheet of parchment? The Nation must 
be lost or preserved by its own strength. Its 



strength is in the patriotism of the people. It 
is time now that politicians become patriots ; 
that men show their love of country by every 
sacrifice, but that of principle, and by unwaver- 
ing devotion to its interests and integrity." 
"The hopes," added the governor, most elo- 
quently, "of civilization and Christianity are 
suspended now upon the answer to this ques- 
tion of dissolution. The capacity for, as well 
as the right of, self-government is to pass its 
ordeal, and speculation to become certainly. 
Other systems have been tried, and have failed; 
and all along the skeletons of Nations have 
been strewn, as warnings and land marks, upon 
the great highway of historic government. 
Wisconsin is true, and her people steadfast. 
She will not destroy the Union, nor consent 
that it shall be done. Devised by great, and 
wise, and good men, in days of sore trial, it 
must stand. Like some bold mountain, at 
whose base the great seas break their angry 
floods, and around whose summit the thunders 
of a thousand hurricanes have rattled — .strong, 
unmoved, immovable — so may our Union be, 
while treason surges at its base, and passions 
rage around it, unmoved, immovable— here let 
it stand forever." 

These are the words of an exalted and genu- 
ine patriotism. But the governor did not con- 
tent himself with eloquence alone. He came 
down to matters of business as well. He urged 
the necessity of legislation that would give 
more efficient organization to the militia of the 
State. He warned the legislators to make 
preparations also for the coming time that 



496 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



should try the souls of men. "The signs of the 
times," said he, "indicate that there may arise 
a contingency in the condition of the govern- 
ment, when it will become necessary to respond 
to a call of the National government for men 
and means to maintain the integrity of the 
Union, and to tliwart the designs of men en- 
gaged in organized treason. While no unnec- 
essary expense should be incurred, yet it is the 
part of wisdom, both for individuals and States, 
in revolutionary times to be prepared to defend 
our institutions to the last extremity." It was 
thus the patriotic governor gave evidence to the 
members of both houses that he "scented the 
battle afar off." 

On the 16th of January a joint resolution of 
the Legislature was passed, declaring that the 
"people of Wisconsin are ready to co-operate 
witli the friends of the Union everywhere for 
its preservation, to yield a cheerful obedience 
to its requirements, and to demand a like obedi- 
ence from all others; that the Legislature of 
Wisconsin, profoundly impressed with the value 
of the Union, and determined to preserve it 
unimpaired, hail with joy tlie recent firm, dig- 
nified and patriotic special message of the Pres- 
ident of the United States; that they tender to 
him through the chief magistrate of their own 
State, whatever aid, in men and money, may be 
required to enable him to enforce the laws and 
uphold the authority of the Federal govern- 
ment,and in defense of the more perfect Union, 
which has conferred prosperity and happiness 
on the American people." "Renewing," said 
they, "the pledge given and redeemed by our 
fathers, we are ready to 'devote our lives, our 
fortunes and our sacred honors' in upholding the 
Union and the constitution." 

The Legislature, in order to put the State 
upon a kind of "war footing," passed an act for 
its defense, and to aid in enforcing the laws 
and maintaing the authority of the general gov- 
ernment. It was under this act that Gov. Ran- 
dall was enabled to organize the earlier regi- 
ments of Wisconsin. By it, in case of a call 



from the President of the LTnited States to aid 
in maintaining the LTnion and the supremacy of 
the laws, to suppress rebellion or insurrection, 
or to repel invasion within tlie United Stales, 
the governor was authorized to provide in the 
most efficient manner for responding to such 
call; to accept the services of volunteers fur 
service, in companies of seventy-five men each, 
rank and tile, and in regiments of ten compa- 
nies of seventy-five men each, and to commis- 
sion officers for them. The governor was also 
authorized to contract for tlie uniforms and 
equipments necessary for putting such compa- 
nies into active service. $100,000 was appro- 
priated for war purposes; and bonds were 
authorized to be issued for that amount, to be 
negotiated by the governor for raising funds. 
It will be seen, therefore, that the exigencies 
of the times, for Fort Sumter had not yet been 
surrendered, were fully met by the people's rep- 
sentalives, they doing their whole duty, as they 
then understood it, in aid of the peipetuity of 
the Union. 

Having defended Fort Sumpter for thiry-four 
hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, 
the main gates destroyed, the gorge-wall seri- 
ously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames, 
and its doors closed from the effects of the lieat, 
four barrels and three cartridges of powder 
only being available, and no provisions but 
pork remaining, Robert Anderson, major of the 
first artillery, L'nited States army, accepted 
terms of evacuation offered bj- Gen. Beaure- 
gard, marched out of tlie fort on Sunday after- 
noon, the 14th of April, 1S61, with colors flying 
and drums beating, bringing away coni]iaiiy 
and private property, and saluting his Hag 
with fifty guns. This in brief is the story of 
the fall of Sumter and the opening act of the 
War of the Rebellion. 

"Whereas," said Abraham Lincoln, President, 
in his proclamation of the next day, "the laws 
of the United States have been (or some time 
past, and now are, opposed, an<l the execution 
thereof obstructed, in the States of South Caro- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



4S>7 



Una, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, 
Louisiana ami Texas, by comhinatious too pow- 
erful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of 
juilici.il proceedings, or by powers vested in tlie 
marshals by law." Now in view of that fact, 
he called forth the militia of the several States 
of the Union, to the aggregate number of 
75,000, in order to suppress these combinations, 
and to cause the laws to be duly executed. "A 
call is miilejon you by to-night's mail for one 
regiment of militia for immediate service," tele- 
graphed the secretary of war to Randall on the 
same day. 

THE STATE AEOUSBD. 

In Wisconsin, as elsewhere, the public pulse 
quickened under the excitement of the fall of 
Sumter. "The dangers which surrounded the 
Nation awakened the liveliest sentiments of pa- 
triotism and devotion. For the time, party fealty 
was forg.rtten in the general desire to save the 
Nation. The minds of the people soon settled 
into the conviction that a bloody war was at 
hand, and that the glorious fabric of our Na- 
tional government, and the principles upon 
which it is founded, were in jeopardy, and with 
a determination unparalleled in the history of 
any country, they rushed to its defense. On 
every hand the National flag could be seen dis- 
played, and the public enthusiasm knew no 
bounds. In city, town and hamlet, the burden 
on every tongue was war." "We have never 
been accustomed," said Gov. Randall, "to con- 
sider the military arm as essential to the main- 
tenance of our government, but an exigency 
has arisen that demands its employment." "The 
time has come," he continued, "when parties 
and platforms must be forgotten, and all good 
citizens and patriots unite together in putting 
down rebels and traitors." "What is money," 
he asked, " what isVife, in the presence of such 
a crisis?" 

Such utterances and such enlhusiagm could 
but have their effect upon the Legislature, which 
It will be remembered, was still in session. So, 
although that body had voted to adjourn, sine 



die, on the 15th of April, yet, when the moment 
arrived, and a message from the governor was 
received announcing that owing to the extra- 
ordinary exigencies which had arisen, an amend- 
ment of the law of the thirteenth of the month, 
was necessary, the resolution to adjourn was at 
once rescinded. The two houses thereupon not 
only increased the amount of bonds to be issued 
to 8200,000, but they also passed a law exempt- 
ing from civil process, during the time of ser- 
vice, all persons enlisting and mustering into 
the United States army from Wisconsin. When 
on the seventeenth, the Legislature did adjourn, 
the scene was a remarkable one. Nine cheers 
were given for the star spangled banner and 
three for the Governor's Guards, who had just 
then tendered their services, the first in the 
State, under the call for a regiment of men for 
three months duty. 

"For the first time in the history of this Fed- 
eral government," are the words of the gover- 
nor, in a proclamation issued on the 16lh of 
April, "organized treason has manifested itself 
within several States of the Union, and armed 
rebels are making war against it." "The treas- 
uries of the country," said he, "must no longer 
be plundered; the public property must be pro- 
tected from aggressive violence; that already 
seized must be retaken, and the laws must be 
executed in every State of the Union alike." 
"A demand," he added, "made upon Wisconsin, 
by the President of the United States, for aid 
to sustain the Federal arm, must meet with a 
prompt response." And it did, and no where 
with more genuine enthusiasm than in Craw- 
ford county. 

CEAWFOED COUNTY AVTAKENBD. 

The county -of Crawford was not slow to 
move when it was clearly seen by her citizens 
that the Union was indeed and in truth threaten- 
ed by armed rebellion and avowed secession. 
On the 2oth of April, the Courier enid : 
"W e have neither space or time to comment 
upon the startling news with which the dis- 
patches and our exchanges come crowded. 



498 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



The most prominent feature in the north is the 
perfect unity of sentiment in favor of sustain- 
ing the Federal Goverument, in a war that now 
seems inevitable. The same determination 
that every where shows itself in the north has 
a complete counterpart in the whole people of 
the south. Every southern State has formed 
an alliance, and the two sections of the coun- 
try will meet in solid opposition. Ther.e is but 
one feeling at the north. There is but one 
sentiment at the south — north and south are 
now in direct opposition. The result is bound 
to be a sanguinary conflict, the like of which 
history does not record." 

In another article in the Courier of the same 
date, the editor has this to say: 

"Last Friday evening, after only an hour's 
notice. Union Hall was crowded with the most 
enthusiastic audience ever assembled in Prairie 
du Chien. It was composed of the most sub- 
stantial citizens of this vicinity, representing 
every class and every interest, every opinion 
and every party. 1 hey all seemed to be fully 
aroused to the importance of the events now 
transpiring, and had met together with one 
will to counsel and hear the suggestions of 
patriotic and practical men. Several speakers 
including the venerable chairman, spoke to the 
people calmly,deliberately and determinedly,but 
without rashness. The fact of a general civil 
war being already commenced, was freely dis- 
cussed and fearlessly confronted. The only 
sentiment of all was a common cause in support 
of the government, the constitution and the 
flag of the union, resolutions loyal to the gov- 
ernment were unanimously adopted; volunteers 
enlisted, and_ a subscription of over $300 sub- 
scribed to begin the work of organization. 
The feeling here is all on the side of sustaining 
the government in the enforcement of all con- 
stitutional law." 

THE FIRST COMPANY ORGANIZED. 

Early in May, ]861, a company under the 
three months' call was organized at Prairie du 
Chien — the first in the county; under the Presi- 



dent's proclamation no more three months' men 
could be accepted; so the company was re-org.a- 
nized under the three years call. The men 
left Prairie du Chien for Madison on the '25th 
day of June and on the 16th of July, were 
mustered into tlie service as company C., of the 
6th Wisconsin regiment. 

MUSTER IN ROLL OF COMPANY C. 

Captain. — Ale.xander S. Hooe. 

1st Lieut. — Philip W. Plummer. 

2nd " Tihomas W. Plummer. 

1 St Sergt. — Loyd G. Harris. 

2nd " George O. Adams. 

.3rd " Judson Hurd. 

4th " John W. Fonda. 

5th " Barnard McGinty. 

IstCorpl. — John N. Chesnut. 

2nd " Lemuel Bailey. 

3rd " Orrin D. Chapman. 

4th " Cliarles H. Putney. 

6th " Herman Ganter. 

6th " Simon W. Hubb.ard. 

7th " Edward Whaley. 

8th " James Sykes. 

Drummer — Alexander Johnston. 

Fifer. — George Northrop. 

Wagoner. — Ambrose Young. 

Privates. — Charles Adams, Christian Am- 
nion, Mathew Andrews, Wm. Armstrong, Cuy- 
ler Babcock, Alexander Boyd, Winfield S. Bon- 
ney, Edwin A. Bottom, Henry L. Bottom, Nor- 
man S. Bull, John Beoman, Thomas Budworth, 
Simpson M. Brewer, Henry J. Cardey, James 
G. Conklin, Lynn B. Cook, Richard Corcoran, 
John Davidson, William Day, Wm. H. Drew, 
John Drysdale, Evan W. Ellis, George Fairfielil, 
Samuel R. W. Faulkner, Lucius R. Fitch, Al- 
bert L. Fisk, Peter T. Gulberg, Chancey A. 
Green, Willard Gilmore, Charles Guyre, Dan- 
iel D. Havens, John Hall, Henry W. Hall, Lem- 
uel P. Harvey, Ezra P. Hewitt, Lyman D. IIol 
ford, William Hickok, Edwin Hutchkroft, John 
H. Ishmael, William Kelly, Jacob Lemons, Ho- 
mer C. Lillie, Augustus L. Muller, Richard A. 
Marston, Henry H. Miller, Brallon B. Morris, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



499 



Mill in McAdams, Martin L. Nelson, Wm. L. 
Niclxilson, Alfred L. Onderkiik, Cornelius W. 
Okey, Henry Oviatt, Luke Parsons, Jonathan 
Hall, Burton Packhard, Walter J. Pease, Wil- 
liam Pease, Henry C. Pettitt, Martin Prother 
John Richards, Wm. M. Russell, George Rus 
sell, Sylvester W. Russell, Gottlieb Schwitzer, 
or Sweitzer, Lyman W. Sheldon, Albert P, 
Sprague, Harley L. Sprague, Alexander Turk 
Aleck Torley, Harry H. Thompson, Henry Van 
derbilt, Stephen Vesper, Joseph Villeniin, Fran 
cis G. Washington, Wm. H. Wallin, U. M 
Weideman, Myndert Wemple, Wm. Winns 
Alfred R. Withrow, Julius Wieman, George 
W. Wilson, Daniel M. Wordman, John P. 
Whitehouse, Chas. E. White, Robert White, 
Frank Young. 
This company was made a part of 

THE Sl.KTH WISCONSIN REGIMENT, 

which was organized at Camp Randall, Madison, 
in July, 1861, and mustered into the service of 
the United States on the 16th of that month, 
and left the State for Washington on the 'JSth. 
The following was the roster of the regiment: 
Colonel. — Lysander Cutler. 
Lieutenant Colonel. — J. P. Atwood. 
Major.— B. F. Sweet. 
Adjutant. — Frank A. Haskell. 
Quartermaster. — I. N. Mason. 
Surgeon. — C. B. Chapman. 
First Assistant Surgeon. — A. W. Preston. 
Second Assistant Surgeon.— A. P. Andrews. 
Cha])lain. — Rev. N. A. Staples. 
Captain Co. A. — A. G. Mallory. 
" 15.— D. J. Dill. 
" C— A. S. Hooe. 
" D.— J. O'Rourke. 
" E.— E. S. Bragg, 
" F.— William H. Lindwurm. 
" " G.— M. A. Northrup. 

" U.— J. F. Houser. 
" " L — Leonard Johnson. 
" K.— R. R. Dawes. 
1st Lieut. Co. A.— D. K. Noyes. 
" • B.— J. F. Marsh. 



1st Lieut. Co.C— P. W. Plumer. 
" D.— John Nichols. 
" E.— A. E. A. Brown. 
" F.— Fred Schumacher. 
" G.— G. L Montague. 
" H.— J. D. Lewis. 
" I.— F. A. Haskell. 
" K.— J. A. Kellogg. 
2nd Lieut. Co. A.— F. C. Thomas. 
" B.— Henry Serrill. 
" C— J. W. Plummer. 
" D.— P. H. McCaulev. 
" E.— J. H. Marston. " 
" F.— Werner Von Bacheli. 
" G.— W. W. Allen. 
" IL-J. A. Tester, 
" I.— A. T. Johnson. 
" K.— John Crane. 
The regiment arrived at Washington on the 
Till of August, and was immediately assigned to 
King's brigade and went into camp on Meri- 
dian Hill, where it remained until the 3d of 
September, when it marched with the brigade 
to Chain bridge, and was employed in picket 
and guard duty at <.'amp Lyon, until it was join- 
ed by the 2d Wisconsin the 9th Lidiaii.-t and 
the 7th Wisconsin, about the 1st of Octol)er. 
These, afterwards, formed the famous "Iron 
Brigade." 

Early in the war Gen. Rufus King, a grad- 
uate of West Point, tendered his services to the 
government and was appointed brigadier gen- 
eral, with authority to form a brigade composed 
of regiments from Wisconsin. In this he only 
partially succeeded, as the 5th Wisconsin was 
transferred to another brigade. He, however, 
succeeded in permanently attaching the 2d, 6ih 
and 7th to the brigade; these, with the flili 
Indiana, afterwards received the name of- the 
"Iron Brigade," in the history of which is 
merged that of the 6th Wisconsin. 

The brigade assigned to McDowell's division 
remained in camp at Fort Tillinghast until 
March 10, 1862, when they took part in the 
advance on Manassas, Col. Cutler, of the 6lli 



500 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Wisconsin, being in command of tlie brigade. 
The month of July found them at Falmouth, 
opposite Fredericlisburg. The brigade after- 
ward took part in the celebrated retreat of Gen. 
Pope. 

On the 28th of August, 18'52, the battle of 
Gainesville was fought. This was one of the 
bloodiest battles of the war, and was fought by 
the "Iron Brigade" alone, it only receiving aid 
after the heaviest of the fighting was over. On 
the 29tli of August the brigade was present on 
the battle field of Bull Run, engaged as sup- 
port to a battery, and took part in the battle of 
the 30th and in the retreat which followed. 

The "Iron Brigade" took part in the battle of 
South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862. In the early 
part of the battle of Antietam (which contest 
was particii)ated in, among others by the "Iron 
Brigade"), a shell fell into the ranks of the 6th 
regiment, killing or wounding thirteen men 
and officers. 

General Hooker was placed in command of 
the Army of the Potomac, and the campaign of 
1863 was begun on the 28th of April. The 
"Iron Brigade" proceeded on that day to Fitz- 
hugh's crossing below Fredericksburg, and was 
attached to the first division of the first army 
corps. A fight occured the next day at the 
crossing, l)ut the 6th Wisconsin, followed by 
the 24th Michigan, crossed over in face of the 
enemy and carried their works. 

The "Iron Brigade" was in the battle of Get- 
tysburg. But it was in the battle of the Wilder- 
ness that the Gih regiment suffered more than 
in any other of the war. 

The severity of the service engaged in liy the 
6th Wisconsin from this time until it was mus- 
tered out, can be judged of by the lists of the 
killed and wounded at different periods. 

The 6th regiment was mustered out on tlie 
14tb of July, 1865, and arrived at Madison on 
the 16th of that month, and were publicly re- 
ceived, paid and the regiment disbanded. 



COMPANY F, 8th WISCONSIN" REGIMENT. 

No coni))any going to the war was made up 
entirely of Crawford county men. Some, how- 
ever, besides company C of the 6th W^isconsin 
regiment, were so largely from the county as to 
entitle them to be called Crawford county com 
panies. We give these in the order of their 
regiments: Company F, 8th Wisconsin regi- 
ment; companies A, D and K, 31st Wisconsin; 
and company A, 43d regiment. Besides these, 
there were a number of men from the county 
in the 2d Wisconsin cavalry and in the 7ili 
Wisconsin battery. The following is the 

MUSTER-IN ROLL OF COMPANY F, 8TH REGIMENT: 

Captain — James H. Greene. 

1st. Lieut. Zenas Beach. 

2d " James Berry. 

1st Sergt. — James T. McClure. 

2d " Bedford Bush. 

3d " Alexander M. Beach. 

4th " • Benjamin F. Allison. 

5th " Willard D. Chapman. 

1st Corpl. — Samuel McColough. 

2d " Byron Hewitt. 

3d " George H. Sterling. 

4th " Wellington K. Forsliey. 

5th " Charles Green. 

0th " Michael Maloney. 

7th " Samuel L. Tillotson. 

8th " James Patterson. 

Privates. — Alonzo Allen, John W. Allison, 
Henry W. Allen, Frank Bnidy, Charles Bel- 
richard, Samuel J. Burlock, Gonzaque Boucher, 
Amos W. Bickford, William Burns, B. Bailey, 
Henry E. Butterfield, Ferdinand Barnes, Ed- 
ward D. Copsey, Willi.am Copsey, Seymour M. 
Cummings, John Clark, Edward C. .Dwight, 
James W. Dennison, Stephen A. Dawson, 
George M. Drumm, John Elder, John T. Earle, 
Edward Ellis, Joseph M. Flint, Justus Fish, 
Martin Finley, Benjamin F. Groves, William C. 
Groves, Isaac N. Groves, Eli M. Groves, Joshua 
S. Groves, Louis Groesbeck, Philander S. Groes- 
bet'k, Stewart Groesbeck, John W. Greenman, 
Adna II. Gritfin, Joseph H. •Griffin, Blake 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



501 



W. Griffin, Eben Ilayden, James Ilatnil- 
lon, Jiinies II. Ileaveiii, Alexander Henderson, 
Joseph Henry, Charles S. Irvin, Harrison C. 
.loM'pIi, Thomas E. Joseph, John E. Joseph, 
Jeremiali L. Joseph, Milton Jacobs, Fred Lang, 
Joseph Lemons, Thurlow W. Lacy, Alfred Love, 
Lemuel J. Lewis, Albert Mallony, Cornelius A. 
Marston, Charles Munn, Zachariah McQueen, 
George S. Nichols, Martin Nyland, Edward Os- 
trander, Eben Pixley, Charles W. Parker, Robert 
Parker Jacob Paul, Michael Pelland, R. Perkin- 
soii, John Peters, Wilson Pitchu, Charles Adam 
Rosenbeek, George M. Robbing, Joseph Ruff, 
Ferdinand Ruba, A. Shulka, John W. Smith, 
John L. Smith, Aden Sherwood, Archibald 
Sears, Frank Shumway, John W. Shell, David 
Shrake, Michael Sallander, William Sallander, 
William Stephenson, William H. -Thompson, 
James T. Temby, John Thomas, Francis Thurs- 
tin, William Wolford, Francis X. Wagoner, 
Darius Welch, T. A. Wilder, Stephen Dawson. 
This c<im])any, as we have seen, was made a 
part of tiie sth Wisconsin regiment. 

The 8th regiment was called into camp from 
the Isl to the ICth of September, 1801, and 
placed under the command of Col. Robert C. 
Murpliy, of St. Croix Falls. The other field 
and st;\ff officers were, George W. Robinson, 
HeuteiiaiU-colonel ; J. W. .Jefferson, major; 
Ezra T. Sprague, adjutant; F. L. Billings, 
quaiter-master ; S. P. '!'luiriihill, surgec^n ; W. 
H(jbliins and J. S. Murta, assistants ; and W. 
McKinley, chaplain. The companies were 
from the counties of Wau])aca, Sheboygan, Eau 
Claire, Crawford, La Crosse, Racine and from 
Fox Lake, Fitchbarg,Jancsville and Belleville. 
The numerical strength of the regiment when it 
left Camp Randall was 900 men, and it was 
mustered into service by companies, by Maj. 
IJrooks. 

After being fully equipped (with the excep- 
tion of arms), on the 30th of September, Col. 
-Alnipjiy received notice that he had been as- 
signed, with his command, to Major-Gen. P'rc- 



mont's division. On the Ist of October, orders 
were received to move forward to St. Louis, at 
which place they arrived October 13. The fine 
appearance of the regiment elicited universal 
praise. It was received at St. Louis by the 
Hon. S. Cameron, Secretary of War, and Adju- 
tant-Gen. L. Thomas, who paid it a high com- 
pliment. This was the first regiment that had 
passed in that direction from the State. 'I'he 
next day after their arrival, an order came for 
them to move forward to Pilot Knob with the 
certainty of meeting the enemy. They went 
forward, and on the 21st took part in the battle 
of Frederickstown. The regiment was held as 
a reserve. 

The Sth regiment, from the time of their de- 
parture from the State, up to the middle of 
January, with the exception of the skirmisii at 
Frederickstown, in the autumn of 1 80 I , was ])rin- 
cipally engaged in guarding railroad bridges 
and other general duties in the southci-n portion 
of Missouri and in Arkansas. On the lOlh of 
January they left Camp Curtis, arriving at 
Cairo the next day. F'roni Cairo they were 
ordered to Point Pleasant, Mo., to partiei[)ate 
in the attack on Island No. l(t, whence they 
marched, on the 7lh of April, to New Madrid. 

Shortly after the reduction of this island, 
they were ordered to Corinth, aTid arrivid at 
Pittsburg Landing on the 22d of April, when 
they at once took their place in the army 
destined for the reduction of Corinth. On the 
9th of May, at the battle of Farmingion, the 
Sth regiment, under the command of Lieut. -Col. 
Robbins, lost in killed, three (of wliom two 
were commissioned officers), and sixteen 
wounded, and one missing. On the "isih of 
May, leaving Farmington, the regiment, under 
the command of Lieut. -Col. Robbins — Col. Mur- 
phy being in charge of the brig.ide — went into 
action before Corinth, and, by their steady 
courage and demeanor, demonstrated their 
bravery under a heavy fire, losing, in this 
action, two killed and five wounded. This was 
the last effort of the rebels to defend the city, 



502 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



which was entered by our troops two days after- 
wards. 

Subsequently they were ordered to luka, 
whore they remained until the approach of the 
rebels under Price and Van Dorn, when they 
were again ordered to Corinth, and took part in 
the second battle of Corinth, on the 3d and 4tli 
of October. During this battle, while Col. 
Murphy was absent, Lieut.-Col. Robbins and 
Maj. Jefferson were wounded, and carried from 
the field ; and the command of the regiinenl 
devolved upon Capt. Britton, who nobly con- 
ducted the action. Their loss in this battle was 
fourteen killed, seventy-five wounded, and two 
missing. After joining in the pursuit of the 
rebels which followed this battle, they returned 
to Corinth on the 14th of October, after which 
time they were stationed in the vicinity of 
Waterford, Miss. 

The 8th nobly earned the encomiums be- 
stowed upon it. Its record is such that Wis- 
consin may well feel proud of the "Eagle" regi- 
. ment. 

On the 8th of December, the regiment was 
at Waterford, Miss., in the left wing of the 
Army of the Tennessee, under the command of 
Maj.-Gen. U. S. Grant. 

The 8th regiment, in January, 186.3, moved 
from La Grange, byway of Corinth, to Ger- 
mantown, Tenn., where they were employed in. 
building fortifications, and guard duty, until 
March 11, when they marched to Memphis, and 
joined the forces intended by Gen. Grant to 
operate against Vicksburg, which were being 
concentrated near Helena. Lieut. Col. Rabbins 
was commissioned as colonel in the place of 
Col. Murphy dismissed. The regiment with 
others attacked the enemy, and, on the 14th of 
May, took posession of Jackson, the capital of 
Mississppi. They then proceeded to Walnut 
Hills, forming the extreme right of the invest- 
ing force around Vicksburg. Here they took 
a pai't in the assault on the enemy's works. 
The regiment participated in many skirmishes 
with some loss, and on the 26th of September 



moved to Black river bridge, and went into 
camp, and remained until Oct. 13. The 
8th regiment, on the 27th of January, 
1864, proceeded to Vicksburg, by way of Mem- 
phis, and encamped near Black river bridge on 
the 3d of February. They took part in Sher- 
man's famous Meridian expedition, marching as 
far as Canton, Miss., and returning to Black 
river bridge, thence to Vicksburg, on the 5th 
of March. Here the regiment consented to 
remain and take part in Gen. Smitli's projected 
expedition up the river to co-operate with Gen. 
Banks. The regiment expected to be sent 
home on veteran furlough, but remained at the 
especial request of Gen. Sherman. Leaving 
V^icksburg March 10, they passed down the 
Mississippi and up the Red River, to Sinmis- 
port, and landed. The brigade advanced and 
charged upon the rebels at Fort Scurvy, captur- 
ing several prisoners, and some militaiy stores. 
Continuing up the river, they attacked and cap- 
tured Fort de Russy, after a short resistance. 
Here they were joined by the fleet, when they 
proceeded to Alexandria, and thence to Hen- 
derson Hill, where they found the rebels posted 
with. artillery. A detovr of fifteen miles was 
made in order to attack the enemy on the rear. 
About midnight. Gen. Mower succeeded in 
capturing the whole rebel force (three hundred 
and fifty strong), with four guns and 400 horses, 
and other munitions of war. After a num- 
ber of marches with Gen. Smith's army and a 
part of Gen. Banks's force, they received the 
attack of the enemy, and, after four houis hard 
fighting, drove him from the field. Our forces 
subsequently retreated to Grand Encore, and 
thence to Alexandra!. 

The 8th participated in an action at Natchi- 
toches, and also at Cloutierville, wluue the 
rebels were driven back in confusion. On the 
4th of May, the 8th were deployed as skirmish- 
ers, and drove the enemy ten miles. At IJayou 
La Moore, the enemy annoyed them by contin- 
uous artillery and musketry fire. They also 
took part in an action at Mansura, and also 



HISTORY Or CRA\VFORD COUNTY. 



503 



Calhan's Plantation, and Bayou De Glaize; 
after whicli Gen. Smith's army returned to the 
mouth of Red River, and, embarking, reached 
Vick.sburg on the 24th, and went into camp. 
Tiie rebels having attempted to blockade the 
Mississippi at Columbia, Ark., on the 6th 
of June, Gen. Smith sent forward a divis- 
ion of 1,.500 infantry, and a battery in 
cliarge of Gen. Mower. The enemy were 
found, and an engagement ensued. The enemy 
were driven from their position, and pursued 
several miles. In this action, known as the 
"Battle of Chicot," the regiment had three 
killed, and sixteen wounded. The command 
proceeded up the river to Memphis, and went 
into camp. Here the veterans were allowed to 
proceed to Wisconsin on thirty days' furlough. 
The remainder of the regiment moved to La 
Grange, and in July took part in the expedition 
into Mississippi, and participated in the en- 
gagements near Tupelo. They returned to 
Memphis after a march of 260 miles. Here 
they were joined by the regiment from veteran 
furlough. Subsequently the 8th marched from 
Memphis to Mississippi with the forces of Gen. 
A. J. Smith. On the 2d of September, they 
proceeded to White River and to Duvall's 
BluflE, thence to Brownsville, in pursuit of Gen. 
Price, and reached Cape Girardeau, Oct. 1. On 
the 5th, they left for St. Louis, where the reg- 
iment was newly clothed and equipped. Re- 
embarking on transports, they reached Jeffer- 
son City, and thence to Lamoine Bridge. 
From this place, they were assigned on the 
expeditionary army against Gen. Price through 
Kansas. Learning of the defeat and dispersion 
of I'rice's forces, they returned, reaching Ben- 
ton Barracks November, 15. On the 2.3d of 
November, they proceeded to Nashville to 
re-enforce Gen. Thomas, and took part in the 
battle on the loth and 16th of December. In 
this action, the regiment captured a six-gun 
battery, about 400 prisoners, and two stands of 
colors. Their los.ses were, ten, killed; fifty-two, 
wounded. The regiment joined in the persuit, I 



marching 150 miles, and finally encamped at 
Clifton, Tenn., on the 22d of January, 1865. 

The 8th regiment joined the pursuit of the 
enemy after the battle of Nashville, marched 
150 miles, and encamped at Clifton, Tenn. On 
the 2d of January, 1865, they moved to East- 
l)oi-t. Embarking on the 6th of February, they 
proceeded, with the 16th corps, down the Ten- 
nessee to Cairo, and thence to New Orleans, 
and went into camp five miles below that city! 
On the 5th of March they moved in transports 
to take part in the inve.stment of the defences 
of Mobile, landing at Dauphin Island, and from 
thence proceeded up Fish river, ten miles, and 
went into camp. On the 25th they moved, and 
took position in the lines before the Spanish'fort. 
Here they were engaged in fortifying, and thJ 
performance of picket-duty, until the evacua- 
tion of the fort, on the 9th of April, when they 
moved to a position before Fort Blakely, and 
took part in the charge on that place w'ith a 
small loss. After the surrender, the regiment 
marched 180 miles to Montgomery, Ala.,*where 
they remained until the 10th of May, when they 
marched by way of Selma, and took cars for 
Uniontown, on the Alabama & Mississippi 
railroad. Here they went into camp, and re- 
mained until orders were received for their 
muster out. This was done at Demopolis, Ala., 
on the 5th of September, and the regiment 
reached Madison on the 13th, where they re- 
ceived their pay, and were formally disbanded. 
The Sth was known as the "Eagle Regiment," 
from the fact that a live eagle was carried 
through all its campaigns, up to the return of 
the non-veterans in 1864. This bird was taken 
from the parent nest in Chippewa Co., Wis., by 
an Indian, who disposed of it to a gentleman 
in Eau Claire county, from whom it was pur- 
chased by members of Capt. Perkin's company, 
Eau Claire Eagles, by whom it was presented 
to the regiment while organizing in 1801. It 
is needless to say that it was instantly adopted 
as the regimental pet, and was christened "Old 
Abe." A perch was prepared and the royal 



504 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



bird was borne with the regiment on all its 
marches, and into every battle in which tlie 
gallant 8th was engaged, up to the miister-ont 
of the non-veterans. Perched on his standard, 
above the heads of the men, the bird was more 
than once the mark for rebel bullets, but, luck- 
ily, escaped unharmed, with the exception of 
the loss of a few feathers shot away. He re- 
turned with the non-veterans in 1864, and was 
presented to the State, and placed in charge of 
the quarter-master's department, and every care 
necessary bestowed on him. At the great Chi- 
cago fair in 186.3, "Old Abe" was exhil)ite(l, 
and his photographs disposed of, realizing the 
amount of about ^16,000. He was also exhib- 
ited at the Milwaukee fair with profitable re- 
sults. We are told that the sura netted to these 
charitable objects was about $20,000. He oe- 
casimially breaks from his fetters, and soars 
into his native element; but he has become so 
far domesticated, that he is easily recovered. 
Occasionally the music of a l)and, or the noise 
of a drum, will reach his ear, when he will in- 
stantly listen, and will respond with his charac- 
teristic scream, probably recognizing the strain 
as one with which the battle-field has made his 
ear familiar. " Old Abe" has become celebrated 
in our militarv annals; and his history is inex- 
tricably interwoven with that of the brave and 
gallant regiment who bore him triumphantly 
through the field of strife. 

Reference has been made to the 8th 
Wisconsin as the "Eagle Regiment." Some ac- 
count of this "eagle," from whom the regiment 
derived its name, will prove interesting. 

" 'Old Abe' was captured in the spring of 
1861, in Chippewa Co. Wis., by an Indian, 
by the nime of A-ge-mah-me-ge-zhig, 
of the Lake Flambeau tribe of the Chippewa 
Indians. The Indian sold tiie e.agle to Mr. D. 
MeCann, for a bushel of corn. Mr. McCann 
concluded that his eagle should go to the wars. 
He took him to Chippewa Falls, and from 
thence to Eau Claire. The eagle being then 
about two months old, he sold it for $2.50 to 



company 0, 8th Wisconsin regiment. The 
eagle was soon sworn into service by putting 
around his neck red-white-and-blue ribbons, and 
on his breast a rosette of the same colors. The 
company, commanded by Capt. J. E. Perkins, 
and James McGennis, the eagle-bearer, left for 
Madison on the 6th of September, 1861. They 
arrived at La Crosse in the evening of the next 
day. The fact that a company was coming 
with a live eagle brought a great crowd to the 
wharf. A salute from the 1st Wisconsin Bat- 
tery was fired, followed by cheers from the 
• crowd and soldiers, 'The eagle, the eagle! hur- 
rah for the eagle !' Arriving at Madison on 
the 8th of September, the company marched di- 
rect to Camp Randall, the band playing Yan- 
kee Doodle, amidst great shouting from the Vth 
regiment and part of the 8th. The company en- 
tered the gate; and tlie eagle, as if by instinct, 
spread his wings, took hold of one of the 
small flags attached to his perch, in his beak, 
and carried it in that position io the colonel's 
quarters. The excitement knew no bounds; 
shout after shout was heard from the crowd. 
Deep and strong was the conviction that the 
e.agle had a charmed life. 

"In camp he was visited by thousands, among 
them the highest dignitaries of civil and mili- 
tary life. Capt. Perkins named him 'Old Abe,' 
in honor of Abraham Lincoln. By a vote of 
the company, the Eau Claire Badgers, its origi- 
nal name was changed to Eau Claire Eagles; 
and, by general expression of the people, the 
8th Wisconsin was called the 'Eagle Regiment.' 

"On the 12th of October, 1861, the regiment 
loft Camp Randall. At Chicago, St. Louis, and 
in fact everywhere, 'Old Abe' attracted groat 
attention. $500 were at one time offered for 
him, and at another, a farm worth $5,000 but, 
of course, in vain. His feathers are scattered 
all over the LTnion, so great the demand for 
them. 'Old Abe' was seen in all his glory, 
when the regiment was engaged in battle. At 
such times, he was always found in his place at 
the head of company C. In the midst of the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



505 



roaring of cannon, the crack of the musket, 
and the roll of smoke, 'Old Abe' with .spread 
pinions, would jump up and down on his perch, 
uUcrincr wild and fearful rcreams. The fiercer 
and louder the storm of battle, the fiercer, wil- 
der, and louder the screams. 'Old Abe' was 
with the command in nearly every action, about 
twenty-two battles and sixty skirmishes. It is 
a remarkable fact that not a color or eagle bearer 
of the 8th was shot down. The veterans were 
mustered out of United States service, at Mem- 
phis, Sept 16, 1864. It was there decided that 
'Old Abe' should be given to the State of Wis- 
consin. They arrived in Madison on the 22d; 
and on the 20th, 'Old Abe' was received by the' 
Governor from Capt. Wolf." "Old Abe" has 
paid the debt of nature, and now reposes as an 
object of curiosity, in a glass case, on an ele- 
gant pedestal, in the rotunda of the State 
house, in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Three Crawford companies (A, D, and K), 
were, as before mentioned, made a part of 

TDE THIRTY-FIRST WISCONSIX REGIMENT. 

This regiment (Col. Isaac E. Messmore) was 
left, in 1862, by the order of the war department 
prohibiting recruiting, with less than the min- 
imum Six companies from Iowa, Laf.ayette, 
and Crawford counties, were ordered into camp 
at Prairie du Chien; and special permission, 
before alluded to, Mas obtained to continue re- 
cruiting for this regiment. At the close of the 
year, it was much above the minimum strength, 
and of good material. On the Uth of Novljm- 
her, it was removed from Prairie du Chien, in 
charge of the camp of rendezvous for drafted 
men at R.acine, where it remained, awaiting 
orders to join the army in the field. 

The regiment left the State for service in the 
tiehl on the 1st of March, 1863, under orders to 
i-ej.ort at Columbus, Ky. Proceeding by way 
of Cairo, 111., they arrived at Columbus on the 
:f'l, and went into camp at Fort Halleck. Here 
the regiment was stationed, and was engaged 
HI the performance of garrison duty, untifsqjt. 
24, wheu it left Columbus, with orders to report 



at Louisville, Ky., which place it reached on the 
2Tth. On the 5th of October, it marched to La 
Vergne, Tenn., and guarded the road until 
the 25th, when it marched to Murfreesboro. 
Tiiree companies were detached and stationed 
at a point where the railroad passed Stone river. 
Here they threw up fortifications, and guarded 
this important bridge during the winter. 

Three companies of the illst regiment 
were engaged in the winter of 1863-6 t guarding 
the bridge at Stone river. On the 2d of April, 
they rejoined the regiment at Murfreesboro, 
and wL've engaged during the month along the 
road between that place and Normandv, Tenn,, 
doing outpost-duty. On the 6th of July, they 
were ordered to Nashville, and on their arrival 
had quarters assigned them west of the Nash- 
ville «fc <'hattanooga railroad. From Nash- 
ville, they proceeded by rail for Marietta, Ga., 
which they reached on the )0th. While on the 
road, near Kingston, one of the trains ran off 
the track, wounding two officers, killing one 
man, and severely wounding ten others. On 
tlie 22d of July, tl;e regiment moved with the 
army upon Atlanta, and were placed in the front 
line ; and here they lay under fire until Aug. 
25, when they took part in the movement of the 
coips. They then returned to the railroad 
bridge across the Chattahoochee, while the rest 
of the army swung around to Jonesboro. 

On the 4th of September, the skirmishers of 
the 31st were among the first to enter 
the city. The next day, the regiment moved 
within the fortifications, and was assigned 
quarters in the city. In addition to other duties 
devolving upon troops in an enemy's country, 
the regiment were engaged in protecting forage- 
trains, and were very successful furnishing 
grain for the famishing horses and mides of 
the army. The twentieth army corps broke 
camp on the 15th of November, and filed out of 
the burning city, which proved to be the march 
to the sea. The fatigues and (Lingers to which 
all were exposed were endured by the 31st 



506 



HISTORY OF CllAWFORD COUNTY. 



during the march through Georgia. They 
took part in an engagement ten miles from 
Savannah, capturing the works and the camp of 
tlie enemy ; having one man killed, and three 
wounded. The regiment took part in the siege 
of Savannah, and after its capture was assigned 
quarters within the fortifications. Here they 
remained until the 18th of January, 1865. 

On that day the regiment crossed the Savan- 
nah river, and rejoined its division at Parisburg, 
S. C, twenty-five miles distant from Savannah. 
Owing to rains, they were water-bound until 
the 28th. The regiment marched with the 
army through South Carolina, doing its share 
in burning and destroying, tearing up railroads, 
and similar duties, to drive back the enemy's 
rear-guard. On the 16th of March they took 
position in the front, at the battle of Averys- 
boro, and were under fire until night. Ihey 
lost two men killed, and ten wounded. On the 
19th, the 31st was at the battle of Ben- 
tonville, in which ten were killed, and forty-two 
wounded. The regiment reached Goldsboro 
on the 24th of March, having been on the tramp 
sixty-five days, twenty-three of which tlni rain 
fell without cessation, many of them barefoot, 
and often hungry for twenty-four hours. On 
the 10th of April the army was again in motion, 
in the direction of Raleigh, when they heard of 
Johnston's surrender to Gen. Sherman. The 
regiment went into camp at Raleigh. On the 
30lh of April the twentieth army corps started 
for Washington, passing through Richmond, Va., 
on the 11th, and arrived at Alexandria May 20. 
On the 24th they took part in the grand review 
at Wasliington. On the 2d of June they were 
ordered to Louisville, where quarters were 
assigned to them. Six companies were mustered 
out, to date from June 20, and left for Madison 
June 21. They were paid off, and went to their 
homes July 8, 1865. The remaining companies 
remained in camp until July 8, and were mus- 
tered out, reaching Madison on the 12iii, and 
were paid off and discharged July 20, 1865. 



Another "Crawford County Company" — Com- 
pany A.— as before noticed, was made a part of 

THE FORTY-THIRD WISCONSIN REGIMENT. 

The 43d regiment, organized in the lat- 
ter part of 1864, left Nashville on the 1st of 
January, 1865, and moved to Deckerd, Tenn., 
by rail, where six companies went into camp, 
and four companies were detached to guard 
Elk river bridge. In the beginning of June they 
returned to Nashville, and were mustered out 
of service on the 24th of June. They soon after 
returned to Milwaukee, and were disbanded. 

There was, as previously indicated, a number 
of men from Crawford county in 

THE SECOND WISCONSIN CAVALRY. 

A special permit from the war department 
was obtained by Edward Daniels to raise a reg- 
iment of cavalry; and he received from Gov. 
Randall, ou the 30th of June, 1861, a commis- 
sion as lieutenant-colonel, as an indorsement 
of his commission from the general government. 
He immediately commenced recruiting, and 
formed a cam]) of rendezvous at Ripon, and 
soon drew together over 1,000 men. He soon 
after broke camp at Ripon, and moved to Ken- 
osha, at which place the regiment was camped 
at the close of 1861. The field and staff officers 
weie: Edward Daniels, colonel; O. H. La- 
grange, first major; Henry Pomeroy, second 
major; H. N. Gregory, surgeon; Charles Lord 
and H. W. Cansall, assistants; and J. E. Mann, 
quarter-master. The 2d Cavalry regiment, like 
the first, was organized under a special permit 
from the general government, granted to Hon. C. 
C. Washburn. Col. Washburn received his com- 
mission from Gov. Randall, indorsing the action 
of the general government, Oct. 10, 1861 and im- 
mediately commenced recruiting for his regi- 
ment, and formed a camp for rendezvous on the 
fair grounds at Milwaukee. The original field 
and staff officers, as far as known, were: 
Thomas Stevens, lieutenant-colonel; H. E. East- 
man, major; Levi Sterling, third major; W. H. 
Morgan, adjutant; C. G. Pease, surgeon; A. 
McBean, assistant; W. H. Brisbane, chaplain. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



507 



On the 28th of December, the 2d Cavalry 
numbered about 600 men. 

On the 24th of March, 1862, the regiment 
left Camp Washburn, under orders for St. Louis; 
al wliicli place they arrived on the 26th, and 
were quartered in Benton Barracks. Here they 
were mounted and completely equipped; and, 
on the 15th of May, the first battalion left for 
Jeflferson City, followed, on the 19th, by the 
second and third battalions. They left Jeffer- 
son City on the 28th en route for Springfield, 
where they arrived an the 10th of June. From 
SjjringSeld they were ordered, on the 13th, to 
join Gen. Curtis' command. The junction was 
effected at Augusta. They were present at the 
battle of Bayou Cache, on the 7th of July, and 
afterrt'ard accompanied Gen, Curtis' command 
to Helena, Ark., in the vicinity of which place 
they were at the close of 1862. 

Tliis regiment was familiarly known as "Wash- 
burn's Cavalry, "having been recruited as we have 
seen by C. C. Washburn. He was retained in its 
immediate command but a short lime, having 
beeon promoted to the position of brigadier- 
general. Col. Stephens, afterwards in command 
of tlte regiment, was formerly inspector general 
of this State. It was now in the third division 
of tlio Army of Eastern Arkansas, umU'r com- 
mand of Gen. Gorman. 

'I'lie regiment in February, 1 863, was at Mem- 
pliis,Tenn.,and remained there until the month of 
May, Lieub.-Col. Thomas Stephens in command. 
In April, a <letachment took part in the action at 
Cold Water, and did very active service. On 
the lOtli of June Maj.-Gen. Washburn was 
placed ill command of all the cavalry forces 
at .Memphis, and received orders to report to 
Gen. Grant at Vicksbiirg. On the 13th of June 
tile regiment was at Snyder's Bluff, engaged in 
scouting, up to July 4. On that day, they 
moved to the forks of Deer creek and Big Black 
river. On th(>ir way they received information 
of the surrender of Vicksburg. They took i)ai t 
in Gen. Sherman's expedition to Jackson, and 
on the! I- return encamped (June 29) within a 



short distance of Redbone church. The 3d 
cavalry was, in the latter part of 1862, at Fort 
Blunt, and on the 16th of July, 1863, marched 
southward, under command of Gen. Blunt. The 
next day, they were engaged in the battle of 
Honey Spring, in which the rebels were utterly 
routed, with the loss of many prisoners. On 
the 16th of August, they routed a superior force 
of the enemy; and, the day ensuing, attacked a 
large body of rebel Choctaw Indians, captur- 
ing their stores, and putting the whole force to 
flight. 

The 2d Cavalry on the 27th of May, 1864, 
moved to Vicksburg; and, on the Uth of May, 
the veterans returned from Wisconsin, Col. T. 
Stephens in command. The regiment was en- 
gaged in scouting in southwestern Missouri and 
northwestern Arkansas during the summer, and 
on the 1st of September returned to Vicksburg, 
and were engaged, in the months of October, 
November and December, in heavy scouting 
duty. On the 2d of December Lieut. -Col. Dale, 
with 250 men of the 2d Cavalry, encountered a 
large body of the enemy near Yazoo City, on 
the Vicksburg road, where two were killed, 
eight wounded and twenty-seven reported as 
taken prisoners. On the 8th of December the 
regiment moved up the river to Memphis, and 
were engaged in scouting, etc., to the last of 
April, 1865. 

The regiment was at Memphis the latter part 
of May, 1865, scouting, when they were put up- 
on the duty of guarding citizens from depreda- 
tions of rebel soldiers and bushwhackers. They 
were engaged in this duty until in June, when 
they were ordered to report to Gen. Sheridan 
at Alexandria, La. On the 3d of July Col. 
Stephens and the men whose term expired Oct. 
1, 1865, were mustered out, embracing about 
2i'0 men. The remainder 9f the regiment moved 
from Memphis to Alexandria, thence by way 
of Jasper, Livingston and Swartwout, to Trinity 
river, thence to Danville, Montgomery and 
Hempstead, Texas, where they arrived on the 
26th day of July, after a march of 310 miles in 



31 



508 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



nineteen days. Here they were employed in 
drilling and camp duty until the 30th of Octo- 
ber, when they commenced their march to 
Austin; where they arrived on the 4th of No- 
vember. They were mustered out on the 1.5th, 
and on the I7th set out for home, arriving at 
Madison Dec. 11, 1865, and were paid off and 
disbanded. 

CBAVFFORD COITNTY'S EOLL OF HONOR. 

The following are all the citizen soldiers of 
Crawford county, so far as they can now be 
ascertained, arranged under the towns in which 
they lived at tlie time of their enlistment: 

TThose marked (ai were killed in action; (h), died of 
wounds received in action; (c), died of disease; (d), died 
prisoners of war; (e), killed by accident]. 

TOWN OF BBIDGEPOBT. 

Second Infantry. — Co. I.: Jacob Purcell. 

Sixth Infantry. — Co. C : Burton Packard, 
Stephen D. Bean. 

Twenty- fifth Infantry. — Co. A: Philo Curley. 

Thirty-first Infantry. — Co. A: Ithamer C. 
Burges. Co. D: Moses Barrette, Fredrick Bran- 
des, George Curley. 

Thirty-seventh Infantry. — Co. I : Edward 
Thurston. 

TOWN OF CLAYTON. 

Sixth Infantry. — Co. C: Alexander Turk, 
Rollin Abbey, Austin Chadwyne c, John Q. 
T. Jordan, Elias Turner, C. D. Lamport, Samuel 
B. Mitchel. Co. E: James West. 

Seventh Infantry. — Co. C: Lawrence Dowl- 
ing. 

Tiiirteenth Infantry. — Co. I: Forger Mun- 
sou, Severt Wilkerson. 

Fifteenth Infantry. — Co. I: William Black, 
Samuel Brigg c, George A. Smith, Coleman 
Winn c. 

Twenty-first Infantry. — Co. E: Michael Gor- 
man. 

Thirty-first Infantry.— Co. A: Samuel F. 
Brown, Corporal. Co. D: Jonathan W. Ad- 
ney, William H. Evans. 

Thirty-fifth Infantry.— Co. C: George W. 
Pugb. 

Thirty-sixth Infantry. — Co. H: Samuel H. 
Hayes c. 



Thirty-seventh Infantry. — Co. G : William 
Hounsell. 

Forty-third Infantry.— Co. A: William El- 
den. ' 

TOWN OF BASTMAN. 

Third Infantry. — Co. H: Thomas Jones c. 

Sixth Infantry. — Co. C : John Davidson, 
William W. Fisher a, Simon P. Rittenhouse, 
Joseph Dennis, James T. MoUery, John Gospel, 
Hiram West. 

Eighth Infantry. — Co. F: Zenas Beack, 1st 
Lieut., James T. McClure a, 1st Sergt., Alexan- 
der M. Beach, Sergt., Alonzo Allen, Gonzaque 
Busher, Frank Brady, Samuel J. Burlock, Ed- 
ward Ellis c, Eben Hayden, Fred Lang c, 
Albert Mallory c, Edward Ostrander c, Charles 
A. Rossenbeck. 

Eleventh Infantry.— Co. G: Edwin D. Part- 
ridge, William Fisher. 

Eighteenth Infantry.— Co. H: William W. 
Bruner. 

Nineteenth Infantry. — Co. A: Silas A. Samp- 
hear. 

Thirty-first Infantry. -Co A: Milo J. Strong, 
Sergt., Robert Wisdom, Corpl., John B. Coyle, 
William Haley, Daniel T. Sage, Alfred Wal- 
lin, Joseph Wallin. Co. D: Lyman Cook, 
James McCann, James Tucker, John Vowrak. 
Co. K: Leonard A. Bonney, 1st Lieut., Aure- 
lius P. Zander, 1st Sergt., Henry A. Bailey, 
Michael HoUey, John Mischo, Eugene L. Ros 
senback, Robert M. Thomas. 

Thirty-sixth Infantry. — Co. H: George H. 
Hazen, Blitha G. Thomas. 

Forty-third Infantry. — Co. A: Michael Dona- 
hue, Joseph Ott, David Roy, David Sibido, 
David C. Posey, Alfred Belrichard, William C. 
Coales, Joseph A. Elis c, Michael Gronerb, 
Daniel Stackland. 

Second Cavalry. — Co. C: Aaron C. Hazen c. 

TOWN OF FREEMAN. 

Sixth Infantry. — Co. I: Charles Dibble a. 

Eighth Infantry.— Co. F: Martin Finley, 
Charles S. Twoin c, Samuel J. Lewis e, Zacha- 
riah McQueen c. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



509 



Tenth Infantry. — Co. G: Andrew Knudson. 

Twelfth Inf.intry. — Co. K: Lewis Johnson, 
Henry Johnson, Thomas Lyme, Erick Knu3son, 
Andrew Knudson, Othalis T. McQueen, An- 
dr(!W Oleson. 

Forty-second Infantry. — Co. B: Veranus E. 
Akin, Corpl., William P. Hill, Mathew E. Law- 
rence, Benjamin F. Olin. Co. D: Ole Oleson. 

Forty-ninth Infantry. — Co. F: Andrew Lewis, 
Andrew Rogerson. 

Fiftieth Infantry. — Co. B: Erastus H. Ames. 

TOWN OF HANEY. 

Eleventh Infantry. — Co. I: Alexander Wil- 
kin s, Henry D. Crow. 

Thirty-first Infantry.— Co. A : Gilbert E. 
Ilawand, John D. Welch. Co. D: John C. 
Be'lvillc, 1st Sergt., James Rinehart, Corpl., 
Lewis IJartlett, Nathan K. Coleman, David V. 
Coleman, John Coleman, Nathan Coleman c, 
Phillip H. Moon, David J. McCullick, Ira N. 
Miller, Joseph Mars c, Ephriam H. Turk, Josiah 
Willsey. Co. K: John II. Fortney, II. D. 
Crow, C. D. Kast c. Edward Gray. 

Forty-third Infantry. — Co. C : G. George 
Barnuin, William W. Myers, Charles A. Miller. 

Forty-seventh Infantry. — Co. E : Charles 
Miller. Co. G: Loyd Kelley, Sergt., Robert 
B. Austin, Isaac E. Crow, Benjamin G. ]Moon. 

Forty-ninth Infantry. — Co. F: William 
Biickner. 

TOWN OF MARIETTA. 

Eleventh Infantry. — Co. B : George Clark. 
Co. I: Hiram Wood. 

Twelfth Infantry. — Co. K : Edwin Rogers, 
Leysen I'.Janchin, William G. Wayne, Samuel 
W.iync, Franklin Wilsay, Stephen S. Ferrell. 

Twenlieth Infantry.— Co. C: John Fritz c, 
Richard Iloyle. Co. D : Robert Reynolds r, 
Joseph Bice f>, Scth Reynolds. Co. I: John 
Quigley. 

Twenty-first Infantry. — Co. E: William 
Posey. 

Thirty-third Infantry. — Co. A: William San- 
ders. Co. B: Thomas W.Reynolds, Corpl., Al- 
fred A. Rogers, James Shields c, Frederick 



Tipp, George Thompson. Co. G: George E. 
Harrington 1st Lieut., Martin Adams, William 
W. Bruce, Thomas Ward, Corpl. c, Edward F. 
Cheever, Albertus V. Cheever, Griffiin Hurl- 
burt e, Louis K. Pierce, Charles A. Steele, 
William Sanders, Jackson R. Wilson. 

Forty-third Infantry. — Co. C: Isaac Thorp. 

Forty-seventh Infantry. — Co. E: Daniel Rog- 
ers, Jonathan Rogers, Seth Reynolds. Co. G: 
Eli Emmons, Corpl., John A. McDaniel, Corpl., 
Josiah B. Bedient, Patrick Carlin, Francis M. 
Cheever, James Perrill, James C. Jones, Moses 
Lary, Hugh McDaniel, Charles B. Miller, John 
T. McDaniel, James McDaniel, Thomas Mc- 
Knight, Daniel Q. R. Smith, Wilson Shoekley, 
Benjamin Shoekley, Chauncey H. Steele. 

Forty-ninth Infantry. — Co., F: Ei*s Jen- 
nings. 

TOWN OF PRAIRIE DU CHIEN. 

First Infantry. — Benjamin F. White, surgeon. 

Second Infantry. — Co. B: Dane B. Peon. 

Third Infantry. — Co. B: Cyrus Fairfield, 
Silas Streeter. Co. C: Michael Burke, Moses 
Dunn. Co. F: Matthew Ilowk, Thomas C.Lin- 
ton. 

Fifth Infantry. — Co. B: Danford A. Carpen- 
ter. Co. K: August Frang, Martin Zimpfer. 
Co. II: George H. St. Clair. 

Sixth Infantry.-Philip W. Plummer, Major a. 
John Davidson, Adjt., William Whaley, musi- 
cian, Edward W. Plummer, Com. Sergt. Co. A : 
William Kilner, A. L. Pearson. Co. B : Ter- 
ence McCahe, (drafted). Co. C : A. L. Hooe, 
Capt., Thomas W. Plummer, Capt., E. A. Wha- 
ley, Capt., Philip W. Plummer, Ist Lieut., Loyd 
G. Harris, 1st Lieut., Orrin D. Chapman, 2d 
Lieut., Norman S. Bull, 2d Lieut., Charles II. 
Putney Ist Sergt., George Adams, 2d Sergt., c, 
Judson Hurd, 2d Sergt., John W. Findy c, 
Lemuel Bailey, Corpl., Simon W. Hubbard, 
Corpl., Edward A. Bottura, A. M. Young, Wil- 
liam P. Armstrong a, Mathews Andrews, Jesse 
Adams, Amman Christian, Alexander lioyd a, 
Simpson M. Brewer, James G. Conklin, Richard 
Corcoran, John Drysdale c, Samuel R. W. 



510 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Faulkner, Albert L. Fish c, Peter L. Gulberg, 
Willard Gilmore, Daniel D. Havens, Ezra P. 
Hewett h, John H. Hall, Lemuel P. Harvey, 
Henry Miller, Henry E. Pettit, George Russell, 
GotliebSchiortzer,Josepli Vallainin, William H. 
Wollin, Daniel M. Wordman, Wyndort Wim- 
ple, William Winney, Alfred R. Withrow, 
Charles E. White, Robert White, Julius Wei- 
man, George W. Wilson, Frank Young, Jacob 
Snider, Charles H. Clay, Adam Rau, Harvy B. 
Vangarder, Leeter B. Martin, Stanley Vander- 
wather c. Co. D: John Davidson, John Bew- 
man, Edward W. Pluramer, Francis Gray 

a. Co. G : Phillip W. Plummer, Capt., Joseph 
Brader c, Isidore Morean, Isaac W. Roberts. 

Seventh Infantry. — Co. F: Julius B. Nicku- 
son. 

Eighth Infantry. — Co. F: James H. Greene, 
Capt., Byron Hewitt, Corpl., Samuel Tillotson, 
CorpL, James Patterson, Corpl., Charles Belrich- 
ard c. Edward C. Dwight, Stephen Dawson c, 
Thurlow W. Lacy, Justus Fish, Martin Myland c, 
Jacob Paul, Michael Pelland, Joseph Ruff, 
Ferdenand Ruba, Anton Shulka, Francis II. 
Wagner. 

Ninth Infantry. — Co. E: John A. Fingerly, 
Frederick Ilouk, Louis Heileck, Henry Hageiie, 
Charles Witteman. Co. H: John A. Fingerly 

b. Co. K: John Mather, or Walber. 

Tenth Infantry. — Co. F : Moses F. Aberna- 
thy. 

Eleventh Infantry. — Co. G: Samuel Jenks. 
Co. H: Sebastian Morisis. 

Twelfth Infantry. — Co. G: Charles Branden, 
Hiram Chase, George S. Cooper, Hiram Gilmore, 
Frederick Gongoware, Patrick Keyes, George 
Long, James Swart, Theodore Woods. 

Thirteenth Infantry.— Co. B: Thomas Cash- 
man. 

Fifteenth Infantry. — Co. F: Edward Larra- 
viere, Cor|)l., Duff. G. Bruuson, Corpl., Ambrose 
Brunette, Arretus Butler, John Connelly (No. ,3), 
Thos. Cushman, Edward Delaney, Felix De- 
caire, Oliver Denoe a, Erick Hazelins c, Paul 
Osberg c, Richard Richardson, Victor William. 



Co. I: John C. Williams a, Frank Keiser, Chas. 
Schlenter. 

Eighteenth Infantry. — Joshua J. Whitney, 
Asst. Surgeon. Co. A: W. P. Tinkham. Co. K: 
Chas. N. Hitchcock. 

Nineteenth Infantry. — Co. A: Wm. A. Gale. 
Co. G: Wm. Gale. Co. K: Henry K. Sherman. 

Twentieth Infantry. — Co. A: Everington Van 
Warmer. Co. I: Henry Brandes. . 

Twenty-first Infantry. — Co. A: John Dale, 
Casper Buehl, Simon Cull, Charles Verley. Co. 
G: John B. Cardy. Co. H: James F. Kast, Owen 
Kenedy, John W. Rue, Peter Richards. 

Twenty-fifth Infantry.— Co. A: Cyrus C. Ben- 
nett. 

Thirty-first Infantry.— Field and Staff: Isaac E. 
Messmore, colonel, RufusKing, quarter-master, 
William F. Benson, quarter-master, Darius Ma- 
son, Surgeon, Alfred Brunson, chaplain, Aaron 
Denio, 1st quarter-master sergt., Edward S. Ed- 
dy, hospital steward. Co. A: Henry A. Chase, 
Capt., George F. Lewis, 1st Lieut., William S. 
Rainier, Sergt., Thomas H, Livermore, Corpl., 
Albert T. Lewis, Corpl., James Allen, Jedariah 
Cole, Spencer E. Farnam, David S. Hill, Sam- 
uel S. Hewitt, George R. Hill c, Isaac Johnson, 
John C. Kellogg, William S. Martin, Alexander 

Newman, Pugmire, Joseph Prew, George 

W. Russell, Andrew W. Shepard, William 
Shipley, Samuel Tinker, Hartwell H. Wilkerson, 
Robert Wilson, Frederick Watts, Gottlob J. 
Zech. Co. D: Ormsby B. Thomas, Capt. 
Nathaniel C. Denis, Capt., Charles W. Lock- 
wood, 1st Lieut., David Van Wert Jr., 2d lieut., 
John C. Seybold, Sergt., Raphael Boisvert, 
Sergt., Theophilus G. Brunson, Sergt., Aaron 
Denio Jr., Sergt., Levi Grandy, Corpl., Jolm 
Valentine, Corpl., John K. Wolfe, corpl. 
Thomas Tokes, Corpl., John P. Mathew, Corpl. c, 
Orlando W. Berge, Austin Birge, Edwin N. 
Baron, John Betz, John T. Baker, Edwin P. 
Curtiss, Patrick Finley, Zachariah F. Furgesou, 
Joseph Gale or Yale, John Grace, Henry Hard- 
rich, John Maginiss, William Maxwell, John 
McCluskey, James McCluskey, Hugh Mines, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



511 



George W. Oswald, Jeremiah Phelps, Richard 
D. Phelps, Cornelius Russell, Patrick Ryan, 
Martin D. Smith, David St. Germain, George 
W. Smith, William Ward, Joseph Villeraain, 
Peter Ward. Co. H: Byron Hewitt, Capt. Co. 
I: Daniel Boiswert, John R B. A. Boiswert, 
Louis Chewert. Co. K: Edwin A. Bottum, 
Capt., Theophilus G. Brunson, 2d lieut., Wil- 
liam A. Bottum, 1st sergt., John A. McClure 
Corpl. c, Edwin N. Baron, Richard D. Bull, 
Thomas Cashman, Eugene Durand, Francis 
Gaulthier, Baker Knowlton, August Kessler, 
Peter La Pointe, Samuel H. Merrill, George 
Pease, James L Sappington, Otis Stafford, Cy- 
rus Sharp. 

Thirty-third Lifantry. — Co. A: Ebenezer C. 
Miller. 

Thirty-sixth Infantry. — Co. H: Samuel Ole- 
son (.'. 

Thirty-seventli Infantry. — Co. G: Miles 
Smith. Co. I: Lester L. Cowdry. 

Fortieth Infantry.— Co. E: Edward F. O'Neill, 
corporal. 

Forty-second Infantry. — Co. D: Battiece 

Wauliaii. 

Forty-third Infantry. — Charles H. Williams, 
S. M. Co. A: William Partridge, Lieut., James 
H. McHenry, Sergt., Theophilus G. Brunson, 
Sergt., Patrick F. Hauley, Sergt., Charles H. 
Williams, Corpl., John Doyle, Augustus O'Neill, 
B.aptisle L. Roque, Corpl., Nathan C. Skelton, 
Jerred At wood, Eugene A. Brisbois, Cicero C. 
Ciiase, William Chase, John J. Conkling c, Hen- 
ry Delaney, Samuel Dwachet, Michael Feather- 
stone, William Garry, Albert Gauthier, Michael 
Higgins, Dennis Hayes, Ambrose Lovyer, An- 
drew Nprris, William H. Pierce, Eli Richards, 
Orlean Stram, Daniel Derry. Co. C: John T. 
Zeitz, Sergt., Albert Erdenberger, Carl Erden- 
berger. Co. H: Elijah L. Lyon, Ist Lieut., 
•lolm Coughlin, Timothy Donehue, William B. 
I.acy, John C. Montgomery, Jene S. Smith. 

Koity-lifih Infantry.— Co. C: Daniel R. Law- 
rence, sergt., Albert Green, corpl. 



Forty-eighth Infantry. — Co. C: Edwin A. Bot- 
tum, Capt., Theophilus Darnes, Sergt , Edwin W. 
Barnes, Sergt., Samuel Batcheldor, Sergt., Hen- 
ry Hull, Sergt., John Wagwigan, Sergt., Frank 
L. Hodges, Corpl., Hiram Batcheldor, Corpl., 
Joseph H. Clark, Corp]., Joshua A. Bradley, 
Corpl., Philip AVisenberger, Corpl., Charles L. 
Allen, Hamilton Burges, Ezra Boyle, John 
Covell, Michael Delury, Michael Donley, Moses 
Duguette, John Elder, Paul Fernelle, Lucius 
R. Fitch, John Green, Michael Godfrey, Charles 
Ilonge, David Hickok, Patrick Kelly, John L. 
Lyon, Joseph Laroque, Peter Lesor, Patrick 
McArdle, Thomas E. Wagwigan, Alexander 
McClaferty, Charles Oazvis, Edward Portwine, 
William. L. Russell, Charles Reihin, John F. 
Root, Tildon T. Root, Addison L. Root, Daniel 
H. Root, Joseph Shefield, Abner Shrake, Adam 
Shrakc, Henry H. Thomas, Jabus Tasker, Char- 
les Wattles, John F. Willoughby, Thomas W. 
Alsif, George W. Beals, Joseph Riah. Co. K: 
Christian H. Miller. 

Fifty-second Infantry. — Co. C: Vino Wales. 

First Cavalry.— Co. C: William T. Shawl, 
Willi.am Shillers, John W. Warley, William 
Worley c, John U'erley. Co. F: Henry Brag 
c, Daniel T. Brown, Jonas Fuller c. Co. I: 
William Lots, Frederick Schiller. 

Second Cavalry. — Co. C: Chancey Blaucher, 
1st lieut., Joseph Barrette, Franklin Bacon, 
George T. Doyle, John E. Hall, Enoch Ilaney 
Samuel A. Young, John T. Hewitt, Benjamin 
F. Ilowland. 

Third Cavalry.— Co. D: Alfred Berkley, 1st 
Lieut. 

Light Artillery. — 8th Battery: Thomas L. 
Redlow. Thirteenth Battery: Chauncey Tib- 
betts. 

TOWN OP SCOTT. 

Eleventh Infantry. — Co. I: Oscar Dilley, 
Elijah T. Davis. 

Twelfth Infantry.— Co. K: Ira T. Dilley. 

Thirty-first Infantry.— Co. D: W' illiani II. 
Sloan. 

Thirty-sixth Infantry. — Co. H: Jacob Graver. 



512 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Forty-seventh Infantry. — Co. G: James B. 
Newcomb, Sergt., William W. Tate, Sergt., Geo. 
W. Bedient, Corpl., Robert Duncan, Corpl., 
Charles F. Coulbourn, Corpl., Robert Eyers, 
William Flanagan, Tompkins Green, Allen D. 
Greenfield, George E. Harrington, Seymour C. 
Hurlburt, Lentler Herlocker, Daniel Q. R. 
Smith, Samuel Wood c. 

Forty-ninth Infantry. — Co. F: Charles H. 
Lawrence, Alphonso Slade, James Turk. 

TOWN OF SENECA. 

Fifth Infantry.— Co. G: Morris E. Brown. 

Sixth Infantry. —Co. C: George Fairfield, 
Richard A. Marston a, Alfred T. Onderkirk, 
Walter' G. Pease, William H. Pease, Morton 
Prothero, George Copsay, George Green c, 
Peter George, Alvin Bundy, William B. Cock- 
erill. 

Eighth Infantry.— Co. F: Willard D. Chap- 
man, Sergt. a, Charles H. Green, Corpl. c, 
Michael Maloney, Corpl., Henry E. Butterfield, 
James Hamilton, Chas. Munn c, John Peters a, 
George M. Robbins, .John W. Smith, William 
H. Thompson, Darius Welch. 

Eleventh Infantry. — Co. A: Patrick Ewright, 
Dennis Ewright. Co. G: Benedict Ruchti, 
Henry Russell. 

Twelfth Inf antry.— Co. K: James Clark,Corpl., 
George C. Bonny, James M. Beane, George 
Mellison, George D. Clark, 2d Lieut., William F. 
Slater. 

Fifteenth Infantry. — James Demmings, Hosp. 
Surgeon. Co. A: John Bray, Patrick Ryan, 
James P. Finley. 

Eighteenth Infantry. — Co. C: John H.Graham, 
1st Lieut., William Nittle. Co. K: Thomas 
Finley, Sergt. c. 

Nineteenth Infantry. — Co. E: Clarence Wilke. 

Twentieth Infantry.— Co. A: Charles W. 
Clark. 

Thirty-first Infantry. — Co. A: George Lyman, 
2d Lieut., Harrison H. Whaley, 1st Sergt., John 
C. Inman, Sergt., Dcalson Tichenor, Sergt., 
John Smethurst, Wells Briggs, Samuel W. 
Clark, Pizard Cook, Daniel Canfield, James Da- 



vidson, John Ewing, Newel H, Hopkins, Cyrus 
C. Knapps, Joseph Michael, Artimus McDon- 
ald, Archibald Montgomery, Owen E. Miller, 
Henry D. Shilto, Joseph Smethurst, Ira W. 
Thayer, Alfonso F. Tichenor, Ozral Watson. 
Co. D: Samuel Armstrong, James Boyles Renel 
F. Haskins c, Artenius .McDonald, Timothy Sul- 
livan, William True. Co. H: Freeman R. Pease, 
Sergt. Co. K: William True, Corpl., James J. 
Gear, James Boyles, George Dean, Samuel N. 
Daggett, George H. Harrington, Cyrus C. 
Knapps, George W. Newton, Henry C. Rose, 
James N. Searle, Henry Vanderbilt, William 
Withey. 

Thirty-third Infantry, — Co. B: James J. Har- 
ris, John T. Nicholson. Co. G: Henry Russell. 

Thirty-sixth infantry. — Co. H: Sinas E. Pease, 
Albert Wright d. 

Thirty-eighth Infantry. — Co. A: James ]Mc- 
Cormick. 

Forty-third Infantry.— Co. C: William H. 
Thompson, Corpl., Joseph B. Copper, Corpl., 
James Sinithurst, Corpl. Co. II: Peter Casey, 
Zenas A. Canfield, Charles Ruebu, Thomas Ryan, 
Isaac Davis c. 

Forty-fifth Infantry. — Co. C: Charles Cayo, 
Samuel Countryman, William W. Harrington, 
David L. Heligass, William Huard, Daniel 
Kane, Joseph Mercer, George J. Millett, Jr., 
Charles Valley, Oscar Varo. 

Forty-sixth Infantry. — Co. C: Kanut Forge- 
son, Daniel George. 

Forth-ninth Infantry. — Co. F; Bowdeoinc 
Crowd, Israel Lind, Hugh Porter. 

Fifty-second Infantry. — Co. C: George Bras- 
kin, William Dickson, John E. Rathbun, Eli- 
sha F. Randall. 

TOWN OF tTTICA. 

Sixth Infantry. — Co. C: Harvey B. Ritlen- 
house, Geo. R. Twining, Agrim Thora])snn, 
Nathaniel W.Wells, Nathaniel Lester, Patrick 
Lency, Benj. Lester. 

Seventh Infantry. — Co. B: G. Ingebrighton. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



513 



Eighth Infantry.— Co. F: Geo. H. Sterling. 
Corpl., Freeman A. Wilder c, Aden Sherwood, 
Archibald Sears. 
Elevenlli Infantry. — Co. I: Isaac R. .Tanks. 
TweUtli Infantry.— Co. A: John H. Mc Cul- 
les. Co. K: John O'Connoi', 2nd Sergt., Hover 
Hooverson 1st Corpl. Lewis Olson, Corpl., 
Peter Peterson, Corpl., Caleb Maznard, John 
Olson, Ole Peterson, Torger Torgerson, Ed- 
mund Fisher, Ole T. Nash, Andrew Searight. 
Fourteenth Infantry. — Co. E: Geo. W. Green. 
Fifteenth Infantry. — Co. A: David George. 
Co. II: Ilans C. Larmsen, Ole II. Rome, Thomas 
A. Sandvig. Co. I: Christopher Currier, Samuel 
C. Hyde, Samuel E. Sheilds, Sergt. 

Eighteenth Infantry. — Co. B: Patrick Quinn, 
Joseph H. Brightman. 

Twenty-fifth Infantry.— Co. A: Robert E. 
Mc Crellis, 1st Sergt., John H. Mc Crellis, Ed- 
ward F. Huntington c. 

Thirty-first Infantry. — Henry S. Twining, 
Hosp. Stew. Co. A: Edward Thompson, Sergt., 
Thomas W. Gay, Corpl., James Abbott, Stephen 
N. Hroekway, James S. Dudley, Nicholas Grant 
Henry C. Newcomb, Able C. Stelle, Orsamus 
B. Swift, Gardener Stearns, Jas. H. Stevens, 
Nelson A. Tolraan, Aaron C. R. Vaughan, A. P. 
E. Vauglian Co. D: Cushman Rogers, Corpl., 
Frank Stien, Marion Boyer, Henry N. Clink, 
Martin Hact, Edward R.James, Israel, .Tohn- 
son, Patrick Mur])hy, Geo. W. Phillips, Andrew 
Sherwood, Norman Sherwood a, David M. 
Twining, Henry S. Twining, Geo. W. Thack- 
ery. Barton D. Woodburn, Samuel R. Wolery. 
Co. K: Cornelius L. Allen, Edmund Packard, 
Dav id Beard. 

Thirty-third Infantry. — Co. G: Jas. K. 
Vanamberg, Corpl. c. 

Thirty-sixth Infantry. — Co. II: Jonathan B. 
Coyur, Wm. Coe, Solomon Flick, John E. 
Howell c, Wm. H. Haynes, Marcus S. Lull c, 
David R. .Mullikin, Thomas Moris a, Wm. Mc- 
Mammus, Thomas O.scar, Oliver I. Peck, Rich- 
ard R. Parker c, Mathew Stunkard, Ole Sever- 
8011, Peter Thompson, Everett Werdburn a. 



Forty-third Infantry. — Co. A: Edward, P. 
Briggs, Sergt., Wm. Lewis, Jonas McCullick, 
Wm. H. Payne, Samuel M. Turk. Go. C: Eman- 
uel George, Jas. Jackson, Samuel NiclioLsou, 
Wm. Nicholson, Frederick Nicholson. 

Forty-fifth Infantry. — Co. C: Denis Hag- 
arty, Patrick Kelly. 

Forty-sixth Infantry. — Co. C: Ingebrit Pe- 
terson. Co. K: Battaso Oprecht. 

Forty-ninth Infantry. — Co. F: Jas. Allen. 

First Cavalry.— Co. B: Lynderraan Wright. 
Co. G: Harvey E. Tooker Corpl., Albert Tooker, 
Corpl. Co. E: John Emmerick c. 

TOWN OP W^AUZEKA. 

Third Infantry. — Co. B: Chas. Cookerbaker. 
Si.xth Infantry. — Co. C: Jacob Lemons, 1st. 
Sergt. 

Eighth Infantry.— Co. F: Bedford Bush, 
Sergt., John Clark c, Joseph H. Griffin c, Joseph 
Lemons, John Thomas c. 

Eleventh Infantry. — Co. A: Washington A. 
Vaughn. 

Twentieth Infantry. — Co. A: Reuben A. 
Brown, Geo. W. Dowse a, Jas. B. Mumford, 
Geo. W. Posey, Jas. B. Posey b, Moses II. 
Philmlee, Jacob W. Rue, Geo. W. Russell, 
John S. Seely, Milton H. Wayne. 

Thiity-first Infantry. — Co. A: John Harold, 
Coipl., Samuel H. Griffin, Edward Hale, An- 
drew M. Ilale. Co. D: Manley E. Mumford, 1st. 
Sergt., John Coghlan, Sergt., Reuben Cooley, 
Michael Dunn, John H. Furtney, Geo. O. Har- 
rison, August Kesler, Samuel T. Whitehead, 
David Wright, Corpl. Co. H: ^Vm. L. Oswald, 
Corpl. Co. K: John Devowrak, Geo. O. Harri- 
son, Philip Leocke, James McCann, Geo. W. 
llasey. 

Thirty-third Infantry .—Co. B: Wm. H.Em- 
ery c. 

Thirty-eighth Infantry. — Co. F: Robert E. 
Lawrence. 

Forty-third Infantry .-Co. A: Ensign R. 'I'uttle, 
Kertland Tutlle. Co. II: Henry Phillip, Jasper 
Harris, Lewis W. Harvey, Geo. Rider, Joseph 
Volliner, Nelson Wright, Lewis Mickcnhane c. 



5U 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Forty-ninth Infantry. — Co. F: A. Brown, 
John Polander. Co. H: Orlando Vaughan. 
Second Cavalry. — Co. C: John K. Hazel. 
Third Cavalry. — Co. I: Geo. L. Bowen. 

CRAWFOED COUNTY AT LARGE. 

Fifth Infantry.— Co. A: Alfred H. Hubbard, 
H. A. Hubbard c. 

Sixth Infantry. — Co. C: John Shaw. 

Eleventh Infantry — Co. G: Kingsley R. 
Boyd. 

Twelfth Infantry— Co. A: Cyrus C. Ben- 
nett. Co. K: George H. Fuzzard, Corpl., 
Caleb Pinkham, Joseph Pinkham, Thomas 
Slater, John Fuzzard, Philip Davenport, Lem- 
iteius J. Green, Beadford Guist, Hugh Dowl- 
ing, Rohspier Mills, James Ewing c, Henry R. 
Mures b, Isaiah Wood c, Andrew Erickson c, 
Frank B. Cordler^ John B. Lewis, George E. 
Montague, George W. Squire, William F. M. 
Kast, Henry C. Kast, Floyd Kelly, James W. 
Kast c. 

Fifteenth Infantry. — Co. I: William Single, 
John Whitaker. 

Thirty-first Infantry. — Co. A: Edward Gray, 
Sergt., John C. Wood, Lieut., Philip Laike, Ole 
Johnson, Luke Lapolnte c, Samuel H. Mer- 
rell, Baptiste Mareot, Edwin Parkard, George 
W. Newton, George Pease, Henry C Rose, 
Otis Stafford, James S. Sapington, Joseph W. 
Searle, Cyrus S. Sharp, Zacheriah Wright. Co. 
D: John B. A. Boisvent, Deater N.Ames, 
Daniel Boisvent, Marcus T. C. Copper c, Lewis 
Chenvert, Michael Dumphy, William DeLau- 
iiay, Louis Godfrey, Frank Gautthier, John A. 
Looby, David Lemons c, Richard Pierce c, Hen- 
ry W. Mumford, James Murphy, Dallas Wil- 
der. 

Forty-fourth Infantry. — Co. H: Thomas J. 
Ellsworth. 

Forth-seventh Infantry. — Co. E: Alfred Bon- 
ney, Richard Hancock, Michael D. Dowling, 
Alonzo Ward. Co. G: James D. Haze, James 
M. Jobe. 



POSTOFFICES THAT THE TOWNS ARE NOT GIVEN. 
ROLLING GROUND. 

Thirty-first Infantry. — Co. D: John Copass, 
Wesley Lenox. Co. K: Jonathan W. Adnoy. 

Thirty-third Infantry. — Co. 1>: John A. 
Clase, corpl., George Cronk, Robert E. Glover, 
William Gafi^ny, Ciphas Pinkham, Cornelius 
Young, Ilulbert Young. Co. G: C. E. Clossoii, 
Sergt., Squire Toney, Corpl., Francis Hynes, 
Corpl., Henry Payne. 

TELLERS CORNERS. 

Thirty-first Infantry. — Co. K: Allanson 
Graves, sergt. 

Thirty-third Infantry— Co. B: Lewis W. 
Graham, William Mindham, Co. G: Alexan- 
der Wilkin. 

TURNERS CORNERS. 

Forty-ninth Infantry. — Co. F: Robert Ross. 

CROWS MILLS. 

Thirty-first Infantry. — Co. D: Jeremiah N. 
Kast. Co. K: Josiah Wilsey c. 

ROLLING CENTER. 

Thirty-first Infantry.— Co. D: Willard F. 
McMillin, 

WAR EXTRACTS FROM COUNTY PAPERS. 

From the bombardment of Fort Sumter to 
the death of Abraham Lincoln, there were 
published in the Courier (and after the estab- 
lishment of the Unio)i, in that paper also) many 
items of interest relating to the war. These, of 
course, are, in their nature, transitory, but of 
importance as reflecting the feeling of the peo- 
l)le at home and of the soldiers in the army. As 
they form an every day record of the hardships 
and trials of the times, and it is a pleasing pas- 
time to recall these already nearly forgotton 
incidents, many of them are here preserved. 

EXTRACTS FROM THE COURIER. 

May 2, 1861. — The present claimants having 
this fort [Crawford] in possession, and all the 
fort property, [in Prairie du Chien] have ten- 
dered it to the governor, for the use of tlie 
troops, and are desirous it should be the rendez- 
vous for the 3d regiment. That the proposi- 
tion will be readily accepted by Gov. Randall 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



515 



tliere can be but little doubt. As to the capac- 
ity for accommodation of troops there is no 
l)etter garrison in the northwest. The repairs 
n('C( ssary are not material, and the volunteers 
could make the entire fort as comfortable in 
every quarter as any private residence in the 
land in live days. The rooms are all arranged 
with regard to the health and convenience of 
soldiers, in both fort and hospital. There is no 
pleasaiiter, or more healthy location in the 
world. The prairie also affords the best imag- 
inable parade grounds, where 100,000 troops 
have room to perform all necessary movements. 
Tlie price of living would very likely be cheaper 
here than in any other portion of the State. 

Mr. William E. Parish, who recently awaited 
upon Gov. Randall at the request of the volun- 
teers and obtained the commissions for their 
officers, was also authorized to offer the use of 
Fort Crawford to the State. lie has done so, 
and taking into consideration our facilities in 
the way of telegraph, railway and steamer 
communication with all points of the country, 
the governor could not select a more conven- 
ient place for the location of a large number of 
troops than at Fort Crawford. In less than 
three days 100,000 men could be sent down the 
river from this point into the very heart of the 
southern States. 

May 5. — The company of Crawford county 
volunteers is now full, has l)een thoroughly or- 
ganized, drilled for two weeks, and on the 
whole, are a line appearing company of men. 
They are all alive with the right feeling, desir- 
ous of perfecting themselves in military tactics, 
and are making rapid progress in the acquire- 
ment of military knowledge. The officers and 
many of the men have had considerable ex- 
perience in military matters. The officers elected 
are as follows: 

Captain. — Alexander S. Hooe. 

Lieutenant. — Philip Plummer. 

Ensign. — William Partridge. 

1st. Sergt. — L. G. Harris. 

M " G. W. Adams, 



.3d Sergt.— Jud Kurd. 

4th " J. W. Fonda. 

1st Corpl.— B. Bush. 

2d " B. McGinty. 

3d " J. N. Chestnur. 

4th " M. C. Lewis. 

Privates. — W. P. Armstrong, C. Amnion, I\I. 
Andrews, A. Boyd, E. A. Bottum, N. L. Bull, 
William Bailey, L. Bailey, II. L. Bottum, C. 
Blanchar, II. E. Buttertield, S. Barney, S. 
Bailey, I. Bull, I. W. Blake, O. D. Chapman, 
J. Clark, J. D. Conklin, W. R. Coleman, W.- 
D. Chapman, J. Davidson, H. W. Drew, E. A. 
Dwight, J. E. Earl, J. H. Fonda, E. E. Forsyth, 
G. Fairchild, J. Fisk, S. R. W. Fuller, W. S. 
Green, J. Grace, R. E. Glover, L. Harvey, C. 
P. Hooper, S. S. Havens, J. Hall, E. P. Hewitt, 
G. Harrington, J. Ingmundson, H. Keyes, W. 
Kelley, O. Kavanaugh, P. Lock, M. C. Lewis, 
R. A. Lawrence, F. McMillen, A. Marston, H. 
H. Miller, N. Myland, A. Onderkirk, T. Os- 
wald, "W. Pease, "W. Prothero, C. II. Putney, 
William Russell, C. R. Shirland, G. Schweizer, 
"William Slater, G. H. Sterling, J. Shaw, K. 
Tuttle, D. Thompson, J. W. Thayer, A. Ter- 
rick, II. Veasy, D. Van Gorder, J. Villenmir, II. 
Vanderbilt, W. H. Wallen, M. Weber, V. M. 
Wideman, W. P. Winney, M. Wemple, J. P. 
Whitehouse. 

The above is a correct list of the officers and 
privates of the Crawford county volunteers. 
E A. Bottum, Company Clerk. 

Capt. Hooe is the only son of major A. S. 
Hooe, who died in the United Slates service, 
and at one time the commandant at Fort Craw- 
ford. He is a patriotic and efficient officer; has 
a thorough knowledge of the duties of a sol- 
dier acquired at West Point. He is the most 
capable man in this part of the country to lead 
a company. 

Lieut. Plummer was formerly of the Mil- 
waukee Light Guards; has a fair knowledge 
of his duties, and is a thorough disciplinarian. 
The officers are certain to command the confi- 



816 



fflSTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



dence and respect of their company and of- 
ficers and men, all in all, are ready to s;ive a 
good account of themselves as occasion may re- 
quire. 

May 2. — For once in this century it is a matter 
of fact, andmust be recorded, that the politicians 
are all dead! The distinction between parties, 
wl ieh has heretofore existed, is no more. The 
politician has turned into the patriot. If there 
are any in the north who have not become 
patriots, instead of democrats and republicans, 
then they are traitors. We know of none such 
in our city. With one heart and one voice men 
declare for their country. 

May 23. — Two weeks ago we stated in an 
article relating to the advantages of this mili- 
tary post, that the present claimants of Fort 
Crawford, had offered the entire property of 
fort and grounds, to the governor, and asserted 
that it could be made comfortable at a light 
expense. 

Since writing the article. Judge J. P. Atwood, 
of Madison, has been commissioned by Gov. 
Randall, to examine the fort and estimate the 
expense needed for repairs and improvement", 
to fit it up in readiness for the 4th regiment. 

Judge Atwood called on us, and gave tl)e in- 
formation that he had thoroughly inspected the 
whole work and would report his estimate of 
the expense needed at about $1,500. [This is 
less than it cost to fit up the cattle sheds on the 
State Fair Ground at Madison.] 

Judge Atwood said that there is no doubt 
but Fort Crawford would be occupied by the 
4th regiment. 

Wliich ever regiment is quartered in the fort 
"Old Zack" built, may depened on having the 
best, healthiest, and pleasantest quarters, of 
any troops in the State. 

The families now living in the fort will 
move out, and there will be ample room for a 
regiment of 1,000 men. 

May 23. — The undersigned "twelve qualified 
voters of said town" of Prairie du Chien, do re- 
quest that a special town meeting be held in 



said town, for the purpose of voting a tax to 
raise money to pay the expenses of the volun- 
teers, until called for by the governor of the 
Slate. [Signed.] 

B. W. Brisbois, H. Wendenfield, Ira B. Brun- 
son, Rufus King, O. P. Martin, B. E. Hutchin- 
son, William E. Parish, Horace Beach, C. Am- 
man, S. N. Lester, John Jackson, H. W. Sav- 
.tge, II. H. Hall, Lawrence Case, E. W. Pelton. 
George B. Kane, E. D. Bates. 

May 30. — The people of old Crawford county 
cannot be beat for patriotism and pluck. In 
every town arfe volunteer companies organizing, 
and everywhere the "flag of our country" is 
floating in the breeze. At Seneca, Mt. Sterling, 
De Soto, Batavia, Rolling Ground, the "Stars 
and Stripes" have been unfurled with becoming 
ceremonies, exceedingly creditable to the loy- 
alty of the citizens of those several localities. 

At Rolling Ground a glorious flag rai-ing 
came off recently, amid patriotic singing, read- 
ing, addresses and cheering. J. R. Iliirlbert, 
Esq., was chairman, and J. C. Bellville, secre- 
tary. 

Mrs. G. Morgan read some apjwopriate verses 
dedicated to the American flag. E. C. Dun- 
ham sung the "Star Spangled Banner." Messrs. 
L. Ross, J. Teller and Stephen Wade addres- 
sed the assembled people. A committee of the 
following gentlemen: William P. McBurney, 
G. Morgan and S. Wade, were appointed to 
draft resolutions, and reported as follows: 

Whkkeas, The government of the United 
States is in great danger from the assaults of 
traitors and misguided men, it is 

Resolved, That whatever may have been our 
previous political predilections, we do now relin- 
quish all foimer opinions and paities, and 
cleave to the great bulwark of safety, the con- 
stitution and the LTnion. 

Resolved, That the prompt action of the ad- 
ministration, in calling for troops to suppress 
all disloyalty to the government, and to protect 
public property, meets our hearty approval. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



517 



Resolved, That "The Union must and shall 
be preserved." 

Resoh-ed, That a military company be im- 
mediately organized at Rolling Ground, and its 
services tendered to the President in suppres- 
sing treason. 

June 13. — The Home Guard, recently organi- 
ized here, held a meeting at their armory, in 
Fort Crawford, last Saturday evening, and a full 
attendance was had. Some fifty-seven names 
were added to the list, and every man enrolled 
is a good reliable citizen, and a credit to the 
community. This is bound to be a tip-top com- 
pany. The following are the officers elected : 

Captain. — Darius Mason. 

Ist Lieutenant. — P. Sanders. 

2d Lieutenant. — P. Dorr. 

Orderly Sergeant. — B. Dunne. 

2d Sergeant.— N. C. Davis. 

3d Sergeant.— H. F. Batchelder. 

4th Sergeant. — H. A. Chase. 

1st Corporal.- G. B. Tillotson. 

2d Corporal.— N. C. Witting. 

3d Corporal.— J. B. Peon. 

4th Corporal. — T. S. Cherrier. 

There is to be a special meeting of the 
officers at the office of the orderly this (Thurs- 
day) evening. 

July 4. — The Prairie du Chien company is the 
crack company of the Glh regiment of Wiscon- 
sin volunteers, and is receiving with its officers, 
the highest praise for its efficiency. Here is 
what a Madison ])aper says of it on its first ar- 
rival at camp: 

''Tlie fir.st company of the 6th regiment — the 
Prairie du Chien volunteers — arrived in camp 
yesterday afternoon. This company has in it 
105 men, rank and file, made up of the sturdy 
citizens of the counties of Crawford and Grant. 
They are a fine body of men, and have been as 
well drilled as is possible to drill men without 
anus. The commissioned officers of this com- 
pany are: Capt.: Alexander S. Hooe, 1st Lieut.: 
Philip W. Plummer, and 2d Lieut.: Thomas W. 



Plummer. Capt. Hooe is an experienced offi- 
cer, having been connected with military move- 
ments his whole life. His father was a United 
Slates officer and the captain himself was born 
in a fort, and nearly his whole life bas been 
spent in a garrison. LTnderstanding, fully his 
duties, and having ha4 his company organized 
for some time, his men make afirsi-rate appear- 
ance. Three more companies of the Cth regi- 
ment are expected to day. Lieut. Col. Atwood 
was upon the ground giving dilligent attention 
to the preparation for the reception of the 6th 
regiment. Whatever he does, will be well 
done." 

The success of the first company has proni])t- 
ed the raising of a second company here, "'Ihe 
Prairie du Chien Greys," and the latter now 
lack eleven men of its required complement. 
Thislatter comjiany is regularly organized. Capt.: 
D. Mason, 1st Lieut.: R. Saunders, 2d Lieut.: P. 
Dorr. They will be uniformed and e<iuipped 
within forty days, and will be ready when called 
on. 

August ;. — James H. Greene has been a](- 
pointed with authority to raise a company of 
volunteers for the war. He will take the names 
of all able-bodied men who can be depended 
upon as ready to enlist as soon as the harvest is 
over. This county has already furnished one 
fine company, and a dozen others can be raised 
on emergency. Old Crawford will do her part 
nobly, in the contest for the preservation of the 
Union. 

September 12. — In behalf of the members of 
Crawford county volunteers, I return hearty 
thanks to the ladies of Prairie du Chien for 
their kindness in furnishing each member of 
the company with articles of so much use and 
comfort, as those I carry with me for the boys. 
On my return to Madison, we shall, each and 
every one of us, endeavor to merit the praise of 
our fellow-citizens at home, and by doing our 
duty, win the approval of those noble women 



618 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



who have cheerfully sent their husbad 
and brothers to maintain the flag of our Union. 
Respectfully, 

I. H. Greene, Captain. 

Prairie du Chien, Sept. 9, 1861. 

October 3. — Orderly Sergt. McCliue of 
Capt. Greene's Crawfosd county volunteers, 
was in town the first of the week. He has al- 
ready assumed the garb and manners of a sol- 
dier. From him we learn that the 8th Wiscon- 
sin regiment will soon leave for Washington. 

October 23.— We learn that S. S. Ferrell, of 
lilt' town of Marietta, has volunteered for tlie 
war, in the new volunteer company now leav- 
ing this county. He is a true and brave man, 
and will prove an honor to the service, either in 
the ranks or as an oflicer. 

December 26. — The Soldiers' festival was a 
l)leasant affair. Union Hall was well filled, and 
tlie citizens of Prairie du Chien donated liber- 
ally to a bountiful supper. The receipts incash, 
over all expenses, besides an immense amount 
of food, reached nearly $100. The result 
speaks well for the patriotism of our citizens. 
It is very hard times for many; but there is no 
sacrifice that our citizens would not make, to 
aid and encourage the brave boys who have left 
us. The soldiers are provided with all the 
creature comforts really necessary by the gov- 
ernment; but a few extras, such as a neat pair 
of mittens, woolen stockings, reading matter 
and letters would add greatly to their pleasure. 
We suppose the object of the festival was to 
furnish these things. 

1862. — February 20. — We had supposed that 
almost every available man, who could possibly 
leave his family or business, had already enlist- 
ed to fill up the volunteer companies that had 
left here; but Lieut. Furlong has been recruit- 
ing here for Col. Doran's regiment, the iVth 
Wisconsin, with some success. Some dozen or 
more have already started for Madison. 

August 14. — The company of Lieut. Henry 
Chase is filled, and two more new companies 
in this county are in the course of enrollment. 



At a meeting of the citizens Monday evening, 
the most effective plans to secure the immedi- 
ate enrollment of volunteers were discussed 
and adopted. The quota of men needed from 
Crawford county, under the two last calls (of 
600,000 men) is about 270; of this number 
there is over 100 already enrolled. The meet- 
ing resolved on the immediate formation of 
two near companies, and they are already un- 
der good headway. 

Mr. Joseph Evans, of Clayton, with a cap- 
tains commission, will raise a host of the brav- 
est and best men in the county. He can do it, 
if any person can. 

Hon. O. B. Thomas, of Prairie du Chien, will 
undertake the raising of another company for 
Prairie du Chien and vicinity. All this can, 
will, and it must be done. The whole country 
is aroused to the great danger that threatens 
the American Nationality, and every man must 
lay aside for the time, every obstacle which 
keeps him from going to the rescue. A volun- 
teer bounty fund of $25 for each man, will be 
raised and paid to volunteers or their families, 
before leaving. Let every man in the county 
come up nobly to the work. Forgive, forget, 
ignore every thing but your country! Let there 
be but one deep, united response, and that for 
the preservation of this American Union. 

August 14. — At brief notice, the people of 
Prairie du Chien assembled at Union Hall, 
Tuesday evening, crowding it to overflowing 
with their great nun]bers,near 1000 were jiresent, 
men, women and children; all wild with enthusi- 
asm. Rev. A. Brunson, presided over the meeting, 
Mr. John Lawler, addressed the multitude in- 
creasing the interest ten fold by his eloquence. 
Capt. O. B. Thomas made a telling appeal, 
and the response came up by platoons, in the 
shape of resolute volunteers. There was the 
most intense excitement throughout the meet- 
ing. The German brass band played patriotic 
airs; the men cheered; the women sung and 
cried by turns; and recruits kept marching up. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



519 



taking the oath and pledging their service in 
defence of the union. 

Donations were very liberally offered. Among 
the many subscriptions was 415 each for the 
first twenty men enlisting in Capt. Thomas' 
coni]iany, also 815 for the next ten men enlist- 
ing in the same company. These donations 
were made by John Lawler in behalf of the 
M. ct P. du C, R. R. Co.; and by II. L. Dous- 
man, resj)ectively. There is to be a committee 
appointed immediately, who will wait upon 
every man in the county, and receive subscri])- 
tions, to the volunteer fund. It is intended to 
pay all volunteers a bounty of $25,00 on enlist- 
ing. A meeting will be held to perfect this 
arrangement. Let no man refuse to give his 
means. 

August i) . — At the town of Seneca, on Tues- 
day last, there was a gathering of volunteers 
and their friends. It was by far, the most en- 
thusiastic and successful of any meeting yet 
held. About 200 volunteers were present, and 
their families and friends came also to spend 
the day with them. 

The speaker's stand was surrounded with an 
excited and earnest assemblage of the best citi- 
zens of the county. They were addressed by 
several eloquent speakers, of whom we had the 
good fortune to hear Capt. O. B. Thomas and 
Capt. Chase. They were the favorites with 
soldiers, for they are so'diers themselves. Tlieir 
appeals elicited cheers, loud and long, and 
made sympathetic thrills pass through the 
persons of those present, whose hearts are with 
them in the good cause. Many a tear-dimmed 
eye could he seen when Capt. Thomas recounted 
the sacrifices some of the men had made when 
he showed the great danger threatening his 
country. He ha.l thought that he had sacrificed 
as much as any man. He was about to leave a 
home, with an aged mother, dear sisters and all 
the promising prospectsof rising manhood. He 
went cheerfully, ''his mother told /dm to go," and 
he hoped he might never return alive until 
every traitor to his country was annihilated. 



Others present had given much to their country. 
One grey haired man had his sons, nephews, 
every living male relative, in the ranks. One 
son had fallen in a recent battle, and the old 
man was taking care of his son's widow. Yet, 
the old veteran begged to be allowed to enlist. 

Cheer after cheer was given for the Union, 
the speaker, and for the men, as they walked 
up and put their names to the enlistment roll. 

Tlie air resounded with martial music, every 
demonstration of enthusiasm prevailed, and the 
meeting continued throughout the day without 
a thing to mar the glorious outpouring spirit of 
patriotism. 

The citizens who had charge of the dinner, 
and the general arrangement for the comfort of 
all, did credit to the town of Seneca and them- 
selves. 

Such meetings are good at this time, and 
there should be at least one held in each town 
in the county. 

August 28. — The Union volunteers of the 
county of Crawford, who make up the compa- 
nies of Capt. Cliase and Capt. Thomas, stand at 
the head in answer to the President's last call. 
They have held their elections, organized, and 
commenced to do the duty of soldiers. Tlie 
selections of officers were necessarily good, for 
among so many really earnest, true men there 
coulil not be a mistake. Most of the officers 
chosen in each of the companies we have been 
intimately acquainted with for years, and can 
join the men in feeling that their interests and 
welfare will be carefully looked to. 

The following is a correct list of the officers 
elected, as furnished us: 

Captain. — O. B. Thomas, Prairie du Chicn. 
1st Lieut.— N. C. Denio, " " " 
2d " C. Amman, " " " 

Orderly Sergt.— J. C. Bellville, Haney. 
2d " David VanWert, Waiizeka. 

.3d " T. G. BruMim, P. du Chien. 

4th " J. Gale, Prairie du Chien. 

5th " A. Denio, " " " 



520 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Isl Corpl. — R. Boiswert Prairie du Cliien. 

2d " Orando Birge " 

3d " Jeremiah Kast, Bell Centre. 

4th " John Coughlin, Wauzeka. 

5tli " R. Haskins, Haney. 

6th " A. W. Haskins, " 

7th " John Grace, Prairie du Cliien. 

8tli " Alanson Graves, Utica. 

Captain. — Henry A. Chase, Prairie du Chieii. 

l.st Lieut.— Geo. F. Lewis, 

2d " E. A. Bottum, " " " 

Orderly Sergt. — David Beard, Utica. 

2d " George Lyman, Seneca. 

3d " Edward Grey, Clayton. 

4th " Milton Jacobs, Grant Co. 

.5th " Dealton Tichenor, Seneca. 

1st Corpl. — Harrison Whaley, Lynxville. 

2d " J. C. Inman, Seneca. 

3d " Oiven Miller, " 

4th " E. Thompson, Mt. Sterling. 

5th " E. E. Forsytlie, Prairie du Chien. 

6th " John Smethurst, Seneca. 

^th " T. Livermore, Prairie du Chien. 

8th " Wra. Martin, " " " 

We shall, as soon as the conii)anies are in 
camp, give the names of each man comprising 
them. 

September 4. — Among the many good men who 
liave enlisted to go to the war from this county 
is our esteemed fellow citizen, Geo. E. Harring- 
ton of the town of Scott. He has been elected 
1st lieutenant of the last new company mustered 
at Boscobel, and has with him upwards of 
forty of "old Crawford County's best sons." 
George E. JIarrington will prove a good soldier 
and a worthy officer. Having always been 
strictly temperate, an<l bearing an untarnished 
reputation, and a good moral character, with a 
fair share of patriotism, he will prove perfectly 
trustworthy, be it in facing the enemy or in any 
other position in which he may be placed. We 
know that he enters the army from a sense of 
duly and will perform faithfully the duties de- 
volving upon him as a soldier. May the God 
of battles be with him on the battle field. But 



if he falls it will be in the thickest of the fight 
with his face towards the enemy, fighting for 
liberty and the Union. 

September 25 — The "Old Barracks" begin to 
assume a soldier-like appearance once again. 
Several companies of as good men as the war 
has called forth are now quartered in the fort. 
The commissary department is being arranged; 
many of the army stores are received and the 
sutler's store is opened. Blankets have been 
distributed among the men who will soon have 
their rajions furnished them and do all their 
own cooking. It is not yet decided how long 
the regiment will remain or where it is to go. 

September 25. — Co. C. Sixth regiment. From 
a private letter received in town from Capt. 
Hooe, of the above named company, we learn 
that the following men, in addition to the list 
published week before last, were wounded in 
the battle of South Mountain, Sept. 14th and 
Sharpsburg, Sept. 17th: 

Sergt. E. A, Whaley, Lynxville, leg. 

Corpl George Fairfield, Seneca, head. 

Private Richard Corcoran, Sergt, J. N. Ches- 
nut, (color bearer) Clayton, Iowa, wrist. 

Private Ezra P. Hewitt, Prairie du Chien, 
thigh, Private William Nicholson, Cassville, 
leg. 

'J"he captain says: "This company has been 
in seven hard fought battles in less than twenty 
days, and now is reduced to less than eighteen 
men for duty, including officers." 

October 9. — We publish below a list of the men 
who composed the companies of Crawford coun- 
ty volunteers, now in Fort Crawford. They are 
a noble set of boys, many we have known and 
associated with for years, They are from among 
our best citizens; good, honest, worthy men; and 
their names are creditable to "Old Crawford;" 

CAPTAIX chases' COMPANY. 

Captain. — Henry A. Chase, Prairie du Chien. 
1 SI Lieut.— George F. Lewi.s, " " " 
2d " J. C. Wood, " " 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



521 



Orderly Sergt. — George Lyman, Seneca. 

2d " Harrison Whaley, Lynxville 

3d " Edward Gray, Clayton. 

4th " Milton Jacobs, Grant Co. 

5tli " Dealton Tiehenor, Seneca. 

IstCorpl. — Milo J. Strong, Lynxville. 

2d " J. C. Inman, Seneca. 

3d " E. Thompson, Mt. Sterling. 

4th " Owen Miller, Seneca. 

5th " William S. Reinier, P. du Chien. 

6th " T. Livermore, Prairie du Chien. 

7th " John Smithiirst, Seneca. 

8th " Robert Wisdom, Eastman. 

Musicians.— L. E. Farmin, vacancy, (fifer.) 

Privates. — James Abbott, James Allen, 
Wm. Aiilt, Wm. T. Bottum, Ishamer Bur- 
gess, Eugene Briggs, L. A. Bonney, David 
Beard, Wells Briggs, Wm. F. Benson, Richard 

D. Ball, Samuel F. Brown, S. F. Brockway, 
David Clark, Jododiah Cole, Samuel W. Clark, 
Pizarro Cook, John B. Coyle, Daniel Canfield, 
Jas. S. Dudley, Ja.^. Davidson, John Ervine, S. 

E. Farnum, Edward Glenn, Samuel H. Griffin, 
Nicholas Grant, Thos. W. Gay, David L. Hill, 
Edward Hall, Geo. B. Hill, Wm. Haley, John 
Harold, Andn \v M. H.all, G. N. Hammond, N. 
H. Hopkins, Samuel L. Hewitt, Lsaac Johnson, 
Leroy Jacobs,W. G. Johnson, John C. Kellogg. 
Cyrus C. Knap]), Luke La Pointe, A. T. Lewis, 
Phillip Lock, Joseph Michael, John McClaren, 
Samuel H. Merrill, A. Montgomery, W. L. Mar- 
tin, A. T. Newman, H. C. Newcomb, Edmund 
Packard, George Pease, Joseph Prew, Jose])h 
Pugmiro, Henry C. Rose, Geo. Russell, Henry 
D. Shiltz Joseph Smithurst, Daniel T. Sage, Jac- 
ob Shrake, Chas. Scorill, Cyrus S. Sliarp, Wm. 
Shipley, O. )>. Swift, Gardener Stearns, A. C. 
Stille, A. W.Sheppard, Joseph N. Searles, N. 
A. Tallman, Samuel Tucker, A. F. Tiehenor, Ira 
W. Thayer, A. C. B. Vaughn, A. P. E. V.aughn, 
II. II. Wiikerson, Alfred Wallin, John D. 
Welch, Zachariah Wright, Robt. Wilson, Fred- 
erick Watts, Joseph Wallin, Ozial Watson, Got- 
tlieb J. Zeek. 



CAPT. THOMAS COMPANY. 

Captain. — 0. B. Thomas, Prairie du Chien. 

1st Lieutenant. — N. C. Denio, " " 

2d " C. M. Lockwood," " 

Orderly Sergeant. — J. C. Bellville, Haney. 

2d " D. Van Weit, Wauzeka. 

3d " T.G.Brunson,P. du Chien. 

4th " J. Gale, Prairie du Chien. 

5th " A. Denio, " " 

1st Corporal. — R. Borswert, " " 

2nd " John Coughlin, Wauzeka. 

3d " Henry Hardwick, P. du Chien. 

4tli " M. E. Mumford, Wauzeka. 

5th " Louis Bartlett, Bell Centre. 

Cth " John C. Seybold, P. du Chien. 

7th " James A. Porter, Seneca. 

8th " JeremiahN.Kast, Crow's Mill. 

Musicians. — Martin D. Smith, Henry L. 
Twining. 

Privates. — Jonathan Adney, Samuel Arm- 
strong, Michael Bartley, Moses Barrett, Edwin 
M. Bacon, John S. Baker, John Betz, Austin 

Birge, Orlando W. Birge, Marvin Boyer, James 
Boyles, Frederick Brandis, Henry N. Clark, 
Reuben Cooley, Lyman Cook, David Coleman, 
John Coleman, Nathan Coleman, N. K. Cole- 
man, John Copas, Edwin P. Ciirtiss, George 
Curley, George Dean, Michael Dunn, William 
H. Evans, Z. F. Ferguson, Patrick Finley, John 
II. Fortney, Alanson Graves, John Grace, Levi 
Grandy, A. W. Haskins, R. F. Haskins, G. O. 
Harrison, William Hicklin, Martin Host, Ed- 
win R. James, Israel Johnson, August Kessler, 
Wesley Lenox, John Maginnis, William Max- 
well, John P. Mathews, Joseph Mars, James 
McCluskey, John McCIuskey, William F. Mc- 
Millan, Anthony McQueen, James McCann, 
Arthur McDonald, Hugh Mines, Ira N. Miller, 
P. H. Moon, Patrick Murphy, George W. Os- 
wald, George W. Phillips, Jeremiah Phelps, 
Richard D. Phelps, Cushman Rogers, Cornelius 



592 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Russell, Patrick Ryan, Norman Sherwood, An- 
dre *■ Sherwood, W. H. Sloan, Lewis B. Smith, 
Frank Sterne, David St. Germain, George W. 
Smith, Timothy Sullivan, George W. Thack- 
ery, Thomas Tokes, William Trew, James 
Tucker, Ephriam H. Turk, David M. Twining, 
John Valentine, Josepli Villemin, John Vo- 
wick, Peter Ward, William Ward, S. T. White- 
head, Josiah Wilsey, B. D. Woodburn, J. K. 
Wolfe, S. R. Woolery, David Wright. 

October 16. — Army correspondence. — Eilitor 
Courier: — I have only lime to drop you a line. 
In the battle at Corinth, my company lost two 
men, killed — Corpl. John W. Shell, of Vernon 
county, and John Peters, of Seneca. They 
were brave, good and true men. George M. 
Robbins, of Lynxville, was wounded severely in 
the arm, so that amputation lias been necessary. 
W. H. Thompson, of Seneca, was missing after 
the regiment retired from the field; but I learn 
he is wounded and in hospital at Corinth. We 
are now forty miles south of Corinth, in pursuit 
of Price. In haste, 

J. II. Greene, 
Capt. Co. F, 8th Wis. 

October, 23. — Company C. 6th Wisconsin. — 
The following members of the above company 
were in the hospitals at Washington, on the 6th 
inst: 

Sergl. .J. W. Fonda, interuiittant fever. 
Corpl. C. Babcock, dysentery. Corp'l. Wm. 
Hay, rheumatism. Corp'l. 8. W. Hubbard, 
wounded leg. Henry E. Pettit, wounded. 
Frank Young, wounded. Wm. Kelly, vericose 
veins. M. McAdams, pneumonia. A. Ondir- 
kirk, A. Boyd, wounded, below knee H L. 
Bottum, nurse. Henry Cardey, dysentery. E. 
W| Ellis, wounded, hip. R Corcoran, woun- 
ded, slioulder. G Fairfield, wounded, head. 
S M Brewer, convalescent. C. W. Akey, lum- 
bago. Luke Parsons, debility. Jesse Adams, 
at King street hospital, Alexandria, Capt. A, 
S. Hooe, sick at private house in Georgetown. 

November, 6th. —A letter dated at Corinth, 
Oct. 12lh, contains the following pleasing ex- 



tract. Speaking of the recent fight at Corinth, 
the writer says: 

"The finest thing I ever saw, was a live 
American eagle, carried by the St^i Wiscon- 
sin, in the place of a flag. It would fly over 
the enemy, during the hottest fight, then would 
return and seat himself upon his pole, clap his 
pinions, shake his head, and then start off 
again. Many and hearty were the cheers that 
arose from our lines as the old eagle would sail 
around, first, to the right, then to the left, and 
always return to his post regardless of the 
storm of leaden hail, which was flying around 
him." 

November, 27. — For several years past, the 
county of Crawford has been indebted, and the 
county scrip has been at a discount. Thanks to 
the careful management of our county officers, 
and particularly to the present county board, 
this order of things is now changed. The 
board at its last session, displayed the greatest 
iiulustry, working from morning until late at 
night, carefully examining the affairs of the 
county. No board of supervisors ever labored 
more faithfully. Worth Miller, of Seneca, Lor- 
enzo Barney, of Marietta, and Ralph Smith of 
Wauzeka, are the members of the county board 
and the citizens of the county have been very 
fortunate in selecting these gentlemen for the 
position. They are among our oldest inhabi- 
tants, they are well acquainted with the necess- 
ities of the county, and also well qualified to 
discharge the duties appertaining to the office. 
'J'he interests of the people will not suffer so 
long as they are entrusted to such hands. 

B. Dunne Esq., the clerk of the board, dis- 
charges his duties with aptness and dispatch 
He is now about entering upon his third term. 
His repeated re-election is the best evidence of 
the appreciation of his excellent qualifications 
for the position. 

The board has levied a volunteer aid tax of five 
mills on the dollar of all the taxable property 
in the county, which it is estimated, will be pro- 
vision sufficient to prevent any suffering this win- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



625 



ter, among such families of volunteers in the 
c >unty, as are not otherwise well provided for. 
This fund is plaeed subject to the draft of the 
towns. This measure necessarily places county 
orders at a par, as tliey are receivable for taxes, 
and the holders will keep them for that pur- 
pose. The whole amount of county taxes lev- 
ied this year, is §11,795,10, and all the county 
script now out-standing is one-half that amount. 
Thus it will be readily seen, that the orders of 
the county are better than the irredeemable 
currency now in circulation. 

Jan. 22, 1863.— In town.— Capt. O. B. 
Thomas has been in town for a few days on 
business. He is looking well, and says a sol- 
diers life agrees with him. He will rise to be 
a Hri^adier at least, if allowed a chance to dis- 
tingui>h himself. We wish him well. The 
captain would like to hear from about a dozen 
good, hardy boys, who wish to enlist. Come 
boys, who of you will go with Capt. Thomas. 

February 26.-Capt. A. S. Hooe, of the first 
company of Union volunteers organized in 
Crawford, county for the 6th Wisconsin regi- 
ment has resigned, and returned home, by rea- 
son of illness. Capt. Hooe has been in the 
service about two years. We have it from the 
best authority that a majority of all the com- 
missioned officers in the 6th regiment and 
other regiments in Virginia have, or are about 
to resign for one cause or another. 

May 21. -Returned home.— Capt. Tom Plum- 
raer of the 6th Wisconsin regiment has returned 
li"nie. He was wounded severely in one leg, 
and K'lthiuid.at the late battle near Fredickt- 
•jii'g. He was among the first of his regiment 
to cross the river. Capt. Plummer is recover- 
"'.i,', and will be able to join his regiment. 
Capt. Plummer is a brave young officer'and all 
our citizens may well feel proud of him. 

June II. — Enrolling Officer.— Mr. Mensres, 
town assessor, has been appointc'd enrolHnc^ 
officer for Prairie du Chien. He i.- 



man, and the .app„iiitment is good. 



a prompt 



.July 2.— The Enrollment.— The enrollment 
for this town and county is completed. No 
difficulty whatever has been had by the enroll- 
ing agents. The people of old Crawford are 
true, law-abiding citizens, and intend to main- 
tain their reputation in this respect, and as es- 
tablished by their acts in the past. 

July 23 -Lieut. Loyd G. Harris, of the 6th 
Wisconsin regiment was in town recently. He 
has returned. Lieut. Harris w.as the first to 
shoulder his musket and enter the ranks as high 
private He was loved and respected by atl. 
He left a good situation, and with feelings of 
real patriotism, he entered the army. His 
soldierly conduct has won for him the respect 
of his superior officers, and has been rewarded 
by promotion. 

Like many of the young men who left with 
the first company enlisted in "old Crawford," 
Lieut. Harris has bravely fought and bled with 
the gallant sixth, in the "Iron Brigade," until 
the command is reduced to a mere handful of 
scarred veterans. He speaks well of several of 
our friends in the ranks, and as has every offi- 
cer and soldier with whom we have spoken. He 
speaks in praise of Gen. George B. McClellan, 
and pledges his life and honor on "Little Mack." 
Lieut. Harris has the best wishes of our citi- 
zens. 

December 17.— Resigned.— It is announced 
(not officially) that Surgeon D. Mason, and 
Capt. O. B. Thomas, both of the 31st Wisconsin 
regiment, have resigned, and will soon return 
home. Surgeon Mason is loved and valued by 
a host of friends here, who will be happy to 
welcome him home. 

Capt. Thomas stands high in the profession 
of law, and he may re-enter his favorite pur- 
suit in an office here, unless something unex- 
pected should happen. 

[From the Prairie du Chien Union.] 

18H4._March 25.— William Dutcher, son of 
attorney Dutcher, of this city, a young veteran, 
of the "Iron Brigade," called here this week. 
It really does us good to grasp the hand of one 



32 



526 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



of those noble veterans — there is something 
about them that is cheering to all patriots. Mr. 
Dutcher enjoys an enviable reputation in the 
musket and artillery drills ; and from what our 
military men say concerning him, we wonder 
that he is kept in the background, as new regi- 
ments are being formed. This young man is 
intelligent, active, and we mistake if he does not 
possess the qualities necessiry for a first-class 
officer. Let his claims be properly presented 
in the place of civilians and the army would be 
the gainer and true merit would be rewarded. 

April 1. — We have the pleasure of announc- 
ing that company K, of the 12tli regiment of 
Wisconsin veteran volunteers arrived here [in 
Prairie du Chien] last evening. They number 
about forty, and all have re-enlisted Three 
cheers for companjf K. On behalf of our citi- 
zens, we welcome you brave defenders of our 
country to your homes once more. We feel 
proud of you for what you have done, and still 
more proud after all you have endured for our 
country, for what you still propose to do. Wel- 
come, thrice welcome, to our town and our fire- 
sides once more. 

May 20. — Promoted. — We are always glad to 
hear of the promotion of brave and worthy 
soldiers, but more especially of those of our own 
town. This is true of most of our citizens; and 
it is with pride that we notice the promotion of 
Rufus King, late quarter-master of the 31st 
Wisconsin, with rank of lieutenant, to commis- 
sary, with rank of captain. Our readers nill 
also be pleased to learn that Quarter-master 
Sergt. William F. Benson, also of this place, 
[Prairie du Chien], has been promoted to lieu- 
tenant and quarter-master to fill the vacancy 
made by the promotion of Capt. King. All 
our citizens will feel a little town pride as they 
see their townsmen climbing. May both of 
these gentlemen honor their new positions as 
they have heretofore their old ones. 

June 24. — The 8th returned. — Capt. Green's 
company of the 8th regiment arrived in town 
yesterday morning. Capt. Green did not ac- 



company them; he has gone east to meet his 
family. He expects to be in Prairie du Chien 
in a day or two. 

These noble veterans have re-enlisted and 
only remain at home a short time. Let our 
people give them such a welcome and make 
their stay so happy that they will feel they have 
homes and friends and a country worth fighting 
for. Three cheers for the glorious 8th. 

The following is a list of those returned of 
company F.: Drum Maj. T. W. Lacy, Sergt. 
G. W. Kohins, Corpl. F. Wagner, Corpl. L. S. 
Tillotson, Privates A. Allen, B. Bush, J. Hen- 
ry, A. Sears, A. G. Sherwood, G. W. Sterling, 
J. Kciff, A. Sheika, D. Shrake, Corpl. F. Thur.- 
ton. Privates Samuel Burlock, M. Salender, 
William Stevenson. 

July 1.— Mr. C. B. Thomas, a veteran from 
Eastman, in the 36th Wisconsin regiment, is 
now home, wounded. He received a bullet 
through his hand in the battle of the Wilder- 
ness, disabling him at present. He talks en- 
couragingly of the army. 

July 15. — Capt. William Hill, formerly editor 
of the Prairie du Chien Leader, has been in town 
for a day or two. He has been in the service 
over three years and is now mustered out. 

Sept. 9. — Dr. Eastman has again returned 
with his health much improved and is actively 
engaged in his practice again. Having for a 
long time been a successful practioner, his 
patrons will be glad to hear of his return. His 
partner. Dr. Conant, has been very successful 
this season. His experience in the siege of 
Vicksburg is of great value to him. 

Oct. 98. — It may not be generally known that 
we have a United States hospital located here. 
The Brisbois House is secured for this purpose. 
Capt. Cutler, a gallant Minnesotian, is stationed 
here as commander of the post, and quarter- 
master. He has opened an office in Dotisnian's 
block. Iowa papers speak highly of him and 
we believe his stay with us will be agreeable to 
the citizens. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



527 



The drafted men from this county started 
for Madison on Tue;;day last. They were fine 
looking men and will give a good account of 
themselves on tiie tented field. Better men 
than many of them never volunteered or drew 
a sword. We hope the brave veterans will give 
them a brotherly welcome as they reach their 
camps. The sneaks mostly ran away, and sev- 
eral towns will have to be drafted from, again, 
to fill their quotas. 

The ladies' festival was a great success. -A 
large amount was taken in for sanitary pur- 
poses. The untiring efforts of Horace Beach; 
the assistance rendered and wares furnished by 
J. S. Newton and L. Case; and the help re- 
ceived of Messrs. Lester, Pierson and others, 
aided the ladies in accomplishing so much. 
The soldiers will appreciate these patriotic ef- 
forts; and now that a general United States 
hospital is located here, there is likely to be 
immediate need of all they can do for the sol- 
dier. 

November 4.— Horace Beach has taken a 
large contract to furnish the hospital building.- 
witli stoves and other articles on short notic*!'. 
Capt. Cutler is fitting up the entire Brisboi> 
lioiise and the barracks of Fort Crawford for 
liospital purposes. This general United States 
iiospital will be open in a few days. Indeed, 
150 invalids from the army are daily expected! 
Few men, in a common establishment, could 
HI! such an order for hardware, but Mr. Beach 
IS a i)roinpt, fair dealer. 

Kovctnberll.— The United States hospital 
al tliis place [Prairie du Chien] is in operation. 
Oyer i ,50 .soldiers from Iowa, Minnesota and 
Wisconsin, are now here under charge of Sur- 
i^'con Kelly. It is due to this oflicer to state that 
l)y his energetic and i^atriotic efforts lo alleviate 
ilie wants of those under his charge and' his 
gentlemanly deportment to all, he is making 
'nany frien.ls here All who have friends here 
may be assured they will meet with every at- 
''■"ti"M C.npt. Cutler <,rlu. .•.11, i^iv.. ihem. But 
'1" "oi forget the JM.ys are in need of n.ndi. 



which cannot in a new hospital be obtained for 
them. 

Now is the time for the aid societies of 
Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin to send in sup- 
plies You will be sure that the supplies are 
not lost or stolen; so do not hesitate lo send in, 
at once, loads of potatoes, firkins of butter, bar- 
rels of eggs, bushels of onions and other 
articles. And, ladies, they have no window 
curtains— do not forget this, and slippers are 
much called for. We make mention of these 
things for we feel assured that the L. A. S.only 
have to be apprised of the wants and needs of 
the soldiers. The ladies of this place, God 
bless them, are doing all they can. 

December 2.— We are happy to state that Dr. 
Whitney, our townsman and surgeon of the 18th 
Wisconsin, is now at home with the regiment, 
spending a few days with his friends. The 
noble regiment has re-enlisted, and the Doctor 
is to return with them soon to the tented field. 
It will be remembered that the 18th regiment 
distinguished itself at Altoona and other hard 
fought battles and their friends will feel jMoud 
of the privilege of making these heroes happy 
during the short respite given them before 
they go to the tented field. All honor to the 
Doctor and the brave boys who again offer 
themselves to the country. 

December 23.— We were shown over the 
building [at the hospital] and found everything 
systematically arranged, and as far as we could 
see in perfect harmony. The brave boys seemed 
to have the knowledge that we used the 
"quill" in their behalf, and were very an.xious 
for us to know that they appreciated the best 
hospital and surgeon they had ever been in or 
had. 

As we were invited to dine on the same fare 
th.at the soldiers had, more through curiosity, 
we admit we accepted the invitation and called 
it good. We made up our mind if it was this 
way the soldiers were starved, it had better be 
continued. We will mention the list we saw 
for the special diet of patients, which was pre- 



628 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



pared under the eye of the Doctor himself: 
Toast, boiled milk, boiled onions, poached eggs, 
warmed potatoes, baked apples, canned peaches, 
pickles and oysters. These delicacies are not 
furnished by the government, but by the peo- 
ple; and that they may continue to have these 
things, do not let a malicious rumor deter you 
from sending supplies. Dr. Kelly and lady are 
doing all they can for those under their care. 
Mrs. Kelly furnishes the sick with delicacies at 
her own labor and expense. How many other 
ladies do this? 

More soldiers have arrived at the hospital. 
There are now nearly .300 there. All sorts of 
vegetables, preserves, etc , should be gathered 
in as fast as may be. Enough is here just now; 
but 300 men will soon consume a large quanti- 
ty. Shirts, drawers, etc., are less needed here 
than at the front. The government furnishes 
these; but butter, milk, potatoes, fruits, dried 
and green, and all sorts of vegetables are to be 
supplied by the sanitary commission, and will be 
kept sacredly for time of need. 

1865 — January 6th. — Our friend, Joseph Hen- 
ry, of company F, 8th regiment, was one of the 
killed before Nashville. Mr. Henry served 
three years, and last fall re-enlisted as a veteran 
He went out in 1801 with Capt. Greene ; has 
fought bravely, and has now nobly given his 
life for his country. Let us remember and 
honor him. We received a letter from him a 
few days before the eventful battle, and he 
talked like a hero who deserved his country's 
thanks. Lieut. Greenman was wounded ; also 
another man of the same company by the name 
of Greenman. 

February 3. — The Ladies' Club, gotten up 
for -the purpose of relieving soldiers' families 
and for social amusement, has been quite suc- 
cessful this season. They have relieved a num- 
ber and have funds in readiness to assist others. 
This is a noble object. People need amuse- 
ments and recreation; and if they can turn 
these to good account, the object is doubly 
blessed. Any person knowing of soldiers' 



families who need assistance, will do well to 
inform us or the ladies, that assistance may be 
extended to them. We must and should care for, 
and keep from want or public charity, the fami- 
lies of the defenders of our country. Read the 
following: 

"Pkaieie DU Chien, Feb. 1, 1865. 

"Editor Union: Wishing to correct an 
erroneous report existing, with regard to the 
funds of the Ladies' Club, allow us to state 
that the club was organized for the express pur- 
pose of relieving veterans' and soldiers' fami- 
lies. We have already relieved several, and 
will be greatly obliged by your transmitting us 
the names of any of these worthy of relief. 
"Respectfully, 

"Emma Houston, Treasurer. 
"Emily Lawrence, Secretary." 

March 17. — The men of Capt. Bottom's com- 
pany who came on the Wednesday morning's 
train were ordered to report to-day to receive 
their government bounty. The men seem in 
fine spirits. We wish them a year of health 
and the "olive wand" of peace as their trophy 
to bring back to us when they again resolve 
themselves into the various channels of busi- 
ness from which they have come forth to swell 
the number of heroes. 

John Davidson, of this [Crawford] county, 
who went out a private in company C, 6th 
Wisconsin volunteers, in 1861, has been pro- 
moted to the 1st lieutenancy of company D, 6th 
Wisconsin regiment. 

We are happy to learn that two very worthy 
veteian members of the "old 6th" — Christian 
Amnion and Gottlief Schweizer — have been 
promoted to the 2d lieutenancy; the former in 
company F, of the 48th regiment, the latter 
in the 45th regiment. These boys have richly 
earned their shoulder straps. 

March 31. — The Swift Hospital is recuperat- 
ing all of its patients, a death being of so rare 
occurrence, that one of the surgeons thinks of 
hirinsr some one to die! 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



529 



Through the liberality of Col. H. L. Dous- 
man the Swift Hospital has been donated the 
use of about thirty acres of excellent laud for 
gardening purposes. Aid .societies will confer 
a great favor upon the soldiers by collecting 
seeds and forwarding in season for planting! 
What is mostly needed is garden beans, peas and 
sweet corn. They may be directed to Swift 
Hospital, care of H. Beach. 

April 7.— Lieuts. Ammon and Smith gave us 
a call while here on a short visit before joining 
their regiment, the 4Sth, which is now in Paoli, 
Kan. We hope when they call again the reign 
of peace will be over all the land. May they 
come soon. 

. ^P"' 14.— When the glad news came tremb- 
ling off the wires that Richmond was taken, it 
so electrified and enlivened the Nation that 
their joy seemed to know no bounds. Before 
these glad tidings subsided another signal 
rocket of success shot forth the surrender of 
Lee and his 25,000 remaining men. Our exult- 
ation now is unbounded and our cause is so 
just that it would be a sacrilege to be other- 
wise than exultant. 



April U.-Gen. Grant through the heroic deeds 
of his officers and men, has caused Gen. Lee and 
his army to surrender. They were obliged to 
come to the terms offered by Grant. The sig- 
nal lights of our success have so lit the moral 
and .social heavens, that the horizon of the old 
world has been tinged with the glow, and tlu^y 
will soon have caught the inspiring theme. 
\ ictory to the Union forces! 

They will have forgotten their dastardly con- 
duct, their favoring eye to the would-be Con- 
federacy, and extend a warm greeting to the 
l>owers that be. We will, when our home diffi- 
culties are adjusted, with ail Quaker humility, 
call upon Maximilian and suggest that he had 
Witerget him hence, or harm may come unto 
I'lm. No distant future will settle the emperor 
U'lestion on this continent. 



April 24.— Assassination of President Lin- 
coln.— On Saturday last, the whole community 
were horror-stricken by a dispatch that on Fri- 
day evening. President Lincoln was assassina- 
ted, and that an attempt was made to assassin- 
ate Secretary Seward. All stood aghast! The 
ordinary pursuits of life as if by one accord, 
were suspended; desire failed; the merchant 
was no longer anxious for gain; the mechanic 
dropped his implements of skill; the house- 
wife ceased to ply her task; each looked upon 
the other with horror and astonishment; stal- 
wart men turned pale, faint, sick at heart, and 
reeled like drunken men; others with com- 
pressed lips, clinched teeth, and livid counte- 
nances, seemed nerved for desperate deeds; 
and even little children, with earnest, anxious 
looks, enquired what had happened. None 
could scarcely realize the terrible calamity that 
had bereft a nation of its executive head; that 
the bullet of the fiendish assassin had slain 
him, around whom, and in whom the hopes and 
affections of the Nation centered. 



April 24.— Funeral solemnities, Wednesday, 
April 19th.— At the meeting of citizens held at 
Union Hall, Tuesday evening, of which Horace 
Beach Esq., was president, and S. N. Lester 
was secretary, measures were adopted for the 
observance of the funeral obsequies of the late 
President Lincoln. A committee of arrange- 
ments, consisting of John Lawler, Capt. 
Cutler, John Thomas, A. Baldwin, T. L. Brower, 
and B. W. Brisbois, were appointed by the 
meeting, and reported the following officers for 
the occasion: President, H. L. Dousman; vice- 
presidents, B. W. Brisbois, T. A. Savage, H. 
Baldwin, J. N. Congor, J. Phimmer; marsh.alls. 
Col. Thomas, Capt. Cutler. Pall bearers, John' 
Lawler, Dr. Kelly, E. W. Pelton, J. Farnechon, 
T L. Brower, H. Beach, CM. Seely, B. Dunne. 
Chaplains, Rev. H. W. Carpenter, Rev. J Gier- 
low, Rev. L. Gaulthier, Rev. F. W. Delap. 

A committee consisting of William Dutcher, 
Hon. Ira Brunson, Dr. Huntington, R. Scott 



530 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



and J. S. Lockwood, were appointed to draft 
resolutions. 

resolutions: 

"Whereas, In the midst of our rejoicing, on 
the events of our victories with which Heaven 
has helped the efforts of our brave and patriotic 
army, and while the President of the United 
States was in the full discharge of his duty in the 
bosom of the Nation, he has been stricken 
down by the hand of a cowardly assassin, 

"Resolved, That, in the death of Abraham 
Lincoln, a great and good man has untimely 
fallen, and the Nation plunged into the deepest 
gloom and sorrow, 

"Resolved, That, while we mourn the loss of 
our noble and beloved President, we bow with 
humble submission to the dispensation of an 
All-Wise Providence, and are consoled by the 
conviction that, in his wise and judicious ad- 
ministration of our government, and in his firm 
and unswerving fidelity to its principles, he has 
won the respect and confidence of the Nation; 
and the Old World acknowledge him as their 
peer, and gaze with wonder on the glorious 
achievements of our brave and heroic army un- 
der him in the gigantic work of crushing out 
this treason and rebellion. 

" Resolved,Th&i our heart-felt sympathies are 
hereby tendered to the bereaved family of 
President Lincoln, and we commend them to 
the care of Him, who tempers the winds to the 
shoin lamb, for their future hope and consola- 
tion, 

"Resolved, That, confiding to the fullest ex- 
tent in the ability, patriotism and integrity of 
Andrew Johnson, upon whom the Presidential 
office now devolves, we, with all the loyal men 
of the country, will rally around him, and give 
his administration of the government, the same 
cordial and generous support which was accor- 
ded to that of his lamented predecessor." 

Gen. Thomas Curley, was a resident of Mis- 
souri when the conflict commenced, and bore a 
gallant part in the Nation's struggle for supre- 
macy, and is now a resident of Prairie du C'hion. 



He was born in Tremane Co., Rascomman, Ire- 
land, May 8, 1825; received a common school 
education, and is a farmer by occupation. He 
emigrated to the United States iti 18.51, settling 
in St. Louis, Mo. In 1867 he removed to Mt. 
Sterling, Crawford Co., Wis., thence to Haney 
town, and after the loss of his residence by fire 
in 1883, to Prairie du Chien. In 18G0 he en- 
tered the military service as 1st lieutenant in 
the Southwest Battallion of Missouri. He had 
previously been an active member of several 
militia companies, and had served six months 
on the frontier of Missouri. In June, 1861, he 
enlisted in the volunteer service of the United 
States, and was commissioned major of the Vth 
Missouri Infantry. He was promoted in May, 
1862, to lieutenant-colonel, and in July was 
called home to recruit, raising in a short time 
the 27th Missouri Infantry, of which he was 
made colonel, and at which time he was pre- 
sented, by his friends, with a 81,000 sword. 
Gen. Curley participated in the seige and cap- 
ture of Vicksburg, the capture of Jackson, the 
campaign of the 15th army corps from Vicks- 
burg to Chattanooga, in the battles of Lookout 
Mountain, where he fought with Gen. Joe 
Hooker above the clouds. Mission Ridge, with 
Sherman in his march to the sea, Resaca, Dallas, 
Kennesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Sta- 
tion, the capture of Savannah, Fort McAllister, 
the well known campaign before Atlanta, which 
lasted four months, with its great strategic 
movements and brilliant achievements, and in 
the campaign through South Carolina, capturing 
Charleston and Columbia. At the latter place 
he was instrumental in saving a Catholic church 
from the fire. He was also in the battle of 
Bentonville, capture of Raleigh and in many 
minor campaigns. He was commissioned briy;- 
adier-general, March 17, 1865, for meritorious 
services during the war. On his arrival home, 
in Si. Louis, with his r>giment, he was present- 
ed with a new stand of colors, with the names 
upon it of the sixteen battles in which his regi- 
ment had fought. Gen. Curley has never been 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



531 



an aspirant for political- honors, but has held 
various local offices in the town in which he re- 
sided. Yielding to the solicitations of his 
political friends he was an unsuccessful candi- 
date for tlie Assembly in J878, but running 
again in 1882 on the same ticket, he was elect- 
ed, and served in the session of 1883 with honor 
to himself and to the satisfaction of his consti- 
tuents. He received 1,042 votes against 1,037 
for T. L. Brower, republican, and 264 for S. L. 
Wannemaker, prohibitionist. He lost his valu- 
able sword and the set of colors that he re- 
ceived at St. Louis at the burning of his resi- 
dence. The charred and warped remains of tlie 
sword is all that is left him of those highly 
treasured trophies of the war. 

CRAWFORD COUNTY PEXSIONERS. 

The following shows name of pensioner 
cause for which pensioned, and monthly rate' 
allowed: 

BELL CENTRE. 

Purington, Lucretia. wid(.wl813 |g 00 

East, Jeremiah N. injured left hand. . . . . . 8 00 

Turk, Alexander H. wound left knee "" i oo 

Thompson .Jefferson H. wd. head. caus. epilepsy'. 4 00 

Young.CorneliusR, pneu. res.bron and phths. 6 00 

Lawrence, Nancy, widow g ^^ 

Fillmore, Peter, wounded right hand.'..'.'.'.'',' 7 qo 

BnrDGEPOKT. 

Blunt, Surah E. widow 

Clifton, Thomas, ch. dia. and rheum. .' .' q on 

Adams, Charles, wound left side " ' ' ^ 00 

Bean, AlberlusC. wound left knee cm 

Jacobs. Milton, chronic diarrhoea r nn 

Jacoby, Peter, wound left thigh .'.■■.■;■ g oo 

EASTMAN. 

Brady, Prank, wound left leg. . . „„ 

Mcciure, Samuel, cbr.diar. catarrh, res'br'on.'." ' 8 00 

lHr„ng.on, Geo. H. chr. diar. res dis abd. vis ''' 4 00 

Wmaul, Rudolph, wound right arm .. " ,0 00 

Fisber, Louisa, widow 

Jones, Sarah, widow g" 

Ostrander, Christiana, widow '.".'.'. J JJJ 

U'.-x'h, Zenas. loss right eye imp vis left" '.'.'.' '.'.; 6 00 

FEKRYVTLLE. 

C'ampbell, John, wound right forearm . . 10 00 

nMt..on, William J. chronic diarrhoea . . . '.', [ ". '.; '. 4 Z 

FREEMAN. 

Peterson, Peter, wound right arm 4 OO ' 



Hurlbut's Corners. 

Weat, Alice, mother g 00 

Churchill, George W. wd. 1. shld., res dis lungs' 18 00 

Byers, Margaret, mothei g 00 

Brickner, Wm. typ. pneu. res dis. h'daiul chesl . ~ 8 00 

KNAPP's CREEK. 

Fardy, Thomas, wd back g 00 

LOWER LTKXVILLE. 

Corey, Warner J. wound right band 4 00 

Davis, Elisha. Father goo 

Pease, Linas E. wound right foot 4 oO 

Hobbs, Andrew J. wound right thigh 4 00 

MoDNT Sterling. 

White, Charles, wound left thigh 4 00 

Keyes, Richard W. fr. thigh bone, inj. right hd. 2 00 

Hutchins, Lucy P. widow 10 00 

Bellows, Darius R. survivor 1812 g 00 

Thompson, Agrim . wound left leg 2 6G5 

Thompson, Edwin, wound left hand 4 00 

Spencer, Alfred, wound left arm 4 00 

Abbey Rollin W.wd left hand 4 00 

Harding, Theodore W. wound right arm 6 00 

Newcomb, Henry C. dis. of ab. vis frm ch diar. 4 00 

., „ prairie DU CHIEN. 

Jioyce, Prudence, mother 8 00 

Bottum, Edwin A. chronic rheumatism 10 00 

Villemin, Jean, father g oO 

Fonda, John H. father g oO 

Vanvickle, Edson W. chronic diarrh 4 00 

Ilobbs, Frank T. wounded forearm 10 00 

Hewitt, Byron, wound leftside 4 00 

Stafford, Oils, loss right arm 18 00 

Hamilton, Louisa, widow g 00 

Boucher. Harriet, widow 10 00 

Oeneau.x, Joseph, wound pelv. affright hip and 

'eg 14 00 

Plummer, Mary E. mother 2.5 00 

Spccht, Louisa, widow 8 00 

Henderson Joanna mother g oO 

Miller, Olivia D. mother g oo 

Mosgrove, Mary C. mother g 00 

Fairlield, George, wnd tp. head and above 1. e. 6 00 
Foster Geo. W. rhem, heart dis. wd. If hand.. 8 00 

Bull, Norman S. wound face res debility 31 25 

Biedermann, Louis, woundright thigh 6 00 

Bulda, Joseph, diseased heart 4 00 

Fenley, Patrick inj right side, res abscess 12 00 

Brunson, Alfred, chronic diarrahoea 20 00 

iMeCIure, John, injured right knee g 00 

Clark, Hugh, diseased eyes 18 00 

Row, Adam, wound left shoulder c 00 

Bronson, Duff G. wound both thighs 5 00 

Whaley Edward A. loss right leg 24 00 

Zceh, Joseph Q. chronic diarrhoea 4 00 



532 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



RISING SUN . 

Finley, Timothy, father 

Finley, Mary, mother 

Nash, Ole T. wound left leg 

Seveason, Ole. loss part index fia. and mid r. h. 

SENECA. 

Gay, Lot. chonic diar. and rheum 

Deane, Phebe. widow 1812 

Lcwcey, Peter, wound right hand 

Marston, Charlotte, mother 

Porter, James A. wound left shoulder 

Chapman, George, diseased lungs and neuralgia. 
Copsey, John, chron. rhem. left hip and leg .. 

Cragan, John, wound left hand 

Sterling: Geo. H. inj. r. sider. hip., pt. in, loss 

fin. g s, w 

Kenneson, Martin S. chron rheum 

Casey, Peter, inj. spine invol kidneys 

Wood, George W. wound right leg 

Tichenor, Mary, widow 

Lawler, Edward, diseased lung 

Newton, George W wound right thigh 

soldiers' grovb. 

Richardson, Eva A . widow 

Briggs, Natheoe A. widow 

Hill, Elizi. widow 

Smith, Jonathan, chron diarrhoea 

Nicholson, Samuel, diseased lungs '. . 

Nelson, Peter, resec. head r. humerus 

Murphy, Patrick, chr. diarr. anddis. of abdvis. 

McCabe. Terrenes, wound in back 

Connelly, Rachel, mother 

Baker Charles W. wound face 

Johnson, Richard M. wd through right leg 

STEUBEN. 

Kast Henry C. C. injured knee 

TOWERVILLE. 

Thimpson, Ann. mother 

Mettick, Matthias, wound right leg 

Rogers, John S. pt. paral. r. arm and shoulder. 

Pa'-ker, Ellen, mother 

Flick, Marion, wound left hand 

WAUZEKA . 

Johnson, Isaac, chr. dair. and dis. eyes 

Miller Abgiail. mother 

Barr, Samuel father ^. 

Dwoark, John in j ury of abdomen 

Phillip, Henry, chron rheumatism 

Lawrence, Robert A. gun shot wound left arm. 
Cole, Truman W. injured spine 

WITEATVILLE. 

Turk, James W. injury to abdomen 



8 00 
8 00 
4 00 
4 00 

8 00 
8 00 
6 00 
8 00 
8 00 
6 00 
6 00 
4 00 

6 00 
6 0o 
8 00 
6 00 
8 00 



6 00 


4 00 


10 00 


8 00 


8 00 


18 00 


4 00 


18 00 


6 00 


14 00 


8 00 


4 00 


6 00 



6 00 


8 00 


4 00 


6 00 


8 00 


4 00 


8 00 


8 00 


8 00 


8 00 


6 00 


4 00 



4 00 



8 00 



IN SIEMOEIAit. 

When Pericles was called upon to deliver the 
oration over those who had fallen in the first 
campaign of the Peloponnesian war, he began 
by extolling Athens ; and, having expatiated 
upon lier glories, her institutions and her 
sciences, he concluded by exclaiming : For 
such a republic, for such a Nation, the people 
whom we this day mourn fell and died." It is 
"for such a republic — for such a Nation" as the 
United Slates of America, that the people of 
the nortli, by thousands, "fell and died" during 
the war for the Union ; and, to those thousands, 
Crawford county contributed her share. 

Crawford county's war record is of such a 
character that her people may ever refer to it 
with pride and satisfaction. One of the early 
counties in the State, as we have seen, to re- 
spond with volunteers in tlie liour of gravest 
peril, she never faltered during the entire strug- 
gle, weary and disheartening as it oft times wns. 
Her old men were not wanting in counsel, nor 
her young or middle aged in true martial spirit. 
With a firm, unswerving faith in the righteous- 
ness of the Union cause, her, citizens, with 
scarce a distinction in age or sex, were imbued 
with a determination to conquer or die rather 
than survive defeat. It was this kind of 
patriotism that bore the Union cause through 
defeat as well as victory, whenever the oft- 
repeated news was brought home of depleted 
and scattered ranks. Crawford county valor is 
attested upon every street of her hospitable 
villages ; upon her broad sections of fertile 
land ; and last, but not least, within the silent 
enclosures of her dead. It is here that with 
each recurring anniversary the graves of her 
heroes are moistened with the tears of sorrow, 
as loving fingers bedeck them with beautiful 
flowers. 

Although there are in the preceding pages 
some facts which may remind the citizens of 
Crawford county of the deeds of those who 
fought the good fight until the end, yet without 
these records, those days of peril, of suffering, 



HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



538 



and of victory at last, would not be for- 
gotten by the present generation; tliey are too 
deeply engraved in tlie hearts of all. Each of 
the citizen-soldiers from this county who stood 
loNally by the country's standard tlirough the 
war, has wrought his name in characters that 
live as monuments to the memories of men. 

Many gallant sons of Crawford, who went 
out from home to battle for the Union, with 
only the benediction of a mother's tears and 
)>rayers, came back to those mothers' arms with 
a glorious record. Many returned having left 
a limb in the swamps of Chickahominy ; on the 
banks of the Rapidan; at Fredericksburg, Get- 
tysl)urg, Vicksburg, or in the Wilderness. Many 
still bear the marks of that strife which raged 
at Stone River, luka, Chickamauga, or on the 
heights of Lookout Mountain, whence they 
thundered down the defiance of the skies ; or 
of that strife which was waged before Atlanta, 
Savannali and in the Carolianas. 

J3ut there were many who tame not back. 
They fell by the wayside, in the prison, on the 
battlefield, or in the hospital. Their memory, 
however, is held in tiie most sacred keeping. 
Some sleep beside their ancestors in the village 
churchyard, where the violets on their graves 
speak not alone of womanly sweetness, but in 
tender accents of the devotioncf those beneath 



the mounds of earth. All, all, whether buried 
in the distant South or at home, are leincnibered 
as they slumber on in a peaceful, glorified rest. 

"Winds of Summer, Oh whisper low. 
Over the graves where the violets grow. 
Blossoming tlowers and songs of bees, 
Sweet ferns tossed in the summer's breeze, 
Floating shadows and golden lights. 
Dewy mornings and radiant nights. 
All the bright and beautiful things 
That gracious and bountiful summer brings, 
Fairest and sweetest that earth can bestow. 
Brighten thegraves where the violets grow." 

Many of the brave soldiers who battled for 
the Union — many, very many — have "gone be- 
fore;" and they now wait upon the threshho'd 
of Paradise for the coming of those loved ones 
left behind, when they, too, shall have exchanged 
the feeble pulses of a transitory existence for 
the ceaseless thi-obbing of eternal life. Faith- 
ful and fearless, on the march, in the strife, at 
victory or defeat, they at last laid down at the 
mysterious frontier, leaving the exalted hojiS 
behind that, though the world was lost forever, 
there would be unfurled another realm of un- 
imaginable glory, where they and all whom 
they loved on carth,juight realize the promise 
which tlie Great Ruler of the universe lias made 
to the just. 




534 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 



CHAPTER XXV 



THE NEWSPAPER PRESS. 



Crawford county had been organized more 
tlian a quarter of a century before any newspa- 
per was printed and published within its limits. 
Tiie people finally could not be longer without a 
county journal of some kind; so there was issued 
the Prarie du Chien Patriot. 

The first paper in Crawford county was estab- 
lished in Prairie du Chien. The first number 
was issued Sept. 15, 1846, by O J. & H. A. 
Wriglit. It was a five column folio sheet, and 
c.iUed the Prairie du Chien Patriot. It was 
neutral in politics. The stock, materials and 
press of the Patriot were purchased by subscrip- 
tion, and became the property of the publishers 
by virtue of their conducting the paper a certain 
length of time. 

In the first number of the paper appears the 
following cards: 

BACK AGAIN. 

Dr. S. S. Beach has returned to Prairie du 
Chien and offers his services to his former pa- 
trons and friends, as he has located himself 
permanently for the future in this place. 

September 14, 1840. 

ALFRED BBUNSON, 

Attorney and Counselor at Law, 
Prairie du Chien, W. T. 

r. A. BRACE, 

Attorney and Counselor at Law, 
Prairie du Chien, W, T. 
In the second issue (September 22,) is to be 
found the following: 

DIED. 

In this village, on the 11th inst., Mr. Ezra 
Pelton, aged 39 years. 



In this village, on the 13th inst., Mrs. Nancy 
Pelton, wife of Ezra Pelton. aged 39 years. 

In this village, on the 13th inst., Mr. Cham- 
pion Pelton, aged 43 years. 

In this village, on the 3d inst., Joseph Mor- 
rill, aged 40 years. 

In this village, on the 29th ult., Mr. James 
Hendricks, aged 30 years. 

On the 6th of October, 1846, the following 
paragraph appears: 

On Thursday last, our village was visited by a 
number of Indians, having crossed the Mississ- 
ippi river, near the upper ferry. After making 
sad havoc among the swine, and committing 
other depredations of a similar nature charac- 
teristic to the race, they were put to flight by a 
sergeant's giiard sent from the Port [Crawford] 
hy Capt. [Wiram] Knowlton. By some means 
the Indians were informed of the coming of the 
missive from the Fort and ''the speed of the 
wind was theirs;" so that when the soldiers got 
where they were, they were not there. 

The Patriot was published by the Messrs. 
Wright, until Nov. 9, 1847, when O. J. Wright 
left the firm. It was continued by II. A. 
Wright until it ceased to exist. Like many 
similar enterprises, the paper was established 
for a pet purpose; and when that object failed 
or had been accomplished, there being no fur- 
ther call for its influence its support ceased 
and the publication stopped. The materials 
and press were sold to parties who started with 
them the first paper printed at La Crosse, 
oBWadi the Spirits of the Times — that being the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



635 



foundation of wliat was afterward the National 
Demoa-af. 

Itsliould he remembered that at the time of 
the starting of the Pain'oi in Prairie du Chien, 
as also for a long period subsequent, it was the 
only ])aper on the upper Mississippi, there 
being no other journal published at any of the 
river towns above it. The whole northwest 
then was but sparsely settled, inhabited prin- 
cipally by Indian tribes, United States soldiers, 
and Indian traders. Prairie du Chien itself 
was a mere trading post of the American Fur 
Company or its predecessors in the Indian 
tr.ide. There were no conveniences of daily 
luiiils, Tio telegraph lines, no railroad communi- 
cation with all parts of the country, as there 
are now; but a semi-occasional stage coach and 
as uncertain a steamer, brouglTt all the intelli- 
gence from abroad; and out of these scanty 
materials, the editor of the Patriot hiid to 
select anil make up his paper. And yet the 
files of the first papers published in the county, 
will com])are favorably with many papers prin- 
ted at the present day, and possessing the ben- 
efits of all their modern advantages. One 
reason why these old pipers are interesting is 
from the unmislakeable originality of the 
various articles and the tinge of fancy that 
pervades them, showing, positively, that the 
editor depended more on liis fertile imagination 
than on the irregular mails to get subjects with 
which ti> interest his readers. 

In a number of the Patriot of 1849, about 
three years after its commencement, we find an 
article entitled the "Press of Minnesota," which 
records the starting of a new paper at St. Paul 
called the Mitintsota Pioneer (afterward 
Pioneer and Democrat,) and goes on to state 
that the proprietor is James M. Goodhue, for- 
merly of the Wisconjtin Herald, that Mr. 
(roodhue was widely and favorably known in 
connection with the press of AVisconsin; that 
another paper, the Rerjister was commen<-i-(l 
about the same time by A. Randall of \\\c 
United States Geological Corps of Wisconsin; 



and that W. W. Wyman, one of the pioneers in 
the newspaper line and who, we believe, started 
the first paper in Madison, was also about to 
establish another St. Paul paper, called the 
Minnesota Standard. Thus it will be seen 
that three years after the Patriot was establish- 
ed at Prairie du Chien, it notices the starting 
of the first papers at St. Paul. As emigration 
and civilization progressed, other newspapers 
sprung up in the west; and, in 1848, we hear of 
the first daily paper in Dubuque; mail routes 
began to multiply; the river steamers increased 
in size and numbers; railroads were projec- 
ted; and Prairie du Chien was not behind otiier 
western towns in the display of this spirit of 
progress. 

THE CRAWFORD COUNTY COURIER 

In 1852, the Patriot had succumbed to the 
pressure of unavoidable circumstances; its 
remains had been carried to La Crosse, and 
Phoeni.x like, another paper had grown out of 
of them. The railroad interest had begun to 
effect the people of Prairie du Chien and they 
must needs have another organ to represent 
them and look after their interest. Prom]jted 
by these motives, the more enterprising men 
held out inducements, which were accepted by 
Huel E Ilutcliinson and J. Ilurd, who, on Wed- 
nesday, May 19, 1852, started another jiaper in 
Prairie du Chien, entitled the Crawford County 
Courier. This paper began under auspicious 
circumstances. It was edited with ability by 
Mr. Hutchinson. It was independent in j)oli- 
tics, though slightly leaning to the democratic in 
tone and on the whole was well received and 
supported by the people of tln' tnwn and 
county. 

Mr. Hutchinson conducted his paper for two 
years, when he disposed of his interest advan- 
tageously and was succeeded by D. II. Johnson. 
The Courier was continued under the editorsJiip 
of Ilurd and Johnson, until Nov. 10, 1855, when 
William K. Parish assumed the interest of Mr. 
Ilurd, and it was published by Johnson and 
Parish, The printing business not suiting Mr. 



536 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Parish, or his not being suited to the printing 
business, soon caused him to let his share of the 
establishment to Dr. Whitaker Jenkins, and the 
paper was printed by Johnson and Jenkins. 
'J h rough all these changes, D. H. Johnson had 
the editorial management of the paper ; and, 
under his administration, it was rapidly verg- 
ing towards republicanism. 

The co-partnership of Johnson & Jenkins 
continued from December, 1855, to April, 1856. 
when the establishment was purchased by V. 
A. \V. Merrell, who greatly improved the office 
by the addition of new material, job jiress, and 
many improvements which appeared to his ex- 
perienced mind indispensable. Mr. Merrell 
was a thorough practical man, a printer by 
choice from boyhood, and had, at the time of 
purchasing the Courier, resided in Wisconsin 
sixteen years. Besides fitting up the office in a 
workmanlike shape, he completely revolution- 
ized the political character of the paper. Per- 
haps the best idea of the omens and intents 
with which he commenced, can be had from 
the following extract from his salutatory: 

"In taking charge of the publication of a 
newspaper, whether in the case of one long 
established and well known, or in that of anew 
enterprise, it is customary for the publisher to 
introduce himself to his patrons, in an introduc- 
tory article, setting forth and describing the 
principles he will advocate. In making our 
delnit, a very few words will suffice for this pur- 
pose, and we mean it shall be an earnest that 
we will not inflict long articles upon our 
readers, as is the usual custom ; but will, in all 
cases, try to express our ideas in plain English 
and as briefly as possible. Politically, the 
Courier will be democratic. Thus much might 
have been said at an earlier day, when the 
democratic party of Crawford county was more 
united; now, however, it is proper to say, to 
prevent misunderstanding, so far as we are 
able to follow in the old and well-worn path 
trodden by the recognized patriots and states- 
men, in the democratic party, we shall do so." 



"Impressed," continues Mr. Merrell, "by the 
natural advantages and position of Prairie du 
Chien, and believing its future prospects equal 
to any upon the Mississippi, and superior to 
most places, we have come to reside among its 
[leople; to cast in our lot with theirs; to invest 
what little we have in a business with which 
we have been accustomed from boyhood, and 
one we do not wish to change; intending that 
business shall be subservient to the interests 
and welfare of this town and county; hoping, 
by careful attention to business, to share 
reasonably in its growing prosperity." 

For over two years, Mr. Merrell conducted 
the Courier ; he spared neither time nor ex- 
pense to make it a paper full of news, of im- 
mediate interest; a paper sought after abroad, 
as furnishing tlie most accurate knowledge of 
what was transpiring in its locality ; also 
fraught witli valuable information for the 
farmer; a welcome visitor at many a western 
fireside. 

"All this time," says William D. Merrell, a 
son of V. A. W. Merrell, "the Courier pre- 
served 'the even tenor of its way;' possessing 
the confidence of the people, being the old 
county paper and disclaiming all connection 
with party cliques, it received the sup])ort of 
the honest conservatives of both parties. I 
had now been in the Courier office as foreman 
a long time, and having the means to purchase 
and carry it on, I accepted an offer of V. A. W. 
Merrell and Jjought the entire office, subscrip- 
tion list and good will; and after the 18th of 
November, 1858, all business was done by me" 

The following was the announcement of the 
sale of the Courier by V. A. W. Merrell and its 
purchase by William D. Merrell, as it stands in 
ihe issue of Dec. 2,1858: 

"To the patrons of the Courier: Having sold 
all my right, title and interest in the Courier 
office establishment, my duties as projirietor, 
much to my gratification and gain, ended on the 
ISth of November. During my time as a 
journalist, it was my pride to devote every- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



537 



tiling to the best interests of tli is paper's pat- 
rons; and it is a satisfaction to knov that my 
successor will be actuated by similar motives. 
I return thanks for favors received from numer- 
ous kind friends ever to be remembered; and in 
saying good-bye to the readers of the Courier, 
would wish them many hours of happiness in 
the rt'ulizing of its promising future. 

V. A. W. Merreli,." 

"Tlie purchase of all Mr. Merrell's type, 
presses, stock and printing materials brings the 
Prairie du Chien Courier under our exclusive 
control. Under the new administration the 
same editorial supervision — the same principles 
and policy that have heretofore marked this 
paper \c)iily « little more so\ will be strictly ad- 
hered to. We hope by unicmitted attention to 
maintain the character of this establishment for 
])romptitude and regularity, and intend to spare 
no efforts to make it a newspaper worthy the 
patronage of this town and county. 

William D. Merrell." 

William D. Merreli was born at Plattsburg, 
N. Y , May IS, 1840. His father, Victor A. W. 
Merreli, who was a native of Burlington, Vt , 
received a fair English education, and learned 
the ]irinling business in the Burlington, Free 
Prey.'i office. He afterwards passed three years 
traveling, part <>( the 1 ime on a merchant trading 
ship, visiting many cities in this and foreign coun- 
tries. He returned to New York city, where his 
oldest brother, Brutus Merreli, a ship owner and 
wealthy broker, was then living. He was in- 
duced to settle down, got married, and became 
part owner and publisher of the Plattsburg, N. 
Y. liepiihliran. Subsequently he published the 
Chronicle at Whitehall N. Y. About this time, 
Henry D. Wilson, of the Milwaukee Sentinel 
and Gazette, met him in Buffalo, at Connor &, 
Son's type foundry, bought out his printing 
material, and persuaded him to accompany him 
to Milwaukee, Wisconsin Territory. In 1843 
he went to Milwaukee, and with Wilson it King, 
and Elisha Star, helped to make the Milwaukee 
Sentinel ak swx^as. The year following (1844) 



he moved his family to Milwaukee. The jour- 
ney was made to Buffalo by canal, and from 
Buffalo to Milwaukee "round the lakes." 
There were few railroads in those days. V. A. 
W. Merreli is now (1884) a resident of the city 
of Prairie du Chien. His mother was a native 
of Ellenborough, N. Y. She died in Prairie du 
Chien. Young Merreli came to Wisconsin in 
1844, and with his parents resided in Milwaukee 
for twelve years. He was a pupil at Prof. 
Buck's Collegiate Institute for three years. 
Subsequently he served an apprenticeship in 
Star's job printing office, and became proficient 
in the "art preservative." In the spring of 1856 
he came to Prairie du Chien, and took charge 
of a printing office that his father had purchased 
the year previous. This was the Prairie du, 
Chien. Courier as explained in this chapter. 
Mr. Merreli performed much of the mechani- 
cal work of the office and was editor of the pa- 
per. In November, 1858, Wm. D. Merreli was 
enabled to purchase t'ne Courier establishment, 
clearing it of all debt and liabilities, and has 
ever since remained its editor and proprietor, 
and every edition for over twenty years has 
been issued regularly, as the files in his posses- 
sion prove. Mr. Merreli has been uniform!}' pros- 
perous and successful as a printer and publisher. 
He was able to provide a comfortable home for his 
parents, and hel])ed sup]iort the family until the 
children were old enough to do for themselves. 
His father, a man of iron constitution, robust 
and vigorous at si.\ly-five years of age, remains 
with him in Prairie du Chien. Mr. Merreli 
comes of ancestry remarkable for longevity. 
His grandfather and namesake, Wm. D. Mer- 
reli, of Burlington, Vt., reached the age of 
iiiMcly-six years, and his great-grandmother 
died at the extreme age of 103 years. Wm. 
I). Merreli was married to Julia McCa- 
hil, at St. Gabriel's (Catholic) church in Prairie 
du Chien, Wis., by Rev. Francis Nagle, on May 
18, ISOS. Miss McCahil was a sister of Mrs. P. 
Reynolds, then living in Prairie du Chien. 
Two children by this marriage died in infancy. 



538 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



The mother died July 3, 1870. This was the 
first great sorrow that Mr. Merrell had experi- 
enced, and the loss of his wife had a great etfeet 
upon his life. She was a devout member of 
the Roman Catholic Church, attentive to her 
religious duties, well known and esteemed for 
her piety and amial)ilily. She was buried in 
tlie Catholic cemetery at Prairie du Chien, 
where her sister, Mrs. Reynolds and her child- 
ren had preceded her. Mr. Merrell entered 
upon political work before he was of age. 
He did effective service in the Freemont 
and Buchanan presidential campaign. He 
became prominently known in local and 
State politics as an organizer of more than 
ordinary executive ability. He became an 
acknowledged democratic leader in Crawford 
county, and for years his friends and parly 
were always victorious. He never listened to 
any proposals for himself, never acce))ted any 
nomination for political preferment, but was 
always untiring in his endeavors to j)romote the 
interests of political friends and the success of 
his party. This uniform success of the demo- 
crats continued until the indication of unscrupu- 
lous ambition in certain politicians convinced 
him that their labors, party fealty, and the 
welfare of the people were being made to sub- 
serve mere personal ends. Then he turned upon 
the seltish set of officials who had control, and 
with his journal, and seconded by the ])eople, 
drove the party "barnacles" out of office, de- 
feating every man of them, and inaugurating a 
new era in Crawford county local politics. 
Mr. Merrell was married again May 28, 1872, 
to Mary Francis Clark, of Fairview, Alam.akee 
Co., Iowa. Rev. Father P. A. McMannus, pas- 
tor of St. Patrick's (Catholic) Church, near 
Harper's Ferry, officiating at the sacrament. A 
son and daughter by this marriage, now living, 
bless the editor's pleasant home, where he 
seems supremely contented, possessed of excel- 
lent health, and most agreeable surroundings. 
Mr. Merrell has acquired an extensive landed 
property during the past fifteen years. He now 



owns more real estate within the city limits of 
Prairie du Chien than any other one tax-payer. 
For the past ten years he has given considerable 
attention to farming, established farmers' socie- 
ties, addressed agricultural fairs and invested a 
considerable amount of money in improved 
farm machinery, horses and cattle. He has a 
favorite farm of over eighty acres in the center 
(2d ward) of Prairie du Chien, within fifteen 
minutes' walk of his residence. Here he likes 
to go among the horses and cattle, or out in the 
fields with sulky plows and self binders. He 
gives employment to farm help the year round. 
Re pays out his money as fast as it is received; 
his only incentive to earn money seems to be 
the satisfaction he takes in paying it out to 
workingraen. He certainly has no ambition to 
merely accumulate money, and never expects to 
get rich. In this, as in his political and publish- 
ing work, he secures employment and support 
for others, without any very flattering prospects 
of pecuniary profit for himself. This is a 
marked trait, almost a weakness in Mr. Merrell. 
He is calm and brave enough upon occasions 
requiring physical courage, but when asked by 
men out of employment for his aid, he has 
never been known to dare say "No." It is a 
fact noted among tha printer's "craft" for more 
tlian twenty-five years, that he never refused to 
assist an unfortunate fellow-being. The typo 
who was "carrying the banner" who could meet 
the proprietor of the Courier was certain of a 
job, a square meal, something to help him along. 
Appeals to his bump of benevolence never 
yet failed to draw "the ready" if he had a dol- 
lar within reach. If there is any particular trait 
about Mr. Merrell most prominent, it is this 
disposition to lend the helping hand on all oc- 
casions; and the only thing that can disturb 
his habitual equipoise of mind, is an evidence 
of ingratitude. He thinks that is the "un- 
pardonable sin." In twenty. seven years there 
has never been a subscription raised for any 
charitable or religious purpose in Prairie du 
Chein, but he ireely gave his share, regardless 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



539 



as to denomination. When sometimes remon- 
strated with about such indiscriminate giving 
fur a man of liis limited means, ho would say: 
"That's part of my religion!" [ The writer has 
had occasion to know whereof he makes these 
statements, and Merrell's friends and neigh- 
bors can add much more to confirm them.] 
With a perfect physical development and plenty 
of mental power, at the age of forty-four years, 
Mr. Merrell holds a responsible position among 
the residents of the "Prairie City." He is the 
oldest editor (in years of actual work) now liv- 
ing in western Wisconsin; and his journal, the 
Courier, is the oldest established newspaper in 
this city and county, if not in the northwest. 
Mr. Merrell will continue to publish the Courier, 
promoting every worthy public enterprise, confi- 
dent that unrivalled advantages and location will 
ensure for the city of Prairie du Chien metro- 
politan proportions and importance in the near 
future, and he naturally expects to live long 
enough to share in its prosperity. Generous to 
a fault, prompted by good intentions, ready to 
sympathise with the afflicted and prompt to di- 
vide his last dollar with a friend, or forgive a 
fallen foe, William D. Merrell deserves to live 
long and die happy. Few men in western Wis- 
consin have exerted more effective political in- 
fluence than the editor of the Courier; and as a 
consequence he had to stand the brunt of bitter 
political opposition. He must have possessed 
much manly attraction, for he has always re- 
tained many true friends. But for a few years 
he has voluntarially held aloof from active part- 
isan politics, enjoying the more congenial asso- 
ciations of private pursuits; but still steadfast 
as ever in his political faith, an earnest advocate 
of the principles of constitutional democracy. 

' ruAiniE T>r chie:n leader. 

After the rei)ublioan party had gained the 

y ascendency in Crawford county, it soon began 

to lose ground, and it was not long before the 

; vote was decidedly democratic. This fact made 



those who assumed to be leaders of the repub- 
lican party in the county, look about them for 
some means by which they could reach the peo- 
])le, that they might counteract the political 
effect of the Courier. The result of their efforts 
was the starting of a new republican pa])er in 
Prairie du C'hien. The manner of its establish- 
ment was this: 

William Hill, who had served his apprentice- 
ship in Starr's job office in Milwaukee, learn- 
ing there was an opening for another paper 
here; that he might expect considerable assist- 
ance from interested parties if he would pub- 
lish an opposition journal; and, being encour- 
aged by a number of persons, he came out with 
press and materials to start a paper. On arriv- 
ing at Prairie du Chien with his office, he was 
unable to obtain the aid he had expected; the 
assistance promised was not forthcomi?ig. For 
a considerable time he remained undecided 
what to do, whether to establish his paper or 
not. At length Mr. Hill succeeded in obtain- 
ing the assistance of .James Greene, to establish 
the "Prairie da Chien Leader" and its first 
number appeared July 18, 1857. 

SALUTATORY. 

"We do not conceive it necessary to urge the 
benefits resulting from a well conducted news- 
paper! they are patent to all. In our own State, 
the cities and villages th.\t have most rapidly 
increased in population and in business have 
been those most ably represented through the 
local press, and most persistent and liberal in 
urging and advertising their claims to public 
regard. Milwaukee, with its eight daily news- 
papers, and weeklies in still greater number; 
Madison, with a population of but l(i,000 to 12,- 
000, supporting as large a number of daily 
papers, as, perhaps, the capital of any State in 
the Union; Janesville, with its two dailies; 
Oshkosh, Watertown and Fond du Lac, are all 
more or less indebted to this source for their 
prosperity; all bear evidence to the closeness of 



540 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



the relation between success and printer's ink. 
Nor is this less applicable to manufacturing 
»n(l agricultural interests, or to individuals and 
individual business? The press not despising 
to trumpet forth its own praises, has harped upon 
its inrtuence in this respect until the subject 
has become almost stale; but that facts have 
warranted all that has been said, none will 
deny. 

"We seek to publish a paper worthy of the 
prospective rank of our city; one that in size 
and appearance will compare not unfavorably 
with the first newspapers of the State. It will 
be our aim to make it "a leader in everything 
that promises to develop the resources and in- 
crease the wealth of our locality, or elevate and 
enlighten our citizens," not a mere echo of more 
able coteraporaries. That the necessitj' of 
such a paper is felt, has been evinced in the 
cordial support which has thus far greeted our 
enterprise. And believing that the degree of 
success attendant upon our efforts must be com- 
mensurate with the extent to which you second 
our endeavors (admitting the faithful fulfill- 
ment upon our part of the duties devolving upon 
us), we respectfully solicit a continuance of this 
support, and the co-operation and encourage- 
ment of all, so far as in your judgments such 
support may subserve the interests and jirinci- 
ples which we uphold." 

The publishers of the Leader earnestly de- 
voted all their energies to the ]iublication of 
their new paper; political frierds, actuated by 
the hope of political aid, encouraged them. 
The fall election of 185T passed, and the result 
was a democratic majority in town and county. 
This somewhat cooled the ardor of parly friends; 
but, inspired by the hope of "better luck next 
time," they continued to put their faith in the 
Leader until the election of 1858, which re- 
sulted ill the election of the entire democratic 
ticket. 

Now the fickle character of political friends 
began to show itself. All confidence was lost 
in the hope that the Leader could help the re- 



publican party in Crawford county; and, with 
this loss of confidence, came the desertion of 
friends and want of support. About this time 
the monetary crisis was afHicting the newspa- 
per press throughout the country. Papers were 
being discontinued or reduced in size. The 
Leader adopted the latter measure; the paper 
was cut down from an eight to a seven column 
sheet; and soon after came under the sole 
supervision of James Greene, who continued 
to publish it for some time, but its days were 
numbered. 

THE PRAIRIE DU CHIEN UNION. 

This paper was established in Prairie du 
Chien early in 1864, by Mr. Greene. The fol- 
lowing was his salutatory : 

"Having undertaken to publish a newspaper in 
Prairie du Chien, at the invitation of a large 
number of its leading citizens, it will be ex- 
pected that we explain the policy to be pursued 
therein. In times of peril, like the present, 
each patriot desires to know the political 
whereabouts of those around him, whether they 
are patriots like himself, or traitors seeking the 
protection of the government in their efforts to 
give aid and comfort to the enemy, or cold and 
indifferent to the struggle which is working out 
our future destiny. 

"While we conduct the Prairie du Chien Uniov, 
it will sustain the National government, not 
coldly, complainingly or with "ifs," "buts," or 
conditions, but cheerfully and heartily. Dur- 
ing the war, we feel that we should heartily 
support the administration, whether we consider 
its policy, in all its minutia, the wisest or not. 
Very few persons would exactly agree; each 
has some theory peculiar to himself; but every 
plan cannot be adopted; one plan may be ; and 
as Abraham Lincoln is held responsible for the 
result of plans, we are of the opinion that his 
are the plans that should be supported. And 
we support them, too, because of their wisdom. 
Furthermore, Abraham Lincoln is the properly 
constituted head and exponent of the Union senti- 
ment, Union armies, and the National govern- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



541 



merit. Jeff Davis is the head of those who .arc 
ill all shades of rebellion against the govern- 
ment. 

"All that sujiport Lincoln and his plans give 
strength to the Union sentiment, army and 
government; those who oppose him, oppose all 
that is represented by him, and hence give aid 
and comfort, morally and substantially, to Jeff 
Davis and all that is represented by him. We 
desire to pursue such a course as will be in 
harmony with the operations of our armies, 
giving all our sympathy, influence and aid on 
the side of loyalty, and our opposition to what- 
ever opposes or weakens the National govern- 
ment. 

"It shall be our aim to favor whatever tends 
to improve our county or city. We expect to 
devote much time and space to the mechanics 
arts, agriculture and every department of trade 
and commerce. Prairie du Chien is peculiarly 
located with reference to all these interests; 
being situated on the great Mississippi, at the 
mouth of the Wisconsin, at the terminus of the 
Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railroad [now. 
1884, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul] anil 
across the river from the terminus of the Mc- 
Gregor Northwest Railroad, in a healthy coun- 
try with good water, it is clear that it needs but 
the application of capital to cause machine 
shops and manufactories to spring up, and trade 
to grow up to meet the poj)ular demands. If 
properly directed, commerce will be a great 
source of wealth to our citizens; while under 
enlightened cultivation, our quick soil will be- 
come the source of great profit to the gardiner 
and fruiter. Enterprise, knowledge and labor, 
if united, have here abundant scope to carve 
out ample fortunes, in a pleasant, healthy, 
romantic ])laee, and cTijoy superior facilities for 
varied employments. We shall endeavor to 
advocate these great interests. 

"Nor shall we be undniindful of education. 
I'he great pillars of free institutions, of civil 
law and public safety, are grounded in our free 
schools. In Slates whore free )iublic schools 



have been establiehed there has been no rebel- 
lion. I!ut just in proportion as the educational 
interests of any part of the country have been 
neglected, to that extent have the different 
shades of rebellion prevailed. 

"Wit and humor — laughing sprites — will be 
welcomed to our columns, as smiling messen- 
gers of health, joy and peace, good for the soul 
and resting to the intellect. 

"We shall aim to give the general and local 
news, and trust that our readers will assist us 
in this respect, by promptly sending any items 
of general interest that come under their notice. 
The local news and interests of Prairie du 
Chien and Crawford county, will take prece- 
dence of general matters; as it is expected that 
the Unio7i will be an exponent of the loyal peo- 
ple of this city and county; hence their inter- 
ests will be our interests; their wants and ours, 
identical. We shall aim to encourage what- 
ever conduces to the public good, and dis- 
courage what appears to be public evil. A citi- 
zen among you, we desire to study the interests 
of the peojile, and make a good family paper. 
It is very desirable that the loyal people of this 
county (and all should be loyal) should be 
united ; then each supported and being sup- 
ported, may be useful members of the great 
Union body. 

"Trusting that we are in a charitable commu- 
nity, and that our readers will overlook errors 
of the head, if the heart is right, we undertake 
the enterprise, looking to the intelligent people 
for support. 

OUR I'LATFOKM. 

"We are frequently asked by those who have 
acted with different parties, what party do you 
belong to? Are you a republican or democrat? 
We propose to set our political friends and ene- 
mies at rest upon this subject; we desire to 
place ourselves squarely upon the record, in this 
respect, that we may be understood. 

"Weare for the Union and against all disunion- 
ists. We believe that the only certain or prob- 
able way to sustain the Union in the perilous 



33 



542 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



crisis, is, to help the administration _^^A< dovn 
this rebellion. We are for asserting and main- 
taining the authority of the government over 
every foot of territory belonging to the United 
States. We have no fears that the administration 
will strike any too hard, or too fast, or at an in- 
nocent person; hence we shall not be alarmed, 
should he suspend the writ of habeas corpus, 
prohibit newspapers from injuring the govern- 
ment, either by inciting rebellion at home, or en- 
couraging it in the south, or do other acts re- 
garded by rebels and their sympathizers as ty- 
rannical and oppressive. 

The President of the United States is our civil 
executive head and the commander-in-chief of 
our army and navy. As a civil officer, he is 
subject to the constitution; as a military 
chieftain, he is amenable to the laws of Na- 
tions, And it is our purpose to do all in our 
power to sustain him in both capacities until 
peace is restored. It is not for us to arrange or 
disarrange his plan of operations, but it is for 
us to do all that we can to make them success- 
ful. These may not be the very best that could 
be devised, but they are the best that are 
devised, hence it is our duty to sustain them. 

"The commander of an army, and not the pri- 
vate soldier, must direct its operations; so must a 
Nation's movements, in time of war be directed 
by the head; and citizens and soldiers should 
unite in upholding and strengthening the Na- 
tion's head. Abraham Lincoln is the people's 
President; and as such we expect to sustain him 
as we have done since he first commenced trying 
to break up this rebellion. Not by halvus or 
with ifs and provisos do we sustain our Presi- 
dent, but give him and his administration, includ- 
ing his proclamations, a cheerful support. We be- 
lieve it to be constitutional to fight down this 
rebellion and punish rebels. The constitution 
was made to form a more perfect Union and 
not to license unprincipled men to incite rebel- 
lion and connive to break up the government. 

"We care not what becomes of the democratic 
or the republican party; but we want the Na- 



tion to stand and our armies to '"conquer a 
peace." We belong to the party that the sol- 
diers do — to the war party — the Union party, 
which we regard as the only constitutional par- 
ty in the country. We care not whether we 
vote for men called democrats or republicans, 
if they be honest, capable and really in earnest 
in their support of the National authorities in 
their efforts to put down this rebellion. This is 
the only issue we make at present. We have 
no faith in men who seek to get up side issues 
to distract the public mind from the great work 
of saving the country. Let us be united and 
work all together, caring not whether we act 
with democrats or republicans, but see that we 
do not unwittingly play into the hands of cop- 
perheads or rebels. We hope we are under- 
stood." 

Mr. Green was succeeded by Waldo Brown in 
the publication of the Union, and in turn gave 
way to Nicholas Smith and Joseph Smethurst. 
In 1871, Mr. Smith purchased the latter's inter- 
est and run the paper until September 1 874. He 
then sold it to Fred J. Bowman, who subse. 
quently disposed of it to B. J. Castle. 

From March 1st, 1877, to April, 1883, the pa- 
per was conducted by John R. Berryman; asso- 
ciated with the latter, for four years, was Thur- 
low W. Lacy. The latter, in connection with 
Ira D. Hurlbut, published the paper until Dec, 
28, ) 883, when Mr. Lacy disposed of his in- 
terest to A. M. Beach; so that, at the present 
time (1884) the Z7m?'o^ is published by Messrs. 
llurlbut and Beach. 

IraD. Hurlbut was born in the town of Scott, 
Crawford Co., Wis., April 7th, 1856. He is 
of a family of nine boys and one girl. Four 
brothers are now living. His father, John R. 
Hurlbut, is an American; but his mother emi- 
grated from Germany, in her childhood. The 
subject of this sketch, lived at home on a farm 
until sixteen. He afterwards engaged in teach- 
ing in Crawford and Grant counties, following 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



543 



the business, at intervals, for ten years, but at- 
tending school during a part of the time, both at 
the normal school at Plattsville, and at the uni- 
versity of Wisconsin, at Madison. Mr. Hurl- 
but's first newspaper venture was the Excelsior, 
'Richland Co.' Press; and was abandoned as un- 
{)rofitable after about two years. He was, in 1879, 
associated for a short time, with H. L.Marshall 
in the publication of the Vernon county Herald, 
published at Viroqua. 

In May, 1882, he undertook the publication of 
the Crawford county Journal, but severed his 
connection with the paper in April of the fol- 
lowing year; wlien he purchased the business 
interests of J. R. Berryman of the Prairie du 
Chien Union. Mr. Berryman was the senior 
partner. Mr. Hurlbut was married July 16, 
1883, to Louise Speck, of Prairie du Chien. 



The Crawford county Journal was estab- 
lished Jan. 1, 1882, by Wm. Borgen, suc- 
ceeded in the following May, by Ira D. 
Hurlbut. The latter was succeeded the follow- 
ing April, 1883, by Hurlbut & Patten, and in 
May following, by J. E. Patten, who became 
sole manager. The paper is, and has been, 
owned by a company consisting of the business 
men of Soldier's Grove. 

J. E. Patten, the youngest managing editor in 
Crawford county, was born in Winnebago Co., 
111., Sept. 2, 1865, where he resided one year,' 
hisparents removing to Marietta Crawford coun- 
ty, where they now reside. Mr. Patten is now 
managing editor of the Crawford county Jour- 
nal. He is a son of James and Jane Patten, 
his father being chairman of the township com- 
mittee, a position which he has held for a num- 
ber of years. 




544 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXVI 



EARLY COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 



There is much in the early government of 
Crawford county to demand attention and. 
awaken an interest in tlie mind of the reader. 
The subject is naturally divided into two parts; 
the first includes a narrative of what the county 
legislators did from the creation of the county 
in 1818* to the ending of the existence of 
Michigan territory in 1836; the second includes 
a sketch of their proceedings down to the year 
1848, when the territory of Wisconsin ceased 
to exist and Crawford became one of tlie coun- 
ties of the State of Wisconsin. Of these two 
divisions, only such extracts from the records 
are given hereafter as are believed to be of 
paramount importance. 

The government of the various counties of 
Wisconsin since the admission of the State into 
the Union is so well understood that only a 
reference to the changes in the form will here 
be given. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONEES. 

The Legislature, during the winter of 1860-61 
passed an act abolishing the board of supervi- 
sors and creating the board of county commis- 
sioners. Under the former system the county 
board was composed of one member from each 
town in the county, while under the new system 
the board consisted of three commissioners. 
The county was divided into three districts and 
each was entitled to one commissioner. The 
creating act provided that annual meetings 
sliould be held on the second Monday in Jan- 
uary, of each year. 

•As will be hereafter seen, the record of Cniwfortl conn- 
tie's government begrins in 1831. Back of that, nothing has 
been preserved: 



SUPERVISORS AGAIN. 

During the year 1868, the Legislature passed 
an act changing again the system of county 
government throughout Wisconsin. This act 
abolished the commissioner system, or board of 
three, and reinstated the old system of aboard 
made up of one member from each town and 
one from each ward of a city and from each in- 
corporated village. This law is still in force. 

The record of the board of supervisors of 
Crawford county since the admission of the 
State into the Union is very full and complete; 
but the re-production of even the more impor- 
tant measures adopted by the "county legisla- 
ture" would extend this history beyond its 
prescribed limits. 
COUNTY commissioners' record for 1821-22. 

On Thursday, the 29th of this month, 
[November, 1821] a court of the commissioners 
will be held at 10 o'clock. All persons having 
demands against the county are requested to 
bring them in; also, all persons having in their 
hands property belonging to said county are 
requested to deliver them [*'/('] up to the com- 
missioners who will receipt for them. The 
county treasurer will, on that day, deliver up 
his accounts with an account current of expen- 
ditures since the time of his appointment. 

The collector of taxes will also bring in his 
accounts in the same money that has been paid 
to him to save an examination. All persons 
holding contracts with the county are reques- 
ted to bring them before this court. By order 
of the commissioners. 

John L. Findly, Clerk C. C. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



645 



The court met on Friday, the 30th of Novem- 
ber agreeable to adjournment. 

Ordered, That John P. Gates be paid $4.62^ 
out of the treasury of the county for one book 
lor the court of probate, provided the said book 
is returned. 

Ordered, That Joseph Creely will put all 
timber.s, planks, etc., belonging to the jail of 
the county, into the jail and nail up the door. ' 

Ordered, That two pair of handcuffs be made 
for the county and be delivered to the sheriff 
of said county. 

Ordered, That the treasurer, sheriff and 
collector of this county bring in their respective 
accounts on Saturday, the 8th instant, or they 
will be dealt by according to law. 

John L. Findly, Clerk C. C. 
County op Crawford Dec. 3 1821 

Ordered, That the clerk of the county court 
'•eceive tour books for the use of the county- 
the sheriff two, and the commissioners two for 
their respective offices. 

Ordered, That the supervisors of roads and 
highways have the roads and highways that 
have been ordered, put in good order without 
delay. 

^ Ordered, That this court be adjourned until 
Saturday, the 8th instant, at 10 o'clock, a. m. 
John L. Findly, Clerk, C. C. 
The commissioners met on this day Decem- 
ber 10, 1821. 

We, the commissioners, on account of tlie 
"eKlect and the infirmity of James McFarland, 
collector of Crawford county, do appoint Thomas 
^Ic.Nair, .sheriff, to collectall taxes not collected 
'>ysaid James McFarland, for the years 1820 
an<i 1821. 

Ordered, That Thomas McNair, sheriff, wiio 
"«'"g ap|H,i„ted collector, do enforce the law 
•'gainst all delinquents for county taxes <lue for 
'^••^0 and 1821 and that he render, on Thursday 
l"f -0th instant, an account of the same to the 
cominissioneis. 

Ordered, That Joseph Creeley be paid out of 
i"e county treasury §1, not other^vise appropri- 



ated. The court adjourned until the 20th of 
December, 1821. By order. 

John L. Findly, Clerk, C C 
Ordered, That .Tohn L. Findley be paid $25 
per year as clerk for the commissioners of the 
county. 

Ordered, That the treasurer receive for his 
services two and one-half cents on all moneys 
recoived and disbursed for the county. 
By Order. 

J. L. Findly, Clerk C. C. 
The court met on Saturday, Feb. 16, 1829, 
agreeable to adjournment. 

The court adjourned until the first Monday in 
March, 1 822. John L. Findly, Clerk, C. C. 

The honorable, the court of commissioners 
of Crawford county met on Monday, the 4tli 
day of March, 1822. 

Ordered, That the public school house be re- 
paired so as to receive all persons holdin- 
public courts for the county or meetings. 
By order, 

John L. Findly, Clerk C. C 
March Term, 1822.-At a court of the com- 
missioners for the county of Crawford, taking 
into consideration the expenses of tlie county 
for the year 1822, upon due consideration had, 
do order that the assessor take as ratable' 
property for this year, wild and improved 
lands, horses, mares and geldings, over two 
years old, gigs, carioles, calashes and pleas- 
ure wagons; that the assessor assess all retailers 
of merchandise |5, and all tavern keeper.s* *5; 
and that all male persons over the age of twen- 
ty-one who have resided in the county six 



..u:J;.u,o he speaks >,t being -the ^S^^Z^^,^Z 
■•I continued in s-overnment employ until the faU of iKii 

^^^^;^ ie^,ti-:: S -^ -- m"' ^"^^ 



546 



HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



months, not having ratables, shall pay $1 poll 
tax and no more. 

Ordered, That John W. Johnson, Michael 
Brisbois and Oliver Cherrier, be reqnested to 
visit the house of Thomas McNair, which is 
occupied as a jail, there to give their opinion 
how much said house is worth per month; also 
to say how much wood has been necessary for 
said prison per week; and on Saturday, the 9th 
instant, to examine the county jail to know wheth- 
er it be sufficient to hold prisoners, and if pos- 
sible to report to the commissioners on that day 
in writing. 

Ordered, That this court is adjourned until 
Monday, the 16th instant; nevertheless, should 
the sheriff want any provisions for Jourdan 
[prisoner] between this and that time, he can 
get them by calling on one of the commis- 
sioners. 

The comissioners met this day, March 16,1822, 
agreeable to adjournment. 

Ordered, That Thomas McNair and Oliver 
Cherriere, freeholders, shall be appointed to 
estimate the ratable property of this county 
for this year, 1822, and report agreeable to law. 

This court is adjourned until the first Monday 
in May next. By order. 

John L. Findlt, Clerk C. C. 

June 3, 1822. — The commissioners of Craw- 
ford county met according to law and adjourn- 
ed until Monday, the I7th instant. 

John L. Findly, Clerk C. C. 

June 17, 1822. — The court met agreeable to 
adjournment 

Ordered, That the percentage be one-fourth 
of one per cent, on every dollar for this year. 

Ordered, That James Reed, deputy sheiff, be 
appointed collector of the county tax for this 
year. 

Ordered, That all persons not holding prop- 
erty to the amount of ^400 shall pay $1 poll 
tax. 

Ordered, That the court adjourn until further 
orders. 



Nov. 30, 1822. 
Teeritokt of Michigan, ) 

County of Ckawford, \ 

At a special meeting of the commissioners 
for the said county, Joseph Rolette and James 
II. Lockwood, having taken into consideration 
the necessity of a having a sufficient jail for 
criminals until the county jail shall be repaired 
—they do hereby order that the guard room of 
Fort Crawford shall be for the time being a 
county jail. 

The honorable, the court of commissioners 
for Crawford county, met on the first Monday 
in December, 1822, according to law. 

Ordei-ed, That the following persons shall re- 
cieve from the treasurer the following sums: 
Joseph Rolette, $12, for interest due from tl(^e 
county; John L. Findly, $12, in part for his serv- 
ices; Thomas McNair, $5, in part of his account; 
Charles Mendenhall, $14, balance due on ac- 
count; Dennis Courtois, $3.87|, in full of his ac- 
count; and the United States factory agent, 
$7.60 in full of his account; and the court ad- 
journs until Friday, the 6th instant. 

MISCELLANBOUS EXTRACTS FROM COMMISSIONER'S 
RECORD. 

Monday, June 16, 1823. — Tbe court met, and 
issued a precept to the sheriff of the county to 
collect the taxes for the year 1823, amounting 
to $241.55, and adjourned to meet agreeable to 
law. By order. 

J. II. Lockwood, Deputy clerk. 

es. March term,1824. 

At a court of commissioners held at Prairie du 
Chien,on the 1st day of March, 1824, present J. H. 
Lockwood, D. Courtois and Joseph Rolette.it was 

Resolved, that the supervisor be directed 
to build a bridge across the marais, or slougli to 
St. Feriole with the labor of the road tax, at 
the point which the supervisor shall deem more 
for the accommodation of the public, at any 
place between the pond in said marais at Pierre. 
Lariviere's and the outlet of said marais, ai d ' 
the Mississippi. ' 



Territory OF Michigan ) 
County of Crawford. ( 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



547 



TERRiTORy OF Michigan 



County of Crawford. ' j 

Court of the commissioners for said county, 
of the term of September, ]825. Present: 
Joseph Rolette and James H. Lockwood, who 
proceeded to examine the accounts presented 
against said county, as follows: Ezekiel Lock- 
wood, services rendered, as sheriff pro tem. for 
said county, $.31.31; Thomas McNair, for servi- 
ces rendered as sheriff at the election for dele- 
gale to Congress, $5; Charles Giasson, for servi- 
ces rendered as clerk of the circuit and county 
courts, as clerk to the commissioners, and hire 
of a house for court room, etc., $6:3.4:3; Joseph 
Brisbois, as clerk of election for a delegate to 
Congress, and for a member of the Legislative 
Council (of Michigan Territory), $6; James 
Reed, for assessing at Prairie du Chien and Fe- 
ver river, and for summoning grand and pettit, 
jurors for the circuit court, $2.5.50; Jean Brunei 
for hue of room for grand jurors etc., $5; Thomas 
II. .Jainiaus, a.sse8sing at Fever river, $4; James 
II. Lockwood, one double bolt, etc., furnished 
for the county, $5.75 All of which accounts 
are allowed by us. 

Joseph Rolettb ) ^ 
J. H. Lockwood [ ^'"^■ 
Prairie du Chien, Sept., 6, 1825. 
Charles Grasson, Clerk to committee. 
Territory OF Michigan j 
County of Crawford, j ^^ 

At a court of commissioners held at Prairie 
du Chien on Monday the 6th of December, 1825. 
Piesent: Dennis Courtois, Joseph Rolette and 
James II. Lockwood. The.commissioners pro- 
ceeded to examine the account of the supervisor 
of roads, and find that the tax roll for 1824, has 
heen expended by Oliver Cherrier, the supervi- 
sor, except the sum of $9 for money commuted 
for days, and that the roll for 1825, has not been 
worked or commuted for days except $6. 

The commissioners then proceeded to lay the 
county into ro.a.l districts; and it is hereby re- 
solved that the township of Prairie du Chien be 
one road district, and that John Brunet be ap- 



pointed supervisor of roads for said district; 
and that the supervisor proceed with the taxes, 
of said district to erect a bridge over the ma- 
raisof St. Feriole, opposite to the road le.ading 
from the Mississippi to Lariviere's; the bridge 
to be built above common high water mark 
in the spring; to be twenty feet wide; to be 
built in the following manner, that is to say: 
Stone wall to be built at the direction of the 
supervisor as to thickness on each side, and 
tilled with earth, and a place of twenty-five feet 
left over the principal channel of the river; to 
be made of strong pieces and covered with 
hewed timber; to be made with railing three 
and a half feet high. 

At a special court of the commissioners for 
the county of Crawford held at Prairie du 
Chein, the 28th day of June, 1826, present Jo- 
seph Rolette and Dennis Courtois, who pro- 
ceeded to examine the assessment roll for the 
year which amounted to $248.41, which they 
adjudged to be a correct assessment, and ac- 
cordingly gave an order to the sheriff for the 
collection thereof, and directed the clerk to 
make duplicate tax rolls according to the 
statute. 

Territory of Michigan, ( 
County of Crawford, j 
At a special meeting of commissioners of the 
term of June, 1827. The commissioners, ac- 
cording to law, present— Joseph Rolette, jlmes 
II. Lockwood and Dennis Courtois ; who pro- 
ceeded to examine the assessment roll produced 
by the assessors, and having found said roll 
correct, do hereby direct the clerk of .said court 
to make out duplicate tax roll according to the 
statute, directed to be collected by Edward 
I'iza.ine, under sheriff; and Michael Brisbois, 
treasurer of said county, being absent from said 
county, it is hereby ordained that Oliver Cher- 
rier be appointed treasurer /)ro tem.,a.ud that he 
give bond in the sum of $500. 

A CHANGE. 

The last session of the court of commissioners 
of Crawford county, was at the March term, 



548 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.' 



1828. The labors of the commissioners, Den- 
nis Courtois, J. H. Loekwood, and Joseph Ro- 
lette, then came to an end, and in place of them 
were appointed three supervisors for the 
county — John Marsh, John Simpson, and Dennis 
Courtois. Tiie county was also erected into 
one township, called St. Anthony, the super- 
visors ot the county being also supervisors 
of the township. The following is the first 
record under the new arrangement : 

Tekritoey of Michigan, } 
County of Ceawfoed. ( 
At a session of the supervisors of the county 
of Crawford and township of St Anthony, held 
on the second day of June, 1828, was present, 
John Marsh, John Simpson and Dennis Cour- 
tois, supervisors of said township, and took into 
consideration and examined the accounts against 
the county of Crawford, and allowed what we 
have found just and correct ; there was pre- 
sented the account of Pierre Lariviere, of $1 
as assessor; Augustus Hebert, for $1, as assessor; 
John Marsh, account, $1 ; John Simpson, ac- 
count, $1 ; John Simpson, account, $4 ; Dennis 
Courtois, account, $1 ; Daniel Curtis, account, 
$26 ; Joseph Brisbois, account, $17 ; Michael 
Bi-isbois, account, $10 ; Antoine Lachapelle, 
account, $2,50; Francois Galarneaux, account, 
seventy-five cents ; Oliver Cherrie'r, account, 
$8.34 ; Pierre Lariviere, account, $1, and Au- 
gustus Hebert, account $1. 

The collector not having presented his secu- 
rity for the collection of the taxes thereof, we 
allow to said collector ten days to find security, 
and Ihe court adjourn until the first Monday in 

July next, at 9 o'clock a. m. 

John Maesh, 

his 

John y, Simpson, 

mark. 

Dennis Couetois, Supervisors. 
Attest: Joseph Brisbois, 

Clerk of St. Anthony Township. 

Territory of Michigan, ) 
County of Crawford. ) 
At a session of the supervisors of the county 
of Crawford, and township of St. Anthony, held 



on the 7th day of July, 1828, present, John 
Marsh, John Simpson and Dennis Courtois, su- 
pervisors of said township, was presented the ac- 
count of Pierre Lembert of $1.50, which wasal 
lowed; and Dennis Courtois, account of $1; John 
Simpson, of $1; John Marsh, of $1, and Joseph 
Brisbois, of $2, which was allowed. 

Upon the representation of the sheriff tluit 
the prison is insufficient for the safe keeping 
of D. McNult, a prisoner confined on the charge 
of murder, a request was made to the command- 
ing officer of Fort Crawford to take the pris- 
oner into his custody for safe keeping. The 
court adjourned until the first Monday in Sep 
tember next, at ten o'clock a. m. 

A NEW BOARD. 

A new board of supervisors for the county of 
Crawford, and township of St. Anthony, was 
now appointed, consisting of Joseph M. Street, 
Jean Brunet and Joseph Rolette. The record 
of their first meeting was follows : 
Tbrritoey of Michigan, ) 
County of Ceawfoed. f 

At a session of the supervisors of the county 
of Crawford and township of St. Anthony, ac- 
cording to previous notice, present, Joseph M. 
Street and Joseph Rolette. 

Resolved, That an account made by Isa;io 
Harrison, for the amount of $56 has been found 
illegal, and that any part which may have been 
paid will be charged to Daniel Curtis, sheriff 
of said county. 

Hesolved, That the account of James and 
George Kernely be made out by the clerk and 
duly certified to and sent for collection to St. 
Louis. 

Resolved, That the account of Ezekiel Lock- 
wood, for monies received by him as treasurer 
of the corporation of Prairie du Chien and re- 
maining in his hands be made out by the cliik 
and duly certified to and sent to Galena for c'nl- 
lection. 

Resolved, That the account of Jean Brunet, 
as supervisor for monies paid to him by Oliver 
Cherrier, be made out and duly certitiiJ 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



549 



t" aiul b.anded over to the sheriff for collection. 

Prairie du Chien, April i:\ 1829. 
Tekritory of Michigan, ) 

( dUNTY of CRAWi'ORD. j 

At a special se-ssion of the supervisors for the 
county aforesaid, and township of St. Anthony, 
there were present: Joseph Rolette, Joseph 
M. Street and Jean Brunei,' supervisors of said 
township, and they took in consideration to 
settle the accounts of the treasury, but the 
sheriff being absent they postponed the said 
settlement to Saturday, the 3d day of April 
next. The following accounts were presented 
and allowed, to-wit: 

NAMK. ACCOUNT. AMOUNT. 

Ji)Sfiili Rnlelte do $8 00 

.Icuii Bnuiet do 8 00 

Ji>sc|ili M. Stree!, do 8 00 

Jnseph Brisbois do 5 50 

JmiK-s n. Dallam do 2 00 

AiiioiicaQ Fur Company. . .do 7 00 

'J'heii the court adjourned until Saturdiiy, the 
3d of April next. Prairie du Chien, March 29, 
IH.30. 
'1'krritory of Michigan, ) 

r ss 
CoU.VTY OF CkAAVFORD. \' ' 

Term of May, 1830. At a session of the su- 
pervisors of the township of St. Anthony and 
county of Crawford, on Monday, the 10th day 
of May, present: Jean Brunet, Joseph M. Street 
and Jose])li Rolette, supervisors of the townshij) 
and county aforesaid, it was the opinion of the 
supervisors that they settle with J. C. Hayes, 
by receiving from him all monies he has re- 
ceived, or the county treasurer's receipt for 
what he has received and paid over and the tax 
list with what he has not collected. In the ease 
of county tax and the sheriff [J. C. Hayes] not 
having his account ready, they postponed to 
Wednesday, the 12th instant. 

At a court of the supervisors held according 
to the adjournment, on Monday, the 20th day of 
Dec. 1830, |)resent: the lion. Jean Brunet and 
•losepli Rolette, supervisors of the township of 
St. Anthony and county of Crawford and Terri- 
tory of Michigan. 



Resolved, That $20 be allowed Joseph Bris- 
bois for removing the county jail from its pres- 
ent situation and placing the timber on the 
mound of the court house on or before the 1 0th 
day of Feb. 1831, according to previous notices. 

Whereas, The supervisors of tlie county of 
Crawford, in the Territory of Michigan, did at 
a former meeting a^ree to convey to the 
United States the lots of land heretofore 
deeded to them by J. D. Doty, on which to 
erect the new buildings of Fort Crawford, on 
condition that when said new fort shouhl be 
ready to accommodate the troops, the land and 
part of the building of the old Fort Crawford 
should be given to the said county as a cmirt 
house, jail and other public uses; and the officer 
now in command at Fort Crawford having 
written to the secretary of the department of 
war, reijuesting that the said lot of land where- 
on the old fort stands, with a ])art of the bull '- 
ings, be conveyed to said county, or ilial he be 
ordered to surrender them to them; We, the un- 
dersigned, supervisors of the said county, now 
in session, pray that the Congress of the United 
States would pass such law or laws as may be 
necessary to authorize the conveyance of the 
said land and buiUlings of the old Fort Crav;- 
ford to the supervisors of said county and their 
successors in office for the use and lienefits of 
the said county, on which to erect a court house, 
jail and for such other palilic use as tliey may 
deem for the benefit of the county. 
Done in open court, Jan. 10, 1831. 
Joseph M. Street, ) 
Joseph Roi.kttk, > Suj 
.Iean Brunet. ) 

Attest: 

J. Brisbois, Town Clerk. 

Stpkrvisor's Court for the County 

OF Crawford, Prairie du Chikn, 

March 14, 1831. 

CoL. William Morgan: 

Commanding at Fort Crawford: 

Sib: The people of the county of ('rawford 
not having erected buildings for tlie transaction 



ipervisors. 



550 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



of public businei5S, we would be greatly obliged 
to you to pevmit the people of the county of 
Crawford and their public functioners to have 
the use of the block house, in the southeast 
corner of the old Fort Crawford, as a clerk's 
office, court house, etc., for the transaction of 
their public business. Should you concede the 
privilege, be so obliging as to direct the key of 
tlie building to be given to Mr. Joseph i5ris- 
bois, the clerk of the county. 
Respectfully, 

Joseph M. Street, 
Jean Bbunet, 
Supervisors for the county of Crawford, Mich- 
igan Territory. 

NEW SUPERVISORS APPOINTED. 

In 1832 J. H. Lockwood took the place of 
Joseph Rolette upon the board of supervisors, 
in the early part of the year, but was superceded 
in the fall by Thomas P. Burnett, so tliat the 
members at that time were: Joseph M. Street, 
Jean Brunet and Thomas P. Burnett. However, 
in June, 188.3, J. Brisbois, Josei)h Rolette and 
Jean Brunet constituted the board; and B. W. 
Brisbois was township clerk. In 1834 H L. 
Dousman and Thomas P. Street took the places 
of J. Brisbois and Joseph Rolette. In 1835 the 
members were: Thomas P. Street, II. L. 
Dousman and J. II. Lockwood. They continued 
in office until March, 1836, when Samuel Gil- 
bert took the place of II. L. Dousman; so that 
when the territory of Wisconsin was formed 
and Crawford county was no longer a jiart <ir 
Michigan Territory, the members of the board of 
supervisors for the county, and for the town- 
ship of St. Anthony, were: Thomas P. Street, 
Samuel Gilbert and J. II. Lockwood, with J. 
Brisbois clerk. 

The last meeting "of the supervisors of the 
township of St. Anthony and the county of 
Ci'awford" before the township and county be- 
came a part of Wisconsin Territory, was held 
March 31, 1836. It was during this terra tiiat 
the supervisors sent the following: 



A PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED 

STATES. 

To His Excelleiici/, the President of the United 
States : 

The supervisors of the county of Crawford in 
the Territory of Michigan, acting for and on 
behalf of the peopl? of said county and at their 
request, would most respectfully submit to your 
excellency the following representation and pe- 
tition: 

The county of Crawford as it is now defined, 
includes only the country lying between the 
Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, to which the 
Indian title has been extinguished and extends 
only to the reservation at and around the ancient 
settlement at Prairie du Chien. Owing to the 
indefinite language of the different Indian 
treaties relative to the settlement, it is left in 
doubt and uncertainty as to what extent of 
country, precisely, the Indian title has been 
extinguished and what are the proper limits of 
the county. 

The settlements at Prairie du Chien were 
originally made by French traders while the 
country belonged to the government of France 
as a dependency of Canada.* The ownership of 
the soil was then in the Fox Indians who were 
found in its occupancy and possession. A dis- 
trict of country was purchaseii by those traders 
from the Indians, according to the custom of 
making such purcliases under that government 
for the purpose of making a settlement. The 
period at which this was done is so remote that 
it is perhaps impossible to ascertain certainly 
the extent of the purchase that was thus madc;t 
but it is understood at this day by the traders 
an<l the Indians and the oldest citizens of the 
place that it includes all the lands lying between 
the Kickapoo, Wisconsin and Mississippi ri\ers 
and about fifteen or twenty miles north from 

* We have shown, in another chapter, the incorrectness of 
this statement. The settlement was made, ori^-'inally, in 
1781, when tlie country belontred to Great Britain.— En. 

+ It is now a well-established fact that it inclniled only the * 

prairie exleniliiigr from the mouth of the Wi^<ronsin, some 
eight miles up the Mississippi, and back to the blutfs, on r 

which the city of Prairie du Chien is now located.— Ep. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



651 



tlie mouth of the Wisconsin. After the Cana- 
das and all their dependencies passed from the 
possession of the French to that of the British 
government, the purchase was renewed by the 
agent for this part of the country of the Brit- 
ish Indian department, who paid the Indians, 
on account of his government, a large amount 
of goods for the relinquishment of their title. 
This took place about the year 1/85 and is 
recollected by some of the old settlers of this 
place who were here at the time.* 

The neighboring Indians consider the district 
of country just defined as properly belonging 
to the white people. They have not had for 
many years, any village or settlement upon it 
and rarely hunt upon the ground, no more 
than they do upon other unsettled lands of 
the United States in their vicinity. The Win- 
nebagoes own the surrounding country on the 
north and east, and occupy the northern bank 
of the Wisconsin above the mouth of the Kick- 
apoo, as the successors of the Sacs and Fo-xes, 
who have been driven step by step from Canada 
to the west of the Mississippi. The Winnoba- 
goes never owned the district of country which 
we have designated above, f and the Foxes, who 
were found in possession of it by the first set- 
tlers have been, by different treaties removed 
some fifty miles to the west. 

'1 he old French settlements at various places 
in the northern and western part of the country 
have always been secured and protected by the 
govcninu-nt of the United States and have been 
fre((Ment]y reserved and confirmed by treaties 
with different Iildian tribes. The 3d Article of 
the treaty of Greenville, made the .3d of August, 
lT95, fixes the boundary line between the In- 
dian tribes and the United States; and by it the 
Indians cede to the United States various small 
specified tracts, beyond the said boundary line; 
and by the 4th Article, the United States relin- 

• The r(!iulor will not fail to see, in all this, a confused ac- 
count of the purnhnse of ' 'the prairie" in IT81. bv Sinclair as 
tully e.xpliiincii in another ('hapter of this boolc -^Ed. 

+No such non-ownership, was ever suKKcsted liy ihe Win- 
nebastocs to ihe United States at any treaty, either before or 
after this petition was drawn up.— Ed. 



quish their claim to all other lands beyond the 
said boundary line between the Ohio and the 
Mississippi rivers, the lakes, and the northern 
boundary of the United States, e.xplicitly ex- 
cepting Gen. George Roger Clark's grant near 
the Rapids [Louisville, Ky.], of the Ohio river, 
the post at St. Vincennes, and the lands adja- 
cent to which the Indian title has been extin- 
guished, the post of Fort Massac, and the lands 
at all other places in possession of the French 
people and other white settlers of which the 
Indian title has been extinguished by gifts or 
grants to the French or English governnnnls. 
The provisions of this treaty, it is consideied, 
embraced the settlement at Prairie du C'iiien 
and the adjacent country, as it bad been in pos- 
session of the French people for a long lime 
previous by the British government as we have 
before mentioned.* 

By the 3d article of the treaty of St. L<)uis, 
made Aug. 24, IslG, there was reserved from 
the Indians three leagues square at the mouth 
of the Wisconsin river, including both banks 
and such other tracts on or near the Wisconsin 
and Mississippi rivers as the President of the 
United States should think proper to reserve:! 
provided that such tiact should not exceed in 
the whole the quantity that would be contained 
in five leagues square. It is not known to us 
that the President has ever exercised the power 
vested in him by the treaty of reserving any 
quantity of land in this vicinity in addition to 
the three leagues square. 

The reservation has never been surveyed and 
it is not known with certainty what extent of 
country will be included in it, but it is believed 
that the thi'ee leagues square and the quantity 
of five leagues square, which the President has 
the power (if not heretofore exercised else- 

*The provisions of the treaty of Orcenvilie, did enibriice 
* 'the pi'uirie, ■■ on wliich, in \Ki6, was Trairie fUi t'hien, liut 
not "Ihe adjacent country," as the petition would have it. 
In I.":;0. when the French settlers were called upon to declare 
what their riphts were, no claim was made by them outside 
of "the prairie."— Ed. 

tButwby rcnerce all this, if the Indians made no claim to it? 
The fact is they diil claim it, and the reservation was made 
for the purpose of erecting' a post tboreon by the United 
States.— Ed. 



552 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



where) to add to it, will embrace all the coun- 
ti y between the Kickapoo, Wisconsin and Mis- 
sissippi rivers, and the second large creek that 
emjities into the Mississippi from the east, 
above the mouth of Wisconsin, called by the 
French, Coulee des Male. 

By the 10th article of the treaty of Prairie 
du Chien, made Aug. 19, 1825, establishing the 
boundary line of the different Indian tribes par- 
tits thereto, among other reservations and ex- 
ceptions, the ancient settlement at Prairie des 
Chiens and the land properly thereto belonging, 
are explicity excepted from the claims of any of 
the Indian tribes.* 

In considering the exception, the question 
arises. What is the land properly belonging to 
this ancient settlement? We think that, upon 
examination, it will be found that but one an- 
swer can be given; that the land properly be- 
longing to the ancient settlement includes all 
the land originally granted by the Indians for 
the use of the French settlers extending to the 
limits above mentioned. f 

This opinion receives strength and confirma- 
tion from the fact that the Winneljagoes who 
occupied the country on the north and east, 
never owned this tract and that they do not, as 
we understand, pretend to claim any part of it; 
and the Foxes who were the owners of it, at the 
time when the original settlement was made, 
do not now own a foot of land on the east side 
of the Mississippi nor within less than about 
fifty miles of this place on the west. And al- 
th ugh the last mentioned treaty fixed the 
boundary of the Winnebago country from where 
the Sioux crosses the Mississippi opposite the 
mouth of the upper Iowa up to the Chippewa 
country and round to the north, east, south and 
west, up 10 the Wisconsin, it leaves the line 
between that tribe and the settlement at Prairie 



*The "ancient settlement at Prairie des Chiens" was the 
cluster 'it houses on the immediate hank of the Mississippi 
and St. Feriole ijeyond tlie marias, or marsh; while "the 
lands thereunto beionj^in^" were the residue- of the pr; irie 
as claimid by the e n-ly settlers, individually or in common — 
Ed. 

+Thi8 clause would be entirely correct had it ended with 
these words:— "Extending to the limits of the prairie."— Ed. 



du Chien altogether undefined.* Whether the 
question is considered with this view of the sub- 
ject or in reference to the express reservation 
under the treaty of 1816, and the additional 
reservation in the power of the President to 
make, it will secure to the settlement the dis- 
trict of country above designated. 

We beg leave most respectfully to call the 
attention of the President to the importance to 
the people of this country that the above con- 
struction should be given to the Indian grants 
and treaty stipulations (which seem to us to 
be the only proper one of which they are sus- 
ceptible) and of having the county surveyed and 
the boundries designated and established. 

The settlement at Prairie du Chien is the 
extreme northwestern settlement of the United 
States and one of the oldest on the frontier. 
It has always been exposed, perhajis more than 
any other, to all the dangers, hardships and 
privations incident to the situation. Its loca- 
tion and relative position to other parts of the 
country render it a place of great public impor- 
tance as a depot for the army and for the com- 
merce of the upper Mississippi and the Wiscon- 
sin. The county of Crawford is the oldest 
organized county in the Territory [of Michigan] 
west of the Wisconsin portage and under the 
laws of the Territory, the people of the county 
have to bear all the burdens of supporting 
their public institutions without any aid from 
the territorial treasury. The small portion of 
land to which private titles h.ave been ac<piired 
or which is open to purchasecs, and the uncer- 
tainty which generally prevails as to the extent 
of country to which the Indian title has been 
extinguished discourage emigration and greatly 
restrict the growth and prosperity of the com- 
munity. The claims that have been confirmed 
to the old settlers are not sufficient for the 
present population, and of all the land in the 

Hit isonly aeeessary hereto statethat the treaty of 1^ 
above referred to. was held five years after a lar°-e part of the 
"Prairie des Chiens" had been coiiflrmed lo the settlers 
thereon; so there was no need of defining the boundary be- 
tween the Winneliagoes "and the settlers at Prairie du 
Chien."— Ed. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



553 



county owned by individuals there is not a 
Bingle .acre of timber, all the supplies of that 
article for the use of the citizens have, of 
necessity, to be drawn from the public lands; 
many parts of the country between the Kicka- 
poo and the Mississippi are well adapted to 
agriculture, and could the lands be purchased 
they would be soon settled botli by our own 
citizens and by emigrants who would be induced 
by the many advantages of the situation to 
establish themselves here if they could secure 
titles to their homes The timber alone would 
induce almost every citizen who is able, to pur- 
chase a tract for the necessary use of his house 
and farm. 

The survey and sale of the district witli its 
boundaries established upon the principles above 
set forth, would be a measure of incalculable 
advantage to the people of the county. It would 
encourage and promote agriculture, extend the 
necessary means of a poor but hardy and ex- 
posed race of citizHus, advance the population 
by inciting emigration and settlement, increase 
the political consequence and importance of 
the county and promote the domestic prosperity 
of the community and thereby add to the gen- 
eral interest of our common country. 

We therefore pray that the president will, in 
pursuance of the different treaty stipulations and 
grants to the old French settlers according to 
the common understanding of the Indians and 
the people, cause the reservation at this place to 
be esiablislied so as to include all the land lying 
between the Kickapoo, the Wisconsin and the 
Mississippi rivers as far north as Coulee des 
Male, and the east line drawn from the head of 
that stream to the Kickapoo; and that the coun- 
try may as soon as practicable, be surveyed 
and offered for sale. 

We are not as.sured whether any act of Con- 
gress will be necessary to enable the President 
to t'arry out these views, in case they shoul.l 
'•i-ceive his sanction; should it be so, we pray 
that a recommendation may be made from the 



proper department for the passage of such an 
act a.s may be necessary, securing the usual pre- 
emption right to actual settlers. Should it be 
considered necessary to enter into further stip- 
ulations with the Indians relative to their 
boundary before the one prayed for can be 
establislied, we pray that the necessary meas- 
ures may be taken to hold a treaty with the 
Winnebagoes for the purpose of fixing and 
establishing the limits between them and the 
settlement at this place. 

Accompanying this is a rough sketch of the 
country embraced in the petition, which, though 
not drawn from any survey is believed to be1n 
I general correct.* J. H. Lockwood, 

Thomas P. Stkket, 
H. L. DousMAN, 
Sups, of the County of Crawford, M. T. 
I certify the foregoing is a true copy of the 
original petition. J. Bbisboi.s, 

Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS A NEW BOARD. 

From 18.36 to 1838, the board of Supervisors 
of the township of et. Anthony and the county 
of Crawford consisted of the following persons: 

1836.— Thomas P. Street, Samuel Gilbert, J. 
H. Lockwood. 

1837.— H. L. Dousman, W. Wilson, B. W. 
Brisbois. 

1838.-B. W. BrisboLs, W. WiKson H L. 
Dousman. 

But now a change was made from supervisors 
to county commissioners, as the following entry 
shows : 

Prairie du Chien, March 17, 1838. 

James H. Lockwood, Samuel Gilbert and Levi 

P. Marsh, having been, on the 5th inst., elected 

county commissioners of the said county of 

Crawford, h eld their first meeting this day, at 



Sie Male "■"'''■ '^"'""'^■' '''"'"'^ •"'' Siou^ riVe^r'anl (Zl^' 



554 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



the court house, pursuant to public notice ; 
whereupon Joseph Brisbois, late town clerk, 
handed over the books, papers etc, belonging to 
said county, which were in the hands of the 
late supervisors, and Joseph Brisbois, the treas- 
urer lianded in his account current with the 
said county, and voucher therefor, showing a 
balance due said treasurer of $11.19^. 

Prairie du Chien, April 7, 1838. 

The board of county commissioners met this 
day at the court house, agreeable to public no- 
tice, at 10. A. M., and proceeded to draw a panel 
of grand and petit jurors from the following 
list of names, taken from the tax roll, for the 
year 1838: 

Benjamin Bolles, B. W. Bribois, Tunis Bell, 
Simon Barthe, George P. Brisbois, Peter A. 
Bazin, IraB. Brunson, James Bunker, ,Tohn Bos- 
ton, Tlieodore Bugbee, James F. Chapman, David 
Clark, Jr., Francis Cliinevert, Sr., Nicholas 
Chinevert, Bazil Chinevert, Oliver Ciiierrier, 
Sr., Oliver Cherrier, Jr., Lester Deming, Fran- 
cis Deschauquette, N. C. Diramick, Jesse Dan- 
dly, John 11. Fonda, John II. Folsom, William 
H. C. Folsom, Leyman Frost, James Fisher, 
Hiram Francis, George Fisher, William Fisher, 
Francis Gallineaux, A. Grignon, Bazil Gagnier, 
James Gilbert, Samuel Griffen, Thomas Hore, 
J. P. Hall, Richard Hartwell, Daniel Hopkins, 
Seth Hill, L. Hill, Joshua M. Hosmer, Henry 
Johnson, Francis Labath, William S. Lockwood, 
Charles Lapointe, Francis Lapointe,Barthelemie 
Lapointe, John Lemerge Pierre Lachapelle, A. 
Lachapelle, Julien Larivierre, Baptiste Lari- 
viere, Theodore Lupine, Joseph T. Mills, John 
Miller, Charles Menard, Sr., Charles Menard, 
Jr., Louis Menard, John B. Mayand, Alexander 
McGregor, John M. Merritt, Frederick Oliver, 
Elijah Osborne, Harvey Osborne, Ezra Putnam, 
Francis Provost, L. H. Pion, James Reed, Ste- 
phen Richards, Henry W. Savage, Hyacinth 
St. Cyr, Seth Sanford, Stephen G. Tainter. 

Before the close of the year the board of 
commissioners consisted of L. R. Marsh, J, H. 
Lockwood and H. L. Dousman, 



January 7, 1839. 

The clerk of the board presented the petition 
of the inhabitants and claimants along the Wis- 
consin for a road leading from the Prairie, com- 
mencing at Dousman's Coulee, and running in 
an easterly direction through Samuel Gilbert's 
claim, to the Grand Gres, together with the 
viewers' report of the blazing out of the same, 
which petition and report was ^.ccepted, and the 
road ordered to be opened according to law (66 
feet wide), and that the district surveyor be re- 
quested to survey the same forthwith. 

Ordered, That the first road district be and it 
is hereby established, to be drawn on a line 
running on the south side of the road leading 
east and west from the slough of St. Feriole to 
the bluffs (north, and by the side of Tainter's 
hotel) comprising all the inhabitants south of 
said line, and those residing up, and along the 
Wisconsin, as far as the Grand Gres. (The 
people residing on the bluff at the head of said 
east and west line are excluded from the said 
first district.) 

The second road district shall be, and the 
same is hereby established, from the northern 
boundary of the said firstdistrict, including the 
people on the bluffs at the head of late Mil- 
ler's road, and those residing south of the line 
running between farm lots No. 22 and No. 23, 
and also to include all the people in the main 
village [of Prairie du Chien]. 

The third road district shall comprise all the 
people residing north of said line between farm 
lots 22 and 23. Christopher Bowen was ap- 
pointed supervisor of the first district ; William 
Wilson, of the second ; and Francis Chinevert, 
Sr., of the third district. 

The board of commissioner for the year 1839, 
consisted of H. L. Dousman, Samuel Gilbert 
and Levi R. Marsh. The same gentleman con- 
stituted the board for 1840 and 1841 ; for 1842 
the members were Samuel Gilbert, Joiin H. 
Manahan and David Clark, Jr. The next year 
(1843) LP. Perret Genfil took the place of 
Manahan. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



565 



At a regular meeting of the board of county 
commissioners for tlie county of Crawford, W. 
T., lit.],] pursuant to law, on the 3d day of 
April, 1843; present, David Clark, Jr., Samuel 
Gilbert and I. P. Perret Gentil, the board pro- 
ceeded to set ofl- and divide and name the dif- 
ferent precincts in the county of Crawford, viz: 
No. 1.— First precinct to be called the Prai- 
rie du Chien precinct— bounded as follows: On 
the south and east by the boundaries of said 
county of Crawford; on the west by the Mis- 
8issij)pi river; and on the north by a line drawn 
due east from the mouth of Coon river, so 
called; and the following named persons are 
hereby appointed judges of elections: Stephen 
G. Tainter, H. L. Dousman and Daniel G. 
Fen ton. 

No. 2.— Second precinct to be called the 
Black River Falls precinct (and the elections 
to be held at the house of Mr. O'Neil)— bounded 
as follows: On the south by a line drawn due 
east from the mouth of Coon river; on the west 
by the Mississippi river; on the north by a line 
drawn due east from the mouth of Riviere Au.x 
Boeuf; and on the east by the east boundary of 
said county of Crawford. The following 
named persons are hereby appointed judges of 
election; William Lewis, George Miller and 
Levi M. Mills. 

No. 3.— Third precinct to be called the Chip- 
I'ewa Fall Mill precinct— election to be held at 
the house of Jean Brunet, near said fall- 
bounded as follows: On the south by a line 
drawn due east from the mouth of Riviere Aux 
Boeuf; on the east by the east boundary of said 
county; on the north by the north boundary of 
'lie aforesaid county ; and on the west by the 
Little Elk creek or river and down the Chip- 
pewa river on the south side of said river to the 
Mississippi thence down the Mississippi 
to the mouth of Riviere Aux Boeuf, or Buffalo 
nver. The following named persons are here- 
I'V appointed judges of elections, for said pre- 
cinct: Lyman M. Warren, Jean Brunei and 
treorge P. Brisbois. 



No. 4.— South precinct to be called the Me- 
nomonee precinct, bounded as follows: On the 
north by the north boundary of the county; on 
the east by the Little Elk creek or river; on the 
south by the Chippewa river ; and on the west 
by the dividing ridge between the Menomonee 
n vev and the Aux Gallait river. The following 
named persons are hereby appointed judges of 
elections for said precinct: Hiram S. Allen, S. 
S. McCann and Arthur McCann. 

No. 5. -Fifth precinct to be called the Aux 
Gallait precinct (the elections to be held at the 
house of T. A. Savage & Co., at the mill) 
bounded as follows: On the north by the 
north boundary of the county ; on the west by 
the Mississippi river; on the south by the Chip- 
pewa river ; and on the east by the dividing 
ndge between the Aux Gallait river and the 
Menomonee river. The following named per- 
sons are hereby appointed judges of elections 
for said precinct: George C. Wales, Henry 
Eaton and A. Richard.son. 

The following named persons were commis- 
sioners for 1844: David Clark, Jr., Joseph 
Morrill, William Curts. For the year 1 845,' the 
following named persons constituted the board- 
William Curts, Joseph Morrill and Henry 
1^-andes. The next year (1846), Ralph Smith 
took the place of Henry Brandes. For 1847, 
the following persons were commissioners' 
William Curts, Ralph Smith and Edward 
Hughes. The commissioners for 1848— the 
last year of Wisconsin as a territory, were : H. 
L. Dousman, Edward Hughes and Nathan 
Myrick. 



At a session of the board of county commis- 
sioners begun and held at the office of the clerk 
of said board on the 9th day of January, 1849, 
in pursuance of law, Thomas J. De Frees and 
Jacob Spaulding appeared and filed their certi- 
ficates and oath of office as county commis- 
sioners of said county; and the board proceeded 
to elect their chairman ; and, on examining the 
votes, Jacob Spaulding was found duly elected, 



556 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



The board then proceeded to divide tlie 
county into four towns ; and the following is 
the description of said towns, to-wit: 

Prairie du Chien (town No. 1) comprises 
that part of the county lying south of the line 
between townships number 9 and 10 nortli. 

Bad Ax (town No. 2) comprises that portion 
of the county lying north of township number 
9, and south of the line between townships 
number 16 and 17 north, including not only the 
whole of what is now Vernon county, but parts 
of the present counties of La Crosse and Craw- 
ford. 

Albion (town No. 3) comprises that part of 
the county lying north of the line between 
townships number 16 and 11 north, and south 
of the line between townships 22 and 23 north. I 

Pine Valley (town No. 4) comprises all of 
the county north of townsliip 22. 



The board then proceeded to designate the 
places in these towns, at which the first town 
meetings should be held, to-wit : 

Prairie du Chien (town No. \) at the court 
house in the village of St. Feriole. 

Bad Ax (town No. 2) at the residence of 
Hiram G. Rice. 

Albion (town No. 3) at the residence of 
Jacob Spaulding, at Black River Falls. 

Pine Valley (town No. 4) at the residence 
of James O'Neill. 

The formation of Bad Ax and La Crosse 
counties, in 1851, of course blotted out from 
Crawford county, the whole of the towns of 
Pine Valley and Albion, and nearly all the 
town of Bad Ax. Since the reduction of Craw- 
ford to its present limits by the creation of 
those two counties, towns have been formed at 
various times, until their limits have been fixed 
as we now (1884) find them, which limits will 
be fully defined in subsequent chapters. 




HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



559 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



TOWN OF BRIDGEPORT. 



Bridgeport is in the southwestern corner of 
Crawford county. It is bounded on the north 
by the towns of Prairie du Chien and Wauzeka; 
on the east by the town of Wauzeka; on the 
south by Grant county, with Wisconsin river 
flowing between, and on the west by the Mis- 
sissippi river and the city of Prairie du Chien. 
It is composed of parts of townships and 1, 
of ranges 5 and 6, west. 

Bridgeport was included in the town of Prair- 
ie du Cliien till 1872, when it was given a sepa- 
rate organization. The surface of the town is 
rough and broken by a series of ridges and val- 
leys so common to all the county. The soil too, is 
of a similar nature to the other towns; it being 
of clay^n the ridge and in the valleys. In the 
latter, however it consists more of a loam mix- 
ture than on the ridges. All kinds of crops, in- 
cluding grass and vegetables are produced here 
with as large a yield as in any part of Crawford 
county. 

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul rail- 
road runs through the southern part of the 
town, and there is a station at the village of 
Bridge])()rt, where a w.agon bridge crosses the 
Wisconsin river into Grant county. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

James and Samuel Gilbert, two brothers, 
were the first settlers in the town of Bridgeport. 
Tliey came in 1826. James located on section 
10, on the place now known as the Fairfield 
place, and his brother Samuel on the place after- 
ward owned I)y George Ward. The Gilberts 



remained about six years, when they left the 
county. 

RECOLLBCTION'S OP MBS. .JOSEPH ATHEETON. 

In April, ]S38, a party embarked in a keel- 
boat at Wellsville, Ohio, some distance below 
Pittsburg, Penn., their objective point 
being Crawford Co., Wis. This party con- 
sisted of Elisha, and Elihu Warner, brothers, 
William Curts, Christopher Bowen, Jerrid 
Warner, Jackson Foster, and a man named 
Ravel. These men were all married, and had 
their families with them. Elias Bowen, Jo- 
seph Curley, .James Foster, son of Jackson Fos- 
ter, and Richard Lane, were the young unmar- 
ried men of the company, together with three 
others, named Carr, Wickersham and Tyler. 
The party started down the Ohio river; but 
when not far from the junction of the Ohio and 
Mississippi rivers, finding their progress too 
slow, a bargain was made with the steamer, 
Nashville to tow them to St. Louis. From 
thereto Prairie du Chien, they were towed by 
the steamer Burlington. After resting a dav 
or two, they commenced the laborious task of 
ascending the Wisconsin river, by poling and 
fastening cables to trees on the bank, and thus 
pulling the boat against the strong current. 
One week of faithful toil in this way, brought 
them to Millville, on the south bank of the 
stream, in Grant county, where the party left 
the keel-boat, Kichtpoo, (a name given it be- 
fore leaving Wellsville, Ohio,) except one fami- 
ly, that of C. Bowens, who remained on the 
boat a few weeks, until Mr. Bowen erected a 



34 



560 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



house in what was afterward the town of Waii- 
zeka. 

Elihu Warner and his sons, remained at Mill- 
ville and there built a mill, the same year, 1838. 
William Curts left the boat at a point later 
known as Wright's Ferry, and moved his fami- 
ly into a vacant house, on what is now called 
the Fairfield farm, in the town of Bridgeport. 
Elisha Warner remained atMillville, the point 
of landing, for about ten days, when he also 
moved into the same house. 

Jackson Foster lived at Millville a year or 
more, and then settled in Grand Gris valley, 
in what is now the town of Wauzeka, where 
both he and his wife died a few years later. 
The remainder of their family all left soon af- 
ter except Jackson, Jr., who was, years after- 
ward, in company with Ralph Smith, in the 
milling business at Wauzeka, but in 1882, 
moved to Dakota Territory. Mr. Ravel re- 
mained at Millville, until the winter of 1838-9, 
and then located a short distance from the pres- 
ent site of Bridgeport. He died in that village 
in 1859, his wife having died in 1853. Carr 
and Wickersham built C. Bowen's stone house 
in the summer and fall of 1838, and then re- 
turned to Ohio. Mr. Bowen occupied this 
house until his death in August, 1840. Elias, 
son of C. Bowen, married a few years later, and 
settled on the farm now, (1884), owned by A. J. 
Beesecker. Joseph Curley married a daughter 
of V. Bowen and lived in Bridgeport about 
twenty years, and then moved to Iowa. Rich- 
ard Lane married the widow of John Ward, one 
of the early settlers of Bridgeport. He died in 
1878. Tyler only remained a year or two. At 
the date of this band of pioneer's coming, the 
only settlers in this town, as now bounded, were 
the families of Seth Hill, and Francis Lapoint, 
who were then engaged in operating a pole 
fer7'y, on the Wisconsin river, at the crossing of 
the military road, where the yillage of Bridge- 
port now stands. John Brunet came in some 
time during 1838, and made a settlement. 



The following is an amusing incident in regard 
to the above mentioned party, who came in on 
the keel-boat Kickapoo: 

While the fatigued party were resting at 
Prairie du Chien, some of the shar]) ones (speci- 
mens of whom can be found in all new coun- 
tries) espying the name of the boat, Kickapoo, 
supposed they knew the destination of the 
party; accordingly two or three of them, with 
their grub sacks, started post haste for the 
banks of the Kickapoo river, looking for the 
most desirable points at which a large company 
might settle. They marked such spots as 
"squatter's claim's" by hanging a pole on two 
forked sticks, a tree or two cut down and other 
sham work of improvement. Here these sharps 
settled down to eat their rations and watch 
for the pioneer keel-boat, Kickapoo but alas! 
like many another well laid scheme nothing 
came of it.* 

FIRST EVENTS. f 

The first marriage was that of William Keith 
and Emaline Craw, in 1841. 

The first death was a child of John Allen's, 
in 1839. 

Tha first school in the town was taught by 
Delia Bowen, in a log building on the site of 
the present brick school house in district No. 
5, in 1841. 

Elisha Warner preached in 1838 the first 
sermon, holding services every Sunday for some 

time. 

I 

ORGANIZATION. 

Prior to 1872 the territory embraced within 
the town of Bridgeport was included in tlie 
town of Prairie du Chien. It was at this date 
that the city of Prairie du Chien became an in- 
corporated city and owing to dissatisfaction in 
regard to taxes, the people of the southern part 
of the town of Prairie du Chien, petitioned the 



♦ Mrs. Joseph AthertoQ, upon whose reeoUcctione reliance 
has l^eeu placed concerning the history of those who came ' 
in the Kickapoo, was one of the party. 

+ It should he understood by the reader that the firstevents 
here spoken of have especial reference to that part of the 
town of Bridgeport not included in the prairie about Praine 
du Chien, as these are spoken of elsewhere in this book. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



561 



county board to be set off into a separate town; 
accordinjjly, in November of that year, 1872, 
this was done. Tlie first election under the 
new town organization occurred April 3, 187.3. 
Joiin B. Davis, Cliarles Kahler, Lyman King, 
D. F. Haskins, and J. B. Davis clerks. The 
following officers were elected: 

Joseph Atherton, D. F. Haskins and John 
IJunders, supervisors; C'hancey Blanclier, clerk; 
H. C. King, treasurer; Henry Barretta, assessor; 
John B. Davis, W. B. Hicklin and Sylvester 
Ault, justices of the peace. 

Officers acting in 1883: H. C. King, George 
Ward and Lewis Kenyon, supervisors; Henry 
Barretta, treasurer; Charles Kahler, clerk; 
William Curts, asspssor; Terry Fairfield, O. E. 
Miller and Charles l^hler, justices of the 
peace. 

SCHOOLS. 

In 1884, the town of Bridgeport had two full 
:ind two joint school districts. 

District No. 1, had a brick school house, on 
section 10, town 6, range 6 west, valued at 1245. 
Number of pupils, sixty-six. 

District No. 2, had a log building situated on 
section 6, town 6, range 5 west, valued at $30. 
Number of pupils, fifty. 

Joint district No. 5, with town of Prairie du 
Chien, had a frame building situated on section 
■iZ, town 7, range 6 west, valued at $27.5. Num- 
ber of pupils, forty. 

Joint district No. 6, with the town of Prai- 
rie du Chien, also, was provided with a house 
in the last named town. Number of pupils 
from the town of Bridgeport, twenty-one. 

About fourteen sections of the town were at 
this date attached to the independent district 
of the city of Prairie du Chien, for school pur- 
poses. 

c:emetkkv. 

The town has but one cemetery; this is situ- 
ated on section 10, town G, range 6 west, and 
was established in 1839. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The town of Bridgeport has never had a 
regular Church organization. In 1838, Elisha 



Warner, one of the party who came on the keel 
boat Iiirknpoo, from Ohio, preached the first 
Gospel sermon listened to in the town. He 
preached from time to time at various places, 
wherever a few could be found, who wanted to 
be taught in divine things. lie was a man 
who exercised a positive influence for good over 
the people of Bridgeport. He was a christian 
by precept and practice. His kind heart made 
all men friends. It is said of him, "the chil- 
dren all loved him," and one says "even the 
dogs liked him." He was the pioneer preacher 
of the town; was always ready to conduct re- 
ligious services wherever and whenever people 
would meet for that purpose. His wife died 
in 1858, aged sixty-four years. Mr. Warner 
died in 1875, from apoplexy. Elder Brunson, 
who had officiated at the funeral services of 
Mrs. Warner seventeen years previous, per- 
formed the same services for Mr. Warner, and 
feelingly announced the same hymn: "There 
will be no more sorrow there," at closing ser- 
vices at the grave. The memory of Elisha 
Warner and his good wife is fondly cherished 
by all the old settlers of Bridgeport. 

STONE QUARRY. 

One of the most extensive stone quarries of 
this part of the State, is found in the northwest 
corner of section 15, town 6, range 6, on land 
originally owned by H. L. Dousman, but after 
a number of changes, finally came into the 
hands of Thomas Marsden, Sr., who began 
developing the same, in 1803, for the pur- 
pose of supplying stone for the State House at 
ALadison. In 1882 the property was owned by 
Thomas Marsden, Jr., his father having died. 
Mr. Marsden, in company with Mike Menges, 
of Prairie du Chien, commenced to work this 
(juarry on a very extensive scale, in 1883; the 
proceeds from the sale of stone during two 
years, amounting to 420,000, large amounts 
being used in the capitol at Madison, and in 
the famous archwork railroad bridge at Minne- 
apolis, Minn. The p'-oprietors of this cele- 
brated quarry, employ the most improved 



562 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



methods for quarrying, loading and shipping; 
they use large derricks, cables and cars, by 
which they convey the stone on an iron track 
to the line of the C. M. & St. P. R. R. A 
large number of men are constantly employed 
at a shop built for the purpose, in cutting and 
dressing stone for shipment, on orders for 
finished work, which goes to all the cities and 
towns of the northwest. 

The stone found in this quarry is a magne 
sian limestone, a mixture of lime and sand- 
stone, which, upon exposure to the elements, 
becomes exceedingly hard, thus rendering it a 
most valuable building material. 

WISCONSIN EIVER BRIDGE. 

By an act of the Legislature in 1854 or 1855, 
a bridge company was organized and incorpor- 
ated. E. W. Pelton was chosen president; 
William E Parish, vice president; B. F. Fay, 
secretary; I. P. P. Gentil, treasurer; E. W. Pel- 
ton, W. E. Parish, H. L. Dousman, B. W. Bris- 
bois and Alfred Brunson, directors. This bridge 
was completed in the fall of 1857. It passed 
into the hands of James Hall, under a trust deed, 
about 1865, and from him to George M. Dickin- 
son and John Lawler. To aid in the building 
of this bridge, the town of Prairie du Chien 
took stock to the amount of $10,000, for which 
bonds were issued. The original capital of the 
bridge company was $30,000, of which $27,000 
was paid up, including the bonds issued by 
Prairie du Chien. Upon the completion of this 
bridge the ferry at this point was abandoned. 

VILLAGE OF BRIDGEPORT. 

Bridgeport is situated on the line of the Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, near the 
Wisconsin river, on section 11, in town 6, of 
range 6 west. The land upon which the village 
stands was originally owned by H. L. Dousman, 
who, in 1839, sold 300 acres to Peter Barretta, 
Sr. Thomas Calanan, who was the first settler 
on the site of the village, erected the first house, 
in 1855. A ferry was established in 1835, by 
John Brunei. In the spring of 1857, when the 
railroad was built to this point, George M. 



Dickinson opened a general store. Shortly 
after this he sold to William Snell. The same 
year, 1857, L. O. King, B. F. Fay and George 
M. Dickinson, erected large warehouses and 
did an immense grain business. In 1863, B. 
F. Fay built an elevator, which he sold to W. 
B. Hunt and it finally came into the hands of 
John Bidwell. 

H. C King, of King & Barretta, built an ele- 
vator in 1S68, on the site of their old ware 
house; this burned in 1874 and was rebuilt the 
same year. 

In 1861 Anton Schmidt opened a hotel, which 
was burned the following year. 

Another hotel was built in 1865 by John B. 
Davis, who sold to Frank Bacon about 1871. 
Bacon operated the house a year and sold to C. 
A. Mathews. He sold to Walter Hicklin and 
he in 1874 to Moses Barretta, who run it till 
1881 and sold to George W. Keye, who a year 
later sold to William P. Hill and he to A. J. 
Beesecker, who was operating it in 1884. 

Moses Barretta opened a saloon in Is-iO, 
which in 1866 he sold to Henry Barretta, who 
after ten years sold to Frank Bacon. In 18NI 
Bacon sold to Thomas Nugent. 

As before stated, George M. Dickinson 
opened the first store of the village. He sold to 
William Snell, who, in 1866 was succeeded by 
Coleman Brothers and they by King & Ken- 
yon in July, 1872. Six months later Mr. King 
bought Kenyon out and the same year removed 
the stock to a new building; and in 1875 sold 
the building and goods to Joseph Atherton,who 
the next year sold to C. A. Mathews. Mrs. 
Carrie Mathews owned and operated the store 
in 1884. 

In 1876 H. C. King opened a general store 
and in the spring of that year became associ- 
ated with Henry Barretta, who in 1884 sold 
back to Mr. King. 

"Con" Snell built a good store building and 
opened up a fine general stock in 1868, on the 
site afterwards occupied by King & Barretta. 
In 1872 he sold out to his brother William. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD'COUNTY. 



This store together with the goods was destroyed 
by the same fire which burned the elevator and 
other property in the village on March 14, 1874. 
Mr. Snell rebuilt the same year, but went out 
of trade the following year, 1875. 

Thomas Neill started a blacksmith shop in 
ls7o, continuing until 1881. 

A posloffice was established at Bridgeport 
in the autumn of 1857. B. F. Fay was the first 
post master; he was succeeded by the following 
in their proper order: L. O. King, T. D. Oole- 
UKin, John B. Davis and H. C. King. 

When the railroad was built through the 
village in the spring of 1857, the place became 
a flag station, and remained as such till 1867. 
The depot was destroyed by the disasterous 
fire that occurred on March 14, 1874, and was 
rebuilt the same year. The trestle work of the 
railroad bridge was all destroyed at the same 
time. 

Jan. 13, 1884, the business interests of the 
plaice were as follows: H. C. King and Mrs. 
Carrie ISIatthews, general dealers; A. J. Bee- 
seeker, hotel; II. C. King, grain dealer; Thomas 
Nugent, saloon; IT. C. King, post master. 

Bridgeport has been one of the heaviest ship- 
ping points along the line of the C. M. & St. 
Paul railroad, between the Mississip])i and Mil- 
waukee. Es])ecially is this true of live slock, 
large amounts of which come from Grant 
county, over the wagon bridge, across the Wis- 
consin river, at this point. During the year 
1883, it«as no uncommon occurrence to see 
twelve car- loads shipped per day, from this 
point. 

PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

I Peter Barrette, senior, was born in Montreal, 
Canada, January 1800.. In 1816, he came by 
I the lakes, Green Bay, Fo.\ and Wisconsin riv- 
ers to Prairie du Cliien, and for five years 
• worked for fur traders and others. In 1821 he 
,1 married Theresa La Point, daughter of Charles 
I Li Point. (For further notice see recollections of 
Mrs Theresa Barrette). He was a farmer at the 
j tune ot his marriage and followed farming for 



some years afterwards. In 1835 he took the gov. 
ernment contract for mail carrying from Prairie 
du Chien to Plattville and return, three times a 
week. At this time he moved out from the vil- 
lage and locating, established a pole ferry on 
the Wisconsin river, about two miles below the 
present village of Bridgeport. 

There were no highways atthistime, and mail 
was carried on horse back. Indian trails were 
followed until open country was reached, then 
the nearest "cross the country" route taken. 
In 1839 this ferry was abandoned, and he bought 
300 acres of land of H. L. Dousmasi, and the 
ferry property in sections 11 and 12, town 6, 
range 6, now town of. Bridgeport. The village 
of Bridgeport stands on part of this purchase. 
He changed his mail route, and operating the 
ferry, put on the route passenger wagons, and 
extras, and operated the same until 1854, when 
he went out of the mail service. He had pre. 
viously (in 1845,) bought a horse ferry boat at a 
costof 1750, in and operated the same until 1857, 
w hen the Bridgeport bridge was built. He then 
sold the ferry to parties at Boydtown, where it 
was run a short time. His residence since I8.i9 
was on the Dousman purchase, where he had a 
fine farm, and where he lived until bis death, 
Aug. 5, 1863. His widow still lives on the old 
homestead with her grandson Samuel, son of 
Lewis Barrette. Their residence is a substantial, 
heavy walled stone house, the walls of which 
were made by John Brunette and the 
building completed by Mr. Barrette after 
his purchase of H. L. Dousman of the property- 
The house stands on an elevation, giving a 
fine view of the opening of the Wisconsin val- 
ley into the Mississippi valley, and the' Iowa 
bluffs beyond. In the family room stands 
a heating stove, in good condition, bought 
of Joseph Rolette's family in 1839. It ha<l then 
been in use ten or more years. Peter Barrette, 
Sr., lias left along line of descendents. He had 
eight sons and four daughters. Susan, born 
Jan. 18, 1822, died in infancy; Louis, born Feb. 
29, 1824, of Minneapolis; Charles, born Feb, 26, 



564 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



1826, of Bridgeport; Peter, born March 7, 1829 
of Prairie du Chien; Antoine, born May 20 
1831, of Prairie du Chien; Julia, born June 25 
1833, died in infancy; Moses, born Aug. 10 
r835, of Waterton, Dak.; Paul, born Sept. 22 
1836, of Prairie du Chien; Samuel, born Jan. 30 
1838, died in infancy; Henry, born July 20 
1841, of Bridgeport; Margaret, born March 5 
184t, died April IV, 1864; Philaman, born Aug. 
12, 1846, died Dec. 20, 1857. 

Charles Barrette is the son of Peter Barrette, 
Sr. He wasborn Feb. 26, 1826, in Prairie 
du Chien. He owns and resides on the 
Samuel Gilbert claim made about 1826. He 
has one of the best improvedfarms in the 
town, with good buildings. In 1849 he 
married Emily J., daughter of H. L. Dous- 
man, and lived with his father the first two 
years after his marriage. In 1852 he moved into 
what is known as the mill farm of H. L. Dous- 
man, and lived there eighteen years. In 1870 
he moved to his present residence. His wife died 
April 8, 1874. They have had born to them eight 
children — Virginia, born Sept. 20, 1850, wife of 
Thomas Ward. Theresa, born September, 1852, 
wife of Exis Brothers, and died Aug. 15, 1877; 
Jane, born Dec. 7, 1858, wife of Chas. Bran- 
des, of Wauzeka; Minnie, born December, 1860, 
of Nashua, Iowa; Susan, born in 1862, died 
in 1864; Mattie, born Feb. 9, 1864; May, born 
Dec. 15, 1865; Charles L., born in 1867, died 
in 1875. 

Henry Barrette is the son of Peter Bar- 
rette, Sr. He was born July 20, 1841. He 
married Anna M. Kane, Jan. 3, 1864. She 
was the daughter of Bernard Kane, of Pitts- 
burg, Penn. She was born Sept 24th, 1841. 
They have eight children — Lizzie O., born Nov. 
14, 1864, Jennie May, born May 1, 1866; George 
W., born Feb, 22, 1868; Walter H., born July 
28, 1870; Louis B., born Sept 6, 1872; Willie E., 
born and died Sejjt. 27, 1874; Annie V., born 
Oct. 9, 1876; Mary Josephine, born May 16, 
187s. Mr. Barrette is a prominent citizen of 
Bridgeport village, has been a long time in the 
mercantile trade. He has held the office of 
town treasurer since 1,878, was the town asses- 



sor five years previous, elected first term 1873, 
and ten years was a member of the school 
board. 

REMINISCENCE OF THERESA BARRETTE. 

"I was born in Prairie du Chien, in the year 
1805. My father was Charles La Point, my 
mother was Susan Antaya; they were married in 
1803, at Prairie du Chien. My father was born in 
Montreal, Canada, in 1775. In 1 797, he came with 
two brothers, Francis and Peter La Point, by 
way of the St. Lawrence river, the lakes. Green 
bay and Fox and Wisconsin rivers, to Prairie du 
Chien, and for a few years following was in the 
employ of the American Fur Company. In their 
employ, father made several trips to Green Bay. 
The winters he spent in traffic with Indian set- 
tlements, and exchanged Indian goods for pel- 
tries, etc.; but after his marriage he went to 
farming. In those days, when they wanted land, 
all they did was to take possession of it. From 
that time, farming was his principal occupation, 
though being able to handle most all kinds of 
tools, and do almost any kind of work needed 
on the frontier, he worked a portion of the 
time at carpentering, and other mechanical pur- 
suits. My mother was born the same year of 
ray father (1775), in St. Louis. Her father Mich- 
ael Antaya, in 1785, with his wife and three 
daughters, Susan (my mother), Josephine and 
Mary embarked at St. Louis in a canoe destined 
for Prairie du Chien. In passing the lower 
rapids, their canoe was upset, and only for the 
timely assistance of a party of Fox Indians, 
who fortunately were near, the whole family 
would have been drowned. My mother's 
sister, Josephine, married Sandy Sinison. Af- 
ter his death, she married Augustus Crochier, 
a native of Montreal, and with whom she re- 
turned to Canada, and died there. Mary niar- 
rien Francis La Point (my father's brother), 
whose death in Prairie du Chien left her with a 
family of eight children. She married Michael 
La Point, in 1822 (he was no kin to my father 
and uncles), who came from the Red river of t'le 
north, was a laborer, and much of the time in the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



565 



employ of the American Fur Company. By this 
marriage, four children were born, one of whom 
is now (IS84) living, Mrs. Madeline Lariviere. I 
"as tiie first born of my mother. My sister, 
[.ouisa, widow of Joseph Dechamp, was born in 
I'^^OT. She lives in Prairiedu Chien (1884). Her 
first marriage was to Edmund Ronche in 1823. 
Oiiecliild, Louisa, was born to them in 1824;she 
is now living, the wife of Alexander Paquette, 
in iJenton, La Fayette Co., Wis. Edmund 
Ronche, died in Prairie du Chien in 1826. 
My sister married Dechamp in 1828, who died in 
18G2. They had nine children; five are living: 
.Joseph in Minneapolis, Amuable lives in Chip- 
pewa Falls, Theresa, wife of Moses Duquette 
Edmund, lives in Texas, Frederick lives in 
Mineral Point. I married Peter Barrette, Sr., in 
1^!21, who died Aug., 5, 186.3. 
From my earliest recollection, I remember Pier- 
re La Point. He was born in Canada, about 1747, 
and came to Prairie du Chien in 1782. He was 
grand-uncle to my father, and my uncles Francis 
and Peter La Point. About 1784, betook an 
Iiulian maid for a wife, and to them were born 
four daughters: Palazee, Victorie, Susan and 
'J'heresa Palazee married a trader, named Craw- 
ford; they had two children, one sou (what be- 
came of him I don't know), and a daughter named 
Sophie, who married an Indian trader, named 
Mitchell, and went to Mackinaw, never return- 
ing. Palazee seperated from her first husband, 
Crawford, and about 1817, married Antoine La 
Chappelle. By this marriage, she had seven 
c ildren, Theresa, Theophilus, Peter, Bernard, 
Frederick, Pauline, and Antoine. Theresa 
married B. W. Bri.sbois, of Prairie du Chien, 
'I'lieopilus, if living, is in the Madison Insane 
Asylum. He was a brilliant man, and made in- 
sane by hard study. Peter lived and died in 
I'lairiedu Chien. Hernard committed suicide 
at the age of thirty years. Frederick is now 
living at Wabasha, Minn. Pauline is living at 
Atlanta, Ga., the widow of Di-. Ik-acli, formerly 
of Prairie du Chien. Antoine is living at Win- 
uebago agency, Blue Earth Co., Minn. To return 



to the other daughters of Pierre La Point, Victo- 
ria married Edward Beezan. Susan died young. 
Theresa married an officer stationed at Fort Craw- 
ford. Pierre La Point was physically an ath- 
letic, strong man; tall, straight, well-formed, and 
very active; he iMJver made money fast, was al- 
ways employed by others. Instead of giving 
employment, he worked much of the time for 
the American Fur Company, and independent 
traders. He disliked farming, but always made 
maple sugar, in its season. He died at Prairie 
du Chien, in 1829. Myself and my sister 
Louisa Dechamp are the two oldest persons 
living in Crawford Co., who were born within 
its limits." 

As one of the first born of Prairie du Chien. 
Mrs. Barrette has seen this country pass from 
barbarism to civilization, the wilderness conver- 
ted into lands teeming with corn and grain. The 
rude "dug out," give way to floating palaces on 
our river. Indian trails converted into steel 
roadways crowded with commerce, and the few 
score of civilized people, in the northwest 
swelled into millions, and to this she has con- 
tributed her full share, for, over two scores of 
of living people of this day carry her blood in 
their veins, seven children, thirty one grand 
children and six great-grand children. 

Samuel Barrette was the son of Lewis Barrette. 
(le was born in 1849, is one of the family of 
nine children— Rosanna, wife of Joseph Rule, 
John, Adeline wife of Frank Dunn, Louisa.Peter 
and Henry all of Minneapolis. Samuel Barrette 
was married May 30, 1883 to Adaline Hartgag, 
daughter of Flora Hartgag. They are living 
on the old homestead of Peter Barrette, Sr., 
with his grand mother, Theresa Barrette. 

Harvey Bassett and his wife, his mother,Mrs. 
Catherine Craw, (widowed by the death of 
her second husband, Samuel Craw,) with two 
half sisters, Minerva and Alicia Craw, and 
Isaac Hill, left Fairfield Vt., May 22, 1838, 
destined for Crawford Co., Wis. 'i'he outfit 
consisted of three two horse teams and wag- 
ons, considerable household furniture, pro- 



566 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



vision, etc. Seth Hill, brother of Isaac Hill, 
had settled in Bridgeport town a year or two 
previous. His representations induced the 
emigration of this party. They were met in Mich- 
igan by Seth Hill, who returned to this 
town with the party. In Illinois they were joined 
by Samuel Bassett, a brother of Harvey, also by 
another half sister, Emiline Craw. Harvey Bas- 
sett, was born in Easton, N. Y., June 8, 1808. 
He lived previous to coming west in Fairfield, 
Vt., where he married Clarrissa Warren, in 
1833. His wife was born in that town, March 
5, 1811. In 1838, they came to Bridgeport, 
and settled on section 9, town 6, range 6 west, 
making a very fine farm, with valuable improve- 
ments. Mr, and Mrs. Bassett had two chil- 
dren — Jane Ann, born July 4, 1840, and died at 
tile age of sixteen years, and Victoria Augusta, 
born Dec. 1, 1846, and married, Feb. 19, 1873, 
to William B. Hickean. Mr. Ilickean died 
April 30, 1881. Mr. Bassett died June 3, 1867, 
and his widow is still in vigorous health, and 
is living with her widowed daughter on the old 
homestead where they settled in 1838. Isaac 
Hill died about two years after coming here. 
Seth Hill lived in the county until after the 
war, when his wife having died, he moved to 
Illinois. Grandma Craw died in 1859, Emiline 
Craw married William Keith, and went to 
Missouri and there died. Minerva is living in 
Illinois, and is the wife of Elias S. Bowen, 
Alicia died in Bridgeport town, about 1863. 
Samuel Barrett, lived in Bridgeport many 
years, but died in Minneapolis, Minn., in 1872. 

Joseph Atherton was born in Chesterfield, N. 
II., in 1813. In his early manhood he was en- 
srasied in teachinar school. He came to the 
west in 1838, and settled in Crawford Co., Wis., 
in 1840. On the 8th of December, 1844, he 
was married to Lydia Warner, the adopted 
daughter of Elisha Warner, (now deceased) 
since which date he was chiefly engaged in 
farming near Bridgeport, He was often en- 
trusted with public business for iiis town and 
county, and uniformly discharged his duties 



with ability and fidelity. He was a close 
thinker, a careful reader, and a thorough stu- 
dent of passing events. In his intercourse and 
dealings with his feilowmen he was governed 
by the sti'iotest honesty and int 'grity. Not big 
oted in any of the " isms," he was the advooale 
of equity and .justice in public, as well as pri- 
vate matters. Mr. Atherton was a kind ami 
aft'ectionate husband and father, a faithful 
friend, and an excellent citizen. His exit 
beyond the dark confines of earth, left a sor- 
rowing family; and threw a pall of sadness 
over a large circle of friends and, neighbors, 
with whom his greetings were always warm and 
heartfelt. In his death, the last of the early 
settlers in the Bridgeport district has gone. 
His early neighbors in pioneer life were Elisha 
Warner, Theodore Warner, S G. Basset, Elias 
Bowen, William Wright, Seth and LorcH Hill, 
Peter Barrette, Sr., Samuel and James Gilbert, 
Joseph Curdy, J. P. Hall, William Curts, 
Lyman Frost, H. Brandes and Hiram Delap, 
with most of whom he is now testing the reali- 
ties of eternity. Mr. and Mrs. Atherton formerly 
resided on the fine farm now owned by H. 
C. King. They were the parents of seven chil- 
pren, three of whom are living— Mrs. Carrie A. 
Matthews, Emma, wife of Fred J. Bowman, of 
La Beau, D. T., and Joseph, residing on the 
home farm with his mother. The deceased 
children were — Martha, wife of Chancy 
Blancher, of Prairie du Chien, who died in 
September, 1870, George, who died in 1864, 
aged fifteen years, and Charles II. and Joseph 
(twins), who died in 1864, aged ten months. 
Mrs. Atherton is a native of Trumbull Co , 
Oliio, born in 1828, and accompanied her adopt- 
ed father, Elisha Warner, to Prairie du Chien, 
in 1838, arriving in the keel boat Kickapoo. 
Mrs. Carrie A. Matthews owns and personally 
conducts a general merchandise store in the 
village of Bridgeport, and is a woman posses- 
sed of fine business qualifications. She is the 
mother of one child — Emma, born Oct. 18, 1872. 
Mr. Atherton died at his residence in Bridge- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COtTNTy. 



567 



port, on the morning of the 6th of January, 
1880, of paralysis, by which he was attacked on 
tlie 31st of December previous. 

Jolm Burrell, son of John ami Catharine 
Hiinell, was born in Cassville, Grant Co., Wis., 
ill 1S39. In 1841 he came with his parents to 
Crawford county, his father engaging in the 
manufacture of brick on section 8. In 18e6 he 
purchased 161 acres of land on section 10, town 
6, range 6 west, Bridgeport town, where he 
now resides. Mr. Burrell married Theresa 
Comeskey, a native of Canada. They have 
seven children, four sons and three daughters. 
Mrs. Philena Anns resides on section 3, town 
6, range 6 west, Bridgeport town. She is the 
widow of Justus Anns, a native of Genesee Co , 
N. Y., and born in 1814 When young he re- 
moved with his parents to Cattaraugus county, 
where his parents resided until their decease. 
Mr. Anns received a good education, especially 
in mathematics, of which he was very fond, and 
was reared to the occupation of a farmer. In 
1838 he went to Indiana and engaged in teach- 
ing. He was there married, in 1839, to liis 
present widow, then Philena Scott. In 1849 
Mr. Anns came to this town, and in 1852, set- 
tled on section 3, taking 120 acres of the gov- 
ernment, and adding forty acres at a suksequent 
time. He died at the homestead quite sud- 
denly, March n, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Anns 
had ten children, seven of whom are living-^ 
John R., William H., Dewitt C, Albert A., 
Ixiuisan M., Richard Roy and Jessie Jannett. 
Those deceased are— Martha Jane, Sarah Erne- 
line and Ellen E. 

( harles Fritsche, resides on section 9, town 
6, range 6 west. Mr. Fritsche was born in 
Prussia, in 1836, where his father died. In 
1^^54, his mother, with the family, emigrated 
to the United States coming directly to Prairie 
duChien. There were four children in the 
family,— two sons and two daughters, Caroline, 
who became the wife of Antoine Brenner, and 
<l"'d in May, 1883, in the town of Prairie du 
Chien, Minnie, Charles and Henry. In 186;, 



the brothers purchased a tract of land of Lucius 
Johnson, and lived together and worked in 
common for a period of ten years. In 1 87 1 , they 
agreed to make a division of the land and since 
that time have owned and occupied different 
farms adjoining each other. They are both 
successful and prosperous farmers. The farm 
of Charles contains 180 acres; his brother has 
160 acres. The farms are in a good state of 
cultivation; all improvements have been made by 
them. Charles enlisted, in 1863, as a recruit in 
the 1st regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 
In 1864, he was transferred to the 21st regiment 
where he- served till the close of the war. He 
participated in a number of important engage- 
ments of the war, among which were the seige 
of Atlanta, and Sherman's march to the sea. 
Charles married Susan, a step-daughter of Ber- 
rard Herrold, one of the old hettlers of the 
town of Wauzeka. She is a native of Louisville, 
Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Fritsche have five children,' 
—Carrie, William, Robert, Andrew and Emma! 
Mrs. Fritsche has four children by a former 
marriage. Her first husband, Charles Kuchen- 
backer, was also in the army; he and Mr. 
Fritsche enlisted at the same time, and served 
together till the close of the war. He died 
Dec, 15, 1873, of injuries received from being 
thrown from a wagon. 

Charles Kahler, one of the pioneers of Prairie 
du Chien of 1856, and for many years one of 
the county officers of Crawford county, was 
born in Prussia, March II, 1833, and is the .ssn 
of William and Christiana Kahler. He was 
educated in his native country, and eini<riated 
to the United States in 1855, disembarkhig at 
New Orleans, La. In the spring of KS-.O^he 
came to Prairie du Chien, and moved his family 
to this place the following October. For sev- 
eral years after coming to this city, he was en- 
gaged in the boot and shoe business. He was 
chosen a member of the town board for 1865-6, 
and was elected county clerk for the term of 
l.'^67-8, and re-elected for the years 1871-2-3-4. 
In 1K70, for the benefit of the health of his 



668 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



family he removed to his fine farm of 240 acres, 
situated three miles southeast of the city, in the 
town of Bridgeport. Since a resident of this 
town, he has served as chairman of the town 
board, and is tiie present town clerk. Mr. 
Kaliler was married on the eve of leaving Ger- 
many for the United States in 1855, to Eulalie 
A. V. Lenz. They have two sons and one 
daughter — Arno A., Franklin G. and Eulalie M. 
George Fairfield was born Sept. 10, 1889, in 
Fulton Co., Ohio. He left his home for Wis- 
consin, on the 2sth, of May, 1857, in company 
with his brother-in-law, George Chapman, mak- 
ing the entire journey with teams. They ar- 
rived in Crawford county, June 21, 1857. Mr. 
Fairfield enlisted in Prairie du Chien, April 27, 
1801, in company C, 6th regiment Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry. His record in the army is 
an honorable one, and proves him to have been 
a brave and faithful soldier. He was known 
throughout the brigade as a leading spirit of 
jiersonal adventure. He participated in many 
important battles among which were : Gaines- 
ville, second battle of Bull Run, South Moun- 
tain, Fredericksburg, the battles of the Wilder- 
ness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, North Anna 
River and others. He was in front of Peters- 
burg during the first part of the siege of 
that city. He was promoted to corporal, May 
20, 1862, and by request of Gen. Bragg, for 
bravery at the battle of Fredericksburg, he 
was promoted Feb. 1, 1863, to sergeant. He 
twice refused to be nominated for a com- 
mission, and on the 29th of April, 1864, 
refused the position of sergeant-major of 
Camp Randall, under Maj. Dill, preferring to 
go to bis regiment, where he leceived the com- 
pliments of hiscaptain. He received a gunshot 
wound in the head, at the battle of South Moun- 
tain, which c irried away the saggital suture 
down to the cerebrum. From the effects of this 
wound lie was confined two months in the hos- 
pital at Washington City. At Gettysburg, his 
canteen, filled with water, was struck by a minnie 
ball, while his regiment was making a charge 



on the 2d Mississippi. The canteen of water 
resisting, to some extent, the force of the ball, 
and diverting it from its course, doubtless 
saved his life. At Petersburg he was struck 
by the fragment of a shell, which fractured the 
left temporal bone. He was struck five times 
while in the service, with ball and shell. Soon 
after his last wound, he was discharged, bis 
term of service having expired. In the military 
history of Wisconsin, by E. B. Quiner, Esq., 
the following acknowledgment is made : "To 
Sergt. George Fairfield, of company C, 6th 
Wisconsin Infantry, we are indebted for the 
loan of a well kept diary, from July, 1861, to 
the battle of South Mountain, where he was 
severely wounded, and during the Wilderness 
campaign to the assault at Petersburg, June 18, 
1864, where he was again wounded." At the 
close of the war, Mr. Fairfield returned to 
Seneca, Crawford county, where he taught school 
for one term. On the 2d day of March, 1874, 
he purchased of J. F. Haskins, 100 acres of 
land on section 10 town 6, range 6 west, 
where he now resides. His farm is well stocked 
and in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Fair- 
field has been twice married. He was first 
married to Elnora J. Haskins, April 9, 1866. 
She died Feb. 18, 1880, leaving five children— 
Willard, Laverne, Jennie V., Lizzie L., and 
Georsje E. Mr. Fairfield subsequently married 
Eliza J. Allen, Dec. 23, 1882, with whom he is 
now living. 

Henry C. Maynard resides on section 1, town 
6, range 6 west, where he has lived since Feb- 
ruary, 1868. He is a native of^Vermoiit, born 
in 1S30. When quite young he removed with 
his jiarents, Dr. David S. and Lydia A. May- 
nard, to Ohio. In 1859 he moved to Grant Co., 
Wis., his usual occupation being farming, but 
he was for a short time engaged in the insur- 
ance business. He married Ellen A. Hill, a 
native of Barre, Orleans Co , N. Y. JMr and 
Mrs Maynard have had three children, two of 
them are living— Frank A. and Carl H. Their 



HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



569 



eldest child, Marium, died aged three years. Mr. 
Mayiiard's farm contains 200 acres of land. 

William Curts, Jr., son of William and 
Mary Jane Curts, was born on the homestead 
where he now resides, on section 10, town 0, 
range 6 west, Sept. 5, 1859. His father settled 
on this place in 1839. He married Eva Poff, 
born in Indiana in 1858. Her father, John Poff,' 
settled in the town of Haney, and resided at 
Bell Centre at the time of his death. His 
widow lives in Readstown. Mr. Curts' father 
died April 4, 1861; his mother died June 21, 
1862. Mr. and Mrs. Curts have one son- 
Marion Edward. 

Lyman King with his family came from 
Trumbull Co., Ohio,and settled atPort Andrew, 
Richland Co., Wi.s. in 1856. He there buried 
his wife Nov. 28, 1857. Mr. King came to 
Bridgeport town in 1860, and lived with his 
son L. O. King, until the death of the latter 
which occured in 1S68. He then lived with 
a younger son, Theodore, until 18T9. He then 
bought of his son, Henry C. King, forty acres 
of land, and built a house in which he has since 
resided with his only living daughter, Mrs. 
Jane Fitzsimmons. Mr King is now (1884) 
eighty-two years of age, in good health, vigor- 
ous, strong, good memory and strong mind. 
His son L. O. King died in Prairie du Chien 
Dec. 24, 1 878. He was master of the Masonic 
lodge and buried with masonic orders, Odd 
Fellows an.l United Workman lodges participat- 
ing. Lyman King has had eleven children, 
George F. born 1826, Elisabeth, born 1S27,' 
died in Ohio, 1842, .fane, born 1829, Lyman o'. 
born is:)2, died Dec. 24, 1878, Henry C. born 
1834, Theodore, born 1845, Sally, born 1855, 
wife (,f Franklin Hacon, died in Bridgeport 
1872. Four children, in Ohio, died in infancy. 
Henry C. King, is a resident of Bridgeport 
town and a i)rominent business man of Jiridge- 
port village. Mr. King was born in Trumbull 
Co., Ohio, Jan. 16, 1834. In 1851 at the age of 
seventeen he started out in life on his own ac- 
count, having a brother older, George F. King, 



Hying in Mobile, Ala. He went to him, and 
with him remained until the spring,of 1 854,learn- 
ing the trade of carpenter and joiner. He then 
went to Galveston Texas, and went into 
business as contractor, for general building, 
doing quite an extensive business. On the out- 
break of the civil war, business was suspended. 
Mr. King being a northern man by birth was 
loyal, but by .adoption and business interests was 
indentified with the south. His situation was a 
trying one to him, his loyalty was perhaps 
divided, but he always believed that the appeal 
to arms was unnecessary; that the ballot box 
could and should have settled all differences 
between the two sections. In 1862 under the 
Confederate government conscription act, Mr. 
King was drafted into the confederate army,and 
placed in the 24th Cavalry ( Texas Rangers) and 
the regiment was placed in drill school at Shreve- 
port, La,in July. The regiment made part of a con- 
federate force of 10,000 men under orders for 
Little Rock, Ark. Later his regiment, was dis- 
mounted and the force ordered to Arkansas 
Post, there going into winter quarters. In 
January 1863 when Gen. McClernand and Sher- 
mans forces made their attack upon the post, he 
was in the line of battle outside the fort. Dur- 
ing the engagement which preceded the capit- 
ulation, Mr. King had a slight wound in his 
head, which caused permanent deafness in one 
ear. His chum was killed by his side by the 
same shell that injured him. After the' sur- 
render, while in line, marching to the transport 
of the Union fleet,hardly able to walk.lie thought 
of the fine revolver his comrade had on his per- 
son. Leaving the line he obtained it. Soon after 
returning, noticing a fine looking Union officer 
nearinghim he hailed him and sold the revolver 
to him for a five dollar greenback, which, in 
his penniless condition, was a fortune. He 
was taken by way of Alton to Camp Butler III. x 
The severity of the weather.and change of climate " 
Urought him very low and the sickness follow- 
ing, with prison hospital care, came very near 
being his last. In March, being a little improv- 



570 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ed in health but still suffering by inward 
trouble in his head, caused by the wound, he 
began to study upon the future and concluded 
to take the oath of allegiance. This he did and 
in his old rebel uniform and the greenback in 
his pocket he made his way to Springfield, 111. 
His health improved rapidly and he was soon 
at his old trade. In the meantime, by corres- 
pondence, Mr. King learned in May, that his 
father, Lyman King, had moved, in 1856, from 
Ohio to Wisconsin and was then living in 
Bridgeport, Crawford county. He immediately 
joined them and has from tiiat time resided in 
tliis town. Mr. King owns a very finefarm, the 
old Atherton place, about one and one half miles 
from the village. Ilis residence is upon this farm. 
He was mariied in 1869 to Mary Seaman. 
Four children have been born to them, only one 
of whom is living — Tudney V. born September, 
1870, died September, 1871, Nellie, born De- 
cember 1873, died March 1882, Ruba P. born 
April 1877, Hurley C.-born April 187h, died 
March 1880. Mr. King is one of the promi- 
nent men of the county, is serving now (1884) 
as chairman of the town board. He has served 
five years as town treasurer — 1873 to 1878. 

Andrew Bailey, is the son of Henry H. and 
Eliza S. Bailey. He was born June 27,1850. 
He was married Feb. 8, 1881, to Carrie, 
daughter of John D. Harp, of Cassville, Gran.t 
county. She was born June 16, 1856. Mr. Bailey 
is an active, wide-awake business man, is now 
(1884) in the employ of Henry C. King, in 
charge of Mr. King's general merchandise store. 
Ms. Eliza S. Railey lives in Bridgeport village. 
She was the daughter of Christopher and Mary 
Bowen, and part of her family came from 
Pennsylvania in the keel boat Kickapoo, in 
1838. Besides herself there were two sisters 
and two brothers in her father's family — Elias 
S., of Illinois; Alfred A., died in Bridgeport, 
April, 1880; Delia, married Joseph Curley, and 
lives in Iowa; Barbara, married John Sane; shg 
died in Illinois, June 27, 1874. Mrs. Bailey, 
formerly Eliza S. Bowen, married Henry H. 



Bailey Jan. 1, 1845. To them six children 
were born — Arnold, born Dec. liO, 1845, died 
Aug. 15, 1847; Charles, born Feb. 28, 1848, of 
Grant county; Andrew, born .Tune 27, 1850, of 
Bridgeport; Ara, born JNIarch 25, 1854, of Grant 
county; Benjamin, born Oct., 16, 1857, died in in- 
fancy; Delia, born June 19, 1859, wife of Dante 
Poole. A few years after their marriage, Mr. and 
Mrs. Bailey moved to Vernon county, and lived 
near Viroqua two years, then moved to Prairie 
lilt Chien, there remaining about four years ; 
and after two years' residence in Batwice, 
this county, he came to Bridgeport, remaining a 
short time. In 1865, they moved to Taylor's 
Falls, on the St. Croix river in Minnesota, and 
lived there about five years; returning to Prairie 
du Chien, and buying a place, lived there seven 
yeai'S. He then solil out and bought a farm in 
this town where he has lived most < f the time 
since. Mr. Bailey died in this town, March 17, 
1878. Mrs. Bailey is living with her son-in-law, 
Dante Poole. Mr. and Mrs, Poole have one 
chiU— Charlie, born March 24, 1882. 

Charles A., son of Henry H. and Eliza S. 
Bailey, was born Feb. 28, 1848. He was mar- 
ried, March 27, 1872, to Annie M. Whiteside, 
step-daughter of John D. Harp, of Cassville, 
Grant Co., Wis. His wife died April 6, 1875. 
To them were given two ciiildren — Harry, born 
Aug. 13, 1874, and Glendon, born March 29,ls75. 
At the time of his wife's death, Mr. Bailey 
was a clerk in a dry goods establishment, at 
Prairie du Chien, and at present is engaged 
in farming in Grant Co,, Wis. Ara W. was 
married January 14, 1880, to Hannah J. Ladd, 
daughter of Lemuel Ladd, of Grant Co., Wis., 
where he resides at present. 

Thomas Marsden, owner of the Bridgeport 
stone quarry, is the son of Thomas Marsden, 
Sr., who began developing the quarry in 1863, 
for the purpose of obtaining stone for the eapi- 
itol at Madison. The land onwliich the quarry 
is located was originally owned H. L. Dousnian. 
It changed hands a number of times before- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



511 



coming into the possession of Thomas Marsden 
Sr., (1868,) who had been connected with the 
working of the same, since 1863. A descrip- 
tion of the quarry will be found elsewhere in 
this work. 

Thomas Marsden, Sr., was born in Lancashire, 
England, in 1812. He emigrated to New York in 
1849, and was engaged in the marble and lime- 
stone trade at Albany, N. Y., for some time, in 
fact, during the greater part of his life, he was 
connected with quarrying and stone-cutting 
He married, in England, Ipabella Mdrrow. He 
died here April 20, 1874. There are three sur- 
viving sons— Thomas, James, who resides at 
Barraboo, Wis., and William, of Tombstone, 
Arizona Territory. 

Thomas Marsden, Jr., was born at Liverpool, 
England, in Oct., 1848. He enlisted in 1861,' 
when but thirteen years of age, in the 3d regi- 
ment,New York Volunteer Infantry, and served 
until the close of the war; he participated in 
the battle of Big Bethel, one of the early bat- 
tles of the war, and served under Maj-Gen. 
Butler for a considerable length of time. lie 
■ participated in Gen. Grant's Virginia campaign; 
was in Butler's unsuccessful attack on Fort 
Fisher, and subsequently Gen. Terry's success- 
ful attack on that confederate stronghold. In 
the storming of Fort Fisher by the forces un- 
der Gen. Terry, his regiment, the 3d New York, 
lost every officer, commissioned and non-com- 
mi.ssioned, and a private commanded what was 
left of the regiment, at the end of the fight. 
After the close of the war, he engaged in the 
business of marble and stone-cutting. He 
worked at various pLaces-Rock Island, Duluth, 
Lacrosse, etc. He succeeded his father in the 
ownership of the quarry. His wife was Catha- 
rine Donahue. They have four children- 
Thomas, Mary Isabella, Winefred C. and 
< harles A. 

Andrew J. Beesecker, was born in Monroe Co 
Penn., Oct. 17, 1831, and was the son of a farm- 
er. While young he attended school in winters 
and worked on the farm during the other sea- 



sons. In his twentieth year, July 4, 1851, he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Postens, born in the same coun- 
ty, Oct. 1, 1 832. They made their home in that 
county and followed farming until 1865, in 
which year they came to Crawford Co, Wis., and 
bought a farm on section 6, town 7, range 5 west. 
His farm contains 188 acres, and was occupied 
by him, since his residence in town, until 1882, 
when he rented it and bought the Bridgeport ho- 
tel property and is now doing a successful bus- 
iness as hotel keeper. Mr. and Mrs. Beesecker 
have had ten children, eight now living. Al- 
fred, born Sept. 27, 1852; Ellen J., wife of D. 
Valmer, born June 23, 1854; Rachel A., wife of 
M. Feely,born Jan 1, 1856; Mary C, born Oct. 27, 
1860;Susan,wifeofChas.Bean,born Jan.27,lS63,' 
Sarah, born Jan. 22, 1866; Amanda, born' Nov! 
3, 1868; and Lewis, born Aug. 23, 1872. The two 
deceased children are Reuben, born Jan. 25, 
1858; died in Pennsylvania, June 28, 1871, and 
Elizabeth, born April 8, 1871, and died June 28 
1871. 

Thomas Nugent was born in Ireland, March 
12, 1859. In 1864 his father, with the family 
came to America. They lived in Poughkeepsie,' 
N Y, about one year. In 1865 they came tj 
Crawford county, settling in Eastman, wiiere 
he has made a farm and now resides. His father 
had ten children, five boys and five girls: Eliza 
Thomas, Mary, Ann, John, William Barney,' 
Ellen, Bridget, Maggy and James. Thomas' 
Nugent was married in Seneca by the 
Cathoiicpriest, Rev.J.J. Burns, to Mary Lit- 
ner, April 23, 1883. Mr. Nugent is now conduct- 
ing an orderly saloon in Bridgeport village, and 
is a good citizen. 

Jacob Strayer was born in Crawford Co 
Penn., in 1823. In 1855 he moved to La Fay- 
ette Co., Wis.; and in 1858 to Grant county. 
In 1865 he came to Crawford county, settling i"n 
Bridgeport and engaged in work on tiie bridge 
which crosses the Wisconsin at that place. In 
1879 he purchased a lot of three and a quarter 
acres of William Snell, on section 9, where he 
now resides. Mr. Strayer married in Pennsylva- 



572 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



nia, Sarah Lindsey. She died in Crawford 
county, in IS^S. He subsequently married Su- 
san (Mitcliell) Miles, a native of Vermont. She 
has seven cliildren by her first husband, two 
sons and five daughters. Mr. Strayer has three 
children by his former marriage — George, John 
H. and Mary E. He is republican in politics 
and a strong temperance man, believing in 
total abstinence. By occupation Mr. S. is a 
mechanic and repairs all kinds of farm imple- 
ments in the wood line. 

Fred E. Collins is in the employ of the C. M. 
& St. P. R. R , as agent at Bridgeport station. 
He has held h's present position since October 
1881. Mr Collins has been a resident of Crawford 
county, since 1868 He learned telegrapliy in 
the railioad company's office at Prairie du j 
Chien. Mr. Collins is a very ( nergetic, capable | 
young man, and popular with those doing busi- 
ness through the station in his charge. 



Lewis Kenyon resides on section 1, town 6, 
range 6 west. He purchased his farm of E. B. 
Richardson. A portion of this farm, 121i acres, 
was entered by Hiram Del ap in 1841, and the 
remainder by E. W. Pelton, in 1853. The first 
improvements on the firm were made by Mr. 
Pelton. About nineteen transfers have been 
made of the whole or a part of this place, since 
the entry by Mr. Delap. 

Mr. Kenyon was born in Clayton Co., 
Iowa, in 1849. He removed to Minnesota with 
his parents when a child, where the family re- 
sided 12 years. They came to Prairie du Chien 
in 1868. The first farm owned by Mr. Kenyon 
was also on sec. 1, which he purchased of Ills 
father, and sold to the present owner, Frank 
Garrow. He married Lovina Garrow, a daugh- 
ter of John Garrow; her mother is now Mrs. 
Daniel Thompson, of this town. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kenyon have two children, Herbert Edgar and 
Myrtle May. 




HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



573 



CHAPTER X X Vlil 



TOWN OF CLAYTON. 



Clayton is bounded on the north hy the towns 
of Kickapoo and Franklin, in Vernon county; 
on the east by the towns of Syloan and Aiken, 
of Richland county; on the south by the towns 
of Ilanoy and Scott, in Crawford county; and 
on the west by the towns of Utica and Seneca, 
in the last mentioned county. 

This town contains a portion of four con- 
gressional townships, one half of township ] 1, 
in range 3 west; also six sections in township 
11, in range 4 west; and sixteen full sections 
and five fractional sections, in townsliip lO, in 
range 4 west. 

'I 'he sm-face of Clayton is very broken. The 
valleys are well supplied with springs which 
gush forth in all their crystal purity, giving an 
abundant supply of water for both stock and 
domestic purposes. Upon the ridges there 
have been improved some very good farms. 
Here ihe sub-soil is clay and is well adapted to 
the growing of corn, wheat and oats. In the 
valleys the soil is of a black loam, made from 
the decay of vegetable matter, a portion of 
which has been washed from the higher and 
more uneven lands. Wheat does not do well 
on this land as it grows too rank and is apt to 
lodge before it ripens. 

The Kickapoo river which washes a greater 
portion of the western border of the town, runs 
ll'iough a sandy soil, well adapted to small 
grain and corn culture. This valley, however, 
••cpiires much more fertilizing than does the 
ndges and other valleys of the towns. The 
timber of Clayton is principally oak, maple, 
with some ash, elm and ba.-^swood. The oak 



however, is the species upon which the farmer 
and business man depend. There are large 
amounts of railroad ties cut and sent to market 
from out these forests. This town is also noted 
for the large number of hoop poles which are 
cut and shipped to various markets. 

This town, not unlike the other portions of 
Crawford county, is well supplied with never 
failing streams, which make it a desirable place 
for stock busine.ss. The main water course is ' 
the Kickapoo river, which enters Clayton on the 
northern line near the northeast corner of sec- 
tion 19, in township ]], of range 3 west, run- 
ning in a southwesterly course through sections 
19 and 30, in township 11, range 3 west and 
through sections 25, 35 and 36 of the same 
township, in range 4 west; also through sections 
2 and 11, of township 10, range 4 west, leaving 
the town from section 34. 

Soldier's Grove creek takes its rise on section 
4, in township 10, of ran<,'e 3 west, and passes 
through sections 31 and 32, emptying into the 
Kickapoo river, on section .'^0, in township II, of 
range 3 west. 

Janes creek heads on section 23, in township 
11, of range 4 west and passes through sections 
23 and 24, uniting with the Kickapoo river on 
section 30, in township 11, of range 4 west. 

Trout Run has its source on section 2G, pass- 
ing through sections 27, 28, 21, 20, 29 and unites 
with the Kickapoo river on section 30, iu town- 
1 1 , of range 3 west. 

Smith creek takes its rise on section 6, of 
township 11, in range 3 west and passes through 
sections l and 11, of township 10, in range 4 



574 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



west, forming a junction with the Kickapoo 
river on section 11. 

Bear creek has source on section 8, of town- 
ship 10, in range 3 west, passing through sec- 
tions 17, 18 and 7 of township 10, in range 3 
west, and sections 12 and 11, in towiisliip 10, of 
range 4 west. 

Tjittle Sand creek heads on section 26, town- 
sliip 10, range 3, and unites with the Kickapoo 
river on section 24, township 10, range 4 west- 
Big Sand creek heads on section 20, township 

10, range 3 west, and passes through sections 
20 and 19, of township 10, range 3 west, and 
sections 25, 26, 36, 35, leaving the town from 
section 34, township 10, range 4 west. The 
eastern portion of the town of Clayton is well 
supplied with never failing cold spring brooks, 
which are utilized for various purposes. 

FIRST SETTLEMENT. 

The first to effect settlement in this part of 
Crawford county, was Simeon Tjler, who came 
in 1850. He was a native of New York; he 
"squatted" on section 98, town 10, range 4 
west, wliere O. P. Rounds was living in 1883. 
The next to locate was a Mr. Marsten, who 
"squatted" on section 19, town 1 1, range 3, west 
in 1852. Elias Bell came the same year, and 
located in the south part of the town. Another 
settler of ?852, was L. B. Smith. 

During 1853, among the number who came in 
for settlement, were J. E. Campbell, who in 
1884 waslivingat Prarie du Chien; John Jones 
wlio settled on section 30, town II, range 4 west; 
John Janes, who entered eighty acres on section 

11, town 11, range 4 west; Benjamin Hill took 
up a claim in the fall of 1852, or spring of 
1853, on section 19. Other settlers of 1853 were 
Christopher Cbristopherson, who settled on sec- 
tion 2, town 10, range 4 west. Thomas Hoo- 
verson on section 35, town 1 1 , range 4 west. 
Andrew Bottlerson on section 2, town 10, range 
4 west. 

In 1854, David Smith located on section 11, 
town 10, range 4 west, He died in 1866. 
Among others who came that year, were the 



following: Joseph Martin, who settled on sec- 
tion 11, town lO, range 3, west, who moved to 
Dakota in 1875; Robert Welch, John Murphy, 
Mathew Ryan, Henry Murphy, Morris Murphy, 
David Mook, David Black, J. Glover, Peter 
Hoffman, David Underwood, Marwood Hound- 
sell and B. Davenport. 

Mr. Patridge, who afterward became nation- 
ally known in connection with the affair of the 
capture of Jeff Davis, settled in 1854 or 1855 
on section 32, town 11, range 3 west. In 1884, 
he was living in Iowa. Richard Brannan came 
the same time locating on section 30, town 11, 
range 3 west. George and Samuel Briggs also 
located in 1854, on section 30, town 11, range 3, 
west. George A. Smith was another who set- 
tled in 1854, he claimed 160 acres from parts of 
sections 20, 29, and 30of town 11, range 3 west.. 
In 1884 he was a merchant, doing business at 
Soldier's Grove. C. W. Baker was another pio- 
neer of the town, coming in 1854. He pur- 
chased the "squatter's claims" taken up by Mr. 
Marsten. 

In 1856, Joseph Brightman came in and en- 
tered eighty acres of land on section 31, town, 
II, range 3 west, where the village of Soldier's 
Grove now stands. 

Nathaniel Woodard came the same year and 
entered 320 acres on section 35, town 11, range 
3 west. During that year Samuel Clark claimed 
forty acres on section 29, town II, range 3, 
west. 

William Bounds came in at about the same 
time and entered 80 acres of land on section 
3 ', town 11, range 3 west; also Robert Briggs ' 
who claimed land on section 24, town 11, range 
4, west, came the same season. Other settlers 
of 1856 were:' George W. Barlow, who took 
land on section l,town 10, range 4; Ralph 
Birker who settled on section 22, of the same 
town and range; C. P. Bennett, section 31, 
town 11, range 4; Dennis Bell, who took 120 
acres on section 34, town 10, range 4, west. , 

The following year, 1857, came S. S. Brown, 1 
who enteied eiarhtv acres on section 27, town 10, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



575 



range 4 west; Joseph and Isaac Evans came 
the same year and entered a farm together on 
section 14, town 10, range 4. 

During 1858, the settlement commenced in 
earnest and the tide of emigration has rapidly 
increased until now (1884) the larger part of the 
land that is tillable is already occupied and 
improved by an industrious class of people, a 
large per cent, of which are of Irish descent, 
with some Norwegians, and a few Americans 
who came from the State of New York 

FIRST EVENTS. 

Simeon Tyler, the first settler of the town, 
erected the first house, without any one to aid 
him. It was a log building 10x14 feet, on sec- 
tion 28, in town 10, of range 4, west. 

Joseph Brightman, who, in 1884, is still a 
resident of the town, erected in 1856, the first 
frame house and barn, where Soldier's Grove is 
is now situated. 

Weddings were not Common in the early 
settlement of this town. The good people 
witnessed no such event until the latter part 
of 1859, when Samuel Mitchell and Miss Ida 
Smith were united in marriage,by Joseph Evans, 
who was then a justice of the peace. 

The first birth was that of Benjamin Hill, Jr., 
which occured in the summer of 1852. 

'IMie deaths were not numerous, although 
occuring early in the settlement of the town, 
the first being Simeon Tyler, the first settler 
who died in 1853. His wife followed him to 
the grave, in about two weeks. The death and 
burial of James Brannan is of historical im- 
portance enough to be given in this connection. 
He died in 1856, in the northern part of the 
town, near the banks of the Kickapoo river. 
His remains were taken up the river in a canoe 
and the mourners and friends followed in 
skiffs and other boats, makinga funeral cortege 
of three boats, which meandered their way 
around up this remarkably crooked stream to 
Readstown in Vernon county, where the body 
was interred. 



The first mill within the town was a water 
saw mill, erected in 1856, by Joseph Bright- 
man, near the present location of Soldier's 
Grove. In 1884, A. Peterson owned this mill 
power and another mill upon it. 

The earliest religious services held in the 
town of Clayton were held at the house of Da- 
vid Smith in 1856. 

The first school was taught by Miss Frank 
Carter, in the barn of J. H. Brightman. After 
teaching the school two weeks, she was compell- 
ed to resign on account of sickness, when Mary 
Brightman — afterwards Mrs. M. R. Tate — un- 
dertook to finish the term,being at the time 
but thirteen years of age. 

The first Fourth of July celebration was hel3 
at Bell Centre, in 1856, and was attended by 
most of the people of the town 

The first cemetery in Clayton, was the one 
known as the "Yankee Town Cemetery." This 
was laid out in 1861, and the first burial therein, 
was Mrs. S.irah Bennett, wife of C P. Bennett. 

The first orchard set out was by C. W. Baker, 
in 1856, who, in 1884, was still spared to eat of 
the fruit of his own planting and culture. 

The first election in Clayton was held on 
the 7th day of April, 1857, at the house of David 
Smith, who then resided on section 1, of town 
11, in range 4, west. 

ORGANIC. 

Clayton was organized in the spring of 1857, 
and the first town meeting for the election of 
officers was held at David Smith's, April 7, of 
that year, when the following were elected: 
Peter Hoffman, chairman; David Smith and D. 
Bell, side board; G. Morgan, clerk; Peter Hoff- 
man, treasurer; Isaac Evans, assessor. The 
number of votes polled at the election were for- 
ty-two. 

The officers for 1883, were: A. Peterson 
chairman; C. P. Sessmap and John Severson, 
side board; C. W. Baker, treasurer; N. O. Pet- 
erson, clerk; William Barney, assessor; J. H. 
Brightman, John L. Stowell, justices of the 
peace; Daniel Ryan, Eben Hartly, Stephen Si 



3.=s 



576 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Brown, constables. Mr. Ryan failing to serve, 
Peter Nelson was appointed to fill his place. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

Much interest has always been manifested in 
school matters in Clayton, and its educational ad- 
vantages have been fully up to the other towns 
of the county. In 1884, there were fifteen 
school buildings within the towns. The school 
population at this time was 855, the value placed 
on all school property at that date was $2955. 
The following gives the number of pupils in 
each district Jan. 1, 1884: No 1, 55; No. 2, 29; 
No. 3, 30; No. 4, 126; No. 5, 85; No. 6, 40; No. 
7, 75; No. 8, 50; No. 10, 38; No. 12, 62; No 13, 
36; No. 14, 63; No. 15, 59; joint district No. 9, 
15; joint district No. 11, 59. 

POST OFFICES. 

In 1884, the town of Clayton contained five 
postoiBces, established and located as follows: 
Knapp Creek, on section 12, of township 10, 
range 3, was established in 1869. The first 
postmaster was Daniel Aduey, who was still 
serving in 1884. 

North Clayton is located on section 34, it was 
established about 1870. 

St. Phillips is located on section 16; this 
was established after the civil war. 

Yankeetown postoffice is on section 1, estab- 
about 1858. 

Soldier's Grove was made a postoffice in 1866. 
The first postmaster was Joseph H. Brigbtman, 
who was followed by Samuel Hutchins, and he 
by Atly Peterson, who is now (1884) still in of- 
fice. 

EELIGIOUS. 

There are now (1884) four religious organiza- 
tions within the town of Clayton — the Catholic, 
Methodist, Disciples and United Brethren. 
The former had occasional services at a very 
early day. A house of worship was built in 
1869, on section 22, township 10, range 3, west. 
A society of the United Brethren sect was 
formed just after the rebellion closed; a log 
house was erected in which to worship, which 
' was situated on section 26, township 11, range 



3, west. This church bears the name "Mt. Zion." 
Rev. John Day, of the town of Scott, was the 
minister in charge in 1888. 

About 1858, a Methodist Episcopal class was 
organized by Rev. Brakman, with David Gan- 
der as its leader. In 1884, that class numbered 
about thirty; they were then holding service 
once in two weeks at the school house at Sol- 
dier's Grove. The pastor stationed at Mt. 
Sterling had charge of the work. 
ST. Philip's parish. 
No organization as a parish existed prior to 
1873, Previous to that period the spiritual 
wants of the faithful, who now constitute this 
parish, were attended to by visiting friends 
from different sections of the surrounding coun- 
try. The first priest who visited this section 
was Father Gaultier. He lived in Prairie du 
Chien, and was accustomed to make excursions, 
at regular intervals, through the different parts 
of Crawford county that required the services 
of a Catholic priest, he being the only one, at 
that time, in the county. His first visit was on 
July 6, 1857. The journeys were made, for the 
most part, on foot, and with great difliculty, 
through the dense woods and over the rough 
hillsof Clayton town. Father Gaultier continued 
to visit Clayton for about two years, until 1859, 
and died a few years later in Prairie du Chien. 
His successor was Father O'Conor During 
his attendance the little log church, begun un- 
der Father Gaultier near the site of the present 
structure, was finished. Father O'Coner resided 
at Rising Sun and paid his first visit to St. 
Philips in October, 1859. Towards the end of 
1862 he was succeeded by Father Murphy, who 
also resided at Rising Sun. Under his admin- 
istration nothing of importance took place. He 
was a great favorite with his people, and was a 
successful instrument in the conversion of a 
o-reat many who entered the fold of the Catho- 
lie church during his attendance. A modest 
monument in St. Patrick's cemetery, at Seneca, 
will point out to many, to whom his kind feat- 
ures were familiar, the spot where he is buried. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



511 



The next to take charge of the congregation 
of St. Philip's, was FatherMontague.inthebe 
ginning of 186-^. He it was who first projected 
the erection of a new church. The idea of a 
new house of worship seemed to give a new 
impetus to the religious afiFairs of the mission, 
and the zeal of the scattered flock was quick- 
ened, about this time, by a visit from the bishop 
of the newly erected diocese of La Crosse, Rt. 
Rev. Michael Heiss, now Archbishop of Mil- 
waukee. During his visit a committee of three 
prominent gentlemen of the congregation, 
Matthew Ryan, James Brady and Peter Kelly,' 
all of Clayton, waited upon his lordship and in- 
terviewed him regarding the new undertaking i 
and the further organization of a regular parish. I 
The prelate sanctioned the project, promising, 
further, that he would send them a resident 
pastor provided they were able to give him the 
necessary support. With an enthusiasm worthy 
their desire they gave the required assurance', 
and never has the bishop or his honored suc- 
cessor had cause to regret his promise, and the 
hearty good will with which the entire congre- 
gation have from year to year made good the 
pledge of the zealous committee, testify to the 
spirit of unity that prevailed among the people 
and that the promise made to the bishop was 
not wiihout foundation. Father Montague, 
during his short st.ay, prosecuted with no lil,tle' 
enthusiasm the new undertaking, which was 
brought to a successful end in November 1870, 
under the wise direction of his successor, Father 
Beau, seconded by the energetic co-operation of 
the committee and people; the happy event was 
celebrated by a mission conducted by the Ben- 
edictine Fathers of Chicago. In August, 18T2, 
the now church was dedicated by Bishop Heissi 
assisted by Fathers Vexweist and Bernard. 

Father Beau, besides completing the church 
edifice, erected a very neat little pastor's resi- 
dence. 

Heretofore, St. Philip's congregation received 
only the attendance of visiting priests. The 
last ,.f these was Father Beau, who was succeed- 



ed in February, 18V2, by Rev. Father Wendelin 
Bernard, the first resident pastor. During his 
pastorate Father Bernard donated to the new 
church a number of utensils and sacred vessels 
required for divine service. He presided over 
the parish one year and was succeeded in Feb- 
ruary, 1873, by Rev. R. V. Steinburg. Father 
Steinberg was in turn succeeded by Rev. Patrick 
Walsh, in June, 1875, who was again succeeded 
by Rev. John Conroy, in May, 1876. Nothing 
of particular note occurred during the adminis- 
tration of the latter three gentlemen, the affairs 
of the parish running smoothly on, with satis- 
faction to all, as the result of a solid and 
thorough organization. Father Conroy died on 
Feb. 12, 1877, and is buried in the church- 
yard near the front entrance to the church. 
The prostrate forms of the worshipers at St. 
Philip's, on each succeeding Sunday at his 
grave, where they stop to offer a prayer, attest 
the high esteem and veneration which his noble 
and saintly qualities gained for him, and the 
tender affection of the people who thus piously 
regard his memory. 

Father Cnnroy's successor was Rev. Bona- 
vintun De Gory. Father De Gory belonged to 
the order of Capuchin Friars, in his native 
country, Holland, but being in delicate health, 
was permitted, by his superiors, to come to this 
country over thirty years ago. His missionary 
labors extended throughout the State of Wis- 
consin, he having belonged successively to the 
dioceses of Milwaukee, Green Bay and La 
Crosse. He was possessed of a great zeal for 
the erection of churches and other buildings in 
the interest of religion and a facility for acquir- 
ing the necessary funds and other assistance, as 
well as the good will and co-operation of the 
people was always at his command, and insured 
success from the beginning. It is said that he 
erected between forty and fifty churches in this 
State ; for, though old and longing for the peace 
of a quiet and retired life again, did his custo- 
mary zeal in this regard forsake not him while 
at St. Philips'. Understanding full well that 



518 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



the safety of religion, no less than the welfare 
of society demand that youth be instructed in 
religion and the principles of Christian morality 
instilled in their minds, with heroic self-sacri- 
fice and apostolic zeal, be devoted his time, 
labor and private property to the erection of a 
beautiful frame school house, which he presented 
to the congregation of St. Philips, in 1881. The 
school known as St. Francis Parochial School, 
was first in charge of the Sisters of Mercy, of 
FondMu Lac, but laterly has been conducted by 
the Sisters of St. Francis, of Silver Lake. The 
building is a two-story cottage-roof, with a 
capacity for eighty pupils on the ground floor, 
the second floor being occupied by the Sisters 
apartments. 

Father DeGory also erected two mission 
Churches, St. Patricks, Scott town, Crawford 
county, and St. Peters, Richland county, both 
being attended from St. Philips. On July 8, 
1883, Father DeGory bade his sorrowing 
congregation adieu and a few days later left 
for New Jersey to visit friends. On August!, 
he set sail for Europe, visiting the home of his 
youth, Haarlem, Holland, traveling the greater 
part of the continent, and spending two months 
in Rome, when he was accorded an audience 
with the Holy Father in November. He again 
returfled to Holland, and now, from the quiet 
and solitude of his convent home looks back 
over a life of toil and untiring exertion, devo- 
tion and self-denial in the interest of his fel- 
low men, happy in the reflection that his life 
was spent for their welfare, and the conscious- 
ness that the love and prayers and affections of 
his children follow in his seclusion. 

One week after the departure of Father De 
Gory, his place was occupied by Rev. J. L. 
Fitzpatrick, the present incumbent of St. 
Philip's parish. Father Fitzpatrick was born in 
Jacksonville, Chickasaw Co. Iowa, August 25, 
1858. He attended the district schools of the 
neighborhood until the age of fifteen when he 
went to Milwaukee and became a student at St. 
Francis' Seminary. Here he remained three 



years, studying the classics, English and mathe. 
matios. In June 1876, he left St. Francis and 
in the following September was numbered 
among the students of St. Josephs college Du- 
buque. He remained at St. Josephs two 
years, the first being devoted to a continuation 
of his former studies, the second being occupied 
in the study of philosophy. He then rested from 
his studies for one year, remaining at home, his 
time being occupied principally with a review 
of his previous studies. In September 1879, he 
was again back at St. Francis' Seminary with 
his old classmates where he prosecuted with 
them the study of philosophy for another year. 
He was now ready for the finishing study in 
preparation for the priesthood; this he began in 
September, 1880, and finished in June 188.3; the 
course occupying three years. On July 2, 1883, 
he was ordained priest by Rt. Rev. Killian 
Flasch, at Big River, Pearce Co., Wis. Two 
weeks later, in obedience to his bishop, became 
to St. Philips, in charge of which he has since re- 
mained. Father Fitzpatrick is the son of Jeremi- 
ah Fitzpatrick, and his wife, Catherine Collins, 
both living in Jacksonville, Iowa. He is the sec- 
ond youngest of ten children, seven of whom are 
now living. Their names are — John and Timo- 
thy, both dead; Jeremiah, living in New Mexi- 
co; Ellen, died in infancy; Daniel, now in Vir- 
ginia City, Nev; Ellen, Clayton, Crawford Co., 
Wis., Mary, now Mrs. T. Burck, Sacramento, 
Cal.; Patrick F, Jacksonville, Iowa, and Michael 
J. E. now attending the College of the Sacred 
Heart, Prairie du Chien. 

Adjoining the church premises is the St. Phil- 
ips' cemetery. It was organized in 1857, the 
first person buried therein being Philip Murphy, 
after whom the church was named. Mr. Mur- 
phy was born in the county Wexford, Ireland, 
and came to this country in 1852. Her resided a 

few months in Chicago, removing to Rock Co , 
Wis., in the vicinity of Beloit, where he married 
Jane Cavanaugh. In 1856 he came to Clayton. 
He died July 4, 1857. He left two sons, now 
living in Minnesota. Some years later, his wid- 
ow married Mr. TVlichael Gorman, of Clayton, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



5V9 



where she still resides. Two of Mr. Murpliy's 
sisters, Mrs. Malhew Ryan and Mrs. Miles Dor- 
ren, are living in St. Philips' parish, and one, 
Mrs. Mathew Ryan, of Sylvan, Ricliland county, 
in St. Peters'. 

Among the earlie.st members of St. Philips' 
parisli are to be mentioned: James Brady, 
Mathew Ryan of Clayton, Miles Dorren, Mich- 
ael McCormick, P. McCormick, Robert Welsh, 
M. Garrity, Mrs. Eichorn, Richard Rowe, John 
Kelly, Terence Gaffany, Peter Gafifany, James 
Garrity, John Brady, Terence Brady, Philip 
Murphy, nearly all] of whom are yet living, 
staunch supporters of the parish which they 
helped organize, and whose steady growth they 
witnessed from its infancy and favored in every 
possible manner. 

The Disciple Church was organized in 1870 
by Rev's. Buraker and Sheffield, with a mem- 
bership of thirteen, who held services at the 
Yankeetown school house. The first officers 
were Amos Braman and Fletcher Cantield. 
The first pastor was Jacob Reinhart. In 1884 
this Church numbered eighteen. At one time 
it numbered thirty-eight, but was decreased by 
deatli and removals. 

A well conducted Sunday scliool has always 
been a strengthening arm to this Church. 

CEMETERIES. 

The oldest cemetery in the town of Clayton 
is located at what is known as "Yankeetown," 
lieldw Siililier's Grove a few miles. This was 
laid out in isfjl. In 1884 the town contained 
the following burying grounds: One at the 
Catholic church; one on section 34, town 11, 
range 3 west, called "Winns;" one known 
as the "Sugar Grove cemetery," on section 24, 
town 11, range 3 west, which was the most 
useil and Ijest cared for of any in the town; an- 
other, ".Soldier's Grove burying ground," on 
section 25, town 1 1, range 4 west. 

BAKTO'S .MILL. 

In 1882 J. L. Xowlin built a steam saw mill 
provided with a circular saw, on section 33, 
town II, range 3. He soon sold to Joseph 



A. Barto, who engaged extensively in the manu- 
facture of hard and soft wood lumber and rail- 
road ties. This mill had a capacity of 10,000 
feet of lumber and 200 ties per day. 

THE LOST CHILDREN. 

In the summer of 1855 Mr. Patrick Padden 
and his three children, Mary, Edward and 
James (the oldest being about eight years of 
age), were in the forest in search of "sang" 
(ginseng root), which grew in great (]uanlities 
throughout the valleys and hill sides, at an 
early day, and became a great source of revenue 
to the inhabitants. In their search the children 
got away some distance from their father and 
were lost. As soon as they were missed by the 
father the alarm was at once given about the set- 
tlement, all of which turned out in pursuit of 
the little wanderers. The calls for "Mary! 
Mary!" who was the eldest child, all seemed in 
vain, as no answer came back, save the hollow 
echo of the poor father's cry. The curtains of 
night were drawn in by nature and the search 
was continued with but little hopes of finding 
them alive, as the forests were alive with vari- 
ous wild animals, including wolves and bears. 

The following morning the company was in- 
creased by men from Vernon county, near Lib- 
erty Pole, making in all about thirty, nearly all 
of whom had guns wilh them. An arrangement 
was made by which no one should fire his gun 
unless he found the children, and then this sig- 
nal was ta be repeated all along the line that all 
might know the glad tidings. Fortunately the 
dog had accompanied the children, but in his 
travels he crossed the, track of a pole cat and for 
the time being seemed to think more of the 
skunk than of his precious charge, the children. 
Whether the dog was a complete conqueror or 
not, he succeeded in getting well perfumed, and 
then returned home. By quite an effort the 
party tracked the dog's foot prints to the point 
where he intercepted the path of the skunk, and 
from that point were able to mark the wander- 
ings of the lost children by an occasional stalk 
of spikenard, which they had broken down. 



580 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Long before the morning sun had made crim- 
son the eastern sky, the party in search had di- 
vided off into squads throughout a radius of 
many miles; and notwithstanding the solemnity 
of the occasion, now and then laughter was pro- 
voked by the constantly repeated words of Mr. 
Padden, who in his distress would say: "Weill 
well! well! pwhat shall I do? The bears will ate 
'em up, the bears will surely ate 'em up! Pwhat 
shall I do? The bears will ate 'em up!" Some- 
time during the second day the children were 
found near Knapp creek, five miles away, having 
cried themselves into a half-wild state and were 
feasting on blackberries and seemed more like 
Indian children than those of a civilized race. 
To any one acquainted with the rough surface 
of the land in this part of the State, and a 
knowledge of the fact that wild beasts roamed 
at will through these same valleys, where had 
passed the feet of these young and helpless 
chikiren, it will seem almost a miraculous de- 
liverance from the jaws of death. 

THE VILLAGE OF SOLDIEe's QKOVE. 

This thriving little mart, which in 1884 
contained about 300 people, is situated on section 
31, to«n 11, range .3. The first building erect- 
ed in the place was by J. H. Brightman, in 1856. 
He built a saw mill at this point about the same 
date, these being the only buildings for a num- 
ber of years. In 1866, the village was laid out 
by Messrs Netwick and Sime. Ten years later 
the grounds were legally platted. They at first 
consisted of four blocks, but a little later three 
blocks additional were platted by Mr. Severson. 

The first mill was put in operation in 1856 by 
Mr. Brightman. 

The first store was operated by Samuel Hutch- 
ins in 1866. 

A flouring mill was built in 1875 by T. X. 
Sime, which was propelled by water power de- 
rived from the Kickapoo river, upon the banks 
of which the village stands. 

The first hardware dealer was W. H. Smith, 
who began business in 1875-. 



The first hotel was opened by Samuel Hutch- 
ins in 1866. 

The first school was tatiglit by Mrs. M. R. 
Tate (formerly Miss Brightman). 

The first school building was erected in 1857. 
This building was 24x30 feet and cost $300. 

In ] 884 the business interests of this village 
were represented by the following firms: R. S. 
& F. W. Smith, drugs and groceries; George 
A. Smith, hardware; W. W. Tate, J. L. Nowlin, 
Ole Knuterson, Henry Davidson, general stock; 
H. M. Peterson, boots and shoes; George Baker 
& Co., h.arness and saddles; J. L. Nowlin, saw- 
mill; Simetfe Mullikin, flouring mill; Loe, Foss & 
Son, wagon makers; Foss & Son, Cowan & Olson 
and E. Brimmer, blacksmiths; James Chambers, 
meat market; Charles Nebel, barrel hoop facto- 
ry; James Dinsdale, physician and surgeon. 

SOCIETLES. 

Soldier's Grove, I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 36, was 
organized in 1882, and the following officers 
chosen: James Dinsdale, N. G.; J. O. Dav- 
dison, V. G.; G. C. Baker, S.; William H. 
H. Smith, P. S.; S. Larson, T.; G. A. Smith, R. 
S. X. G. In 1383, the officers of the lodge were, J. 
O. Davidson, N. G.; J. F. Whittimore, V. G.; 
G. C. Baker, S.; William H. Smith, P. S.; S. 
Larson, T.; S. Fox, R. S. N. G.; R. L. Smith, 
L. S. N. G.; A Peterson, W.; William H. Smith, 
C; W. W. Bennett, R. S. D.; John Stowell, L. 
S. S.; T. M. Sime, L G.; C. A Nebel, O. G.; F. 
W. Smith, R. S. V. G.; C. M. Poff, Chaplain 
At this date the lodge had a live membership 
of forty-seven, and was in a flourishing condi- 
tion, having a fine hall well furnished. 

Temple of Honor, No. 129, was organized, 
Feb. 21,1878, by the following charier mem- 
bers and officers: J. F. Whittimore, V. C. T ; 
George C. Baker, W V.T.; William E.Williams, 
Recorder; A. D Smith, F. R.; C. W. Baker, 
Charles Brekke, T.; Frank Smith, U.; T. E. 
Hutchins, D. N.; Thomas Murphy, G.; H. Knu- 
terson, S.; James Davidson, G. A. Smith and 
Theodore Allen. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



581 



KINGSTON. 

This, in 1884, was a small collection of 
houses, though not a regularly platted village. 
However, considerable business interest was 
manifested by the few live business men who 
were tlien living there. This place is located 
on section 2.3, in town 11, of range .3 west, 
and was commenced in 1882, by H.E. King. A 
year later it contained a steam saw mill, owned 
and operated by J. D. Hunter, who was doing 
a large business in cutting lumber and railroad 
lies, and a blacksmith shop conducted by Wil- 
liam Wallace. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

The following named persons are representa 
lives of the bone and sinew of Clayton town. 
Some are pioneer settlers, and others have been 
here but a few years, but they are all, individ- 
ually and collectively, among the honored and 
respected citizens of the county: 

Frank Brightman was born in Crawford 
Co., Wis., in 1851, and has resided in the county 
since. He owns a sawmill, with circular saw 
and water power, on section 34, town 10, which 
has a capacity of 3000 feet of hard wood lumber 
per day, but is run mostly on railroad ties. He 
also has 1 10 acres of land on sections 34, 35 and 
36, town 10. He is now engaged in farming, 
milling, and keeping the books for W. W. Tate 
& Co , at Bell Centre. In 1876, Mr. Brightman 
was married to Margie C. Wood, who was born 
Oct. 24, 1857, in Crawford Co., Wis. They are 
the parents of three children— Joseph G., Mary 
G. and an infant not as yet named. Mr. Bright- 
man's father, Joseph II., was born April 7, IS 18, 
in Pawtucket, R. I. He has now retired fiom 
business. He was a member of the 18th Wis- 
consin Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged 
by reason of promotion to 2d lieutenant of 
company II., 37th regiment, Volunteer Infantry. 
He was the first town treasurer of the town of 
Utica, chairman of the town of Ilanoy three 
years, and chairman of the county board one 
year. 



Charles Wesley Baker was born in Broome 
Co., N. Y., Sept. 11, 1829, where he grew 
to manhood, receiving a common school educa- 
tion. In 1853 he removed to Crawford Co., 
Wis., settled in the town of Clayton, and pur- 
chased a squatter's claim to a farm of 160 acres 
on section IV, town 11, range 3, which he lost 
in 1856, notbeingable to prove his claim. The 
same year he purchased a farm of 120 acres on 
sections 31 and 32, town 11, where he now re- 
sides. Mr. Baker now owns 220 acres of rich 
land. Sept. 20, 1853, he was married to Laura 
A. Smith, who who was born in Broome Co., N. 
Y., Aug. 13, 1835. They were the first family 
to settle in the town of Clayton. Mr. Baker 
was a member of the 1st United States sharp- 
shooters, known as Berdan sharp-shooters, and 
was engaged with McCIellan, Burnside, Hook- 
er and Meade. He was wounded by a gunshot 
passing through his right cheek into his throat. 
Mr. Baker has a stock farm, and owns some 
fine cattle of the Galloway breed, and is other- 
wise improving his grade of stock in all 
branches. Mr. Baker has been a member ot the 
side board for two years, and town treasurer 
for three years. It is said that lie planted the 
first orchard in the township. 

George A. Smith, one of the early settlers of 
Clayton, was born in Broome Co., N. Y., March 
23, 1825. He received a common school educa- 
tion, and arrived at manhood in his native 
county, being engaged in farming until 1854, 
when he removed to Crawford Co., Wis., and 
entered 120 acres of land on sections 30, 20 and 
29, town II, which he now owns, and which he 
has increased to 200 acres. He also has a house 
and lot, and an acre of ground in Soldier's 
Grove. In 1879 he removed to Soldier's 
Grove and engaged in the hardware business, 
which he still conducts, carrying a stock of 
about 6! 1,500. He was married in 1846 to 
Jane Edson,born in Broome Co., N. Y.,Feb. 22, 
Is-j.T. This union has been blessed with five 
children— Helen, A. D., R. S., F. W. and M. E. 
In 1862 he enlisted in the I7th Wisconsin Volun- 



582 



HISTORTiIOF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



teer Infantry, holding the position of drum 
major, and was discharged April 5, 1865. His 
father, Samuel M., was born in New Hamp- 
shire, in 1790, removing to Crawford county in 
1860, returning to New York in 1862, where he 
died April 16, 1865. His mother, Betsy, was 
born in New Hampshire, and died in New York 
in 1857. Mrs. Smith's father, Guy Edson, was 
born in 1794, and when seventeen years of age, 
was coachman for John Adams, second Presi- 
dent of the United States. He died in Craw- 
ford county, Oct. 18,1883. Her mother, Rhoda, 
died in Vernon county in 1864. 

Jacob Allen was born Dec. 23, 1838, in Perry 
Co. Ohio, where he remained about sixteen 
years. He then came west to Crawford Co., 
Wis., and settled in the town t>f Clayton. He 
was engaged in farming until 1882, when he 
embarked in the mercantile trade, and is car- 
rying a general stock, consisting of dry goods, 
groceries and notions, in the village of Kings- 
ton. Mr. Allen owns a store building and resi- 
dence combined, and five acres of land on sec- 
tion 23, town 10 north, of range 3 west. He 
was married, in 1865, to Nancy Kellogg, who 
was born in 1851, and by whom he had seven 
children— John, Mary A., Sylvester, Harvey, 
Newell R., Carrie and James. Mrs. Allen de- 
parted this life in 1881. 

J. J. Briggs, one of Clayton's young farmers, 
was born May 24, 1855, in Crawford Co., Wis., 
where he has lived ever since. He owns forty 
acres of land on section 16, town 10, range 4 
west, where he now resides. In 1878 Mr. 
Briggs was united in marriage to Sarah A. Mook. 
Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have three children— Eva 
A., Mary W. E. and Charles D. S. Mr. Briggs 
commenced life without anything, and now 
owns a small farm well improved. 

David Mook passed his earlier life in Penn- 
sylvania where he was born March 4, 1818. In 
1827, his parents removed to Stark Co., Ohio, 
and there he arrived at manhood and remained 
until 1844, when he went to Allen Co.,Ind., and 
remained there until 1855, when he again 



moved westward, locating this time in the 
town of Clayton, Crawford Co., Wis. He en- 
tered a farm of eighty acres on section 21, 
town 10, range 4 west, where he still resides 
Mr. Mook was married Oct. 13, 1849, to Mary 
Correll, who was born in Allen Co., Ind., in 
1833. Mr. and Mrs. Mook have six children 
—David H., Sarah, Abrara, Charles, Johanna 
and Ella. David married Martha Shanes. 
Sarah is the wife of Jesse Briggs, and Jo- 
hanna married Henry Pinkham. Mrs. Mook's 
father, Abram Correll, was born Aug. 3, 1776, 
in Maryland, and came to Clayton, Crawford 
Co., Wis., in 1856, where he died Nov. 23, 
1882, being 106 years, three months and twenty 
days old. 

Chas. P. Bennett, a pioneer settler of this 
town was born in Alleghany Co., N. Y., Aug. 21, 
1820, where he received 'a common school edu- 
cation and arrived at manhood. In 1842, Mr. 
Bennet commenced lumbering on the Alleghany 
river, and followed that vocation until 1856, 
when he removed with his family to Crawford 
Co., Wis., and entered a farm of eighty acres on 
section 11, town 10 north, of range 4 west, 
where he now lives. He also owns a farm of 
120 acres on section 11, town 10, range 4 west, 
where he keeps and breeds some very fine speci- 
mens of thoroughbred Galloway cattle. On 
July 7. 1849, Mr. Bennett was married to Sarah 
Langdon, who was born Nov. 13, 1822, in Alle- 
ghany Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have 
seven children— G. M., who was born in 1854; 
W. W., born Feb. 9, 1855; Deett, born in 18&9: 
Fred, born in April, 1861; Arthur, born Sept. 14, 
1863; Rexie, born Sept. 16, 1865, and Harvey, 
born in October, 1867. G. M. married Ellen 
Purington. W. W. is the husband of Nettie 
Montgomery and Deett selected for his wife 
Adelbert Mulikin. Mr. Bennett has been a 
member of the town board for three years. 

Abraham Phillips was born in Orange Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 23, 1815. In 1837 he removed to 
Indiana, where he remained until 1842, remov- 
ing to McHenry Co., 111., where he remained 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



583 



six years. He then removed to Dodge Co., 
Wis., where he was engaged in farming for 
seven years. He then removed to McGregor, 
Iowa, where he remained two year.s, and in 
185fi removed to the town of Marietta, and has 
resided in the county since. He is now a re.si- 
dent of Clayton and owns 160 acres on section 
19, town 11. In 1838 Mr. Phillips was married 
to Lucy Barnard, by whom he had six children 
— William, Nettie, Mary, Susan, Lucy and 
Hellena. Mrs. Phillips died in 1856, and in 
1863 he married Julia Hale, by whom he has 
had four children — EVijah and Elisha, twins; 
Luticia and Albert. 

Philip Sheridan is a native of Ireland, 
born in 1830, and came to the United States in 
1848. He worked as a common laborer in dif- 
ferent places for a number of years, mostly 
along the Mississippi river, and the line of dif- 
erent railroads. In 1864 he came to Crawford 
county and bought a farm of forty acres on sec- 
tion 33, town 11, range 3 west, which he now 
owns. In 1847, Mr. Sheridan was married to 
Ellen Dolan, by whom he had three children — 
Michael, John and Mary. Mrs. Sheridan died 
in 18T7. Michael Sheridan, the oldest of the 
children, is a native of Massachusetts. He was 
born in Fillmore county, Dec. 4, 1853. He re- 
mained in his native place until 1857, when his 
parents removed to Wood Co., Ohio, and resided 
there ten years, thence to Crawford Co., Wis , 
and settled in the town of Clayton, on section 
33. Michael is now owner of a farm of eighty 
acres on section o2, town 11, range 3 west, but 
is residing with his parents on the home farm. 

J. L. Stowell, a native of Ashtabula Co., 
Ohio, was born June 13, 1831. When one year 
old his parents rempved to Dupage Co., III., 
and were there during the Black Hawk war. In 
1835, they removed to La Salle Co., 111., and in 
1857 to Crawford Co., Wis., settling in the town 
of llaney, where he purchased 170 acres of land. 
In ls79 he removed to the town of Clayton, pur- 
chased a farm of 160 acres on sections 22, 23 
and 27, town 10, where he now resides, being 



engaged in farming, contracting and building. 
In 1853 he was married to Rosina Mullen, by 
whom he had four children — Roselle, Arthur L., 
now married to Mary Parker, Jefferson S. and 
Calvin. Mrs. Stowell died in 1863. He was again 
married in 1866 to Julia Brown, who was born 
Jan. 3, 1846. Mr. Stowell was the superin- 
tendent of schools in the town of Haney, from 
1859 to 1863, and held the office of justice of 
the peace and town clerk until 1878. He has 
been justice of the peace of the town of Clay- 
ton for three years, and during the winter 
months since 1859, has taught day school and 
music. 

S. L. Brown, a native of Winchester d)., 
N. Y. was born May 14,1805. In 185S he 
removed to Clayton, Crawford Co., Wis., 
and purchased eighty acres of land on sec- 
tion 27, town 10, which he now owns. He was 
married in 1826, to Mary Hoyt. They are the 
parents of six children — Nancy M., Elizabeth, 
Lydia, Julia E., Stephen and Samuel. In 1860, 
Mr. Brown engaged in the merchantile busi- 
ness in Bell county, and in 1861 was burned 
out, losing about $6,000, and leaving his fami- 
ly nothing. 

David Gander was born Aug. 10, 1$25, in 
Muskingum Co., Ohio, where he grew to 
manhood, and received a common school educa- 
tion. In 1860, he removed to Crawford Co., 
Wis., settling in the town of Clayton, where 
he purchased 160 acres of land on section 83, 
town 11. He now owns forty acres of the origi- 
nal land, and forty acres on section 32. He 
sold his son George, a farm of fifty acres, his 
son John forty acres; his son Nathan forty 
acres, and his son Frank, forty acres, of the 
old farm, and three "forties" of land purchased 
about the year 1874, known as the "Sprague 
land." He was married, in 1.849, to Mary P. 
Ward, who was born in Muskingum Co., 
Ohio, July 19, 1830. They are the parents of 
seven children, six sons and one daughter. One 
son died in infancy, and the daughter in her 
sixteenth year. George J. married Martha 



584 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Kissack; John L.. married Lucretia Grandstaff; 
Nathan H., married Eva Farmer; Milton F. 
married Ida Bailey; David E. is yet single, and 
is living at home with his parents. Mr. Gander 
has been a member of the town board for one 
year. He has never been an office-seeker in any 
direction desiring rather to live a quiet life 
on the farm. 

G. J. Gander was born in Allen Co. Ind , 
Sept. 24, 1850. In 1853 his parents removed to 
Muskingum Co., Ohio; removing in 1860 to 
Crawford Co, Wis., settling in the town of 
Clayton, where his father purchased 160 acres 
of land on section 33, town 11. Mr. Gander 
now owns fifty acres of the original farm, and 
is engaged in farming and merchandising for 



gaged in farming for over three years. In 1849 
he removed to Sauk county, and was chosen 
justice of the peace, which office he held until 
181)1, when he removed to Crawford county. 
He enlisted in company A, 31st regiment of 
Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 8, 1862, and was 
engaged in the battle of Bentonville, N. C, 
and mustered out June 20, 1865. He com- 
menced the practice of law in Sauk county; was 
admitted to the bar at Prairie du Chien in 1871. 
Mis wife died Sept. 20,1875. They were tlie 
parents of five children— four of whom are raar- 
i-ied— William, Franklin A., John A., Lilian 
S. and Nellie R. He was chosen chairman of 
the town board of the town of Clayton in 1871. 
He has lately sold his farm and now resides 



M. R. Tate. He was married in 1871, to with his daughter Lilian, who is married to 



Mrs. 

Marlha Kissack, who was born Feb., 17,1854, 
near Cleveland, Ohio, and who came to Craw- 
ford county in 1867. They are the parents of 
live children— Laura E., Rlioda, Bertha, 
Thomas and Frank. Mr. Gander has been a 
member of the town board for two years. In 
earlv life he received a good common school ed- 
ucation, and was engaged in teaching in the 
common schools for a number of years. 

Ole Johnson came from Norway in 1857. He was 
born Jan. 10, 1840, and first settled in Vernon 
C I., Wis., where he was engaged in farming u ;- 
til the year 1860, when he removed to Crawford 
county and purchased eighty acres of land in 
the town of Clayton, on section 26, town 10, 
ratio-e 3 west, where he now resides. He is a 
very prosperous farmer. In 1865, Mr. Johnson 
was united in marriage to Betsy Johnson who 
was born in Norway, in 1843. Mr. and 
Mrs. Johnson have eight children — Christena, 
John, Carrie, Anna James Bertie Emily, and 
Ella 

Archibald Montgomery was born in Cortland 
Co., N. Y., Sept. 13, 1818, and received a com- 
mon school education. He was married April 
30, 1845, to Silence E. Huntley, of Cortland 
county; came west to Wisconsin. May ll, 1845. 
They settled in Racine county, and he was en- 



William Rinehart. Mr. Montgomery is still 
engaged in the practice of law. While liv- 
ing in Sauk county, he was engaged in various 
branches of business, keeping the Wisconsin 
House, in the village of Delton, in 1858, and 
also buying and selling land, and selling dry 
goods on a small scale. His children are all 
settled near him but one, John A., who is liv- 
ing in Dakota, where he owns a large farm. 
Mr. Montgomery has been a justice of the 
peace in Crawford county eight years, and has 
married in this and Sauk counties, 126 couples. 
Amos Braman, a native of Washington Co., 
N. Y., was born Oct. 11, 1842, and in 1846, his 
parents removed to Kalamazoo, Mich., where he 
became acquainted with Nancy Fish, and mar- 
ried her in 1862. That same year, Mr. and Mrs. 
l^raman, with his wife's parents, came to Craw- 
ford Co., Wis., and first located in the town of 
Seneca, where they remained but a short time, 
and then came to the town of Clayton, and pur- 
chased 120 acres of land on section 1, town 10, 
range 4 west, where they now reside. Mi-. 
Braman owns but 40 acres of the original home- 
stead. Mr. and Mrs Braman have four children 
— Loretta, Mary, George and Adeline. Loretta 
is the wife of Stephen Martin. Mr. and Mrs. 
Martin, have one child— Dollie. Mr. and Mrs. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COTINTY. 



585 



Braman are prominent and influential members 
of the Christian Church, located in their neigh- 
borhood. Mr. Braman has been clerk o f 
hi.s schqol district for three years. Mrs. 
Braman's father, Lyman Fish, was born 
ill Vermont, in 1807, and died in t-rawford Co., 
Wis., in 1881. Her mother, Hannah Fish, was 
born in 1819, in Vermont, and now owns eighty 
acres of land on section 1, town 10, range -3 
west. 

Seymour Fish is a native of St. Lawrence Co., 
N. Y. He was born March 1, 1853, and ac- 
companied his parents to Sauk Co., Wis., in 
1S54, where he remained until 18.59, when his 
parents removed to Kalamazoo, Mich , and re- 
mained there until ist;2. They then returned 
to Wisconsin, and settled in Crawford county, 
in the town of Seneca, but remained only a 
short time, and subsequently removed to the 
town of Clayton. Mr. Fish now owns forty 
acres of land on section 1, town 10, range 3 
west. He was united in marriage in Decem- 
ber, 1865, to Charlotte Talcot, a native of New 
York, born in 1861. 

Sever Christopherson is also a native of Nor- 
way. He was born Feb. 22, 1833, and there I'e- 
sided until 1862, when he emigrated to the 
United States, and settled in Dane Co., Wis. 
He was engaged in farming until 1866, when 
he removed to Vernon county, town of Clinton, 
and remained one year, and then came to the 
town of Clayton, and purchased sixty acres of 
land on section 23, town 1 1, range 3 west, whicl) 
he subsequently sold, and purchased 210 acres 
on section 36, town 11, range 3 west, where 
he now resides. Mr. Christopherson was united 
in marriage to Engry J. Datler, who was born 
July 7, 1840, in Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Chris- 
topherson are the parents of nine children, 
Anna, Jens, Christoperson, Christena, Ole, So- 
phia, Carrie, Ida and Thomas. Mr. Christo- 
pherson has had a great deal of sickness in his 
family, and yet he is a very prosperous farmer. 
He has been supervisor of roads for three years. 



George C. Baker, one of the prominent lousi- 
ness men of Soldier's Grove, was born in Broome 
Co. N. Y., Dec. 25, 1841. I,, ]868 he removed 
to Soldier's Grove, being engaged as a common 
laborer by a lumber 6rm. In 1871 lie removed 
to Minnesota, returning to Soldier's Grove in 
1876, and engaged in the harness business in 
company with J. F. Whittemore, carrying a 
stock valued at $1,500. Mr. Baker now owns 
two business buildings with lots. He was a mem- 
ber of Co. B. 89th New York Volunteer In- 
fantry, and was discharged in 1864. He held 
the position of 2nd sergeant for one year and 
was under the following officers: Burnside, 
Gilmore, and Grant. 

J. F. Whittemore, the partner of Mr. 
Baker, was born in Broome Co. N. Y , June 24, 
1844. He removed to Soldier's Grove in 1876 
and engaged in the harness business. He was 
married in 1868 to Jane Acker. They are the 
parents of two children, Georgie and Birdsal. 
He has held the office of constable three years, 
and deputy sheriff live years. 

Nelson O. Peterson, one of the prominent 
men of the town of (Uayton, was born in Nor- 
way, June 3, 1851, and emigrated to the United 
States in 1852 with his parents, coming direct to 
Crawford Co., Wis., and settling in the town of 
Utica. After a residence there of twenty-nine 
years, Mr. Peterson removed to the town of 
Clayton and located in the village of Soldier's 
Grove, and engaged in the mercantile business. 
He continued in that for four years, aiul then 
opened the Headquarter's hotel at Soldier's 
Grove. He now owns the hotel, a large two- 
story frame structure, with two lots in the vil- 
lage. Mr. Peterson was united in marriage, in 
1872, to Betsy Foss, who was born in Norway, 
in 1852, and emigrated to the United States in 
1869, and settled in Soldier's Grove with her 
parents. Mr. and Mrs Peterson have t«o child- 
ren — Martin and Nellie. Mr. Peterson has held 
the office of town clerk for the past six years. 

Hoover M. Peterson, a native of Norway, 
was born Aug. 28, 1855, and emigrated to the 



586 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



United States in 1872. He came direct to Sol- 
dier's Grove, and engaged in shoemaking, which 
trade he has since conducted with good success. 
He now carries a stock valued at about $500. 
Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Mary 8. 
Larson, who was born in Crawford Co., Wis., 
ill 1861, where she has lived ever since. Tliey 
have been blessed with three children — Henry, 
Peter and George. 

J. F. Whittemore, one of the prominent mer- 
chants of Soldier's Grove, was born June 24, 
1S44, in Broome Co., N. Y., where he remained 
until 1866, when he emigrated to Wisconsin, 
and was in different counties of the State until 
1867, when he settled in Walworth county, and 
engaged in harness making. In 1 868, he removed 
to Jefferson county, and worked at his trade 
until 1870, when he returned to Walworth 
county, and remained until 1872 thence to 
Chippewa Falls, and remained there until 1876, 
when he came to Soldier's Grove. He engaged 
in the manufacture of harness with A. D. 
Smith, and remained with him two years, then 
went into partnership with G. C. Baker, and 
they are now conducting the business on a large 
scale. Mr. Whittemore owns a house and lot in 
the village of Soldier's Grove. He was united 
in marriage, in 1868, to Jane Acker, by whom 
he had two children — Georgia and Birdsal. 
Mr. Wittemore enlisted in 1864, in company M, 
1st New York Veteran Cavalry, and was hon- 
orably discharged in June, 1865. He has held 
the office of constable three years, and was 
deputy sheriff of Crawford county five years. 

Oley Knutson, a native of Dane Co., Wis., 
was born Feb. 21, 1849, where he remained 
until 1859, removing with his parents to Grant 
Co , Wis. While there, Mr. Knutson learned the 
miller's trade, and after completing liis appren- 
ticeship, operated the Badger mills for four 
years, and the Boscobel mill for three years. 
In 1874 he removed to Clayton, Crawford Co., 
Wis., and operated the Soldier's Grove mill one 
year. He then engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness, carrying a stock of dry goods, notions. 



clothing, hats, caps, boots and shoes, and in 
fact, everything that is kept in a first-class gen- 
eral store. He now owns a store building and 
residence combined, and three-fourths acres of 
land in Soldier's Grove. He was married in 

1876, to Betsy Peterson, who was born in 
Crawford Co., Wis., March 20, 1857. They are 
the parents of two children — Nelse Adolph and 
Galiard. Mr. Knutson's father was born in 
Norway, in 1817, and now resides in Grant Co., 
Wis. Ilis mother was born in Norway, and 
died in Dane county, in 1857. 

S. Lawson, one of the prominent business men 
of Soldiers Grove, was born in Denmark in 1838. 
He emigrated to America in 1873, and settled 
in Vernon Co., Wis., where he remained until 

1877, removing to Soldier's Grove, where he 
opened, and has since conducted, a furniture 
store. Mr. Lawson now owns a house and lot, 
and a half interest in a large three story busi- 
ness block in Soldier's Grove. He was married 
in 1859 to Bergithe Nelson, by whom he had 
three children — Lauritz, Nels and Mary. Mrs. 
Lawson died in 1870. In 1883 Mr. Lawson was 
again married to Betsy Halverson, who was born 
in Dane Co., Wis., in 1851 and who came to 
Soldier's Grove in 1872. 

Jaines Dinsdale was born Nov. 18, 1848, in 
England, and emigrated to the United States in 
1849, with his parents, John and Tirzah Dins- 
dale. They first settled in Grant Co., Wis., 
and in 1^76, James taught school, and read 
medicine under Dr. J. J. Leavitt, of Fenne- 
more, Wis. In 1877, he attended the Rush 
Medical College at Chicago, 111., graduated in 
February, 1878, and then came to Soldier's 
Grove and commenced the practice of medi- 
cine. He has since remained there enjoying a 
good practice, being the only physician in the 
village. The doctor now owns 240 acres of land 
on sections 9, 32 and 35, also a house ami lot in 
the village of Soldiers Grove. In November, 1882 
he was united in marriage to Sarah Hoverson, 
who was born in Crawford Co., Wis., May 2,1861. 



HISTORY Ob" CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



esY 



Martin Ilelgerson was born in Vernon Co., 
Wis., in 1857, where he resided until 1880, wlien 
he removed to the town of Clayton and pur- 
chased 120 acres of land on section 35, town 10, 
wliere he now resides. He was married in 1879 
to Susan Oleson, who was born in Vernon Co., 
Wis., in 1856. They are the parents of two 
children — Nellie and Ida. 

J. D. Hunter was born in Dauphin Co., 
Penn., Sept., 21, 1835. In 1853 he went to Illi- 
nois and remained three years. He then re- 
turned to Pennsylvania, and July 29, 1859, was 
married to Sophia R. Brubaker, a native of the 
same county, born May 20, 1841. In 1861 Mr. 
Hunter enlisted in the Union army, and ten 
months later was discharged, his term of enlist- 
ment having expired. He returned home to 
Millersburg, Penn., and soon after removed 



with his family to Brookville, Ogle Co., Ills., 
and resided there till 1865. In that year, he 
re-enlisted in the 2d Illinois Light Artillery, 
and served till the war closed. In 1870 he re- 
moved to Republic Co., Kan., but in 1874, re- 
turned to Illinois, locating in the village of 
Polo. He worked at carriage making until the 
fall of 1878, then returned to Kansas, where he 
resided until February, 1883. He then made a 
settlement at Kingston, in this town, and pur- 
chased a saw mill, which is located on section 
23, town 11, range 3 west. The mill is operated 
by steam power and has a capacity of 4,000 feet 
of bard wood lumber per day, and 4,000 rail- 
road ties. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are the parents 
of five children — Harry, who married Mahala 
Martin, Bertha, wife of Jacob Pursinger, Jen- 
nie, wife of John Null, Mertie and Frank. 




588 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXIX 



TOWN OF EASTMAN. 



That portion of Crawford county known as 
the town of Eastman is bounded on the north 
by the towns of Seneca and Haney; on the east 
by the towns of Marietta and Wauzeka; on the 
south by the towns of Wauzeka and Praire du 
Chien, and on the west by the Mississippi 
river (or, more correctly speaking, the State of 
Iowa). It was organized in tlie spring of 1855. 
and was named in honor of Hon. Ben C. East- 
man, a member of Congress from this district. 

The territory embraces a part of four con- 
gressional townships — fractional sections of 
township 8, range 7 west; thirty-one whole sec- 
tions, and five fractional sections of town 8, 
range 6, west; thirty-five whole sections of 
town 8, range 5, west, and three whole sections, 
together with seven j)arts of sections of town 
8 range 4 west. 

The general surface of the town is quite 
rough, having a ridge called the divide, be- 
tween the Mississippi and Kickapoo rivers, with 
a few ridges extending east and west, toward 
the above named rivers. 

The soil on these ridges, is a clay sub-soil, 
based on lime rock. The soil in the valleys, on 
either side of the divide is a "washed soil," 
which produces large crops of corn oats, rye, 
barley and vegetables of all kinds. While the 
soil on the ridges contains more clay, and at 
an early day was not considered good corn pro- 
ducing soil, it has of later years, proven itself 
well adapted to this, even claimed by some to 
be superior to bottom lands, on account of floods 
and frosts. An abundance of wild fruit grows 



along the beautiful streamlets, which course 
through the town. 

The town is well watered on the west by the 
the Mississippi river and its branches the De 
Sioux and Picadee creeks. The former (that is 
the De Sioux), takes its rise on section 14, in 
town 8, of range 6, west, and unites with ti\e 
Mississippi; the latter (the Picadee) has its 
source on section 28, in town 8, of range 6 west, 
passing west through sections 29, 30 and 31. 

In the eastern portion of the town, there are 
four streams, namely: Plum creek, which heads 
on section 29, town 8, range 5. passing through 
sections 28, 21, 34 and 35, leaving the town 
from the north-east corner of the latter section. 
Otter creek takes its rise on section 9, in town 
8, of range 5 west, passes through sections 10 
and 11, entering Pine creek on the latter 
named sections, thence through section 12, of 
town 8, range 5, and section 18, town 8, range 4, 
uniting with the Kickapoo river. Pine creek 
enters the town on section 3, town 8, range 5, 
passes through sections 2 and 11, town 8 range 
5, there forming a junction with Otter creek; 
thence to the Kickapoo, as before described. 
Citron creek enters the town on section 6, 
town 8, range 4, and passes diagonally from 
north-west to south-east, through the section, 
uniting with the Kickapoo river, on section 8, 
town 8 range 4. 

SETTLEMENT. 

The fiist steps toward the development of 
this town were made by John H. Folsoni, in 
1839. He located on the north half of section 
2.T, in town 8, of range 5 west. He is a man of 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



589 



good education. The next year he removed to 
Prairie du Chien, where he took charge of the 
schools; he still [1S84] resides there, a liale 
and hearty old man, with but few of his facul- 
ties impaired. 

R. Lester was the next settler to enter the 
town ; he came in 18.39, and was killed by 
the Indians in 1843. Old Mr. Bouilett, a 
Frenchman, who had been a civil engineer in 
Napoleon'.s army, came about the same time. 
In 1841 came Aaron Hazen. He was from New 
Jersey. He entered 160 acres of land on sec- 
tion .36, in town 8, of range 5 west Abram 
Hazen came on at the same time with his father, 
Aaron Hazen, and entered forty acres of land 
on section 31, town 8, range 5 west. 

In 1842 Conzac Boucha and Louis Boucha 
made settlement in the town. The same season 
came Lewis Buscher, F. Duchurm and Daniel 
Amber. During 1843, among the number who 
came in were : Fred Nickerson, who claimed 
land on section 31, town 8, range 5; John Miller 
settled on section 1, in town 8, of range 5 west, 
and Jacob Lemmon came the same time, settling 
on section 18 in town 8 of range 5 west ; Ira B. 
•Stevens, and Henry Chandler came the same 
year, or early in the spring of 1844: In 1844 Phi- 
lander Green and Louis Caya came in and 
commenced improving. 

EARLY EVENTS. 

The first school honsein the town was erected 
in 1848, on section 36, town.ship 8, range 5. 

The first dwelling house was built in 1838 by 
John Folsom, on section 34, town 8, range 5. 

The first sermon preached was delivered by 
Elisha Warner, at the house of Aaron Hazen, in 
1843. 

Tlie first marriage was that of Matthew D. 
Kibble and Anna Lambertson, in 1850. 

The first birth was Etta Hazen, daughter of 
Abram and Mary Hazen, Feb. 25, 1844. 

The first death was that of William Persons, 
in 184.3. 

ORGANIC. 

The town of Eastman was organized in 1855, 
and the first town election held April 3d, that 



year, at the school house in district No. 2, on 
section 18, town 8, of range 5 west. The fol- 
lowing were elected as the first officers of the 
town: J. Cummings, chairman'; Oliver Lang- 
don and Ralph Smith, side board; J. Bouilatte, 
clerk; Elisha Daggett, treasurer ; James Lang- 
don, assessor; J. Bouilatte, superintendent of 
schools. 

The following were the town officers of 1883: 
Zenas Beach, chairman ; Michael Donahue and 
Samuel Buscher, side board ; C. E. Alder, 
clerk ; Charles Iverson, treasurer ; Samuel 
Tliompson, assessor; Alonzo Copsy, S. C. Ivlc- 
Clure, William Koap, justices. 

SCHOOLS. 

In 1884, the town of Eastman had nine school 
building.s', valued at $2,500, with a school popu- 
lation of 550. It was then divided into twelve 
districts, nine full and three joint districts. 
District No. 1, Hazens district, had fifty-eight 
pupils The school house was a frame struc- 
ture, valued at S!300. 

District No. 2, Batavia, had eighty-nine pu- 
pils, and was provided with a frame house, 
valued at 1400. 

District No. 3, joint with the town of Haney, 
with school house in the latter town, had seven 
pupils from Eastman. 

District No. 4, Gronert district, had a frame 
house valued at $100. Number of pupils, fifty- 
two. 

District No. 5, Bonnoy district, had ninety- 
three scholars and had a good frame school 
building, valued at $600. 

District No. 6, Shanghai Ridge, had a frame 
building valued at $300. Number of pupils, 
sixty-eight. 

District No. 7, Thomas district, had fifty-one 
pupils, and was provided with a frame build- 
inj;, valued at 1300. 

District No. 8, joint with the town of Wau- 
zeka. Number of pupils, sixteen. 

District No. 8, joint with the town of Ilaney, 
had six pupils. 



590 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



District No. 9, had sixteen pupils, and a 
frame school house, valued at $150. 

District No. 10, Donahue Ridge district, had 
fifty-one pupils and used a log school building, 
valued at $50. 

District No. 12, Pine Creek district contained 
forty-three pupils and was provided with a 
frame building, valued at $300. 

RELIGIOUS. 

From the earliest settlement of the town, the 
Roman Catholics have, from time to time held 
services. The earliest record shows that a 
priest came from La Crosse and established a 
mission, about ISil. In 1884, the Catholic ele- 
ment witliin the town had grown very strong, 
outnumbering all other sects A commodious 
church edifice was erected that year, near the 
village of Batavia (Eastman). 

In 1854 the Methodist Episcopal denomina- 
tion organized a class at the school house in 
district No. 2; and services have always been 
maintained here, someHimes by a large and 
sometimes by a very small class. The earliest 
ministers in charge of this station were Elders 
Brunson and Springer. 

The German Methodists formed a church 
about 1870, and in 1874, built a neat frame 
chapel, on section 20. They also have a bury- 
ing ground in connection. 

GOOD templars' lodge. 

Eastman lodge No. 191, was organized April 
29, 1880, with the following as its charter mem- 
bers. 

Hugh Bonny, Velma Bonny, Eugene Tiche- 
nar, Ella Bonny, Maggie Fisher, Kate Fisher, 
Charles Campbell, Fred Bonny, Bell Campbell, 
Jim Fisher, James Campbell, Julia Camp 
bell, Eddie Fisher, Jessie Withee, Mrs. 
Maggie Tichenor, Frank Scott, Fred Gassel, S 
W. Koap. 

In the winter of 1880-81, the membership 
numbered forty-nine. The lodge is still (18S4) 
running and in a prosperous condition, being a 



means of great good throughout this neighbor- 
h 3od . 

cemetery. 
Eastman cemetery was laid out in 1859, by 
Robert Wisdom and L. A. Bonney, on section 6, 
town 8, range 6. John Wisdom, the first per- 
son inferred in this cemetery, was a son of 
Robert and Margaret Wisdom. 

THE MILL. 

No community is complete without its grist 
mill; it matters not whether its machinery be 
turned by steam power, by the swift flowing, 
narrow stream which gushes from out the 
mountains side, giving motion to the old over- 
shot wheel, so idolized by poets from time im- 
memorial, or whether it be situated on the 
banks of some meandering deep stream worthy 
of the name river. Hence it is not out of place 
in this connection to speak of Winegar's flour- 
ing mill, which was erected in 1859, on section 
28, town 8, range 5. This mill was carried 
down stream by a flood, June 14, 1868, and was 
rebuilt in 1870. Its size is 40x40 feet, two and 
a half stories in height, and is propelled by the 
waters of Plum creek. The cost of this mill, 
which has two run of stone, was about $4,000, 
It has a capacity of seventy-five bushels per ' 
day. In 1884 it was still being operated by its 
original builder, Henry Winegar, of Prairie du 
Cliien. 

HAMLET OF EASTMAN. 

This is not large enough to be called a village, 
but more properly comes under the head of 
hamlet. It is situated on section 18, in town 
8, of range 5 west, and contained, in 1884, two 
general stores, a hotel, a saloon; also a wagon 
and blacksmith shop and' a postoffice. The 
place was originally started by Israel Mallory, 
in 1862, when he opened a store and kept an inn. 
In 1883 Hurlbut & Beach platted ten acres, 
upon which the place stands. 

PERSONAL. 

The following named citizens made a settle- 
ment here in the order in which their sketches 
occur; 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



601 



James Fisher, one of the pioneer settlers of 
Crawford countj", was born in Crawford Co., 
Penn., Feb. 5, 1816. He grew to manhood in 
his native county receiving a common school 
education and learning the carpenter and join- 
er's trade. In 1836 he came, with Elder Bron- 
son's family, to Crawford Co., Wis., settling at 
Prairie du Chien. He worked at his trade some 
years. At the time that they came here the 
county extended from St. Paul on the north, to 
the Wisconsin river on the south, and there 
was no settlement outside of Prairie du Chien, 
in what is now Crawford county, to Lake Supe- 
rior. In 1844 Mr. Fisher was elected to the 
territorial Legislature, which position he held 
until 1846, when he was elected sheriif of 
Crawford county. In 1849 he was elected to 
the State Senate, holding the office one term. In 
185 J Mr. Fisher purchased 240 acres of land on 
section G, town 8, range 5 west, Eastman town. 
He now owns 157 acres of the same land, which 
he has in a good state of cultivation, and on 
which he resides. In 1859 he was again elected 
sheriff of the county, and in 1801 to the Legi;- 
lature, which office he held until 186.^. He lias 
been chairman of the town board for four yearp. 
and of the county Ijoard three years, was clerk 
of tlie court two years, town treasurer one year, 
and assessor of the town two years. While 
sliciill the first time Mr. Fisher traversed the 
county on foot from Prairie du Chien on the 
south, to St. Paul on the nortli and Lake Siijie 
rior on the east, swimming tlie streams when 
necessary, and sleeping out in the woods 
at night. He was a member of the" ex- 
pedition that went up the Mississippi, in 184'2, 
to arrest the Indian that killed sheriff Lester. 
Before startin;; many of the men had taken a 
liltie of the Indi.urs "fire water," and were 
a little the worse off for it. They were all well 
armed and would shoot at every Indian tliev 
saw on the banks. The Indians reported the fact 
to the fort and regulars were sent out to quell 
the disturbance. On their return the expedi- 
tion stopped at a French trading post, an<l aft«r 



getting their supper, drank whisky, got the 
trader drunk, and disarming him, tied him to 
the bed. They then drank and ate everything 
up that they could get. The ne.xt morning they 
set their prisoner free, and offered to pay him 
fifty cents each for damages, but he would only 
agree to take fifty cents for it all. Mr. Fisher 
married in 1861, Margaret Gordon. She died 
in 1871, leaving four children — Jim, Kate, Mar- 
garet and Maud. 

Samuel Hazen, a son of the late Aaron liazen, 
was born Aug. 16, 1830, in the State of New 
York, near Rochester, and when but seven years 
of age his parents moved to Oakland Co., Mich., 
where his father engaged in farming until 1841, 
when he removed to Crawford Co , Wis., it then 
being on the frontier of the northwest. His 
father immediately came to the town of East- 
man, and entered 320 acres in section 36, town 
8, range 6 west, and at the time of his death, 
1860, had increased his farm to 560 acres. Sam- 
uel Hazen now owns 200 acres. 120 acres in 
section 36, town 8, range 6 west; forty acres 
in section 25, town 8, range 6 west, and forty 
acres in section 30, town 8, range 5 west. Sam- 
uel Hazen was united in marriage, October 1853, 
to Elizabeth Evans. Mr. and Mrs. Hazen have 
ten children — Thompson, Sarah, William and 
Samuel, (twins), Richard, John, George, Eliza- 
beth, Mary E. and Phoebe. Sarah is the wife 
of James Kanan; Thompson married Amelia 
Ostrander, and Phoebe became the wife of E. 
Clierrier. Mr. Hazen has been quite prominent 
in the affairs of his town having been a member 
of the side board for four or five years. 

Adam Steiner, a native of Crawford Co., 
Wis., was born April 30, 1848. He is a son of 
Valentine and Regina Steiner, who came to 
this county in 1841. His father was a soldier 
in the regular army, and after passing through 
the Florida war, he was stationed at Prairie du 
Chien until 1846, at which time he was dis- 
charged. He then removed to Eastman town. 
Mr. Steiner now owns a farm of eighty acres 
on section 22, town 8, range 5 west, on which 



86 



592 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



he resides. In 1869 Mr. Steiner was marrried 
to Sophia Long, who was born in 1850, in Ger- 
many, and came to Crawford connty in 1858. 
Mr. and Mrs. Steiner have four children — Lewis, 
Lena, Louisa and Rosa. Mr. Steiner has been 
director of his school district for sometime. 

Cyrus Peck is a native of Wayne Co., Penn., 
born Oct. 19, 1821. He received a common 
school education, and in 1847 was married to 
Martha Rogers, who was born Feb. 7, 1829, in 
the same county. In 1851, Mr. and Mrs. Peck, 
in company with her parents, emigrated to 
Dane Co., Wis., where they remained one win- 
ter, each teaching school until the spring of 
1852, when they moved to the town of Utica, 
Crawford county, and purchased 160 acres of 
land, where he resided until 1877, when he pur- 
chased a farm in tiie town of Haney and moved 
on it and remained six years, and then came 
to the town of Eastman, where they now reside. 
Mr. and Mrs. Peck have four children — Elsie 
A., Clayton E., Merritt W. and an adopted child, 
Addie Rogers. Clayton E. married Emerett 
Lester, and Merritt was united in marriage to 
Ida Gibbs. In 1862 Mr. Peck enlisted in the 
6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was dis- 
charged in 1864, after re-enlisting in the 36th 
regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, and was com- 
missioned 1st lieutenant of company H, 36thWis- 
consin, which commission he held at the time 
of discharge. During his service he was 
through the Potomac campaign. Mr. Peck was 
elected a member of the first town board of the 
town of Utica ; also town superintendent of 
Utica, four years, and assessed the town seven 
successive years. 

A. Balrichard is a native of Switzerland, born 
March 9, 1840. In 1852 he emigrated with his 
parents to the LTnited States. He settled first 
at St. Louis, Mo., and the following spring 
moved to Dubuque, Iowa. After a short resi- 
dence there he went to Prairie dn Chien, and a 
few months afterwards to Eastman town, where 
he now owns 240 acres of land on section 21, 
town 8, range 6 west. Mr. Balrichard was mar- 



ried in 1 866, to Bertie Rhube. She was born in 
Germany, in 1850, and came to Crawford county 
with her parents in 1857. Mr. and Mi-s. Bal- 
richard have six children — Anna, Emily, El- 
len, Albert, Henry and Daniel. Mr. Balrich- 
ard enlisted in the service of his adopted 
country in 1864, being a member of the 43d 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 

Andrew Beckwarwas born in 1826, in Bohe- 
mia. In 1854 he emigrated to the United States, 
settling in Crawford Co., Wis., where he en- 
tered eighty acres of land on section 7, town 8, 
range 5 west, which he afterwards increased to 
120 acres. Mr. Beckwar was married in 1849, 
to Anna Slayback, who was born in 1824. He 
was a tailor by trade, and was quite a musician, 
having acquired control of many instruments. 
He was school clerk of his district for a number 
of years. Mr. Beckwar died in 1871, leaving a 
wife and nine children — Anthony, John, Jacob, 
Anna, Agnes, Mary, Andrew, Elizabeth and 
Frank. 

David Drew, one of the prominent farmers of 
Eastman town, was born at Fort Snelling, Minn., 
May 6, 1826, his father being a soldier in the 
regular army. When two years of age, the 
soldiers moved from Fort Snelling to Prairie 
du Chien. He has resided in Crawford county 
since, with the exception of eight years, when 
he lived at St. Paul. When twenty years of 
age, Mr. Drew carried the mail on his back, 
from Prairie du Chien to Winona, during one 
winter, and from Winona to St. Paul the fol- 
lowing winter, in the same way. In 1850 lie 
married Matilda Martoll, born in Canada, in 
1827. She came to Prairie du Chien in !841. 
Mr. and Mrs. Drew have six childien — Phile- 
mon, David, Jr., Joseph, Matilda, Alfred and 
Agnes. In 1855 Mr. Drew purchased 160 acres 
of land on section 18, town 8, range 6 west, 
on which he now resides. He has seventy acres 
under cultivation. Since Mr. Drew's residence 
in Eastman town, he has been a greater portion 
of the time school clerk of his district. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



593 



Leonard Bonney was born Dec. 5, 1819, in 
Chautauqua Co., New York. In 18.35, he 
moved to Crawford Co., Penn., remaining until 
IS56, when he came west, settling in Eastman 
town, Crawford Co., Wis., where Mrs. Bonney 
had a brother. Mr. Bonney was married in 
18.50 to Jane Fisher, born in Crawford Co., 
Penn., in 1822. She was the widow of Mathias 
Gear, who died in 1843. Mr. Bonney first en- 
tered eighty acres of land on section l,town 8, 
range 3 west, but at the time of his death, 
July 9, 1881, his farm contained 160 acres of 
land. He was in the war from 1862 until its 
close, being 1st lieutenant of company K., 3l8t 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was chair- 
man of the county board, four successive years, 
and justice of the peace for seven years. Mr. 
Bonney left five children — Emma J., Velma, 
Hughes, Ella and Fred. Mrs. Bonney had two 
children by her former husband — James T., and 
Mary E. Gear. Mrs. Bonney transacted all 



the business of the Eastman postofBce for six 
years, when the office was moved to the now 
village of Eastman. 

Ferdinand Winegar was born in Logansport, 
Ind., in 1856. When two years of age, his par- 
ents moved to Crawford Co., Wis., and settled 
in Eastman town, where his father immediately 
commenced the erection of a flouring mill. 
This mill was swept away by the high water 
in 1878, when his father immediately 
built the present mill. It is situated on 
section 28, town 8, range 5. Ferdinand 
learned the millwright and miller's trade of 
his father, at which he has worked since 
fourteen years of age, and now has exclu- 
sive control of the mill. His father operates 
another mill at Prairie du Chien. Ferdinand 
was married in 1881, to Anna Ilutt, who was 
born in 1861, in Germany, and emigrated to the 
United States in 1863. 




594 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



TOWN OF FREEMAN. 



This town is in the extreme northwestern 
corner of Crawford county. It is composed of 
a part of six congressional townships. It is 
bounded on the north by Vernon county; on the 
east by the town of Utica; on the south by the 
town of Seneca; and on the west by the Missis- 
sippi river. 

The surface of Freeman is very uneven like 
most of the county; it consists of ridges and 
valleys, foUowi-ng the general course of the 
streams, which nearly all run in a southwesterly 
course, emptying into the Mississippi river. 

The productions are similar to those pro- 
duced throughout the county-grain, corn and 

vegetables. 

The streams are Cooley creek, which heads 
in Vernon county and flows southwest, inter- 
secting Rush creek on section 32, in town 11, 
of range 6 west. 

Rush creek, one of the largest streams in the 
town, is formed by two branches; the west 
branch rises in Vernon county and intersects the 
east branch, which heads in the town of Free- 
man, on section 19, in town 11, of range 5 west, 
and flows southwest, emptying into the Missis- 
sippi from section 1, in town 10, of range 7 

west. 

Sugar creek takes its rise on section 28, in 
town 11, of range 5 west, flows southwest and 
enters the Mississippi from section 16, town 10, 
range 6 west, about three-quarters of a mile be- 
low Ferry ville. 

Buck creek rises on section 1, town 10, range 
6 west, and flows south west entering the Mississ- 
ippi from section 22, in town 1 0, of range 6 west. 



Copper creek is formed by two branches, the 
greater of which rises on section 16, town 10, 
range 5, flows south and intersects the east 
branch on the southeast corner of section 21, 
in town 10, of range five west, and flows 
southwest into the town of Seneca. 

There is an abundance of timber within the 
town of about the same varieties as is found 
throughout Crawford county— oak, maple and 
linn. 

EAELY SETTLEMENT. 

At the general election held in 1857 there were 
thirty-eight votes polled in the town of Free- 
man, by the following pioneers, whose where- 
abouts in 1884 are stated in brief: Aaron Cooley, 
died on bis way home from the army; D. O. 
White, moved to Dakota Territory; Abel Cop- 
per, died in Illinois; James Lawrence died in 
1883; William E. Heal, dead; Henry Law- 
rence, dead; E. Naylor, dead; Herman Hulce, 
dead; Parley Whitney, removed; Andrew Call, 
removed; a". Absolom, removed; D. Sweep, re- 
moved; Elias Torgerson, dead; M. Joslin, re- 
moved; D. Sumner, dead; Dr. S. F. Huntington, 
dead; A. V. Hubbard, dead; L. F. Munsell, re- 
moved; A. E. Davis, in Oregon; Joseph Copper, 
dead- Lewis Eskerstrand, dead; John Joimson, 
moved to Dakota Territory; Nels Johnson, 
moved to Dakota Territory; T. C. Ankeny, 
removed to Tennessee; T. Christopherson, 
dead- William Hubbard, dead; David Ulery, 
moved to Oregon; Casper Laugh, dead; Henry 
Hendrickson, dead. The balance of this pio- 
neer band were residents of the town m 1884: 
Thomas Lawrence, R. Knudson, William Wy- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD-'COUNTY. 



S95 



bum, Henry Van Araburg, E. T. Bishop, Alex- 
ander Young, John Call, D. P. Ames, Robert 
Mellon, John Rutter, H. T. James, Henry Van 
Amburg, G. L. Hutson, Martin Laugh. 

Two Frenchmen, Michael and Joseph God- 
frey, were in fact the first to eflfect a real settle- 
ment in what is now the town of Freemen. They 
located, in 1845, in what is the village of De Soto, 
a part of which is in this, and a part in Vernon 
county. About ten years later they sold the 
eighty acres they had taken up, to the mill com- 
pany and in 1857, moved to Prairie du Chier,. 
They liad squaws for wives and were engaged 
in farming and trapping. 

In 1851, David Ulery, Mr. Alcorn and Robert 
Linn settled on Sugar creek, the latter making 
a claim at wliat is known as the Sliea place. In 
about two years he sold his claim to Joseph 
Brightman. When he left this town he started 
for Pike's Peak. On the way it was found that 
the Indians were troublesome, and he, with 
others, volunteered to fight them and was never 
heard of afterward, and it is supposed he lost 
his life at the hands of the savage tribes of the 
plains. 

Aaron Cooley settled on the creek which 
bears his name, in 1S52, on section 19, town 11, 
range 6 west. This farm was afterwards owned 
by Jol)n C.Bean. Mr. Cooley went into tl>e army 
as a drummer; he was taken sick, procured a 
furlough and nearly reached home, but died be- 
tween De Soto and his home, not two miles from 
his house. 

Eiias Torgerson settled in 1854, ou section 26, 
town 11, range tj west. 

Ole Rosenwater and Deidrick White settled 
on section 30, town 11, range 5 west, in 1853. 
Tiie former lives in the town of Utica and the 
latter moved to Dakota Territory. These two, 
with Ole A. Runice, who entered land at the 
same time, just over the Vernon county line, 
were the first Norwegian settlers in tlie town of 
Freeman. 

Martin and Casper Laugh came in 1854 
and settled on section 9, town 10, range C 



west. Casper died about 1872. Martin was 
still living there in 1884. 

William Melton and Sanford S. Wightman 
settled at the mouth of Sugar creek, in 1854. 

Thomas Adams settled in the town in 1856; 
finally moved to the town of Utica. 

Nel's Oleson came in about the same time, 
perhaps a year before, and settled on Sugar 
creek, where he was still living in 1884. 

Other settlers of about this date were Amon 
Christiansen, Neis Johnson, Michael Eitser and 
Herman Hulce. 

James P. Finley and Martin Finley came in 
1857. The latter moved to Iowa, where he died. 
Timothy Finley who came about that date was 
still a resident of the town in 1884. 

In 1858, John Walder came to the town and 
was still a resident in 1884. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

Thomas Carlyle was the first child born in 
the town of Freeman. This oocurred in the 
fall of 1855. Next was Mary Young, daughter 
of Alexander and Ann M. Young, born June 30, 

1856. She became the wife of R. M. McAuley, 
of De Soto. 

One of the earliest, if not the first marriage 
in the town, was Cliristian Homutt to Hannah 
Eitser, a sister of Henry Eitser, in the fall of 

1857. The ceremony was performed by Joseph 
Copper, a justice of the peace. 

The first log house in the town was built by 
Micliael and Joseph Godfrey, two Frenchmen, 
at De Soto. James Osgood built the first frame 
house in 1855, at De Soto. 

The first school was taught by Mary Coffin 
(who became the wife of Thomas Lawrence) in 
tiie summer of 1856. This school was held in 
a small log building, built for a hired man of 
Mr. Lawrence. 

ORGAKIC. 

The town of Freeman was detached from the 
town of Utica, by the county board of Craw- 
ford county, in September, 1856. The first 
town meeting was held at the house of T. C. 
Ankeny, on section 24, in town 11, of range 6 



596 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



west, April 7, 1857. The following were elected 
to serve as town oiBcers the ensuing year : 

A. B. Hubbard, Henry Seifert and Parley 
Whitney, supervisors ; A. E. Davis, clerk; 
Fayette Munsell, assessor; James Osgood, 
Joseph Copper, Henry Van Amberg and David 
Ulery, justices of the peace ; Edward Kaylor, 
John Austin and George Coffin, constables; Dr. 
Samuel F. Huntington, superintendent of 
schools ; Aaron Cooley, sealer of weights and 
measures. 

Officers of 1883: T. T. Sime, Lewis Chris- 
tianson, A. J. Runice, supervisors; Henry Hal- 
gerson, treasurer ; J. H. Tower, clerk ; Martin 
Host, assessor; William F. McMasters, William 
Melton, William Davis and J.H. Tower, justices 
of the peace ; E. M. McMaster, Frank Davis 
and Ralph Copper, constables. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

Freeman was fully up with her sister towns, 
in way of school matters, in 1884, at which date 
the town was made up of seven full school dis- 
tricts and nine joint districts. 

District No. 1 had a good frame building, 
located on section 26, town 11, range 7 west, 
which is near De Soto. The number of pupils 
in this district was then forty-seven. 

In district No. 2, the school house is situated 
on sections 27 and 28, town 11, range 6 west. 
This house was built in 1863, at a co.st of $885. 
Number of pupils in 1884, sixty-one. 

District No. 4 is the next full district. The 
school house in this district is situated on sec- 
tion 36, in town 11, range 6 west; it is a frame 
structure, painted white. This district has 
sixty-five pupils. 

The building in district No. 6 is located on 
section 8, town 10, range 6 west, and is known 
as the Ferry ville school. This is a frame house, 
valued at about $200; it was erected in 1859. 
Number of pupils in 1884, fifty-nine. 

District No 7 is provided with a building 
erected in 1883, on section 30, town 11, range 5 
west. This is a frame house, painted white ; 



its cost was S500. Number of pupils in the «lis- 
trict in 1884, fifty-seven. 

District No 10 was formed in 1883, and pro 
vided with a new house, costing $500, whicli is 
located on section 33, town 11, range 6. The 
number of pupils here is forty. 

The school building in district No. 11, is 
situated on section 17, town 10, range 6 west. 
This is a new frame house, costing about $300. 
Number of pupils within the district, forty- 
two. 

The following described are joint districts: 

Joint No. 5, with the town of Utica, has a 
building on section 28, town 11, ranged. In 
1884 there were forty-four pipils from Freeman, 
and twenty-two from Utica. 

Joint district No. 14 is made up of territory 
from the towns of both Freeman and Utica. 
The school building is on section 9, town 10, 
range 5 west; it was erected in 1882, at a cost 
of $673. Number of pupils belonging in the 
town of Freeman, seventy-nine. 

Joint district No. 3 is comprised of part of 
the town of Wheatland, in Vernon county, ami 
a part of Freeman. Number of pupils from 
Freeman in 1884, eight. 

Joint district No. 2, with the town of Ster- 
ling, in Vernon county, is provided with a good 
school house, situated in the town of Sterling. 
Number of pupils from Freeman, eight. 
-Joint district No. 8 is with the town of Sen 

eca. 

Joint district No. 9 is also with town of 
Seneca, with house in the latter. Number of 
pupils from Freeman in 1884, fourteen. 

Joint district No. 12 is with the town of 
Sterling, where the building is located. There 
were twenty-one pupils from Freeman in 1884. 

Joint district No. 13 is with the town of 
Utica. The school house in this distriet islocated 
at Rising Sun. 

DeSoto union village school, belongs in part 
to the town of Wheatland, Vernon county and 
in part the town of Freeman. The number ..f 
pupils from Freeman in 1884, was thirty thiee. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



597 



Many of the school building of this town are 
new anil the class of teachers employed com- 
pare well with other towns of Crawford and 
Vernon counties. 

RELIGIOUS. 

There are but two churches in this town; 
these are both Norwegian Lutheran. The first 
services of this denomination in tlie town were 
conducted by the R&v. Peter Solberg, at the 
house of Ole A. Runice, in 1809. This sect 
erected the first cliurch edifice within the town 
in 1875, on section 20, in town )1, of range 5 
west. Tlie first preacher was Peter Solberg, who 
preached for this church a number of years. 
He was succeded by Rev. F. H. Carlson, who 
served three years and then came O. A. Op- 
pogaard, who lived in Jackson county, this Stale. 
Their church building is a frame one, costing 
$600, and is the property of the "Hugcs Synod." 

The other cliurch edifice of the town belongs 
to the "Conference Synod." This is situated 
on the southwest quarter of section 25, town 
11, range 6. It was built in 1870, at a cost of 
$600. The first pastor to serve this cliurch, 
was tlie Rev. Mit Boe, who was succeded by Rev. 
Nor, who remained till 1883, at the close of 
which year the church was being supplied from 
Otiier points. 

Each of these two church organizations liave 
about twenty-five families in their connection. 

CEMETERY. 

At this date (1884) there is but one regularly 
laid out cemetery in the town of Freeman. Tiiis 
is located on section 2G, town 11, range 7 on 
the farm of J.W. Lawrence. This is a very 
pleasantly situated ground and kept in good 
condition. 

Another place sometimes used for Iturial 
purposes is situated on section 2S, on lands do- 
nated by Jolin Rutter. Another small burying 
ground is found on section 15, town lO, range 
6. The Lutheran organization also have a bury- 



ing ground near their church building, on sec- 
tion 25, in township 11, of range 6, west. 

POSTOFFICES. 

The people of Freeman are accommodated 
by the use of three postoffices — Fj-eeman, Fer- 
ryville and DeSoto. Freeman was established 
in 1867, on section 27. John II. Tower was the 
first postmaster appointed,and was still holding 
the office in 1884. Mail is leceived twice each 
week, over the Ferryville and De Soto route. 

Ferryville postoflice was established in 1867, 
on section 16, town 10, range 6 west. S. S. 
Wightraan was the first postmaster; he was 
succeeded by T. C. Ankeny, who was succeeded 
by Joseph Copper, and he in turn by Louis Hel- 
gerson. Then came W. F. McMasters, who 
was followed by W. J. Lankford. 

MILLS. 

There are two gristmills in the town of Free- 
man — Glenn Mills, and- Diamond Mills. The 
former is owned by J. II. Tower & Son. It is 
situated on section 27, and was erected in 1858, 
by Valentine «fc Twiford, who operated it till 
1864, and then sold to William Millins, of Penn- 
sylvania, who employed A. Hoevert to run it. In 
1S84 it was the property of J. II. Tower & Son. 
It is a water mill, provided with two run of stone, 
doing a good custom business. This mill has a 
fall of sixteen and a half feet. 

Diamond Mill i.s located on section 29, town 
11, range 6 west, on Cooley creek. It was 
built by Rose & Mulkins, in 1874. In 1884 it 
was owned and run by W. G. Conklin, who has 
had thirty-five years of experience as a miller. 
The mill is run by water, having a head of 
thirty feet. It is a frame building, and has 
three run of buhrs. 

At this date [1884] there is no saw mill in the 
town. The fir-vt one erected, was the property 
of T. C. Ankeny, built in the spring of 1856, on 
Rush C'reek, section 24, town 1 1, range 6 west. 
After being operated for a number years it was 
abandoned. 



598 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



The second s.aw mill was built by John Rat- 
ter, in 1857, and was run by him for many 
years. 

Another saw mill was built on Rush creek, in 
1859, by Valentine tfc Twiford, who also built 
the Glenn flouring mills. This saw mill was 
washed away by the floods in 1865. 

J. H.Jewell built a saw mill on Sugar creek, 
in 1868, which was run for a few years, but was 
finally abandoned. 

DESOTO VILLAGE. 

De Soto was first known as Winneshiek's 
Landing, from the chief by that name, who 
came here to trade his furs for supplies with the 
French traders at this point. Two French fam- 
ilies by the name of Godfrey, located here not 
long after the close of the Black Hawk War. 
They were induced to come through efforts put 
forth by Col. Dousman, of Prairie du Chien. 
This was occupied as a trading post for about 
twenty years. Moses M. Strong made the orig- 
inal entry of the plat of the village. 

Di:. Euclid B. Houghton purchased it of Mr. 
Strong. Dr. Simeon D. Powers, Dr. Houghton 
and Dr. James Osgood laid out the village in 
1854. These gentlemen came hither from Port 
Washington. Dr. Osgood built the first house 
on the village plat, which was occupied in 
1884 by Charles Lyttle as a residence. Dr. 
Houghton opened the first store. 

The first building of any importance was 
erected by Carlyle, Dowse & Co. 1 he lumber 
with which this house was built came from 
Black river falls, the nearest available point 
for obtaining lumber at that time. 

The first blacksmith in the village was Wil- 
liam N. West, who afterward moved to Minne- 
sota. 

The first cooper shop was operated by Am- 
brose De Lap. 

The first shoemaker was Henry Fosdick. In 
the fall of 1855 Mr. Adam Carlyle purchased 
for Mr. Fosdick a side of sole leather and other 
stock for his shop of Ulysses S. Grant, of Ga- 
lena, 111. 



The first saw mill was built in the fall of 
1 855 by A. B. Clapp and George Meade. This 
mill and all others at this point were operated 
by steam power. It was destroyed by fire in 
1864. N. S. Cate & Co., built a saw mill in 
1857. This firm was composed of Messrs. N. 
S. Cate, H. M. ''hamberlain and Emery Hough- 
ton, who came from tlie State of Maine. They 
operated the mill until 186', and did an extensive 
business, employing sometimes as high as fifty 
men. The mill cut upon an average 50,000 
feet of lumber per day, besides shingles, lath, 
etc. This company also built a grist mill ad- 
joining the saw mill, which was propelled 
by steam power. In 1862 these mills went into 
the hands of H. M. Chamberlain & Co., who in 
1864 sold to John C. Davis. Tiie stock was 
closed out and the mill lay idle for several 
years. This failure was caused in part by the 
failure of the New England Glass Co., of which 
Mr. Houghton was the financial manager. On 
the completion of this mill, when they had a 
three months' supply of logs on hand, the stock 
of this concern amounted to $100,000. 

A shingle mill was built by C. M. and A. R. 
Worth, about 1865. They also sawed some 
lumber. After running this about four years it 
was converted into a grist mill and the Worth 
Brothers then occupied the Cate & Go's mill 
for about five years, during which time they 
manufactured large amounts of lath, shingles 
and lumber. In 1884 this mill was used for 
cutting staves and heading. 

An establishment for the manufacture and 
cutting of files was started by A. Miller, who 
run it for a year or so and enlisted in the army 
to "suppress the rebellion," whicli had then just 
commenced. He was killed in the battle of 
Gettysburg. 

In 1S57 Capt. William Plummer & Co. en- 
gaged in the manufacture of lime and connected 
with their business the manufacture of hard 
wood barrels. Tiiey did an extensive bu.siness, 
although it was continued only about a year. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



599 



The De Soto brewery is owned by Charles E. 
Reiter, who purchased it of George Eckhardt 
in 1882. Mr. Reiter makes about 400 barrels 
of beer per annum. The building was erected 
by Cale & Co. in 1858 and used by them as a 
store. Gei'rge Eckhart first utilized it for 
brewing purposes. 

The first school in the village was taught by 
Mr.s. Catharine P. Stevens in the winter of 
1855-6. This was a private school. The first 
school house proper was built in the summer of 
l^ioB, in which James McDill taught the first 
school the winter following. This house was 
in use as a residence in 1884, anew school house 
having been built in 1872. This building was 
a frame structure, two stories high. The cost 
of this house was $3,500, and, excepting the 
one at Viroqua, was the best in Vernon county. 

The first physician in De Soto was Dr. G. S. 
Sperry, wlio came from St. Paul in the summer 
of 1850. He was an excellent physician. He 
died in 1873. 

Other physicians were Dr. G. W. Brooks 
and Dr. Worth. The physician in 1884 was Dr. 
Orlando Ewers. Others who have borne the 
title of doctor, though not educated physicians, 
were Dr. E. B. llougiiton, the original proprietor 
of the village, who moved from this place to 
La Cro.sse, and later to St. Louis, where he died 
in 1862. Dr. James Osgood came in 1854 and 
assisted in laying out the village and finally be- 
came the owner of one-fourth of the town plat, 
and died in 1863. Dr. Simeon Powers, a dent- 
ist, was also owner of another fourth interest in 
the town site of De Soto. He afterwards re- 
moved to Sparta, where he was at the time of 
his death. Capt. C. B. Worth came in 1854 
and remained till his death in 1875. He was 
also owner of a fourth interest in the village 
plat. His son Addison made the first lumber 
wagon in De Soto. 

The first lawyer who practiced at this point 
was Addison A. Hosmer, a graduate of the 
Harvard law school at Cambridge, Mass. He 
came in 1857 and returned to that Slate in 1860. 



From there he went into the army, and before 
the war closed became quite distinguished. 
After the close of the war he was made judge 
advocate, and it was he who passed sentence on 
the notorious Wirz, of Andersonville infamy. 
Tolbert C. Ankney came here as an attorney 
in 1865, though he had been here previous to 
the war. He was associated with George Mc- 
Dill, who was also an attorney here at tliat 

time. 

« 

H. W. McAulley began the practice of law in 
1866, continuing for a number of years. 

The present attorney is George L. Miller. 

The first hotel in this village was known as 
the Winneshiek House. It was a log house and 
among the first built in the place. The Bay 
State House was erected in 1856, by Seth Crow- 
ell and Jonathan F. Porter, who ran it for sev- 
eral years. Other parties who have from time 
to time operated this house, are: C. II. Allen, 
Thomas Lawrence, wiio had charge of the 
house in 1862-63, and was succeeded by Benja- 
min Tiott; who improved the premises and who 
operated it till his death, in December, 1879. 
In 1884 it was owned and conducted by his 
widow, Mrs. Hannah Trott. This hotel was, 
without doubt, the finest in the village in 
1884. It was a three story frame building, 
32x45 feet, and finished in good style. 'I'he first 
cost was $7,000. 

Mrs. Hannah Trolt, proprietress of the Bay 
.State House, De Soto, is the widow of Benjamin 
Trott who came to De Soto in 1859. He was 
born in Shuncook in the British Province, in 
1816. He was brought up in the State of Maine. 
lie came here in the milling interests of Catc & 
Co., and had charge of the manufacturing of 
shingles in the mill of tiiis company. In Feb- 
ruary, 1664, he rented the Bay State House, 
which he conducted for several years, then pur- 
chased it, and continued in charge of the same, 
till his death, which occurred Dec. 15, 1879. 
He was a man liighly respected in the commu- 
nity in which he lived, as an upright, honorable 
citizen. His wife still owns and conducts the 



600 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



hotel. Her maiden name was Hannah Bean. 
Slie was born in Perry, Washington Co., Maine. 
She has two cliildren — Barbara, wife of Mr. 
Steele, of^Viroqua, and Rebecca, wife of Robert 
Rice. 

The next hotel was the De Sjto House, built 
soon after the Bay State House was erected. It 
was built by Kurtz & Hale for a hotel and 
boarding house, but finally was used for a car- 
riage and wagon shop. 

The second hotel, called the De Soto, was 
fo-rraei'ly a store building and was changed to 
a hotel, by Edward Sweeney. This liouse, in 
18S4, was being operated by Mrs. Ann M. 
Miller. 

The postoftice at De Soto, was established in 
;855. Dr. S. D. Powers was the first postmas- 
ter, and Adam Carlyle acted as his deputy. The 
next to hold the office was Dr. Osgood, with .J 
C. Kurtz as his deputy. Dr. Osgood was suc- 
ceeded by C. B. Whiting, whose deputy was 
Fred Carr. In . 1884 the postmaster was J. H. 
Rogers, who was appointed in 1865. This be- 
came a money order office in July, 1878. The 
first order was issued to J. II. Hinds, for $38. .32. 
The first order paid, Mas to Mrs. John Bab- 
ciick, and was dated July 22, 1878. . 

The business interests of De Soto, in 1884, 
were in the hands of the following: 

C. Lyttle & Co.. general merchants, also 
dealers in lumber and grain. 

Fred Eckhart & Co., grain dealers. 

J. A. Cooper, manufacturer of wagons and 
carriages, also dealer in farm machinery. 

Charles L. Woodbury, general merchandise, 
and farming implements. 

Adam Carlyle, agent for the Diamond Jo 
steamboat line. 

C. Lyttle, agent for the North Western line 
of St' aniers. 

J. II. Rodgers, general merchandising and 
drugs. 

Charles H. Upham, general store, also hard- 
ware and farm machinery. 

D. A. Steele, furniture. 



Charles McDowell, blacksmith shop. 

J. F. Allen, wagon maker. 

Mrs. A. II VVareham, millinery and furnish- 
ing goods. 

Miss M. L. Porter, dress-maker. 

C. L. IngersoU, flour and feed. 

Louis Stinseng, boots and shoes. 

Patrick De Lacy, boots and shoes. 

John Devlin, meat market. 

Fred Schmidt, drugs. 

.Mrs. J. A. Cooper, millinery and dress- 
maker. 

Mrs H. Carpenter, dress-maker. 

N. E. French, grocery and restaurant. 

Orville D. Pulver, restaurant. 

Charles E. Reiter, brewer, and owner of the 
Lansing and De Soto ferry. 

Mrs. Hannah Tiott, owner and proprietor of 
the Bay State Hotel. 

Mrs. A. N. Miller, owner and proprietor of 
the De Soto House. 

William Waldron, fish dealer. 

W. F. McMastress, fish dealer. 

II. E. McMaslers, cooper. 

C. L. Mueller, stave and heading factoiy. 
O Ewers, physician. 

(4. L. Miller, attorney. 
James H. Rogers, postmaster. 

D. Abbott Steele came to De Soto, Oct. 5, 
1855, in company with his brotlier, Alvah 
Steele, who remained about three years, and 
returned to New Hampshire. D. Abbott Steele 
was born in (Georgia, where his parents, who 
were natives of New Hampshire, were then 
living. We has been variously engaged since 
coming to De Soto; in 1884, he was engaged in 
the furniture business. 

John W. White came in the spring of 1855, 
and located just northea'st of the village, where 
he still lived in 1884. 

Edmund Houghton came to De Soto, April 
1,1855. lie is now the earliest present resi- 
dent on the village town plat. He was born in 
Harvard, Mass., in 1808. Served an apjjren- 
ticeship in New Hampshire, to the trade of a 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



601 



machinist; and came here from that State. A 
friend of Mr. IlouglUon's, R. P. Waite, came 
with him, but returned to New Hampshire. 
Mr. Hougliton made a location on section JO, 
town 11, range 7 west, where he made a claim 
which lie still owns, but he has always made 
his home in the village. His wife was Nancy 
Bryant, a native of New Hampshire. They 
have one daughter — Ellen, the wife of Wood- 
bridge Dyre. 

Other early settlers of the town were: Sam- 
uel Pike, who came from Massachusetts in 1855 
and remained until 1873, when he removed to 
Iowa. He was a painter by trade; C. B. Stev- 
ens, who was a tinner, came into the village of 
De Soto, in the spring of 1855, and continued 
to live there until 1882, when he moved to Da 
kota. Also, Dennis Powers, Sidney R. Gage, 
Hugh McDill, R. F. Lemen, A. McDowell and 
Antliony Valle, a Frenchman, who enlisted in 
the United States army, and died at Anderson- 
ville prison. 

The first meeting of tlic Congregational 
society in this locality was held Feb. 15, 1856. 
The society was organized at this meeting. The 
minister present was the Rev. L. L. Radclitfe, 
of La Crosse district convention. Among the 
number who joined the society at this time 
were: Charles Houghton and wife, Fannie 
Houghton, Mrs. Mary E. Roach, Mrs. Abbie 
W. Tobey (the last two were daughters of Mr. 
Houghton), Daniel D. Fuller and wife, Mercy 
P. Fuller, Alexander Young and wife, Wilton 
E. Roach and J. F. Tobey. The first pastor 
was Rev. L. L. Radcliffe; the first officers were 
Charles Houghton, deacon, and Daniel Fuller, 
clerk. Rev. L. L. Radcliffe was succeeded by 
Rev. Ale.xander Parker, in 180'i, and he by Rev. 
Peter Valentine, in 1865. The next pastor in 
charge was Rev. L. Bridgeman, who came in 
1868 and remained till his successor, Rev. 
James Mitchell, came in 1871; the Rev. S. H. 
Thompson came in 1874, and was succeedetl by 
Rev. William Houghton, in 1879; Rev. C'harles 



Vaile was pastor in 1881; then came Rev. Wil- 
liam Hougliton to his second pastorate. 

A church building was erected in 1859 ; it 
was built in the Gothic style of architecture, 
and cost the society about $1,800. The society 
has been supported by a good Sunday school 
since the time of its organization in 1859. D. 
Abbott Steele, who was elected superintendent 
of this school in 1862, was still its superintend- 
ent in 1884, having served continuously for 
twenty-one years. This school averages about 
thirty-five pupils. 

The first services of the M. E. Church were 
held in a building built of railroad ties for a 
wagon and blacksmith shop, in the year 1855. 

The first class was formed by Rev. T. C. 
Clendenning in the year 1858. The members, 
as near as can be ascertained, were as follows : 
James Lawrence and Mary, his wife ; William 
Hemmingway and wife, and his son, George, 
and daughter, Mary Hemmingway, and Wil- 
liam Wyburn. 

The first minister of the M. E. Church who 
preached in De Soto was Rev. John Whilworlii, 
now of Viroqua. 

The M. E. Church was built in the year 1859, 
and removed out in the country in the year 
1875, being now known as the Central Church. 

The pastors of the M. E. Church in D(^ Soto 
circuit have been as follows: Revs. John Whit- 
worth, T. C. Clendenning, Mr. Lane, Mr. 
Smith, S. D. Bassenger, J. E. Irish, W. P. Hill, 
C. Bushby, Thomas Manual, H. J. Walker, D. 
L. Hubbard, D.Clingman,ir. D. Jencks, W. W. 
Ilnrd ami the jireseiit pastor. Rev. I. F. Xiizum. 

The De Soto Baptist Church was organized 
at the house o( Dr. James Osgood, Jan. II, 
1855, with a constituency of sixteen membeis, 
who adopted as theirs the New Hampshire 
articles of faith and covenant. The Cliui'ch 
was duly recognized by council on the 9th of 
the following February. A. B. Hubbard, a 
member of the Church, served as its pastor with 
acceptance for six months, after which Rev. I). 
Mulhcrn became pastor. For a while the 



602 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Church gained in raembersliip, both by baptism 
and letter. In 1857 serious trouble arose which 
resulted in tlie exclusion of quite a number of 
members. The aggrieved, with others, hold- 
ing letters from other Baptist Churches, called 
for a council, which was attended by delegates 
from the La Crosse and Winona, Minn., 
Churches. Although the Church was repre- 
sented in tlie council, it refused to comply with 
tlie recommendation to reconsider its action. 
The council further recommended that, should 
the Church refuse to reconsider its action, a 
new Church should be formed. This was done 
soon after by the union of about twenty mem- 
bers. The new Churoh was admitted to the La 
Crosse Valley Baptist Association at its next 
annual meeting. Rev. D. Mulhern served as 
its pastor, and a few were added by baptism. 
Through removals its membership was reduced 
and its meetings discontinued, and were never 
revived. The first Church lield occasional 
meetings at De Soto. In March, 1861, its place 
of meeting was changed to Brush Creek. Here 
it was prospered, at one time numbering thirty- 
one members. Removals and change of resi- 
dence led the Churcli in 1868 to again make De 
Soto its place of meeting. Concessions were 
made which resulted in those living in the 
neighl)orhood, members of the second Church, 
uniting with the old Church. Tlie following 
year Rev. S. E. Sweet became pastor and was 
ordained. He preached here and at other 
points, one of which was Harmony, where a 
Baptist Church was organized the following 
January. Rev. Sweet served the two Churches 
one year, when, in order to pursue further study, 
he went to Beaver Dam, Wis. In 18"/ 2 Rev. 
William Ilaughton became pastor, serving the 
Harmony Church also. He remained about 
eighteen months. Fiom this time regular 
monthly meetings were held, with occasional 
preaching, till Feb uary, IS"."), when Rev. N. 
L. Sweet became pastor. Quite a number were 
added to the Church by baptism. Rev. Sweet's 
pastorate continued four years. Since his 



resignation the Church has been declining. Al- 
though twenty-eight names are reported now, 
but very few are active members. 

SOCIETIES. 

Ancient Order United Workman Lodge, of 
De Soto, was organized June 10, 1878. The 
charter members were : James Lytlle, Fred 
Schmidt, William Davis, Philip B. Peters, 
George Eckhardt, B. D. Jenks, D. A. Steele 
Fred A. Schlottman, Jacob Eckhardt and Wood- 
bridge Dyre. The first officers were: James 
Lyttle, P. M. W ; Jacob Eckhardt, M. W; P. 
B. Peters, foreman; B. D. Jenks, recorder ; D. 

A. Steele, financier; W. Dyre, receiver; George 
Eckhardt, guide ; F. A. Schlottman, overseer ; 
F. Schmidt, I. W; William Davis, O. W ; P. 

B. Peters, George Eckhardt, and James Lyttle, 
trustees. In 1884 this lodge )iad a working 
membership of thirty-two, and was in a flourish- 
ing condition. In 1884 there was both a lodge 
of the Odd Fellows and Good Templars at De 
Solo, each in a flourishing condition. 

DISASTROUS FIRES. 

The steam mill of Whiting & Carr was 
burned in July, 1865, involving a loss of over 
$20,000. In March, 1879, occurred tlie worst 
conflagration that ever visited the place. Tlie 
cause of this fire has always remained a mys- 
tery. It originated in the general store of L. 

C. Larson. Eight buildings were consumed. 
Mv. Ingersoll sustained the greatest loss, which 
included two buildings occupied as a wagon and 
blacksmith shop, together with a fine stock of 
general merchandise. His total loss was about 
§10,000. Among those who sustained quite 
heavy losses were: L. C. Larson, John L. 
O'Kre, J. F. Allen, Fred Schmidt and John 
Delvin. This fire was a serious blow to De 
Soto, from which it never fully recovered. 

THE OLDEST SHOEMAKER IN AMERICA. 

In 1884 the village of De Soto boasted of a 
resident, wlio came to the place at an early 
date, and who by careful investigation wa-< 
found to have been actively engaged more 
years, at the shoe bench, than any other man in 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



603 



the country. This gentleman's name is Patrick 
De Lacy, who has been constantly engaged at 
the bench since twelve years of age, or a period 
of seventy-one years. And strange to say, 
after these long years of stooped shouldered 
work, he is as erect as most young men of to- 
day. 

VILLAGE OF FERRYVILLE. 

The village of Ferryville is the only one 
platted within the town limits of Freeman, ex- 
cept a part of De Soto. Ferryville is located on 
section 16, in town 10, of range 6 west, on the 
Mississippi river. It was platted about 1858, 
by T. W. Tower and William McAuley and an 
addition made in IseT, by Watts & Dayton. 

It was called Ferryville, as the proprietor 
intended to establish a ferry between that point 
and Lansing, Iowa. The charter for such a 
ferry line was obtained but for some reason it 
was never established. 

Lewis Helgerson kept the first store in the 
place. Other merchants who located here were 
W. R. Hopkins and William J. Lankford; the 
last named was the last to sell goods in the 
village. 

Charles Huffsmidt, of Prairie du Chien and 
a Norwegian firm, bought grain for a time, here. 
The place e-xisted for about six years and then 
went into decay and to-day the passer-by can 
see no evidences of a village having been there. 

BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Thomas Lawrence, although a resident of 
Freeman, Crawford Co., Wis., was with his 
father, an early resident of Vernon county, 
owning a farm near Liberty Pole, which was 
first occupied by John McCulloch, the first set- 
tler of Vernon county. His father, James Law- 
rence, located at Liberty Pole, July 5, 1851, and 
settled on the farm now owned by William 
Clawater. James Lawrence was born in Mon- 
mouthshire, England, in 1809. He emigrated 
to the LTnited States in 1851, making his first 
settlement at Liberty Pole, where he remained 
until the spring of 1854, then removed with his 
family to the town of Freeman, Crawford county, 



being the first settler in the neighborhood, and 
where he resided until his death, Aug. 2.3, 188.3. 
In 1832 he was married to Mary Williams, who 
still survives him. Father Lawrence, as he was 
called, was a member of the Bible Christian 
Church in England. When he came to the United 
States he united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and remained a firm believer until his 
death, being a member of these churches for over 
fifty-five years. He was an earnest and sincere 
Christian and his memory will long be cherished 
and his name remains a prominent one in the 
pioneer history of Crawford and Vernon conn- 
ties. His surviving children are Thomas, Mary, 
wife of Nathan Coe, of Viroqua, Vernon Co., 
Wis.; Julia, wife of L. J. Millar, of Wheatland 
town, Vernon county; James W., Mathew E. 
and Jane E. Thomas, the eldest child, was 
horn in England, in 1834. He resides in Free- 
man, Wis , at present, but was for several years 
a resident, of De Soto. He kept the Bay State 
House in 186'i-3, and a meat market from 1874 
until 1877. His wife was Mary Coflnn, a 
daughter of Peleg Coffin. She was a native of 
Massachusetts. They have three children — 
Ellen J., William and Alice Z. They lost their 
eldest daughter. 

Dorsey P. Ames, came from Ohio, in the 
fall of 1854, with John Rutter, Samuel and 
Amon E. Dayis. Samuel Davis made a location 
near the village of Viroqua, Vernon county, but 
the other two, and our subject settled in town 
1 1 north, of range 6 west. Mr. Ames selected 
his new home on section 27, where he entered 
280 acres of government land, which he still 
owns with the exception of ten acres. He was 
born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1820. When 
about nine of age, his parents removed to Mor- 
gan county, in the same state, where he was 
reared. He married Rachel Davis, a daughter 
of Samuel Davis, who died atVir qua, in 1871; 
her mother died in Ohio, in 1844; her father 
married the second time. Mr. and Mrs. Ames 
have eight children — Margaret, Samuel, Clar- 
ence M., Sarah Ann, Absalom, Mary S., Rachel 



604 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



and Hannah E. The three oldest were born in 
Oliio; the remainder in this town. Mr. Ames' 
parents, Absalom and Margaret Ames, were na- 
tives of Washington Co., Penn. They came 
to Ci-awford county in 1859, and lived there till 
their deaths, which occurred at an advanced age. 
John Rutter resides on section 2R, where he set- 
tled in 1855. He came with his family, however, 
in the fall of 1854, in company with Dorsey P. 
Ames, Samuel and Amon E Davis, and located 
at that time His farm now consists of 320 
acres, and Mr. Rutter is one of Crawford coun- 
ty's most honored pioneers. He was born in 
Green Co., Penn., March U, 1812. When sev- 
enteen years of age, he accompanied his father, 
Ebenezer Rutter, to Ohio. 'Ihe following 3'ear 
(1830), the father settled in Athens county, 
where he lived till his death. John remained 
in that county until the date of his lemuval to 
Crawford county. He married Mary Ann Bell, 
a native of Washington Co., Ohio, born in 1813. 
She died July 29, 1883. Fourteen children were 
born to them — eight sons, and six daughters, 
live sons and two daughters are still living. 
Tliomas C, Elizabeth, wife of Thomas De Lacy; 
Maria, wife of Cornelius C. Tower; James R., 
George W., William H., and French E. The lat- 
ter 'is the only native of Crawford county. 
George W., who occupies the homestead farm 
witli his father, was born in Athens Co., Ohio, in 
1847. He was married July 1 1, l'-37, in Athens 
Co., Ohio, to Harriet, daughter of Jesse Davis, 
an early settler of Vernon Co., Wis. They are 
the parents of four children — Minnie M., Pearl 
E , John R., and Martin E. 

Josepli E. McCrillis is one of the early set- 
tlers of Crawford county. His present location 
is on section 29, town 11, range 6 west, where 
lie settled in 18/4. This farm he exchanged 
the previous year with Eric Johnson, of the 
town of IJtica. Mr. McCrillis settled in the 
town of Utica in the fall of 1855, where he en- 
tered eighty acres of land, which now foi'ms 
part of the farm of Thomas Adams, of that 
town. Mr. McCrillis was born. in the town Qf 



Topsham, Orange Co., Vt,, in 1808. In 1831 
he went to Massachusetts, where he worked at 
the trade of a shoe-maker. He removed to 
Providence, R. I., in 1857, and in the fall of 
1838, went to Taunton, Mass. During this 
period he was engaged in shoe-making and ped- 
dling. From Massachusetts he removed to 
Vermont. In 1855 he came to Rock Co., Wis., 
and in October of the same year came to Craw- 
ford county, and entered land as before stated. 
He was married in Massachusetts in 1832, to 
Abigail Rist, who died in August, 18o5. His 
second and present wife was Elmira Swift, to 
whom he was married in Providence, R. I , in 
1837. She was born in Corinth, Vt., Jan. 6, 
1809. Mr. McCrillis had one son by liis first 
wife — Joseph, who was killed near Mt. Sterling, 
Sept. 7, 1 880. He has five children by his pres- 
ent wife, three sons and two daughters — John 
II., who resides in Vernon Co., Wis.; Sally A., 
wife of Elisha Moore; Robert E., a resident of 
Hampton, Iowa; Hannah E., wife of H. H. Wha- 
ley; Isabella D., wife of J. M. Dennis, of Hot 
Springs, Dakota. Neither of the children were 
born in this State. Mr. McCrillis' farm con- 
tains 240 acres. 

Alexander Young resides on section 36, town 
11, range 7 west, which he entered in 1856. 
Mr. Young was born in County Derry, in the 
north of Ireland, in 1818. He emigrated to 
Massachusetts with his family in 1847. In 
1 855 he came to De Soto, and settled on his 
present farm the following year. His wife was 
Anna M. McMillan, also a native of County 
Derry. They have five children — Jane, widow 
of William McDonald, of this town; Mary, 
wife of Richard McAuley; Margaret, wife of 
Arthur James; Martha R. and Sarah, unmar- 
ried. They lost three children by death — John, 
Alexander and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Young 
were among the hardy pioneers of Crawford 
county who have made for themselves a pleas- 
ant home in this now beautiful region, which, 
but a few years since, was in a state of wild- 
ness. Their recollection of the early times, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



605 



when they and a few others located here, and 
sliarcd each others trials and sufferings, will 
ever be remembered by them; nor are they un- 
grateful for the many blessings which have 
been bestowed upon them. They have a pleas- 
ant home and are passing their declining years 
in peace and plenty. Mr. and Mrs. Young have 
been for many years members of the Congrega- 
tional Church, at De Soto. 

Blind T. Bishop entered a piece of land on 
section 23, town 11 north, of range 6 west, in 
the fall of 1855, which farm now comprises 140 
acres, with excellent improvements. He was 
born in Berkshire Co., Mass , Dec. 15, 1808. 
His father, Bohan Bishop, was a native of 
Stockbridge, in the same county. His maternal 
grandfather was a brother of the grandfather 
of the eminent showman, P. T. Barnum. Mr. 
Bishop resided in his native county until he was 
seventeen years of age. He then engaged in 
the manufacture of combs, which he continued 
until the spring of 1855. At that time he went 
to Grant Co., Wis., and a year and lialf later 
came to the town of Freeman. He has been quite 
successful in growing an excellent apple, both 
for quantity and quality. He planted the seed 
while a resident of Grant county, and removed 
and ti'ansplanted the young trees in his present 
orchard. Mr. Bishop married Eliza Higgins, 
who died in October, 1874. Four children are 
living — Jared, Virginia, wife of Jerry Burger, 
now living in Dakota Territory; Annis, wife of 
J. B. McClurg, now living in Vernon Co., Wis., 
and Clarence C. The latter was born in Mas- 
sachusetts, in 1848, and married Rosa Jordon, 
whose father was an early settler in the town of 
Sterling, Vernon county. They reside on the old 
homestead, and have three children — Clinton R., 
Grace and Charles. Mr. Bishop is a member 
of the Congregational Church at Retreat. 

Henry Helgerson resides on section 21, town 
10, range 5 west, where he settled in 18C0. He 
purchased his farm of Emanuel George, but the 
land was entered by A. C. B. Vaughn, now of 
Mt. Sterling. Mr. Helgerson has, however, 



been a resident of the town of Freeman 
since 1857. He is the son of Helger Helgerson, 
a native of Norway, and came to the United 
States in 1856, and the same year to the town of 
Sterling, from Dane Co., Wis. In 1857, he en- 
tered land on section 29, town 1 1, range 5 west. 
He is now a resident of the town of Utica. 
Henry Helgerson was born in Norway, Feb. 17, 
1832. He came to the United States in 1857, 
the year following his father's emigration to 
this country. He lived two and a half years 
with his father, and then settled where he now 
live-'. His farm contains 160 acres. His wife 
was Betsey Olson. They have ten children — 
four boys and six girls. Mr. Helgerson is one 
of the prominent citizens of the town of Free- 
man; is a successful farmer and an intelligent 
gentleman. He is now (1884) serving his 
eighth term as treasurer of his town. He has 
also assessed the town several times. 

Henry T. James has been a resident of Free- 
man town since 1850. He resides on section 
23, town 11 north, of range 6 west, where he 
owns a farm of 160 acres. Mr. James was 
born at Bristol, R. I., in 1812. When a child, 
his parents, Samuel and Phebe (Kempton) 
James, removed to New Bedford, Mass., 
where both died. Henry T. there learned the 
])aintcr's trade, and subsequently drifted out to 
Kansas. In September, 1855, he went to De 
Soto, Vernon Co., Wis. In 1856, he entered 
eighty acres of government land. In 1862 he 
purchased eighty acres of his present farm of 
Charles Crawshaw, who entered it from tlie 
government. Mr. James was married iti Massa- 
chusetts to Phebe A. Akin, born in Dartmouth, 
.Mass., in 1815, and a daughter of Abram and 
Rebecc^a (Eldridge) Akin, also natives of the 
"Bay State." Eight children have blessed this 
union, five living — Edward, Ethelbert, now re- 
siding in Wisconsin; Henry T., a sailor; Adel- 
aide, who lives in Iowa; Arthur A., who re- 
sides on the homestead; Albert F. and Arlhiir 
A. (twins), and a daughter, Emeletta. are de- 
oeaaed . 



606 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Henry Eitsert resides on section 9, town 10, 
range 5, west, where he settled in I860, pur- 
chasing liis farm of Herman Hulce, who entered 
the land June 25, 1855. He is the son of Mich- 
ael Eitsert, who was born in Saxony, Oct. 6, 
1794 J came to the United States with his fami- 
ly in 1844, first to New Orleans; thence to St. 
Louis; thence to Belleville, 111 , where he resid- 
ed for a period of seven years; thence to Free- 
port, 111., removing to Prairie du Chien in April, 
1855. In October of that year he entered a 
farm in the town of Freeman, section 15, town 
10, range 5 west. He resided here till April, 
1866, when he returned to Prairie du Chien, and 
died Feb. 8, IS'iQ. He was twice married; his 
first wife died in. Illinois, his second is still liv- 
ing in this county. Henry Eitsert was born io 
Prussia, in 1835. He came to this country with 
his father, with whom he also came to Prairie 
du Chien in 1855. In 1857, he purchased a 
farm on Sugar creek, in this town, where he 
resided till he settled where he now lives. 
He married Marion C, daughter of Herman 
Hulce, the latter of whom was born in Delaware 
Co., N. Y., in 1811. He removed to Platteville, 
Grant Co., Wis., July 4, 1854. His wife was 
Mary J. Thompson, a native of Scotland. As 
previously stated, he entered the farm which 
Mr. Eitsert owns in 1855. He die) here Nov. 
6, 1872. His wife died .May 1 1, 1865. Mr. and 
Mrs. Eitsert have three children; all natives of 
this town — Mary C, born in 186-3; Francis 
Henry, born in 1866; Albert N., born in 1871. 
They have lost four children; their first born 
died Nov. 15, 1861; their third child died Sept. 
18, 1864; their fifth child, born May 30, 1868, 
died Dec. 2, 1870; anothei' child was born April 
9, and died May 20, of the same year. Mr. 
Eitsert's farm contains 320 acres. He is one of 
the most successful farmers in the town of 
Freeman. 

Tosten T. Sime, chairman of the town board 
of Freeman for 1883, is the son of Andrew 
Sime, who settled on the farm which Tosten 
now owns, on section 16, town 10, range 5 west, 



in 1861, purchasing the farm of J.H.Jewell. 
Andrew Sime was a native of Norway, born in 
1S30; came to the United States at the age of 
twenty-seven years, and died here in the fall of 
1864. He came to Crawford from Dane Co., 
Wis. His wife, also a native of Norway, re- 
sides at the homestead with her son. Tosten 
L. Sime was born in Norway in 1855, and came 
to this county with his parents. The family 
contained five children of whom Tosten T. was 
the eldest. He was elected a member of the 
town board for 1882, and owing to the serious 
illness of the chairman for that year, was ap- 
pointed to that position and at the following 
election was elected chairman for 1883. Mr. 
Sime is a young man of ability and intelligence. 
He made a competent executive officer, aid 
possesses the confidence and respect of all. 

Veranus E. Akin resides on section 23, town 
11 north of range 6 west, where he settled in 
1861. He was born in Dartmouth, Mass., in 1821, 
and when seventeen years of age went to sea, and 
followed a sailors life for twenty-three years. 
He was first engaged in the whaling trade, but 
sailed for many years in a merchantman. He 
made three trips around the world, twice sailing 
eastward and once westward. In 1859, he en- 
tered a tract of land in the town of Freeman, and 
two years later severed his connection with his 
vessel, and settled down to a farmer's life. He 
subsequently purchased an "eighty" of Lewis 
Ehrle, and his entire farm now comprises 122 
acres. During the late war, he enlisted in Sep- 
tember, 1864, in the 42d Regiment Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry, and served till the rebel- 
lion was crushed Mr Aikin has been thrice 
married. His first wife was Marinda Bourne, 
to whom he was married in 1849. She died in 
1856, leaving one daughter, Fannie, now the 
wife of William Bates, of Kansas. His second 
wife was Juliette Defield. They were married 
in 1861, and Mrs. Akin departed this life in 
1881. His third and present wife was Maggie 
Seymour, a native of New York, to whom he 
was united in 1882. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



609 



Peter Bartholomew, proprietor of a livery 
stable at De Soto, is a native of Ohio, born in 
1837. In 1848 lie moved with his parents to 
Highland, lo va C)., Wis. In 1861 he came 
to De Soto, Vernon county. In 1862 he enlis- 
ted in the 25th Wisconsin Infantry, and served 
three years, after which he returned to De Soto, 
where he has since resided. 

Ralph Copper has been a resident of Craw- 
ford county since isa*) (when he located in 
Utica town), and a citizen of the town of Free- 
man since 1862. His farm is located on section 
31, town 11, north of range 5 west, and was 
first entered by a man named Sweeny, father- 
in-law of Henry Sifrit, both of whom were 
early settlers of Freeman town. Mr. Coppers 
brother, Charles, came several years later, re- 
sided here for a time, then removed to Des 
Moines, Iowa, where he died. His twocousins, 
Joseph and Abel Copper, were well known early 
settlers of Freeman town. Another cousin, 
George Copper, came with our subject, and set 
tied at FerryviUe, where he lived till his de- 
cease. Ralph Copper wasljorn in IS 14, in Hea- 
ver Co., Penn., where his mother died shortly 
after. He removed with his father, Ralph Cop- 
per, Sr., to Licking Co., Ohio, where the fathei 
resided till his death. Mr. Copper then went 
to Van \Vert Co., Ohio, and from thence to 
Crawford county in 1856. He entered a tract 
of government land in the town of Utica, 
where he residcil until his removal to the town 
of Freeman. He married Mary Ann Williams, 
a native of Crawford Co., Penn., born in 1821. 
She is the only one of her father's family, that 
became a resident of this county. Nine chil- 
dren have been given to the these parretits, 
seven living — Di:ina, wife of D. N. Ames; Oscar 
B.; Mandane, wife of John Valentine, a resi 
dent of Wadena Co., Minn.; Anna, wife of E. 
G. Lees; Emm;i, wife of Lysander Rounds; Al- 
ice and Ralph \V. The deceased children are 
Marcus T. C, who was a member of company 
D., 31st regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infan- 
try, and died at Murfeesboro; and Mary, wife 



of H. H. Lewis. Mr. Copper is a gentleman of 
genial tastes, and his hospitality is noted far and 
wide. He has served many years in different 
official positions; was justice of the peace, in 
the towns of Utica and Freeman, for fifteen 
years; town clerk of Freeman for two years; 
chairman of town board, and member of coun- 
ty board of supervisors three years, and for the 
past six years has been deputy sheriff of Craw- 
ford county. 

Mrs. Jane McDonald resides on section 24, 
near De Soto. She purchased the farm of 160 
acres on which she resides, of George Coffin. It 
was entered by his father, Peleg Coffin. Mrs. 
McDonald is the widow of William McDonald, 
and a daughter of Alexander Young, of this 
town. Mr. McDonald was a native of the north 
of Ireland, where he was born in 1833. He fol- 
lowed the sea as a sailor, from his boyhood till 
1862, when he located in Wisconsin. He came 
to De Soto the same year, and afterward settled 
on a farm in the town of Genoa, Vernon county, 
where he resided till his decease, which occurred 
Oct. If*, 1881. Mrs. McDonald was born in the 
north of Ireland, Dec. 31, 1845. She has six 
children — Jane, Willie, Maggie, Alexander, 
.John and Mary. She also lost two children. 
Mrs. McDonald's farm, which she purchased 
for a homestead since the death of her husband, 
contains 160 acres. It is a valuable farm, with 
good improvements. 

John H. Tower is a representative citizen of 
one of the best known families in the north- 
ern part of Crawford county. His father, John 
H. Tower, Sr., was born in the town of Iling- 
ham, Mass., in 1793; his ancestors were of En- 
glish nativity, and among the earlier settlers 
of New England. John H. early learned the 
trade of a shoemaker, in the meantime acquir- 
ing a good English education. When twenty 
years of age, he went to Albany, N. Y., and 
for three years was employed as a school teach- 
er in the near vicinity of that city. During the 
War of 1812, he volunteered his services in the 
Platlsburgh expedition, but before he reached 



37 



610 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



the field the battle had been fought, and he re- 
turned to his school. The district authorities 
on school matters were not in sympathy with 
the American cause and refused him further em- 
ployment. In consequence of this unforeseen 
circumstance, he returned to Massachusetts, and 
at North Brookfield resumed work at his trade. 
He there married Phebe Poland, an aunt of 
the eminent Judge Luke Poland, of Vermont, 
and subsequently removed to Underliill, Chit- 
tenden Co., Vt., where he was engaged in the 
mercantile pursuits until the fall of 185.3. The 
year previous, one of his sons, J. P., had gone 
out to Wisconsin, and laid claim to a tract of 
land in what is now Utica, Crawford county. 
He settled on this land, and in 1853 was joined 
by his father and brothers, John H. and Thomas, 
and their families. John H. St., entered land 
in 1854, and with the assistance of his two sons, 
John H. and Thomas, laid out and platted the 
village of Towerville. This was in the spring 
of 1855. Previous to this, they had erected a 
grist mill, on what was then the most modern 
plan, and it was started Dec. 15, 1854. John H. 
Sr., died in April, 1856, and his loving and faith- 
ful wife departed this life at Towerville, in 1860. 
John H. Tower, Jr., was born at UnderhiIl,Vt., 
in March, 1819. He was reared in the mercantile 
trade, and his jiresent success is due in a great 
measure to the valuable business training he 
received in his father's store. He married 
Jane Woodruff, a native of Fairfield, Vt., born 
in August 1822. After coming to Crawford 
county, he was associated with his father in the 
erection of the grist mill, but about the time 
of its completion disposed of his interest, and 
engaged in mercantile pursuits. He continued 



in trade until 1860, when he was elected sheriff, 
and served two years. In 1866, he came to the 
town of Freeman, and purchased the grist mill 
on section 27, town 11, north of range 6 west, 
wliich he still owns. Since coming to Freeman 
town, he has served as town clerk thirteen 
years, chairman of the town board, one year, 
justice of the peace ten years, and is highly es- 
teemed as an upright, honest citizen. lie has 
two sons — Cornelius P. and William H. The 
fo'rmer is part owner and miller in the aforesaid 
grist mill, and the latter is a farmer of this 
town. 

William Davis was born in Knox Co.,Ind., in 
1826. When twenty-five years of age he went 
to Stillwater, Minn., for three years, and in 
1854 went to Vernon Co., Wis., entering land 
on section 4, town 11, range 5 west, in Sterling 
town, wliich he improved and on which he re- 
sided until 1872. He then came to Crawford 
county, settling on land which he purchased of 
Mrs. Joanna T. Wightman, situated on section 
16, town 10, range 6 west, Freeman town. Mr. 
Davis enlisted in February, 1862, in the 19th 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving until 
the close of the war. He participated in many 
of the most important battles, including But- 
ler's operations in the vicinity of Richmond, 
siege of Petersburg, etc. He married Martha 
A. Heavrin, a native of Kentucky. Mr. and 
Mrs. Davis have had seven children, six of 
whom are living — Mary A., William N., George 
G., Alice E., Charles F. and Edwin A. Mr. 
Davis has been a justice of the peace of Free- 
man town for several years. He also filled tlie 
office of town treasurer in the town of Sterling 
for three terms. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



611 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



TOWN OF HANEY. 



The town of Haney comprises congressional 
township 9, of range 14 west, and is bonniled,on 
the north, by the towns of Clayton and Utica; 
on the east, by the town of Scott; on the south, 
by the towns of Marietta and Eastman; and on 
the west, by the town of Seneca. 

The surface of this town is the most broken 
of any in the county. The Kickapoo river en- 
ters the town on the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 3, and takes a winding, southwesterly 
c Mirse to the southwest quarter of section 20, 
then southeast to the middle of section 34, from 
which section it leaves the town. 

''Hull's Branch," is the second stream in size; 
this enters the town on section 6, and f^ow^ 
nearly east for two miles, then bears soutli and 
enters the Kickapoo on the section line between 
sections 9 and 10. 

Crow Hollow creek enters the town on the 
northc.ist corner of section 12, and flows nearly 
west, uiiiling with the Kickapoo river on sec- 
tion 10. 

Shaw Valley creek, the fourth stream in si/.e 
in the town of Haney, rises on section 24, flows 
southwest into the Kickapoo river, on section 
34. 'J'liere is also a spring creek in the town, 
which has two branches. 

The town w as originally well supplied with 
timber; all varieties of woods being represented 
excei)t pine and liemlock. The saw mills of 
modern times have consumed much of this tim- 
ber, leaving but the second growth. Railroad 
ties are cut and run down the Kickapoo river 
in great numbers, which also lessens the supply 
of valuable timber witliin the town. 



The soil within the valleys is very rich, pro- 
ducing an abundant crop of corn, grass and oats, 
while the ridges are better fitted for wheat, rye, 
etc. 

FIBST SETTLBES. 

The first settler of this town was John Haney, 
who, in 1844, located in what has since been 
styled Haney Valley. Mr. Haney entered 160 
acres of land; but it appears that it was not in 
his name, but in the name of one Houghton, of 
Galena, Ills. Mr. Haney enclosed a few acres 
and cultivated it, but seemingly did not intend 
to become a permanent settler. He was of a 
speculative turn of mind; he brought a few 
goods with him for the purpose of trading with 
the Indians. In 1849 he left his settlement, 
crossed the Mississippi river and founded the 
(uty of Lansing, Iowa, where he resided till his 
death. Some of his family are yet (1884) resi- 
dents of that place. 

The land entered by Mr. Haney for Mr. 
llonghton, passed from the hands of the latter 
into the possession of J. F. Haskins. 

A Frenchman named Lesserd located about 
1847 on the west half of the northwest quarter 
of section 33. He built a house, which was 
the second dwelling erected in the town, 
Haney's being the first. Lesserd and his wife 
remained there a short time, when their house 
was burned. He rebuilt, and then sold out to 
James Mullaney, and moved to Prairie duChien, 
where he died. 

The next settlers, and indeed the first per- 
manent ones, were James H. Kast and James 
Mullaney. The former settled on section 12, 



612 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



in the spring of 1851, and tlie latter entered 
land the same year on section 33. 

In the fall of 1851, Peter M. Webb, Thomas 
Spencer and Quinton Nicks located in what is 
known now as the town of Haney. Mr. Webb 
died April 9, 1860. In 1884 his son still resided 
in the county, but his widow was in Kansas. 
Spencer and Nicks settled on section 11. Spen- 
cer died where he settled, Aug. 29, 1859. Nicks 
sold his claim to Spencer and removed to Rich- 
land county, and from there moved west. 

In 1852 W. H. Bliss settled on section 3, 
where he made a claim and lived about two 
years, when he entered land on section 4. 

In September of the same year, 1852, J. N. 
Kast settled on section 12, where he entered for- 
ty acres of land. In 1884 he was an attorney at 
Bell Center. 

In 1853 Peter Miller settled on section 10, 
where he remained till the time of his death in 
August, 1881. His oldest son, Charles, still 
owns and occupies the place. 

James Wilkins settled the same season, on 
section 24. His son, Alexander Wilkins, set- 
tled the same time on the same section. The 
former died in Grant county a few years ago, 
and the latter at last accounts was living in 
Iowa. 

Another settler of 1853 was William Shaw, 
who settled on section 26, on the farm after- 
ward owned by Anna Gibbs. Mr. Shaw re- 
turned to Indiana, from whence he came. 

L. H. Alvord located on section 6, where he 
entered 360 acres of land. A few years later 
he moved to Kansas. 

Peter Lansing, a Baptist minister, settled on 
section 13, in November, 1854. He came from 
Indiana; he at once entered 160 acres of land, 
upon which tract he lived for five or six years, 
when he moved over into Grant county. All 
speak of him as being an excellent man and a 
talented preacher. 

Dr. Simon Alder came in at the same time 
Mr. Lansing did, and settled on section 24, 
where he entered eighty acres and lived there 



till 1860, when he sold out and located at Peters- 
burg, where he lived a few years and then 
moved to Illinois. He practiced medicine dur- 
ing his stay in the town of Haney. 

Ill 1854 Nathan Kelley settled on section 13; 
he still lived in the town in 1884. 

Thomas Coleman was also a pioneer of 1854; 
he located on section 1, where he remained 
till the time of his death in 1861. 

Another settler of 1854 was Martin Totten, 
who located on section 10. He finally returned 
to his native State, enlisted in the Union army, 
and was killed during the civil war. 

Ferdinand Glathart, who came in the same 
year, settled on section 10; he too returned to 
Indiana, enlisted, and was killed during the 
war. 

Ira Lawrence located the same year, 1854, at 
Petersburg, where he built a large frame hotel, 
which was still standing and in a good condi- 
tion in 18S4. After running this hotel several 
years he moved to Nebraska and there engaged 
in the same business. 

Simeon Wilcox came in 1854, from Indiana 
and settled on section 10, at Petersburg, and a 
little later moved to the town of Freeman,where 
he died. 

In 1855, came George W. Wood, C. D. Bell- 
viUe, William Raymond, Merritt Thompson, Mr. 
Iceam, Alanson Taft, James J. Holden, Madi- 
son and James Alderman, Richard Reed, Mar- 
tin Reed, G. Cummings, Amos Alderman, H. 
A. Sturges, E. S. Barnum, George Root, James 
Dawling, and perhaps a few whose names have 
been forgotten. 

Among the large number of settlers who 
located in 1856, were: William Briokner, W. D. 
C Lewis, William Shultz, George Smith, Frank 
Stowell, Truman B. Stowell, Henry Meyers and 
S. Chadwlck. 

FIEST EVENTS. 

Mr. Haney built the first log house. 
Peter Miller built the first frame house in the 
fall of 1854 at Petersbui-g. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



613 



Tlie first child born within the limits of the 
town was Thomas, son of Peter and Jane 
Webb, born Feb. 28, 1852. He died in this 
town when about twenty years old. 

The first marriage which occurred in the 
town of Haney was that of J. N. Kast and 
Elendar J. Webb, March 23, 1852. The mar- 
riage ceremony was performed by Rev. Doler- 
hide, a United Brethren preacher. Mrs. Kast 
died June 20, 1874. 

The first death was that of Solomon Shook, 
a young man who came in from Illinois. He 
shot himself accidentally, Sept. 1, 1853. His 
remains were buried on section 11. 

The first ground cultivated was that of John 
Ilaney's. 

Henry Crow built the first mill, a saw-mill, 
on section 12, situated on Crow Valley creek. 

The first school was taught by Maria Wil- 
kins in the summer of 1853. Siie began the 
term at the residence of Thomas Spencer and 
completed the school in a school house erected 
thnl summer. James McAdam taught the fol- 
lowing winter. He was a soldier in the Civil 
War and was killed at Fort Donaldson in 1862. 

The first religious services within the town 
were held by Rev. Dolerhide, a United Breth- 
ren minister, from Richland county. These 
services were held at the house of James H. 
Kast, on Christmas eve, 1851. 

The first physician "was G. Morgan, who came 
in about 1856; was here a number of years and 
then removed to Nebraska, where he finally 
died. He was a native of the State of New 
York. He was a good doctor of the old school 
practice. 

ORGANIC. 

The first town meeting in the town of Haney 
was held April 5, 1859, at the liouse of George 
Root, on section 21. There were fifty-seven 
votes cast at this election, by wl'.ich the follow- 
ing officers were elected: 

Nathan Kelley, James H. Kast, Oliver Laiig- 
doii, supervisors; David Wion, clerk; Henry 
Crow, assessor and treasurer; J. L. Stowell, 



town superintendent of schools; Oliver Lang- 
don, G. F. Bigelow and G. W. Wood, justices 
of the peace; C. D. Kast, Ira Miller and W. F. 
Harris, constables. 

Of these pioneer town officers the following 
were deceased prior to 1884: 

Messrs. Langdon, Root, Bigelow, Crow, C. 
D. Kast, Harris and Wion. James H. Kast, 
Nathan Kelley and George Wood were still 
residents of the town at this date; the others 
having removed to various parts of the country. 

The election of 1883 was held April 3, at 
Wood's Hall on section 11. There were 110 
votes polled for the following officers; 

J. N. Kast, Jefferson Buckma.ster, C. R. 
Young, supervisors; Harrison Coleman, clerk; 
Alanson Taft, assessor; R. F. Haskins, treasurer; 
A. L. Stowell, James Alderman, S. Taft and 
John G. Richardson, justices of the peace; Aus- 
tin Alderman, R. Dowling and P. C. Kast, 
constables. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

In 1884 the town of Haney was divided into 
two full and eight joint school districts. 
Districts No. 1 and 5 are the full districts ; the 
former has thirty-one pupils of school age ; the 
school house is situtated in Haney Valley, on 
section 20. 

No. 5 has twenty-three pupils ; the school 
building in this district is on section 27, in 
Shaw's Valley. Joint districtNo. 1, is provided 
with a building situated iu the town of Clay- 
ton. The average attendance belonging to the 
town of Haney is three. 

Joint district No. 3 has a building on section 
30. This district is made from parts of Haney, 
Seneca and Eastman. 

Joint district No. 4 is provided with a house 
on section 11 of the town of Haney. Number of 
pupils, thirty-seven. 

Joint district No. 7 is made of portions of 
Haney and Seneca. The school building in 
this district is in the town of Seneca. Number 
of pupils from the town of Haney, six. 



614 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Joint district No. 8 has a good sized frame 
house located on section 33, of the town of 
Haney. Number of pupils, seven. 

Joint district No. 9 is furnished with a house 
situated on section 3. The number of pu 
pils from the town of Haney is forty-four. 
This is what is known as the Bell Centre school. 
The building in this district is the best in the 
town. 

Joint district No. i 1 is provided with a school 
house on section 25. Number of pupils twenty- 
six. 

Joint district No. 1:2 has a poor log building, 
situated on section 13. Number of pupils, 
twenty-seven. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The United Brethren wene the first denomi- 
nation to hold services of a religious character. 
They were still the most numerous sect in the 
town in 1884, at which time they kept their 
meetings up at the several school houses. 

The next to hold services, were the Free Will 
Baptists, whose society has never been very 
large. 

The Methodists are organized into quite a 
strong society. They hold services at Bell 
Centre and Haney Valley, alternately. 

A church edifice is now (1884) being erected 
on section 25, this is to be a Union church, built 
by a general subscription, to be used by all de- 
nominations. 

CEMETERIES. 

There are three burying grounds in the town 
of Haney. One of these is located at Bell Cen- 
tre, on section 3. This was the first cemetery 
used in the town, it being established in 1854. 

Another is situated in Shaw's Valley, on sec- 
tion 27. This also has been in use for many 
years. But little care is taken of these grounds, 
which remain unfenced and otherwise neg- 
lected. 

The third place of burial is on section 25. 
This is of a later date, and receives more care. 

The first interments made in the town, were 
in what is known as Crow Hollow. There are 



also several private burying grounds within the 
town. 

POSTOFFICES. 

There are three postoftices in the town ■ f 
Haney. The first established was called Bell 
Centre, which has its history in connection 
with the village of Bell Centre. 

Nortli Star postoffice was estiblished in July, 
1864. Anson T. Cook was the first postmaster 
and was still serving in that capacity in 1884. 
The ofiice has always been kept at the residence 
of Mr. Cook, on section 34. It is on the route 
from Wauzeka to Readstown; mail is received 
three times a week. 

Haney postoflice was established Sept. 26, 
1888. Seymour Taft was appointed the first 
postmaster. His commission is dated, Aug. 29, 
1883. It is a special oflice on the route from 
Wauzeka to Readstown; it is supplied from 
North Star postoffice. 

MILLS. 

The first mill erected in the town of Haney, 
was a saw-mill, begun by James H. Kast, on 
Crow Valley creek, at a point on section 12. 
This was sometime during 1853. Mr. Kast, 
aided by his brother Chaiicey, got out the frame 
and made considerable progress toward the 
erection of the mill, when on account of ill 
health, James H. Kast was obliged to stop work. 
It remained in an incompleted condition till 
1855, when the property was sold to Henry 
Crow, who set about completing it. Several 
years later he built a grist mill, a mile or so 
below the saw-mill. This was operated sev- 
eral years and finally burned and another mill 
erected on the same site, by Buckmaster & 
Morse. In 1884 tiiis was doingagood business; 
at this date it was owned and operated by Jesse 
Buckmaster. 

George F. Bigelow built a grist mill in 185T, 
on Hall's Branch, about two miles from the 
Kickapoo river. This mill was a failure, owing 
to the lack of a sufficient "head;" also, by reason 
of the dam being hard to keep in repair. But 
little was ever done in the way of grinding; the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



615 



mill building was still standing, in 1884, as a 
land mark of early days. 

A saw-mill was built by Horace Langdon, 
in 1873, on Crow Hollow creek, on section 10. 
He run it about two years, when the machinery 
was taken out, and the mill abandoned. In the 
fall of 1881, George W. Wood, on whose land 
it was situated, put in new machinery and made 
general repairs and the following February 
started the mill again, with an abundant supply 
of water power. Several portable steam saw- 
mills have been operated throughout the forests 
of the town, at various times, but are no longer 
in use. 

VILLAGE OF BELL CENTRE. 

Bell Centre is so called from Dennis Bell, and 
the fact that its site was centrally located within 
the town, on section 3. The site of the village 
is on land entered by Silas Anderson about 
1852. Anderson sold to Dennis Bell, in 1854. 
He engaged C. D. Bellville a surveyor, to lay 
out the village plat, and gave him a third in- 
terest for liis services. Dennis Bell sold a part 
of the site to his brother, Elias Bell, so that the 
proprietors of the plat were Dennis and Elias 
Bell, and C. D. Bellville. The plat was made 
by C. D. Bellville in August, 1855. 

Elias Bell and Merritt Thompson hid erected 
a frame store building, 16x20 feet, and opened a 
small general store, in June, previous to the 
survey of lots ; this was the first building 
erected on the plat. The first building after 
the platting was done, was a shanty erected for 
a dwelling house for the time being. George 
W. Wood built it. CD. Bellville built a clieaj) 
house, at about the same time. Late in the fall 
of 1855, Bellville erected a small frame dwell- 
ing, which, in 1884, formed a part of the resi- 
dence of J. N. Kast. Mr. Wood also built a 
frame building that fall, into which he moved 
his family, and the following spring opened a 
store in the same building; therefore, he was 
the second merchant in the village. 

The first blacksmith at Bell Centre was Jona- 
than O. Parker, who erected his forge and 



placed his anvil several years after the platting 
of the place. He also did wagon work. He 
is spoken of by the pioneers as a skilled work- 
man. 

In the fall of 1855 William Raymond pur- 
chased the interest Elias Bell had in the village 
site, and'in the spring Dennis Bell became sole 
owner of the plat. He operated the store a 
short time and then sold to Raymond, who 
continued a few months longer, when the busi- 
ness, store and goods were purchased by George 
W. Wood, who was succeeded by William Ray- 
mond, in 1861. Two years later, Raymond 
erected a better store building across the street 
in the town of Clayton; and with Aaron Cook 
as partner, he continued in trade till 1871, 
when they dissolved, Raymond continuing a 
year longer. In 1884 he was in the banking 
business in Hampton, Iowa. 

Isaiah Rounds succeeded Raymond in busi- 
ness, and operated the store till bis death, when 
the business was closed out. 

The plat of the village extends to the town 
line of Clayton. At first it contained ten acres; 
a small addition was made, on the west side, in 
1856, by Elias Bell, and another on the south. 
Several business houses were erected, also resi- 
dences, across the street in the town of Clayton. 

In 1884 the merchants on the village plat, 
were Lewis Bros. The business was first estab- 
lished by H. H. Lewis, in 1873, and has been 
conducted by various members of the family. 
The village plat, in 1884, contained the follow- 
ing business concerns: Lewis Bros., groceries, 
drugs, provisions, etc.; Arthur Stowell, black- 
smith ; Jack Richards, blacksmith ; Nathan 
Kelley, wagon maker ; J. N. Kast, attorney ; 
Fred Lewis, postmaster; James Russell, hotel 

On the Clayton side of the village there were 
at this lime, keeping a store, and carrying a gen- 
eral line of goods W. W. Tate & Co. 

The first hotel in the place was kept by 
George W. Wood, in 1861, in the hotel build- 
ing owned by William S. Waite, which was 



616 



HISTORY OF CKAWFORD COUNTY. 



erected by Mr. Wood, in 1857, for a dwelling 
house. 

The postoffice at Bell Centre was established 
early in 1856, and C. D. Bellville was the first 
to serve as postmaster. He was succeeded in a 
few months by George W. Wood, who kept the 
office till June, 1861, and was succeeded' by Wil- 
liam Raymond, who was followed by Isaiali 
Rounds; Mr. Woods was again postmaster from 
Dec. 1, 1870, till June, 1873, when he was suc- 
ceeded by William S. Waite, who, in turn, was 
followed by R. E. Glover. H. H. Lewis was 
the next postmaster ; he was followed by Fred 
Lewis, who is still (1884) in office. 
"star temple lodge." 

This is the name of a Good Templars' lodge 
at I?fell Centre which was organized Feb. 10, 
1872 by the following charter members, whose 
title of office in given with their names: J. L. 
Stowell. W. C. T.; F. Glover, W. V. T.; Helen 
Wood, W. F. S.; R. E. Glover. W. R S.; M. 
Rounds, W. T.; Horace Langdon, W. M.; Em- 
ma Barto, W. D. M.; M. L. Coleman, P. W. C. 
T.; Nettie Rounds, W. I. G.; William Lang- 
don, W. O. S.; Margaret Smith, W. R. S.; Jen- 
netta Rounds, W. L. S.; Edward Barto, W. C; 
S. C. Smith, H. C. Walker, M. L. Coleman, Al- 
vln Langdon, Jefferson Stowell, Jane Poff, 
Libbie Barber, O. P. Rounds, William Rounds, 
Ester Rounds, F. Brightman, David Dunham, 
H. H. Lewis, H. J. Poll, W. S. Wait, A. L. 
Stowell, Samuel Dagett, O. Bennett, B. Poff, 
F. W. Lewis, Nancy Rounds, M. Welch. 

Officers of '1883: Thompson Whiteker, W. 
C. T-; Frank Coleman, W. V. T.; Joseph Whit- 
teker, W. R. S.; Hattie Whiteker, W. F. S.; 
J. B. Strong, W. M.; R. Coleman, W. D. M.; 
Silas Anderson, W. S.; William Strong, W. G.; 
Aba Thompson, W. R. S.; Amanda Thompson, 
W. L. S.; J. N. Kast, P.W. C. T.; Hiram Whit- 
eker, W. C.; S. Coleman W. T.; Ina Biown, 
W. L. D. 

REPRESENTATIVE -CITIZENS. 

The following named persons are mostly 
early settlers; those who have stood in the front 



ranks during the pioneer "battle of the wilder- 
ness," and now behold the result of their hard- 
ships and privations. They certainly deserve 
an honored ])lace in the annals of progress. 

Ira F. Kast, the son of James H. Kast, was 
born in La Fayette Co., Wis., in 1846. He mar- 
ried Margaret J. Payne, daughter of Jonathan 
Payne. They have six children, four boys and 
two girls. Mr. Kast resides on the homestead 
which he now owns. His father was the oldest 
permanent resident of Haney town, coming to 
this town in the spring of 1851. Land had been 
entered by other parties before this date, but no 
permanent settlement made. He was born in 
New York State, in 1804. When twenty-two 
years of age he went to Medina Co., Ohio, re- 
maining until 1845, when he went to LaFayelle 
Co.. Wis. In 1850 he came with his brother 
Chauncey to Scott town, this county, ami in 
1851 entered 160 acres of land on section ]-2, 
Haney town, where he has since resided. Mr. 
Kast has had eleven children, only four of whom 
are living — Lois C, widow of Henry Crow; Mary 
J., wife of B. S. Haskins; Eleanor L,, wife of 
George Burton, and Ira F. 

John G. Richardson resides on section 11, 
where Thomas Spencer settled in July, 1852. 
He is a son of William Richardson, one of the 
early settlers of Scott town. Mr. Richardson 
was born in Kentucky, Jan. 4, 1842. He enlist- 
ed in February, 1805, in the 47lh regiment,Wi.s- 
consiii Volunteer Infantry, and served until the 
close of tiie war. Two of his brothers, Samuel 
and David, were also in the army. Mr. Rich- 
ardson married Eliza, daughter of Thomas 
Spencer, born in Richland Co , 111. They have 
six children, Mrs. Richardson's father wasbi>rn 
in Indiana, and came to this town in 1851. He 
died in August, 1859. His wife is still living. 
Mr. Richardson's father was born in Loudon 
Co., Va., and came to this county in 1852. He 
entered 1 20 acres of land on section 7, where he 
resided until his decease in 1873. His wife 
died a few days previous. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



«17 



William H. Langdon resides on section 20, 
Haney town. He is a son of Oliver and Sarah 
(Kn gbt) Langdon, who settled on the farm, 
now owned by Oliver Langdon's heirs, in 1854. 
He was born in Vernon Co., Wis., Nov. 18, 185.3. 
He married Jesse M. Thompson, daughter of 
Ambrose Thompson, of Seneca town. Mr. 
Langdon's father enlisted in the latter part of 
the war, in the army, but died at Madison, 
Wis., while waiting to be transferred to the 
field. His widow, now the wife of Montrose 
Washburn, resides in Howard Co., Neb. 

Harrison Coleman was born in 1847, in Indi- 
ana. In 1855 he came with his parents to 
Crawford Co., Wis., and has since been a resi- 
dent of Haney town. He enlisted, when sev- 
enteen years of age, in the 3d Wisconsin Vol- 
unteer Infantry. He participated in the battles 
of Bentonville, and Averysboro, and was with 
Sherman on his march to the sea. He married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Alanson Taft. Mr and 
Mrs. Coleman have two children — Clarence and 
Pearl. Mr. Coleman was clerk of Haney town 
for 1883. He resides on section 22, this town. 
His father, Thomas Coleman, was born in Ohio. 
He died at his residence, on section 1, Haney 
town, in 1801. His mother died in Vernon Co., 
Vv'is., in 1877. 

James Smethurst lives on section 29, town of 
Hane^. He was born in Lancaster, Eng- 
land, in 1840. His father, Daniel Smethurst, 
came to this country while James was an infant, 
settling in Morgan Co., Ohio. In 1855, the 
family came to Crawford Co., settling on sec- 
tion 10, town of Seneca. His father died in 
1872, and his mother in 1874. James, the sub- 
ject of our sketch, was married in 1863, to Au- 
gusta Langdon. Mrs. Smethurst was a daugh- 
ter of S. P. Langdon, the original owner of tlie 
village of Seneca, one of the earliest settlers of 
Columbia Co., Wis. James lived with his fath- 
er until after his marriage, when, in 1864, he 
made the farm on section 10, now owned by B. 
Crow. Sept. 1, 1864, he enlisted in company 
C, 43d Wisconsin Volunteer, serving until the 



war ended, and the regiment was discharged 
July, 1865. In 1876, Mr. Smethurst, removed 
to Haney, buying land on sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 
32 and 33, owning 577 acres, with about 300 
acres under cultivateon, with valuable improve- 
ments, being one of the finest farms in Kicka- 
poo valley. They have three children — 
Charles, born Jan. 17, 1864; Anna E., born May 
20, 1866; Ira A., born Oct. 1 1, 1 868. Mr Smeth- 
urst has served as chairman of town board one 
term, on side board two terms, and is one of 
the reliable men of this town. 

Henry Hamilton resides on section 32, town 
9, range 4 west, in what is now known as Citron 
valley, where he located in 1873. Mr. Hamil- 
ton's father. Lot Hamilton, is a native of Lan- 
castershirc, England, and came to this country 
in 1853, to find a location and make a home for 
his children, his wife having died in England. 
Ill 1855 he entered land on section 1 1, this town, 
and in ]S.t6, brought over his children, Henry 
and James, and settled on his land. Henry was 
born in England, in 1840. He entered the Un- 
ion army in 1804, as a meniber of the 1st 
Wisconsin Cavalry, serving until the close of 
the war. He was present at the capture of .fef- 
ferson Davis, and received his share of the 
prize money given for that exploit. In 1872 he 
went to Texas, but not being pleased with the 
country returned in 1873, and purchased his 
present farm. He has 450 acres of land, ■■ilO 
of whi' h he bought of Mr. Mullaney. His farm 
is beautifully located in the Citron valley, and 
is one of the best stock farms to be found, ])cr- 
haps, in the State. Mr. Hamilton married Cath- 
erine, daughter of M. Fairchild. She was horn 
iu German township, Fulton Co., Ohio. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hamilton have eight children, six sons and 
two daughters. His father. Lot Hamilton, 
lives with him. Mr. Hamilton's brother, James, 
died while in the service of his country in 1863. 

W D. C. Lewis has resided in the village of 
Bell Centre since 1857. In that year he came 
to Bell Centre and purchased land adjoining 
the village, which he converted into a good farm 



618 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



which he still owns. Mr. Lewis was born in 
Shelby Co., Ind., in December, 1827. When four 
teen years of age, he removed with his parents to 
what is now the State of Iowa. His father, H. 
H Lewis, wentto Californiaduring the gold ex- 
citement of 1849, and from there he went to 
Oregon, where he died. Mr. Lewis married 
Abbie C. Girdler, a native of Massachusetts. 
They have five children — Horace H , Laura C, 
Fred, who is the postmaster at Bell Centre; 
Frank J. and Abbie E. The firm of Lewis 
Bros, have the only store on tlie village plat of 
Seneca. They deal in groceries, provisions, 
drugs, etc. 

Mrs. C. Eliza Biederman is a native of Ne* 
Haven, Conn, She came to Haney, Crawford 
Co., Wis., in 1858. She has been twice married, 
her former husband being Dr. Justin B. McCar- 
thy, of St. Fancisville, 111; her second one, Carl 
H. Biederman, of Poesnick, Prussia. Mrs. Bied- 
erman is a woman of culture and more than or- 
dinary ability — the author of the "Soldier's 
Souvenir," "Photos from Life," etc. She has 
four daughters, one of whom was by her former 
marriage. Her father, Capt. George F. Bigelow, 
was one of the early settlers of the town of Ha- 
ney, he was born in 1800, at South Egremont, 
Mass., and reared in North Haven, Conn. At 
the age of eighteen he became master and owner 
of a coasting vessel; was married to Rebecca 
Wilmot, of Darien, Conn., in 1826, and removed 
from New Haven to North Hampton Co., Va., 
a few years after, where he engaged in mer- 
chandizing, milling and manufacturing castor 
oil. Mr. Bigelow also built many trading ves" 
sels for his own use, employing them to convey 
the produce he brought to New York, and West 
India markets. His property being destroyed 
by tire, he removed to Norfolk, Va . where he 
established himself in the milling and manufac 
taring business. While here Mr. Bigelow pat- 
ented an improvement in the construction of 
ships. In 1841 ,he removed to Indiana, where him- 
self and father were engaged in merchandizing. 
He next removed to Lawrence Co., 111., where 



he resided many years, engaged in milling, mer- 
chandizing and farming. In 1856, on account of 
his healtli, he came to Haney town and erected a 
grist mill on Hall's branch, but only ran it a short 
time, and then departed this life. His wife fol- 
lowed him to the "world beyond," Feb. 1, 1880. 
Of their four children, Mrs. Biederman is the 
only survivor. 

Alanson Taft, Sr., resides on section 13, Ha- 
ney town, where he settled March 5, 1858, hav- 
ing previously purchased his farm of Peter 
Lansing. Mr. Taft was born in Machias town, 
Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1817. His 
mother, Lucretia (Mclntyre) Taft, died in New 
York State, and his father subsequently mar- 
ried Deborah Vial. In October, 1833, his 
father moved to Trumbull Co., Ohio, and after- 
wards to Ashtabula county, where he lived until 
his death, which occurred while on a visit at 
West Mission, Iowa. Alanson Taft was mar- 
ried in what was then West Salem town, 
Mercer Co , Penn., to Elizabeth Graves, a native 
of Pennsylvania. He removed with his family 
to Crawford Co., Penn., thence to Grant Co., 
Wis., coming from there to Crawford county. 
Mr. Taft has 480 acres of land in this town, 100 
of which are improved. He also owns land else- 
wliere. Mr. Taft died July 16, 1864, leaving 
eight cbildren — Absalom, Phebe, Mary, Eliza- 
beth, Alanson, Oliver and Olive (twins), and 
Adelaide. Tliey all, with the exception of two, 
are married, and all but one residents of Haney 
town. 

Piatt A. Lathrop resides on section 24, Haney 
town, where he settled in 1864, purcliasing I. is 
farm of R. S. Lathrop. Mr. Lathrop was born 
in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1835. His father, 
Landias Lathrop was an early settler of that 
county, but a native of Massachusetts. Mr. 
Lathrop ejilisted, in 1862, in the 1 12th regiment, 
New York Volunteers, and served in tlie army 
two years. He married Harriet Rossiter, a na- 
tive of Ciiautauqua county. Mr. and Mrs. La- 
throp have five children — Cassius, Ella, Jennie, 
Lowell and Landis, (twins.) Mr. Lathrop's farm 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



619 



consists of 160 acres of land, 100 acres of which 
are improved. It is pleasantly located, with a 
fine new brick veneered residence, and other 
valuable improvements on it. 

Seymour Taft, postmaster at Haney, resides 
on section 24. He was born in Freedom 



town, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in 1819, where he 
was reared. He married, in Hinsdale town, 
Philura Hawley, who died before Mr. Taft left 
his native county. He afterwards married Eu- 
dolha Morrea, who died in Pennsylvania where 
Mr. Taft was then living. He has four children 
— Lucretia, Thaddeus W., Ella and Edwin M. 




620 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXII 



TOWN OF MARIETTA. 



Marietta is located in the southeastern corner 
of the county. It is bounded on the north by 
the towns of Scott and Haney ; on the east, by 
Richland county; on the south by Grant county 
and the town of Wauzeka ; and on the west, 
by the towns of Wauzeka and Eastman. It 
comprises all of town 8, of range 3 west, north 
of the Wisconsin river, and all of town 8, of 
range 4 west, except section 31 ; also a part of 
section 6, in town 7, of range 3 west, and a part 
of section 1, in town 1, of range 4 west, to- 
gether with a few acres of sections 24 and 25, 
in town 8, range 5 west. 

The Kickapoo river forms the western bound- 
ary of the town until it reaches section 31 of 
town 8, range 4, where it enters the town of 
Wauzeka. The course of the Kickapoo makes 
sections 3, 8,9, 10, 17, 18, 19 and 30, fractional, 
and the course of the Wisconsin river makes 
sections 13, 14, 22, 28 and 32, of town 8, range 3 
west, on the southeastern border of the town, 
fractional. Also section 6, in town 7, of range 
3 west, and section 1, in town 7, of range 4 
west. The town, not unlike most of Crawford 
county, is very broken, having liigh ridges with 
narrow valleys between. In the east and 
southern part of t]^e town, these valleys run 
toward the Wisconsin river, and those on the 
west toward the Kickapoo river. 

At an early day the ridge lands were well- 
timbered with white, red and black oak, hard 
and soft maple, basswood and some black wal- 
nut and butternut timber. The heads of the 
valleys were covered with a scrubby timber, 
with many wild plum and thornapple trees, 



while farther down in these valleys a heavy 
growth of good timber was found. The manu- 
facture of lumber from these forests, furnished 
about the only means of employment among 
the early settlers. 

The soil, is a heavy clay mixture, on the ridge 
land, while the valleys contain more loam. Both 
ridges and valleys produce good crops of small 
grain, grass and corn, together with the fruits 
and vegetables common to this latitude. 

The main dividing ridge between the Wis- 
consin and Kickapoo rivers, is traversed by the 
leading thoroughfare of the town running from 
Wauzeka village. It gains the summit of the 
ridge on section 2'8, town 8, range 4, crosses sec- 
tion 28, 21, 22, 14 and 13, then enters town 
8 of range 3 west, crosses section 18 into 
7, and passes northwest through section 12, 
in town 8, of range 4 west, and through sec- 
tion 1, between the town lines of the towns 
of Marietta and Haney. Tiie State road 
between Roscobel and Viroqna runs from the 
Wisconsin river, on section 22, passing through 
sections I-t, 9 and 4, to the town line of Scott 
into Richland creek, then follows up the val'ey. 

EAKLY SETTLEMENT. 

Robert Boyd made the first settlement in the 
town of Marietta, in 1844, at what was later 
known as Boydstown. 

William and Jonathan Wayne effected the 
next actual settlement ; the former coming in 
1846 and the latter in 1847. Jonathan settled 
on section 35, town 8, range 4. A few years 
later he, with Mike Woodard, platted George- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



631 



town. He died In Illinois sometime after the 
close of the civil war. 

George Lull came on the same year, 1846, and 
located on section 36 in town 8, of range 4 west, 
and remained till 1849. 

During 184f< the next settlement was made. 
Among the number who came at this date were: 
Martin Seeley, who settled on section 2, town 
7, range 4; George W. Harrison, who settled at 
Boydstown, where he died in 1859, and his 
wife in 1872. S. P. Kinny came the same year, 
remained at Boydstown till about 1858, but 
afterward removed to Minnesota. Among the 
settlers of 1850 were Lewis Wayne and Ed 
Rogers. Mr. Wayne settled on section 15, 
town 8, range 4, where he died in 1869. Mr. 
Rogers was a millwright by trade ; he located 
on section 9, town 8, range 3. He died in 1858, 

Guy S. Thompson, George W. Cup and O. E. 
Wise came in 1851. Thompson located on sec- 
tion 9, town 8, range 3 west. He was the first 
town treasurer, and held that office for five 
years, from 1855 to 18G0. He came from Ohio 
to this county ; he was a prominent man ; he 
ran a tavern for a few years and finally re- 
moved to the town of Scott, where he died. 
Mr. Cup settled on the Jonathan Wayne farm, 
where he remained till his death, which occur- 
red in 18811. Mr. Wise remained in the town 
till after the civil war, then moved to Colorado, 
where he died in 1880. 

John T. Ferrel came the same year, 1851, and 
located on section 9, town 8, range 3, and re- 
mained a resident of the town till after the 
civil war. In 1884 he was living in New 
Mexico. He operated a ferry on the Wiscon- 
sin river at a point near where the Boscobel 
bridge now stands, for about two years, until 
he got into litigation with Mike Woodard, who 
ran another ferry line at tliat point;they "lawed" 
until Mr. Ferrel lost nearly all he had and then 
sold out in disgust, to Hiram Comslock, who 
ran the ferry till the completion of the bridge. 

In 1852 Alonzo Ward came in and settled on 
section 13, town 8, range 4, where he still lived 



in 1884. But little, if any, increase was given 
to the settlement in 1853; but the year follow- 
ing quite a number same in, among whom were 
the following : Stephen Gardner, who located 
on section 20, town 8, range 4 west ; James 
Posey, on section 10, town 8, range 4 west ; S. 
S. Ferrel and his sons, John F. and James M., 
all of whom settled on sections 8 and 9, town 8, 
range 3 west. Samuel Wannemaker came in at 
the same time, and settled on section 2, town 8, 
range 3 west. He died in the Union array. 

The following settled during 1855 : Peter 
Campbell, on section 17, town 8, range 3 west; 
Chancey H. Steele, on section 2, town 8, range 
3 west; Isaac C. Jones, on section 2, in town 8, 
range 3 west ; John Cummings, on section 10, 
town 8, range 3 west ; Thomas Ward, on the 
same section as Cummings ; J. Cain, on the 
same section, also; L. Parce, on section 4, town 
8, range 3 west; he died in the army ; Warren 
Cheaver, on section 11, town 8, range 3 west; 
Thomas Shields, on section 11, town 8, range 3 
west; Charles E. Wannemaker, on section 2, 
town 8, range 3 west. The latter now (1884) 
lives in Colorado; John T. Farris settled in the 
town in 1856, on section 9, town 8, range 4 
west, where (1884) he still resides. 

From this date on, the settlement increased 
rapidly. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

The first marriage within the town of Mari- 
etta was that of Robert Boyd and Eliza Wayne, 

in 1848. 

The first death was Florence Wayne, in 1852. 

ORGANIC. 

The first election was held in the town of 
.Marietta the first Tuesd.-iy of April, 1855. It 
w,as organized by electing O. E. Wise, chair- 
man, and A. D. Allen, clerk. The following 
officers were elected: 

S. P. Kinney, chairman, Ira L. Wayne and 
George W. Harrison, side board, E. Lull, clerk; 
Robert Boyd, treasurer; Jonathan Wayne, asses- 
sor; J. D. Jobe, school superintendent; S. P. 



622 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Kinney, Thomas Reynolds, A. D. Allen and 
Alvin Woods, juFtices of the peace. 

In 1866 that part of the town west of range 
3, was set off into a town called Union, and 
their first election held April 2, 1867, at which 
time the following officers were elected: J. N. 
Wayne, chairman; J. W. Powell and Robert 
Jobe, side board; S. L. Daywitt, clerk; Stephen 
Gardner, assessor and treasurer; S. P. Kinney, 
Barnet Daywitt James Posey and W. L. Wayne, 
justices of the peace. 

In IS'ZS this territory was again set back, and 
the towns of Union and Marietta were consoli- 
dated under the old name. 

Officers of 1883 were: James Patton, chair- 
man; H. J. Foust, and Florence Williams, side 
board; J. N. Calloway, clerk; Stephen Welch, 
treasurer; James Harris, assessor; S. S. Ferrel, 
J. H. McDonald and A. Titus, justices of the 
peace. 

SCHOOLS. 

This town has nine full and three joint school 
districts 

District No. 1 has a frame house located on 
section 16, town 8, range 3 west, valued at §250. 
In 1884 this district had forty pupils. 

District No. 2 is provided with a frame build- 
ing on section 9, town 18, range 3 west, valued 
at $350. Number of pupils, fifty-three. 

District No. 3 has a frame house on section 
12, town 8, range 3 west, valued at $250. Num- 
ber of pupils, forty. 

District No. 4 has a frame house on section 29, 
town 8, range 3 west, valued at 1300. Number 
of pupils, sixteen. 

District No. 5 has a frame house located on 
section 21, town 8, range 4 west, valued at $400. 
Number of pupils, sixty-six. 

District No. 6 has a frame house on section 
10, town 8, range 4, west, valued at $400. Num- 
ber of pupils, forty-five 

District No. 7 is provided with a frame build- 
ing on section 26, town 8, range 4 west, valued 
at $150. Number of pupils, fifty. 



District No. 8 has a frame house on section 
1 2, town 8, range 4 west, valued at $400. Num- 
ber of pupils thirty-one. 

District No. 9 has a frame house on section 
34, town 8, range 4 west, valued at $350. Num- 
ber of pupils, thirty-five. 

Joint district No. 1 is formed of parts of the 
towns of Marietta and Wauzeka; has a building 
in the latter named. Number of pupils in Ma- 
rietta, thirteen. 

Joint district No. 11, with Wauzeka, has its 
school house in Wauzeka. 

Joint district No. 7, joint with the town of 
Scott, is provided with a house in the latter 
named. Number of scholars from Marietta, ten. 

EELKIIOUS. 

The first religious services held in the town 
were conducted at the house of William 
Wayne, in Boydstown, in 1850. 

The first religious services in the northwest 
part of the town were held in 1856 at the hou.se 
of James Posey, by a Baptist minister named 
Wade. In August, 1857, a Church was formed 
consisting of thirty members, who afterward 
were under the charge of Elder Ross, and upon 
his removal to Minnesota, the society went 
down. 

There are now (1884) but two religious socie- 
ties within the town. The United Brethren 
Church, composed of two classes, led by leaders 
F. Smith, David Foust, William Kast, William 
Parrington and J. Thompson. Their pastor 
at this date was Rev. William A. Taylor, who 
was born in Grant county, in 1852, and ordained 
to preach in October, 1880. He had charge of 
ten appointments in 1884, five in the town of 
Marietta and five in the town of Haney. 

A Methodist Episcopal class was organized 
in what was then the village of Marietta, in 
1854. Rev. Tucker was among the the earliest 
preuchers; he was drowned in the Wisconsin 
river a few years later. The first text preached 
from in the town was remembered by Esquire 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



623 



Fervel, thirty years afterward, as. being, '■'■lam 
not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." Mr. 
Fuirel was chosen class leader at an early time, 
and is still (1884) doing his Christian duty in 
that line. This class is in the Madison district, 
E.xcelsior circuit. 

CEMETERIES. 

The oldest burying ground in the town is 
the one located at Iioydstown,on section l,town 
7, range 4 west. This was first used in 1852. 
An infant of James and Cynthia Wayne was 
the first to be buried in these grounds; she died 
Sept. 15, 1852. 

What is known as "Wayne's Cemetery" is 
situated on section 14, town 8, range 3 west; 
this was established in 1852. 

In 1861 a cemetery was laid out on section 3, 
town 8, range 3 west. Mrs. Daniel Shaw was 
the first adult buried at this place. She died 
March 17, 1863. 

In 1862 another cemetery was provided on 
section 10, town 8, range 4 west The first in- 
terment was Lydia, daughter of Stephen and 
Eliza Gardner, who died Oct. 13, 1862. 

Another cemetery called "Wayne's Cemetery" 
is situated on section 25, town 8, range 4 west. 
This was first used in 1873. Walter, a son of 
James and Cynthia Wayne, was the first one 
buried at this place. 

On section 17, town 8, range 3 west, there is 
another cemetery, which was established in 
1862. In 1884 this was a platted ground and 
well cared for. 

A few graves may be fonnd on section I , 
town 8, range 4 west. 

POSTOFFICES. 

The postoflice known as Marietta, on section 
9, town 8, range 3 west, was first established in 
1852, with O. E. Wise as the first postmaster. 
It was discontinued in 1863, and again estab- 
lished in 1866, when Lewis Kimball became 
postmaster; he was followed by J. M. Calloway, 
who still (1884) holds the office. The name of 
the office is Millet. 



Stuben postoffice was established June 16, 
1882, on section 9, town 8, range 4 west. Henry 
C. C. Kast was appointed the first postmaster. 

MILLS. 

Lewis Wayne and Joshua Woodard erected 
the first mill within the town in 1850. This 
was a water power saw-mill, located on section 
15, town 8, range 3 west, on Richland creek. 
It was run by some of the Wayne family till 
1861, when the father, Lewis Wayne, and his 
four sons all enlisted in the LTnion army, and the 
mill was never after operated. 

O. E. Wise and Ed Rogers built the second 
mill in 1851. This was a saw mill run by 
water power, derived from Richland creek, at a 
point on section 9, town 8, range 3 west. In 
1867 a flood washed this mill away. The site 
finally passed into the hands of J. M. and J. V. 
Calloway, who lebuilt it. It is now (1884) owned 
and operated by J. V. and M. H. Calloway. 

In 1856 Charles and S. L. Wannomaker, C 
H. Steele, and Isaac C.Jones, built a steam saw- 
mill, which was operated till 1859, when fire 
destroyed it. It was re-built in 1861, by S. L. 
Wannemaker, on section 12, town 8, range 3 
west; it was abandoned in 1868. 

In 1857 S. P. Kinney built a steam saw-mill 
on Clear creek, on section 19, town 8, range -i 
west, which he operated till 1864. It was finally 
moved from the town, and run elsewhere. 

William H. Main built a saw-mill, run by 
water power furnished by Clear creek on sec. 
tion 30, town 8, range 3 west in 1869. Three 
years later, this mill was taken down stream by 
the flood, and it was never replaced. 

In 1876 John A. Daggon built a thirty-horse 
power steam saw-mill, on section 32, town 8, 
range 4 west. This mill was a first class saw 
mill, cutting all kinds of hard wood lumber, 
railroad ties etc. 

In 1877 J. G. Allen and his son Albert, built 
a fine flouring mill on Richland creek, at a 
point on section 9, town 8, range 3 west. This 
mill was 36x24 feet, built of wood and provided 
with two run of stone. In 1882it was bnrned, 



624 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



but with enterprise characteristic of Mr. Allen, 
tiie mill was re-built and again in operation in- 
side of three months. With the re-building, 
much improvement was made in the machinery 
of the mill. 

lu 1882 James Juckian built a thirty-five 
horse power steam saw-mill on section 26, in 
town 8, range 4 west. 

About 1876 Francis McSpadin built a stave 
mill, operated by steam power. It was located 
on the north bank of the Wisconsin river, near 
Boscobel. In 1884 it was owned and run by 
William McWiUiams. 

REMINISCENCE OF NANCY WAYNE. 

I was born in Shelby Co., Ky. My father 
V as Ledston Redmon, who was a soldier in the 
War of 1812, and was in the battle of New Or- 
leans. My mother's brother was also in that 
battle. My grandfather, George Redmon, also 
his father, were soldiers in the Revoluiionary 
struggle, serving nearly through the whole war. 
I had four brothers in the Black Hawk war. In 
1828,1 married Lewis Wayne, in Edgar tJo., 
111. We built, and occupied the first house in 
Paris, the present county seat of tiiat county. 
We moved to Green Co., Wis., in 1842, and 
in 1844 to Grant county, settling three miles 
below where Boscobel now stands. The widow 
Powell, our nearest neighbor, lived three miles 
up the river, on the present site of the Boscobel 
fairgrounds. Jesse Howell, living five miles 
up the river, was our next neighbor. In 1850 
we moved to the town of Marietta, Crawford 
county, settling on section 15, on Richland 
creek. My husband was a descendant of Gen- 
eral Wayne, "Mad Anthony," of Revolutionary 
fame. Whether the Indians hated him on ac- 
count of his name, or he hated them for the 
same reason, I do not know, but at any rate 
there always existed a bitter feud between 
them. Wiien we lived in Green county, he met 
a party of about fifteen Indians one day. The 
foremost of them drew his bow and arrow on 
him, but my husband quickly covered him with a 
rifle, and the Indian "then shot the arrow up- 



wards. About 1854, a man named Smith, liv- 
ing at Fort Andrew, had two horses stolen by a 
band of Indians, one of them a blooded racing 
mare, and on account of her value, he was anx- 
ious to recover her. The Indians being equally 
anxious to get away with her, divided their 
forces; two braves, after mulBing the mare's 
feet, mounted her and took a direct course for 
the Mississippi river, near the present site of 
Lynxville. 

My husband volunteered to recover the mare, 
and heatoncediscovered the trick of the Indians. 
With a comrade he started in pursuit, and fol- 
lowed the faint trail until he left it and struck 
across the country, with a view of intercepting 
them. At this point his comrade weakened and 
turned back. Near where Lynxville now is on 
the bank of the river, my husband came in sight 
of the two Indians, mounted on the horse. One 
Indian escaped on the horse, badly wounded, 
but has probably long since rejoined his com- 
rade in the " happy hunting ground." My hus- 
band returned, bearing as a trophy, the rifle of 
the Indian who did not escape. When I asked 
him if he was afraid, he said: "Yes, when it 
was all over, for I did not know how near the 
main party of Indians might be." The other 
wing of the pursuing party recovered the other 
horse, and the blooded mare was afterwards 
t;iken from the Indians. About a year after 
ihis, my husband was trailing a wounded buck 
near Clear Lake, on the Wisconsin bottoms, 
when he discovered an Indian following him. 
They both " treed," and my husband managed, 
by exposing part of his clothing, to draw the 
Indian's fire; then he showed himself and the 
Indian attempted to escape by running. He 
did not run far, however! A year or so later 
on the same ground, he met an Indian who drew 
his knife and made a rush for him; my husband 
was armed with a rifle but was willing to meet 
the red man on equal terms; so drawing his 
knife and dropping his gun, he awaited the at- 
tack. The Indian halted and oft'ered to bury 
the tomahawk, if he would show him where 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



625 



the bones of the dead Indian were buried. This 
my husband was able and willing to do. Though 
the Indians were frequently seen skulking 
around, no actual attacks were made upon him 
after this occasion. 

My husband built the first saw mill on Rich- 
land creek, in 1850, on our own land, and oper- 
ated it until 1861, when he and the boys went 
into the army, and the mill was never started 
again. In November, 18C0, on the day of the 
election of President Lincoln, my husband and 
two of our sons, Nathaniel and Frank, started 
with a barge load of potatoes, about 1,500 bush- 
els, I think, which they floated down the Mis- 
sissippi river, looking for a southern market. 
The barge was frozen in at Burlington, Iowa, 
and they were compelled to unload and bury 
their potatoes. They then went to Peoria, Ills., 
where they secured work in the coal mines dur- 
ing the winter months. In the spring, they 
returned to the barge and found that it had 
been badly broken up by the ice. Repairing it, 
and reloading their potatoes, they again em- 
barked. They sold part of their cargo at dif- 
ferent points. At Memphis, Tenn., they dis- 
posed of 600 bushels to rebel encamjiments 
As the rebel sentiment was growing stroncrer. 
they were compelled to return nortli, leaving 
several hundred bushels of potatoes in the hands 
of commission merchants, from whom they re- 
ceived no returns. 

Reaching home in the summer, my husband 
and our four sons enlisted in company K, 12tli 
Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. My sons 
were: Nathaniel, Samuel, William and Francis. 
I expect if they had ever reached Memphis 
they would have tried to get the pay for those 
potatoes. My sons all served the whole term 
of the war, and all came home alive. I came 
from a family always ready for war, married 
into another, and have reared still another! 

VILLAGE OF BOTDSTOWN DEFUNCT. 

[By Mrs. J. N. Wayne.] 

The first white man that permanently settled 
in what is now the town of Marietta, was Robert 



Boyd, from Missouri. He erected a small log 
cabin on the banks of the Wisconsin river, 
twenty-five miles east of Prairie du Chien, in 
1846. It was on a beautiful, sunny bank, slop- 
ing gradually to the bluff, half or three-quarters 
of a mile back from the river. Here he lived 
alone for one year, with only the red man and 
his dusky mate for companions. But in the 
year of 1847, his bi'other Kingsley came, and 
they lived together for one year. Mr. William 
Wayne moved his family across the river from 
the lead mines near Plattsville. He was wel- 
comed by Mr. Boyd, who early the following 
spring married his daughter, Elizabeth. She 
still lives near the old place. George Wayne, a 
son of William Wayne, was the first white child 
born there. In the spring of 1848, the first 
steam boat, named the Wagner, landed there to 
purchase wood. Wayne and Boyd taking 
advantage of the times, and with a view of 
what might be, entered into partnership, con- 
sidering it a good point for trade. A beautiful 
stream of spring water flowed down its valleys, 
and the prospect for mills and manufacturing 
looked brilliant. They had visions of a future 
city, and looked forward to the time when this 
valley would be a boom of life and prosperity. 
They gave it the name of Boydstown. 

In the spring of 1849, several families moved 
in and permanently located. Among them 
were Morton Seeley and S. P. Kinney. They 
purchased land on this stream, and built a 
water power saw-mill, which looked very en- 
couraging. This mill is located half a mile 
from Boydstown, on section 2, town 7, range 4 
west. In the fall of this same year, Mr. Come- 
lins Seeley came with his family and purchased 
some land, together with the mill property. He 
subsequently sold it to his son, D. F. Seeley, 
who still owns the property, but lias done noth- 
ing with it for the last four years. 

The first religious services that were held at 
Boydstown, were in the house of Cornelius 
Seeley, by itinerant preachers named Hill and 
Dana. This same year, Johnathan Wayne 



36 



626 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



came with his family of grown up children. 
Some of them were married and settled in this 
place; also came George W. Harrison, who was 
the first justice of the peace. 

The first court held in Hoydstown was a case 
of petty larceny, which happened in this wise. 
The wife of the second itinerant preacher sent 
here, named McSchooler, claimed to have been 
robbed of jewelry, ribbons, lace, etc. Suspicion 
rested on a young girl, who was arrested and 
tried, but the lost property was not recovered. 
This same Mrs. McSchoolar was a very pretty, 
modest lady, and being brought into publicity, 
so favorably impressed the men and officers 
who had the naming of the new town then 
being created, that they gave it her name — 
Marietta. This was in 1853. 

In the year 1S49, .James Anderson built a 
small steamboat on the Ohio river, on which 
he moved his family down the Ohio, up the 
Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, and landed at 
Boydstown. A few weeks after his arrival 
here, his wife died, being the first death and 
burial in the place. 

The first school was supported by subscrip- 
tion, and taught by Mrs. S. P. Kinney, in 1849. 
She was recommended by I. D. Brunson, of 
Prairie du Chien. The first school district was 
organized in the fall of 1B51, and embraced all 
the territory in Crawford county, lying east of 
the Kickapoo river. It contained three settle- 
ments — Boydstown, Richland Creek and Cass, 
being about thirty miles in extent. 

The first district school was taught by Ira 
Allen, of Indiana, who was also district clerk. 
He occupied three or four days in taking the 
district census. At this date, (1884) Viola 
Allen, grand-daughter of said Ira Allen, is 
teaching school on the same grounds her grand- 
father taught on thirty-eight years before, and is 
teaching the great grand-children of parents 
that sent to her grand-father. 

' 'We see the same scenes our fathers have seen, 
We run the same race our fathers have run." 



But to resume the history of Boydstown : 
In 18.52 C. Bermer, a German, came from Xew 
York, and opened a store in a building which 
he erected for that purpose. He also purchased 
a large share of the town plat. 

Robert Boyd started a ferry-boat across the 
Wisconsin river soon after his arrival, which 
was maintained until the construction of the 
Boscobel bridge. 

When the railroad was surveyed from Mil- 
waukee to Prairie du Chien, Mr. Boyd sup- 
posed the line would run through Boydstown, 
and on the strength of this supposition the town 
was laid out in blocks and streets, and obtained 
a charter for a village. Several lots were sold 
and buildings erected. A respectable looking 
steamboat. Enterprise, Capt. Humbertson, made 
regular trips up the Wisconsin from dillerent 
points on the Mississippi, and made Boydstown 
a regular weekly landing place. Among the 
carpenters there, were J. Barstow, brother of 
Ex-Gov. Barstow. He erected several build- 
ings, among which was a large hotel. He .after- 
ward moved to Viroqua, where his wife was 
killed by a tornado. 

But the place being left off the line of a rail- 
road, rapid as had been its growth, the decline 
was still more marked. Mr. Boyd died in 1856, 
but lived to see his hopes vanish. William 
Wayne had died in 1851. 

In 1856 almost the last vestage of the place 
had disappeared. The Bermer property was 
sold to Martin V. Foust, and by him to Jasper 
Wayne, who is improving and making a farm 
of the old site. Many buildings were removed, 
and some decayed on the grounds where they 
were built. One by one the inhabitants re- 
moved, until the last man, John Foust, moved 
away in 1883. Thus has passed from sight 
with its hopes and ambitions, the old land mark 
— Boydstown. 

VILLAGE OF GEOBGETOWN THAT WAS.* 

I was a resident of Georgetown during part 

of its palmy days. I believe it was in 1852, 

*Inforination furnished by Isaac Woodward, of Boscobel. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



627 



that Jonathan Wayne and Mike Woodward 
bought eighty acres of land on section 14, town 
8, range 3 west,,wilhin what was afterward the 
town of Marietta, and platted so much of it as 
could be made available between the bluffs and 
the Wisconsin river. They gave the name of 
the plat, "Village of Georgetown." In 184f, 
Lewis Wayne and Joshua Woodward built and 
operated a ferry at this point, which soon passed 
into the hands of "Mike" Woodward. I rented 
and run this ferry in 1855. The growth of 
Georgetown was in a business way, quite flatter- 
ing. The first general store was opened in 1852 
by L. Brown. About a year later, George Rob- 
erts opened up a stock of groceries and liquors. 
David McCord, also carried about the same sort 
of a stock. Another dealer whose name is for- 
gotten, operated at the same time. It took a 
heap of whisky to run this town in its early 
days, under the "Marietta Code" — the unwrit- 
ten law. Our blacksmith was Samuel Wagner; 
our landlord was Alfred Rogers. In 1856 we 
had a boat yard. A Mr. Webster, from below 
came up here and built two large barges for the 
Mississippi river trade. Upon tlie completion 
of the Milwaukee & Prairie du C'hien railroad 
and the location of Boscobel, a general stam- 
pede prevailed, caus'ng the p 'ople to -ca'ter in 
all directions, and the village, buildings, people 
and all disappeared as if by magic. "Lib" 
Brown lives in the town of Scott, George Rob- 
erts went into the Union army, and after the 
war moved to Kansas. "Mike" Woodward is 
also a resident of Kansas. McCord died Jan. 
14, l!^84, in Boscobel; Jonathan Wayne died in 
Illiniiis; Samuel Wayne removed to Illinois. 
The ferry was operated till 1862, and then moved 
to a point about half a mile above the Bosco- 
bel bridge, which was built in \S1G at a cost of 
$33,000. The village site and the original pur- 
chase of Wayne and Woodward, is now held 
by 11. Comstock on a tax deed from Crawford 
county. 

VILLAGE OF MARIETTA — NOW GONE. 

At an early day there was quite a collection 
of houses at what is now Millet postoffice, on 



section 9, in town 8, of range 3 west, at a point 
ahout where Callaway's saw-mill now stands. 
This was called the village of Marietta, and 
was indeed, quite a trading point. In 1853 
Al vin Woods and William Rogers put in a large 
stock of general merchandise, and operated on 
so large a scale that the pioneers say they "failed 
up bad." 

In 1860 George Cannon engaged in trade, 
he also dealt extensively in the cash product of 
the times, ginseng root, for which he paid out 
large sums of money and disposed of many 
thousand dollar's worth of goods. He remained 
only three years, and was followed by Kim- 
ball <fe Stover in 1866. This firm, which was 
the last to do business at this point, removed in 
1867. 

Guy S. Thompson built a tavern here which 
is now (1884) used by Mr. Callaway as his resi- 
dence. No trace of a village has been visible 
here for years. 

PIONEER SETTLERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

William Wayne was born in Kentucky. In 
early life he 'settled in Cole Co., 111., and about 
1842 came to Grant Co., Wis. In 1845, with 
his family, consisting of himself, wife and 
I'ight children, he came to Boydstown, being, 
with the exception of Robert Boyd, who pre- 
ceded him one year, the earliest settler of Mari- 
etta. His wife died in Marietta about 1860. 

James N. Wayne, son of William Wayne, 
was born in Cole Co., 111., in 1825; came to 
Marietta with his father in 1845. On Jan. 7, 
1847, he married Cynthia, daughter of Dr. 
Chester Pratt, of Fennimore, Grant Co., Wis. 
They have had nine children — Jasper, born 
June 16, 1850; Florence, born Feb. 21, 1852 and 
died Sept. 15, 1852; James N., Jr., born Oct. 
18, 1853 and died Feb. 21, 1855; Jane, born 
Jan. 15, 1856, wife of Rolla Harrison; William 
A., born April I, 1859; Chester E., born Nov. 
7, 1861; Walter, born May 24, 1864 and died 
March 21, 1869; Mary M., born Oct. 11, 1867, 
and Frank, born April 16,1871. William A., 
th^' third son, lives with his mother on the old 



628 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



homestead on section 35, town 8, range 4 west. 
They own two farms, 240 acres in all, with val- 
uable improvements. 

Lewis Wayne was born in Madison Co., Ky., 
in 1808. He settled in Marietta in 1850, on 
Richland creek, then called Bear creek, on sec- 
tion 15, town 8, range 3 west, where he bought 
360 acres of good land. His son-in-law, 
Joshua Woodward, came with him. They 
crossed the Wisconsin river at Georgetown and 
made a road most of the way to their location. 
He married Nancy Redmon in 1828. They 
have ten children — Milton G., born 1829; Eliza- 
beth E., born 1830; Nathaniel, born 1833; 
Samuel, born 1835; William, born 1838; Fran- 
cis M., born 1841; Hester died in infancy, in 
1842; Margaret, born 1846: Isabelle, born 
1850; Nancy, born 1853. Hattie, born 1855; 
Mr. Wayne was a frontiersman, rugged and 
fearless. He was patriotic and a great hater 
of Indians (see reminiscence by his widow). 
He was blunt and outspoken. His death occur- 
red March, 1869. He was buried with Masonic 
honors. 

Nathaniel Wayne is the son of Lewis 
Wayne. He was born in 1833. He came 
to Boscobel, and with his father's family, 
to this town in 1850. The fortunes of 
his father he largely shared, serving in the 
army with him and three brothers in company 
K, 12th Wisconsin- Volunteers, which service 
cost him dearly, having been an invalid ever 
since. He resides with his mother, Nancy 
Wayne, on the old homestead purchased by his 
father in 1850, on section 15, town 8, range 3 
west. He was married in 1871 to Mrs. Sarah 
Madison. They have two children — Joseph L., 
born June 10, 1872; James L., born June 16, 
1874. Mr. Wayne was a good and faithful sol- 
dier, and for disability contracted in the army 
he receives a pension. 

Stephen S. Ferrel was born in Botetourt Co., 
Va., in 1815. In 1820 his parents moved to 
Sangamon Co., 111., settling on Lick creek, six 
miles south of Springfield, which was then a 



"squatter" village. His father, who was a Revo- 
lutionary soldier, died in 1823. He married, in 
1 840,Eliza Jane Todd,who was born in Kentucky, 
and a distant relative to President Lincoln's wife. 
When Lincoln was a young lawyer, Mr. Ferrel 
became well acquainted with him, which ac- 
quaintance continued until his removal from the 
State. He says of Lincoln : "He was the most 
honest lawyer I ever knew or heard of." When 
he came to Iowa Co., Wis., he bought land and 
settled near Dodgeville, but followed mining. 
In 1850 he moved to Marietta, settling on 160 
acres in sections 8 and 9 in Richland creek val- 
ley. The entry he made with a land warrant 
granted to his mother on account of services 
rendered by his father in the Revolution. He 
enlisted September, 1861, in company K, 12th 
Wisconsin Volunteers. He was discharged in 
September, 1862, on account of hemorrhage of 
the lungs. He still lives on the old homestead. 
They have had six children — John T , born 
1841 ; William Henry, born 1843, died 1858 ; 
James, born 1845; Anna, born 1848; Virginia, 
born 1852 ; Edwin is dead. He has served 
as chairman of town board of Marietta, 
about twelve years. The first election after 
his residence in the town, he was made jus- 
tice of the peace, which office he lias held to 
this date (1884). Counting his Illinois services 
he has been a magistrate nearly half a cen- 
tury. He has always been an active and use- 
ful citizen. 

J. T. Ferrel, son of S. S Ferrel, was born in 
Sangamon Co., 111., 1841. He came to this 
town with his father in 1854, with whom lie 
lived until 1861, when he enlisted in company 
K, 12th Wisconsin Volunteers. He served 
three years, then "veteranized," and served 
until the regiment was mustered out, July, 1865. 
He was always able to be in the ranks in all en- 
gagements of the regiment. The regiment was 
in the battles of Atlanta, July 20, 21, 22 and 
28, following Sherman to the sea, up through 
the Carolinas, and in the line at the grand 
review of the grand army, at Washington, in 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



629 



June, 1S65. Mr. Ferrel was a faithful, capable 
soldier, and for meritorious service in assisting 
ill the laying of a bridge across the Savannah 
river, the night before the evacuation of the 
city, ho was promoted from the ranks to a lieu- 
tenancy. In 1866 he married Martha S. Castley, 
of Marietta. They have eight children — Wil- 
liam, born 1866; Nellie, born, 1868; George, 
born 1870 ; Charles, born 1872; Walter, born 
1874; Dolly, born 1878; Carrie, born 1881, and 
Frank, born 1883. Mr. Ferrel lives and owns a 
farm in section 9, Richland creek valley. He 
has served on town boards of supervisors and 
as town clerk. 

Jonathan Rogers lives on section 15, town 
8, range .3 west, in Richland creek valley. He 
was born in 1840, in Milwaukee, Wis. He came 
to this county with his father, Edward Rogers, 
about 1850, Edward Rogers was a millwright, 
and the first one of his trade, who ever worked 
in Crawford county, he was formerly from Ohio. 
He came to Milwaukee about 1840, and in 184.3 
to Dodgeville, Iowa county, working near three 
years in the lead mines. About 1850 he came 
til Mai'ielta; was the millwright employed by 
Lew Wayne & Woodward,in building the"Peo- 
nice Mill," of this country. In partnership with 
O. E. Wise he built the second mill, thesiteof 
which, is now owned by the Callaway boys. 
The seltlemeiit of Mr. Rogers was on the place 
now owned and occupied by J. M. Callaway. 
Mr. Rodgers, when he settled in Marietta, was 
a widower, with a family of six children — Ade- 
line, wife of O. E. Wise; Caroline, wife of J. T. 
Fend; Edwin, Daniel, Jonathan and Charlotte, 
llis last wife was Mrs. Chandler, formerly of 
Plaltevilie, Wis. By this marriage Mr. Rogers 
had three children. Mr. Rogers died about 
185S, and his widow and her three children 
moved to anotlier part of the State. Mr. Rog- 
ers could use almostall kinds of tools, and work 
iron or wood ; was a man by nature master of 
mechanical work ; is also remembered as being 
active in public affairs in the new settlement. 
His son Jonathan Rogers married March 13, 



1S71, Eva Drake. They have four children — 
Mary L., born Jan. 26, 1872 ; Anna, born Aug. 
18,1874; Frank, born Oct. 8, 1 879, and Char- 
lotte M., born Oct. 30, 1883. 

James M. Ferrel was the son of S S. Ferrel. 
He was born in Sangamon Co., 111., in 1845. He 
came with his father to Marietta in 1854, and 
lived with him until he enlisted in 18G5, in the 
47th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. He 
served nine months and was mustered out with 
the regiment, Sept. 20, 1865. He married Jose- 
phine Moore, of Iowa Co., Wis., whose parents 
were among the first settlers there; her mother, 
America Parish, being the first white woman in 
the county, and was there married to Col. Levi 
Moore. Mr. Ferrel had six children, five living 
—Pearl S., born Aug. 1, 1869; Fern E., born 
Sept. 4, 1871; Ivy S., born Jan. 16, 1876; Lena 
C, born Jan. 11, 1878; and Lee J., born April 
19, 1883. Jennie M. was born Jan. 29, 1882, 
died in that year. Mr. Ferrel owns and lives 
upon a farm on section 9. 

Stephen Gardiner was born in VY abash Co., 
111., Oct. 30, 1827. When two years of age his 
lather, Joseph Gardiner, moved to Richland 
Co., Ills., where he died in 1856. Stephen went 
to .lo Daviess county, in 1 849, when Oct. 30, 1 850, 
his 2:id birthday, he married Elizabeth Ann 
Posey. In May, 1854, he came to Marietta, 
settling on section 10, town 8, range 4 west, 
where he lived until 1870, when, preferiiig to 
live on the ridge land, he bought a farm on sec- 
tion 20, and has since resided there, still owning 
the old farm in the valley of the Kickapoo. 
They have nine children — William J., born 
Jan. 13, 1852, died in infancy; Nancy Jane, 
born Feb. 28, 1853; Jerusha, born Feb. 12, 1855; 
Harriet, born Nov. 26, 1856; Josephine, born 
May 11, 1859; Lydia, born May 16, 1S61, died 
Oct. 13, 1862; Martha A., born Jan. 1, 1863; 
David, born Dec. 9, 1864; Jemina, born June 9, 
1S67. Mr. Gardiner has had many |)ul)lic trusts; 
one term chairman of town board, justice several 
terms, town treasurer five or six terms, and one 
term assessor. 



630 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



James Posey settled with his family on sec- 
tion 10, in Kiekapoo valley, town 8, range 4 
west, town of Marietta, in May, 1854. He 
crossed the Wisconsin river at Georgetown, 
coming thence by way of Richland creek, from 
the waters of whicli they made their road to the 
Kiekapoo valley. They were the first settlers 
of the northwest part of the township. Mr. 
Posey was instrumental in making roads, lead- 
ing up the valley of Kiekapoo river, and to 
Boydstown on Wisconsin river. He also, with 
S. Severson and John T. Farris, established a 
ferry on the Kiekapoo, near where the Farris 
Bridge now stands; this bridge, with a little 
assistance from the town, was built by the 
neighborhood in 1858; it is on the main road 
from Seneca and vicinity to Wauzeka and Bos- 
cobel. Mr. Posey was born in 1817, near Sa- 
vannah, Ga. While young his parents moved 
to Tennessee; in 1829, to Wayne Co., 111., 
where he married, in 1835, Jerusha V. Farris. 
In 1845, they moved to Jo Daviess Co., 111., and 
from there to Marietta. They have had nine 
children — Elizabetli Ann, born 1836, wife of 
Stephen Gardiner; Nancy Jane, born 1838, died 
1878; Louisa, born 1840, died 1877; George W., 
born 1843; James D., born 1846; Jerusha E., 
born 1848; Isaac F., born 1851; Edna Ann, born 
1854; William S., born 1856, in the old town of 
Union. Mr. Posey was chairman of the board 
of supervisors most of the time from 1862 to 
1875. 

Chauncy H. Steele, lives on section 3 (Mari- 
etta), town 8, range 3 west, where he has a line 
farm with valuable improvements. He was 
born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1827, coming to 
the territory of Wisconsin at the age of sixteen; 
stopping at Platteville, Grant county,he engaged 
in farming. The same year (1844) his parents 
followed him. In 1850, he went to California 
and followed mining and teaming for tvvo years. 
He returned to Wisconsin in February, 1853, 
and married Rebecca E. Wannemaker. In 
September 1855, became to Marietta, locating 
on section 2, town 8, range 3 west. He built a 



horse-power stave-mill; not proving a success, he 
built a larger, and put in an engine, and machin- 
ery for cutting all kinds of hard wood for gen- 
eral building purposes, running also a stave- 
cutter. He rafted and floated to market, down 
the river, the products of the mill. He had in 
partnership with him Charles and S. L. Wanne- 
maker and I. C. Jones. This was the first steam 
mill ever built in the town of Marietta; it 
burned in 1859. In 1863 he moved to his pres- 
ent residence, where he owns 240 acres of land. 
They have five children — Walter E., born 1854; 
Clarence H., born 1856; Rena S., born 1861; 
Nelson B., born 1863; Myrtie E., born 1875. 
Mr. Steele served a short term in the army, 
enlisting in company G. 47th Wisconsin Vol- 
unteers in January, 1865, was appointed com- 
missary sergeant, was mustered out with 
the regiment in September, 1865. He has 
held many important )niblic trusts; served 
as chairman of county board of supervisors two 
terms, as chairman of the town board, four 
terms; several terms as member of sideboard, 
and as assessor and treasurer. His father and 
m ther lived with him during the last years of 
their lives. An obelisk in a beautiful cem- 
etery, bears these inscriptions: Timothy Steele, 
died June 20, 1866, aged 83 years. Orpha J. 
Steele, died Nov. 9, 1865, aged 70 years. 

Peter Campbell was born in Perthshire, Scot- 
land, in 1819. He was married in 1846, to Is.a- 
bel Stevenson. June 2, 1851, with his wife and 
two children, he embarked on a sail-boat, at 
Glasgow, for America, landing at New York, 
and continuing west, by the way of Buffalo, 
and the lakes, and Milwaukee to Lancastei', 
Grant Co., Wis., reaching there Aug. 2, 1851. 
He lived in that vicinity, following farming, 
until the sjjring of 1856, when became to Mari- 
etta town, settling first on section 20. He lived 
there until 1868, when he built his present fine 
residence on section 17. Mr. Campbell owns 
lands on sections 17, 18, 20, 21 and 7, town 8, 
range 3 west, in all, 520 acres, having about '200 
acres under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Camp- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



631 



bell had nine children given them — Peter, born 
184V, diedinOctober ]872;Thomas,born in 1849; 
Maggie, born in 1851; Will G , and James S., 
(twins) born in 1856; Robert, born in 1858; Al- 
bert, born in 1860, died in November 1872; Jen- 
nie born in 1862, and Wallace born in 1865. Mr. 
Campbell was the first settler, on what is known 
as Campbell ridge. He has served about 
twenty years as school treasurer in his district, 
one term as town treasurer, and three terms on 
side board of supervisors, and is a much respec- 
ted citizen. 

Samuel L. Wannemaker, was born in Trum- 
bell Co , Ohio, 1822. He lived there until 1845, 
then came to Grant Co., Wis. He lived in 
the town of Liberty until 1850, owned a farm, 
but worked at his trade, carpenter and joiner. 
In 1)^50 he bought in Clifton a saw mill, with 
water power. He operated the same until 1857, 
living, meanwhile in Clifton, then taking into 
co-partt!ership, Peter Clayton, Wm. Howdle, 
William Oliver, and William Andrew. On 
tiie old mill site, they built a substantial flour- 
ing mill. This was called Annaton mill, and 
co.st §15.000. The same year, Mr. Wannemaker 
sold out his interest and moved back to Liberty. 
In 1859, lie went to Pike's Peak, Col., and fol- 
lowed mining until 1861, when he returned to 
Grant county, and in the fall of the same year, 
came to Marietta. He then built a steam saw mill 
on section 12, operating this mill two years. He 
then, in 1863, exchanged it for a farm in Grant 
county. Since that time, he has paid his atten- 
tion to fanning, and his trade, and has had his 
residence on section 12, town 8, range 3 west. 
He also owns throe rented farms in Grant county 
In 1852, he married at Wingville, Grant county, 
Maria J. Hill; they have five children — Jenny 
Lind, born May 10, 1853; Edgar L. born Sept. 10, 
1855; Samuel Lee, born May 4, 1858; Loren E. 
born Jan. 22, 1862; Ellen Kate, born Dec. 2, 
1864. Mr. Wannemaker has always been a 
prominent citizen wherever he has resided, and 
has represented his county in the State Legisla- 
ture, served five terms as chairman of the 



board of supervisor, served two years as town 
clerk, one year as treasurer, and one year as as- 
sessor. His father, Jonas Wannemaker, was 
born in Lehigh Co., Penu , 1795. At the age of 
fifteen, he moved to Tniinbull Co., Ohio. In 
1818 he married Esther Everett. He moved to 
Wisconsin, in 1847, and settled in Liberty, Grant 
county. He lived there until the summer of 
1872, and moved to Marietta, living with Sam- 
uel until his death, which occurred Nov. 3, 1872. 
His wife lived until Jan. 21, 1875. They have 
been blessed with a family of twelve children, 
and all are living at this time (1884) -Samuel 
L., Lydia, wife of I. C. Jones; Mary A., wife of 
Eli Emmens; Rebecca, wife of C. H. Steele, 
of Marietta; Sarah A., wife of E. A. Brown; 
Charles E., Jonas, Clarrissa, wife of Leonard 
Fry; Nelson, living in California; Susan, wife 
of Dr. Wm. Loy; Emma, wife of Robt. Dennis, 
of Grant county; Kate, wife of James B New- 
comb, of McLeod Co., Minn. His grandfather 
Wannemaker, and his great-grand-father were 
soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and were 
both in Gen. Wayne's (Mad Anthony) command, 
at Paoli, when the command was surprised in 
their sleep, and the larger portion, massacred. 
His grandfather was among the prisoners, and 
his great-grand-father was killed. 

J. VV. Daugherty was born in Adams Co., 
Ills., in 1837. While young, his parents re- 
moved to Fair Play, Grant Co., Wis., (1643); 
two years later to Dickeyville, and in 1856, to 
Fennimore. In 18G5, the subject of this sketch 
came to Marietta, locating on section 14, town 
8, range 4, living there five or six years; then 
removing to EUenboro, Grant county, where he 
stayed one year, then returned and located on 
section 24, town 8, range 4, where he has since 
resided. Early in 1864, he enlisted in company 
E., 35th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. Af- 
ter thirteen months service,he was discharged, on 
account of injuries received while on duty. He 
was married at Fennimore, Wis., Jan. 31, 1858, 
to Jane Bailey, a native of Ohio. They have 
had nine children, six of whom are living — 



682 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Elmer E., John F., Hattie Bell, Hulclah I., 
George C. and Rhoda E. Three are buried — 
Oney, Sarah and James. Mr. Daugherty had 
two brothers in the army. John enlisted in the 
2d Wisconsin Cavalry, in 1862, and died in 
hospital in 1864. Thomas was a member of 
the 26th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, and 
was killed at the battle of Resaca, Ga. His 
father lived his last years with him, and died 
Nov. 27, 1881. 

William Harris was born in Perthshire, Scot- 
land. The family came to America, landing at 
Quebec, in 1854. His father, William Harris, 
Sr., settled in Wellington with his wife and 
five children. In 1864 William Harris, Jr., 
with a married sister, whose husband had pre- 
ceded them, came to Milwaukee, Wis. Wil- 
liam went to Madison in railroad emplay, and 
part of the year worked on the Wisconsin river. 
His father was killed by the falling of a tree in 
Canada in 1865. To assist his mother and fam- 
ily he returned to Canada, but his Wisconsin 
experience induced him to return, with all the 
family, iu November of the same year; family 
consisting of his mother, his brothers Peter, 
James, George, John and himself and sister 
Isabella. 1 hey made home first on rented land 
in Wauzeka town in a neighborhood called Sun- 
down, living there about two years. They 
then rented a farm of John Loaby in Eastman, 
and lived there until 1871. In 1872 William 
and James bought land on section 34, town 8, 
range 4 west, and brought their families here, 
being the first settlers on the range in that part 
of town. James now owns the first location; 
William owns and occupies the northwest 
quarter, section 34, town 8, range 4 west. 
Their mother is living with her son George on 
section 27, same town. All the family that came 
to Wisconsin are living and in this town. Wil- 
liam Harris, Jr., married Jemina Hunter, of 
Eastman. They have five children — William, 
born 1871; Robert, born 1873; John, born 1875; 
Margaret Jane, born 1877; and James Guy, born 
1881. Mr. Harris is one of the substantial 



farmers of this town, and a man held in high 
esteem by his townspeople. 

James Patten was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
in 1835. At the age of nineteen years, his par- 
ents being dead, he as the eldest son, had charge 
of the family, which consisted of his step-mother, 
five brothers and two sisters. In 1854 he moved 
to Cherry Valley, Wiiuiebago Co., III. There 
in 1860 he married .fane Coya. He enlisted in 
the 12th Illinois Cavalry early in 1862, serving 
nearly three years, he was in all engagements 
of the regiment. In June 1865, he came to 
Marietta, looking for a location; in September 
of the same year, he brought his family, con- 
sisting of a wife and three children. The fol- 
lowing year (1866) he purchased, on the ridge 
west of -Richland creek, 360 acres of land on 
section 7, where he has lived ever since. They 
have ten children — Joseph, born 1860; Mary, 
born 1862; James E., born 1865; Samuel E., 
born 1866; Hattie, born 1868, and died in 
1873; William, born 1870; Louisa, born 1872; 
John, born 1874, died in infancy; Georgiana, 
born 1876, and Lee, born 1878. Mr. Patten is 
serving his third term as chairman of the board 
of supervisors, has also served three terms as 
side member, has always been active in all mat- 
ters promoting public good. 

J. M. Callaway was born in Franklin Co., 
Va., Nov. 25, 1810. When twenty-one years of 
age, his father A. E. Callaway, with the family, 
wife and twelve children, six sons and six 
daughters, moved to southeastern Missouri. 
The subject of this sketch remained there until 
1846, excepting about four year's absence, 
which was spent mostly in Vicksburg, Miss., 
though he made several journeys to Texas dui- 
ing that time, in its "Lone Star Republic" 
days. There he was repeatedly asked the usual 
question in those days, "What have you been 
doing in the States, that you have to come 
here?" Texas was then the place of refuge 
from justice. Mr. Callaway has been quite a 
traveler, has visited eighteen different States. 
In 1846 he came to Iowa Co., Wis., and there 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



038 



married, July 23, 1S4T, Margaret Daily. He 
lived there, near Highland, ten years (except- 
ing three years spent in California, 1853, 1854, 
and 1855), engaged in farming, but more large- 
ly in mining. In 1856 he moved to Henrietta, 
Richland county, where he bought land and 
made a farm, and built a ?aw and grist mill in 
said town of Henrietta. He lived there also 
ten years. In 1866 he bought land on sections 
8 and 9, on Richland creek, town of Marietta, 
making his residence on section 9, where he has 
lived to this date, (1884). They have nine liv- 
ing children, eight living with parents — Joel 
D., born June 11, 1848; Millard II., born May 
18, 1851; James V., born Aug. 31, 1853; Jennie, 
born May 4, 1857; Ruth, born Oct. 31, 1858; 
Douglas, born Oct. 4, 1860; Frank, born Oct. 
10, 1862; Dolly, born May 4, 1865, and May, born 
July 10, 1867. Two infant twin children were 
buried in 1819. Mr. Callaway is an active, 
public-spirited citizen, has been postmaster at 
Marietta postoffice, now called Millett, sixteen 
years, was register of deeds for Crawford coun- 
ty in the years 1871 and 1872; in 1870 enu- 
merator of census for the county east of Kick- 
apoo river; in 1880, for town of Marietta. He 
is now (1884) town clerk. 

James Guickan is operating a steam saw mill 
located on section 26, town 8, range 4 west. 
Mr. Guickan has operated steam mills in Craw- 
ford county the past sixteen years. He 
commenced the business when a young man, 
losing a mill by fire in Union Co., Ohio, in 
1866. lie has suffered severely by fire and ac- 
cident in this county. He first located in the 
town of Scott in 1868, and has operated 
mills in Scott, Clayton, Wauzeka and Marietta 
towns. In 1871, Mr. Guickan was taken out of 
the debris of a mill wrecked by boiler explos- 
ion, in the town of Scott, in a supposed dy- 
ing condition, and for three years was nearly 
blind from the effect of this explosion. He was 
badly burned, and will carry to the grave scars 
received at that time. He was afterward con- 
nected with a very fine mill in Clayton town, 



which was destroyed by fire. Mr. Guickan is 
a man of great energy, and never gives up 
to adversity. He was born in County Letrim, 
Ireland, in 1847; came with his parents to 
America in 1855. His father settled in Preble 
Co., Ohio, where he still resides. When Mr. 
Guickan was not yet sixteen years of age, he 
enlisted, Oct. 16, 1862, in the 50th regiment 
Ohio Volunteers; not being of legal age, his 
father on writ of habeas corpus took him out 
of the regiment, but, finding that James would 
go in some way, consented to his enlistment as a 
drummer boy, in the 54th Ohio Volunteers. A 
few weeks found the drum exchanged for a 
musket, and for sixteen months he could always 
be found in the ranks. He was then discharged 
as an invalid, but later entered the employ of 
the Government at camp Hamilton, and remain- 
ed until the camp was broken up in 1865. Mr. 
Guickan was married in Ohio, in 1865, to Mary 
Robinson. One child — Charles E. was born to 
them in Ohio, Aug. 16, 1865. Mrs. Guickan, 
long an invalid, died July 5, 1877. On Feb. 
24, 1878, Mr. Guickan married Martha, daugh- 
ter of William O'Shaughnessy, of this town. 
By this marriage there were three children- 
Martha Ellen, born Dec. 2,1878; James William, 
born April 21, 1881; and Lillian, born July 5, 
1883. 

J. B. Kinder, a native of Perry Co , Ohio, 
was barn in 1845, and in August 1861, enlisted in 
company D, 31st regiment, Ohio Volunteers, at 
the age of sixteen years, serving four years, 
lacking eight days. He was always able to do 
duly, and participated in all the battles in 
which the regiment was engaged; followed 
Shermnn through Georgia to the sea, throifh 
the Carolinas, and was in the line at the grand 
review at the Nation's capital, in June, 1865. 
The war left him out of health, and after one 
year of sickness, for health and recreation, after 
selling ills farm in Ohio, he came west, and 
in 1867 bought a farm in Wauzeka, and the same 
year married Frances Ward, of Marietta. The 
following year, he sold, and bought land on sec- 



684 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



tion 18, of Marietta, town 8, range 3 west, where 
he now resides, owning 220 acres. He has made 
valuable improvements, and has a tine orchard, 
etc. Mr. and Mrs. Kinder have had eight chil- 
dren, seven living — Alonzo,born in 1868;Charle8, 
born in 1870 ; Jerome B , born in 1872; Peter, 
born in 1874; Willie, born in 1876; Bertie, born 
in 1878; Lemuel, born in 1881, and Mary, born 
in 1883. Oneson, Willie, died in 1881. 

J. G. Allen was born in Posey Co , Ind., in 
1815. In 1838, he married Susannah Schnee, a 
native of Pennsylvania. In 1845, Mr. Allen 
came west, settling near Wingville, Grant 
county, where he made a good farm and lived 
twenty-six years. He afterwards moved to Bos- 
cobel, and lived thereabout six years. He then 
came to Marietta. He with his son, Albert A. 
Allen, built a flouring mill, on Richland creek, 
on section 9. Allen's mill is known far and 
wide, and has earned for its proprietors a good 
name. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have had seven 
cliildren — Robert S., born 1844, who enlisted in 
the 3d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in 18H3, 
and died in hospital in New York, March 8, 
1865 ; Albert A., born 1847 ; Anna born 1849, 
wife of Allen Bell of Venango Co., Penn.; 
Gilbert L., born 1S52, lives in Saginaw, Mich. 
September, 1877, J. G.Allen and his son Albert A. 
Allen, of Boscobel, came to Marietta and bought 
23 acres of land, including mill site, on Richland 
creek on section 9, and immeditely com- 
menced building a flouring mill. In 1878, they 
had a substantial structure, 36x24 feet, con- 
taining two buhrs in operation. The mill 
was a success from the start, but, in De- 
December, 1882, the mill was destroyed by tire. 



Mr. Allen and son, with characteristic energy, 
rebuilt on the old foundation, and were running 
in three months, having made valuable improve- 
ment in the machinery. The mill is a favorite 
with farmers and customers, doing custom work; 
also buying wheat and selling flour. William 
M., born 1857, agent atBrookfield station CM. 
& St. P. R. R. Two children died in Indiana 
while young. Albert A. is in partnership, in 
business with his father. He was married in 
October, 1881, to Hattie Martin. They have one 
child — Winnie. 

Henry C. C. Kast is a pioneer of the county, 
but has lived in this town but a short time. 
He was nine years of age, when his father, 
Chancey Kast, in 1S50, settled in the town of 
Scott. At the age of eighteen years, Henry 
married Sarah E. Prater, of Port Andrew, and 
after marriage settled in the town of Haney. 
Sept. 29, 1861, he enlisted in company K, 
12th Wisconsin Volunteers ; while the regi- 
ment was at Camp Randall, before leaving 
the State, he received, while on duty, an 
injury to his left knee, which so disabled him 
as to cause his discharge. Returning home, he 
lived at Petersburg until 1872. Then, after a 
few months' residence at Port Andrew, he 
bought land on section 14, Haney town, living 
at Bell Centre, and improved it. He came 
to the town of Marietta, Dec. 13, 1881, and 
located on section 9, town 8, range 4 west, 
where he keeps a country store, and the post- 
oflice named Steuben, owning land near by. 
They have four children — Francis W., born 
1863; Calvin R., born 1865; Melinda E., born 
1870; Henry W., born 1872. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



685 



CHAPTER XXXIII 



PRAIRIE DU CHIEN— TOWN AND CITY. 



After the county of Crawford had been cre- 
ated it was clearly seen that the people resident 
therein needed a town organization; so the sec- 
retary of the Territory of Michigan, William 
Woodbridge, then vested with the pDwer and 
authority of governor, issued a proclamation 
forming a "township" (town), which was 
named the 

BOKO0GH OF PRAIRIE DES CHIENS. 

Tlie proclamation creating this town was in 
the following words: 

"Whereas, It is provided by the ordinance 
of Congress, for the government of the territory 
northwest of the river Ohio, which ordinance 
by several subsequent acts of Congress, has 
been apjilied to and now constitutes the funda- 
mental law of said Territory of Michigan, that 
the governor thereof shall proceed from time to 
time, as circumstances may require, to lay out 
the parts of said Territory, in which the Indian 
title shall have been extinguished, into counties 
and townships; and, whereas.iit is deemed pro- 
motive of the public good at this time, that the 
village of Prairie des Chiens, in the county of 
Crawford, within said Territory, should be 
erected into a township for the better regula- 
lation of the internal public thereof, and for 
other purposes: 

"Noir^tJierefore, I, the above named William 
Woodbridge, do, by virtue of the power and 
authority in me vested, constitute the whole of 
that tract of country comprehending the said 
village of Prairie des Chiens, which lies within 
the bounds hereinafter described, into a town- 
ship to be known and called by the name of the 



"Borough of Prairie des Chiens," to-wit: All 
that country which lies within the following 
boundaries: Beginning at the confluence of 
the river Ouisconsin with the river Mississippi, 
thence in a line at right angles with the course 
of said river at the point aforesaid to the 
boundaries of the said Territory; thence up the 
said river along said boundary line to a point 
opposite from the entrance into said river 
Mississippi of a small run or creek known by 
name of Fisher's creek; thence up said creek 
four miles, or to its source if it should not be 
found four miles long; thence to the confluence 
of the river Kickapoo with the river Ouiscon- 
sin; thence along said river to the place of be- 
ginning. 

"Given under my hand and the great seal of 
said Territory at Detroit this seventeenth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and twenty-one, and of 
the independence of the United States of 
America the forty-sixth. 

William WooDHEiDcii." 

The borough (township or town) of Prairie 
du Chien continued in existence until 1828, 
when it was superseded by the town of St. An- 
thonyi which included, as shown in a previous 
chapter, the whole of Crawford county, the di- 
mensions of which were very large. The town 
last mentioned continued until 1849, when the 
county was divided into four towns, one of 
which was called the town of Prairie du Chien. 
It included nearly all of the county as at pres- 
ent circumscribed. Since that date it has been 
shorn of territory until in 18'i'2 it was reduced 






636 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



to the present limits. It is bounded on the 
north by the to\yn of Eastman, on the west by 
the town of Wauzeka, on the south by the town 
of Bridgeport and tlie city of Prairie du Chien 
and on the west by the Mississippi river and 
comprises parts of town 7, of ranges 6 and 7 
west. 

Tlie surface of the town is very rough, ex- 
cept the beautiful prairie land between the 
bluffs and the Mississippi river, which is about 
one and one-half miles wide. The western 
part of the town is cut by numerous lagoons, 
setting back from the main channel of the Mis- 
sissippi river. The ridges originally had good 
tiniber, but has long since given way to the axe 
of the settler; and where once stately forest 
trees grew now a second growth has sprung up. 
The soil is a heavy clay on the ridges, while 
the valleys, especially that of the Mississippi, 
contains a mixture of sand. 

FIRST SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in what is now (1884) 
known as the town of Prairie du Chien was 
made at what is called Frenchtown, a suburb of 
the city of Prairie du Chien, and which is loca- 
ted on the "Prairie" midway between the bluff 
and the east bank of the Mississippi river two 
miles north of the city. This settlement dates 
back nearly a century, and was first called 
"Popple." The name "Frenchtown" began to 
be used about 1850. 

Dennis Courtois was the first white man who 
settled at this place. In 1820 he made affida- 
vits showing himself to have been in the coun- 
try as early as 1792, at which time he and his 
wife came from Canada. 

Claude Gagnier settled on farm lot No. IM, in 
1794, and died leaving a family as residents of 
the place. 

Fiancois Cheneviere came in 1806 and mar- 
ried a half blood Indian woman. In 1810 he 
erected a two horse sweep power grist mill 
which was in use till 1838. 

Piei-e Chelofau came from St. Louis and set- 
tled here in 1812. 



In 1813 a Canadian named Le Blonde came 
in, married a squaw and raised a family. He 
died in 1843. About this date came Mr. Golla- 
nan and wife from Canada. He died at French^ 
town in 1867, and his wife died in Missouri in 
1880, at the age of 103 years. 

Frederick Strain, native of Switzerland cams 
with his family in 1826. They came by way of 
the Red river of the north, accom])aiiied by 
.loseph Boothe and a man named Mercheau with 
their families. The latter remained only three 
years, but Mr. Boothe remained till the time of 
his death in 1867. His widow married Modest 

Corden. 

In 1836 Ezekiel Tainter settled on the bluff 
in the town of Prairie da Chien, on what is 
now known as the Nickerson farm. 

The next to venture out and make settlement 
on the bluffs, were E. Putnam and John Miller. 

ORGANIC. 

The following is a list of the first town offi- 
cers of the town of Prairie du Chien: 

Alfred Brunson, chairman; Joseph Atherton, 
Aaron Ilazen, supervisors; Theodore Bugbee, 
town clerk; Isaac P. Perrit Gentil, town treas- 
urer; Isaac P. Perrit Gentil, town assessor; 
Alfred Brunson, town superintendent of schools; 
Anson B. Cay, Daniel H. Whaley, William E. 
Keith, constables; Wiram Knowlton, James H. 
Lockwood, Joseph Atherton, and Aaron Hazen, 
justices of the peace. 

The first annual meeting was held April 3, 
1872, when the following officers were elected: 
John Folsom, Thomas McGrath and Flavien 
Cherrier, supervisors; M. E. Norris, clerk ; An- 
drew Bosch, assessor ; Joseph Pinz, treasurer ; 
M. I. Donnell, Patrick La Veil and M. Lech- 
nier, justices of the peace. 

Officers of 1883: Thomas McGrath, chair- 
man; James Norris, Joseph Wilharber, super- 
visors ; D. II. Quill igan, town clerk ; Jiidson 
Lareviere, assessor ; Theodore Bay, treasurer ; 
Thomas J. Quilligan, John H. Folsom, justices. 

SCHOOLS. 

At the present time (1884) the town is divided 
into three full and four joint school districts : 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



637 



District No. 9 has an old frame building, on 
section 12, town 1, range 7 west. Number of 
pupils, forty-five. 

District No. 10 lias a brick house situated on 
section 10, town 1, range 6 west, valued at $200. 
Number of pupils, thirty-six. 

District No. 1 1 is provided with a brick 
building on section 9, town 7, range 6 west, 
valued at $300. Number of pupils, thirty. 

District No. 6, joint with Bridgeport and 
Wauzeka, has a frame house, in good condi- 
tion, located on section 2.3, town 7, range 6 
west, valued at $700. Number of pupils, 
eighty-three. 

District No. 4, joint with Wauzeka, in which 
town the school house is located. Number of 
pupils, six. 

District No. 5, joint with Bridgeport, with 
building in last named town. Number of 
pupils, twenty-live. 

Sections 29 and 30, town 7, range 6 west, are 
attached to the city of Prairie du Chien, for 
school purposes. 

FLOURING MILL. 

The first flouring mill in all this section of 
the State of Wisconsin, aiside from the hand 
mills and other rude contrivances used before 
the Aniciican settlement proper was effected, 
was constructed in isio, by Francois Chene- 
viere. This was propelled by two horses and 
a sweep, and was used till ISl.'', when Col. John 
Shaw built a water power mill, on what is now 
known as the Dousman mill farm, which is 
situated on Mill Coulee creek, on section 0, 
town 7, range 6 west. It is stated by the old 
French settlors, that the owner of the "horse 
j)0wer mill" took one-third for grinding. 

The mill on Mill Coulee, is the only one in 
the town ; it was reliuilt in 1840, by Joseph 
Rolette, and in 1883, by George E. Jacohia. 
An entire new foundation was placed underneath 
the building, the old time overshot wheel, so 
moss-covered and water-soaked, taken out and a 
modern Turbine wheel put in and new ma- 
chinery throughout, making it a very valuable 



mill. But little business has ever been trans- 
acted in the town, except what was carried on 
in a small way at Frenchtown. 

Louis Strara opened a grocery store and also 
hmdled liquors quite extensively, from 1854 to 
1872. He kept a hotel there for many years, 
while Prairie du Chien was yet in its infancy. 

CITY OF PRAIRIE DU CHIEN. 

This city, which is the county seat of Craw- 
ford county, is situated on the east bank of the 
Mississippi river, in the extreme southwestern 
part of the county, and is one of the oldest 
places in the State of Wisconsin, dating from 
1781. 

Before the whites (who were Canadian 
French) first located on the Prairie, it was in- 
habited by the Fox Indians, whose chief was 
named Dog (Chien in French); and it was from 
this it took its name, which was subsequently 
given to the village. 

Of all the charming city sites in the great 
and far-famed upper Mississippi valley, perhaps 
none excels Prairie du Chien in giaiideur and 
beauty. Surrounded as it is by the mountain-like 
bluffs on either side of the river, which flows on 
in its ceaseless current toward the far off ocean, 
the picturesque scenery is ever a feast to the 
eye. 

The prairie on which the city is laid out is a 
sand and loam plain, about two miles wide at the 
south end, running north about seven miles, to 
a point, the whole embracing about seven sec- 
tions of land. The site of the city stretches 
along the Mississippi river about two miles; 
nearly all of which affords a good steamboat 
landing, and averages about one and a half 
miles in width. 

This place is situated about 300 miles bulow 
St. Paul, in Minnesota and seventy miles up the 
river from Dubuque and Dunlietli; is 600 miles 
from St. Louis and 1,800 from New Orleans by 
way of the ineanderings of the Mississippi 
river, and is ninety-eight miles west of Madi- 
son and 198 miles from Milwaukee. The plat- 
ting of the city shows much taste as well as 



638 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



practical design, the streets being laid out at 
light angles and the blocks of convenient size for 
both business and resident purposes. The river 
at this point is a mile and a quarter wide, includ- 
ing inlands; the whole valley, from the bluffs 
on the east to those on the Iowa sliore, is about 
three miles in width. This level p'ain, walled 
in as it is by these everlasting hills, which in 
many places rise into great altitude, their sur- 
face covered with a carpeting of green and 
scattering timber, with here and there a pre- 
cipitous rock cropping out in bold relief, lends 
a beauty to the city and its environments, which 
must be seen in order to be fully appreciated. 

Another prominent feature of the city is its 
artesian wells, which are not only curiosities but 
also of great utility. One of these fountains is 
situated within the city park and throws a con- 
stant stream of the purest, most health-giving 
water of any well in the world. This stream, 
which doubtless has its source in a distant part of 
the State, furnishes the city with water for do- 
mestic use, for fire protection and flows down 
on either side of the principal business streets, 
over stone gutters, which are kept clean and 
white by this never-failing stream, that supplies 
a cooling draught for both man and beast. This 
well attracts the attention of the stranger as he 
visits the city and leads him to exclaim, "A 
thing of beauty is a joy forever/" 

Here and there throughout the city may be 
seen a very substantial class of business build- 
ings and public edifices. Especially great pride 
is taken in the schools and church buildings of 
the place. These, together with the court 
house, which is a stone structure, situated in a 
charming public square, the surface of which 
is shaded by the dark green foliage of the pine 
and cedar — have come to be a pride to the peo- 
ple of Prairie du Chien. 

This point was made the terminus of the 
Milwaukee & Mississippi River railroad, in 
April, 1857; it being the most northern point 
on the river to which the iron steed had found 



his way. In 1884, this was known as the Chi- 
cago Milwaukee & St. Paul line. 

RECORDED PLATS. 

The various plats of Prairie du Chien were 
filed for record as follows: 

Original plat, Sept. 11, 1837. This plat was 
purchased of Amable and Lenore Moreau, by 
Thomas P. Burnett, for $65. 

Lockwood's addition, Dec. 26, 1840. 

Streets, additions, April 9, 1S39. 

Power's addition, Sept. 9, 1840. 

Beaumont's addition, Oct. 31, 1842. 

Dousman's addition, Nov. 16, 1842. 

E. Power's addition, April 8, 1843. 

Parish's addition, Dec. 5. 1855. 

J. Y. Smith's addition Sept. 26, 1856. 

McGregor's addition April 27, 1856. 

Clark's addition, Dec. 22, 1855. 

Marsh's addition, Sept. 1, 1856. 

Union plat by H. L. Dousman et al, Sept, 27, 
1856. 

First addition to Union plat, June 4, 1857. 

Beaumont's addition, Aug. 12, 1856. 

Lower Prairie du Chien, June 14, 1856. 

Extension to Union plat, March 13, 1858. 

At the present time, (1884), the principal 
part of the city is on the high ground in the 
rear of the old village of St. Feriole. What 
was known as the "Main Village" at an early 
date, lay immediately along the east bank of 
the Mississippi river, and is now occupied by 
the railroad yards, ware houses, and lumber 
yards. 

"Lower Town" is that part of the city situa- 
ted about a half mile down the river from old 
St. Feriole Here, the railroad shops are loca- 
ted, and other business interests, yet the princi- 
pal business of the city is done on the old site 
of St. Feriole, about midway between the two 
bluffs. 

AMERICAN SETTLEMENT. 

A history of the first settlement of Prairie du 
Chien, largely by Canadian French, will be 
found in a previous chapter. We here com- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



639 



inence the narrative when the Americans began 
to settle very ra()itlly on "the prairie." 

Hercules L. Dousman, who was of Cana- 
dian French origin, came to the village in 
1826 or 1827, in the employ of the American 
Fur Company, and speedily rose to wealth and 
distinction. Some men who were stationed 
here in tlie military service of the United States 
made selection of eligible location within a 
a short distance of the ])rairie, to which they 
returned after their term of office expired; among 
whom may be mentioned Edward Hughes, John 
McClure, J. P. Hall, and Daniel Frost. Be- 
tween 18.30 and 1835, the names of Tainter, 
Miller, Putnam and Martin, were identified 
with the history of this place. 

In 1832 I. P. Perrit Gentil, afterwards for 
many years county treasurer, located here. J. 
F. Mills came in 1834, for the purpose of en- 
gaging as tutor in the families of Col. Taylor 
and Indian agent Street, but entered the quar- 
termaster's office, and subsequently rose to dis- 
tinction in civil life. 

Another arrival of 1836, was Alexander Mc- 
Gregor, who was one of the principal men and, 
in that year laid out the lower village. He also 
established that year a ferry acress tlie Missis- 
sippi. After laboring assiduously to build up 
the lower town, he removed in 1847, and became 
the founder of the city on the Iowa side, which 
bears his name. 

In this year (1836) the fever of speculation, 
then running rampant over the country, reached 
this place, and property ran up to fabulous 
heights. Two land companies were organized, 
who bought up all they could get of the private 
land claims below the garrison, an<l laid it out 
into city lots. But failing to succeed as they 
wished, this part of the city remained only on 
paper for several years. 

A man by the name of Van Dorn, from Mich- 
igan, full of the idea of Chicago and Milwaukee, 
came to this place and finding no land in market 
except the private land claims, bought up some 
claims on Government land not yet surveyed in 



the Wisconsin bottoms, which are low and 
marshy, and subject to annual inundations. 
This he platted on paper, and went east and 
put into stock, at $200,000, $100 per share, and 
imposed on many honest men, who supposed 
they were buying shares in the city of Prairie 
du Chien, for so he called his marsh. He paid 
for his claims in Michigan wild cat money a few 
days before those banks exploded. He had to 
leave the country, and the last heard from him 
he was in Texas. 

In this year population began to increase. 
Many who were bound ultimately for Iowa and 
Minnesota, made this their stopping place till 
they could prepare their future homes. Several 
new houses were put up, and permanent resi- 
dences made. 

Among the number who came to Prairie du 
Chien in 1837, were Losen and Seth Hill, H. 
W. and Thomas Savage. 

Concerning Prairie du Chien in 1857, and 
what its future prospects might be, the Rev. 
Alfred Brunson at that date wrote: 

" The town plat lies two miles along the 
river, and runs back one and a half miles, on an 
average, covering an area of about three sec- 
tions. But the present inhabitants, numbering 
about 3,000, are scattered over the equivalent of 
seven sections, all of which can, and probably 
will be occupied for dwellings and business in 
a few years. 

" We have one large steam flouring, and one 
steam saw mill: we have three lurflber yards; 
five brick yards; four lime kilns, and stone 
quarries without number. Several millions of 
brick have l)een made and laid up during the 
past season, in dwellings and large stores and 
ware houses. xVnd by the aid of furnaces brick 
are being made during tlie winter at the rate 
of 3,000 per day, and will be ready to be laid 
up as soon as the ensuing spring opens. 

"Three graceful churches, and one in the 
course of building, together with two other 
places of divine worship, honor the morals and 
religious tastes of the people. A high school 



640 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



and suitable number of district schools supply 
the wants of our children and youths for edu- 
cational purposes; and an academy and several 
more churches are in contemplation. 

" We have several lines of daily, tri-weekly 
and weekly stages, plying in Wisconsin, and 
the same from McGregor, which may be con- 
sidered as a part of this place, plying in Iowa 
and Minnesota, all centering to this place, in 
view of the railroad and steamboat travel. 

"The railroad is at the time of this writing, 
finished up to a point of twenty miles from this 
place, and the track is being laid at the rate of 
half a mile a day. The grading and bridge 
building keep out of the way of the rail layers, 
and the cars are expected to reach this place in 
February next. 

" During the past season the steamboat arri- 
vals have averaged ten or twelve a day, none of 
which were owned at this place. But arrange- 
ments are now being made by which four freight 
boats are to be put on in connection with the 
railroad, and also four daily boats expressly for 
passengers, to receive the passengers from the 
trains, and go at a speed never yet attained on 
this river, and ply between this place and St. 
Paul, and the intermediate ports. Uy this ar- 
rangement freight will not be permitted to lie 
at the depot for weeks before it will be forward- 
ed; and passengers will not be left without beds 
nor be compelled to hang upon the guards to 
get a passage, as it has been to some extent the 
past season or two; one of the boats of the 
greatest speed is to ply between this place and 
Dubuque, daily. 

" This place offers at this time, the greatest 
facilities for wholesale dealers, for manufactor- 
ies, and for all kinds of mechanics and laborers. 
This may be seen at a glance from our position. 
'l"he town site is ample for buildings, without 
the expense of grading, piling or wharfing, and 
the facilities for receiving and sending out 
goods, wares and merchandise, are exceeded by 
no place west or north of Chicago. 



"Hundreds of buildings would now have been 
up and occupied by families and traders, if ma- 
terials and men could have been at command; 
and as soon as these can be obtained, building 
will progress with great rapidity. Hence the 
opening for mechanics, lumber, and other ma- 
terials for building. 

" A foundry on a large scale is very much 
needed. Buildings with iron fronts are being 
put up, and stoves by the hundred are being 
sold, mill irons are in great demand, for all the 
country about us, various kinds of machinery 
are being erected, and for all these and every 
other kind of castings, we are under the neces- 
sity of sending below, while we have within 
100 miles of us, at and near the falls of Black 
river, iron ore enough to supply the entire north- 
west with that material, which could be easily 
and cheaply floated down the current to this 
place, and strong indications of iron ore are 
abundant within twenty miles of us. 

"People of all kinds and descriptions find am- 
ple employment; laborers are in great demand 
and all at the highest wages, say from 11.50 to 
$3, and in the opening of next spring far greater 
numbers of them will be required to supply the 
demand. Several large wholesale and retail 
stores, commission and forwarding houses, be- 
sides numerous dwellings were the last season 
added to our former stock; and these will be 
greatly increased in the coming year, together 
with several new and spacious hotels, and the 
depot buildings, now partly up. 

"The manufacturing of plows, chairs, car- 
riages, furniture, book-binding, etc., would find 
every encouragement; planing, turning and 
other useful machinery will find ample employ- 
ment. An additional printing press is much 
wanted and would find a good support. 

"Enterprising farmers and dairymen are in 
great requisition, and a better country for them 
the sun never shone upon. Butter, cheese, eggs 
beef, pork, poultry, etc., and all kinds of garden 
vegetables are in great demand, and in the 
coming season, will be more so. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



643 



"Flouring, grist, and saw-mills are much 
needed, and good sites, both for water and 
steam power are abundant; and for^a grist mill 
by water power, near the town, a good mill- 
wright and miller, would find good encourage- 
ment from the present proprietor. 

"It is expected that in the coming season, 
and to increase as time rolls on, from 500 to 
1,000 people will arrive and depart daily, but 
at present, our hotels, though of a good quality 
could not entertain more than 150 comfortably; 
hence the call for more accommodations of this 
kind. 

"The health of the place, though it has been 
greatly misrepresented by those whose interest 
it was to do so, we affirm to be generally good; 
fully equal to any other on the river, and far su- 
perior to any place below us. We have had 
no sickness, except what was common to the 
country, and even at that, not as much as many 
other places reputed to be healthy. In all the 
ravages of the cholera, not a single case origi- 
nated here. Visitors to the place, who were 
looking for a future home, have been to our 
cemeteries and finding so few new graves in a 
population of some 3,000 have come to the sage 
conclusion that comparatively but few die 
among us, and on inquiry, have found that they 
were mostly from causes common to human na- 
ture, and not from any local cause particularly. 

"We deem it prudent to say but little. We 
do not claim to be prophets, nor possess the 
attributes of fore-knowledge. The intelligent 
reader can draw his conclusions from the fore- 
going facts, as satisfactorally to himself, as if 
done by ourselves. The growth of the west, 
though a fixed fact, can hardly be appreciated, 
except from actual observation. The unprece- 
dented growth of Milwaukee and Chicago, is 
known to be owing to their position, and local 
advantages; and the principal purchases of real 
estate among us are from those places, who, 
viewing our prospects of rapid growth, from the 
same cause as theirs, have paid and fixed upon 
prices for lots corresponding with prices with 



them when they were about of our present dimen- 
sions, and though those who wish to purchase 
for speculation, as would be natural for them to 
do, talk as if our prices were too high — that is 
too high for them to expect the advance 
they would like to receive — yet, if they be- 
come owners, relax nothing in their high esti- 
mate of the value of their lots. But the fact, 
that businessmen from such places, are purchas- 
ing, building, and removing their families tg 
settle among us; and the fact that business men 
of the highest character for enterprise and 
foresight, from Buffalo, New York, and other 
eastern cities are also coming, purchasing and 
settling among us, are favorable omens of the 
magnitude of our future position, in a commer- 
cial point of view. We are at this time ahead 
of what Milwaukee and Chicago were twenty 
years ago, and having advantages to start upon 
that neither of them had at that time, it is not 
deemed visionary to suppose that in less than 
twenty years, we shall be equal to what they are 
now. 

"The above was read and adopted by a large 
and respectable meeting of the business men 
of the place, held at the Mondell House, Dec. 
10, 1856, and is published at their request." 

The Courier, of Jan. 8, 1857, says: "A line 
of steamers is building, to run in connection 
with the railroad from Prairie du Chien to St. 
Paul; that during the year past, two new brick 
hotels have been completed, and two others re- 
modeled; two steam ferry boats, to cross the 
river to McGregor, have been purchased; one 
new church, erected; three splendid brick 
l)locks, nineteen stores, two breweries, one 
steam flouring mill, and about a hundred dwell- 
ing houses put up, besides the extensive works 
of the railroad company. Five brick yards, 
two stone quarries, three lumber yards and 
one saw-mill have been inadequate to meet the 
demands required for improvements." 

INCORPORATION. 

In 1S22 it was enacted by the governor and 
judges of the territory of Michigan "that all the 



80 



644 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



citizens of this territory, inhabitants of the 
borough of Prairie du Chien be, and the same 
are hereby ordained, constituted and declared 
to be from time to time forever hereafter, one 
body, corporate and politic, in fact and in name, 
by the name of the wardens, burgesses and 
freemen of the borough of Prairie du Chien." 
Some of the provisions of the law were very 
curious; among other things a fine of $'2 was 
.assessed for allowing a chimney to blaze out at 
the top; |1 for hitching a horse to a fence ; $2 
fine for white persons to be seen skulking or 
sneaking about after ten o'clock at night, and 
$2 to |5 for "sharriveriers." The borough 
passed and repealed by laws for about three 
years, and stopped business in 1825. The first 
warden was John W. Johnson; M. Brisboisand 
Thomas McNair, burgesses — the last were 
Joseph Rolette, warden; M. Brisboisand J. H. 
Lockwood, burgesses. 

In 1872, Prairie du Chien became an incor- 
porated city, having never been incorporated as 
a village, but always being governed by the 
town authorities, of the towns in which it was 
situated since the borough government, before 
spoken of, was done away with. A city charter 
was granted in April, 1872, since which time 
the affairs of the city have been managed in a 
prudent manner as is shown by the finances. 
Prairie du Chien can now (1SS4) say what few 
places in the State can say truthfully, that they 
"owe no man anything," and have funds on 
hand. 

The following is a list of the city officers 
from the date of incorporation, to 1884 : 

1872. — Benjamin F. Fay, mayor ; Nicholas 
Smith, clerk ; Otto Georgii, treasurer ; R. G. 
Mathews, marshal. 

1873.— Same as those of 1872. 

1874. — Benjamin F. Fay, mayor; W. Leclerc, 
clerk; Otto Georgii, treasurer; R. G. Mathews, 
marshal. 

1875. — J. F. Williams, mayor ; W. W. Seley, 
clerk ; Otto Georgii, treasurer ; A. B. Laroque, 
marshal. 



1876. — Same as those of 1875. 

1877. —Dr. John Conant, mayor; Joseph Zeeli, 
Jr., clerk; Otto Georgii, treasurer; D. L. Craw- 
ley, marshal. 

1878. — Dr. John Conant, mayor; T. G. Brun- 
sou, clerk ; Otto Georgii, treasurer ; R. G. 
Mathews, marshal. 

1879. — S. Rosenbaum, mayor; T. G. Brunson, 
clerk; Otto Georgii, treasurer ; R. G. Mathews, 
marshal. 

1880. — S. Rosenbaum, mayor; T. G. Brunson, 
clerk. Otto Georgii, treasurer ; George E. Har- 
rington, marshal. 

1881. —James Garvey, mayor ; T. G. Brun- 
son, clerk; S. Rosenbaum, treasurer; George E. 
Harrington, marshal. 

1882. — James Garvey, mayor; T. G. Brunson, 
clerk; S. Rosenbaum, treasurer; R. G. Mathews, 
marshal. 

18S3. — Henry Otto, mayor; J. E. Campbell, 
clerk; S. Rosenbaum, treasurer; G. E. Harring- 
ton, marshal. 

POSTOFFICE. 

A postoffice was established at Prairie du 
Chien in 1824, with James Duane Doty as the 
first postmaster; he in about a year was suc- 
ceeded by James H. Lockwood. In 1838 Thomas 
P. Street was postmaster and held the position 
for a number of years. Keeping the office in a 
little log house on Water street. The following 
are remembered as having served as postmasters: 

John S. Lockwood, Mr. Grace, H. A. Wright, 
Charles Brisbois, Charles Creal, Ira Brunson, 
S. N. Lester, W. B. Hunt, who served under 
James Buchanan's administration, Fred J. Mil- 
ler, who held the office during the rebellion and 
was followed by Edward Whaley, a major in 
the Union army and who lost a limb in the ser- 
vice during the Civil war. Mr. Wlialey still 
(1884) is in office. 

This point became a money order office in 
July, 1865. The first order was issued to 
Charles W. Clinton, in favor of Shaw & Clark, 
Biddeford, Maine, for $20, and was dated July 
10, 1865. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



646 



The first order drawn on this office was re- 
mitted by Dragiitt Scharfif of Milwaukee, Wis., 
and payable to Julius Eakhardt, who was 
then in the hosiiilal at Prairie du Chien. 

The first postal note was issued to postmaster 
Wlialey's wife at Milwaukee, in October 1883. 

BAILKOADS AND BOAT LANDING. 

Prairie du Chien, which is the second oldest 
city in the State, justly claims to be the point 
at which has transpired the first of many im- 
portant events of the past century, in the great 
northwest. Long before the introduction of 
our present system of railways, boats and fer- 
ries were employed at this point to transport 
men and their merchandise to the western 
shores of the Mississippi, that settlement might 
be effected on the vast and almost unlimited 
scope of fertile prairie lands beyond this great 
water course. 

^Milwaukee, the metropolis of the State, owes 
its growth largely to the fact that it is situated 
at the nearest accessible point on the western 
shore of Lake Michigan from Prairie du Chien. 

Prairie du Chien was for many years the up- 
permost boat-landing on the Mississippi rivei', 
and it was here all the Frencli and Indian 
traders of the upper Mississippi vallej' came for 
their supplies and also to exchange tlioir gnme, 
fur and produce, for the necessities of life. 
Almost the entire frontage of the city is availa- 
ble for boat landing purposes, and prior to 1857 
was indeed a busy scene of boats and boatmen. 
But in the early spring of 1857, a railway was 
completed from Milwaukee to the Mississippi, 
at this point, known as the Milwaukee & Mis- 
sissippi River railway, but later as a part of the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. 

The opening of the road was a great cause of 
rejoicing and every one felt the inspiration. 
When it is remembered the difficulty was expe- 
rienced before this time by the residents in go- 
ing to and fro from Milwaukee and Chicago, 
and depending, as they were obliged to do, en- 
tirely on the Mississippi river for a market, and 
in thy winter s.-as >ii entirely cut off except by 



I 



land transportation; it will be seen that there 
was much cause for enthusiasm. Its influence 
on Prairie du Chien and the states of Iowa and 
Minnesota was of a marked character, inducing 
immigration, and benefiting all classes of busi- 
ness enterprise. One newspaper states that 
three hundred and twenty-seven houses were 
erected here this year, and besides many other 
public improvements. 

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road 
made Prairie du Chien a division point and has 
a large shop and round house in that part of the 
city, known as "Lower Town." Their main 
yards and depot buildings after 1862, being lo- 
cated just west from the main portion of the 
city. 

THE PILE PONTOON RAILWAY BRIDGE. 

This bridge is a part of the "transfer" line of 
railway spanning the waters of the Mississippi 
river, and connecting Prairie du Chien with 
North McGregor, which is situated on the Iowa 
bank of the stream. This invention is indeed 
one of the triumphs of the nineteenth century, 
which has attracted the attention of civil engi- 
neers and master workmen the world over, and 
therefore justly claims a minute description in 
this connection. It is the invention of John 
Lawler, of Prairie du Chien. It was patented 
by him, Aug. 11, 1874, but its construction was 
fully completed on the lEth of the previous 
April. The entire length of the bridge is 8,000 
feet, crossing both channels of the Mississippi 
river and an intervening island at Prarie du 
Chien, thus connecting the Iowa and Wisconsin 
divisions of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
railway. It is constructed in two p.arts; the pile 
or stationary part, and the pontoon or movable 
part, consisting of two floating "draws," one in 
each channel, which, when closed, form an un- 
l>roken track, permitting safe and rapid transfer 
of trains, and when open affording a clear space 
of 400 feet in either channel, allowing the widest 
rafts and largest tows that float the river to 
pass with ease and safety at all times and in any 
kind of weather. The pile part of this bridge 



646 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



is of the ordinary construction, used by all rail- 
ways in crossing low, marshy ground and 
shallow streams. The "draw" over each chan- 
nel consists of one pontoon, 408 feBt long, twen- 
ty-eight feet beam, four feet high and twelve 
inch draft. It has great buoyancy and strength, 
being provided with a Howe truss passing 
through its entire length. When trains are 
passing over, the draft is increased to eighteen 
inches. The extreme rise and fall of the river 
is twenty-one feet, and to overcome the varia- 
tion in height of the place.s between the pile 
bridge and pontoon, aprons or movable tracks 
are provided, which are adjusted by means of 
powerful hydraulic jacks and movable blocks, 
which are operated by the men in charge of the 
bridge. The connections between the ends of 
these aprons and the track of the bridge is a sim- 
ple devise, counterbalanced by equal weights, so 
that one man clamps and unclamps the end of 
the pontoon, «hen swung in or out of its posi- 
tion. The pontoon "draws" are each attached 
at one end to a pile, placed twenty-eight feet 
back from the end of the stationary bridge, by 
an arm as long as the draw is wide. About this 
pile or pivot the "draw" swings, describing in its 
course an arc of ninety degrees, and when open 
lies at right angles to the pile, and entirely out 
of the channel. Tlie "draw" openings of this 
bridge, are the only ones on the Mississippi 
river wide enough to permit a steamer and 
large raft to pass through in one section. 

The closing and opening of each pontoon is 
effected by an engine of twenty-horse power, 
situated on the "draw," working a simple winch 
around which is wound a chain, the extremities 
of which are secured to a cluster of piles above, 
and below the pontoon, so fixed as to give a 
diagonal lead across the stream. The bridge 
opens with the current in one minute, and closes 
against the current in about three minutes, 
without showing any undue strain, or requiring 
the application of more than five-horse power. 
In relation to the passage of trains, it has been 
proved to afford greater security than the old 



style of draw bridges, for the pontoon is capa- 
ble of floating a weight equal to six times that 
of the heaviest trains. 

This bridge affords facilities for the passage 
of 1,000 cars per day, the average being, how- 
ever, about 300. In speaking of this bridge, 
Gen. Humphrey, chief of engineers. United 
States army, says: "The bridge in question is 
exceptionally free from objection as an ob- 
struction to navigation; it conforms to existing 
laws regulating the bridging of the Mississippi 
river, and affords excellent facilities for steam- 
ers and rafts to pass through the draw open- 
ings." 

At this date (1884) the inventor and builder, 
John Lawler, together with his sons, still 
owns and operates the bridge and receives a 
certain amount per car from the railway com- 
pany, for all freight and passenger trains which 
pass over the Mississippi river. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The schools and colleges of Prairie du Chien 
are the pride of its people; and the high type 
of culture and refinement found among her citi- 
zens is but the outgrowth of these educational 
institutions. While this is a strong Roman 
Catholic city, both Catholics and Protestants 
work in harmony in supporting the public 
schools. 

The first school district formed here was 
what is known as district No. 1. This was 
created in 1842. 

The first school was taught in a private 
building by Miss Rice, afterward Mrs. Jerrad 
Warner. A school house was at once erected. 
This district took in what is now the "Lower 
Town." About the same date, however, district 
No. 2 was formed, which embraced old St. 
Feriole, or the city proper now. 

Among the earliest teachers here were Ellen 
Overton and A. Denio. 

In 1857 a project was started by which a new 
school building for the "Lower Town" was to be 
built to take the place of the first one erected 
in the city. At that date there could only be 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



647 



raised about $300 on the "grand list" of taxa- 
ble property; but the citizens iret wishing to 
build with so small a fund, petitioned the As- 
sembly, through the State superintendent, to 
allow tliem to levy a larger tax. The reasons 
set forth by the petitioners being sufficient this 
was duly granted thejn, and soon after the 
erection of a two-story stone building was 
commenced, which finally cost $4,000. This 
building is still (1884) in use. However, before 
the completion of this building the district run 
short of funds, but through the public spirit of 
Samuel A. Clark, who loaned them $2,200, 
the work of finishing went on. 

Mr. Samuel A. Clark was elected as the first 
school treasurer, whose office it was, then, to 
collect all school taxes. He held this position 
for twenty-two years, from 1840 to 1862. 

In 1872, when the city of Prairie dii Chien 
became an independent corporation, it also be- 
came an independent school district, wbicli was 
soon provided with its own school board and 
also school superintendent. 

HIGH SCHOOL. 

At a regular meeting of the city council of 
the city of Prairie du Chien held May 3, 1875, 
under the provisions of the amended city char- 
tej*. the first board of education was elected. 
'J'he following persons constituted 

THE FIRST SCHOOL BOARD. 

For tiio City at Large — John Lawler. 

1st Ward — A. H. Keitemeyer. 

2d Ward— William Dutcher. 

3d Ward— Prof. J. Sutter. 

4th Ward— John E. Sutton. 

The election of the above gentlemen gave 
general satisfaction and their fitness for the du- 
ties im))osed can be appreciated from the fol- 
lowing endorsement published at the time: 

"The city school board of education, elected at 
the first meeting of the new city council (May 
3, 187-^) are all men of unimpeachable charac- 
ter, and amply qualified to perform the duties 
devolving upon them. They are men of respon- 
sibility, well educated, and persons of excellent 



judgment, fully aware of the responsibilities of 
the j)ositions they occupy, and sincerely desiring 
to promote the educational interests of this city. 
Let all good citizens extend to them the co-ope- 
ration and assistance necessary to ensure the 
the right results. 

"The choice of Mr. John Lawler as the rep- 
resentative of the citizens at large upon the 
board of education, is a fitting evidence of the 
public confidence in his integrity. His broad, 
liberal views, and his well-known zeal in pro- 
moting the cause of education, need no better 
index. 

"Mr. A. H. Reitemeyer, of the 1st ward is 
one of our most respected German-American 
citizens, and he is an educated gentleman of 
fine address. 

"Mr. William Dutcher, of the 2d ward is also 
distinguished for the interest he manifests in 
educational matters. He brings years of expe- 
rience, and a fund of useful knowledge to the 
aid of the board. 

"Prof. J. Sutter, of the German-English 
Academy, is a talented practical teacher. He 
understands all the requirements of his profes- 
sion. He will prove one of the best members of 
the board. 

"John E. Sutton, of the 4th. ward, was the 
choice of every tax-payer in that part of the 
city. He was formerly a teacher, has a thor- 
ough education that will insure effective w-ork. 
"Taken as a whole, the first board of educa 
tion is well constituted, better than had been 
hoped, and the citizens have a right to congrat- 
ulate themselves upon this first step in the right 
direction. 

"The board of education will at once organ- 
ize, elect its president, clerk, and city superin- 
tendent, and inform themselves fully upon all 
points necessary to enter rightly upon the work 
of organizing the city public schools under the 
new system. 

"We have endeavored to ascertain the views 
of the school board in relation to the subject 
of a high school; and without an exception, 



648 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



they are all in favor of a graded high school 
being established." 

The first regular meeting of the board of 
education in Piairie du Chien was held at the 
office of Hon. Wm. Dutcher, Monday, July 5 
1875. John Lawler was elected president of 
the board. Prof. Thomas H. Nyhan, (since de- 
ceased) was tendered the position of school 
superintendent, but declined to accept. At a 
.subsequent meeting of the board, held July 10, 
IS'ZS, Prof. J. Sutter was elected city school 
superintendent and clerk of the board, and im- 
mediately entered upon the discharge of his du- 
ties. He was a most efficient and faithful officer. 
Mr. Theodore Schuman was elected to take Prof. 
Sutter's place on the board. 

The board of education promptly visited the 
schools in every ward, and made a careful in- 
vestigation of all the school property, school 
houses and modes of management then existing. 
They were convinced that extensive improve- 
ments were absolutely necessary. They deter- 
mined to have a first-class school with compe- 
tent teachers in every ward. They made known 
to the city council the result of their delibera- 
tions from time to time. 

At a meeting of the city council held July 19, 
1875. John La.wler, president of the board of 
education, read the following communication 
relative to the school question : 

"Gentlemen : The writer upon further exam- 
ination into the school affairs of this city, desires 
to add to what he has already stated in a former 
communication recommending certain improve- 
ments in school district No. 2, that the school 
building of that district is not, in his opinion, 
at all adequate or suitable for the large number 
of children in attendance there. The building 
itself, besides being too small, its ceilings being 
too low, and its ventilation bad, is in every other 
respect, far behind the essential requirements of 
education. The building, with its appurtenan- 
ces of grounds, fences, water closets, furniture, 
etc., are such as tend to deprave and corrupt 
the tastes and morals of the young who attend 



there instead of tending, as the surroundings of 
youth always should tend, to refinement in taste 
and purity in morals. To remedy this evil the 
only true way is to erect, as soon as practicable, 
a suitable new building, and to supply such 
other reasonable and necessary wants as the 
welfare of the children require. 

"A good beginning might be made in this di- 
rection the present year, and that, too, without 
increase of taxation. For we already have, as 
the property of the city, ample and desirable 
grounds for the site of a school building and 
sufficient funds — those known as the college 
funds — on hand to put the necessary new school 
building well under way. This much, once 
done, the city could probably obtain from the 
State, according to tlie provisions of chapter 42 
of the general laws of 1870 such additional sum 
as would comjilete the undertaking. In this 
way we may almost without perceptible increase 
of our taxes, provide, as far as it is possible, 
for the wants of those children who are to de- 
pend upon the public schools of the city for in- 
struction. These are the views which the wr'- 
ter entertains relative to this public school 
question. He expresses them for himself only, 
for the reason that the board of education has 
not, for want of proper organization, express^-d 
any conclusion upon the subject. Should these 
views be in accord with yours, the writer will 
if a harmonious board can be organized, do 
whatever he can to carry them into practical 
effect. Otherwise he begs to step down and 
out by jilacing his resignation at your disposal. 
"I am, gentlemen, respectfully, yours, 

J. Lawi.er. 

The common council, immediately after read- 
ing of this communication, passed by unani- 
mous vote, the following resolution : 

'■'■Jiesolred, That in the opinion of this council 
the views expressed by Mr. Lawler, in his com- 
munication just read, are in full accord with 
the views of the council," which was confirmed 
by the unanimous vote of the council. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



649 



As an evidence of the actual condition in 
wliicli the city schools were, at -that time, the 
following extract from the journal of the coun- 
cil, will be sufficient : 

"To the Uonorable Mayor and Council of Prai- 
rie dii Chien : 

"Gentlesien : The board of education find 
the water closets of the school house of district 
No. 2, in a shamefully unsuitable condition, and 
recommend their destruction at once, and the 
building of new ones. Your immediate action 
will be necessary. The cost of the renewals re- 
commended will be from $300 to $350. 

"Respectfully, J. Lawlee, 

Pres't Board of Eeducation." 

This was also agreed to by unanimous vote of 
the council. 

This was the first oflicial action to improve 
the condition of the city public schools, and 
construct a high school in Prairie du Chien. 
Much preparatory work had to be accomplished. 
All the ward schools were put in first-class 
order. The preliminary matters arranged, the 
first appropriation asked by the board, $4,000, 
was levied Oct. 4, 1875, and on Monday, Oct. 
11, 187.'), the plans for the new high school 
were n|)proved. This determined that the new 
central high school building should be erected, 
a!id the board called for another appropriation 
of i!;.5,000 to commence the work. The board 
found upon subsequent consideration that 
they would require about $10,000, more than 
the city could appropriate for the purpose, and 
tiiere was a lengthy correspondence between 
the secretary of State, Hon. P. Doyle, and the 
allciiney general and the president of the school 
board. It was agreed that a special act of the 
Legislature was necessary to secure a $10,000 
loan from the State. The following communi- 
cation to the city council e.xplains the wliole 
matter : 

Praiuie du Chien, Aug. 9, 1875. 
"To the Honorable, the Mayor and Common 

Council of Prairie du Chien. 

"Gexti.ejien. — The board of education begs 
leave to submit the accompanying correspond- 



ence between the Hon. Peter Doyle, secretary 
of state, and the Hon. A. Scott Sloan, attorney 
general, relative to the school loan desired to 
be made by this city. 

"Since it appears that the law, in the opinion 
of the attorney general, cannot be construed so 
as to authorize the commissioners of education 
to make the loan, however willing they might 
be so to do, it is the sense of this board that it 
would be advisable to begin work upon the pro- 
prosed new building as soon as the fund, now 
held in trust by the board of college trustees, 
shall have been placed at the disposal of the 
city, for there can be but little doubt that the 
authority to make the loan will be readily 
granted by the next Legislature, in the same 
manner that former Legislatures have author- 
ized loans to be made to other cities for pur- 
poses similar to that of ours. And if the Legis- 
lature should refuse even, we must have the 
new school building, for the interests of the 
city demand it, and we believe the people of the 
city will not hesitate to vote the tax necessary 
for the purpose. 

"Respectfully submitted, 

J. Lawlee, 
President Board of Education." 

A special city election was held, and the tax- 
payers carried it in favor of a tax to build the 
high school building. The money was bor- 
rowed from the State. The contract was let to 
Messrs. Menges & Lefeldt. And tlius the first 
high school in Crawford county originated, and 
was completed under the direction of the first 
board of education, and to the credit of the 
citizens of Prairie du Chien. At this time 
(1884) the schools of the city are in a very 
flourishing condition. 

There are now (1884) five school houses 
within the independent district of Prairie du 
Chien, situated as follows: First ward, a two 
story stone structure, built in 1857 ; second 
ward, one brick building two stories high, built 
in 1876, at a cost of $12,000, and a frame house, 
two stories high; third ward, a brick building 



650 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



not in use, but in good condition ; fourth ward, 
this contained a small one story frame building, 
which stands west of the slough near the river. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. 

The people of Prairie du Chien have ever 
taken a deep interest in educational matters and 
from the earliest date liave provided the best 
methods of teaching. Especially are the Ro- 
man Catholic people entitled to much credit for 
their zeal in tliis direction, as they haye always 
labored t ) make Prairie du Chien a city of 
schools and colleges, the benefit of which they 
are finally enjoying; as but few places in the 
State can boast of better denominational schools 
than those at this point. They have two flour- 
ishing institutions of learning at this place. 

The College of the Sacred Heart, conducted 
by the Fathers of the Society of Jesus, for the 
training and education of boys, and St. Mary's 
Institute, conducted by the sisters of the Society 
of Notre Dame, for the education and practical 
training of girls. Each of these institutions 
aims to give the youth of both sexes such a 
practical education as will enable their pujMls 
to meet the exigencies of life, and to be useful 
and respected members of society. While 
these institutions are Roman Catholic, their 
doors are open alike to Catholic and non-Cath- 
olic, and as a matter of fact, the patronage is 
about equally divided between these two classes, 
which is a striking evidence of the esteem in 
in which they are held by the public. The 
patronage of both institutions has outgro\*n 
their foundations, consequently the Jesuit 
Fathers are preparing to increase their accom- 
modations to twice their present capacity, by 
the erection of a new building, the estimated 
cost of which is $60,000. When this improve- 
ment is completed the college property will be 
worth $100,000. The college at present is under 
the immediate control of the Rev. Father Wil- 
liam Becker, president, who has conducted its 
management successfully since its est.ablislinient 
The number of students in attendance from 
September, 1882 to July, 1883, was ninety-one. 



This institution was opened in September, 
1880, and chartered as The College and Univer- 
sity of the Sacred Heart, Aug 20,1881. The 
college comprises two courses of study, classical 
and commercial. ^Chv fnll course consists of 
six classes, to be absolved in six years. Though 
the college is only entering upon its fourth year, 
the nunilter of classes will be complete the next 
session. The College of the Sacred Heart is 
complete in its appointments, and conducted 
under a wise, firm, yet mild and paternal system 
of government. The situation is picturesque 
and healthful. The building stands on rising 
ground commanding extensive views of the 
Mississippi and Wisconsin valleys and tlie 
beautiful bluffs tliat bound them. Taken all in 
all, it is one of the most attractive and beautiful 
collegiate properties in the entire northwest. 
Its president, the Rev. Father William Becker, 
is a thorough scholar, and a man of fine execu- 
tive ability. He was born in Germany, educated 
in Europe, and came to the United States in 1869. 

lie acquired an envi.able reputation, in the 
east, as the founder of the St. Ignatius College 
at Buffalo, which he conducted several years, 
with such marked success, that it was acknowl- 
edged by the highest authority in educational 
matters in New York, as one of the leading in- 
stitutions of thatjState. He is supported by an 
able faculty, four of whom are of American 
birth, one of English and the others of Ger- 
man. 

The college building was originally built as 
a large hotel in 1857-8, by a joint stock compa- 
ny, at a cost of $56,000. It was used as a ho- 
tel only a few years, or until the removal of 
the railway depot to Upper Town. During the 
war, it was used by the government as a hospi- 
tal; next, an unsuccessful effort was made to 
have the State accept it as a site for a Normal 
school. Failing in this, its managers organized 
an independent college, known as the Prairie 
du Chien College, this institution proved a 
failure, financially, and was closed after a brief 
existence of three years. About 1873 the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 



651 



property passed into the li.ands of the Brothers 
of the Christian schools, a Catholic order, who 
opened it under the title of St. Johns' College. 
This Institution failed to meet the expectations 
of its founders, and was closed about 1876. 

The property was then purchased of the 
Catholic Brothers, by Mr. John Lawler, who 
added largely to its value by substantial and 
important improvements, and then in his free 
handed public spirited way, presented it to the 
"Fathers of the Society of Jesus," thus making 
that order a present of a property, valued ai 
nearly $50,000, while his beneficence insured to 
Prairie du Chien a permanent and creditable in- 
stitution of learning. 

St. Mary's Institute, was established in 1872. 
The buildings being erected for that special 
purpose, under the management of the chief 
donor, Mr. John Lawler. The Institute is con- 
ducted under the management of the sisters of 
the order of Notre Dame, and is presided over 
by a sister superior, of that order. During the 
vacation period of 188.3, the sisters com- 
pleted a dormitory, capable of accommodating 
100 students. For the year ending July, 1883, 
the number of students in attendance, aver- 
aged seventy-five. It may be proper here to re- 
mark that in the Institute as well as the College 
the students comprise representatives from nearly 
all of the northwestern states. The system of 
education, under the able management of the sis- 
ters, is one that commends itself to every unpred- 
judiced mind. This is no fashionable boarding- 
school, where only a superficial education is ob- 
tained; here the solid acquirements are gained 
that fit the students for the earnest duties of 
life, which in the course of events are liable to 
devolve upon them; at the same time, the range 
of studies embraces the higher branches, lan- 
guages, music and art. The buildings of the 
Institute occupy the historic ground of Fort 
Crawford, the ruins of which form a pictur- 
esque feature of the landscape. The situation 
is elevated, and commands a magnificent view 



of the Mississippi river and valley, and the 
towering blufls on either side. 

The buildings are tasty and commodious, and 
fitted with the most improved modern conveni- 
ences. No pains have been spared to make this 
institution a model of its kind. 

It would be an injustice to its most liberal 
patron to omit to mention the fact that the 
institution owes its origin, and present prosper- 
ous condition to the unbounded liberality and 
careful supervision of Mr. John Lawler, one of 
Prairie du Chien's most respected and enter- 
prising citizens. 

INDEPENDENT GERMAN SCHOOL. 

On the first day of December, 1866, a number 
of the prominent German citizens of Prairie du 
Chien, met for the ])urpose of organizing an 
independent German school, where the German 
language might be taught, without regard to 
any religious creed. After preliminaries, the 
following officers were elected : F. linger, R. 
Rosenbauni, Jacob Raffauf, M. Menges, Otto 
Georgii and H. Boelilke trustees; F. Unger, 
president; F. Rosenbauni, treasurer; Jacob Raf- 
fauf, secretary. 

A constitution was adop'tedand the following 
March, 1867, the society was made a legal cor- 
poiation, by an act of the State Legislature. 
For two years this school society held their 
school in a private school building of John 
Lawler's and iti the German Methodist church. 
In 1868, however, they erected a neat, one story 
brick school building which stands just east of 
the court house square. This school was in 
successful operation until 1878, when it was dis- 
continued. At one time the school contained 
seventy-five pupils, a part of whom were from 
American families. A tuition fee of *1.00 was 
required of those whose parents belonged to the 
society, and $1.50 from those outside. 'J'he 
association was made up of about thirty mem- 
bers, but finally has been reduced to thirteen, 
on account of deaths and removals. 



652 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



At the present time (1884), the society exist 
aud own their property which is not used as a 
school house, but leased for various purposes. 

The last officers elected were as follows: M. 
Frederick, M. Menges, H. Otto, S. Rosenbaum, 
C. Leefeldt and Theodore Shuman, trustees; 
Henry Otto, president ; M. Menges, vice-presi- 
dent; R. Rosenbaum, treasurer, and M. Fred- 
erick, secretary. 

FERRIES. 

In 1836 Alexander McGregor established a 
liorse ferry between Prairie du Chien and the 
Iowa side of the river. The point of debarka- 
tion, on that side, soon received the Iowa name 
of McGregor's Landing, where now stands 
the city of McGregor. 

In 1840 the United States government com- 
menced to build Fort Atkinson, and as supplies 
had to reach that point from Prairie du C'liieu 
(or Fort Crawford) by way of this landing, this 
ferry became one of much importance to the 
public and of great profit to its owner, who had 
been granted the exclusive right to ply a ferry 
at this point, under a charter issued by the 
State. 

One of the conditions in the license granted 
Mr. McGregor by the court, was that not more 
than the following rates should be charged for 
ferriage: One person, twenty-five cents; man 
and horse, seventy-five cents; wheeled carriages, 
twenty-five cents per wheel; horned cattle and 
horses, fifty cents per head; sheep and goats, 
six and one-fourth cents per head; mules, jacks 
and jennets, fifty cents per head; freight not in 
wheeled carriages six and one-fourth cents per 
100 pounds. This ferry continued under the man- 
agement of McGregor till 1856, when his ener- 
gies were bent more especially in founding the 
city which now bears his name. He then willed 
the property to a relative, W. B. Gardner, who, 
in company with Ole Oleson, operated a short 
time and sold to John Lawler; he run it until 
the spring of 1882 and sold to H. Schlader, who 
has run it on a diminished scale, owing to the 
building of Lawler's pile pontoon bridge. 



Bass & Rice operated a ferry about 1840, 
for the government; this was operated as an 
opposition line to McGregor's ferry, and only 
continued a short time. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Another mark of wisdom upon the part of 
the city is the well organized fire companies, 
whose vigilant eyes watch the property of the 
city, by day and by night, and ihrough whose 
skill and watch-care the populace of the place 
feel secure against the fire fiend. This depart- 
ment, which is under the direct supervision of 
the city authorities, is composed of three fully 
equipped fire companies, the "Phoenix," No. 1, 
consisting of forty-three members; the "Bad- 
ger," No. 2, consisting of thirty-two members; 
and the "^tna," No. 3, having a membership 
of twenty-tliree; foi'ming a grand total of 103. 
Tliese companies are all uniformed and regu- 
larly equipped with the most modern fire-extiu- 
guisliing apparatus, including three hand en- 
gines, the total cost of which was about ^I,800. 
These engines are made effective by means of 
3,000 feet of the best quality of rubber liose. 

This department was organized in 1872, since 
which date, no disastrous fires have occurred 
witliin the city, except tlie burning of the Mon- 
dell Hotel; this being occasioned by the inferior 
quality of hose then in use, which gave way at 
a critic!il stage of that loiig-to-be-remembered 
conflagration. 

Tliese companies are provided with a never- 
failing supply of water fi'om tiie artesian wells 
for which Prairie du Chien is so noted. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The earliest religious services of which there 
is airy record was that held by the Roman 
Catholics in 1817, when Father Durand came 
and held mass, and baptized about 125 persons, 
all of the families of the French and mixed 
races. As some children of Catholic parents 
were found who, although nearly grown men 
and women, had never before had an opportu- 
nity to receive the rites of baptism, it is in- 
ferred from this that no priest had visited the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 



«93 



post for many years prior to the advent of 
Father Durand. This Father left a written 
record behind him wliicb is the foundation of 
tlie records of the Catholic Church at this point. 
The Rev. Father did not remain more than a 
few years, and after his departure there is no 
further record till 1836, when the Rev. Father 
iMazzucheli was sent to select a site for a church, 
and to lay the corner stone which he did, and 
the place was called the "Episcopal See " In 
1839 Rev. Bishop Loras visited the place. He 
was followed in 1839 by Father Cretin, who 
remained four years and erected the first 
church edifice in the place. It was named St. 
Gabriel's Church. Father Cretin was a remark- 
able man. His talents and culture were only 
equaled by his kindness of heart, industry and 
deep humility. From here he went to Du- 
buque, and in 1850 was appointed the first 
Bisho|) of St. Paul. His death occurred at that 
city, Feb. 22, 1857. He was succeeded by Rev. 
Father Bonduel, and he by Father Ravoux 
and Fatlier L. Galtier, both of whom came 
liere with Father Cretin, and each in order were 
placed in charge of this congregation. Father 
Lucius Galtier succeeded to the charge in 1847, 
and remained at his post till the time of his 
death, which occurred in 1866. Father L. Lux 
was next in charge, and remained till May 26, 
1867. He was succeeded by Father Koke and 
he by Father Abeline, Sept. 1, 1880. Father Her- 
man Richards, of the Society of Jesus, became 
the pastor and held that position till August, 
1883, when he was assigned to another field. 
While serving as pastor of this congregation 
Father Richards has been required to preach in 
four different languages, to suit the understand- 
ing of his people. The congregation numbers 
about 3,000 members, who all live in a radius 
of from seven to ten miles about Prairie du 
Ciiien. The Catholics outnumber all other de- 
demominations combined, by a large majorily, 
and record among their member.s many of the 
wealthiest and most influential citizens of 
Prairie du Chien. They have two flourishing 



institutions of learning established here, a 
sketch of which is given elsewhere in this 
work. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETT. 

In 183-t the Rev. David Lowery, a Presby- 
terian clergyman organized the first protestant 
society in Prairie du Chien ; it afterward was 
merged into the Congregational society. 

TUE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Prairie 
du Chien was organized in 1836, by the Rev. 
Alfred Hruiison, superintendent of the M. E. 
mission, of the upper Mississippi and Lake 
Superior. Mr. Brunson came here in the fall of 
1835, from Meadviile, Penn.,and returned home 
the same autumn. In the spring of 1836 he 
came back with his family, purchased a farm 
and built a house, the materials of which were 
brought by boat from his old home in Pennsyl- 
vania. He soon organized a society. 

Mr. Bi-utnon says: "We reached PiMirie du 
Chien July 16, 1836. I organized a class of ten 
members out of those who came with me, being 
the first class of Methodists ever formed north 
and west of the Wisconsin rivtr. * * * j 
spent the winter in missionary labors at home 
and in the new settlements that were springing 
up within reach. In the winter of 1836-7, we 
had a gracious revival at Prairie du Chien, in 
which about twenty souls were converted, and 
in the course of the winter of 18.^7-8, another 
revival crowned our efforts under the blessing 
of God." 

The church edifice was built about 1847. 
Tiie records contain no history of the church, 
and as the memory of the oldest inhabitant 
seems to be at fault as regards any facts con- 
nected with it, our sketch must remain incom- 
plete. The present pastor, Rev. John Knibbs 
has been in charge two years, and h;is late'y 
iieen appointed to his second turm. As he has 
had an eventful experience in tliis field, we a])- 
pend a biief mention of his life. 

Rev. John Knibbs, ])astor of the M. E. Church 
of Prairie du Chien, was born in Oxford, Kng. 



654 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



land, March 2, 1826. He emigrated from England 
to America, in 1855, joined the West Wisconsin 
Conference, in 1856, and has been in active 
service now about twenty-seven years. In the 
winter of 1856-7, while a stranger in the land, 
Mr. Knibbs was engaged by the Rev. Alfred 
Brunson, to officiate at Eastman, in place of a 
brother minister who was prevented by sick- 
ness, from keeping his appointment. He start- 
ed to travel some five miles over the hills. 
The snow being nearly three feet deep and 
covered with a sharp crust, as no road was 
broken, he soon lost his way, and wandered 
about a considerable time. His horse becoming 
exhausted he tied him to a tree and tried to 
make his way on foot. Like many others 
when lost he traveled in a circle and soon came 
back to his horse. Again he tried to make his 
way out only to find himself back to the horse 
again. When night came on he crawled into 
the snow for protection. The following day he 
tried again but with no better success. Four 
days and three nights were spent in these vain 
attempts — his feet, hands and face were frozen 
and he was nearly starved. At last he sighted 
smoke from a chimney and was barely able to 
reach the house. The people only supposed 
one foot to be frozen, which they thawed out 
with spring water. This foot was saved and 
the other that was thought uninjured was so 
badly effected that amputation of a part of the 
foot was necessary. More recently three dif- 
ferent amputations of the limb have been made, 
one in 1883, nearly twenty-seven years after 
his exposure. Mr. Knibbs has in spite of 
his physical disabilities done effective work as 
a mission preacher. He is a man of fine ability 
and great earnestness of purpose. 1 he past 
two years he has filled the pulpit at Prairie du 
Ciiien and at the last conference was appointed 
to his second term at this point. Mr. Knibbs 
does not feel hopeful of filling the term of his 
appointment, but expects to be soon retired 
from active service. 



Tlie Episcopal Church of Prairie du Chien 
has "a local habitation and a name" and but 
little more. The first religious services con- 
ducted by a clergyman of tliis denomination 
were held in 1836 in Fort Crawford by Rev. 
Mr. Coddle, the first chaplain. Tlie parish was 
organized in June, 1855, by the Rev. John 
Egar, rector. The church edifice was erected 
the same year under the management of Mr. 
H. IJaldwin. At the close of the year Mr. Egar 
resigned and Mr. Lyman was called to fill the 
vacancy. He only remained a few weeks. Tlie 
Rev. Mr. Pratt filled the pulpit a few times but 
was not located here. Mr. Clinton was the 
next rector, and he served two years. He was 
followed by the Rev. Mr Lloyd, who only re- 
mained nine months and withdrew. The 
Church was then vacant for some time, till Rev. 
Mr. Geirlow was chosen rector. The field had 
no charms for him and he resigned after ten 
months' service, having during his pastorate 
consecrated the church. Aug. 13, 1865, the Rev. 
Mr. Skinner was appointed rector, and after a 
brief career resigned on November 18th of the 
same year. The pulpit was vacant till 1867, 
when the Rev. H. C. H. Dudley filled it as a 
missionary, but refused the rectorship. Again 
the pulpit was vacant till Oct. 3, 1875, when the 
Rev. Dr. A. F. Samuels was called to the rec- 
torship. Under his management the church 
was partially rebuilt and new interest excited. 
For six years Dr. Samuels labored without hope 
of reward; the smallness of the congregation 
making it practically impossible to support a 
pastor. Dr. Samuels retired from the ministry 
in October, 1881, and resumed the practice of 
medicine. At this writing, September, 1883, 
the Church is still vacant. 

The First Congregational Church of Prairie 
du Chien, was organized under the manage- 
ment of the Rev. Mr. L. L. Radcliff, July 
16, 1856. Names of members at date of 
organization: Leonard L. Radcliff, local pastor; 
J. S. Lockwood, A. O'Neil, P. J. Adams, James 
J. Langdon, D. Bull, A. C. Phillips, B. E. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



655 



Hutchinson, Walter R. Bullock and O. B. 
Thomas. Aug. 16, 1856, D. H. Johnson, E. G. 
Perry, and T. B. Moore joined; August 17, W. 
L. Mower and E. P Lockhart joined. The first 
officers of the society were : L. L. Radcliff, 
president; Benjamin Bull, vice president; A. C. 
Phillips, secretary; P. J. Adams, treasurer; 
J. S. Lockwood and B. E. Hutchinson to com- 
p'ete board of trustees. 

The church was built in 1858, under the su- 
pervision of the pastor, Mr. L. L. Radcliff, at a 
cost of $2,424.36. 

Mr. Radcliff began as the first regular pastor 
of this denomination at this point, in October, 
1855, sent by the American Home Mission. He 
was a member of the LaCrosse district con- 
vention of Congregational and Presbyterian 
Churches. He remained in charge of this 
Church till the close of 1860, when he re- 
turned to Pennsylvania, and is now preach- 
ing at Chautauqua Lake, N. Y. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. H. W. Cobb, who was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Henry Carpenter, in 1864. Mr. 
J. Porter succeeded Mr. Carpenter, and KUed 
the pulpit several years. He was said to have 
been the first Protestant minister that held 
service in Chicago. Rev. W. H. Marble suc- 
ceeded Mr. Porter, and closed his work Jan. 9, 
ISTl. Mr. C. F. Clapp was the ne.xt pastor, and 
served till March, 1877, when he was succeeded 
by Rev. A. W. Safford, who remained till the 
spring of 1880. The church was vacant till 
April 1, 1881, when Mr. Arial McMaster, the 
present pastor, was chosen to fill the pulpit. 
The membership is fifty. Mr. Orson Jackson 
is the only deacon. 

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
was organized in 1862. The first pastor was the 
Rev. John Himmler, who was succeeded by Rev. 
Loren Schorr, and he by Carl Weideranders, 
Herman Krotzschmer, Joseph Westenberger, 
Johannes DeJung, and he by the present pastor, 
the Rev. Christian Gevers. The church was 
built in 1808, at a cost of :SI,000. The present 
membership is about thirty. Among the first 



members were Fred Rhemhold, Fred Pagelo 
and Louis Scharpf. This society has a flour- 
ishing Sabbath school, which has been kept up 
since the organization of the society. It now 
has a regular attendance of sixty scholars. 
Louis Scharpf is the superintendent. 

The Evangelical Association was organized 
June 26, 1864, under the management of Rev. 
Peter Speich, pastor. Among the first members 
were : Frederick Bauer, John Poehler, Fred- 
erick Ahrens, John Schulz and Carl Lang. The 
Rev. Peter Speich was succeeded by Rev. 
Thomas Ragatz, and he by Fred Kaufmann, 
Fred Stroebel, Louis Runkel, William Kaun, 
Fred Asmann, G. Schwantes, the present pastor, 
who entered upon his duties in March, 1883. 
Mr. Schwantes was a mission preacher in 1863, 
and held the first services of this society, in the 
court house, in that year. The church was built 
in 1865, a wooden structure, at a cost of $1,500. 
The trustees, in 1883, were : Fred Bauer, John 
Schulz and John Kaufifmann. 

FIUST SUNDAY SCHOOL. 

The first Sunday school within what is now 
Prairie du Chien, was organized through the 
labors of Mrs. Juliana Lockwood and Miss Craw, 
ford, assisted by Dr. Edwin James, post surgeon 
ITnited States army, and Johti H. Kinzie. This 
school included all denominations of both Cath- 
olic and Protestant faith, and was in operation 
from the spring of 1825, to the spring of 1826. 
It is mentioned in a previous chapter. 

SOCIETIES. 

The following societies are now (1884) repre- 
sented in Prairie du Chien : Good Templars, 
St. .loseph Benevolent Society, Odd Fellows, 
Grand Army of the Republic, Ancient Order 
of United Workmen, Masonic and German 
Ilarugari. 

Prairie du Chien Lodge No. 16 (Indcpendeiit 
Order of Good Templars), was institued by S. 
E. Farnham, special deputy G. M., Oct. 31, 1875, 
with a charter membership of sixty-six, of 
whom only two are, at this writing, members 
in good standing. The first oflicers were: 



f.56 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Dr. John Conant, W. C. T.; Mrs. J. Lovewell 
W. V. T.; Rev. C. F. Clapp, W. C; F. J. Bow- 
man, W. R. S. ; J. D. Humphrey, W. F. S. ; 
Anna McCulloch, W. T. ; C. A. Douglass, W. 
M.; Annie Oram, W. I. G.; J. Lovewell, W. 
O. G. Two hundred and thirty-four members 
have been admitted since the lodge was organ- 
ized. The number now in good standing is 
fifty. The present officers are : 

William Mauke, W. C. T.; Aggie Herr, W. 
V. T.; Schwantse, W. C. ; L.T. Butterfield, W. 
R. S.; Charles Lester, W. F. S.; Clara Gerry, 
W. T.; David McMaster, W. M.; Belle Thomp- 
soti, W. L G.; Eddie Poehler, W. O. G.; L. T. 
Biilttrfield, lodge deputy. Lodge meets Mon- 
day nights, at their hall, in the Dousman Block. 

St. Joseph's Benevolent Society (a Bohe- 
mian benevolent society), was organized Sept. 
28, 1879. The object is for mutual aid in sick- 
ness and death, sick benefits are paid, and in 
case of death; the brother's widow or heirs re- 
ceive $600, and in case of the death of a wife, 
the husband receives $300. Albert Vondrak 
was the first president, John Fuka, vice-presi- 
dent, Anton Prochaska, secretary, Frank Liber, 
financial secretary, Joseph Lauka, treasurer, An- 
ton Vlaste, collector. The present officers are, 
Anton Prochaska, president, Charles Kalina, 
vice-president. Matt. Kobliska, secretary, Matt. 
Ohapek, financial secretary, Wenzel Hanzel, 
treasurer, Frank Kalina, banner-bearer, Joseph 
Krejci, marshal, Frank Liber, second niarshal. 
The society numbers seven ty-four, and meets 
once a month. 

Pioneer Lodge, No. 37, L O. O. F., the 
first Odd Fellows' lodge of Prairie du Chien, 
was organized Aug. 3, 1849. The record states 
that the Grand Master was present, and con- 
ferred the fourth degree upon Bro. E. P. Wood, 
and the full five degrees upon Bros. H. A. 
Wright, T. L. Wheeler, F. B. Bachelor, and L 
S. Curtis. The lodge opened on Friday night, 
Aug. 3, 1849, E. P. Wood was chosen noble 
grand, H. A. Wright, vice-grand, and I. S. 
Curtis, inside guard. The first candidate initi- 



ated, was C. P. Fox, whose initiation took place 
at the first meeting. Bro. Fox was a candi- 
date for a degree at each successive meeting, 
and was finally voted in the fifth degree, Aug. 
31,1849. Degrees fourth and fifth were con- 
ferred upon Bro. Harrison; degrees third, fourth 
and fifth, upon Bros. T. Robertson, Wm. Rob- 
ertson and L. Jackson. The lodge seemed to 
lack vitality, for some cause or other. The rec- 
ords show the last meeting to have been held 
May 2, 1856. It is supposed that the charter 
was surrendered about that time. 

Crawford Lodge No. 98 (Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows), was organized at Prairie du 
Chien, Feb. 28, 1859, D. D. G. M., E. A. Bot- 
tum in the chair. The following named broth- 
ers were elected, and installed as the first offi- 
cers of the lodge: Robert Scott, N. G.; A. Bene- 
dict, V. G.; T. Warner, R. S.; S. A. Clark, 
treasurer. A charter was issued to the lodge 
dated Jan. 19, 1860. Bros. Sam. A. Clark, Rob- 
ert Scott, Theodore Warner, Alonzo Benedict 
and A. Coburn were the charter members. The 
Charter bears the signature of Stoddard Judd, 
G. M.; H. Ruda, G. S. The lodge has had 
an uninterupted existence, from its organization 
to this writing, and is now in a prosperous and 
healthy condition, present membership, sixty- 
six. Its present officers are George Wright, N. 
G.; H. C. Parshler, V. G.; E. W. Van Vi.kle, 
R. S.; E. Blanchard, P. S.; A. Denio, T. Past 
Grands, are Sjdvester Ault, J. C. E. Bear, S. 
A. Clark, Dr. John Conant, A. Denio, S. E. 
Farnham, M. Friederich, C. S. Fuller, T. M. 
FuUerton, J. M. Gillis, Frank Jallish, John 
Koch, Thomas Kemp, E. O. Lacy, David Mo 
Intyre, Henry Otto, Jacob Pugii, J. H. Priest, 
I). B. Richardson, James Stackpole, G. C. 
Smith, Joel C. Smith, J. G. Schvveizer, (de- 
ceased), C. M. Lully, I. M. Stern, Edwin Tref- 
fry, L. F. S. Viele, A. C. Wallin, and T. G. 
Brunson. 

Peter V. Plummer,Post No. 37, G. A. R. was 
instituted July 18, 1882. Daniel Webster, com- 
mander. Dr. E. J. Eddy, adjutant The mem- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



657 



bership numbers fifty. Meets every first and 
third Friday of eacli month. The organization 
is growing rapidly, and is in a pro.sperous con- 
dition. 

Star Lodge No. 15, Ancient Order United 
Workmen, was instituted by district deputy 
grand master, W. H. Burford, at Prairie du 
Chien, Oct. 19, 187V. The meeting was held at 
the hall of the I. O. G. T., in Dousman Block. 
The charter members were H. R. Farr, Wil- 
liam Manke, F. W. Jlerr, D. Webster, C. W. 
Plummer, J. A. Newton, J. D. Plumphrey, Dr. 
E. Stciger, L. 0. King, John B. Davis, L. Case. 

The first officers were William Manke, F.; L. 
Cherrier, O.; D. Webster, R.; Phil Helwig, 
G. L. R. and F.; H. C. Poehler, R.; G. W. 
Foster, Dis. Dep. G. M. The lodge meets 
every alternate Tuesday in the Odd Fellows' 
Hall. 

The aggregate losses paid to Aug. 1, 1883-4, 
amount to #8,000. The association is grow- 
ing and prosperous. 

Trustees were: Short term, L. Case; middle 
terra, J. A. Newton; long term, J. D. Humph- 
rey ; guide, C. W. Plummer; I. W., F. Herr ; 
O. W., William Manke. The lodge numbers 
forty-five members. The present officers are: 
L. T. P,utterfield, P. M. W.; Henry Otto, M. 
W. 

Prairie du Chien lodge No. 106, A. F. and A. 
M., was instituted with charter bearing date 
June 11, 1858. The foUowingwere the appoint- 
ed officers: John Kennaly, W. M.; I. P. errit 
Gentil, S. W.; John J. Chase, J. W. First 
meeting was held Jan. 6, 1858, acting under 
dispensation of the grand lodge. The first 
officers elected: Henry Patch, W. M.; I. Per- 
rit Gentil, S. W.; John Kennaly, J. W.; O. P. 
Martin, T.; John J. Chase, S.; J. S. Curtis, S. 
D.; H. Weidmfeld, J. D.; A. C. Dudley, T. 
The first brother initiated and raised was Ira 
F. Manuel, Feb. 24, 1858, was made a master 



mason. The lodge was worked successfully 
continuously from its inception to date (1884). 
The lodge bought an old store building near the 
old fort grounds, about the close of the war, 
which they sold to Mr. Herdenberger, who mov- 
ed it to Bluff street, opposite the Central House, 
where it is now used as a meat market. Their 
present commodious hall was built by the lodge; 
size 28x80 feet. The postoffice is below, offices 
back, built in 1872, at a cost of $6,000, of mill 
brick, two stories, situated on north side of Bluff 
street near Church street. 

The present membership, 1884, is 100 master 
masons. Present officers: A. C. Wallin, W. 
M.; E. Morrison, S. W.; S. E. Farnham, J. W.; 
Aaron Denio, T.; George D. Cottrell, S. ; John 
Koch, S. D.; M. Frederick, J. D.; A. Tilmont, 
S.; R. M. Halsey, T. 

Jerusalem Chapter No. 25, (Prairie du Chien) 
was operated under dispensation of the grand 
chapter July 11, 1865, and instituted Feb. 20, 
1865. The first officers were: U. F. Case, H. P.; 
J. J. Chase, K.; G. M. Rising, Scribe; A. Coburn, 
treasurer; E. Johnson, secretary; R. C. Dim- 
ock, C. of H. 

The first officers after the lodge was institut- 
ed were U. F. Case,H. P.; J. J Chase, K.; G. M. 
Rising, scribe; A. Coburn, treasurer; R. C. Di- 
mook, C. of H. 

The present officers are R. C. Dimock, H. 
P.; J. D. Jones, K.; L. F. S. Viele, S.: Aaron 
Denio, treasurer; A. C. Wallin secretary; L. 
Canillard, C. of II. The chapter meets the 
second and fourth Mondays of each month. 

Mississippi Lodge No. 423^ (Deutcher Order 
Harugari of Prairie du Chien), was instituted 
under the jurisdiction of the grand lodge, 
wliich organized in New York city Marcli 
9, 1847, and reorganized in Wisconsin, Jan. 
25, 1869. The Mississippi lodge No. 423 
was chartered May 8, 18S0. The charter 
members were Charles Roinhold, II. Willers, 
Charles Bracher, Herman Doshe, William Ziel 
end Christian Griesbach. The lodge has a 
membership of twenty-two, and is composed 



658 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



exclusively of Germans. The first officers were: 
Theodore Willerp. Ex. B.; Carl Reinhold, O. B.; 
Clirisiian Greisbach. U. B.; Charles F. Bracher, 
S.; Thio Wilier, T. The present officers are: 
William Ziel, O. B.; Ferdinand Pflaun, U. B.; 
Henry Netz, S.; Charles Reinhold T.; M. 
Manges, D. D. Ex. B. The association is ex- 
clusively German, and originated in New York 
city, March 9, 1847. Twelve Germans founded 
it for the purpose of preserving the German 
language in America, and for preserving the 
German National characteristics. Subsequently 
it was made a benevolent order, and by its laws 
pays endowments or insurance to the heirs of 
deceased brothers to the amount of $500, and a 
sick benefit to sick brothers as fixed by the by- 
laws. This lodge meets every Thursday even- 
ing at their hall in Brunson's block. 

DRIVING PABK ASSOCIATION. 

The Piairie du Chien Mechanical, Agricul- 
tural and Driving Park Association was organ- 
ized Aug. 22, 1883. H. L. Dousman was elected 
president; O. B. Thomas, vice president; Wm. 
Newton, secretary; A. M. Beach, treasurer, and 
M. Menges, superintendent. The capital stock 
was limited to $10,000, about $6,000 of wliich 
has been subscribed at this writing. The asso- 
ciation has bargained with Mr. B. F. Fay for 
fifty-seven acres in the northeastern part of the 
city, for the site, being a part of farm lot No. 
35; the price to be $3,000. It is the intention 
on the part of the managers to proceed at once 
to improve the ground, and construct a first- 
class race course thereon. 

BAND. 

The Bohemian band, of Prairie du Chien, 
originally organized in 1870, comprised eight 
pieces, with Matt Chapek as leader. The band 
was composed of Bohemians, and was very pop- 
ular. About 1877 it suspended for a while, and 
re-organized in 1881, with ten pieces. The 
following named parties compose the band: 
Matt Chapek, leader; M. Tehle, W. Tesar, 
Josepii Zenian, C. Zeman, Joseph Tehle, Matt 
Hanzlicek, Fred Bachelder, Charles Pion and 



Winzel Strauski. This band have a good out- 
fit of instruments; are well drilled, and are 
widely and favorably known. 

CEMETERIES. 

There are, at this date (1884), four burying 
grounds used by the people of Prairie du Chien. 
These " silent cities" have buried, within their 
numerous vaults, a history which nothing but 
eternity can reveal. Within these sacred en- 
closures lie buried the joys and sorrows of two 
generations of pioneers. Here rest the re- 
mains of many a bold adventurer and frontiers- 
man, and by his side has long since decayed the 
mortal part of scores of gallant soldiers. Here 
the pioneer has oftimes bent over the coffined 
form of a darling child, who lived but to lisp, 
perhaps a single word, then was plucked like a 
spring flower and transplanted into a better 
world; others have grown to young man and 
womanhood, and then been laid low by disease 
and finally placed beneath the green sod which 
has been moistened by tear drops from the eyes 
of a dear father and loving mother, for many a 
year. Then in time, they too, have been sub- 
jects of disease, pain and death, and put away 
at rest by the side of their children so dear. 
Funeral procession after funeral procession has 
slowly coursed its way to these burying 
grounds and deposited the loved ones from out 
the home circles of this city, and monuments 
have been reared to their memory, until to-day, 
these "silent sentinels" stand one against an- 
other, as it were. The oldest of these ceme- 
teries is one of the three Catholic burying 
grounds used by the pioneers. This is situated 
just north of the city, and contains the remains 
of many of the departed dead. The only pub- 
lic and non-sectarian cemetery in the place is 
located in the southeast part of Lower Town. 
This contains about eight acres of ground, and 
was laid out on land owned by John S. Lock- 
wood, in 1842. This cemetery has been pro- 
perly cared for and presents to the passer by an 
index of the culture and refinement of the city 
populace. Besides the public cemeteries, there 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



659 



are numerous private bui-ying grounds in and 
about the city, where rest the remains of many 
of the pioneers of Crawford county, some of 
which are on the highest bluffs east of, and 
overlooking tlie city. There are also several 
interments on land enclosed in what is known 
as the officers' cemetery, on grounds reserved 
by the United States. This is near John Law- 
ler's residence, and contains the bodies of sol- 
diers and their families, who died at this point 
when Prairie du Chien was yet a military post. 

CITY PARK. 

Prairie du Chien can boast of one of the 
prettiest public parks in southern Wisconsin. 
It is located just south of Bluff street, which is 
the main business thoroughfare of the city. 
Minnesota street runs on the east, Wisconsin 
street on the south, the grounds being in block 
90 of the Union plat. The land embraced 
within this beautiful park was purchased of II. 
L. Dousman, Jr. The principal attraction of 
this spot is the fountain formed by the perpetual 
flow of the artesian well, situated within thi 
enclosure ot the park. A very neat and sul - 
stantial fence encloses the grounds, which av. 
made charming by an abundance of choice shad, 
trees, including some fine evergreens of symet 
rical proportions. 

ARTESIAN WELLS. 

One of the peculiar and interesting features 
of the city of Prairie du Chien is its several 
mammoth artesian wells. To the late Judajc 
Ira B. Brunson belongs the credit of proposing 
and urging the undertaking of opening an ar- 
tesian well at this city. The subject was dis- 
cussed by the judge in so earnest and hopeful a 
manner that he soon had other prominent citi- 
zens interested in the project. 

The drilling of a well was commenced in the 
latter part of 1875, without any formal organi- 
zation and before its completion, a public meet- 
ing was held (May 20, 1876) for the purpose of 
organizing a joint stock company. 

Judge Ira B. Brunson was chosen president, 
and Mr. L. Case, secretary, of the meeting. A 



committee on organization was appointed, con- 
sisting of B. F. Fay, A. Denio and W. B. Hunt. 
A second meeting was held June 23, 1876, and 
the organization was perfected. Judge I. B. 
Brunson was elected president, and E. M. 
Wright secretary. A board of directors was 
chosen, consisting of B. F. Fay, Lawrence Case, 
T. L. Brower, H. Beach, M. Menges, I. B. Brun- 
son and W. B. Hunt. 

Articles of association were adopted, and the 
capital stock fixed at $10,000. The association 
was to be known as the Praiiie du Chien Ar- 
tesian Well Company. Stock was readily taken, 
and the work pushed to a speedy completion. 
The diameter of the tube is six inches, and the 
well was sunk to the depth of 960 feet, when a 
powerful stream of mineral water was struck 
which was found to flow at the rate of twenty 
barrels per minute, and with sufficient force to 
rise to the height of seventy feet. 

An analysis of the water was made by a com- 
petent chemist with the following showing 
per gallon : 

Grains. 

Bicarbonate of lime 6223 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 10 9739 

Chloride of sodium 90.2007 

Chloride of potassium 3.8064 

Bromide of sodium 1281 

Sulphate of soda 12.7978 

Sulphate of lime 15.3699 

Bicaibonateof iron 2318 

Aluminia 0610 

Silica 2.8430 

Phosphate of soda Trace. 

Organic matter Trace. 

The water is said to be a powerful remedial 
agent in rheumatism, dyspepsia and numerous 
other diseases. The original cost of the well 
was $4,200, which was the amount of stocle 
issued. The additional improvements, including 
mains and hydrants extending down Bluff street 
to the foot of Main, cost $2,500. A still further 
expense has been incurred for copper pipe for 
lining main pipe to the rock. The present 
annual income is between $600 and $700. The 
company, with a view of developing the business, 





660 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



has granted the sole right of sale of the water 
for a term of ten years from July 1, 1883 to 
Henry F. Schultz, of Milwaukee, for a nominal 
sum. 

The present officers, (1884), are M. Menges, 
president; Wm. Newton, superintendent and 
secretary. 

The well is situated on the northwest corner 
.of Minnesota and Wisconsin streets. The sur- 
plus water is conducted to ){luff street and there 
divides equally and passes down the open gut- 
ters, which are paved with stone, thus present- 
ing the curious and agreeable spectacle of 
two brooklets of clear, sparkling water, 
flowing one on either side of the principal 
business street of the city, while at fre- 
quent intervals open hydrants pour out a 
never-ceasing stream. Drinking cups and 
watering tubs supply the thirsty mortal or 
beast with abundant opportunity for quenching 
thirst. Two wells of this kind propel a flour- 
ing mill in the heart of the city, and Mr. T. L 
Brower has another similar well at Lower 
Town, which throws an immense volume of 
water. It is situated in a beautiful private 
park of Mr. Brower's designing, and supplies a 
minature lake. Besides the main fountain 
which forms so interesting a feature of the 
park, another fed by the well, through pipes, 
throws its bright waters high in the air, on the 
beautiful lawn that fronts the owner's residence. 
Still another no less beautiful fountain than 
Mr. Brower's, ornaments the beautiful grounds 
of the Dousman mansion near the river. 

MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES. 

The first milling done at or near the city of 
Prairie du Chien, was the grinding of small 
grain, such as wheat, peas, barley and oats. Two 
or three farmers would unite in the constuction 
of a horse power mill. The buhrs were large 
stones cut from the granite rock, found about 
the city. The product of these mills was 
sifted by hand. The first regular grist mill 
within the limits of the city of Prairie du 
Chien, was erected by Edward Pel ton in 1847. 



This was a frame structure, except the engine 
room, which was built of brick. It was situated 
on the east bank of the Mississippi river, in the 
northwestern part of the city. It was still do- 
ing service in 1884. The original building was 
50x50 feet, four stories in height and contained 
two run of stone. But in 1867 the property 
passed into the hands of J. Fameshon, who re- 
raodled the building and provided new machin- 
ery throughout. In 1884 the mill was propelled 
by a sixty-horse power engine and operated as 
an exchange mill. In 1878 after the artesian 
wells of the city were pronounced a lasting suc- 
cess, Henry Weniger conceived the idea of 
securing a power sufiicient to propel a flouring 
mill by means of two of these wells. So he opened 
one having an eisrht inch bore and one with a six 
inch bore. These wells were sunk 1,044 feet, 
and the streams give an upward force equal to 
the requirements of this mill, which contains two 
run of stone with a capacity of grinding 100 
bushels per day. This is the only mill known 
in the world that derives its power directly 
from an upward stream of water, coming from 
the earth. This mill is located just north of 
Bluff street and east of the "slough." 

The first saw-mill at Prairie du Chien was 
built in 1857, for the purpose of cutting hard 
wood lumber. It stood near the site of the 
present round house. Soon after its erection, it 
was burned down, and through aid derived by 
private subscription, it was rebuilt and con- 
tinued a few months. 

The next saw-mill in or about Prairie du 
Chien, was that owned by Stauer & Co., which 
was operated in McGregor for about a year, and 
in 1872 moved over to Prairie du Cliien, in 
order to get more yard room in which to operate 
on a larger scale. This mill is one of the largest 
between Minneapolis, Minn , and Clinton, Iowa. 
Its propelling power is a 125 horse-power en- 
gine, which drives machinery sufficient to cut 
85,000 feet of lumber per day. At this mill, 
besides the immense quantities of lumber 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



661 



sawed, there is one of the largest shingle and 
lath mills in the county. 

The location of this mill is on the east bank 
of the east channel of the Mississippi river, just 
northwest from the railway depot of the C. M. 
& St. Paul railway, the track of which passes 
through the mill yard. 

Most of the logs used by this mill are rafted 
from Stillwater and the Chippewa country; and 
the major part of the mills product finds a 
market in Iowa and Dakota. 

The first brewing done at Prairie du Chien 
was in 1855, by Theodore Schumann and Otto 
Georgii, who operated in a small wood building 
near the base of the bluffs, where they exca- 
vated a large cellar which was stoned up and 
arched over. In 1870 M. Menges bought into 
the company, as the successor of Fred Kalpel, 
who had purchased Mr. Georgii's interest a 
year or two before. On the 29th of April, 1872, 
this brewery was destroyed by fire, causing a 
loss of $8,000, while $12,000 of its value was 
covered by insurance. 

A few weeks after this fire a new brewery 
was commenced, wliich was still running in 
1884, and known as the City Brewery. This 
concern fronts Church street from the west side, 
and is situated in block No. 1, and is the prop- 
erly of Tiieodore Schumann and M. Menges. 
This building is 45x160 feet, two and three 
stories in heiglit. It is a stone and iron struct- 
ure, erected at a cost of $2.3,800, including ma- 
chinery. It has a capacity of 6,000 barrels per 
year, which finds market in Wisconsin and 
Iowa, where eight salesmen are constantly em- 
ployed. This concern uses from 12,000 to 
14,000 bushels of malt of tiieir own manufact- 
ure, and from 1,000 to 3,000 bushels imported. 
It also consumes 1,800 tons of ice per season. 

Harris <fc Benson are manufacturers of steel 
plows and cultivators. Their business was es- 
tablished in 1855, by D. G. Harris, and conducted 
by Mr. Harris, and various partners, till 1871, 
when he formed a jiartnership with H. J. Ben- 
son. This firm dous an extensive business in 



the manfacture of steel plows and cultivators, 
of which they make several varieties. For the 
year 1882, they made 4,000 plows and cultiva- 
tors. The senior partner has had thirty-four 
years' experience in the business, while Mr. 
Benson has devoted several years to the same 
line of work. Their plows and tools are sold 
throughout the west, and are held in high favor. 

Just before the Civil war, II. H. Hall found 
money for Capt. Chase and Alonzo Pelton to 
put in operation a soap factory, which they con- 
tinued to run till April, 1864, when they sold to 
J. D. Humphrey, of Galena, 111., who operated 
successfully until Jan. 12,1883, and then sold 
to Haskins & Wallan, who carried on the busi- 
ness until December of that year, when Mr. 
Haskins purchased his partner's interest; the 
concern then going under the name of Leroy 
Haskins' soap and candle factory. 

No little importance is centered about indus- 
tries of this character ; indeed, they are the vi- 
tality of any city. Five standard grades of 
laundry soap are here manufactured — "Eureka," 
"Palm," "Old English," "Favorite" and "Econ- 
omist." The capacity of these soap works is 
11,000 sixty-pound boxes per annum. These 
soaps find market in Iowa, Wisconsin and Da- 
kota, in which States salesmen are constantly 
employed. This factory is situated in one of 
the pioneer buildings of the city. It was form 
erly the "Rioleto House," kept by a Frenchman 
at an early day. It was next used as an ofiice 
for the Indian agent, and later still, as a select 
school. Since 1870 this concern has been su- 
perintended by Jeremiah Cannon, an experi- 
enced soap maker. 

The Vinegar works, of A. H. Reitemeyer, 
another enterprise of manufacturing industry 
of Prairie du Chien, was established in 1870, in 
the three-story brick business house, in Lower 
Town, built in ] 857 for a bank. Up to 1879, 
the produ(!t of these works was made by use 
of spirits, which were imported ; but at that 
date Mr. Reitemeyer, jjut in new machinery and 
has since produced the best grades of vinegar, 



662 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COtTNTY. 



by the "vaporizing process," employing spirits 
obtained from malt, corn and rye, purchased and 
extracted at his works. The capacity of these 
works is 1 ,000 barrels per year ; however, the 
average amount produced is about 600 barrels, 
which is sold to the retail trade of Iowa, Min- 
nesota and Wisconsin. 

COMMERCIAL INTERESTS. 

The commercial interests leading to the 
foundation, and subsequent development of a 
city, which must of necessity, receive the at- 
tention of the historian, is attended with many 
difficulties and uncertainties unknown to those 
who have never undertaken the collection of 
such matter. Especially is this true of a city 
dating back to so early a time as Prairie du 
Chien. Few of the early business men of the 
place are now living, and to the memory of the 
few surviving ones, years that have passed are 
but as fleeting hours, and the reports given by 
these pioneers are often at antipodes in relation 
to vital points, such as names and dates of those 
who first embarked in business. Notwithstand- 
ing these obstacles, the task has been under- 
taken, and the result is here given as a matter 
of record, to be handed down to succeeding gen- 
erations, that they may know who founded the 
business of a city whose proportions shall in- 
crease with the incoming years, and the magni- 
tude of its commerce outstrip the most sanguine 
hopes of its projectors. 

In this connection it will be the aim of the 
historian to give, as far as possible, the names 
of the first representatives in each line of busi- 
ness, together with a brief history of their busi- 
ness and tl'.en in conclusion, show the advance- 
ment made by a business directory of the city 
in 1883. 

As the earliest trading at this point, has been 
spoken of at length, in former chapters, in con- 
nection with the French and Indian trading post, 
no special mention will be made of the city's 
business until the American settlement com- 
menced. 



BUSINESS OF "lower TOWN." 

The first merchandising done at this point, 
was carried on by John S. Lockwood, who 
opened a general store in 1839, and continued 
till about 1844, when he moved the stock to 
Upper Town, and a few years later died. Sam- 
uel A. Clark was the next to embark in trade in 
the Lower Town. He commenced in 1840, and 
continued until 1862 and then moved his goods 
to Viroqua, Vernon county, where he built a 
fine store building, which a few years later, he 
sold to Mr. John Tate, who was still in trade 
there in 1884. 

The first hardware dealer of the place was 
G. C. Cone, who finally moved to McGregor, 
where he died. Succeeding him in this line, 
came Oswald & Hopkins in 1856. 

Frank Jackish run the pioneer meat market 
of this part of Prairie du Chien. 

A b.ank was established in 1856, under the 
state banking laws, by a man from Milwaukee, 
who continued some few years. This bank 
was kept in a large three story brick block erec- 
ted by Allen Reed for that purpose. In 1883, 
this was utilized as a vinegar manufactory. 

In 1857 the principal trade of the place was 
in the hands of the following: 

T. L. Brower, wholesale and retail drug store. 

Mr. Osborne, grocery store. 

H. Baldwin, ship store, which he kept in 
the railroad depot. 

Samuel A. Clark, general store. 

William Hawkins, groceries and provisions. 

At this date there were eight hotels of vari- 
ous kinds, which changed hands many times and 
several of these were destroyed by fire, it is 
supposed to obtain the insurance, whicli was 
placed upon them. 

In the winter of 1862-3, the long talked of 
removal of the depot, to a point up the river, 
near what was the "Main Village" of early 
date, was finally effected and with this cliange 
of railroad business, all other branches of trade 
commenced to center at Upper Town, many 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



663 



of the business men removing their goods 
from "Lower Town." 

"Lower Town" contains at this time (1884) 
but one store, which is operated hy the pio- 
neer, T. L. Brower. 

Aside from the Vinegar works of A. H. 
Reitemeyer established in ISTO, this constituted 
the business of this part of Prairie du Chein. 

The C. M. & St. Paul have their round house 
and repair shops here, also a passenger depot. 

BUSINESS OF "upper TOWN." 

Tlie earliest trading done here, was carried 
on at what was then known as "Main Vil- 
lage," on the island, near where the Milwaukee 
de))ot now stands. The building used was a 
solid, stone structure, which is still standing. 
This was head-quarters for the Indian traders, 
among whom were Dousman & Brisbois, 
agents fortl.e American Fur Company. 

In 1839, Edward Pelton opened up a general 
store. 

In 1847, Thomas A. Savage and Martin Nein- 
hardt engaged in trade; the former in a general 
stock, and the latter in exclusive grocery stock. 
O. P. Martin embarked in the drug and gro- 
cery trade, at about the same time. 

(•JailLird & Famechon, began business in 
1849, running a large general stock, then called 
and still known as the "French Store." In 
185.T, they erected a spacious stone building on 
Bluff street where Mr. Fameclion is still (1884) 
doing business. 

Tiie first to eng.age in the hardware trade at 
this point was Mr. Frisbie, who sold to B. F. 
Fay, in 1S.57. Beach & Weber engaged in the 
same line in 1858. 

The earliest dealer in furniture was Christo- 
pher Greeley, who commenced business in 1850, 
in a shop near the site of the present Commer- 
cial Hotel. This business is still (1884) carried 
on by his son Charles. 

Horace Beach kept the pioneer agricultural 
store. 

The first Inniljer dealers were I. P. P. Centil & 
Dorr, who operated as early as 1856-7. 



Shipley & Peas run the first livery stable, 
beginning about 1853. 

The first to deal in clocks and jewelry was 
Mr. Giles, who was in trade here just before the 
war, and here commenced the foundation of the 
great fortune he has since amassed in Chicago, 
where he has long since been one of the noted 
business men. 

The pioneer picture taker was Alpheus 
Wright, who located long before the art of tak- 
ing photographs was known. About 1850 was 
the date of his commencing to take daguerro- 
types. D. A. Douglass was the second artist, 
who settled here. He was farther advanced in 
his profession, and taught Mr. Wright the pro- 
cess of taking both photographs and uubrotypes. 
He located in 1856, and continued in the busi- 
ness till 1865. His gallery was situated on 
Church street near where the city brewery was 
afterward built. 

The first shoemaker in Prairie du Chien was a 
German named Sielgher, who commenced cob- 
bling in 1842. In 1856, J. T. Christoph came 
from New York city and opened a shoe shop, 
and in 1860 added a stock of boots and shoes. 
He is still (in 1884)operating in this capacity. 

The first restaurant in the place was run in 
connection with a boarding house, known as "Our 
House," which stood near where the French 
store building now stands. It was kept by John 
Pion, who is a native of Prairie du Chien. He 
was born in 1821, on the site of the present 
Railway House, and died Dec. 1, 1882. He had 
served two years in the United States army 
1846-7, in a campaign against the Indians of 
the northwest. At one time he was counted 
among the wealthiest men in Prairie du Chien; 
but one reverse added to another till all was 
finally swept fromhim. The last twenty-five years 
of his life he suffered much from inflamatory 
rheumatism, contracted while in the army. It 
is said Mr. Pion was a "born gentlemen," 
and like most of the early French settlers, he 
was liberal and hospitable. His death added 
another to the long list of pioneers, who have 



664 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



been gathered to their fathers, leaving only a 
few of that generation who lived on this beauti- 
ful prairie, and wliosechief business was "dance, 
sing and make merry." 

Mr. Pion was married in 1850, to Anna Bris- 
bois, a neice of Col. Brisbois, by whom he had 
ten children — John, Emma, Louis, Anna. 
Charles, Addie, Ella, Lotta, Johnny and Eddie. 

DIRECTORY OF 1883. 

The following is a business directory of 
Prairie du Chien in December, 1883: 
Brower, T. L., general store. 
Brower & Son, drugs and groceries. 
Beach, H., hardware and farm implements. 
Bassett, Huntington & Co., grain dealers. 
Butterfield, L. T., photographer. 
Baldwin, H., Tremont House. 
Bridenbauch, M., Central House. 
Chase, L. & Co., general store. 
Crehain, Dennis, St. Paul Hotel. 
Conant, Dr., Turkish Bath. 
Case & Co., grain dealers. 
Douglass, D. A., notion store. 
Evans, William, attorney. 
Eddy, E., physician. 
Famechon, J., French Store. 
Fuller, C. S., attorney. 
Frederick, M., harness maker. 
Famechon, J., grain dealer. 
Garvey Brothers, dry goods. 
Grelle, Charles, furniture. 
Griesbaugh, Christian, meat market. 
Haskins, Le Roy, soap manufacturer. 
Hewitt, Byron, farm machinery. 
Jones, J. D., physician. 
Kohn & Co., clothing. 
Knops, John, furniture. 
Lindner, G. L., cigar maker. 
Levi, N. H., jeweler. 
Lockart, E. P., lumber dealer. 
Mathews, R. G., jeweler. 
Morrison. E., hardware. 
Nor, Frederick & Co., meat market. 
Poehler, H. C, groceries. 
Rosenbaum. S., groceries. 



Reitemeyer, A. H., .Vinegar Works. 

Rodgers, Edward, Sherman House. 

Rodway, T. F., restaurant. 

Schweizer, Mrs. J. G., Commercial Hotel. 

Sohweizer, M. boots and shoes. 

Stauer & Co., saw mills. 

Shumann & Menges, brewery. 

Steiger, A., physician 

Samuels, A. F., physician. 

Schumecher, R. R., restaurant. 

Thomas, O. B., attorney. 

Viele, L. F. S., attorney. 

Wright & Co., drugs. 

Weidenfeld, H., dry goods. 

Webster, Daniel, attorney. 

HOTELS. 

The hotel, as well as the grist mill, saw-mill 
and blacksmith shop, serves as a vanguard to 
civilization, going up as it does in the midst 
of the wild, unsettled frontier, to give shelter 
and repast to the explorer and home seeker. 
Could the foundation stones of the early taverns 
in the neighborhood of Praiaie du Chien but 
speak, they would, indeed, reveal history which 
can never be written. They would tell of men 
and women of whom we know but little, they 
would describe the manners and customs of 
those who, perhaps, tarried here but a few days, 
or maybe give us a volume of comic incidents 
which occurred within the superstructure above 
them. Here the French and Indian traders 
assembled and told one another of their ex- 
ploits and the dangers through which they 
passed in search of worldly gain among the 
savage tribes of Indians, whose finest hunting 
ground was hereabouts. They would also make 
mention of the marriages, births and deaths 
and of dances and charivaries besides a thous- 
and other things which must have transpired in 
those early days around the public houses. 
But as these have been dumb listeners it is left 
for the historian to trace out, as near as possible 
the facts connected with the building and oper- 
ation of the first hotels of the city and such 
additional notes concerning those of a laier 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



665 



(late as he may be able to find aud then weave 
them together as a record of the hotels of this 
place. 

There were several inns kept by the French 
settlers at a very early date; but the first record 
to be found of a licensed tavern was granted 
May 13, 1823, to John Brunet, by J. L. Findly, 
tlieu county clerk. About the same time an- 
other was granted to John Dispouse, and a year 
later, one to James Reed. These were all three 
small concerns, and their history, however ex- 
tensive and interesting it may have been, has 
been lost by the flight of time; and all that is 
known is the facts above stated. 

About 1839 Ezekiel Tainter built what was 
known as the Phceuix Hotel. This was on Main 
street, near the New York store building. 
In a few years Mr. Tainter sold to Edward 
Pelton, who operated it for a time, and from 
him the property passed into the hands of Mr. 
Keith. The next landlord was Deacon Hurd 
(Dennis J.), who continued for several years, 
and finally gave way to William Campbell, and 
lie in turn to Alonzo Kane, who changed the 
name of the house to "Kane's Hotel." He con- 
ducted the house till 1861, when J. George 
Schweizer purchased and operated it till Nov. 
8, 1873, at which time it was destroyed by fire, 
occasioned by the burning of .Mr. Boisvert's 
barn, as some thought, while others concluded 
it must have been willfully set on fire, while the 
barn was yet smouldering. 

About 1834 a hotel was built on Bluff street, 
whicli in 1884, was used as a private house. 
This was caJIeil the Prairie House; it was a 
story and a half building, erected by a French- 
man named Haylee. Later it became the pro- 
perty of II L. Dousman, but was operated by 
N. F. Hurd, also by Messrs. Parvin & Canip- 
beil. 

In 1839 Alexander McGregor built a very 
substantial, sjiacious hotel in Lower Town, 
known as the Granite Hotel. This was con- 
structed of Prairie du Chien granite, and was 



a fine building. It was destroyed a few years 
later by fire. 

In 1857-8 a joint stock company erected a 
large hotel in Lower Town, known as the Bris- 
bois liouse. This was an immense house, built 
over the excitement connected with the com- 
pletion of the Milwaukee & Mississippi River 
railroad to this point. It was too large a house 
to be in any sense profitable to its owner, and 
so was operated but a few years. Its cost was 
$56,1)00. During the rebellion it was used by 
the government as a hospital. Later still, an 
unsuccessful attempt was made to have it util- 
ized by the State as a Normal School building; 
but having failed in this, its owners organized 
an independent college, known as the Prairie 
du Chien College. This proved a financial 
failure, and the building passed into the hands 
of the Catholics, who started a school therein, 
which also proved a failure. John Lawler then 
purchased the property and donated it to the 
Fathers of the Society of Jesus, who have 
added substantial and expensive improvements, 
and sustain one of the best schools in the State. 

Another fine hotel was erected in 1856-7 by 
E. W. Mondel, at a cost of $40,000. This was 
known as the " Mondel," and was a very supe- 
rior house. Among others who conducted this 
hotel, were, A. M. Tryon, Mr. Van Velzer and 
Edward Pelton, who were experienced hotel 
men, and won the esteem their merit deserved 
as good landlords. This building was a fine 
three story structure, situated on Bluff street, 
the principal street of the city. It was de- 
stroyed by fire in December, 1880, and was not 
re-built. 

The Railroad House, on the island, is the 
property of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
Railway Com))any. Tliis spacious l)uilding was 
erected in 1862-3, at the time the depot was 
moved from its original site in Lower Town. 
This is a fine structure, built of Milwaukee 
brick, and provided with all modern appliances 
for the comfort and convenience of the travel- 
ing public. The cost of the building was about 



666 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



135,000, exclusive of furniture. It is located 
within a few rods of the east bank of the Mis- 
sissippi river, near the depot, and from its 
rooms may be seen the charming river scenery. 

Among the smaller hotels of the place are the 
Treniont, Sherman, St. Paul and Central hotels. 

Tlie building which forms a part of the Tre- 
mont House, is a pioneer structure, being built 
by H. L. Dousraan, in 1826-7. It stands near 
the river, also close to the Milwaukee depot. It 
first served as a residence and Indian trading 
post. For many years it was operated as a 
hotel by H. Baldwin, who added to its capacity, 
from time to time. In 188? it was purchased 
by Walter Newick. 

The St. Paul House was built in 1868, by 
Dennis Crehain. It is a small frame building 
near the Tremont and Railway Houses. Mr. 
Crehain, the proprietor, operated the Western 
House, at Lower Town, at an early day; he was 
also section boss seven years on the section run- 
ning east from Prairie du Chien, when the 
road was first constructed. 

The Sherman was formerly known as the 
Minneapolis House. This house was built in 
1875 and operated in 1884, by Edward Rodgers. 

Tiie Central House is situated in the center 
of the business part of the city, on Bluff street. 
This building was built for a residence, but 
converted into a hotel in 1877. Its proprietor 
in 1884 was M. Bridenbauch. What was 
known as the Wisconsin House, was built by J. 
George Schweizer, in 1856 or 1857, as a saloon; 
but soon after the marriage of Mr. Schweizer, 
he converted it into a tavern and continued to 
operate it till 1861, when he purchased the 
Kane House. 

Last, though far from being the least, is the 
Commercial Hotel. This is a brick business 
block, remodeled into a hotel in 1881, by J. 
George Schweizer. It stands on the corner of 
Bluff and Prairie streets, facing the south and 
east. It contains many elegant rooms on the 
first, second and third floors; also a tine billiard 
hall and bar are run in connection with the 



house, both of which are conducted in a credita- 
ble manner. Since Mr. Schweizer's death in 
May, 1882, the house has been operated by Mrs. 
Schweizer, under the management of her two 
sons, George and Charles. The Commercial 
has telephonic connection with all parts of the 
city, as well as with the city of McGregor. 
Another pleasing feature of this hotel, is the 
beautiful crystal-like stream of mineral water, 
which proceeds from the famous artesian well, 
and flows within a few feet of the office door. 
With all these surroundings, the stranger is 
made to feel at home, while he remains at the 
Commercial. 

BANKS. 

In 1837 a bank was started at Prairie du 
Chien called the Prairie du Chien Ferry Co. 
Handsome bills were issued. George W. Pine, 
president, H. W. Savage, cashier. It did not 
circulate well here, as it had no charter. It did 
less damage than most of the wild cat institu- 
tions of that day. 

The first successful attempt at the banking 
business, was in 1856, when a Milwaukee capi- 
talist, Anson Eldred, opened abanking house at 
Lower Town, known as the Bank of Prairie du 
Chien. After a few years this concern was 
moved to Upper Town and finally failed. 

Another bank was opened in the winter of 
1856-7, by Chase Bros., called the Exchange 
Bank. This was located on Water street. 
This institution was in operation a few years 
and then closed up, its capital being invested 
in other directions. Another bank known as 
the Exchange Bank, which is at this time, (1884) 
is the only bank of the place, was founded in 
1872, by C. M. Seley, who sold to Aaron Deni", 
in 1880. The cash capital of this institution is 
$10,000. 

FLOODS. 

Prairie du Chien, situated as it is on the 
prairie land between the two bluffs, which form 
the valley of the Mississippi river, has been the 
scene of many great inundations, the greatest of 
which are spoken of in this conection. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



eef 



In the month of May, 1826, a great flood oc- 
curred, at wliich time the river was higher than 
it had ever been known to the white settlers. 
At this point it was twenty-six feet above 
low w.ater mark. The troops then garrisoned 
here, abandoned the fort and took possession of 
the higher ground east of the slough. The next 
remarkable flood was in May, 1859. In the 
vicinity of the round house in Lower Town, 
there were several houses, where the inmates 
would have been drowned had they not taken 
refuge in the upper story or at their neighbors. 
Front street was only passable by boats, and the 
merchants in that section were damaged by hav- 
ing the water fill the basements. All the 
islands in the river were submerged and the 
channel over one mile wide. The main town 
was indeed an island, the bridge across the 
slough was covered with water at both extremi- 
ties and a part of it carried down stream. 

Another sweeping flood occurred about the 
20th of June, 1880; the Mississippi and Wiscon- 
sin rivers were then higher than they had been 
known for over forty years. The saw-mills and 
railroad companies sustained heavy losses in 
this flood. During this freshet assistant super- 
intendent Collins and roadmaster Mitchell came 
from Woodman, a station on the Milwaukee 
road, about twenty miles distant, in a skiff, and 
found the water to be four feetover the railroad 
track in many places. Nine hundred feet of 
the track was washed away between Boscobel 
and Woodman, and the entire Wisconsin bot- 
toms were inundated. The people living at 
Frenchtown, just north of the city, were com 
pletely surrounded by the waters of the Missis- 
sippi, and lost all their farm and garden pro- 
ducts. On the Iowa side of the river, twenty- 
five miles of the Dubuque <fc Minnesota rail- 
road was submerged and all trains abandoned. 
During this flood a party of musicians chartered 
a large boat of Louis Martin, and with quite a 
number of friends took a sail over the submerged 
portion of the city, the 4th ward. The 
musicians were: Mr. Humphreys, James Hicks, 



A. K. Graves, Mrs. Newton, Mrs. McKey, Miss 
Jennie Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. Newman, vo- 
calists; Mrs. Le Clerc, organist; Mr King, vio- 
linist, and Dr. Samuels, guitar accompaniment. 
It is said the boat glided along over the peaceful 
waters, while the pale moon lent her mild light, 
peeping out occassionally from the scattering 
gi-ey clouds, while the sweet strains of music 
floated pathetically over the "transient .sea of 
waters." After serenading some friends in 
their half submerged houses, the boat was 
moored at the steps of the railway eating house, 
the inmates of which were greeted by a long 
serenade and there invited by the genial land- 
lord. Col. Williams, to partake of the bounties of 
his table, after a nice little welcome speech. 

The latest, the severest and by far the most 
extensive flood ever known to the people of the 
upper Mississippi valley, occurred in October, 
1881. It commenced about the first of the 
month, and continued for about three weeks, 
devastating towns, cities, mills, railroads and 
bridges. In Prairie du Chien, the mills were 
all shut down, and the hands thrown out of em- 
ployment. Boats took the place of wheeled 
vehicles for conveyance through the principal 
streets. The hay crop all along the Mississippi 
valley was ruined, and large numbers of slock 
were drowned. 

REMAINS OF THE MILITARY TOST. 

There exists no point in the nortliwest, around 
which so much of historic interest clusters, as 
that of the city of Prairie du Chien, especially, 
is this true concerning the old government 
quarters, the remains of which have to be pointed 
out to the stranger, in order that he may dis- 
cern that the spot was once a military post, 
where stood one of the most substantial and 
ini]iortant forts along the Mississippi river. 
Where Ft. Crawford stood with its massive 
walls of solid masonry, bidding defiance to the 
charge of a mighty enemy, now towers the 
walls of the Catholic school building. Where 
the shrill rflound of the bugle at roll call, was 
heard, now rings forth the convent bell. The 



668 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



last picket guards about these grounds have 
long since beat their "spears into pruning hooks 
and their swords into plowshares," and many 
of them been laid away at rest; and where they 
once stood guard by night, the street lamps of 
the city serve as silent sentinels — befitting em- 
blems of peace. 

The grounds occupied by the Fort were pur- 
chased of J. H. Lockwood and James Doty, in 
1829. They consisted chiefly of farm lots Nos. 
33, and 34, which contained 160 acres. 

One of the early frame houses in Prairie du 
Chien was erected by James H. Lockwood; this 
house was upon the grounds purchased for the 
garrison and was the residence of various army 
officers among whom were "Zac" Taylor, then 
colonel in the United States army, having com- 
mand of this post for a number of years prior 
to his promotion to the presidential chair. 

After the close of the Civil war, all the gov- 
ernment property at this point, was sold, the 
fort and other military buildings torn down and 
the material of which they were constructed, 
utilized for private purposes, as well as the land 
upon which they stood. No longer were they 
needed as a bulwark of defence; thus, stone 
by stone, the buildings were removed. John 
Lawler purchased the grounds about the fort; 
also portions of the government building. He 
donated the spot where the fort stood to the 
Roman Catholics, who erected a convent, upon 
the exact spot. The old flag staff from which 
"Zac" Taylor unfurled the stars and stripes in 
those early days, has been carefully preserved 
by Mr. Lawler, and still supports the proud flag 
upon all public occasions, and indeed waves 
"Over the land of the free, and the home of 
the brave." At the present (1884), nothing of 
note remains to remind one of the old garrison, 
except the building, once used as an army hos- 
fijtal; the stone structure previously used for the 
storage of the munitions of war, and tlie offi- 
cers cemetery where sleep the heroic dead. 

The hospital is a low one story stofie building 
erected in the form of a right angle, with broad 



porches extending along the entire frontage. 
Within this hospital were performed some of 
the most noted surgical operations known to the 
profession. As one passes by this building, half 
in ruins, and exposed to the commons, they are 
reminded of other times, of days when each ward 
within this hospital was occupied by the sick 
and dying, whose groans were heard throughout 
the garrison. "Oh the enormnity of war I" 
The munition buildings stand just north of the 
hospital. These are two story stone buildings 
constructed in the most substantial manner. 
The wood work having nearly all decayed, or 
been removed, the naked walls alone stand as 
monuments of the past. 

The officers' cemetery is situated just nonli of 
the John Lawler property and is but a small en- 
closure, reserved by the government and cared for 
in a very creditable mannerby Mr. Lawler, who 
has great respect for the departed dead; A tight 
board fence surrounds the graves, a number of 
which contain tombs of old style, provided with 
a brick work three feet above the ground, and 
this surmounted by a thick marble slab about 
3x7 feet, upon which is carved various inscrip- 
tions to the memory of those whose remains 
rest beneath. The privates were buried at an- 
other part of the garrison grounds and when 
the lands were disposed of by the United 
States so many of these remains as could be 
found, were removed to the officer's cemetery 
and by a special act of Congress, head boards 
were placed by these "unknown" graves. 

With each recurring spring time, the citizens 
of the place observe Decoration Day, and they 
are sure to remember these earlier graves with 
a peculiar tenderness and there bestow their 
choicest garlands. 

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

In the year 1814 Faribault, after whom Fari- 
bault, Minn., was named, an early trader of the 
upper ]\Iississippi, was robbed of a large stock 
of goods at the village by the Winnebagoes. A 
slight eartliquake was noticed this year. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



009 



1818.— Col. John Shaw built a grist • mill at 
Fisher's coulee four miles above the prairie 
wliere the Dousman mill now stands. 

182 1.- — The first steamboat appeared here this 
year. It was owned in St. Louis and called 
Mrffi'nia. 

1826. — In the month of May occurred a great 
flood of the Mississippi, the highest of more 
modern times. The water at Prairie du Chien 
reaching twenty-six feet above low water mark. 

1832. — The cholera raged here severely this 
year, and 100 soldiers died in two weeks. 

1836. — The population at this time was 850. 

1837. — The county authorities levied a tax to 
build a bridge across the "Marais de St. Feri- 
ole." It was built between what is now the 
Catholic church and the Dousman residence, 
and floated away soon after. 

1S42. — The first public school was taught this 
year by Miss Rice, who afterward became the 
wife of Jerrud Warner. 

184ff. — Louis Mayard was killed by Theophi- 
lus La Chappelle, and his house burned. The 
latter was tried in November of that year and 
not found guilty, on the plea of insanity. 

1856. — During this year Alexander McGregor, 
built and put in operation a steam ferry boat, 
to ply between Prairie du Chien and the village 
of McGregor. • 

1857. — The first train of cars reached Prairie 
du Chien April 14; a grand reception being 
tendered the passengers. 

1859. — On the 12th of May another inunda- 
tion took place, the water being higher than had 
been known for ten years. The islands in the 
river were covered, the main town, an island and 
the bridge over the slough under water. 

EVENTS OF INTEREST. 

In July 183?-, two river gamblers came up the 
river to this place. They had taken the small- 
po.\ somewhere below, which made its apjiear- 
aiice on them here, and fi-om which they died. 
The disease spread from them to the inhabitants 
and Indians. Some of the former died, but more 



of the Indians, In Waubasha's band, where 
Winona now stands, 140 died. The contagion 
was said to work its way west to the Missouri 
river, scattering death among the poor natives. 
The Mandan villages were said to have lost all 
but sixteen souls. The Winnebagoes in this 
vicinity died by scores and hundreds, and their 
remains were scattered along the river banks 
and in the woods, unburied, and eaten up by the 
wolves. 

For some time prior to 1858, the towns on the 
upper Mississippi were known to be the lurking 
place of a gang of robbers and thieves, and this 
year the depredations that were committed in 
the neighborhood of the prairie, made it evi- 
dent that they had come up the river to extend 
their business. About the 1st of May, a crowd 
of villainous looking fellows were observed about 
the town, and a few days after, an elderly man 
in passing through the place to his home in the 
country fell into their hands and was plundered 
of everything. Shortly after, a jewelry store 
in the town was broken into and robljied of 
property to the value of $2,000. These vaga- 
bonds were seen in the streets with revolvers 
and bowie knives insulting those who came in 
their way, and threatening "to clean out the 
town." The proper authorities were insuflicient 
to discharge their duties, and the rowdies were 
allowed to do pretty much as they pleased. 
These events created a great deal of excitement 
among the inhabitants, and a vigilance com- 
mittee was aj)pointed, who arrested some twelve 
of these characters, and ]iut them in the jail. 
A meeting of the citizens was called, and it was 
decided that something must be done to rid the 
town of these rasciis. The prisoners were 
brought to the court house and examined, and 
it was decided that six of the principal ones 
should have their heads shaved ami receive 
ten to thirty lashes on the back, and sent down 
the river ; one of the number, a negro, was ap- 
pointed to do the shaving. The sentence was 
duly enforced. A few of the number were dis- 
charged, on due and proper admonition, and 



6^0 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



some escaped. A report of the proceedings was 
drawn up and published in the newspapers. 

In 1862, Austin Birge, while digging in a 
mound, at lower Prairie du Chien, came across 
some bits of bones and primitive pottery, and 
among them espied a larger silver coin than he 
had ever seen. Removing to Grant Co., Oregon, 
he carried his find with him, but later sent it 
back, so that it came into the possession of 
Horace Beach, who has generously presented it 
to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Its diame- 
ter is two and one-eighth inches; that of a dollar 
is one and one half inches. It weighs 776 grains, 
or nearly twice the weight of a dollar, which is 
412i grains. Its material is chiefly silver, 
though it possibly contains more alloy than the 
coins issued in the mints of the United States. 
Its obverse bears a bust, one and one half inches 
high, stamped in very bold relief. It was orig- 
inally encircled by an inscription now almost 
illegible. Upon the reverse is the word merito, 
in letters so large that six of them fill more than 
an inch. This legend is in the midst of a 
wreath tied with ribbons. The leaves of the 
wreath are those of the cactus or prickly pear. 
This relic has a hole' bored through it in the 
margin, so that it could be hung round one's 
neck It was clearly minted not for a coin, but 
for a medal. No silver coin so heavy is noted 
in the currency of the world. The cactus 
leaves are a feature which points to Mexican 
origin. The word menio also is Spanish, mean- 
ing merit, or reward of merit. It seems to 
have been originally /)0?';;!eri7o. 

It is noteworthy, that while merito is well 
preserved on one side of the medal, all the 
words on the other are well nigh obliterated. 
In the inscription which encircles the bust, 
the words Carlos, Espana and Indias are easily 
decipherable, and placing the medal upon a hot 
iron, all the legend may be made out as follows: 

"tV/rfos III. Rey I)'' Espana de las Indias." 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

John S. Lockwood, a brother of Judge H. 
Lockwood, settled at Prairie du Chien in 1838. 



He was born in the town of Jay, Essex Co., N. 
Y., about 1796, and removed with his parents to 
Champlain, N. Y., where he grew to manhood. 
He was married at Plattsburg, N. Y., to Mar- 
garet L. Miller. On coming to Prairie du Chien 
he engaged in merchandising, and was one of 
the early merchants of Lower Town, and 
afterward engaged in business at Upper Town. 
His wife died in September, 1839, and was the 
first one buried in the cemetery at Lower Town. 
Mr. Lockwood married for his second wife, 
Hannah R. Morley, born in Poughkeepsie, N. 
Y., and died in Chicago, in 1881. He died in 
1868. Besides Judge Lockwood, two brothers, 
Ezekiel and William, have also been residents 
of Crawford county; also a sister, Samaiitlia. 
Mr. Lockwood had eight children by first mar- 
riage, four of whom are living — Mrs. Ralph 
Smith, Hannah P., Carrie H. and James E. 
His surviving children by second marriage 
are — Charles R., Nettie and Lizzie B. Charles 
R. enlisted at the breaking out of the War of 
the Rebellion, and on the organization of the 
43d Wisconsin regiment he was promoted to a 
2d lieutenancy, and appointed to drill the 43d, 
which was stationed at Prairie du Chien. He 
served through the war, and was for some time 
a member of Gen. Sherman's staff. 

COUNTY BUILDINGS. 

A jail of hewn logs (oak) with two apartments 
was built in 1820 or 1821, in the old village, 
and was burned in 1S34. It was erected in the 
rear of village lot No. 1 7. The house was about 
25x16 feet, and divided by the same kind of 
logs into a debtors' and criminals' apartments. 
At this old log jail, a sergeant of the 1st regi- 
iment of United States Infantry was hung, in 
1828, for shooting Lieut. McKinzie of the same 
regiment; and in 1833 a soldier of that regiment 
was executed there for shooting Sergeant Coffin 
in the new Fort Crawford. This was the only 
building erected for county purposes until 18.35, 
when the contract for a stone, combined court 
house and jail was let to William Wilson for 
$3,695. It was completed the same year. This 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



6*71 



was the first court house in the territory. 
Thomas Street and H. L. Dousman were the 
buihling committee. Michael Brisboip donated 
the lot. It was a stone building of sufficient 
size to have on the ground floor a room each 
for criminals and debtors, and two rooms for 
the jailor, with a court room and two jury rooms 
on the second floor. The ta.xable inhabitants 
then in the county were confined to the Prairie. 
The county was still a part of Michigan Terri- 
tory and so well were the county affairs man- 
aged th.at the taxes were not raised more than 
five mills on the dollar to pay for this improve- 
ment. This was the first court house in Wis- 
consin. Stone offices were afterward built at a 
cost of $800, and occupied until the completion 
of the present court liouse. The latter edifice 
is situated upon the site of the first court house, 
the county having secured the entire block. It 
is a large and substantial limestone structure of 
three stories, with cut caps, corners and water-ta- 
bles, the lower, or half-basement story contain- 
ing the jail apartments and sheriff's residence. 
The ne.xt floor is divided into oflices and jury 
rooms, while the upper story constitutes a capa- 
cious court room. The cost of the building was 
?23,800, and was erected in 1S67-8. H.L. Dous- 
man, H. Beach and William Dutcher were the 
building committee. 

PRAIRIB DU CHIEN AS A PLEASUEE RESORT. 

But few, if any, localities along the Missi!^- 
sippi river afford better facilities and more 
charming attractions to the tourist and summer 
traveler than that of Prairie du Chien. 

To the lover of the gun no portion of south- 
ern Wisconsin affords more facilities for hunt- 
ing than does this location. Among the bluffs 
and in the woodland are found deer, partridge, 
quail, rabbits and prairie chickens; on the bot- 
tom lands and islands the various species of 
water fowl, snipe and wood cock ahound in 
almost unlimited quantities. It has long since 
been a favorite resort for sportsmen from the 
eastern part of the State aod is rapidly grow- 



in favor since the sinking of the Artesian 
wells. 

Fishing, in which nearly all classes take de- 
light, is unsurpassed. The rivers abound with 
the finest specimens of pickerel, black bass, 
wall eyed pike, white and striped bass; and in 
the streams which flow through the coulees or 
ravines, especially that of Sioux coulee, large 
numbers of fine brook trout are taken. In the 
river, fishing at the mouth of the Wisconsin 
and Yellow rivers, that empty into the Missis- 
sisipj)i from the Iowa side are favorite resorts. 

To the geologist no portion of the northwest 
affords better opportunities for investigation, as 
a section of the rocks is here exposed to view 
to a depth from the surface of the bluffs of 400 
feet, exposing the lower shell-beds of the Tren- 
ton, the entire St. Peter's and the most of the 
lower Magnesian limestone, in which are found 
many fine fossiliferous specimens, well pre- 
served, and standing out in bold relief, where 
the strata are well separated. 

To the archteologist this locality is one of 
the most interesting in the west, as here there 
are many untouched mounds upon the prairies 
and the points of the bluffs; and they extend 
all through the country, as these old denizens 
were fish eaters, and loved to dwell adjacent to 
streams of considerable magnitude Evidence 
everywhere exists of the old dwellers, as large 
shell heaps, broken pottery and numerous uten- 
sils have been incidently found belonging once 
to this people. It matters not what the object 
of one's visit to Prairie du Chien be, he can 
for a time be agreeably and profitably enter- 
tained. If he comes for health, he has the ben- 
efit of the best well water in the world, and 
superior medical attendance; if it is for pleasure, 
no pleasantor drives can be found anj'wiiere. 
The summits of the bluffs, from which the 
most magnificent views of the Mississippi and 
Wisconsin are obtained, are easily accessible 
by carriage; if he comes for sport, hunting and 
fishing invites his attention, and a day's sport 
is always followed by good results, and if he 



fi'72 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



conies for geological investigations or sight 
seeing the far famed pictured rocks on the Iowa 
side, but three miles below the city, are unsur- 
passed for beauty of formation and magnificent 
scenery. The people, too, are always willing 
to contribute to one's entertainment, and a 
more delightful society can be found nowliere. 

EETROSPECTIVB AND BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Over a century of years have passed into the 
annals of history since Jonathan Carver found 
upon the east bank ot the upper Mississippi a 
small village of French fur traders, and half 
breeds called " Prairie des Chiens." French 
Canadians, seeking a more western trading 
point and supply depot, found here a cordial 
and generous welcome. The different tribes 
of hostile Indians were drawn to the spot 
by the oily tongue of the trader and allur- 
ing display of fancy colored blankets and 
trinkets, and brought their furs to exchange 
for powder, shot and whisky. John Jacob 
Astor founded that now extinct, but then most 
powerful organization known as the Amer- 
ican Fur Company, at this point, and for years 
controlled the great fur trade of the north and 
west. Fort Crawford was erected, by our gov- 
ernment, garrisoned by able and elBcient sold- 
iers, and "Prairie des Chiens" assumed a martial 
air. For three score years it boasted of being 
the greatest trading point in the northwest, and 
this assertion was well founded. American 
white settlers commenced pouring in about 1820, 
and the rapid influx of civilization drove the 
aboriginal inhabitants farther north and west. 
Churches and schools were erected on the site 
of former trading tents and supply warehouses, 
and the surprised and revengeful Winnebago 
was slowly and mercilessly driven back into 
the rapidly disappearing forests. At onetime, 
Prairie des Chiens was almost a city when 
Chicago contained but a stockade and a few 
cabins. Now, all is changed, and the Prairie 
des Chiens of old, has departed forever. The 
present beautiful city contains a thrifty, enter- 
prising population, and but few lafidn^arks re^ 



main of her early glory. The pioneer settler 
has been "sleeping with his fathers" for years 
upon years, and his children's children tread 
where his footsteps were wont to go. But in 
the midst of all the business bustle and activity 
of the present day, the heart will sometimes 
turn back to "pioneer times," and wonder as to 
its first settlement and growth. Old lime memo- 
ries and associations still linger around the old 
fort and long familiar points on the mighty 
"Father of Waters," and are recalled with in- 
terest and pleasure, by the pioneers' descend- 
ants. The earlier settlers were French, and 
have left no record behind, of their parentage, 
or life pursuits, but the American settler has 
been more solicitous for his posterity, and in 
this work has transmitted to his descendants 
the history of a life well spent. The following 
personal sketclies, together with those in the 
pioneer andreministic chapters, are intended to 
preserve this doubly valuable record, and also 
present the histories of those who have been 
largely instrumental in developing the present 
flourishing city. They are men known mostly 
throughout the whole surrounding country for 
their sterling business qualifications and un- 
blemished characters. 

John H. Folsom, a pioneer of Prairie du 
Chien, of 1836, is the son of Jeremiah and Oc- 
tavia (How) Folsom, and was born Dec. 27,1812, 
in eastern Maine, and until about fourteen years 
of age, lived in Skowhegan, Somerset county. 
When a lad he entered the service of a rich 
mercantile firm of Bath, as store boy. He was 
promoted to clerk, and subsequently sent to 
Africa, as supercargo, of the merchant ship, 
Transit. On his return from Africa to Oath, he 
quit the service of this company and went to 
Bangor, thence to Boston, Mass., from there 
to Toledo, Ohio, and in 1835, to Mt. Clemens, 
Mich. In January, 1836, he came to Prairie du 
Chien and wrote in the quartermaster's de- 
partment and sutler's store, then was a book- 
keeper for J. H. Lockwood, until he was married. 
After this, he engaged in farming. He wag 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



673 



elected justice of the peace at an early day, 
holding that office several years. lie was chosen 
chairman of the town board of Prairie du Chien, 
being re-elected several times. He was married 
at Prairie du Chien, Dec. 2, 1839, to Angelina 
M., daughter of John B. Pion. Mrs. Folsom 
was born in this town, her people being among 
the eaily pioneers. They had one daughter — 
Caroline, who died in infancy. Mrs. Folsora 
died Jan. 11, 1R82. Mr. Folsom has an adopted 
daughter — Annie J., who is the companion of his 
old age. Nearly half a century has passed 
since Mr. Folsom selected his home on these 
prairies. His early neighbors were the Indians 
and French, and in his time he has witnessed 
many curious scenes. His memory is clear, and 
of all the old settlers left, few, if any, can give 
so accurate an account of the interesting events 
that have transpired in this region in the past 
forty-seven years. Mr. Folsora's home is on 
farm lot No. 24, just north of the city. 

Samuel Adams Clark located at Prairie du 
Chien in 1838. He was born in Whiting 
township, Addison Co., Vt., Oct. 22, 1810. He 
learned the trade of wheelwright and carriage 
maker in his youth, also that of blacksmith and 
painter, and subsequently that of carpenter and 
joiner, working at the latter trade for fourteen 
years. When twenty-one years of age he went 
to Westport, Essex Co., N. Y., where he re- 
sided five years. He then removed to Prairie 
du Chien, arriving June 18, 1838. On coming 
to this place he worked at the carpenter and 
joiner trade, one of his first jobs being on the 
quarters of the commanding officers of Fort 
Crawford. In Julie, 1840, he opened a general 
store at Lower Town, then the business center of 
Prairie du Chien. In 1844 he opened another 
store at Garnaville, Iowa, where he also bought 
grain. Three years later he moved his stock to 
Clayton, Iowa, where he carried on business for 
several years, building up an extensive trade. 
He also put up several buildings at that place 
and was largely interested in real estate. Six 
years later he removed Uis stock to Virocjua, 



Vernon Co., Wis., having previously erected a 
large store at that place. He was in business 
there five years. He also laid out the town site 
of Marion, Minn , erected a large store building 
and stocked it with general merchandise. Mr. 
Clark had at one time seven different stores in 
operation, including the original store at Prairie 
du Chien. He also became interested in farm- 
ing, and now has 350 acres of land, the care of 
which occupies his principal time. He con- 
tinued in the mercantile business twenty-two 
years, daring which time he acquired the repu- 
tation of an enterprising and fair dealing mer- 
chant. Mr. Clark w.is also interested in rail- 
road matters, aiding and encouraging the open- 
ing of this region to the commerce of the world. 
Mr, Clark was married, at Prairie du Chien, 
Jan. 19, 1844, to Adelia M. Kichards. They 
had seven children, four sons and three 
daughters — Pamelia S., wife of Joel C. t^mith, 
of Cliicago; Cornillo, a merchant of Menomo- 
nee, Dunn Co., Wis.; Elmira, wife of George 
Morsey, of Moberly, Mo.; Danoin A., a resident 
of .Missouri; Walter A., of Centralia, Mo.; Eda, 
wife of Edwin Pali, of St. Louis, Mo.; Ernest 
L., residing on the homestead. Mrs. Clark 
died July 16, 1870. Mr. Clark was married 
Nov. 9, 1873, to Frances, daughter of O. F. 
Reynolds, and born in Rock Co., Wis. They 
had two children — Mary, who died aged two 
years, and Adams S. The name of Adams in 
the Clark family came through Mr. Clark's 
mother, who was kin to John Quincy Adams. 

Edward P. Lockart, lumber merchant, is one 
of the earliest pioneers of Prairie du Chien. He 
is the son of Robert and Sarah Lockart, and was 
l)orn Jan. 20, 1816, in Chester Co., Penn. In 
the spring of 1839, he moved to Mineral Point, 
Wis. Ter., residing in that place until June, 
1841, when he came to Prairie du Chien. In 
1843 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Craw- 
ford county, under sheriff Robert D. Lester, 
who was shot by an Indian while coming down 
the river in his canoe. Mr. Lockart was elected 
sheriff in the fall of 1844, serving 1845 and 1846, 



674 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



During his term of ofBce,his jurisdiction extended 
to Lake Superior, and included the territory now 
tlie site of the city of St. Paul. He was chosen 
sergean t-at-arms of the Senate in the last Terri- 
torial Legislature, and the first in the State 
Senate of 1848-9. In 1852 he engaged in the 
lumber business near Chippewa Falls, where he 
had an interest in a saw-mill. In 1854 his com- 
pany opened a lumber yard at Prairie du Chinn, 
whicli they operated until 1857. In 1867 Mr. 
Lockart engaged in the lumber business alone. 
Mr. Lockart was married in November, 1845, at 
Burlington, Iowa, to Mrs. Esther A. Lester, 
widow of Robert D. Lester and daughter of 
Jesse Danley. Mrs. Lockart was born in Mead- 
ville, Penn., coming to Prairie du Chien with 
her parents, in 1837. They have had five chil- 
dren, three of whom are living — W. S., wife of 
B. F. Fay, of this city ; Martha and Edward P. 
Mary died in 1880 and Robert died, aged three 
years. The youngest son, Edward P., is a prac- 
ticing physician, and a recent graduate of the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons of New 
York city. 

Julius Famechon, one of the pioneer mer- 
chants of Prairie du Chien, is the son of Con- 
stant S. and Melanie (Baillet) Famechon, and 
was born Sept. 22, 1824, in the department of 
Pas de Calais, France. He grew to manhood in 
his native country, and in 1848, emigrated to 
the United States. He spent the winter in St. 
Louis, Mo., and in March, 1849, came to Prairie 
du Chien, Wis., where he formed a partnership 
with Augustus Gaillard in the mercantile busi- 
ness, starting in a small way as their means 
would permit. They were very successful, and 
their business rapidly increased. This partner- 
ship continued until the death of Mr. Gaillard, 
which occurred in 1864, since whicli time Mr. 
Famechon has conducted the business alone. 
He now carries a stock of $15,000. Mr. Fame- 
clion has extended his business interests in other 
directions. He is now the proprietor of the 
Merchant Flouring Mill at this place. This 
mill has three run of buhrs, and has a milling 



capacity of seventy-five barrels of flour per day. 
He has an elevator for storage, with a capacity 
of 25,000 bushels. He also has an oil mill, 
where rape and flaxseed are converted into lin- 
seed oil. Mr. Famechon is a large real estate 
owner. Beside his city property, he has a 
fine farm of 1,000 acres in Eastman town. He 
has been in mercantile business at Prairie du 
Chien longer than any one now here. Starting 
with limited means, he has, by strict attention 
to business, and by fair and cautious treatment 
of his customers, built up a large business. He 
was married, in Prairie du Chien, in 1858, to 
Ada Jenkins, born in Kentucky. Tiiey have 
two children — Julius C. and Melanie. 

Charles Grelle, son of Christopher Grelle, 
was born in Millhausen, Alsace-on-the-Rhine, 
Germany, Jan. 21, 1845. He emigrated to 
America with his parents in 1849, coming 
directly to Prairie du Chien, Wis. He received 
a common school education and learned the 
cabinet maker's trade in his father's shop. 
After the death of his father, Dec. 27, 1880, 
Charles succeeded to the business. Mr Grelle 
has a well stocked cabinet shop, just east of the 
Commercial House. He was married at Wau- 
zeka. Wis., Dec. 29, 1854, to Caroline, daughter 
of Henry Streckey, born in Crawford Co., 
Wis. They have seven children, four boys and 
three girls — Charles, William, Frederick, Caro- 
line, Mary, Emma and Edward. 

Christopher Grelle was born in Hanover, Ger- 
many, Aug. 13, 1813. He learned the trade of 
cabinet making and became a very skillful 
workman. He was married in Alsace, Ger- 
many, to Louisa Riiff. They had one son, 
Chfirles, now of Prairie du Chien. Mr. Grelle 
emigrated to the United States in 1849, and 
came at once to Prairie du Chien, where he 
opened the first cabinet shop in that village. 
Mr. Grelle was an industrious and skillful work- 
man, and carried on the business successfully, 
until his death, which occurred Dec. 27, 1880. 
Mr Grelle was a member of the city couucil 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



677 



of 1879. He was universally esteemed and res- 
pected by his feilow citizens. 

James E. Cami>bL'll, proprietor of the billiard 
hall and sample room, was born in Cortland 
Co., New York, June 2T, 1835. His father, 
Densmore Campbell, is of Scottish birth, and 
emigrated to America in childhood. He is still 
hale and hearty, and a resident of Prairie du 
Chien. James was reared to manhood in the 
State of New York, and received an academic 
education. He learned the shoemaker's trade and 
worked at that occupation till 1849. He then went 
to Whitewater, Wis. The following year 
he came to Crawford county, and engaged in 
farming in the town of Clayton. He was elect- 
ed clerk of the court of this county in 18h9, and 
removed to Prairie du Chien; was re-elected 
and served three terms. He was next elected 
county clerk and served one term; then as 
county treasurer one terra; was again elected 
clerk of the court, and in 1884 was serving as 
city clerk. Mr. Campbell was married in Cort- 
land Co., N. Y., in October 1849, to Tacy 
daughter of John Van Allen. Mrs Campbell 
was born at Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. Y. 
They have had six children, five of whom are 
living— Edwin R., Albert E., Frcl, Charles W. 
and Frank. The daugliter, Mary T., <lie(l at 
the age of two years. 

John G. Steiner was born in Crawford Co., 
Wis., May, 19, 1851. His father Valentine 
Steiner, was a pioneer of this county of 1843. 
He came from the east and located on a farm 
in town of Eastman, Crawford county, about 
eleven miles northeast of Prairie du Chien. He 
served as justice of the peace several years and 
was a highly respected citizen. His death occnr- 
ed Oct. 1,1880. JohnG., was reared on the farm. 
In 18V2 he entered the service of the Chicago. 
Milwaukee & St. Paid Railroad Company as 
pile driving man, for five years, then served as 
brakeman for three years. He was subsequently 
promoted to conductor, and since lS8:ihas held 
the position of conductor of transfer. Mr 
Steiner was married in April 1875, to Mary, 



daughtf^r of Charles Lang. She was born in 
Crawford county. They have two children- 
Nellie and Clara. 

Andrew Bosch was born Dec. 6, 1822 in 
Wurtembui-g, Germany. He is the son of John 
G. Bosch, and was reared in his native country. 
Ill l'-i48 he married Barbara Schenser, and in 
l.'-:51 emigrated to the United States. The first 
year in this country was spent in Toledo, Ohio. 
In 1852 he came to Prairie du Chien and en- 
gaged in farming, about three miles north of 
the city. He lived on his farm about nineteen 
years and then moved into the city, engaging 
in the beer bottling business in connection with 
Schuman & Menges, brewers. He still owns his 
fatm of 280 acres which he has let under lease. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bosch had three children, one son 
and two daughters — Frederick, Mary and Jossie. 
An unfortunate mental trouble on the part of 
Mrs. Bosch caused a legal separation from her 
husband, and she returned to Germany. Mr. 
Bosch was married, in 1872, at Prairie du Chien, 
to Mrs. Catharine Bauer,widow of Charles Bauer 
and daughterof George Albricht. She was born in 
•.Vurtemburg, Germany. They have one child 
— Thusnelda. Mr. Bosch is a gentleman of fine 
literary attainments, and has written many 
poems that have been published in the German 
press and magazines, and which have been re- 
ceived with good favor. His friends have ad- 
vised the collection and publication of his wri- 
tings in book form, but he has not felt disposed 
to undertake the task. 

T. B. Norris, southeast corner Cliurcl) and 
Bluff streets, staple and fancy groceries, carries 
a stock of about $1,500. The business was estab- 
lished by Martin Coleman and M. E. Norris 
in November, 1882. Coleman sold to T. B. 
Norris May 16, 1883, and M. E. Norris still re- 
mains in the business as manager. T. B. Nor- 
ris was born at Prairie du Chien in May, 1852. 
His father, James Norris, nho was then propri- 
etor of a cooper shop at this place, died the 
same year. Mr. Norris is also proprietor of a 
liquor store and sample room on Church street. 



41 



618 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



M. E. Norris was born at the Norris farm in 
the town of Prairie du Chien, Dec 12, 1852, 
and assisted on the farm until 1869, when he 
began teaching a district school. He kept on 
teaching successfully until 1S77, when he was 
elected county superintendent of schools, as a 
democrat, and served for the term of two years. 
He then studied law, and was admitted to the 
bar at Richland Center, in April, 1881, but nev- 
er went into the practice. Mr. Norris was also 
town clerk of the town of Prairie du Chien 
from 1873 to 1878. He was twice married; first 
to Mary A. Dunne, by whom lie had one child 
— Kittle, who is living. Mary A died Nov. 20, 
1878, just one year from the date of her mar- 
riage. He was married to his present wife, 
Laura Denning, at LaCrosse, June 4, 1883. 

S Rosenbaum, one of the oldest business 
men of Prairie du Chien, came to this city, in 
1852, from LaPorte, Ind. Soon after his arrival 
he opened a general grocery and provision store, 
which he has carried on continuously for thir- 
ty-one years. Mr. Rosenbaum was twice elect- 
ed mayor of the city, in 1879 and 1880, and was 
elected city treasurer in 1881, and re-elected in 
1882 and 1883, being the present incumbent. 
Mr. Rosenbaum was married at LaPorte, Ind., 
in 1852, to Susan Wadle, daughter of Andrew 
Wadle. They have had eight children, five yet 
living— Mary, Emma, Ida, William and Mollie. 

Maj. Edward A. Whaley, postmaster at Prair- 
ie du Chien, is a native of Athens Co., Ohio, 
born July 12, 1837. In 1841, his parents, Alvin 
and Elizabeth Whaley, removed to Muscatine, 
Iowa, and in 1 852 to Prairie du Chien, Wis., 
where Edward learned the cooper's trade and 
worked at it until 1861. Soon after the war be- 
gan in that year, be enlisted for three years, as 
a private in company C, 6th regiment Wiscon- 
sin Volunteer Infantry, it being the first com- 
pany to enter the service from Prairie du Chien. 
In the battle of South Mountain, Aug. 14, 1862, 
he was wounded by a rifle ball, which passed 
through his left leg below the knee, breaking 
the bones so badly that the hospital surgeon in- 



sisted upon amputating the limb, and it was 
only by persistent and determined pluck in re- 
sisting, that the wounded man saved what is 
now a sound and healthy leg. But it was nearly 
eleven months before he was able to join his 
regiment. Mr. Whaley was promoted to the 
oflice of 1st sergeant of his comp.any Sept. 
1, 1862, serving in that capacity up to the 
time the regiment re-enlisted, soon after which, 
July 15, 1864, he was commissioned captain of 
his company of veterans. In the battle in front 
of Petersburg, Va., he was wounded a second 
time by a gun-shot in the right foot. And at the 
battle of Five Forks, one of the last engage- 
ments of the war, on April 1, 1865, while com- 
manding his regiment, captain Whaley was 
shot through the right thigh, shattering the 
bone and rendering amputation necessary. He 
was breveted major from the date of this bat- 
tle for gallant and meritorious conduct. Maj. 
Whaley was mustered out of service in August, 
1865, retiring, halt and battle-scarred, but leav- 
ing behind him a proud record, each scar and 
the empty pantaloons leg which he carries be- 
ing an eloquent testimonial of his bravery as a 
soldier and a patriot. Among the battles he 
participated in were Gainsville and Bull Run, 
Aug. 28 to 31, 1862; South Mountain, Sept. 14, 
1862; Mine Run, Va., Wilderness, Va., May 5, 
1864; Spotsylvania, Va., May 8,1864; Laurel 
Hill, Va., May 8, 1864; Jericho Ford, Va., May 
25, 1864; Cold Harbor, Va., June 2, 1864; Pe- 
tersburg, Va., June 18,1864; Hatcher's Run, Va., 
Feb. 6, 1865; Gravelly Run, Va., March 31, 
1865; and Five Forks, Va., where he lost his 
leg. On returning from the war. Major Whaley 
was given a clerkship in the postoflice at Prairie 
du Chien, and on Feb. 1, 1866, was appointed 
postmaster at that place, and has held the oflice 
by re-appointment uj) to the present time. He 
still cherishes his love for the gun and is very 
fond of hunting and target shooting, and has 
won the reputation of being the best rifle shot 
in this part of the country. On Oct. 30, 1865, 
Maj. Whaley was united in marriage with Ade- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



679 



lia, daughter of William Ryan, of Harper's 
Ferry, Iowa. She was born in Cumberland 
Co , Md. William A is the only child of this 
union. Mrs. Whaley died June 10, IS'JS. Mr. 
Whalcy again married June 20, 1872, at Glen 
Haven, Wis., Adda, daughter of Walter 
Sprague, and a native of Michigan. They have 
but one child — Adda M. Whaley. 

Peter Nolan, secretary and bookkeeper for H. 
L. Dousman, was born in county Wexford, Ire- 
land, Feb. 10, 1847. He emigrated with his 
parents to America in 1849. They spent four 
years in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1853 came to 
Prairie du Chien, Wis. He was reared on a 
farm and educated in the public schools and at 
the Prairie du Chien College, of which he is a 
graduate. He began teaching school when 
quite young and for two years was principal of 
the Prairie du Chien city schools. In 1874 
Mr. Nolan engaged with H. L. Dousman as 
private secretary and business manager of Mr. 
Dousman's Wisconsin property. 

Lawrence Case, of L. Case & Co., merchants, 
is the son of C. N. Case, and was born Aug. 
27, 1834, in Harwinton, Conn. He was 
reared in his native State and in 18.52 went to 
California, spending nearly three years in San 
Francisco. He returned to Connecticut in 
18?i.5 and the following year c;ime to Prairie du 
Chien with his father, and opened a general 
store under the firm name of L. Case & Co. 
The present firm, which was formed in 1870, is 
composed of Lawrence Case and Alexander Mc- 
Donald. They have the most extensive mer- 
cantile house in the county, having four large 
store rooms and carrying an average stock of 
$30,000. They also have branch stores in Wau- 
zeka and Mount Sterling, Wis., also a brancOi 
grocery and provision store in the upper part of 
the city. Mr. Case was married in September, 
1859, at Lawrence, Kan., to Miss E. F. Avery. 
They have four children living, two boys and 
two girls — Edmund L., Carrie, Charles and 
Laura. Louis died aged nine years 



Marcus Friederich, son of John and Regina 
Friederich, was born Dec. 13, 1833, in 
Baden, Germany. He served a regular 
apprenticeship to the harness and saddler's 
trade in his native country, and in 1854 came to 
America. He worked at his trade in Portage 
City, Wis., and also in Madison, Wis., and Du- 
buque, Iowa. In the fall of 1855 he came to 
Prairie du Chien and worked as a journeyman 
harness maker until the spring of 1856, when 
he bought out his employer, and has since con- 
ducted the business. He employs from four to 
six men, manufactures light and heavy harness 
and general saddlery, carrying an average stock 
of from $2,000 to $3,000. Mr. Friederich was 
married May 14, 1857, at Prairie du Chien, to 
Christiana Frankenhoff, daughter of William 
and Catharine Frankenhoff, natives of Prussia. 
They have had eleven children, seven of whom 
are living — Alice R., Bertha A., John M., Ger- 
trude E., Heinrich W., Alexander A. and George 
B.; Mary C. died in infancy; Emila E. died 
aged two years, one month and three weeks; 
William E. and Wilbelmina, twins, died in in- 
fancy. 

Dexter G. Harris, senior member of the man- 
ufacturing firm of Harris & Benson, was born 
in Franklin Co., Mass., Dec. 23, 1820. He is 
the son of Beriah and Tryphena (Gleason) Har- 
ris. His youth and early manhood were passed 
under the vigorous rules of a New England 
home of fifty years ago. The habits of in- 
dustry and sobriety inculcated there have been 
the basis of a useful and temperate life of sixty 
odd years. Mr. Harris came to Prairie du 
Chien in the fall of 1855 and engaged in the 
manufacture of steel plows and cultivators and 
lias continued the business without interruption 
to this date (1884). He was married in Belvi- 
dere, 111., in November, 1850, to Charlotte Ben- 
son. They have two sons. The oldest, Albert, 
is married and employed as o])erator and station 
agent at Adams, Minn. The younger, Jay L., 
is station agent at Worthing, Dak. 



680 



HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Charles A. Mathews, proprietor of a livery 
stable, is the son of Andrew Mathews, and was 
born in lUinton Co., N. Y., town of Champlain, 
March 6, 1847. In 1855 he came to Prairie dii 
Chien, Wis., with his pai'ents. He learned 
the trade of a machinist and practical engineer. 
He began in the livery business in 1866, but the 
following spring, entered the service of the 
Northwestern Union Packet Company, as engi- 
neer, still retaining his interest in the livery 
business. He continued in the employ of the 
packet company ten years. At the expiration 
of this time, he re-opened in the livery business 
at Prairie du Chien. He now has a first-class 
livery, board and sale stable, situated in the 
central part of the city. He was married at 
Prairie du Chien, in 1866, to Carrie Atherton. 
One child was born to them, a daughter — Emma. 
Mrs. Mathews died in October, 1881. 

Theodore Schumann, sou of Gottlieb and 
Christiana Schumann, was born in Wurtemburg, 
Germany, Jan. 30, 1830. He learned the brew- 
er's trade in Germany. In 1849 he emigrated 
to the United Stales, and settling in Oliio he 
engaged in farming for a short time, subsequent- 
ly working at his trade in Cincinnati. In 1853 
he moved to Guttenburg, Iowa, engaging in the 
brewing business. In 1855 he came to Prairie 
du Cliien, and formed a partnership with Otto 
Georgii, under the firm name of Schumann & 
Georgii. Ihey built the Prairie Brewery and 
conducted the business successfully for a time. 
Subsequently Mr. Georgii sold out in 1868 to 
Mr. Kappel, and he, in 1870, to Mr. Menges. 
In 1872 the brewery burned down, and the new 
brewery was built under the name of City 
Brewery, and now produces about 6,000 barrels 
annually. They also have a well improved 
farm near the city. He was married at Prairie 
du Chien, Dec. 30, 1857, to Caroline, daughter 
of Dr. Faeger, of Woodsville, Ohio. Mrs. 
Schumann was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, 
emigrating to America in childhood. They 
have six children, two sons and four daughters 



— Ida, Emma, Mary, Louisa, Theodore and 
Willie. 

John George Schweizer was born April 23, 
1827, at Grossbettlinzen, Germany. He served 
a regular apprenticeship to the tailor's trade, 
and was engaged in that line of work until 1851, 
when he emigrated to the United States. He 
located at Dayton, Ohio, for a short time, then 
removed to Madison, Wis. In 1855 he came to 
Prairie du Chien, working at his trade for a few 
years, and then opening a restaurant and sam- 
ple room on Main street. This venture proved 
successful, and finding his quarters too small 
for his rapidly increasing business, he leased 
what was known as Kane's Hotel, a large struc- 
ture containing sixty rooms. He subsequently 
bought this property, and operated it success- 
fully until November, 1873, when it was de- 
stroyed by fire, by which event Mr. Schweizer 
sustained a heavy loss. However, he had pros- 
pered so well previously, that he had become a 
prominent property owner. Previous to this 
time he had built the fine three-story brick 
block at the corner of Bluff and Prairie streets, 
now known as the Commercial Hotel, and 
owned and operated by his widow and family, 
at the time of the fire, the upper floors of this 
block were used for public halls, and offices, 
while the first floor was used for business 
purposes. As soon as he could get possessson 
Mr. Schweizer, converted this building into a 
hotel, naming it the Commercial House. He 
continued in the business until the time of his 
death, which occurred May 11, 1882. Mr. 
Schweizer was widely and favorably known as 
an enterprising and honorable citizen. He 
made money in a legitimate business, and as 
promptly invested it in substantial improve- 
ments which benefitted the j)ublic as well as 
himself. He was a man of liberal ideas, and 
active in the cause of education. He was the 
first director of the German School Association, 
and a member of the city board of education. 
He also served as a member of the city council. 
In every position of public honor or trust, he 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



681 



was always found competent and reliable. He 
was an active member of several secret and 
benevolent societies. His funeral was con- 
ducted by the Odd Fellows and Ancient Order 
of United Workmen. Mr. Schweizer was mar- 
ried at Prairie du Chien, Oct. 11, 1857, and this 
union has been blessed with three children — 
.1. George, born July 22, 1862; Charles H., born 
Feb. 18, 1805, and Clara A., born Aug. 10, 1868. 
E. M. Wright, druggist, is the son of N. A. 
and Adeline Wright, and was born Jan. 6, 1844 
in Danby, Tompkins Co., N. Y. In 1855, he 
eatne with his parents to Prairie du Chien, Wis. 
He was educated in the city schools, learning 
the drug business in his father's store. In 
A])ril, 1864, he enlisted in the 50th regiment, 
Wisconsin Volunteers, and was appointed hos- 
pital steward of that regiment, serving until 
the close of the war. His father, N. A. 
Wright, was then carrying on the drug business 
in conijiany with his brother, Emery. On the 
night (if Jan. 11, 1869, Emery Wright was 
killed, uhile in tlie act of defending the store 
against burglars E. M. Wright succeeded his 
uncle, as his father's partner, tliis connection 
continuing until the death of his father, which 
occurred Sejjt. 11, 18'i'2. Mr. Wright has since 
conducted the business, for himself and mother, 
under the tirin name of E. M. Wright & Co. 
He carries a general stock of drugs, medicines, 
books, htationery, etc. He was married at Prai- 
rie du Chien, April 14, 1868, to Laura, daughter 
of P. I. Adams, born in Lancaster, Wis. They 
have three children, one son and two daughters 
— Elmer E., Mertie, and Nettie. The daughters 
arc twins. 

Thomas L. Brower, son of Thomas L., and 
Magdalene Brower, was born Jan. 29, 1821, in 
New York city. He learned the cabinet mak- 
er's trade in his father's shops, in New Jersey, 
and subsequently engaged in the hard wood 
lumber business, in New York. In 18.50 he 
came to Prairie du Chien, then a thriving place 
with magnificent prospects. He formed a part- 
nership in the wholesale drug business with 



Charles'" S. Van Duzer, under the firm name of 
Brower & Van Duzer. In two years, this con- 
nection was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. 
Brower continued the business alone, and Mr. 
Van Duzer returned east. The latter was killed 
in the late war. Mr. Brower, in view of the 
local demand, increased his business by adding 
a stock of general merchandise. His business 
stand was a large brick building, situated on 
the west side of Front street, Lower Town. At 
this time the Milwaukee & Mississippi railroad 
had its depots at Lower Town, and a ferry con- 
nected Lower Town with McGregor. The bulk 
of Mr. Brower's trade came from the west of 
the river, he having a large trade with Iowa 
emigrants and settlers. In 1^75 he moved to 
his present stand nearly opposite the old one. 
His present store is a double building, 50x70 
feet, making two fine stores. His stock is 
about $7,000. In addition to his Lower Town 
establishment, he has a drug and grocery store, 
in Upper Town uuderthe management of his son 
Arthur. Mr. Brower was married at New York 
city, in May, 1850, to Anna C, youngest daugh- 
ter of JohnBattin,asoldierof the British army, 
who came to this country during the War of the 
Revolution, with Admiral Lord Howe, who ap- 
pointed him, with others, as body guard to 
Prince William Henry, afterwards King Wil- 
liam IVth, who was then a midshipman in the 
British navy, and on a visit to this country. 
He served during the war, and when the Brit- 
ish troops evacuated, he had become so infatua- 
ted with America, that he was not found 
amongst the soldiers that returned home. He 
lived to the remarkable age of 100 years, and 
up to the last year of his life, clung to the old- 
fashioned costume of white stockings, and knee 
breeches. Mrs. Brower was born in New York 
city. They have had four children, one of 
whom is living — Arthur. Mr. Brower is an en- 
terprising citizen, and has endeavored to im- 
prove the city and make it attractive. His 
own home is a model of beauty and comfort. 
Opposite his house, Mr. Brower has an elegant 



682 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



little park, containing a large fountain of min- 
eral water, which supplies a miniature lake. 
Well shaded walks and smooth lawns lead to a 
tasty summer house. This delightful spot has 
been perfected by Mr. Krower in his leisure 
hours. It has been the ambition of his life, to 
make for himself and family, an attractive 
home. That he has succeeded beyond a doubt, 
would be the opinion of every one who visited 
that favored spot. Mr. Brower has served in 
various local offices. He has been a member of 
the board of education, almost continuously, 
since his location here, and for the past six 
years has been its president. He has also 
served on the county board, and in the city 
council. He has been a candidate for the Leg- 
islature on the republican ticket, being defeated 
by only five votes. His friends were too confi- 
dent of his success, to make a vigorous effort. 

Arthur Brower, son of Thomas L. Brower, 
was born in Hoboken, N. J., Sept. 10, 1856. He 
came to Prairie du Cliien with his parents when 
but a few months old He received his educa- 
tion in the city schools and in the Protestant 
College of this place. He made a study of 
pharmacy and is a regularly registered pharma- 
cist. On the opening, July 4, 1880, of the drug 
and grocery store by his father, Arthur was 
placed in charge and has continued to conduct 
the business since that time. It is a neat and 
well stocked drug and grocery store and carries a 
stock varying from $4,000 to $5,000. The pro- 
prietor is the manufacturer of and wholesale 
dealer in the niedicine known as McFarlane's 
cough and consumption cure, a popular remedy. 
Mr. Brower was married Sept. 9, 1880, at Be- 
loit, Wis., to Kate Gaston, daughter of N. B. 
Gaston. 

Orson Jackson, retired merchant, was born in 
Westford town, Otsego Co., N. Y., Aug. 22, 1824. 
He is a graduate of the State Normal School 
of New York, and in 1846 adopted the profes- 
sion of teacher. He taught in his native State, 
until 1851, when he removed to Ypsilanti, 
Mich., being employed one year and nine 



months as principal of the Ypsilanti Union 
Seminary. He left the seminary to accept the 
position of professor of mathematics in the 
State Normal School of the same city. In 1856, 
Mr. Jackson gave up that chair and came to 
Prairie du Chien, forming a partnership with 
Edward W. Pelton, senior member of the 
firm of A. Pelton & Co., and Mr. Charles 
Wright. This firm did an extensive business in 
general merchandise and produce, and for years 
was the most imjjortant mercantile house in 
Crawford county. Mr. Jackson continued in 
business until 1875, when he retired, and has 
since devoted his time to the care of his farm. 
He has been prominently identified with the 
educational interests of the county. In the 
early days, under the old system, he was town- 
ship superintendent of schools. In 1864 and 
1865, he was county superintendent of schools, 
and during the existence of Prairie du Chien 
College, from 1865 to 1870, was a member of 
the board of trustees. Mr. Jackson was mar- 
ried at Ithaca, N. Y., Veh. 2, 1858, to Mary E., 
daughter of Francis E. Reed. Mrs. Jackson 
was born in New York city, and is a graduate 
of the New York State Normal School and of 
the Oneida Conference Seminary, of Cazenovia. 
Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Jackson had devoted 
considerable time to teaching. They have two 
sons — John T. and Francis R. 

Michael Menges, of the firm of Schumann & 
Menges, brewers, is the son of John N. Menges. 
He was born at Baden, Germany, Feb. 13, 1833, 
and came to the United States in 1849. He 
learned the carpenter trade at Philadelphia, be- 
ing employed in that business until the fall of 
1855, when he returned to Germany. The fol- 
lowing spring he again came to this country, 
settling in Prairie du Chien, where he was soon 
extensively engaged as contractor and builder. 
He also kept hotel for three years. In 1870, he 
formed a partnership with Theodore Schumann 
in the brewing business, under the firm name of 
Schumann & Menges,which has continued up to 
the present time. This brewery produces 6,000 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, 



683 



hairt'ls of beer annually. Mr. Menges is one of 
the most energetic, pushing business men of the 
city. Outside of his brewing business lie is 
still engaged in contracting ami building, and 
has just closed the contract for building the 
liasement of the addition to the College of the 
Sacred Heart, at this place. Mr. Menges was 
elected sheriflp of Crawford county for the term 
of lSGT-8, was coroner in 1862, and township 
treasurer in 1870. He is the present efficient 
chiefof the Prairie du Chien fire department, 
and superintendent of the Prairie du Chien 
Mechanical, Agricultural & Driving Park 
Association. He was married at Prairie du 
Chien, May, 16, 1858, to Catharine, daughter of 
Peter Schmitz. She was born in Prussia and 
emigrated to this county in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. 
Menges have had ten children, seven girls and 
three boys, seven of whom are living— Mary, 
wife of Otto A. Watzke, of McGregor, Iowa; 
Elizabeth, wife of William W^erder, also of Mc- 
Gregor; Frank, Minnie, Edward, Theodore and 
Emma. Ida died aged eleven years; Fannie 
died aged three years; Susanna died in infancy. 
Jac Raffauf, one of the pioneers of Crawford 
county of 1850, and for many years a popular 
county and city officer, was born in Prussia, 
Aug. 28, 1833. He emigrated to the United 
States in IS52, and located in Cassville, Grant 
Co., Wis., where he made his home till 1856, 
then came to Prairie du Chien and engaged in 
mercantile business. In I860 he was elected 
register of deeds of Crawford county, and re- 
elected three times, holding, in all, eight years. 
He was subsequently elected county clerk for 
two years, and also town and city treasurer, and 
held tho>;e offices eight years. He was also as- 
sessor, and a member of the school board. In 
1^*70 he erected the fine brick block opposite the 
jiostoffice, where he was engaged in mercantile 
business. The commercial crisis of 1873 found 
him like many others, and he was obliged to 
close up his business. He started immediately 
in ihc wine and liquor business, and has since 
succeeded very well. Mr. Raffauf now has a 



tasty sample room and billiard ball, nearly op- 
posite the Commercial House, which is becom- 
ing a very popular lesort for the better class of 
people. He was married in Paris, France, Dec. 
13, 1857, to Margarelta, daughter of John Eg- 
gert. Mrs. Raffauf was born in Coblentz, 
Germany. Owing to Mr. Raffauf not being a 
citizen of France at the time of his marriage, 
there arose some question as to the validity of 
the ceremony. So on their arrival in the city 
of New York, they were re-married Dec. 30, 
1857. Mr. and Mrs. Raffauf have six children, 
three sons and three daughters — Bertha, Ida, 
Alvina, Alexander, Frank and Max. 

John Ackerley was born in England, at Run- 
corn, on the river Mersey, July 19, 1821. W^hen 
of sufficient age he was placed on a farm to 
work. When fifteen years of age his parents 
died. He soon after engaged with Johnson 
Brothers, the well-known soap manufacturers of 
Runcorn. He soon left that business to enter 
the service of the Mersey & Irwell Carrying 
Comitaiiy, plying on the river between Liver- 
pool and Manchester, following that business 
about fifteen years. He next went to Burnley, 
where he was employed with the gas company 
and on the public works. In the summer of 
1856 he emigrated to America, arriving in Wis- 
consin in October of that year. The following 
April he engaged with the Milwaukee & St. 
Paul railway company as check clerk, at the 
freight depot at Prairie du Chien, and has had 
general charge of the transfer of freight at this 
point. The immense amount of business done 
at this point in years past has made this a most 
responsible position. That he has proven him- 
self cajjable and trustworthy, is appaient from 
the fact that he has held this position for 
tweny-six years, with the exception of two vaca- 
tions, when he was away on visits to England. 
He was married in England, in 1842, to Mary, 
daughter of James Burrow, a prominent gun 
and rifie manufacturer of Preston, England. 
Mrs. Ackerley was born at Preston, Lancaster- 
shire, England. They had four children born 



684 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



to them, all natives of England. The eldest, 
James B., is married and resides at Prairie du 
Chien. His occupation is that of locomotive 
engineer. He has been in the employ of the 
Milwaukee & St Paul railroad company since 
1857, find for nine years run an engine on tlie 
main line, and during the last nine years on the 
transfer between Prairie du Chien and Mc- 
Gregor. The youngest son, John, enlisted in 
the British army, went to India with his regi- 
ment, and died of a fever in that country in 1870. 
The other two sons died in childhood. 

Richard G. Matthews, senior partner of the 
firm of R. G. Matthews & Son, jewelers, was 
bom Dec. 5, 1835, in Brooklyn, King's Co., 
N. Y. When fourteen years of age he re- 
moved with his parents to Champlain, Clinton 
county, and, in the fall of 1857, to Prairie du 
Chien, Wis. He learned the millwright trade 
in the east, and soon after coming to Prairie 
du Chien became connected with Robert Scott 
in the manufacture of fanning mills. He was 
subsequently in the employ of the Milwaukee 
& Prairie du Chien railroad as a mechanic. 
In 1867 he started in the livery business, at 
Prairie du Chien, in company with Mr. Need- 
am, under the lirm name of Needam & Mat- 
thews. Their means were limited and stock 
consequently small. Mr. Needam had four 
horses and Mr. Matthews one. Two years 
later Mr. Matthews bought out his partner and 
rapidly increased his stock of horses and car- 
riages, until he had a lirst-class establishment. 
He continued the business until February, 1883, 
when he sold the stock and equipments to his 
brother, O. A. Matthews, retaining the owner- 
ship of the buildings. In March, 1883, he 
purchased an interest in the jewelry business 
of his son, D. E. Matthews, who is a practical 
watchmaker, and had established the business 
in 1879. This firm carries a well-selected 
stock of watches, fine jewelry and silverware, 
of an average value of from |5,000 to |;6,000. 
They also deal extensively in pianos and or- 
gans. While in the livery business Mr. Mat- 



thews served as under sheriff, deputy sheriff 
and city marshal, holding the latter position 
six years. In 1875 he was appointed special 
State treasury agent, which office he still holds. 
He was married at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., N. 
Y., in 1855, to Laura A, daughter of Samuel 
Clark. She was born and raised in Clinton 
county. They have two children, a son and a 
daughter — Del E. and Hattie. 

Joseph Tilmont came to Prairie du Chien in 
1857. He was born in Brussels, Belgium, in 
181 6. He was an officer of the Dutch army 
and stationed in India, where he served ten 
years. On his return to Brussels in 1849, he 
was married to Fannie Roze, daughter of Paul 
Roze, and born in Brnssels. They had one 
child — Alexander. Mr. Tilmont emigrated to 
America in 1856, and in 1857 came to Prairie 
du Chien, where he engaged in the drug busi- 
ness. He continued the business until 1878, 
when, on account of failing health he sold out. 
He had associated his son Alexander with him 
as a member of the firm some years prior to 
the close of his business career. He lived but 
a short time after retiring from business, his 
death occurring Feb. 28, 1879. Mr. Tilmont 
was held in high esteem by his neighbors and 
fellow citizens for his many noble qualities, 
both as a business man and neighbor. Mrs. 
Tilmont returned to Brussels in 1867 on ac- 
count of failing health, and where she now in- 
tends to make her future home. Alexander 
Tilmont, his son, spent nearly a year in Eurojie 
just prior to his father's death. He is now a 
resident of Prairie du Chien, where he has 
business and property interests. 

H. J. Benson, of the firm of Harris & Ben- 
son, manufacturers of steel plows and cultiva- 
tors, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in May, 
1831. He was reared in New York, and moved 
to Rock Island, III., in 1852. In 1858 he came 
to Prairie du Chien with a brother, and opened 
a dry goods store. They handled a lot of 
plows on commission, the profitable sale of 
which prompted them to engage in their manu 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



085 



facture. They opened a factory at Prairie du 
Cliien, and so rapidly did the business develop 
that at one time they were using a forty horse- 
power engine at their works, and making as 
many as 10,000 plows a year. In 1871 Mr. 
Benson formed the existing partnership with 
D. G. Harris. Mr. Benson has served as city 
clerk of Prairie du Chien, and baa been a mem- 
ber of the common council. He was married 
in Iowa, Nov. 12, 1853, to Miss E. G. Gates, 
daughter of R. P. Gates. Mrs. Benson was 
born in Worcester, Mass. They have one 
child living, a daughter — Mabel; lost two — 
William, aged four years, and Edward, aged 
two years. 

John A. Newton was born in Middletield, 
Mass , in 1832. He' moved to Albany, N. Y., 
in his youth, being engaged in milling at that 
place. In 1857 he came to Prairie du Chien, 
and soon after iiis arrival, formed a partnersliip 
Willi Messrs. Pelton & Wright, iti the milling 
business, under the firm name of Pelton, Wright 
& Co. He was also engaged in mercantile bus- 
iness, dealing extensively in produce, live stock 
and hides. Mr. Newton was an active, enter- 
prising bu.siness man, and was held in high 
esteem by his fellow-citizens. His death occur- 
red July 24, 1881. Mr. Newton was married at 
Prairie du Ciiien in 1S58, to Mary E. Parker. 
They liave three children living — William, 
James and John. 

William Newton was born in Prairie du 
Ciiien in 1859. lie was educated at the city 
schools, and at the Beloit College. He ac- 
quired a practical business education, at 
IJoscobel, Wis., where he served four year.s 
as salesman in a mercantile house. lie 
then returned to Prairie du Chien, and in 1882 
engaged in the grocery business, also dealing 
in hides and pelts. He carries a full line of 
staple and fancy groceries, provisions, crockery 
and queensware,and does an annual business in 
this line of $25,000. In addition to his grocery 
trade, Mr. Newton deals entensively in liides 
and pelts, his business in this line averaging 



about $10,000 a year. He is the present secre- 
tary of the Artesian Well Company, and holds 
the same position with the Prairie du Chien Me- 
chanical, Agricultural & Driving Park Asso- 
ciation. Mr. Newton is one of the active, en- 
terprising young business men of the city, 
whose success is assured. 

Redmond C. Dimock, master carsmith at the 
yards of the Cliicago, Milwaukee & St Paul 
railroad, at Prairie du Chien, was born in 
Dundaff township, Susquehanna Co., Penn., 
Oct. 1, 1820. Be served a regular apprentice- 
ship to the carpenter trade, after which he 
entered the service of the Delaware & Hudson 
Canal Railway Company. He continued with that 
company twelve years, during several of which 
he was foreman carpenter. In May, 1860, he 
moved from Carbondale, Penn., to Prairie 
du Chien, and in .Tune following began woi-k 
with this company as carpenter, and in August, 
1808, was appointed to his present resjjonsible 
position. Mr. Dimock has now been in the 
company's employ twenty-three years, and is 
one of its most trusted and resjicctcd oinployes. 
Mr. Dimock was married in Pennsylvania, Oct. 
25, 1843, to Theresa, daughter of Charlton Kent, 
of that State. Mrs. Dimock was born .March 
21, 1821, in the same county in wliicli her hus- 
band was born. They have liad six children, 
tlirce sons and three daughters, four of whom 
are living — John C. is married, and agent for 
the Chicago, Milwakee & St. Paul Railroad, at 
Scotland, Dak.; Kate E., residing at liome ; 
Sarah F., wife of Charles E. Douglass, a jeweler, 
of Viroqua, Wis.; Charles C, telegraph ope- 
rator for the railroad company at tills station. 
Louisa E. died, aged twenty-two years ; George 
[>. died, aged two years. 

Dr. Edward S. Eddy, dentist, was born in 
Providence, R. I., in August, 1839. He studied 
dentistry at the Baltimore College of Dental 
Surgery, and gradutcd in the spring of 1861, 
after which he opened an office in Providence, 
R. I. He came to Wisconsin in the latter part of 
1801, locating at Prairie du Chien. In August, 



686 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



1862, he enlisted In coTipany A, 31st regiment, 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was ap- 
})oiuted hospital steward, and served in the army 
of the Mississippi, and later under Sherman He 
was discharged in July, 1865, after which he 
returned to Wisconsin, and opened a dental 
office at Lancaster, Grant county. He soon after 
went to Providence, R. I., but only practiced 
there a short time, then returned to Wisconsin, 
establishing an office at Milwaukee. In 1872 he 
he went to Oshkosh, where he practiced his 
profession for nine years, and in 1881 returned 
to Prairie du Chien. In the past three years 
he has built up a very successful business. Dr. 
Eddy is thoroughly up with the times in his 
profession, and gives his patients the benefit of 
skill and experience. He has a branch office 
located at Bloomington, Grant Co., Wis. -Dr. 
Eddy was married at Prairie du Chien, Feb. 19, 
1868, to Sophia A., daughter of Judge Ira B. 
Brunson, one of tlie most highly respected of 
Crawford county's early pioneers. Mrs. Eddy 
was born at Prairie du Chien. Mr. and Mrs. 
Eddy have a family of one daughter, 

David Mclntyre, foreman of the blacksmith 
shop of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
Railway at Prairie du Chien, was born in 
Maine, Dec. 2, 18-20. In his youth he went to 
Massachusetts, where he learned the blacksmith 
trade. While quite young, he went on a whaling 
voy.age of three years. He then entered the 
United States naval service in 1846. While 
on the South American coast, his sliip was or- 
dered to Mexico to participate in the war with 
that country. He spent three years in Mexico 
and California, and was in active service during 
tlie entire war. On receiving his discharge 
from the navy, he returned to Massachusetts, 
anil in 1849 came to Wisconsin. He located at 
Milwaukee, where he worked at his trade, jtrin- 
cipally in railway shops. He began with the 
old Milwaukee ife Mississippi Railway Company, 
and has been in the shops of this line under all 
its changes to the present time (1884). In 1861 
he came to Prairie du Chien to accept his pres- 



ent position of foreman of the company's shops 
at that point. Mr. Mclntyre is a master me- 
chanic in his line of work, and is a popular man 
in his position, botli with the officers of tlie 
road and his employes. He was married in 
Massachusetts in 1845, to Louisa Huff. Mrs. 
Mclntyre is also a native of I\Iaine. Tliey have 
two daughters — Ann, wife of JaniesVan de Yort, 
of Greenfield, Wis., and Josephine, widi^w of 
William Buchanan, a resident of Prairie du 
Cliien. 

Edward Rogers, proprietor of the Sherman 
House, was born in the north of Ireland, in 
1829. He went to England in 1853 and became 
a miner. In 1860 he emigrated to the United 
States, landing at New Orleans and spending 
the winter of 1860-61. He went to Missouri the 
foUoAing April and engaged in mining, and tl e 
same year took out his first papers at St. Louis, 
to become a citizen of the LTnited States. Not 
being pleased with his surroundings, owing to 
the breaking out of the war, he left that State 
early in 1861, and took up his abode at Prairie 
du Chien. Here he became an employe of the 
Milwaukee & St Paul Railway Company, con- 
tinuing in the service of that company about 
nine years. In 1864 he built a small hotel op- 
posite where his hotel now stands, which he 
carried on, the house being managed by his 
wife while he was in the employment of the 
railway company. He subsequently moved 
his house to its present location, near the 
depot of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul railroad, enlarged and improved it in 
18*70, and again in 1882, until he now has a 
large and well appointed hotel. He retired 
from railroad work several years ago, now de- 
voting his entire time to the hotel business. Mr. 
Rogers has prospered in his affairs and is now 
in in<lependent circumstances. He was mar- 
ried in England, in August 1858, to Ann 
Rooney, born in Ireland. When young she re- 
moved to England, where she was reared. They 
had two children born to them before leaving 
England, and six sons and three daughters born 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



«8» 



in America. Tlie names of the sons are — 
Charles A., John F., Edward, James P., George 
and William II. The daughters all died in child- 
hood — Mary A., aged five years, Margaret E., 
aged three years and Margaret E., aged seven 
years. 

George Wachter, proprietor of a billiard hall 
and sample room, is the son of C H. Wachter, 
and was born in the province of Saxony, Ger- 
many, June 29, 1844. He emigrated to America 
1859, locating in Herkimer Co., N. Y., where 
he spent two years on a farm. He then came to 
Prairie du Chien, spending three years with his 
brother-in-law. J. G. Schweizer, in the hotel busi- 
ness. In 1864 he started in his present business. 
At tiie death of Mr. "Schweizer he was appoint- 
ed the administrator of the estate. Mr. Wachter 
is a man of good business ability and commands 
the respect of all. He began business with very 
limited means, but by industry and good man- 
agement has accumulated a fine property. 
He owns several fine brick buildings in the bus- 
iness center of the city. 

Jolin Knops, furniture dealer, establislied his 
business at Prairie du Chien in ISIl. He was 
born April 16, IS.SV, in Luxemburg, Germany. 
He served a regular apprenticeship at the cabi- 
net-making trade, working at it for about ten 
years in his native country. In May, 1804, he 
emigrated to the United States, coming direct 
to Prairie du Chien and engaging as a journey- 
man mechanic with C. Grelle, the pioneer cabi- 
net-maker of Prairie du Chien. He continued 
in the employ of Mr. Grelle until 187], when 
he opened his present establishment, where he 
keeps a general stock of furniture and house 
furnishing goods. Mr. Knops has been twice 
married. The first time in Wauzeka, Crawford 
Co., Wis., June 24, 18C9, to Caroline, daughter 
of Fred Geisler. They had one child— Lena. 
Mrs. Knops died eighteen months after her 
marriage. Mr. Knops was married June 29, 
1872, at Prairie du Chien, to Mary, daughter of 
Louis Reinhold, and born in Mecklenberg, 
Schwerin, Germany. They had seven children, 



four of whom are living— Louis, William, Her- 
man and Frederick. Charles died aged two 
and a half years; John died aged two and a 
half years, and the second John died, aged 
sixteen months. 

A. D. Lampkins, assistant cashier of the Ex- 
change Bank of Prairie du Chien, is the son of 
Isaac Lampkins, and was born in Coos Co., N. 
H., Oct. 18, 1808. He removed with his par- 
ents to Tompkins Co., N. Y., when very young. 
He subsequently went to Genesee Co., N. Y. In 
1856 Mr. Lampkins removed to Suspension 
Bridge, being connected with railway business. 
After spending about three years in that place 
he traveled until 1864, at which time he came to 
Prairie du Chien. Mr. Lam])kins took an active 
part in organizing the ilcGregor & Western 
Railway, and was appointed agent at jNIcGregor, 
being the first to open a railway office at that 
place. 'J he road subseipiently became tlie 
property of the Milwaukee & St. Paul rail- 
road. Mr. Lampkins was associated with CM. 
Seeley in the Exchange Bank of Pi-airie du 
Chien, and since the purchase of the bank by 
Mr. Denio he has served as assistant cashier. 
Mr. Lanijikin was married in 1835 at West 
Filoomfield, Ontario Co., N. Y., to Eliza Curtis. 
Three children were born to them, two boys 
and one girl — Morton G., the eldest, is agent of 
the New York & Erie Railroad at Lockport, N. 
Y.; Caroline E. is the wife of G. A. Rathburn, 
an attorney at Ridgeway, Penn.; George S. 
died aged sixteen years. Mrs. Lampkins died 
in 1843. Mr. Lam]>kins was married in 1880, at 
Prairie du Chien, to Mrs. Caroline M. Rush, wid- 
ow of Henry Rush, and daughter of John Dai- 
ling. She was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. 

A. H Reiteraeyer, manufacturer of vinegar 
at Lower Town, Prairie du Chien, was born in 
the city of Paderbarn, Westphalia, Germany, 
Dec. 8, 1835. He emigrated to America in 
1854, locating at Freeport, 111. He subsequently 
removed to Dubuque, and, in 1857, to Cassville, 
Wis. In 1860 he went to California, engaging 
in the making of wine at Los Angelos and sub- 



688 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



sequentlyin the wholesale and retail wine trade 
at San Francisco. In 1866 he returned to Wis- 
consin, locating at Prairie du Chien and engag- 
ing in the mercantile business at Lower Town. 
In 1872 he began the manufacture of vinegar. 
He occupies a three story brick building, uses 
steam power, and manufactures about 500 bar- 
rels of vinegar a year. His factory has a work- 
ing capacity of 1000 barrels. Mr. Reitemeyer 
has served several years as a member of the 
hoard of education, and has also been a member 
of the city council. He was married in Prairie 
du Chien, May 22, 1870, to Mary, daughter of 
Henry B. Shneider. Mrs. Reitemeyer was born 
in Remagen, near Cologne, in the province of 
Rhine, Germany. 

Garvey Brothers established themselves in 
the dry goods business at Prairie du (Jhien, in 
1867; They do a strictly dry goods trade, and 
have a well selected stock, averaging in value 
about $12,000. The firm is composed of Chris- 
topher and James Garvey. Christopher Gar- 
vey, the senior memljer of the firm, was born in 
county Down, Ireland, May 1, 1833. He passed 
his youth in his native country, receiving a lih- 
eral education. In 1S51, having lost his father, 
he came with his motlier to the United States, 
settling in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1867, he came 
to Prairie du Chien, and entered upon his pres- 
ent business with his brother James. Mr. Gar- 
vey was married at Highland, Wis., Aug. 5, 
187-3, to Maria Trant, a native of Kenosha Co., 
Wis. James Garvey, junior partner of the liim 
of Garvey Bros., was born at Newry, county 
Down, Ireland, May 9, 1848. He came to 
America with his mother in childhood, arriving 
in this country in 1851. He was reared in 
Cleveland, Ohio, and educated in the city 
schools of that place. He also received a good 
business education. In 1867 he came to Prairie 
du Cliien, engaging in the dry goods business 
with his brother, under the firm name of Garvey 
Brothers. Mr. Garvey has been chosen to fill 
various local offices, and has been prominently 
identified with the educational interests of 



Prairie du Chien. He has served several terms 
in the common council and was elected mayor 
of the city in 1S81 and 1882. At the expiration 
of his term of office as mayor, in 188-3, he was 
elected president of the hoard of eilucation. 
Mr. Garvey was married at Chicago, April 4, 
1880, to Jessie Burnett, born in Aberdeen, Scot- 
land. 

Mathias Chapek, proprietor of biliiaril iiall and 
sample room, established his business in March, 
1883. Mr. Chapek was born in Bohemia, in 
I 854, and emigrated to the United States in 1869. 
He came direct to Prairie du Chien, and engaged 
with the St. Paul railway company. He was 
engaged in various things till he engaged in his 
present business. Mr. Chapek is the leader of 
the Bohemian band, of which he was the 
founder, and of which a history is given else- 
where in this work. 

George E. Harrington, son of Isaac and Re- 
lief Harrington, was born April 6, 1826, in 
Acton, Mass. He was reared on a farm, a' d in 
November, 1854, emigrated to M.idison, Wis. 
Ill September, 1865, he went to Scott town, 
Crawford Co., Wis., where he engaged in farm- 
ing. In .lanuary, 1869, having been elected 
sheriff of Crawford county, he removed to Prai- 
rie du Chien, and entered upon the duties of his 
office. The following August he purchased a 
half interest in the livery business with R. 
Matthews, and in April, 1871, he bought Mr. 
Matthews out, and has since continued the 
business alone. Mr. Harrington was elected to 
the Legislature of 1866. He has been a mem- 
ber of the county board three terms and chair- 
man one term. He was elected city marshal 
In 1880 and re-elected in 1881, and 1883, being 
the present incumbent. Mr. Harrington was 
married in Richland Co., Wis., in Fehruary, 
185-^, to Betsy Duncan, born in Bath, N. H. 
Ihey have had two children — Charles and 
Arabella, who died aged six years- They 
also have an adopted daughter — Annie, wife of 
George D. Cottrell, of Prairie du Chien. Mr. 
Harrington enlisted, in August, 1862, in com- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



689 



pany G., 33d regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. 
Oil tlie organization of the company, he was 
iiia<k' its 1st lieutenant, in whicli capacity he 
served till August, 1863, when he resigned from 
ill liealth. Partially recovering his hoalih, he re- 
enlisted in September, 1SG4, in the 47th regi- 
ment iif the same Stale and was made quarter- 
master sergeant of the regiment, and served as 
such until the regiment was mustered out, in 
September, 1865. 
Frank Smrcina, proprietor of the Parlor saloon 
was born in Bohemia, Dec. 15, 1845. He emi- 
gaated to the United Stales in 1869, going di- 
rect to Prairie du Chien, Wis. He entered the 
the service of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
railway company, continuing with them several 
years. In 1877, he started in bis present busi- 
ness, and has prospered beyond his expecta- 
tions. He was married in Bohemia, in 18'i8, to 
Mary Cunat, born in Bohemia. They have 
four children, one girl, and three boys — Mary, 
Wenzee, John and Thomas. 

James H. McDonald superintendent of schools 
of Crawford county was born at Hartford, Conn., 
July, 8, 1853. In 1859, when but six years of 
age, he accompanied his parents to Madison, 
Wis., and subsequently to Richland Centre, 
Richland county, where he received his primary 
education. He commenced teaching at the age 
of sixteen years, and thus procured the means 
to defray his expenses at school. He took a 
regular course at Prairie du Chien high school, 
and, on the completion of his studies, resumed 
teaching, which profession, he has followed for 
the past twelve years. In the fall of 1879, he 
was elected to his present position, and re-elec- 
ted in 1881, bis second term expiring Jan. 1, 
1885. Mr. McDonald is a competent and popu- 
lar officer, and has discharged the duties of his 
office with ability and fidelity. On May 30, 
1867, he met with a serious misfortune in a rail- 
road accident, and sustained the loss of his 
right arm. He was married at Prairie du 
Chien, Jan. 13, 1880, to Mrs. B. M. O'Neill, 
daughter of M. O'Neill. Mrs. McDonald is a 



native of Prairie du Chien. They have two 
sons — Joseph D., and John F. Mr. McDonald 
resides in the village of Eastman. Mr. Mc- 
Donald is the first county superintendent, ever 
reelected in the county. His success in this 
respect, is owing to his industry, honesty of 
purpose, and straight forward dealings with the 
pul)lic. He carried the county by 350 majority, 
the usual vole of the district being close. 

Walter Newick, proprietor of the Tremonl 
House, opposite the St. Paul railroad depot; was 
born in Somersetshire, England, Nov. 6, 1832. 
He learned the baker's trade in his native coun- 
try, being engaged in that business until 1867, 
when he emigrated to Canada. After spending 
two years in Canada, he came to Wisconsin, lo- 
cating in Grant county, and engaging in farm- 
ing there two years. He then removed to 
Prairie du Chien, and opened a bakery near the 
railway depot. Here he carried on the business 
about eight years, when tiie death of a brother 
in Grant county, made it necessary for him to 
return there to settle up the estate. He re- 
mained in Grant county in charge of his broth- 
er's property until settled, after which, he re- 
turned to Prairie du Chien. Having purchased 
the Tremont House, near the depot, he took pos- 
session April 12, 1883. His house is conven- 
iently located, and his accommodations good. 
Mr. Newick was married in England, in Febru- 
ary 1855, to Mary, daughter of Henry Hullon, 
and burn in Somersetshire. They have one 
daughter, born in England, now the wife of 
William Whilraall, cashi<M- of the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee & Omalia railroad, at Minneapolis, 
Minn. 

Edson W. Van Vickie, grain buyer, with L. 
Case & Co., is the son of Aaron Van Vickie, 
and was born at Hancock, 111., .Sept. 23, 1843. 
In 1850 he moved with his ])arents to Grant 
Co., Wis. He enlisted from that county Aug. 
11, 1862, as a private in company D, 33d regi- 
ment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, was pro- 
moted to sergeant, aud served until the close of 
the war. He was with his regiment aud com- 



690 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



p;iny in all the battles and skirmishes partici- 
pated in by them. Mr. Van Viokle was married 
in Grant county, Dec. 28, 1871, to Olive, daugh- 
ter of Robert Whiteside. She was born in 
Cassville, Wis Mr. and Mrs. Van Vickie have 
one child, Plra, aged eight years. Mr. Van 
Vickie moved to Prairie du Chien in 1873, and 
engaged in grain buying. For the past two 
years he lias been in the employ of L. Case 
&Co. 

George W. Foster was born Sept. 11, 1842, in 
Rome, N. Y., being reared in that city. In the 
spring of 1862, he enlisted as a private in com- 
pany B, 117th New York Volunteers. He was 
appointed a non-commissioned officer, serving 
until the close of the war. He took i^art in the 
siege of Fort Wagner, the battles of Drury's 
BluflF, before Richmond, Cold Harbor, Peters- 
burg Heights, Chapin's Farm, capture of Fort 
Fisher, at which his regiment led the charge, 
in the series of engagements before Petersburg, 
and numerous skirmishes. At the battle of 
Drury's Bluff he received his only wound of 
any importance, a gun shot wound that carried 
away the little finger of the left hand. In 1866, 
after the close of the war, \Ir. Foster went to 
Logansport, Ind., entering the service of the 
United States Express Company as messenger 
on the Pan-Handle railroad, being subsfequently 
assigned lo routes in Illinois, Minnesota, and 
Wisconsin. He left the service of the express 
comi)any for a short time, to serve as conductor 
of .1 train. In 1875 lie was appointed agent of 
the express company at Prairie ilu Chien, and 
has since occupied that position, to the entire 
satisfaction of the company and its patrons. In 
1868 Mr. Foster was married to Lamine Gonga- 
lia, liorji in New Albany, Ind. Mr. Foster has 
represented his ward in the city council one 
term, and served four terms as a member of the 
city school board. 

A. D. PliilHps is station agent of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul railway at Prairie du 
Chien. He has been employed by the company 
iu this office twenty-six years. Since 1875 he 



has been in charge of this station. Mr. Phillips 
was born in Brattleboro, Vt., Aug. .31, 18)8, and 
moved with his parents to Massachusetts in 
childhood. He was educated in the old Bay 
State, and in 1856 moved to Kenosha, Wis. 
He began learning telegraphy in that city, and 
on the completion of the Milwaukee & Missis- 
sippi railway to Prairie du Chien, he was em- 
ployed as telegraph operator at this station. 
He has continued in the employ of this road, 
under the different managements, continnously 
since, and for tlie past eight years has had en- 
tire charge of both passenger and freight busi- 
ness at this station. 

Leroy T. Butterfield, photographer, is the 
son of Merrick and Lucy Butterfield, and was 
born in Windsor Co., Vt., Feb. 16, 1852. When 
three years of age he removed with his parents 
to Marengo, 111. He received his primary edu- 
cation in the common schools and the high 
school of Marengo. He then took a two years' 
course at the Industrial University, of Cham- 
paign, 111., where he fitted himself for the pro- 
fession of civil engineer. In 1876 he came to 
Prairie du Chien, spending two years with Mr. 
Farr and learning photography. In 1878 he 
bought the gallery, and has since conducted the 
business with marked success. Mr. Butterfield 
was married at Marengo, 111., Nov. 13, 1878, to 
Mattie E., daughter of William Rich. Mrs. 
Butterfield was born near Syracuse, N. Y. 

Michael Breidenbach, proprietor of the Cen- 
tral House, was born in Cologne, Prussia, on 
the river Rhine, Oct. 28, 1847. He learned the 
baker's trade in his native country. In 1869 he 
emigrated to the United States, locating at 
Iowa City, where he engaged in the bakery 
business. Subsequently, Mr. Breidenbach went 
to St. Louis, working at his trade winters and 
traveling on the river summers as cook and 
steward. He was married at St. Louis in 
December, 1875, to Mary Humpal, born in Bo- 
hemia, Austria. They had one child — Wil- 
liam, who died from the effects of an accident 
when twenty months, old. Mr. Breidenbach 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



691 



came to Prairie du Chien in 1877, and opened a 
hakcry, whicli he operated five years. He then 
purchased the Central House, which he has 
greatly improved, and is making it one of the 
popular hotels of the city. 

Fred Evert, manufacturer of cigars, estab- 
lished his factory in 1877. He employs four 
hands and turns out about 14,000 cigars per 
month. Mr. Evert was born in Mecklinberg, 
Germany, in 1843. He came to the United 
States in 1854, and made his home in Milwau- 
kee, Wis. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a 
private in company E, 24th regiment, Wiscon- 
sin Volunteers, and served till June, 1865, or 
until the close of the war. He participated in 
the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chicka- 
mauga, Atlanta, Franklin, and in various skir- 
mishes. At Chickamauga he was struck in the 
leg by a spent shell and seriously injured; also 
received two slight gun-shot wounds at Mission 
Ridge. He was married at Milwaukee, March 
29, 1867, to Louisa Schwab. Mrs. Evert was 
born in Germany. They have eight children, 
one son and seven daughters — Arthur, Emma, 
Ida, Amanda, Hedwig, CJlara, Minnie and LiUie. 

Henry Weniger, is proprietor of the Prairie du 
Ciiien Artesian Well Flouring Mill. This mill 
was built by Mr. Weniger in 1878, and is a nov- 
elty ill its way, the sole power being derived 
from the upward force of two large artesian 
wells. These wells are 1,044 (ei-t, deep, one 
being of six inch bore, and the other, of eight 
inch, and were dug by Mr. Weniger expressly 
for a power for his mill. He has another, still 
larger in process of construction, which is ex- 
pected to materially increase the power of the 
mill. The building is 45x60 feet, two stories 
high, and has two run of stones, with a grind- 
ing capacity of 100 bushels per day. Mr. 
Weniger has another mill of equal capacity, sit- 
uated in Eastman town, this county. Mr. Wen- 
iger was born in Saxony, Germany, March 19, 
1825. He learned the miller's trade in his na- 
tive country. In 1850 lie emigrated to the Uni- 
ted States, locatingat Logansport, Ind. In 1854 



he came to Crawford Co., Wis. settling on a 
farm in Eastman town. In 1855 he erected the 
first grist or flouring mill in the county, located 
in Eastman town. He carried on business here 
succetsfully until the summer of 1869, when, 
during a tremendous freshet, his dam, mill, and 
everything movable in the hollow, was swept 
away, by which, Mr. Weniger sustained a heavy 
loss. He rebuilt the following season, on the 
same site, and now has a good mill at that point 
which is operated by his son, Ferdinand. 
Mr. Weniger began to study on some plan of 
obtaining a water power that would bo free 
from the many disadvantages of droughts and 
freshets. The idea of the artesian well power 
occurred to him and lie at once put the thing 
into practice, at Prairie du Chien. The princi- 
jjle of a power obtained from the earth in the 
natural upward flow of water has puzzled the 
best mechanics. Millwrights have assured Mr. 
Weniger that such a power, suitable for opera- 
ting his mill, was an impossible thing, but he 
has it, and it is a grand success. Mr. Weniger 
was married at Prairie du Chien, in 1855, to Ma- 
tilda, daughter of Charles Oswald, and born in 
Saxony. They have nine children, four boys 
and five girls — P''erdinand, Angelina, Uertha, 
Louis, Minnie, Ottelia, Frederick, Henry and 
Matilda. The two youngest are twins. 

Albert Levi is the junior and managing part- 
ner of the well known and popular Philadel- 
phia clothing house of A. Kolin & Co. The 
f.actory and wholesale rooms of this firm are 
located in Philadelphia. They established a 
branch store in Prairie du Chien in 1880, where 
they carry a first class stock of clothing and 
gents' furnishing goods, of an average value of 
|!18,000. Mr. Levi is the son of Gabriel Levi, 
and was born in Philadelphia, Penn., May 20, 
I85S. He received a business education, and 
graduated from the Piiiladelphia High School in 
1873. In 1874 he began his business career as 
book-keeper for an importing firm at Philadel- 
phia, and continued with that firm until he 
formed the existing partnership with Mr. Kolin, 



69-2 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



and assumed charge of the business at Prairie 
du Chien. Mr. Levi is a young man possessed 
of excellent business qualifications, while so- 
cially he is deservedly popular. 

Xalhan H. Levi, proprietor of the Jewel 
Casket, is the son of Gabriel Levi, and was born 
in Philadelphia, Penn., Aug. aO, 1859. He was 
educated at the city schools and graduated at 
the Philadelphia High school. He served a 
regular apprenticeship at the watchmaker's 
trade in his native city, working four years as 
an apprentice and one year as a journeyman. 
He tiien went to Nevada and began business at 
Eureka. After spending one year at that point 
he removed to the Pacific coast, visiting the 
chief points of interest in that region. In 18S0 
became from San Francisco to Prairie du Chien, 
Wis., and October 1, of that year, opened tlie 
Jewel Casket, one of the most tasty and best 
stocked jewelry stores in western Wisconsin. 
Mr. Levi started with an entirely new slock of 
goods, of the latest styles, and now has an ex- 
tensive and valuable assortment of watches, 
jewelry and silverware. As he is a thorough 
workman in his line, enterprising and liberal in 
his business relations, he has secured a fair, 
share of the trade, and is deservedly popular. 

Rev. Cliristoph Gevers, pastor of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church of St. Peter, was born 
in Hanover, Germany, in 1854. He was pariialy 
educated in his native country, and emigrated 
to the United States in 1877. He received a 
German and English education at the North- 



western University, of Waterton, Wis. He took 
a regular theological course at the Lutheran 
Seminary, of Milwaukee, graduating in 1882, 
and being regularly ordained a minister of that 
Church and assigned to his present charge. 

George E. Jacobia was born in Hudson, 
Columbia Co., N. Y., in March, 1833. His 
father was a large land owner in that county, 
and both parents died when he was nine years 
old. He was kept in school, and graduated when 
he was fifteen years and six months of age, and 
at once commenced studying law. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar when twenty-two, and was 
engaged for many years in the practice of his 
profession in his native State, and also employed 
as assistant counsel in a number of other States. 
Being the owner of a large farm, willed to him 
by his father, he kept fine stock and became 
very much interested in stock-raising during 
his practice, and as soon as he could close up his 
law practice and real estate in New York, he 
intended to start a stock ranch in the southwest. 
In June, 1883, he met H. L. Dousman, in St. 
Louis, Mo., and by an agreement he started in 
the pursuit of milling, farming and stock-raising 
four miles from Prairie du Chien. They have 
about 2,500 acres of land and one of the best 
rtiuuing mills in the State, and will soon have 
one of the finest stock farms in the northwest, 
stocked with the finest grades of sheep and cat- 
tle; Mr. Jacobia has but few equals in stock 
raising. He is a gentleman and posses.ies the 
"go-aheadism" to make the enterprise a success. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



603 



CHAPTER XXXIV 



TOWN OF SCOTT. 



The boundaries of the town of Scott are 
identical with tliose of congresswnal township 
9, of range 3 west. It is bounded on the north 
by the town of Clayton, on the east by Rich- 
land county, on the south by the town of Mari- 
etta and on the west by the town of Haney. Its 
general surface, in common with all Crawford 
county is rough. It has high ridges cut by 
deep ravines leading down to the valleys of the 
Kickapoo river on the west and the Wisconsin 
on the south. The valleys in this town are 
quite narrow. The main ridge runs north and 
south, but takes an indirect course, with spur.' 
to the east and west. 

The table lands were originally well tinil)erei\ 
with white and red oak, maple and basswooi' 
varieties together with some black walnut am 
butternut. In the valleys the timber is u-;uall\ 
small, and inferior, with many thorn ajiple anu 
plum trees. But following down to the widen- 
ings of these valleys, the soil is better and tim- 
ber of a much heavier growth. 

The soil on the high lands is clay, with loam 
mixed; in the valleys a clay subsoil prevails, 
but with more sand mixed with the loam. Foi- 
[iroduction, this soil is fully equal to any part 
of the county. All kinds of grain and grasses 
grown in this climate do well on these lands. 
Also considerable fruit, of the more hardy 
varieties, is raised here. 

The Boscobel road, so called, passes through 
the town from north to south, leading from 
Viroqua to Soldier's Grove and Reedstown 
to Boscobel. This road enters the town on sec- 
tion 5, passes through that section and diago- 



nally through the west half of section 0, nearly 
direct through sections 16 and 21, reaching the 
head of Richland creek on section 21, and then 
follows the valley through, sections 28, 29 and 
83, into the town of Marietta, on to Boscobel. 

This town has no villages, no stores or hotels, 
but abounds in hospitality. It never had a 
licensed liquor saloon within its borders, and is 
made up of an intelligent, moral class of peo])le, 
whose time and attention is all absorbed in 
agriculture. 

• This town has, perhaps more good and sub- 
stantial improvements in way of houses, barns, 
orchards, shrubbery, etc., than an equal terri- 
tory in any other portion of the county. 

EAKLy SBTTLEMENT. 

In the campaign against Black Hawk's band 
of Indians in 1832, which culminated in the 
battle of Bad Ax, in what was then Crawford, 
now Vernon county, on the east bank of the 
ISIississippi, the left wing of the forces in pur- 
suit, crossed the Wisconsin river at Muscada 
and followed Knapp's creek some distance, there 
taking a spring branch leading to the ridge. For 
movement of wagons and transportation trains 
a road was cut through the forest, which was 
afterward used by the early settlers. 

About 1845 William and Randolph Elliott, 
visited the territory now known as the town of 
Scott. 

They came in on the military road just men- 
tioned, and on section 19 built a small cabin, 
with a view of future occupancy. They each 
made squatter's claims by felling some trees; 



12 



694 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



they visited the place at different times, in the 
year preceding the first actual settlement. 

In 1846 the town was visited by J. R. Hurl- 
but, William and Elmer Russell, Anthony 
Laughlin and Charles V. Coalburn, all from 
Grant county. They crossed the Wisconsin 
river at Port Andrew, followed the old army 
trail to a point where a hunter's cabin had been 
built, and there spent a day in looking the 
county over. 

Three years later, 1849, J. R. Hurlbut moved 
into the town, with his family, some time dur- 
ing the month of November. Mr. Hurlbut was 
preceded a few months by Burril McKinney, 
who settled on section 18, town 9, range 3 west. 
Hurlbut and his family lived with McKinny, 
till January, 1850, when he had a bouse ready 
for occupancy on his own claim on section 17, 
town 9, range 3 west, where he still lived in 1884. 

Hurlbut's corners were land marks for over 
thirty years. 

Burril McKinney settled, as before stated, on 
section 18, in July, 1849. He brought his 
family, consisting of his wife and three chil- 
dren. After holding his claim a year, he sold 
out and made various other claims, but about 
1854 he moved to Richland county, where he 
died in the autumn of 1882. 

Chancey Kast came in December, 1849, pur- 
chasing the southwest quarter of the southwest 
quarter of section 18, where be built him a 
house, into which he moved in April, 1850. 
His brother, James, settled the same time in 
the town of Scott, but a year later removed 
into the town of Haney. Both of these gen- 
tlemen were living in the county in 1884. 

Chancey Kast was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., 
June 13, 1807. His parents were Peterand Cath- 
arine (Durbar) Kast. Chancey remained in New 
York till twenty-one years old, when he, in com- 
pany with the family, moved to Medina Co., 
Ohio, where he was married in 1832 to Martha 
Merritt. He then moved to Erie, Penn., where 
he remained two years and returned to Medina 
county, and there resided till June, 1849, when 



he removed to the town of Scott, this county, 
and located on sections 18 and 19, town 9, range 
3 west. His first wife died in Ohio, in 1847, 
and in 1S53 he married Mrs. Moody, wee Mary 
Breadlove, who died April 15, 1877. Mr. Kast's 
children were all by the first wife. They were: 
Jeieniiah N., William F. N., Martha J., James 
W., Henry C. C. and Charles E. James W. was a 
soldier in the Civil war, in company K I2th 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and died in hos- 
pital at Madison, this State, in 1865. William 
F. N. and Jeremiah also served in the Union 
army. They both lived in this county in 1S84. 

In the fall of 1850 William Elliott, who had 
made a "squatter's claim" in 1845, came to the 
town with his family, consisting of a wife and 
two children. He erected a small log cabin, 
near the site of the old hunter's cabin of 1845. 
Mr. Elliott died May 5, 1880, living the last 
years of his life on section 17, town 9, range 3 
west. 

George and Larkin Clark came in 1852, first 
settling on school lauds, but afterward entering 
government lands on sections 18 and 19. 

The same year (1852) William Ferguson lo- 
cated on section 9. 

Among others who settled in the town dur- 
ing 1853 were: Andrew Byers and Alonzo 
Young, who died in 1877; also S. N. Black 
came that year. 

In 1854 O. M. Mitchell, with his family, set- 
ttled on the southwest quarter of section 4, 
where he still lived in 1884. 

The same year Tompkins Green settled on 
section 34. He was the first settler on what is 
called Irish Ridge, making his own road as he 
moved in. He was accompanied by his brother- 
in-law, Henry Hill, who only remained a sliort 
time. 

William Gilbert's settlement dates from 1854. 
He located on section 26. 

The same year Robert Eyers settled on the 
same section, where he was still living in 1884. 

Robert Duncan settled on section 21, and J. 
R. Speuce on section 17, where they still live 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



696 



During 1855 the following came in: Charles 
F. Coalburn, section 16; James Turk, section 9; 
Jacob S. Wliitakcr, section 4, also E. B. Dilly 
on section 14. These gentlemen were all living 
in 1884. 

In 185G, A. Slade, who was postmaster for 
fourteen years, at Sladesburg, settled on section 
12; John P. Coleman settled on section 16, the 
same year. He died in February, 1883. 

Charles Nutter was another settler of 1856. 
He settled on section 20. 

Sometime during 1857, Elder Levi Ross, a 
Baptist minister, came from Trumbull Co., 
Ohio. Mr. Ross left the monument of his 
good work behind him. He is remembered as 
one ever ready in sickness to relieve, if possible, 
the distressed. He was a comforter to all in 
trouble and a counsellor for good in time of 
health, and in every capacity a valuable man to 
the pioneer settlement. He remained in the 
town until 1866, a hard-working, earnest Chris- 
tian minister, preaching in Crawford and Rich- 
land counties. After living some years in Rich- 
land county, he removed to Minnesota, where he 
still did frontier work for the Master. A lit- 
tle later he removed to Dakota, wliere he died 
in 1S80. 

From 1857 on, the settlers came in quite rap- 
idly. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

Burril McKinney built the first log house (ex- 
cept the one found in 1845, built by hunters) in 
1849. 

The first frame house was erected by Wil- 
liam Rogers in 1857. 

The first frame barn was built in 1859, by 
Charles F. Coalburn. 

The first birth in the town was that of 
E. Elliott, son of William Elliott, in March, 
1851. 

The earliest death known was that of a ciiild 
of William Elliott, caused by its clothing tak- 
ing tire, May 18, 1853. Its remains were buried 
on section 18, where a cemetery was soon plat- 
ted. 



J. H. Hurlburt broke and put to crop some 
corn and fall wheat, in 1850. Chancey and 
James Kast also broke and cropped with corn, 
turnips, etc., and in the fall sowed fall wheat. 

Dr. Cannon built the first saw-mill in 1862. 
It was a water power mill; never being consid- 
ed a success it was finally abandoned. 

The first threshing machine was brought in 
by Charles F. Coalburn in 1859. It was what 
is called the Chaff Filer, as it did not fan or 
clean the grain. 

The first religious services were by the 
United Brethren in June 1853, at the house 
of William Elliott. 

ORGANIC. 

The town of Highland comprised all of what 
is now known as the town of Scott, and all of 
the towns of Clayton and Ilaney east of the 
Kickapoo river. The first town meeting was 
held April 10, 1855, when the following were 
elected town officers for the ensuing year : 

Alonzo Young, town clerk ; J. R. Spencer, 
treasurer; J. R. Hurlbut, superintendent of 
schools; Wi'liam D. Sperry, J. R. Spencer, Peter 
.\I. Webb and Eli W. Canfield, justices of the 
peace ; Reubin Hamilton, James H. Kast and 
Orlo M. Mitchell, assessors ; J. R. Hurlbut, 
county supervisor. 

In the fall of 1858, the territory was divided 
np, and the name of Highland dropped, and a 
town created known as Scott. The first elec- 
tion in the newly made town, was held April 
5, 1859, when the following were elected : 

J. R. Hurlbut, O. M. Mitchell and Charles 
F. Coalburn, supervisors; Alonzo Young, clerk; 
George E. Harrington, superintendent of 
schools ; Luther Poland, assessor ; George E. 
Harrington, W. J. McBurney and Samuel Wood, 
justices of the peace. 

Officers for 1883 : James Turk, chairman; 
liCvvis McCullick, James Putnam, side board ; 
William B. Walton, town clerk ; Charles F. 
Coalburn, treasurer ; William Wilt, assessor ; 



696 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COXINTY. 



Stephen Julian, Isaac Peterson, George Mc- 
Dowell and Barzell Gray, justices. 

POSTOFFICES. 

Sladesburg is the oldest postoffice within the 
town of Scott. It was established in 1857, with 
Alphonzo Slade as the first postmaster. He 
kept the office on section 12, until he removed 
from the town in 1880, when he was succeeded 
by J. M. Turk. 

The second postoffice established in the town 
was in 1858 ; this was located on section 5, and 
kept by Isaac Teller, who is a cousin of Secre- 
tary Teller of the Department of Interior, at 
Washington, a member of President Arthur's 
cabinet. This office was named Rolling Ground. 
It was suspended for a few months, but re- 
established in 1868, and the name changed to 
Wheatville. William B. AValton was then ap- 
pointed postmaster, and was still holding the 
office in 1884. 

An office known as Hurlbut's Corners was es- 
tablished in 1861. J. R. Hurlbut was appointed 
postmaster, and was still acting in 1884. The 
name of the office was changed to Hurlbut in, 
1883. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

Scott has five full and seven joint school dis- 
tricts. 

District No. 1 is provided with a log build- 
ing, located on section 20, valued at $50. Num- 
ber of pupils, forty-two. 

District No. 2 has a frame house, situated on 
section 16, valued at $400. Number of pupils, 
fifty-nine. 

District No. 5 is provided with a good frame 
building, located on section 29, valued at $600. 
Enrollment list, eighty-six. 

District No. 6 also has a frame house, valued 
at $450, situated on section 9. Here the number 
of pupils is seventy-two. 

District No. 8 has a school house located on 
section 22, and is valued at $400. The num- 
ber of scholars in the district is forty-seven, 



Joint district No. 1 has a building located on 
section 34, in the town of Scott, valued at $500. 
Number of pupils, forty-two. The towns of 
Scott and Marietta comprise this district. 

Richvvood and Scott comprise joint district 
No. 8. This district has a frame building on 
section 12, in the town of Scott, valued at $000. 
The total number of scholars in 1883 was forty- 
nine. 

Joint district No. 1, made up of parts of 
Scott, Clayton and Haney towns, is provided 
with a building situated in the town of Clayton. 
Number of scholars from the town of Scott, 
five. 

Joint district No. 4, made of parts of Scott 
and Haney, has a school house located in the 
town of Haney. Number of pupils from the 
town of Scott, seven. 

Joint district No. 1 1 is composed of terri- 
tory from the towns of Scott and Clayton. 
The building is located in the town of Clayton. 

Joint district No. 12, made up of parts of ter- 
ritory in the towns of Scott and Haney, is pro- 
vided with a building in the town of Haney. 
Number of pupils from the town of Scott, five. 

EELIGIOtrS. 

The first religious services in the town of 
Scott were conducted by the United Brethren, 
whose preacher held services at the house of 
William Elliott in June, 1853. These meetings 
were kept up once in two weeks for two years 
or more, and services have been kept up to the 
present time (1884) with a good degree of regu- 
larity. They have three classes, under the 
charge of Elder G. G. Nickey. 

The Baptist people held services from 1856 
to 1866, but never erected a cl.urch, always 
holding services at the school house, under the 
pastorate of Elder Levi Ross, supported occa- 
sionally by Elder Prouty, of Boscobel. The 
removal of Elder Ross in 1866 caused suspen- 
sion of services, and the society has never been 
known as an independent organization since 
that date. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



69Y 



John Day was born near West Carlisle, Cosh- 
octon Co., Ohio, in 1824. He emigrated to Wis- 
consin in 1 845. He resides on section 1, and is an 
ordained elder in the United Bretliren Church. 
Since 1870 he has been settled in his present 
chai-ge, an<l constantly in the work of the 
Cluirch. Probably no more energetic, pushing 
servant of the cause can be found in the west. 
For nearly forty years he has been, not alone a 
western man, but most of the time a frontier 
niaii ii|) and beyond the Missouri river in days 
of wild beasts and Indians, a pioneer in Ne- 
braska and Kansas. Hardy, vigorous, and as 
full of vitality as a man nearly perfect, physi- 
cally, can be, he has been, and is, a man to be 
most useful in rough, western, frontier life. 
The elder's ministerial work in this neighbor- 
hood may be mentioned in this history. In the 
winter of 1882-3, Elder Day officiated at the 
funeral of Abram Correll, the oldest resident of 
Crawford county, aged 106 years; also per- 
formed the same duty ten years previous for his 
wife — Mrs. Correll. Since his residence in the 
town of Scott, commencing in 1870, Elder Day 
has attended fifty-six funerals, solemnized thirty- 
six marriages, and added to the membership of 
his Church hy baptism about forty-five. He 
holds regular services in six different localities 
in Crawford, Richland and Vernon counties; 
travels upon an average each year .3,000 miles; 
and if roads are bad, and his services are in 
immediate demand, leaves his team and walks, 
being good for fifty miles in a day's walk. He 
is age<l sixty years, but as vigorous and hale as 
most men at forty to forty-five years. Elder 
Day was living with his second wife when he 
came to this town from Delaware Co., Iowa. 
She died an<l was buried in the town of Haney, 
Marcli 4, 187.3. Their wedded life of twenty 
yeirswasnot fruitful, no children being born 
to them, but liis wife cared for and reared three 
children by a former wife — Elizabeth L., wife 
of David Patterson, of Wright Co, Iowa; 
Harbara E., wife of James McVeagli, a resident 
of Nebraska ; and Sophia A., wife of Jacob 
Hoffman, of Green Co., Wis. On July 13, 



187S, Elder Day married Martha E. Richardson, 
of the town of Scott. By this marriage he has 
had five children — Naomi J., born in Juno, 
1874, and died at the age of four months ; Nor- 
ma J., born Dec. 9, 1875; John W., born 
March 7,1878; Thomas J., born Dec. 3, 1880; 
and Daniel D., born Feb. 12, 1883. 

A Methodist class was organized in 1858, and 
attached t§ Mount Sterling circuit. La Crosse 
district. John P. Coleman was the- first class- 
leader, and Mrs. Jonah Glover, steward. The 
first pastor was Rev. William McMillan. This 
class was kept up till the beginning of the Civil 
war, when, true to their country, all the able 
bodied men of the class, including the pastor, 
enlisted. Rev. McMillan served over three 
years as a soldier, and during the time did much 
spiritual good among his fellow soldiers. After 
his return, he again took up his Master's work, 
and in 1883, was stationed at La Grange, La 
Crosse district. 

About the time this Methodist class was 
formed, it built a log meeting house, near the 
north line of the town. Properly speaking, it 
belonged to both, the Methodist and United 
Brethren societies, as the latter aided in its 
erection. This class was reorganized in 1870. 
Rev. Bradley, of the Bell Centre circuit, sup- 
plied the class two years. They used No. 5 
school house for a place of meeting. A new 
class was organized at the town house, with A. 
F. Thompson as preacher in- charge for two 
years. Rev. J. F. Nuzum, assisted by Lew 
Wooley, succeeded Rev. Thompson. Rev. 
William McMillan came next, and he was fol- 
lowed by Rev. Isaac N. Adrian, under whose 
pastorate a new church was built in 1881, at a 
cost of $1,000. This edifice is located on section 
)G. The name of the church is Mt. Zion; the 
same was dedicated, Sept. 3, 1881, l>y J. R. Irish, 
])residing elder of Madison district. 

Rev. Adrian was succeeded by Rev. Eli Hard- 
ing who was followed by Rev. Crouch, and he bv 
James Ford. LTnder the pastorate of Rev. M. 
Nuzum, a large number were added to the 



698 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ChurchjWho materially assisted in strengthening 
it, wliich then became a strong one. 

In 188-2 the Roman Catholic church comple- 
ted a substantial church edifice, on section 23, 
which cost $1,000. The size of the building 
being 24x48 feet. It is surmounted by a neal 
belfry. About twenty-two families are connec- 
ted with the Church, whicli is under the'charge 
of the priest who lives in the town of Clayton. 

The Christian, or Disciple denomination, 
have a society in the town, with a hewed log 
house on section 12. This society was organ- 
ized just after the Civil War. 

CEMETERIBS. 

In 1884 there were three burying grounds 
within the town of Scott. The oldest of these 
is situated on section 18, and is not well loca 
ted or cared for. The first burial was John J., 
a child of William Elliott, who was burned to 
death, accidentally, May 18, 1853. 

On section 16 there is a well kept and beau- 
tifully situated cemetery. This is near the Mt. 
Zion (Methodist) church. Dethrick Coalburn, 
a Prussian soldier, who fought with Blucher, 
at the battle of Waterloo, was the first inter- 
ment; date, Jan. 1, 1856. 

Another cemetery is situated at the Catholic 
church, on section 23. This was established in 
1882. James Kane was the first person to be 
buried there. 

STEAM MILL. 

There are two steam mills in the town of 
Scott — one on section 20, owned by J. J. Hurl- 
but; this has a twenty-tjve horse-power engine, 
which runs saws, i)laning mill, shingle and 
heading machines; also turns out wagon and 
furniture stock. 

The other mill is located on section 11. This 
is run by a forty horse-power engine. This 
was started in the fall of 1882 by H. J. Kast, 
who the year following sold to his father, W. 
F. N. Kast. This mill cuts common lumber 
and railroad ties. 

TOWN HALL. 

The voters of Scott, experiencing the incon- 
venience of migratory elections, concluded in 



1866 to build a town house, which they jiro- 
ceeded to do on section 16, near the centre — a 
very good, substantial building costing al>out 
$400. The enterprise of the town, considering 
the early date of building, and the fact that 
few towns in the State had established a prece- 
dent, and none in Crawford county, is com- 
mendable. 

CAPTURING BEARS. 

An incident of the early days of Scott is giv- 
en in the words of Mrs. William Gilbert, who 
lives on section 26: 

"One spring, not long after we settled liere 
(date of settlement was 1854), my husband was 
very hard at work getting a piece of ground 
ready for a crop. I used to help him in this 
work all I could. One forenoon I had been 
helping him, and about 11 o'clock went to the 
house to prepare dinner, going to the spring 
down a ravine a few rods, after water. I saw 
on my return, near the top of the ridge, coming 
out of another ravine, an old bear and four 
cubs; the cubs were as large as full grown 
coons. It occurred to me that if we could 
catch those cubs they would make nice pets, 
and I thought of who we could give them to, 
etc. But I did not stop to think long. I 
looked for and picked up a club, and went for 
them, and drove the old bear away a short dis- 
tance and the cubs up a small tree. Then went 
to the high ground to call my husband, but be- 
fore I could do this the old bear, who had kejit 
up a whining, called the cubs down again, an I 
I had to hurry back to keep them from going 
off into the woods again. This time I drove 
the cubs up a larger tree, the old bear walking 
around the tree in a circle and calling piteoiisly 
all the while, and I was shouting at the to]) of 
my voice for my husband, who heard me, hut 
was provoked at my calling him so early to 
dinner, as he supposed, but finally he thought, 
as I kept shouting, he had better come. Mean- 
while I had kept pounding on the tree to kce]) 
the cubs up there. When my husband came, 
he took my place and I ran for a neighbor — 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



699 



Stephen Grow. Upon my return with hini, the 
old bear gave up all effort to recover the cubs 
and ran off, and then, with ropes, we captured 
the cubs and disposed of them in one way and 
another." 

REMINISENCE. 
[By Charles F. Coalburn.] 

Late in the summer of 1846 J. R. Hurlbut, 
William and Elmer Russell, Anthony Laughlin 
and myself, all residents of Grant county, vis- 
ited within the present limits of the town of 
Scott. We crossed the Wisconsin river at Port 
Andrew; here we noticed the wreck of a steam- 
er, which Irad been used by the United States 
forces in the Black Hawk war for transporting 
supplies. At this time the settlers of Port 
Andrew were utilizing what was left of the 
steamer, in aiding them to provide shelters for 
their families. We followed the road by the 
left wing of the troops in their pursuit of Black 
Hawk and liis people; this road led from the 
ferry (which at this time was operated by two 
men n.unt'd Andrew and Combs), up Knapp's 
creek, to a sjiriiig branch coming in from the 
northwest, following the branch up and out onto 
the ridge, to about the center of section 14, 
and tlience west through sections 15, 16, 17 and 
IP, and to the Kickapoo. This road was used 
by the earlier settlers of Scott and adjoining 
towns in moving in, and is now the main 
lliorouglifart', crossing the town east and west. 
We passed on the way up an encampment made 
by the soldiers. The iiewn basswood tables 
made by the men fourteen years before were 
still tit for some use, with a little cleaning. 
When we reached the high lands, two or three 
days after, our dogs struck a bear trail and 
followed until a little "too fresh," for they over- 
took the animal, and one of them being part 
bull, had more courage than discretion, and, 
consequently, was badly used up. We found a 
small cabin near Ihetoj) of the ridgo, which had 
been occupied, we afterwards learned, by Wil» 
liani and Randolph Elliott while hunting, and 



perhaps by others; here we spent the night. 
The next day we looked over the land, noting 
the quality of soil and timber, etc., and then 
left, favorably impressed with what we saw. 
Three years later Hurlbut became the first per- 
manent settler of the town. I came back with 
my family in 1S55. At this time wild game was 
so abundant as to be a nuisance. J. R. Hurl- 
but lost in one year fifteen hogs and a cow and 
calf by bears. On one occasion Hurlbut and 
Burrill McKinney, looking after venison in tiie 
Kickapoo valley, counted from their j)osition, 
overlooking a basin in the valley, forty-two 
deer. As they wanted only one, it troubled 
them to decide what to do. One season I was 
troubled by a dog, owned somewhere north of 
us. The brute would worry and mangle my 
hogs. One morning, hearing an outcry by an 
old hog, I hurriedly siezed my gun and some 
loose buckshot to put on top of the bird charges 
in the gun, and started to kill that dog! Reach- 
ing the scene, I discovered a huge bear, drag- 
ing off the hog, then dead! The bear left the 
bog and stood up awaiting me! After one shot 
she left. By running after her I got close 
enough to give her the other, but I did not stoj) 
the bear! My wife and Hurlbut, who was at 
the house, attracted by the shooting, came over 
to where the bear liad left the hog, and while 
there two more bears approached to within 
fifteen feet of them, unnoticed. They were 
probably attracted by a desire to breakfast on 
pork chops. My spring, a little way fjroni the 
house, had a large white oak tree leaning over 
it. While dipping a pail of water one day, a 
few pieces of bark dropped into the pail. I 
glanced up to see the squirrel that did this 
work, and to my surprise saw a very large bear 
in the forks of the tree, directly over my head. 
I started to the house for my gun; tiie bear evi- 
dently understanding the situation, commenced 
moving, and attracted my attention. I saw the 
lirute come down; this was done by rolling up 
like a caterpillar; he dropped about twenty feet 
and made good his escape. 



lOQ 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



DISCOVKET OF BUHR-STONB. 

In 1846, when J. R. Hurlbut was hunting a 
location, he discovered a formation of rock, 
which seemed to him to be similar to French 
buhr-stone. He took a small piece back to 
Grant county with him, and had a miller, who 
was dressing up a new run of French buhrs, 
examine it. He first broke a small fragment 
off of the genuine buhr, unknown to the 
miller, and handed him both pieces for inspec- 
tion. The expert miller tested their quality 
and pronounced them both inferior and worth- 
less bits of stone. Mr. Hurlbut then revealed 
the fact to him, and fitted the genuine piece to 
its place on the buhr which he was working on. 
No more was done in the matter until about 
1878, when George Mullikiii quarried out a set 
of mill stones from this ledge, and these stones 
have now, (1884,) been in constant use ever 
since, and are pronounced by all to be superior to 
the French buhrs. Several run of these stone 
are now in use, and preparations are being made 
to quarry them in an extensive manner. 'J his 
formation is to be found on sections 17 and 18, 
of town 9, range 3 west. 

PERSONAL. 

The oldest permanent settler of the town of 
Scott, John R. Hurlbut, was born in Dutchess 
Co., N. Y., in 1817. In 1822 he went with 
his parents to Cattaraugus Co.,N. Y., and after- 
wards to Trumbull Co., Ohio. When twenty- 
one years of age, John R. left Ohio and went 
10 Illinois, remaining one year. In 1839 he 
moved to Grant Co., Wis., where he purchased 
government land near Ellenboro. He married 
Nov. 20, 1845, Cliarlotte Coalburn, sister of 
Charles F. Coalburn, who settled in Scott town 
in 1856. Mr. Hurlbut came with a party into 
the town of Scott in 1846, and being well 
pleased with what he saw of the country, he re- 
turned in November, 1S49, with his wife and 
three children. He had been preced«d a few 
months by Buriill McKenney, wlio brought his 
wife and two children and settled on section 
18. He built tlie first dwelling in the town, a 



log house. In July, 1849, Mr. McKenney sold 
his claim and the following spring moved to 
Richland county. Mr. Hurlbut lived with Mr. 
McKenney until January, 1850, when he moved 
into a log house on liis own claim, on section 
17, near his present residence. Mr. and Mrs 
Hurlbut have always shown great hospitality, 
and the new comer and the way-farer liave 
always found a hearty welcome at his house. 
He has been postmaster at Hurlbut Corners since 
the organization of the office, in 1861, a period 
of twenty-two years. He was the first repre- 
sentative of his town in the county board of 
supervisors, acting as chairman of the board. 
He was the first town superintendent of schools, 
under the old system, and has for sixteen years 
been county surveyor. He was also chairman 
of the town board of supervisors nine terms and 
treasurer of the town nine years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hurlbut have had ten cliildren, five of whom 
are living. We give their names in the order 
of their births — Seymour, born Aiig. 28, 1865, 
died in the hospital at Madison, March 7, 1869 ; 
Charles II., born Dec. 23, 1847, died April 23, 
1865 ; John J., born Aug. 8, 1849, now living in 
the town of Scott ; Winfield Scott, born June 8, 
1852, now living in this town ; Robert M., born 
Sept. 6, 1854, now living in Dakota; Ira D., 
born April 7, 1856 ; living in Prairie du Chien, 
where he is associated with T. W. Lacy in the 
publication of the Prairie du Chien Union; 
Charlotte Minnie, born March 7, 1858, died 
April 4, 1862 ; Theodore W., born Jan. 18, 1860, 
died March 26, 1862'; Albert L„ born March 17, 
1862, living with his parents; Reuben M., born 
■Nov. 2, 1864, died March 27, 1865. Mr. Hurl- 
but still lives on the place that he pre-empted in 
1850 and entered a year later The winter <if 
1849 and 1850, he and McKenney lived in the 
town twelve miles from their nearest neighbor. 
John J. Hurlbut is a son of J. R. Hurlbut, 
has grown up with the town of Scott, his father 
having locited here in 1849, when John J. was 
.but a few months old. He is a wide awake 
and pushing young man, supplying to the town 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



■701 



one of its most useful industries. He owns and 
operates a well managed steam mill, near the 
center of section 20, where he cuts lumber of 
all kinds, suitable for f^eneral building, out of 
the liard wood timber still standing in abun- 
dance over much of the town. He has a plan- 
ing machine, heading and shingle machines 
also in connection with his mill. Furnituj-e 
stock forms quite a large part of his manufac- 
ture, and he also has considerable wagon stock. 
Mr. Hurlbut first built a horse power mill in 
1877, but finding this too slow he, in 1878, 
changed to steam power, and still finding more 
power demanded, he again changed, in 1880, to 
a twenty-five horse power. His business is now 
a success financially and otherwise Mr. Hurl- 
but associated with himself, in 1881, J. Barto 
as a partner, but he soon after bought out Mr. 
liarto's interest and has since conducted the 
business alone. The earlier part of Mr. Hurl- 
but's life, previous to engaging in the milling 
business, was spent in surveying lands in Craw- 
ford county, his father being county surveyor 
for a number of years, and J hn J. succeeding 
him ill the business in a very able and satisfac- 
tory manner. 

William F. N. Kast is the son of Chanccy 
Kast, who came into the town of Scott the sec- 
ond year of its settlement (1850), and who still 
lives on his original pre-emption on section 19. 
William and his father live together, William 
owning a farm on the same section. He was 
born in Mtnlina Co, Ohio, in 1836. He was 
married in 1855 to May Moody. They have 
had five children — Henry J., born in April, 
1858, married and living in town of Haney; 
Isabella M., born in May 1863, died in March, 
1866; Rosa, born in January, 1867; Elvira, born 
in April, 1868; Celia, born in 1870. Mr.Kast's 
wife died in 187.S. He was married again in 
1873 to Emma J. Sterling. Five children have 
blessed their union — Emmett, born in June, 
1S74; Mary B., born in February, 1876; Jennie, 
born in August, 1877; Fannie, born in October, 
1879, died Feb. 7, 1881; Stella, born in Sep- 



tember, 1881. Mr. Kast, in addition to farm- 
ing, is running a steam saw-mill on section 11. 

Edward C. Elliott, son of William and Celia 
(Breedlove) Elliott, was born March 11, 1851, in 
Scott, Crawford county, being the first child 
born in the town, and still lives on section 19. 
In May, 1877, he married Harriet Quick, daugh- 
ter of Daniel Quick, who died May 28, 1882. 
Mr. Quick was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., in 
1813, left home when twenty-three years of age, 
living at different points in the State, and part 
of the time sailing on the lakes. In 1843 he 
went to Indiana, remained there ten years, 
then came to Lafayette Co., Wis., from there, 
in 1855, to Scott, settling on land on section 18. 
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have three children — Har- 
riet E., born in June, 1878; Agnes E., born in 
October, 1879, and jVlbert B., born in October, 
I 882. Mr. Elliott's father was one of the i)io- 
neers of Scoll, having built a cabin llu-re in 
184.'>, which ho and his brother occupied occa- 
sionly as headquarters while hunting and laiul- 
looking. They also made squatter claims, with 
a view to future settlement. In the fall of 
1850, he built a small log house by the side of 
the cabin for a residence. He afterwards sold 
his first claim and purchased 120 acres on sec- 
tion 17, where he lived till his death. May 5, 
1879. 

Henderson Young is the son of Alonzo Young, 
who came in 1853 to the town of Scott, jMnchas- 
ing of the government the east half of the 
northwest quarter of section 20. He afterwards 
bought forty acres adjoining. 'Aionzo Young 
was town clerk for twenty years. Henderson, 
being the only son, succeeded to his fatlier's 
estate. His grandmother, seventy-five years of 
age, and his sister. Rose, reside with him on 
the old homestead. 

Robert Duncan was born in 1827, in West- 
moreland Co., Penn. When quite young he 
removed with his parents to Oiiio. In 1844 Mr. 
Duncan went to Ellenboro, Grant Co., VVis., 
where, in 1852, lie married Phima A. Jones. 
I They have had six children, five of whom arc 



'702 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



living — Obed A., Charles A., Chauncy N., 
Laura A. and Ella M. Robert W. was bora Oct. 
3, 1869, and died Oct. 16, 1870; Charles A. and 
Chauncy W. are now living in Iowa. Mr. Dun- 
can came to the town of Scott, Crawford Co., 
in 1854, purchasing eighty acres of land, on 
section 21, where he has since resided. He 
afterwards purchased another forty acres of 
Walter Blandon. He served as a faithful sol- 
dier about nine months in the 47th Wisconsin 
Volunteers. He served several terms on the 
town board of supervisors. 

Robert Eyers resides on the northwest quar- 
ter of section 26, Scott town. He owns eighty 
acres here and also eighty acres on section 27. 
Mr. Eyers was born in 1822, in Wiltshire, 
England. He emigrated to the United States 
in 1843, landing at Quebec, and going to Lon- 
don, Canada, where he remained three or four 
years. He was married at St. Thomas, in 1646, 
to Eliza Wye. After changing residence in 
Canada several times, in 1830 he went to Huron, 
Erie Co., Ohio, remaining until 1854, when he 
came to this town. Mr. and Mrs. Eyers have 
had eleven children, six of whom are living — 
Louisa, wife of II. J. Marshall, residing in 
Wood Co., Wis ; George, also in Wood county; 
Henry, married and living near his father; 
Frank, Samuel and Sarah. The two last are 
twins. Emma, Lolta and Edward are buried in 
the beautiful little cemetery on Union Hill. 
One infant was buried in Canada, and one in 
Ohio. Mr. Eyeis served six months in the lat- 
ter part of the war, in the 47th Wisconsin Vol- 
unteers. He is a highly respected citizen and 
neighbor. 

William Gilbert came to the town of Scott 
from Davis Co., Ind., in the fall of 1854. He 
was born in Huntington Co., Ind., in 1828. 
When he came here he purchased land on sec- 
tion 20, where he has since resided. The year 
previous to his coming he married Maria Logan. 
When he made a settlement, Tomkins Green 
was the only man living in this part of Scott 
(now called Irish Ridge). With Mr. Gilbert 



came two families named Lucas and Rore. 
They lived together on section 35, but after a 
few years left the town. Rore died later in 
Grant Co., Wis., and Lucas died in this county, 
in 1882. Mrs. Gilbert was a good specimen of 
the old style of pioneer women. As proof of 
this there can be found on another page an ac- 
count of her driving off a bear, and "treeing" 
and holding four cubs until help came and cap- 
tured them. In further proof, she has given 
birth to, and reared, ten children, all of whom 
are, at this date (1884) living — John, born in 
1855; Margaret J., born in 1857; Henry W., 
born in 1859; Matilda, born in 1861; Abraham 
L., born in 1864; Ezra, born in 1867; Ella, born 
in 1860; Eliza, born in 1675; Nellie, born in 1877, 
and Lydia, born in 1879. In 1864 Mr. Gilbert 
enlisted in the 17th regiment, Wisconsin Vol- 
unteers, serving until the war closed; was a 
good soldier, and has always been a good citizen. 

J. R. Spencer was born in 1826, in Trumbull 
Co., Ohio. He there married, Oct. 3, \Si9, 
Lydia H. Kinne, also a native of Trumbull 
county. In June, 1851, he moved to Ellenboro, 
Grant Co., Wis., where he lived until 1854, 
following his trade, that of a blacksmith. He 
then came to the town of Scott, locating on 
section 1 7. Since entering his land he has 
bought eighty additional acres. Mr. and Mrs. 
Spencer have had nine children, seven of whom 
are living — Marion O., Warren O., Ezra N., Ida 
May, Laura E., Ellen C. and Lydia V. The two 
deceased are — Emma C. and Charles S. Mr. 
Spencer is one of the substantial men of his 
town and neighborhood. He has served one 
term on the county board, several terms as town 
treasurer, five terms as assessor, and was for 
six years a justice of the peace. 

Charles F. Coalburn came to the town of 
Scott in 1855, locating on State school land on 
section 16, which he had purchased some time 
previous. His father, Deitrick Coalburn, was 
a native Prussian, and was a Prussian soldier 
under Blucher in the battle of Waterloo. 
Charles F. was born in Miiiden, Prussia, in 1826. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COXINTY. 



703 



III 1S34 he emigrated with his parents to the 
ITnited States. They lived the first two years 
near Pittsburg, Penn. Mr. Coalburn's father 
being entitled to a grant of land by the En- 
glish government, for services at Waterloo, and 
being able to obtain it only on condition that 
lie settle on it, ibey, in 1S36, nioyed to Canada 
to make a home. It not being desirable to re- 
main there longer after the Patriot war, they 
removed, in 1838, to Trumbnll Co., Ohio. In 
1846 they removed to Harrison, Grant Co., Wis., 
where they resided until coming to this county. 

Deitrick Coalbnrn died in 1856, being the 
first person buried in Union Hill cemetery. 
^"\Ir. Coalburn was married in Grant county, 
April 27, 1851, to Mary A. Blakeslee. They 
have had eleven children, six of whom are liv- 
ing — Eliza E., wife of Robert Jones, Pocahon- 
tas Co., Iowa; Edith J., wife of A. A. Arms, town 
of Scott ; Maria O., John E., Frederick L. and 
Charlotte L. Those deceased were — Eugene 
E., Mary E., Charles H. and Charles A. Mr. 
Coalburn enlisted in January, 1865, in the 47lh 
Wisconsin Volunteers, being discharged after 
nine months service. He is now town treas- 
urer. 

James Turk, son of Ephraim Turk, was born 
in Butler Co., Penn., near Pittsburg, Sept. 7, 
1 822. When quite young his parents moved to 
Venango county, and in 1854 to Grant Co., 
Wis., where they lived about one year near 
Elienboro. In the fall of" 1855 they removed 
to the town of Clayton, Crawford county. In 
the fall of 1855 Mr. James Turk bought of the 
State the south half of the southwest quarter of 
section 9, Scott town, and he now owns 334 
acres of land in the county. He was married 
in Venango Co , Penn., Dec. 24, 1844, to Sarah 
Greenleaf. Twelve children have blessed this 
union, nine of whom are living — Maria J., wife 
of M. D. Grow, of Dubuque, Iowa ; Anna E., 
wife of John Jones ; Martha M., wife of Henry 
Coney, E.xcelsior, Wis.; James M., postmaster 
at Sladesburg, this town; Samuel J., residing in 
this town; Sarah M., wife of Washington Davis, 



this town; Anna B., wife of James Black, Os- 
born Co., Kan.; Butler L., residing in this town, 
and Wallace who lives at home. William J., 
John G. and Dorcas are deceased. Mr. Turk 
has bought and sold much land, and has deeded 
about 325 acres to his children. He served as 
chairman of the board of supervisors in 1880 
and 1882, and is now serving his third term as 
chairman of the town board of supervisors ; is 
also one of the trustees of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church at Mount Zion, and was a soldier 
in the Union army during the last war. 

John P. Coleman was born June 2, 1822, in 
Shelby Co., Ohio, and moved to Allen Co., Ind., 
in 1 845. He was there married to Catherine Doc- 
tor, June 3, 1847; then removed to Scott town in 
1856, first settling on government land on sec- 
tion 2t, where he lived for seven years, tljon 
sold this place and bought land on section 2 7, 
where he resided until his death. He was the 
father of seven children, of whom five are liv- 
ing. Through all his hardships he tried to live 
a Christian life. He had been a member of the 
M. E. Church for forty-five years. On Febru- 
ary 22d he was fatally injured while cho|)])ing 
down a tree on the side-hill. The tree in fall- 
ing lodged on a high stump adjoining, and 
while trying to cut the log laying in that posi- 
tion it broke off, and before he could get out of 
the way it caught him and pinioned him to the 
ground. It was twelve feet long and measured 
three feet at the butt; he laid under the log for 
five hours before he was found; called for iielp 
but no one heard him; there was no one at 
home but his youngest daughter and grand-son. 
The daughter had his dinner ready foi him and 
waited for her father to come home. About 
2 o'clock his son, who had been to the factoiy 
with a load of bolts, returned home, and she 
went out to tell him about their father, when 
slic heard him call for help. The son put his 
liorses in the barn and ran down where his 
father was laying, but could not roll the log oft" 
his jirostrate body. He had to go a half a 
mile before he could get any help. When they 



704 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



got lilm out, his limbs were frozen almost stiff. 
He lived about fourteen liours after being taken 
home. Annie H. Coleman was married in 1880 
to George Phillips. W. S. Coleman resides on 
the old homestead. 

Eli Nutter is a native of Indiana, born in 
1842. He came with his father to Scott town, 
Vernon county, in 1856. Twelve years later he 
purchased the land which was entered by Sam- 
uel Freeman, and rented by his father, on sec- 
tion 20, where he still lives, his father making 
his liome with him. Mr. Nutter was married 
iMarch 12, 1864, to Julia Ann, daughter of Wil- 
liam Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Nutter liave had 
eight children, six of whom are living — Jose- 
phine, wife of A.Boyd, of Boydstown; Min- 
nie, Minerva, Ida, Delphia and Daniel. Wil- 
liam C. died in 18T0 and Walter in 1882. 

William Mindham was born in Norfolk, 
England, Sept. 9, 1831. When seventeen years 
of age he started out in life for himself, and 
emigrated to the United States, landing at 
New York. He went west to Chicago, and 
from there to Cottage Hills, fifteen miles 
out of the city of Chicago, entering the 
employ of the Chicago & Galena railroad, then 
owning less than five miles of track. He lived 
there five years, then went to Geneva, where, 
April 15, 18.^4, he married Martha Ward. She 
was born in Birmingham, England, and came 
to America in 1848, living in New York up to 
the time of her marriage. In 1857 he left tlie 
employ of the railroad and came to Crawford 
, county, staying one year with liis father, Benja- 
min Mindham, who had settled in 1855 on sec- 
tion -29, Clayton town. In 1858 Mr. Mindham 
bouglit land on section oO, Scott tow^n, where he 
now owns and occupies 200 acres, having a fine 
farm with valuable improvements. In 1862 he 
enlisted in company B, 33d Wisconsin Volun- 
teers. He was absent from but one engage- 
ment in which his regiment took part, being a 
non-commissioned officer when mustered out of 
service. 



Ethan A. Bowen was born in Trumbull Co., 
Ohio, March 22, 1822. When twenty-one years 
of age he married Sarah Wannamaker. In 1843 
Mr. Bowen moved to Grant Co., Wis., where 
he purchased a farm of 100 acres, and was for 
several years engaged in farming and running 
a breaking team, turning over soil for new set- 
tlers. In 1857 he moved to Marietta, Crawford 
county, and in 1859 to Scott town, where he 
])urchased 200 acres of land on section 36. 
When the war broke out he enlisted, and with 
the exception of service spent in the .irmy, he 
has since made this his home. He has been a 
useful man in the community. He has served 
twenty years as justice, much of the time on 
the district school board, and as a member of 
the board of supervisors. 

Alfred A. Rogers was born in 1822, in Trum- 
bull Co., Ohio. When twenty-two years of age 
lie married Mary A. Newcom, and the same 
year, 1845, with his young bride, came west, 
stopping at Exeter, Green Co., Wis., where he 
engaged in farming four or five years, then go- 
ing to Blue Mounds, he followed lead-mining 
eighteen or twenty months. He then moved to 
Wingville, Grant Co , where he followed lead- 
mining till 1857, then came to Crawford county, 
living the first two years in Georgetown, Mari- 
etta town. In 1859 he came to Scott, and 
bought land the following year on section 30, 
in what is now called Hoover Valley, being one 
of the first settlers in the valley, and where, 
except during the time of his service in llie 
army, from Aug. 15, 1862, to the mustering out 
of his regiment, he has lived. He was a good 
soldier in company H, o3d Wisconsin Volun- 
teers. He has always been an honorable, 
industrious and esteemed citizen. During the 
three years he was in the army, his wife man 
aged the farm prudently. They have had fotir 
children, two of whom are living — Libbie B., 
wife of VVilliam Wilt, of Scott; Eva M., wife 
of William Lawrence, of Scott. 

William B. Walton was born in Birmingham, 
England, in 1826 In 1856, he emigrated to the 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



■705 



United States, coming directly to Madison, 
Wis., being there employed b> P. McCabe, city 
surveyor, on the city survey. He was after- 
wards employed by D. W. Jones, secretary of 
State, in the platting of the State school lands. 
Mr. Walton was married in Worcestershire, 
England, June If", 1851, to Sarah J. daughter of 
William and Jane Butler, who came to this 
country in ISo-t, and made a home in Haverhill, 
Mass., where Mrs. Butler still resides. Mr. and 
Mrs. Walton have had seven children, six of 
whom are living — Eleanor Jane, Caroline Lou- 
isa, William F., Maria E., Francis E., Alice E. 
and Joseph E. William F. was accidentally 
drowned in the Wisconsin river, while bathing, 
June 18, 1882. In the fall of 1859, Mr. Walton 
came from Madison, to Scott town, Crawford 
county, purchasing 160 acres of school land on 
section 5, which he has improved, and upon 
which he now resides. Coming into the town 
the year that gave organization to Scott, as it 
now is, Mr. Walton has watched the growth 
and progress of the town with a great deal of 
interest, and has had no small part in the labor 
of this work. He was commissioned by Gov. 
Bashford, notary public, and is at present court 
commissioner and town clerk. He has also held 
the offices of county surveyor and deputy clerk 
of court. 

Jacob Graham resides on section 22. He was 
born in Mercer Co., Penn., Feb. 8, 1819. He 
was married in 1845, to Margaret Moreland, 
and emigrated to Illinois in 1846. He there 
resided four years and then came to Lafayette 
Co., Wis., and lived there three years; thence 
tolowa, Co., Wis., and in 1860, he came to the 
town of Scott, purchasing eighty acres of lan<l, 
which he has improved, and since occupied. 
Mr. and Mrs. Graham have had eight children 
— Martha P., William, Mary Ann, Maria, de- 
ceased; James, Robert, Adam, and John. Four 
of those children are living, ami four deceased. 

Theodore F. Pickett, son of William Pickett 
was born in Vevay, Switzerland Co., Ind., in 
1848. When seven years of age, his parents 



moved to Stephenson Co., 111., where they lived 
until 1859. They then moved to Grant Co., 
Wis., and from there to Crawford county. 
They resided for one year at Prairie du Chien, 
then, in 1860, came to town of Scott, settling on 
section 22. Mr. Pickett was married Oct. 2, 
l.sVO, to Arvilla, daughter of Leander Blakes- 
lee, and now resides with his mother-in-law on 
the Blakeslee homestead, on section 16. Mr. 
and Mrs. Pickett have had five children, four of 
whom are living — Annie V,. Nettie L., Jesse S. 
and Pearl P. Cora was born March 1, 1872, 
and died the same month. Mrs. Pickett's father. 
Leander S. Blakeslee, was born in Bristolj 
Conn., in 1810. He was brought up to the 
clock-maker's trade, at which he worked the 
greater portion of his life. He came to Scott 
town in 1865, juirchasing 120 acres of land on 
section 16, which he improved, making it his 
home until his death in 1880. 

L. H. McCullick was born in Wells Co., Ind., 
in 1813. In 1859 his father, John McCullick, 
moved with his family to Ilaney town, Craw- 
fo'-d county, purchasing 300 acres of land in Scott, 
Haney and Utica towns. He settled on the 
L^tica purchase, remaining there until his death 
in October, 18V5. His mother, Lavina McCul- 
lick, died in December, 1861. Mr. McCullick 
married in February, 1863, Eliza J. Coleman. 
Tiiey have had four children, three of whom 
are living — Lavina, wife of J. W. Spencer ; 
Laura and John. Emmett died Feb. 5, 1*^77. 
After his marriage Mr. McCullick lived in 
Haney town about twenty months. He then 
moved to his present residence on section 6, 
Scott town, on lands which he purchased of his 
father. He is at present a member of the town 
board of supervisors. 

William Wilt was born in Mercer Co., Penn., 
in 1840. He came to the town of Scott in 1864, 
and for several years made his lionK' with .I;icob 
Graham (though not engaged in his employ), 
with the exception of one year at Prairie du 
Chien. In 1865 he bought eighty acres of land 
on section 33. In 1871 he bought an adjoining 



706 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



eighty acres, and these two tracts constitute his 
landed possessions. He commenced to purchase 
a farm before his marriage, which event occurred 
Dec 25, 1871. His wife was Libby, daughter 
of Alfred A. Rogers. They have had six chil- 
dren, four living — Mary, born Oct. 13, 1872 ; 
Bolser G., born Jan. 25, 1865 ; Alfred, boru Oct. 
27, 1879, and Charles, born Feb. 21, 1882. The 
deceased children are : Katie, born in Novem- 
ber, 1876, and died in July, 1878, and an infant 
that died in September, 1878. Mr. Wilt has 
served as deputy sheriff four years, and in 1883 
was town assessor. He is one of tho prominent 
youtig farmers of the town of Scott. 

Richard B. Laurence was born in 1826, near 
Plavre de Grace, Md., and went with his parents 
to Lancaster Co., Penn. When six years of age 
he accompanied his parents to Mercer Co., 
Penn. In 1850 the family moved to St. Clair 
Co., III., and Richard returned to Pennsylvania 
in 1852. That same year he married, in Law- 
rence county, Betsy Grim. In 1855 lie went to 
Iowa, thence to Illinois, thence to Louisiana, 
and returned to Pennsylvania in 1856. In 1865 
he came to Scott town, purchasing land on sec- 
tion 23, where he has since remained. Mr. and 
Mrs. Laurence have four childi-en — Bolser G., 
born in 1853 ; William F., born in 1855 ; Mary 
Ann, born in 1858, and Adam, born in 1862. 
Bolser G. resides on section 14, this town ; 
William F. is living on section 36, town of Scott; 
.Mary Ann is the wife of William E. Vanhorn, 
residing on section 22, town of Scott, and 
Adam resides at home. Mr. Laurence served 
two terms as chairman of the town board of 
supervisors, and one term each as justice of the 
peace, constable and deputy sheriff. 

J. W. McDougal came to the town of Scott, 
after his discharge from the army in 1865, pur- 
chasing eighty acres of land on section 24, and 
living there two years. He then sold, and 
moved to Richland county, and in 1868 he re- 
moved to Iowa Co., Iowa. He remained there 
five years, and in 1873 returTied to Scott town, 
purchasing the southeast quarter of section 13, 



where he now resides. Mr. McDougal was 
born in Johnstown, Fulton Co., N. Y , in 1826. 
When thirteen years of age he removed with 
liis parents to Cayuga county. In 1851 he was 
married to Ann Westfall, by whom he had four 
children — Darwin, Orin, Ida and Fanny. Mr. 
McDougal suffered the loss of his wife, and in 
1866 he married his present wife, by whom he 
has had three children — Helen O., aged fifteen; 
William, age thirteen, and Freddie, aged five 
years. Mr. McDougal is a live and energetic 
man, prominent in local affairs, and always 
ready for duty. 

John Miller's residence is on section 9. He 
was born in Monroe Co., Ohio, in 1820. The 
year he attained his majority (1841), he was 
married, in Washington Co., Ohio, to Elizabeth 
Keene. In 1865 Mr. Miller and family came to 
Crawford county, and located in this town. 
They have had nine children, five living, and 
they are here given in the order of their birth 
anddeath: Benjamin, born June 12, 1842; Mary 
Ann, born May 25, 1880, and died in Kansas, in 
1880; Amanda, born December 1, 1844, and 
died July 12,1870; Margaret, born in November, 
1846; Susanna, born in October, 1849, and 
died in 1855; James Madison, horn in November, 
1853; Henry, born in March, 1856, and died in 
1860 ; Francis Marion, born in October, 1860, 
and Precious, born in January, 1862. Mr. Mil- 
ler has been a great sufferer, and has withstood 
more hard fortune than the average man would 
feel able to stand under. Still, by good and 
prudent management, industry and energy, he 
is in comfortable circumstances In 1868, after 
being confined to his bed for twenty months, he 
suffered amputation of his right leg, being nec- 
essary on account of white swelling. This 
sickness and trouble cost Mr. Miller about one 
half of his farm, which he afterward bought 
back, and it is now in the familv, owned by his 
son, James M. 

David Burkholder was born in 1843, in War- 
saw, Coshocton Co., Ohio. In 1854 his father 
moved his family to Grant county, settling in 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



707 



Harrison town, where he Ftill lives. In 1861, 
at the age of eigliteen, David enlisted in com- 
pany I, 10th Wisconsin Volunteers, serving till 
.Iiiiie, 1S63, when he was discharged on account 
of disability. Regaining his health, he re-en- 
listed, in January, 1864, in company C, 7th Wis- 
consin Volunteers (Iron Brigade) and served 
till the close of the war; has been suffering 
jiliysically from war service ever since. After 
tlie war he returned to Grant county, and the 
same year, in November, 1865, he married Delia 
L. Blakeslee The winter following, in Feb- 
ruary, 1860, they came to Scott, where his wife's 
father, Leander Blakeslee, had preceded them a 
few months. Living with his father-in-law, 
abfiut a year, in June, 1867, he settled on some 
land bought on section 21, where he still lives. 
They have two children — Amber R., born May 
23, 1867 , and Edgar E., born May 2, 1871. 

George W. Churchill was born in Marysville, 
Union, Co., Ohio, in 1839. When ten years of 
age he moved with his parents to Wabash Co , 
Ind., and in 1858 to Kickapoo town, Vernon Co., 
Wis., where, in 1863 his father died, liis mother 
dying in 1881. Mr. ('hurchill enlisted Sept. 7, 
1801, in compmy I, 12th Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infantry. Ills army record we will give in 
words from a private letter, written by Gen. 
James K. Prondtit, his old commander, whose 
watchful eye noted every gallant action. Gen. 
Proudfit says: "I remember Churchill at the 
battles of Bald Hill, before Atlanta, the 21st 
and 22d of July, and .at the battle of Ezra Church, 
July 28. On the 2l8twe lost 153 men in a suc- 
cessful bayonet charge, not lasting more than 
fifteen minutes; on the 22d Gen. McPlierson 
the 'Bayard' of our army, was killed; all ranks 
did nobly and I delight to do them honor. 
"I remember at Baker's creek bridge, on the 
Sherman raid east from Vicksburg, which we 
repairedunderfire, of both artillery and infantry. 
Calling for volunteers for this deadly work, 
Churchill was one of the first to respond, and 
in the work was a right hand man, in short, 
through the long service of Churchill up to the 



time of receiving at Lovejoy station the wound 
which disabled him, which I well remember, he 
was a courageous, energetic and obedient sol- 
dier, and T am glad to do him honor." The 
bullet receive'd at Lovejoy station Mr. Churchill 
still carries near the upper part of his left lung. 
The battle-flag of the 12th Wisconsin is pre- 
served at Madison, and the following named 
battles are inscribed thereon : Lamar, Cold water, 
Hernando, Vicksburg, Jackson, Baker's creek, 
Hatchie, Meridan, Kenesaw Mountain, Nlckar- 
jaek, Bald Hill, Ezra Church, Jonesboro, Love- 
joy Station, Atlanta, Savannah, Pacataigo, Sol- 
kahie, Owensburg, Columbia, Bentonville, and 
Johnson's surrender. He has been as useful in 
civil life as in military having been chairman of 
the town board one term, and for several terms 
a member of the side hoard. In 1880 he was 
enumerator of census in district No. 52. He 
was for two yeais an employe of the State Sen- 
ate. Mr. Churchill married, Feb. 2, 1807, Jen- 
nie M. Haggeity, from Vernon county. He had 
four children — Frank B., Thaddeus W., Howard 
W. and Hurley N. After the war Mr. Churchill 
purchased 160 acres on sections 16 and 18 which 
he has occupied since 1867. He has bouglit 
quite a large amount of land in the meantime. 
In 1 883 he visited Nebraska and purchased land, 
partly improved, in Clay county. He contem- 
plates making his home there sometime in the 
future. 

John Pittsley came to Scott town, Crawford 
county, in 1869, where he owns 120 acres of 
land on section 28 and forty acres on section 29, 
making his home on the latter section. Mr. 
Pittsley is a native of Alleghany Co., N. Y., 
where he lived until twenty-two years of age. 
He then went to Boone Co., III., remaining 
there several years and, in 1850, going to Grant 
Co., Wis., and living on Castle Rock until com- 
ing to Scott town. Mr. Pittsley married, in 
1844, in New York, Adeline Halstead. They 
have had nine children, five of whum are living 
— Hannah A., wife of John S. Lindsley, of Ne- 
braska ; Almeda, wife of Jehiel Day, residing 



V08 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



in this town ; Theodore, married and is living 
in this town; Adell, also married, to Salron 
Tirk is living in this town ; Ervin, living at 
home ; Mary married Jonathan Watron. 

M. W. Rowan was born in county Claire, Ire- 
land, in 1843. He came to America in 1851, 
his father having preceded him a short time 
He resided in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., until the 
beginning of tne war, when he enlisted in the 
49th New York Volunteer Infantry. After two 
years' service he was discharged on account of 
sickness. Recovering his health, his patriotism 
proni]ited him to enlist in the 90th New York 
Infantry, in which he served one year. In 1869 
lie came to Crawford Co., Wis., living the first 
two years in the town of Haney, and since that 
time in the town of Scott. In IBVl he married Mrs. 
Mary Fitch, widow of John F. Fitch. 'J'hey have 
had two children — Katie M. and James P. Mrs. 
Rowan is a native of Connecticut, born in New 
London. She came to this county in 1858, and 
in 1861 married John F. Fitch. He enlisted in 
the army during the war, and died in the hos- 
pital at Atlanta. Mr. and Mrs. Rowan now 
occupy I'iO acres of land on section 15. Mr. 
Rowan served on the board of supervisors for 
1882. 

William Hughbanks was born in Scott Co., 
Iml., in IR'28. While quite young his parents 
removed to Cole Co., Ill , and his father subse- 
quently went to Mineral Point, Wis., while the 
country was yet new, living there until about 
1863, when he moved to Cassville, where he 
died in 1873. About this time, the subject of 
this sketch, with his family, settled in the town 
of Marietta, Crawford Co., Wis. After selling 
the purchase he then made he came to the town 
of Scott, and purchased forty acres on section 
32, where he now resides, and eighty acres on 
section 31. He was married in 1851 to May 
W. lingo. They have eight children, all living 
but one — Franklin, James, William, Munroe, 
George, Charlie and Walter. Mrs. Hnghbanks 
departed this life in 1873 and in 1874 he mar- 



ried his present wife, Mary Ann Wayne. They 
are the parents of three children — Ettie May, 
Warren and John. Mr. Hughbanks is one of 
those men who came in the middle stage of de- 
velopment of Scott town, but since his arrival 
has done his share of improving and advancing 
the interests of the town. 

Friend A. Phillips was born in 1833, in Wy 
omingCo., N. Y. When fifteen years of age he 
removed with his parents to Alleghany county 
and resided there until thirty years of age. He 
then went to Brown Co., Wis., living at De 
Pere two yeai's, and residing ten years in the 
county. He was married Sept, 24, 1857, in 
Belmont, N. Y., to Betsy Maria Burt. She died 
in Brown Co., Wis., Sept. 3, 1872. By this 
marriage Mr. Phillips had five children, four of 
whom are living — Curtis A., George W,, Sarah, 
wife of James Elliott, of McPherson Co., Kan.; 
Georgiana, who married Thomas Spencer and 
lives in this town; Byron D. was born in 1871, 
and died when seventeen months old. Mr. 
Phillips married Sept. 18, 1873, at Boscobel, 
Mrs. Charlotte M. Vancuren, sister of his first 
wife. They have two children — Sheldon J. and 
John E. Mr. Phillips has served as constable 
several times. Mrs. Phillips has one son by her 
former marriage — William V^'allace, born June 
2, 1866. He was quite young when his father 
died, remembers but little about him, and has 
assumed the name of Phillips. 

James Putnam, son of William Putnam, was 
born in Prince Ed^vard Co., Canada West, in 
1841. When two years of age his parents 
moved to Winnebago Co., 111., and in 1850 to 
Iowa. James made his home with his father 
the most of the time until the breaking out of 
the Civil war, when he enlisted in the 53d Illi- 
nois Volunteers, and served until the regiment 
was mustered out July 28, 1865. He partici- 
pated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, siege 
of Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss. In the last 
battle he was so injured by concussion as to 
permanently affect his hearing. Veteranizing, 
he was with the regiment in the Atlanta cam- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Til 



paign, the battle of Kenesaw Mountain and 
others. For gallant and meritorious services 
at Atlanta he was promoted, on the field, from 
1st sergeant to captain of his company. He 
followed Sherman on his march to the sea, and 
up to the capitol at Washington, where he was 
ill line at the review of Sherman's grand 
armj' in June, 186.5. Wliile home on a veteran 
furlough, in 1864, he married Duloia Wheeler, 
of Green Co., Wis. After the war he went to 



Oslikiisli, where he lived six years, engaging in 
his profession, that of engineer. He went 
from there to Brown county, in 1872, employed 
in the same work, and in 1880 he came to Scott 
town, bought land on section 29, and engaged 
in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Putnam have had 
six children, five of whom are living — Maud E., 
Thadeus, Josephine, Grace and James. Georgia 
was drowned at Northport in 1875. Mr. Put- 
nam is a member of the town board. 




13 



712 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXV 



TOWN OF SENECA. 



Seneca is bounded on the north by the towns 
of Freeman and Utica ; on the east, by Utica 
and Haney ; on the south by the town of East- 
man. It comprises one whole congressional 
township 9, of range 5 west, and a part of three 
other townships, namely : Nine whole sections 
and eleven parts of sections of township 9, of 
range 6, west ; six entire sections of township 
10, of range 5 west; and of township 10, of 
range 6 west, two full sections and seven 
fractional sections ; the latter being made frac- 
tional by the course of the Mississippi river. 
The greatest width of the town is on its south 
line, where it is ten miles from east to west; the 
least width is about seven miles. The distance 
from the north to the south line of the town 
is eight miles. 

The surface is much broken, with ravine and 
abrupt bluffs in many places. The principal 
ridge passes through the middle of the town, 
entering on section 31, in town 9, of range 
5 west, and leaves from section 3, in the same 
town, passing in an irregular course, across 
the town. What is known as the }{lack river 
road follows this ridge. There are ridges and 
ravines extending from this line, east and west, 
the former terminating in the Kickapoo river, 
and the latter in the Mississippi river. In the 
ravines or valleys, the soil consists of a rich, 
black loam, due largely to the washing of the 
bluffs, through a long geological period. A 
claj' sub-soil is found, both on the ridges and in 
the valleys. These valleys are especially 
adapted to raising Indian corn and vegetables 
of all kinds, while the ridges are more suitable 



for wheat and other grains. In the valleys an 
abundance of good water is found, but on the 
ridges some difficulty is e.Yperienced in getting 
water. There are a few fractional sections, 
consisting of islands, in the northwest part of 
the town, which are of but little real value 
owing to their liability to overflow. 

The principal stream of the town of Seneca, 
is Copper creek. The west fork of this creek 
heads on sections 4 and 5 in town 9, of range 
5 west, flows in a southwesterly direction and 
enters ^Vinneshiek slough, on section 27, in 
town 10, of range 6 west. The east branch 
of Copper creek rises on section 33, town 
10, range .5 west, and flows in a northwest di- 
rection, finally intersecting the west fork on 
section 29, in town 10, of range 5 west. 

Hall's branch rises on section 10, town 9, 
of range 5 west, flows in a southeastern direc- 
tion, leaving the town from section 36, town 
9, range 5 west. 

Kettle creek (or Michael's creek), rises on 
section 7, in town 9, of range 5 west, flows 
west into Winneshiek slough. 

Pine creek heads on section 28, in town 9, 
of range 5 west, flows southeast and leaves the 
town from section 34, in town 9, of range 5 
west. 

Davidson's creek takes its rise on section 34, 
in town 9, of range 6 west, and flows west, 
entering the Mississippi river on fractional 
section 33. 

A creek, sometimes known as Randall's creek, 
rises on section 24, town 9, range 6 west, 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



713 



anil flows northwest, entering the Mississippi 
from section 23, just south ofLynxville. 

The town was never lieavily timbered. The 
riilges were thinly covered with a small growth 
of tlie different varieties of oak. The heaviest 
timber was along the Mississippi river. On 
the ridges where the fire ha.s been ke|)t out, a 
rapid growth of timber has taken place, so 
that plenty of timber for domestic use is now 
found. In the ravines on the west, considera- 
ble butternut and black walnut, generally of 
second growth, is found ; also, birch, maple, 
linn and some other varieties. 

SETTLEMENT. 

The first permanent settler of the town of 
Seneca was Mitchel Caya, who located south of 
Lyn.wille, on section 33, town 9, range 6, in 
184G. Mr. Caya entered land two years 
later; he was still a resident of the town in 
1S83, having been there thirty-seven years. A 
short lime previous to the coming of Mr. Caya, 
two brothers, natives of Poland, located above 
the ])resent site of Lynxville, in what was after- 
ward known as Polander Hollow, These first 
comers did not remain long, neither does it ap- 
pear that they intended to make it their home; 
they hrougiit some goods with tlieni from Prai- 
rie clii C'liieii for the purpose of trading with 
the Indians. They cultivated a small garden 
>pot, remained about two years, and were nev- 
er he.inl from afterwards. 

Several years passed before other settlements 
were made. In 1851, William Philamalee 
made a claim in the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 10, town 9, range 5 west; this claim 
iiK-liidcd the present site of the village of Sene- 
ca. He erected a log house, and sold out in 
1S54 to Samuel Langdon, who laid out the vil- 
lat^e. 

Eiihu D.iggcit and Keiiben Randall came on 
in 1 8.5-2; the former settled on section 10, i^wn 
9, range 5 west, wliere S. ^Andrew afterward 
lived. Tlio latter settled at Lynxville, and 
a few yeais later ili( d. 



In 1854 a large number of settlers came in 
and made location; among them may be men- 
tioned Nicholas Morgan, who settled on section 
Iti, town 9, range 5 west. He removed to 
Yankton, Dakota Territory, about 1870. 

Aaron Kook came in at the same time aud 
settled on section 33, town 9, range fi west. 

Daniel Tichenor, who came in the fall of 
1854, settled on section 3, town 9, range 5 
west. He had three sons — Dealton, Alphonzo 
and Anson. The Tichenor family' were well 
known in the early history of the town. The 
father, Daniel Tichenor, was a man much re- 
spected; he run a brick yard, and also kept an 
inn for a number of years. His son Dealton, a 
lawyer, settled on section 18, town 9, range 
5 west. He went into the Union army in 1862, 
was taken prisoner and died at Libby prison, 
Richmond, Va. Alphonzo was a mason by 
trade; he also preached aud practiced medicine. 
In 1S83 he was a practicing physician in Iowa. 

Elmer and John Graham were settlers of 
1854, and were closely identified with the early 
history of Lynxville. 

Among the number who came in for settle- 
ment during 1855 were: Robert Garvey, A. C. 
Russell, Pizarro Cook, John Porter and family, 
Daniel and James Smethurst, William Oram. 
Meron Robins, Ingebert Peterson, Van Am- 
burg, Joseph Robinson, Robert Tweed and 
David Cummings. 

At the general election in 1857, the following 
voters were residents of what is now the town of 
Seneca: James Smethurst, dead; Elihu Daggett, 
in Iowa; Pizarro Cook, still here; Joseph Searle, 
dead; Samuel Langdon, in Iowa; Daniel L. 
Smethurst, dead; S. W. (^lark, lives in Yiroqua 
now; Wells Briggs, still here; George D. Clark, 
dead; Myrunn Munn, dead; William Sherman, 
dead; Peter Stolp, lives in town of L^tica; 
Lemuel Green, dead; J. H. Thomas, dead; 
Amos Rathburn, dead; Levi P. Marston, dead; 
A. C. Russell, still here; Alphonzo Tichenor, 
in Iowa; Jeremiah Putnam, dead; Daniel Tich- 
enor, dead; Peter Kinny, removed; John Por- 



714 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



ter, dead; A. C. Knight, in another part of 
Wisconsin; Joseph Michael, in Kansas; Nicho- 
las Morgan, in Nebraska; George J. Millet, in 
Nebraska; North Miller, still here; Charles 
Lyman, in Iowa; Samuel Robb, in the town of 
Utica; James A. Robb, in the town of Utica; 
Dealton Tichenor, died in Libby prison; J. K. 
Chapman, dead; William McDonald, in Ne- 
braska; John Helegass, in Iowa; James Lang- 
don, removed; William Dean, dead; Lucius 
Dean, removed. Others who were known to 
have been in the town at that date (185/), but 
did not vote, were: George Dean, Peter 
Young, Robert Garvey and his sons, Elmer 
Graham, James Deniing, William Kettle, who 
was afterward killed in the Union army; James 
Rathburn, Thomas S. Shaw, dead; J. D. Rey- 
nolds, dead; F. R. Pease, removed; Henry 
Vanderbelt, R. K. Davidson, O. Watson, dead; 
Daniel True, removed; Michael Caya, here 
still; William Withee, dead; Michael Snell, 
here still; William Snell, dead; John Burton, 
dead; Samuel Andrew, still here; L. McCum- 
ber, dead; John Cunningham, removed; James 
Boyles, dead; John Graham, removed; Reuben 
Randall, dead; Elihu Randall, still here; Thom- 
as Dickson, still here; William Dickson, still 
here; Samuel Armstrong, still here; J. S, Bige- 
low, still here; William Smethurst, still here; 
Ransom Clark, in Viroqua; John Price, who 
afterward removed to Missouri; William Price, 
who enlisted and was killed at the battle of 
Chickamauga in 1863; Nathaniel Price, who 
moved to Kansas City, where he died; David 
Price, who died in Minnesota in 1880; Valen- 
tine Ertel, a shoemaker, who still (1884) lives 
in the town; Marcus Nickerson, still here; Lewis 
and Alfred Hand. 

These all came to the town of Seneca prior 
to the spring of 1857. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Seneca was organized April 7, 
1857. Changes were made in its boundaries 
from time to time ; its present limits were fixed 
by the addition of Lynxville in 1868. The first 



town meeting of Seneca was held April 7, 1857, 
at the house of Samuel Langdon. Joseph U. 
Searle was elected chairman of the town board; 
Ansel C. Russell and Daniel L. Smethurst, 
supervisors ; James Smethurst, clerk ; D. Tiche. 
nor, George F. Millet, Oliver Langdon and 
Lemuel Green, justices of the peace ; Elihu 
Daggett, treasurer ; George D. Clark, constable. 

At that time the town of Seneca included 
that portion of the town of Haney which is 
west of the Kickapoo river. In the spring of 
1859, the town of Lynxville was cut off from 
the west part of the town of Seneca, and at the 
same time, that part of the present town of 
Haney which was then a part of Seneca, was 
detached. In the spring of 1868, the town of 
Lynxville was restored to Seneca, and its present 
boundary established. The first town election of 
the town under its present boundary was held 
in the village of Seneca, April 7, 1868, when 
the following oflicers were elected : Wells 
Briggs, chairman ; James Taylor and Thomas 
J. Brady, side board ; John Mills, clerk ; John 
Burton, treasurer ; James S. Burton, assessor; 
Hugh Dowling and Nicholas Cron, justices of 
the peace ; H. E. Cron, A. B. Withee and Mar- 
tin Duffy, constables. 

There were 217 votes polled at this election. 

Officers for 1883 : Robert Morris, chairman ; 
Thomas Leary, Sanford C. Prince, side board ; 
A. B. Withee, clerk ; Furgus Mills, treasurer; 
James Taylor, assessor ; A. B. Withee, William 
Watson and A. N. Searle, justices of the peace ; 
I. L. Wing and A. C. Withee, constables. 

EELIGIOTJS. 

There are two church organizations in this 
town — the Roman Catholic and the Methodist 
Episcopal. The first Catholic services held 
within the limits of the town were held at the 
house of Robert Garvey, on section 34, town 
9, range 5 west, in November, 1855, by the 
Rev. L. Gaultier, a French priest from 
Prairie du Chien. A congregation was organ- 
ized and a mission was established at that date. 
In the fall of the same vear, another congrega- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 



715 



tion was formed on Copper creek, where services 
were held at tlie house of Thomas Degnan, con- 
ducted hy the priest above mentioned. In 1859 
this congregation erected a log house, in which 
tliey assembled for services. This building 
stood on section 31, town 10, range 5 west, 
on the farm of Lawrence Bird, who donated 
the land. In 1866 a frame building was erected 
on the southwest quarter of section 27, town 
9, range 5. Catholic services were held at 
both ot these chui-ches till the erection of the 
church edifice near the village of Seneca, which 
was in isTS. At this date the old log church 
was abandoned, and the congregations united 
in attending this more central location ; though 
services are still held occasionally at the "little 
frame church." The Catholic people have a 
very pleasant and convenient place of worship. 
It was materially improved by Father J. J. 
Burns, who was their priest in 1884 . The first 
resident pastor of this Church was Rev. Father 
Christian A. Verweyst, who was succeeded by 
the Rev. John G. Collins, and he by Rev. J. J. 
Burns in ls80. 

The Church at Seneca is known as St. Pat- 
rick's Church, and the other as St. Peter's. 
Tliese two Churches number 120 families. 

Rev. J. J. Burns, pastor of St. Patrick's and 
St. Peter's Churches, in the town of Seneca, 
was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Dec. 16, 185.3. 
When but two years of age, his parents removed 
to Chickasaw Co., Iowa. He began his prepa- 
ration for the Church in February, 1869, at St. 
Francis Seminary, in Milwaukee county, where 
he remained ten years, receiving that thorough 
jireparation necessary for his present responsi- 
ble duties. Father Burns was ordained at La 
Crosse, Dec. 8, 1879. Previous to receiving his 
present charge he was pastor at Rising Sun for 
one and one-half years. 

The Methodists were the first protestant de- 
nomination to hold services within the town of 
Seneca. There is no record of the first preach- 
ing, but as this place was included in the Mt. 
Sterling circuit, the date of their first meeting 



would not vary much. The class books of 1864 
are the earliest record that can be found. At 
that time the communicants were quite numer- 
ous. The following names appear on the class 
book of 1864: W. H. Thompson, G. H. Har- 
rington, Helen Thompson, E. Harrington, M, 
Inman, E. Haskins, Thersa Clark, M. Munn, H, 
H. Dean, Caroline Brown, N. McCartney, Lucy 
Campbell, D. Campbell, F. Campbell, R. 
Campbell, A C. Knight, Jane Knight, WiU 
liam Sherman, E. Sherman, T. M. Tichenor, 
Mary Robb, G. Root, B. Root, M. Root, 
L. Root, John Copper, D. Duval, E. Dag- 
gett, Jane Searle, I. Duval, P. Green, M. F. 
Nickerson, Margarett Nickerson, J. Low and 
A. Low. 

Not long after this class was formed, trouble 
occurred in the Church, and services for the 
time being were discontinued, and the class 
divided; some removing and others attending 
elsewhere, and others still, united with the 
Congregational Church which was organized at 
Seneca about that time, by Elder Valentine of 
Mt. Sterling. Services are now (1884), held 
each alternate Sunday, at Seneca, by the Meth- 
odists and Congregationalists; the minsters from 
Mt. Sterling conducting the services of each. 

The Methodist class in 1883 was quite small 
in comparison with its original size in 1864 ; the 
members were as follows: James Smith (leader), 
Eliza Smith, N. Smith, William Smith, Hannah 
Cron, William Sherman and Mrs. George Dean. 

No protestant denominational church has ever 
been built in the town; religious services were 
formerly held at the school house at Seneca, but 
are now held at the Good Templars' hall, in the 
village. 

SCHOOLS. 

The town of Seneca has now (18S4) nine full 
school districts and five joint districts. 

District No. 1 had a building on the south- 
east quarter of section 23, town 9, range 5 
west. Number of pupils of school age, thirty- 
seven. 



716 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



The scliool liouse in district No. 2 was on the 
northeast quarter ot the southwest quarter of 
section 20, town 9, range 5 west. This was 
in fair condition and valued at ^aTo. Xiuuber 
of pupils enrolled, thirty. 

District No. i was provided with a log build- 
ing on the northwest quarter of section IS, town 
n, range 5 west Number of pupils, forty. 

District No. 5 has a house in the village of 
Seneca. This is one of the best in Crawford 
county outside of Prairie du Chien. It was built 
in 1881, at a cost of $1,000. It is well furnished 
witli patent seats ; also has numerous charts, 
majis, and other modern apparatus. Number 
of pupils in this district, ninety-seven. 

District No. 9 is supplied with a liouse situ- 
ated on the northeast quarter of section 23, town 

9, ranire west. This is known as the Lynxville 
school, and is about the same as the one at 
Seneca, though not as large. The cost of this 
building was $900. In 1883 the district con- 
tained ninety-three pupils. 

In district No. 10 the school house is located 
on the southeast quarter of section 33, town 9, 
range 6 west. The number of pupils here is 
sixteen. 

District No. 15 has a school building situa- 
ted on the southwest quarter of section 32, town 

10, i-auge 5 west. There are fifty-three scholars- 
in this district. 

In district No. 16 the school house is located 
on the northeast quarter of section 33, town 9, 
range 5 west. It is valued at $250. Number 
of pupils in attendance, forty-seven. 

In district No. 17 the school house stands on 
the northwest quarter of section 31, town 9, 
range 5 west Tliis district has twenty-nine 
jiupils. 

Joint district No. 3, a part of the towns of 
Seneca, Ilaney and Eastman, has its building in 
the town of Hauey. There are ten pupils from 
the town of Seneca. 

Joint district No. 7, made of parts of Seneca 
and Hauey is provided with a building on the 
southwest quarter of section], town 9, range 



5. Number of pupils from Seneca, thirty-four. 
Valuation of building, $125. 

Joint district No. 8, made of a part of Seneca 
an<l a pnrt of Freeman, has a school house on the 
southeast quarter of section 35, town 10, range 
(i west, 'i'he building is poor, being valued at 
$25. This district has fifteen p\ii>ils from the 
town of Seneca. 

.loiiit district No. 9 has a good school building 
on section 29, town 10, range 5 west. It was 
built in 1883, at a cost of $375. Number of 
scholars from the town of Seneca, twenty-four. 
This district is joined to the town of Freeman. 

Joint district No. 15, with the town of Utica, 
is provided with a school house on the north- 
west quarter of section 3, town 9, range 5 west, 
which is valued at $350. Number of pupils 
from the town of Seneca, twenty-two. 

GOOD TEJIPLAES' I-ODOE. 

A lodge of this order was organized in 1864 
or 1865, and continued a number of years in a 
flourishing condition, but was finally discontin- 
ued. 

In .January, 1878, the charter of the present 
lodge Seneca, was granted. The following 
comprised the charter membership: M. F. Nick- 
erson, J. P. Nickerson, Oeorge Dean, Maggie Mc- 
Queen, M. D. L. Smith, Gilbert Stewart, Jacob 
Smith, J. K. Langdon, Emma Langdf n, Josejih 
Stewart, Eliza Stewart, Ida McQueen, Emma 
Randall, Luna Briggs, Anna Smith, Bell Bar- 
ber, O. SmitU, James Smith, William Smeth- 
urst, Fred Brigg, Annie Withee, Charles 
Strong, May Marston, Andrew Withee, Linda 
Claik, J Clark, R. Stewart and Charles Nicker- 
son. 

The following were the first officers: M. F. 

Nickerson, W. C. T.; Emma Langdon, W. Y. 
'J'.; U. D. L. Smith, ^V. C; J. K. Langdon, 
W. L.; Anna Randall, W. A.; George Dean, W. 
T. S.; Ida Mc Queen, \V. T.;. Fred Briggs, 
M. M.; Bell Barber, W. D. M.; William Smeth- 
urst, W. O. G.; Eliza Stewart, W. R. H. S.; 
Mrs. P. M. Dean, W. L. 11. S; James Smith. P. 
VV. C. T. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



717 



Officers of 188P-4: William Sherman, W. C. 
T.; James L. Low, W. C; Ida Mc Queen, W. 
v.; Irviu C. Peck, C; Robert Stewart, F. S.; 
Mis. Lizzie Bigelow, W. T.; Lovella Smith, L 
G.; James Smith, O. G.; Willis Haines, W. M. 

Tliis lodge is at present, 1884, in a flourishing 
condition; its present membership is sixty-five. 
It has a neat, commodious hall or lodge room, 
and is free from all debt. 

CBMETEEIES. 

There are, at the present time (1884), six 
cemeteries within the town of Seneca; all of 
these, however, are not used now to much ex- 
tent. The principal burying places now are 
these: One situated on section 16, town 9, 
range 5 west; and one on section 13, town 9, 
range 6 west. The other cemeteries spoken of 
above, are described as follows: One on sec- 
tion •2*7, near the "little frame church," and an- 
other just across the line on section 28. Also 
one near ilr. Russell's place on section 18, 
town 9, range 5 west, and one on section 6, 
town 9, range 5, near the log church. 

MILLS. 

A grist mill was built on True creek, near 
Lynxville, in the fall of 1858, by James Boyles; 
it was a frame building, and contained one run 
of sl<iiie; this was a small affair, and only used 
for grinding corn; the old settlers in referring 
to this ancient mill always speak of the "corn 
cracker." This mill was run by S. C. Prince, 
for IMr. Boyles, tor a few months, when it was 
destroyed by fire. 

A steam saw-mill was built by George Millet, 
at Crawford City, about 1858. This only run a 
short time, and was removed. 

A grist mill was erected in 1868, on section 
34, town 9, range 6 west, by Robert Wisdom. 
This mill was built near the head of Pine creek. 
It is a frame structure, containing two run of 
buhrs, and is furnished with ample waterpower. 
After a few years Mr. Wisdom took a partner, 
Orin J. Adams. In 1883 this mill was owned 



by Thomas J. Wallin. At this date, it was the 
onl}- mill within the town of Seneca. 

FISUING. 

Fishing has for many years been an impor- 
tant enterprise with the people of Lynxville 
and vicinity. John Vanderbelt and Day broth- 
ers have been among those most extensively 
engaged in this industry. The varieties of fish 
caught, are pickerel, bass and pike, but princi- 
pally buffalo. 

In December, 1873, one of the most remarka- 
ble catches of fish on record in the world was 
made by two brothers named Johnson, fish 
dealers from Dubuque. The draw of the seine 
was made in one of the little lakes, or bayous, 
at a point about two and one-half miles above 
Lynxville. The seine was drawn under the ice, 
and not less than 80,000 pounds of fish were 
taken out. However much like a big fish story 
this may sound to the reader, it is a well known 
fact, and is vouched for by a whole com- 
munity of upright people. A car load of these 
fish, after the heads had been removed, were 
shipped to Dubuque, and upon their arrival in 
that city, the railroad company believing the 
car to be overloaded (more than 20,000 pounds), 
liad it weighed, when it was found that the 
actual weight of fish was 42,000 pounds ; and 
it was thought by good judges that this was 
was only about one-half of the amount caught 
at the one draw. 

In U82, at the same lake, 40,000 pounds were 
taken at one draw, by Day and Vanderbelt. 
The lake where these remarkable catches were 
made is known as Dubuque lake, in lionor of 
the men from that city who, in 1873, made that 
famous draw. 

VILLAGE OF SENECA. 

In 1851 William Philamalee made a claim of 
120 acres of land, of the southwest quarter of 
section 10, town 9, range 5 west. He erected 
thereon a log house, where he resided with his 
family till 1^54, when he sold his claim to 
Samuel P. Langdon. In 1857 Mr. Langdon en- 
gaged Pizarro Cook to survey what is now the 



718 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



village of Seneca ; the survey for such a plat 
was accordiugly made by Mr. Cook, and after- 
ward by H. H. Hall, who was county surveyor 
at the time. The plat contains about ten acres, 
a part of wliich is on the .southwest quarter of 
section 10, and a part of the northwest quarter 
of the southwest quarter of the same section. 
No additions have been made to the origin;il 
plat, but the growth of the village has extended 
beyond its limits as surveyed. 

Mr. Laugdon gave the name Seneca to the 
village at the suggestion of Nichol.as Morgan, 
as that was the name of the town in the State 
of New York where he came from. On the 
organization of the town, it also took on the 
same name, being named from the village. 
Samuel P. Langdon, who laid out the village 
plat of Seneca, was a native of Massachusetts, 
where he was born in 1812. He was married 
in Booue Co., 111., to Nancj' Emory, a native of 
Pennsylvania. In April, 185-t, he purchased of 
Mr. Philamalee the land where stands the vil- 
lage of Seneca. 

This was before the day of railroads in west- 
ern Wisconsin, and Seneca, being on the route 
between Prairie du Chien and Sparta, was 
quite an important point. In those days quite 
a liotel business was done at Seneca. His house 
was also the resort for land hunters, who re- 
ceived much information from Mr. Langdon, 
who was familiar with the character of the 
country for a radius of many miles. In the 
spring of 18G8hesokl to D. R. Lawrence, and 
removed to Exctdslor, in Richland county. He 
was engaged in milling till 1872, when he went 
to Lynxville, where he engaged in the grocery 
and drug trade. From this point he removed 
to Buena Vista Co., Iowa, and engaged in the 
stock raising business. 

The store building of E. & T. Garvey being 
on the southern limit, Mr. Langdon sold the 
first lot to James and William Smethuisi, who 
erected a store building thereon in 1858. Wil- 
liam Smethurst also occupied a part of the 
building as a dwelling for iiis family ; .James 



was a single man aii<l boarded with his brother. 
The buisness established at that time still con- 
tinues in the same building, and is conducted 
by members of the Smethurst family. 

AUinzo C. Knight erected the second building, 
which lie used as a wagon shop and dwelling 
house. 

Lewis Smitli erected the third buihling, which 
he used as a dwelling and saloon. 

William Philamalee kept travelers in the log 
house just mentioned, and hence became the 
first hotel man of the village. Mr. Langdon 
continued to accommodate the traveling public 
when he had succeeded Philamalee. 

The first wagon maker of the place was A. 
C. Knight. The first blacksmith was L. P. 
Marston Campbell & Sons were the first shoe- 
makers. Daniel Smethurst, brother of William 
Smethurst, bouglit out the saloon building of 
Mr. Smith, and started a second store. He com- 
menced about 1865, and continued till 1870, 
when he moved his stock to Postville, Iowa, 
where he remained in business several years, 
and then returned to Seneca, and died at the 
house of his son John. Daniel Smethurst, 
when he discontinued business at Seneca, sold 
his building and four lots to E. & T. Garvey 
who still own the property, which is now (1884) 
occupied as a residence, by Thomas Garvey. 
In 1861 E. &T. Garvey erected a new store, on 
the site of Marston's blacksmith shop, and es- 
tablished a general merchandizing house, in 
the fall of that year, which business they are 
still (1884) engaged in. They have always 
done an excellent business. Their first build- 
ing was 22x50 feet, two stories high. In 1875 
they sold $40,000 worth of goods In 1ST2 
their sales reached as high as $67,000. 

Daniel Smethurst kept the first drug store 
in the village. He sold out to William and 
James Smethurst, who connected this with 
their other business. 

The postoffice was establi'-hed in 1858. Tiie 
first postmaster was S. P. Langdon who was 
succeeded by Daniel L. Smethurst; after this 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



1i9 



came William Smethurst,wlio was succeeded by 
A. \i. Wilhec, who served from Jan 1, 181 \, 
to Sept. 1, 1881, a period of nearly eleven years. 
Hi" was succeeded by Daniel Smelhurst. 

HOTELS. 

As has been stated, William Philamalee kept 
travelers as early as 1851, and his successor 
also kept sort of an inn and served the public 
as best he could in those early days, when trav- 
elers were only too glad to eat such as was 
placed before them, "asking no questions for 
conscience sake." 

Soon after the laying out of the village-, Mr. 
Laiii^don put up a tavern on the site of the Kane 
Hotel, which is still a part of that house. Mr. 
Langdon run tliis house a number of years, and 
liiially sold to D. R. Lawrence, wlio sold to a 
party who did not occupy the liouse, but who 
soon after disposed of the property to Nelson 
I")ui]hip, who was succeeded by Lawrence Bird, 
who added to the building and kept the house 
for some time, and th"n sold to Cornelius Kane, 
who has re-built it, and it is now known as 
Kane's House. 

J. D. Bigelow oiiened a hotel in IS'iS, in a 
house erected by L. P. .Marston, which he oper- 
ated a year or so and sold to K. Haynes, wlm 
run it about the same length of time and tlu ii 
soUl to Wilson, a non-resident of the town; he 
rented the hotel to Alden, who kept it for 
about a year, when it was sold to James S. 
Burton, who used it as a private residence. In 
1874 ilr. Higelow built another hotel, which he 
opened July 1, that year, and operated the 
same till 18S:i, when he leased it to G. E. Peck. 

In December, 188.3, the business of the vil- 
lage was represented as follows: E. & T. 
Garvey, general merchants; Smethurst it Son, 
general merchants; Cornelius Kane, hotel; G. 
E. Peck, IJigelow Hotel; Matthew Brady, wag- 
on-maker; Barnard Degnon, wagon-maker; Wil- 
fred -Marston, blacksmith. 

PUBLIC BUILDING.S. 

The enterprise of the people of both the 
l)wn and village of Seneca, is well illustrated 



by the number and character of their public 
buildings. These consist of the school house, 
Good Templars' Hall and Church, and a town 
hall. The school house was erected in 188], at 
a cost of $1,000. It is a frame building, well 
finished both outside and interior. 

Good Templars' Hall and Church was built by 
the liberality of the people thus connected. 
The land upon which this building stands was 
purchased and conveyed by Willis Briggs, in 
trust, to .James Smith, George Dean and Joseph 
Stewart, trustees of Seneca lodge. No. 47.3, of 
Independent Order of Good Templars of the 
State of Wisconsin. The special condition of 
the deed was, that a building should be erected 
thereon, within a specified time, similar to ilie 
one that was built; the same to be used for a 
Good Templars' hall, and also as a church, free 
to all denominations, without respect to creed 
or religious belief. In accordance with this 
plan the jieople responded. The date of the in- 
denture was Jan. 29, 1881; the building was 
begun the same season, but not fully completed 
till the fall of 1883. It is a frame building, 
two stories high, 24x40 feet. It cost about 
^1,200. The iirst floor is used foi- church i)ur- 
poses, an<l the second floor for the (iood 'J'em- 
plars' hall. 

Wliiie (juite a number of persons were promi- 
nently identiiied with this movement, it is 
certainly due Mr. Daniel Smethurst to say, that 
the successful issue of the enterprise is due large- 
ly to him, who contributed largely in both time 
and money, and advanced means to carry on 
the work of construction 

The Town Hall was purchased by the town, 
upon the completion of the new school building. 
It was removed to its present location and then 
litted up for town purposes, and affords a com- 
fortable and convenient place for the purpose 
intended. 

VILLAGE OF I.VXXVILLE. 

Several villages have been, from time to time 
commenced along the cast bank of the Missis- 
sippi between De Soto and Prairie du Chien, 



720 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



but Lynxville is the only one which ever 
amounted to any consideration. The plat of 
this village is on the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 23, town 9, range west, together with lots 
3 and 4, on section 14, of same town and range; 
the former is on land entered by George Mes- 
sersmith, and the latter is a part of government 
purchase, by John and James Haney. The site 
of the village passed from the hands of the 
first owners into the possession of Reuben 
Mink, Elmer Graham and James Boyles; these 
men, together with Hiram and Lyraan McCura- 
ber, who soon became partners in the enterprise, 
laid out the village. The survey was made hy 
Pizarro Cook, the same being comjileted April 
10, 1857. Another village was begun about the 
same time by other parties, north of and nearly 
adjoining this plat. 1 he former, for the sake of 
distinction, was called Lower Lynxville, and 
the latter known as Upper Lynxville ; this 
term however, has long since been dropped, as 
the upper village has been absorbed by its 
rival. 

Where the village is situated was formerly 
known as a steamboat landing; also Haney's 
Point, from John and James Haney, early set- 
tlers here. It received the name Lynxville, 
from the government surveyors, who were 
landed at this point from the steamboat Lyna', 
and when the village was laid out, the name 
was a|)plied to that also. 

The east channel of the river, at this point, 
makes a bend into the land, forming what is 
styled the "Devil's Elbow." On account of 
this elbow bend in the Mississippi, and the 
depth of water at this point, an excellent boat 
landintr is afforded. 

The tirst building or what afterward became 
the plat of Lynxville, was erected by Elmer 
Graham, in 18.5.5, two years prior to the survey. 
He opened a gonei-al store, and continued in 
business for many years. He died in 1S73. 

J. D. Reynolds built the next house, which 
served as a store and warehouse; he continued 
in business till his death in November, 1861. 



He came to Lynxville from the embryo village 
of Viola. He attempted to make a village site 
there, but upon failing to do so, cast his lot 
with the few pioneers of Lynxville. He was a 
man of good education, and an upright, honest 
citizen. His widow sold the property, which 
in 1 883 was owned and occupied by John S. 
Kiugsland, grain dealer. The next business 
was opened by Charles Lyman and George 
Sappington, who had a general store and 
warehouse; they sold out in 1862 and left the 
county. Tiiey were succeeded by L. D. Hop- 
kins, who died in 1881. In 1883 the building 
was u.sed by S. C. Prince, steamboat agent. 

In 1802 Jewell, Case & Co., erected what is 
known as the upper warehouse. Here they 
conducted quite a large general merchandising 
business, and were succeeded in 1865 by John 
S. Kingsland and Lemuel Allen. Nicholas 
Morgan also kept a stock of goods in the up- 
per warehouse in 1868 and 1869. Edward 
and Thomas Garvey, afterward of the village 
of Seneca, occupied this building with a stock 
of goods for a time. In 1883 this building was 
owned by Peter Young, who purchased it from 
J. H. Jewell. 

John Davidson and John Irwin kept a stock 
of goods in what is now Kingslaud's ware- 
house about 1866; they failed and left the 
county. Simeon Benson opened a grocery 
store and saloon in the fall of 1874; he finally 
sold out and went to Oregon. Thomas Bright 
engaged in business in the upper warehouse in 
1875; he was later of the firm of Bright & 
Vanderbelt. Mr. Davidson was the first lumber 
dealer of the village. He afterward engaged 
in mercantile business under the firm name of 
Davidson cfc Irwin. 

Ball & Huard were the principal lumber 
dealers for many years and were succeeded by 
C. L. Lyltle & Co. 

J. L. Reyonds bouijht the first grain in the 
place. 

Lyman McCumber was the first blacksmith, 
and Nathan Canfield the first shoemaker. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



721 



The first to entertain travelers at Lynxville 
was Elmer Graham. Nelson Wade also kept 
:ui inn for a time. Nicliolas Morgan came next 
in the hotel line. He was succeeded by 
Charles Lyman, who erected a building on pur- 
pDse for a hotel. The landlord of 1883 was 
Samuel Armstrong, who had been in the busi- 
ness since 1865. He kept a good house, both 
he and his excellent wife being well calculated 
to please the traveling public, who always find 
good entertainment at this house. 

Tlie postoffice was established June 21, 1858, 
anil called Lower Lynxville. Ciiarles Lyman 
was appointed the first postmaster. He was 
succeeded by J. D. Reynolds, Dec. 31, 1359. 
lie was postmaster till his death, Nov. 3, 1861. 

Elmer Graham came next and was finally 
followed by Mr. Reynolds, who served only a 
short time and was succeeded by L. D. Hopkins 
in April, 1802. 

Mr. Hopkins kept the office foi' about ten 
years and then gave way to S. P. Langdon. 

Then came Joseph U. Searle, during whose 
term of office the clerical work was transacted 
bv N. A. Searle. 

L. D. Hopkins was next commissioned Dec. 
10, 1880. 

The present postmaster, A. Nicetus Searle, 
receiveil his commission July 14, 1883. The 
name of the office was at this time changed from 
Lower Lynxville to its present title, Lynxville. 

Lynxville has always been a good trading 
point, and has long been known as one of the 
best wood landings along the river, and has bad 
ah extensive trade since 1850. Its good land- 
ing, with an abundant supply of fuel on the 
islands hard by, and along ridges and ravines 
of the main land near the river, has always been 
a great source of revenue and given employ- 
ment to many of the settlers. A. Russell, who 
was in the wood trade in 1883, sold over 2,000 
cords of wood during the boating season to 
steamers plying the Mississippi river. 

The business of this village in December, 
1883, was as follows : 



Bright & Vanderbelt, general merchants and 
dealers in wood. 

Searle & Vanderbelt, eneral merchants and 
druggists. 

John S. Kingsland, dealer in grain, lime, salt, 
cement and land piaster. 

Lyttle & Co., dealers in lumber and grain. 

S. C. Prince, steamboat agent. 

Samuel Armstrong, hotel. 

VILLAGES THAT WEEE. 

Two villages, Viola and Crawford City, had a 
brief existence in this town. The former was 
located on the Mississippi river, about three 
miles below Lynxville. It was begun by J. D. 
Reynolds, in the fall of 1856, when he erected 
a store building. 

In the summer of 1858, a man named Dickens, 
from Philadelphia, put up a three-story build- 
ing, which he occupied as a residence and a 
store building. lie put in a stock of liardware 
and groceries, and soon after opening, the build- 
ing and stock were destroyed by fire. The fire 
extended to Reynolds' store, which was also 
CDiisunied. Dickson left the country, but Rey- 
nolds rebuilt and remained till 1859, when he 
removed to Lynxville. J. C. Cole erected a 
dwelling house in the summer of 1858. He 
was a carpenter by trade, and taught school ; 
he was also town school superintendent. After 
Reynolds had removed to Lynxville, Wilkinson 
occupied his building for a short time, in which 
he ke])t a store, but not long after removed to 
Prairie du Chien, and all efforts to make a town 
of ^'i(lla were abandoned. 

In 1858 George J. Millet and Fenner Foster 
erected a steam saw-mill a short distance below 
Lynxville. A few otlier small buildings were 
|)ut u]), aiul the place was called Crawford City. 
The mill was operated two years and removed, 
and with it the embryo city pronounced a 
a failure. 

BIOHKAPUICAL SKETCHES. 

The following named citizens are excellent 
representatives of the character and entcrjirise 
of the population of this town. They are given 



f2a 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



in the order (as near as eould be ascertained) 
in whicli tliey made a settlement. It will be 
noticed tbat the greater portion came in be- 
tween the years 1854 and 1858 : 

Mitc.hel Caya, who resides on section 13, 
lown 9, range 6 west, was the first permanent 
settler of the town of Seneca. He came here 
first in the spring of 1846, but did not make liis 
entry till two years later. Mr. Cayalocated on 
eighty acres, but gradually increased the size of 
his farm to its present large dimensions, now 
comprising about 500 acres. Mr. Caya is still 
an older resident of the county than of this 
town, having come to Prairie du Chien in 1840. 
He was born in Canada, about 1822, of French 
])arentage. He came from Canada to Prairie du 
Chien when he was in his eighteenth year. He 
came to Wisconsin at the solicitation of his broth- 
er, who had preceded him to Prairie du Chien two 
years. Mr. Caya married Rose Loyea, a native 
of Prairie du Chien. Her father was a native of 
Canada, but of French parentage, and was 
among the early settlers of Prairie du Chien. 
Mrs. Caya died June 16, 188.3. Mr. and Mrs. 
Caya had eleven children, eight sons and three 
daughters, ten of whom are living — Maggie, 
Charlie, Louis, Leandei", Morris, Mitchel, Frank, 
John, Albert and Julia. Virginia is deceased. 

Louis La Force came to this town with Mr. 
Caya, with whom he lived nine years, being a 
single man at that time. He afterwards married 
at Prairie du t!hien, where his wife died. lie 
then married Harriet St. German. Mr. La Force 
lives one mile nortli of Mr. Caya, where he has 
resided for many years. He has one child by 
his first marriage — Emma, and three children 
by his second marriage — Louis, Julia and Laura. 

Louis Caya, of Lynxville, is the son of 
Mitchel Caya, the first settler of the town of 
Seneca. He was born at Prairie du Chien, 
in March, 1846, being about two weeks old 
when his parents removed to the present 
town of Seneca. He has been in busi- 
ness at Lynxville a number of years, and owns 
the store building occupied by T. C. Briglit & 



Co., which he erected in 1868, at acostof about 
S600. This building is on the site of the store 
once owned and occupied by Benson, one of the 
eai'ly business men of the town. Mr. Caya has 
lived in the village since 1871. 

Pizarro Cook resides on section 2, town 9, 
range 5 west. His residence in Crawford 
county dates from Nov. 24, 1854. Mr. Cook 
was born in Cayuga Co, N. Y., in 1826. In 
the summer of 1848, he went to Grant Co., 
Wis., and worked the following winter in the 
lead mines of that region, but returned to New 
York the following season, where he lived till 
the year of liis settlement in Crawford county. 
Mr. Cook is by profession a surveyor, and at 
present (1884) is the county surveyor of Craw- 
ford county. In his youth he attended the 
public school of his native town, and received 
priv^ate instruction in m.athematics of Prof. Ed- 
win Dodge, and was always partial to that 
branch of science. His practical knowledge of 
surveying was obtained under George Geddes, 
at that time State engineer of New York. He 
has been more or less engaged in surveying 
since 1854. He was elected county surveyor in 
the fall of 1859, again in IB/V, and the third 
time in 1882. He has also assessed the town of 
Seneca, and has filled the oiBce of deputy sher- 
iff. He enlisted, Aug. 9, 1862, in company A, 
31st regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 
and served till the end of the war. He partici- 
pated in a number of important military events, 
including tiie siege of Atlanta, Sherman's 
march to the sea, battle of Bentonville, etc. 
Mrs. Cook was formerly Sarah Barr, born at 
St. Johns, Newfoundland, but a resident of 
Philadelphia, Penn., for many years. They 
have three children — Mabel, William ami John. 

Robert Garvey, a prominent merchant of 
Seneca, settled with his family on section 34, 
town 9, range 5 west, in June, 1855, where he 
pre-empted a farm of government land. Mr. 
Garvey was a native of county Down, Ireland, 
lie emigrated to the United States with his 
family in 18.= 3, locating first on a farm in Grant 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



723 



Co., Wi.s., ne.ar Bloomiiigton, where he resided 
uiilil oomiiig here. He married Susan Magee. 
Mr. (larvoy died in 1872. Mrs. Garvey died 
in ISTfi. Mr. Garvey's sons are among the well 
known business men and farmers of Seneca 
town Mr. and Mrs. Garvey had nine cliiidren, 
.seven of whom are living — Christopher, Pat- 
rick, Peter, Frances, Edward, Bridget, wife of 
Rohcrl Morris, of this town, and Tlioraas. 

Ambrose Thompson was born, in July, 1835, 
in Huron Co., Oliio. In 185.5 he came, with his 
brotlier Isaac, to Crawford Co., Wis., pre-empt- 
ing eighty acres of land in C'layton town, where 
his brother soon afterwards died. His father 
died in Ohio. His mother came to this county 
in 1857, settling at Bell Centre. She sub- 
sequently removed to Boscobel, Grant county. 
In 1865 Mr. Thompson purchased of D. R. 
Lawrence, a farm on section 2, town 9, range 5 
west, where he now lives, engaged in farming 
and stock dealing. He married Martha Turk, 
daughter of Ephraim Turk, an early settler of 
Clayton town. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have 
six children — George M., Julia A., Jessie M., 
Lucy M., Sadie A. and Charles A. Willie H. 
died, aged thirteen months. 

A. C. Russell has lived in Seneca town since 
March, 1854, at which time he entered govern- 
ment land on sections 7 and 18, town 9, range 5 
west Mr. Russell was born in 1825, in Onon- 
daga Co., N. Y. When twenty-two years of 
age he went to Du Page Co., 111., where he lived 
until his removal to Crawford county. He still 
owns his original entry of land, on wliich he has 
lived for thirty years. His farm consists of 174 
acres, eighty of which is broken. Mr. Russell 
is a carpenter by trade and was one of the first 
in the town. He erected many of the first 
buildings in Seneca town. He also erected the 
warehouses and manj- other buildings in the 
village of LynxVille. Mr. Russell has been 
agent for the sale of lots in Lynxville ever 
since it was platted, and still has a power of 
attorney from Mink & McCumber for that pur- 
])ose. He was married in Illinois, to Drusilla 



Rose, born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1830. Mr. 
and .Mrs. Russell have had ten children, five of 
whom are living — Ellen, wife of Nathan Can- 
field; Ralph A., Kate E., Edwin P. and Jason C. 

George Dean was born in Cattaraugus Co., 
N. Y, in 1831, where he resided until coming 
to Crawford county in 1855. He settled on his 
present farm, located on section 20, town 9, 
range 5 west, Seneca town, in 1S58. He has 
120 acres of land. Mr. Dean lias lieen twice 
married. His first wife was Josephine Searic, 
born in Walworth Co., Wis., Jan. 30, 1842. She 
was a daughter of Joseph N. Searle, who settled 
in Seneca town in 1854. Mrs. Dean died in 
November, 1863, while her husband was in the 
army, and he subsequently married Phanata 
Copper, daughter of Charles Copper, and widow 
of Thomas McQueen. Mr. Dean enlisted in 
1862, in the 31st Wisconsin regiment, serving 
until the close of the war. He participated in 
many important battles and campaigns, includ- 
ing Sherman's march to the sea. He has two 
children by liis first marriage — Jay D., who 
resides in Oregon, and Pliebe J., wife of Wil- 
liam West, of Kansas He has one child by his 
present wife — Charles L. Mrs. Dean has three 
children by her first marriage — John O., Mary 
Ida and Margaret D. Mr. Dean's father, Lyman 
Dean, came to Crawford county in 1855, and re- 
sided with his son until his decease, which oc- 
curred in 1861, at the advanced age of eighty- 
four years. 

Robert Morris was born in Lockport, III., in 
1838. He came to Jeflferson Co., Wis., with 
his parents in the same year. His father, Rob- 
ert Morris, Sr., was in what is now Wisconsin 
when the territory was organized, and accom- 
panied the commissioners who located the cap- 
ital at Madison. Mr. Morris came to this 
county in 1855, settling on 320 acres of land in 
town 8, ranges west, which his father received 
from the government. He occupied part of 
this farm until 1868, when he located on section 
28, town 9, range 5 west, where he still resides. 
Mr. Morris has been assessor of Seneca town 



724 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



twice, and four times treasurer. Has been pres- 
ident of tlie Crawford County Agricultural So- 
ciety twice, and was chairman of the town 
board in 1883. He was married in 1868, to 
Bridget Garvey. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have 
six children. 

Samuel C. Porter resides on section 3, town 
9, range 5 west, Seneca town, where he was 
born Oct. 18, 1855. He married Ida Ertel, a 
native of Eastman town. I'hey have two chil- 
dren — John and Archibald. Mr. Porter's father, 
John Porter, was a native of Ireland. When 
twelve years of age he came to the United 
States, and to Crawford county in 1855. He 
died Jan. 1, 1883, nearly seventy years of age. 
His widow, Priscilla Porter, still resides on the 
liomestead. 

A. N. Searle, of the firm of Searle & Vander- 
belt, general merchants, atLynxville, is a son of 
Jose])!! Utter Searle. He was born in Wal- 
worth Co., Wis., in 1854, and has been a resi- 
dent of Crawford county since 1855. Mr. 
Searle married Lizzie Vanderbelt, born in Craw- 
ford county. He eng.aged in business at Lynx- 
ville, in May, 1879, under the firm name of 
Hopkins & Searle. In October, 1881, he bought 
his partner's interest, and continued alone until 
the present firm was established, in October, 
1883. They keep a general stock of merchan- 
dise, including drugs. Mr. Searle's father came 
to Seneca town in 1854, and the following year 
located on section 32, south of the village of 
Seneca. He subsequently moved to section 16, 
same to TV' n, and in 1869, to section 14, where 
he resided at the time of his death, which oc- 
curred in the summer of 1876. His widow now 
lives with her youngest daughter, in Oregon. 
Mr Searle is postmaster at Lynxville. 

Samuel Armstrong settled in Lynxville, in 
1856. He was born in England, in 1829. In 
1849 he emigrated to the United States, resided 
in Delaware for a few months, then went to 
Constantine, Mich., and from there to Spring- 
field, 111. Mr. Armstrong went from Illinois to 
Baton Rouge, La., in 1852, where he was a vic- 



tim of the yellow fever epidemic in the year 
1855. Upon recovering, he came north, resid- 
ing in Portage, Wis., until the winter of 1855-6, 
and coming to Lynxville the following Septem- 
ber. He married Catharine Price, born in 
Richland Co., Ohio. Mr. Armstrong has been 
engaged in various things since coming to 
Lynxville. He has ke])t a hotel since 1 866, being 
the present liotel man of the village. 

J. S. Bigelow was born in Connecticut in 
1826; lived on a farm till sixteen years of age, 
when he went to New Haven, Conn., and en- 
gaged in the business of butchering, which 
business he has followed till now, a period of 
forty-two years. He remained in New Haven 
till 1851, then went to Berkshire C!o., Mass., 
making tliat his home till the spring of 1^54; 
from there he went to Troy, N. Y., remaining 
a few months, then going to Florida for the 
benefit of his health where he remained till 
April, 1856. In July of that year, coming to 
Crawford county and locating in Haney town. 
In 1862 he came to Seneca, and is owner 
of the Bigelow House. He came to Crawford 
county with his uncle, George F. Bigelow, who 
had located in Haney town the jirevious year, 
and died on the farm where he first located. 
Mr. Bigelow's father was Levi L. Bigelow, now- 
living in Connecticut. He is a brother of 
Ildbert B. Bigelow, ex-governor of Connecticut. 
In 1860 he married Mary E. Clarke, born in 
Illinois, and daughter of William Clarke, an 
early settler of Utica town. 

Thomas Dickson was born in Scotland in 
1825, and now resides on section is:, town 9, 
range 5 west, where he settled in 1856. He 
came here from Pennsylvania with his broilitr- 
in-law, Peter Young, with whom he juircliased 
the farm of William Kenuer, Mr. Young tak- 
ing that part of the land of Mr.Kenner which 
now constitutes the farm of John Stewart. Mr. 
nickson married Marion Young, sister of Peter 
Young. They have one son — Charles L., born 
here, April, 1S61. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson are 
worthy representatives of those hardy pioneers 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



725 



wlio have built for themselves homes, and 
helped to develop the resources of what hut a 
few \-ears since was a rugged wilderness. 

Valentine Ertel resides on section 20, town 
9. range 5 west, where he located in 1876, pur- 
chasing his farm of Samuel Robb. Mr. Ertel 
was born in Ncwburg-on-Rhine, Germany, in 
1831, emigrating to the United States in No- 
vember, 1851. He resided four j-ears in Penn- 
sylvania and one year in Clayton Co., Iowa. 
Mr. Ertel has been a resident of Crawford 
county since 1856, at which time he located on 
section 30, same town and range in which he 
now lives. Mr. Ertel married Hannah Frobsou. 
They have live children. Like many of the 
early settlers, Mr. Ertel came here poor, but by 
industry and enconomy he has spcured a pleas- 
ant and comfortable home. 

G. W. Pease is an old resident of Seneca 
town, Crawford county, having come to Lynx- 
ville Aug. 28, 1856. He served in the army 
during the war, being a member of company C, 
6th Wisconsin Volunteers. His regiment be- 
longed to the Iron Brigade. Mr. Pease en- 
listed April 25, 1861. and was mustered out 
.Inly 15, 1865, serving over four years, or during 
llie entire war. He participated in all the im- 
|) itant battles and campaigns in which the 
Iron Brigade took part. Mr. Pease now resides 
on section 2, township 9, range 6 west, where 
he settled in the si)ring of 1882, being engaged 
in farming and also in practicing law. He married 
Mary A., daughter of Willi.am Churchill. Mr. 
Pease's father, G. P. Pease, came to this county 
in 1859, remaining until his decease. 

William Sharman, Sr., was one of the early 
settlers of Seneca town, entering 200 acres of 
land on sections 24 and 25, town 9, range 5 
west, in 1855, on which he settled with his 
family in 1850. Mr. Sharman was a native of 
England, boin in Apperknowl in Dronfield, 
Derbyshire, May 20, 1833. He emigrated with 
his parents to the United States in 1849, settling 
in Montrose town, Dane Co., Wis., where Mr. 
Sharman resided until his settlement in Craw- 



ford county. He married Elizabeth Huckins 
Kielley, born Sept. 19,1816, in Strafford, Staf- 
ford Co., N. H. Mr. and Mrs. Sharman had 
four children, two of whom are living — Wil- 
liam and Samuel. Mr. Sharman died Oct. 22, 
li^73; his wife dying in April of the same year. 
Their two sons own and reside on the home- 
stead. 

William Dickson was born in Scotland, in 
1829, and came to this country with his brother 
Thomas. Coming to Crawford county from 
Pennsylvania in 1857, and settling on section 
13, town 9, range 6 west. He has a farm of 
200 acres, which he purchased of J. H. Jewell. 
He enlisted in the 52d Wisconsin regiment, serv- 
ing during the last year of the war. He mar- 
ried Mrs. Alice (Young) Bright, a sister of Pe- 
ter Young. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson have three 
children living — James, Janet and William. 
They have lost two children — John and Peter. 
Mrs. Dickson has two children by former mar- 
riage — Thomas C. Bright and Elizabeth, wife 
of Andrew Peterson. 

North Miller was born in 1816, in Susque- 
hanna Co., Penn. When eighteen years of age 
he went to Ohio, and from there to Indiana. 
In 1857, he came to Seneca town, Crawford 
county, settling on section 28, town 9, range 5 
west. His farm contains 141 acres of land, 
eigiity acres of which, he purchased from Wells 
Brisjsis. It is situated on sections 28 and 21, 
being well improved, tin; most of which im- 
provements were made by Mr. Miller. Mr. 
Miller was 'uarried in Ohio, in 1836, to Amanda 
Bell, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. 
Miller have five children — Owen E., Helen, 
Horace, Ambrose and Sarah M. Mr. Miller has 
been chairman of the town board seven terms; 
was one of the early county commissioners; has 
been president of the Crawford County Agricul- 
ural Society, and was chiefly instrumental in re- 
organizing the agricultural society, after the 
war. 

James Ingham, resides on section 5, town- 9, 
range 5 west, where he settled in the spring of 



(26 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



1858, though he had entered his land two 
years previous. He came with James Taylor, 
Samuel Taylor, John Taylor and John Mills. 
The above named early settlers all came at the 
same time (1856), made their locations, and set- 
tled at the same time, two years later. Mr. 
Ingham entered eighty acres, which forms a 
part of his present farm of 130 acres; he also 
owns another farm of eighty acres. He was 
horn in Lancashire, England, July 19, 1824. He 
came to the United States when twenty-four 
years of age, and settled in Mercer Co., Penn. 
He was married in England, to Nancy Andrew, 
horn Dec. 18,1828. She died Feb. 11,1881. 
Mr. Ingham has eight children — Elizabeth A., 
born Jan. 2, 1851; Emma J., born May 18, 185.3; 
Alice, born Feb. 1, 1856; Mary, born Sept. 22, 
1858; Isaiah born Feb. 25, 1861; Samuel, born 
May 4,1863; Sarah, born Sept. 12, 1865, and 
Job, born Feb. 11, 1868. 

Fergus Mills resides on section 14, town 9, 
range 5, wliere his father, John Mills, settled 
in 185S. He was born in England, in 1840. 
He married Miss M. Copsey, daughter of John 
Copsey, who settled in Crawford county in 1856. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mills have five children —Walter, 
Emma, John, Susan and Nellie. Mr. Mills was 
a member of the House in the Legislative ses- 
sion of 1876. In 1877 he was chairman of the 
town board; and in 1883 was treasurer of the 
board. 

Marcus F. Nickerson was born in Vermont 
in 1838, coming with his parents William S. 
and Catharine (Tainter) Nickerson, to Prairie 
du Cliien in 1839. They came all the way from 
Vermont to Prairie du Chien with a team and 
wagon, except across the lakes. Mr. Nickerson 
has lived in this town since 1858, at that time 
settling on section 2, town 9, range 5. In 1864 
he enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, serv- 
ing till tlie close of the war. The regiment to 
which he belonged was detached to capture 
Jefferson Davis after his flight from Richmond, 
but the ttli Michigan Cavalry having passed 
around them during the night, effected the 



capture. Mr. Nickerson was present when the 
capture was made, and received his share of the 
reward. He now lives on section 10, town 9, 
range 5 west, where he settled in 1866, on a 
farm of 117 acres which he purchased of George 
Ilazen. Mr. Nickerson has been twice married. 
His first wife was Margaret, a daughter of John 
and Priscilla Porter, by whom he had eight 
children, four sons and four daughters — Lois A., 
Mary E., Charles A., John P., William M. 
(deceased), James G., Rose B. and Emma M. 
His present wife was Mrs. Bertha E. (Walker) 
Peters, widow of John Peters, who was killed 
at the siege of Corinth. Mrs. Nickerson has a 
son by first marriage. 

James Taylor is a native of Lancashire, Eng- 
land, born in 1828. He came in 1842 to the 
United States, with his parents, Samuel and 
Ann Taylor. They settled in Beaver Co., Penn., 
where they lived two years, then removed to 
Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. Taylor's parents 
came with him to Crawford Co., Wis., in 1858, 
he having previously entered land, in 1856, on 
section 13, town 9, range 5 west. They lived 
with him until their decease; his father dying 
in 18P3, and his mother in 1880. Mr. Taylor's 
farm originally contained 200 acres ; he now 
has 300 acres. He was married to Pantha Mills, 
a native of Lancashire, England. Mr. and Mrs. 
Taylor have had eight children, seven of whom 
are living — Ann Eva, John. Samuel, Thomas C, 
Adam, Bettie A. and Martha M. He has 
been a member of the town board nearly 
every year since 1866, and has been chairman 
several terms. He was also chairman of the 
county board in 1882. Mr. Taylor was the as- 
sessor of the township for 1883. Mrs. Taylor's 
parents, John and Bettie Mills, came to the 
United States with their family in 1841. They 
came to Crawford county with Mr. Taylor in 
185S, locating on section 15. Mr. Mills died 
Jan. 17, 1873. His wife still lives on the home- 
stead. 

A. B. Withee has been a resident of Crawford 
county since April, 1858. He was born in 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



727 



Franklin Co., Maine, April 13, 1>!2S. He went 
to Somerset cotinty when fifteen years of age, 
and at the age of twenty-three went to Lewiston, 
where he learned the trade of a moulder, which 
lie followed till he came west. Mr. Wiihee's 
residence in Wisconsin dates from November, 
1S54, at which time he came to Grant county, 
where he lived three and a half years; thence to 
Crawford county, and located in the town of 
Eastman. In November, 1863, he located near 
the village of Seneca, where he has since resided. 
Since coming to Crawford county he has been 
engaged in the occupation of farming, carpen- 
try, etc. Mr. Withee has held, at various 
times, most of the town offices, and his long 
(continuance in office is evidence of the confi- 
dence that is realized in his ability and integ- 
rity as a public otticer. He is the present town 
clerk, and was first elected to that office April 1, 
lS7;i, and has held the office of clerk since that 
time, excepting the year 1882. He was elected 
assessor in 18(J5, and since that time has assessed 
tlic town five times; was elected justice of th' 
jieace, April (5, 1869, and has occiijiied that posi 
tion constantly to the present date, except a 
interval of two years. He has been for the las 
ihiee years secretary of the Crawford Count\ 
Agricultural Society. He was ap|ioiiiti'd pos: 
master .Ian. 1, 1871, and lu>ld that office until 
Sept. 2, 18SI ; was apiiointcd notary public in 
June, 187.'5, and still holds that office. The ac- 
curacy and completeness of the records kept b\ 
Mr. Witiiee in tiie several offices that lie has 
filled, together with the jn-ompt and efficient 
inanncr of transacting all business pertaining 
thereto, is the key to his success as a public 
otlicer. 

His rather, D.iniel Withee, was one of the 
early settlers of this county. He came to Grant 
Co., Wis., from the east in the fall of 1855, and 
early the follc/wiiig winter came to the town of 
Eastman and entered by lanil warrant a quarter 
section of laiul, which he improved. He sold 
out in 18(Jo and rctiuned to Maine, and now re- 
sides ill Augusta, tlint State. Mr. Withee was 



married in Maine in 1853, to Margaret Hayden. 
They h.ave four children — Andrew C, .Jessie, 
wife of Frank Griffin; George M. and Orris M. 

Isaac Baker was born in Crawford Co.,Penn., 
in 1838. He went with his father, David 
Baker, to Grant Co., Wis., in 1857. Mr. Baker 
came to Crawford Co., Wis., in 1863, settling 
on section 2, town 9, range 5 west. He has 
207 acres of land, the greater part of which was 
entered by John Porter. He entered the army 
Feb. 27, 1865, and served till April 20, 1866, as 
a member of the 50th regiment, Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Baker married Betsy 
Porter, daughter of John and Priscilla Porter. 
They have five children — Orra, Anra, Hattie, 
William W., .John L. and Clarence R. 

Lemuel B. Allen came to Lynxville in 1864. 
He was born Jan. 26, 1816, in Washington Co., 
N. Y., where he was reared. In 1841 he went 
to Huron Co., Ohio, where he was engaged in 
farming and in the manufacture of lumber. He 
removed from Huron to WiHi,ams county, in 
the same State, coming here from that county. 
Since coming to Lynxville, he has been en- 
gaged in wooding and farming. His wife was 
Jane R. Reynolds, also a native of New York. 
She died March 7, 1879. Mr. Allen has three 
sons, all of whom are residents of Lynxville — 
(Jharles S., George W. and Winfield S., all of 
whom were born in Ohio. 

Marstin S. Kcnneson is a native of New 
Hampshire, born in 1824. When twelve years 
of age he moved with his parents to Canada, 
and when nineteen he went to Massachusetts. 
In 1855 he moved to Richland Co., Wis. Mr. 
Kcnneson married Sarah A. Fowler, born in 
Waldo Co., Maine. When seventeen years of 
age she went to Massachusetts. Mrs. Kcnne- 
son's mother died when she was a child, after 
which her father came west. He was in the 
Black Hawk War, resided among the Indians 
for seven years, then returned to Maine, where 
he died. Mr. Keuneson enlisted in 1862 in the 
19th Wisconsin Volunteers, serving until the 
close of the war. He participated in many 



44 



728 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



important battles and campaigns, losing his 
health before the expiration of his term of ser- 
vice, and passing the greater part of the last 
year in the hospital. At the close of the war, 
in 1865, Mr. Kenneson came to Crawford coun- 
ty, purchasing forty acres of land of Dr. Fred- 
erick Cork, located on section 3, town 9, range 
5 west, Seneca town. His farm now contains 
eighty acres. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneson have 
had seven sons, three of whom are living — 
Leonard C, James H. and George A. 

John S. Kingsland is a native of Pittsburg, 
Penn. In 1865 ho came to Lynxville from 
Williams Co., Ohio. Since that time this has 
been his home, except from the fall of 1866 to 
the fall of 1867, when he was at Prairie du 
Chien, engaged in the insurance business with 
Samuel Lester. Mr. Kingsland is now engaged 
in the grain trade, which has been liis occupa- 
tion for many years. His wife is a native of 
Huron Co., Ohio. They have two children — 
Nathan, born at Stryker, Ohio, and Mary, born 
at Lynxville. 

Alden E. Wolcott was born in Lynn Co., 
Iowa, in 184.3. Wlien four years old his pa- 
rents removed to Elizabeth, 111., and from theie 
to Columbus, Iowa. He enlisted in January, 
1863, in the 2Vth Iowa regiment, serving till 
Jan. 24, 1866. He participated in a number of 
severe engagements, including battles of Pleas- 



ant Hill, La.; Tripelo, Miss.; was in Bank's 
Red river expedition; battle of Nashville, cap- 
ture of Mobile, etc. His father served in the 
same regiment. He went to Lansing after the 
war, coming to Lynxville from there. His 
wife was Louisa Vanderbelt, born in the State 
of New York. Mr. Wolcott came to Lynxville 
in 1867, and was engaged for eight or nine 
years in the wood trade. Since 1867, during 
the winter, he has also been engaged in teach- 
ing in Grant and Crawford counties. He now 
represents Lyttle & Co., lumber dealers, Lynx- 
ville. 

The firm of T. C. Bright & Co., general 
merchants at Lynxville, was formed in May, 
1881. The firm is composea of Thomas C. 
Bright and John Vanderbelt. Mr. Bright is 
the son of the wife of William Dickson, of this 
town, and was born in Pennsylvania in January, 
1854. He married a daughter of his partner, 
Mr. Vanderbelt. Mr. Vanderbelt is a native of 
Wayne Co., N. Y. He came to Green Co., 
Wis., when eighteen years of age, and has been 
a resident of Lynxville since 1859. He was for 
many years prominently engaged in running 
wood boats, fishing, etc. He served during the 
last part of the war in the oOlh Wisconsin regi- 
ment. His wife was Mary Prince, born in the 
State of New York. They have two children — 
Lodie, wife of T. C. Bright, and Amelia. 



I 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



729 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 



TOWN OF UTICA. 



T}iat part of Crawford county known as the 
town of Utica, is the center of three towns, 
forming the northern tier of towns in the 
county. It is bounded on the north by Vernon 
county; on the oast, by the town of Chiyton; on 
tile south, by the towns of Ilaney and Seneca; 
and on the west, by the towns of Freeman and 
Setieca. Its territory is made up from congres- 
sional townships 10 and ll, of ranges 4 and 5 
west; it contains about fifty-seven sections of 
hind. The town is nine miles from north to 
south, and in the widest place, east and west, 
about seven mile?. The Kickapoo river forms 
the eastern boundary of the town from a point 
on section 10, town 10, range 4, to section 33, 
on the south line. Fully three-fourths of the 
surface of Utica when cleared, will be tillable 
land ;niil tlie remainder is well suited to grazing 
purposes. The southwest part of the town, 
near Ml. Sterling, consists of a rich black loam, 
which pro<luces fine corn and wheat. The bal- 
ance of the town, except along the streams, 
where rich sandy loam is found, consists of a 
clay soil, best adapted to wheat. It can truth- 
fully be stated that for fertility the soil in 
Utica is not excelled in any part of the county, 
'i'lie Kickapoo river, which forms a part of the 
eastern boundaty of the town, running between 
the towns of Clayton and Utica, is the main 
stream of this locality. 

Tciinior's creek, is the ])rincipal stream flowing 
through this town. It is so called from Ezekiel 
'i'aiiiter, one of the early settlers of the town. 
Ti)is streams flows into the Kickapoo river, 
from the southeast ciuarterof section 9, town 10, 
range 4 west. It has its source in the town of 



Franklin, in Vernon county, and enters the town 
of Utica, on section 19, and flows in a south- 
easterly direction to the Kickapoo. It has sev- 
eral branches, the principal of which are Roger's 
creek and Peterson's branch. The former 
unites with Tainter's creek, on section 29, town 
II, range 4 west, and the latter uniting on sec- 
tion 32, town 11, range 4 west. Laraby's branch 
enters from the west, at a point on section 32, 
and Well's branch, which is quite an important 
stream, flows]several miles before entering Tain- 
ter's creek, which it does on the west part of 
-section 4. 

Collin's creek is a small stream which enters 
the Kickapoo river from section 21, town 10, 
range 4 west. 

.Sugar creek takes its rise on section 34, and 
ilows west it into the Mississippi river. 

Copper creek, another small stream, rises on 
section 26, town 10, range 5 west, and leaves tlie 
I own from section 22. 

In addition to these never failing creeks, 
there are several very valuable springs in various- 
parts of the town, especially in the southern 
portion; these give rise to little creeks which 
flow south into Hall's branch, in the town of 
Haney. 

This town was never heavily timbered, but 
consistedprincipally of oak openings. Atliicker 
growth of the different kinds of timber, has 
been made in many places in the town since it.'< 
settlement. 

SETTLEMENT. 

To William T. Sterling belongs the honor of 
effeotiug the first setllcmeul in the town of 



730 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Utica. He settled on forty acres, which in- 
cludes the site of the residence of William Mc- 
Auley, and is described as the southeast quarter 
of the northwest quarter of section 25, town 10, 
range 5 west. The date of his coming was 
May 10, 1842. In July, the same year, he set- 
tled with his family on the land just described, 
he having erected a log house in the mean time. 
No other settlement had been made at that 
time within a radius of sixteen miles, his near- 
est neighbor being Aaron Hazen, who had 
settled in the town of Eastman. 

William T. Sterling was born in Woodford 
Co., Ky., Jan. 29, 1808. His father, Harvey 
Sterling, was a native of Hagerstown, Md.; he 
was of English extraction. His mother was 
born in Holland ; her father, Jacob Harper, on 
coming to this country, settled at what was 
afterward called Harper's Ferry, in Virginia. 
He removed to Kentucky in 1791. William T. 
Sterling's mother, Elizabeth Harper, was one of 
the three girls who volunteered to run the 
gauntlet to get water, during the seige, in the 
face of 600 Indians and 400 French, in the 
French and Indian War, near the "Dark and 
Bloody Ground." The subject of this sketch was 
reared in Kentucky, and when nineteen years of 
age (in lS27),he, in company with a party of thir- 
teen, including Gov. Dodge, went to the mining 
regions of Galena, 111., where Mr. Sterling re- 
mained till 1838. During that year he wa« 
elected to a clerkship in the Legislature known 
as the Burlington session. The same year he 
was appointed superintendent of public property 
and also librarian. In 1849 he was elected to 
the Legislature from Crawford and Chippewa 
counties and re-elected from the same counties. 
He became a resident of the town of Utica, 
Crawford county, in 1842. At the time he lived 
at Madison there were but t«o families living 
there — the Bird and Peck families. In 1840 
Mr. Sterling took the census of Dane county, and 
he found there were but 315 persons within the 
county. He was married to Eliza Messersmith, I 



who was born in Ohio in 1820, and moved to 
Iowa Co., Wis., in 1827. She died Nov. 15, 
1880, the mother of eleven children — George H., 
Josephine, Napoleon B., Emmet, Francis, Clay, 
Emma, Laura, John Rusk, Alice and Frank. 
The two latter are deceased. In 1884 Mr. Ster- 
ling, who was then seventy-six years old, still 
retained his memory of the past to a remarka- 
ble degree. But few men living in Wisconsin 
date their coming so early as he. He has been 
a olo.se observer of passing events throughout 
his long life ; and few men, either from obser- 
vation or reading, possess a more complete 
knowledge of the history of the State of Wis- 
consin than does William T. Sterling. 

Ezekiel Tainter was the next pioneer to pene- 
trate the wilds of this town, and here make for 
himself a home. He made a claim on section 
5, in town 10, of range 4 west, in the spring of 
1847. Daring the summer of 1847, settlements 
were made by James B. Gay and John Mitchell, 
on section 9, town 10, range 4 west. Ezekiel 
Tainter was a native of Vermont. He went to 
Prairie du Chien in 1838, where he kept a pub- 
lic house, and also furnished the garrison with 
its meat for a time. He lived in this town 
about a dozen years, and then removed to Me- 
nomonee, and there spent the remainder of his 
days with his son Andrew. Mr. Tainter was a 
man of great energy, and somewhat eccentric 
in his manner. He was a Methodist, and one 
of the most zealous workers of that sect ; he 
was extremely pious and devotional, and withal 
was a man who left an impression on the his- 
tory of his town that will long survive. 

In 1848 Sylvester Bacon and John Collins 
located on section 20, town 10, range 4 west, 
near where Gay's mill afterward stood. 

Later, the same j'ear, a young man named 
McBee, made a claim a mile and half north of 
the Tainter claim, but only remained a few 
weeks. Of the pioneers above mentioned, Mr. 
Sterling and Mr. Collins alone remained in 
1883, as the only representatives of the early 
settlers. ■ ■ 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



V3i 



Among others who came in during 1849 was 
William Clark, hrother-iu-law of John Collins. 
He came from Indiana, leaving his family there 
till three or four years later. He entered no 
land, but passed the winter in the pine regions 
above,and summers was engaged in cutting cord 
wood and other kinds of manual labor. He 
was a man of coarse organization, and subject 
to into.xicalion. lie died about 1867. 

Truman H. Wilder was one of the pioneers 
of the town of Utica. He was born in New 
York, in 1814. He removed to Ohio when a 
boy, with his parents, and thence to Illinois, 
when a young man. In 1848 he came to Vernon 
Co., Wis., with his family. He lived one year 
at Liberty Pole. The next year (1849), he 
came to Crawford county, and entered forty 
acres of land on section 22, town 11, range 5 
west, on which he located with liis family. 
This farm he afterwards increased to 100 
acres. He was a carpenter by trade ; for 
twenty-five years justice of the peace of this 
town, and notary public twenty years. He 
died Oct. U, 1870. His widow, Nancy (Carver) 
Wilder still owns and occupies the homestead. 
She was born in Knox Co., Ohio, in 1821. She 
has had eleven children, eight of whom were 
living in 1883. 

During the years 1850, 1851, 1852 and 1853, 
but fe\rcanu' in for settlement. But in 1854 
the tide of emigration set in and the town was 
rajiidly settled up. 

Joseph P. Tower and John Woodburn came 
in the f;di of 1853, and settled near the present 
site of Towerville. 

In 1854 came J. H. Tower, Sr., and bis 
two sons, Thomas W. and J. H. Tower, Jr., to- 
gether with their familes. The Tower family. 
Were all well known and influential citizens, of 
whom all but one had left the town prior to 
1883. 

John S. Rogers lives on section 29, where he 
settled in 1854, on eighty acres of government 
land. He also took u]) a homestead which he 
still owns. He is a native of Pennsylvania, 



but came here from Dane Co., Wis. His father 
also came here in 1854 and located the place 
afterward owned by Peter N. Peterson, where 
he died in 1865. 

D. S. Clement settled on section 25, town 10, 
range 5 west, in 1865. He came to this county 
in 1855, entering land in the town of Freeman 
in 1856 and remained there till his removal to 
the town of Utica. 

David M. Twining lives on section 28, town 
10, range 4 west. He came to this town in 

1854, and the following year, entered land on 
section 15, town 10, range 4 west, which he still 
owns. He is a native of Broome Co., N.Y., and 
is a gunsmith by trade. He served about three 
years in the War of the Rebellion, in the 31 st 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 

Other settlers of 1854, were Edwin Thomp- 
son, Henry E. Bennett and Cyrus Bennett. 

The earliest Norwegian settler of the town of 
Utica, was Nels Peterson, who in the spring of 

1855, located on section 22, town 11, of range 
4 west. A little later in the season of the same 
year in which Mr. Peterson settled (1855), 
Andrew Oleson settled on section 27, town 11, 
range 4 west. 

H. Nephome settled that year, also, on sec- 
tion 34, same town and range. Mr. Nephome 
was born in Norway, in 1 8 1 6, came to Dane 
county, this State, in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. 
Nephome have seven children — Eric, Peter, 
Christopher, Ann, Herman, Bertie and Maria. 
The three oldest were born in Norway. 

The first of the Irish settlement, in the town 
of Utica, was made by Michael Dolan, came to 
Rising Sun, April 19, 1855. 

John Burns dates his settlement from 1854, 
also. He came from Vernon county too. His 
brother Andrew, came at the same time, but 
subsequently moved to Liberty Pole. 

James Wheelock came about that date, from 
Milwaukee, and still resides where he first set- 
tled. 

Henry C. Newcomb of Mt. Sterling, is the 
son of P. S. Newcomb, who came to Crawford 



732 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



county in October, 1856. He was born in Wy- 
oming Co., N. Y., ill 1812. He came to this 
county, fi'om Waukesha, this State, and pur- 
chased of Eliza Sterling the forty acres on 
which the village of Mt. Sterling now stands. 
He moved from this county to Kansas, where 
he died. Henry C, was born in Wyoming Co. 
N. Y., in 1838, and came west with hi.s fathei; 
served three years in the army, during the Civil 
War, as a member of the 3 Ist Wisconsin Volun- 
teer Infantry. He married Susan Moon, a 
daughter of King Moon, who came to this coun- 
ty in 1858. Mr. Newcomb is a dealer in furs, 
and also a manufacturer of gloves and mittens. 

EARLY EVENTS. 

The first couple married in the town of Utica 
were John Mitchell and Maria Flick. The ex- 
act date of their marriage is unknown. An- 
other early marriage was that of John Collins, 
who married Rebecca Clock. The next couple 
married were Margin Mitchell and Saiah 
Taintcr. These weddings all occurred before 
1850. 

The first birth was that of Napoleon B., son 
of William T. and Eliza Sterling, born Apiil 
16, 1843. 

The first death was that of Louisa Sterling, 
daughter of William T. and Eliza Sterling, who 
died Sept. 15, 1844. She was buried on section 
24, town 10, range 5. 

OBGANIZATION. 

The first election held in the town of Utica, 
after the town had received its present bound- 
aries, was held at the house of William Mc- 
Auley, April 3, 1855. The following officers 
were elected: 

John H. Tower, chairman ; Abel Copper, 
William McAuley, supervisors ; Joseph B. 
Tower, clerk ; J. H. Brightman, collector and 
treasurer; Cyrus Peck, superintendent of schools; 
Clayton Rogers, John E. Howell, T. H. Wilder, 
T. Y. SkiiuR-r, justices of the peace; A. B. 
Spencer, John S. Rogers, Wilraot Marsden, con- 
stables; John W^oodburn, assessor ; .T. D. Gay, 
sealer of weights and measures. 



Officers of 1883: Peter N. Peterson, chair- 
man; Ole H. Helgerson, N. A. Tallman, super- 
visors; George W. Davis, clerk; George B. 
Mitchell, treasurer; Samson Turner, assessor ; 
L. D. Layton, J. A. Curran, A. Sears, C. R. 
Rounds, justices of the peace. 

SCHOOLS. 

Tiie first school in the town was taught by 
Abigail Crillis, in a slab shed, on section t4, 
town 10, range 5 west, in the summer of 1856. 

The next school was taught by Elizabeth 
McAuley, daughter of William McAuley, at her 
father's house; this was taught the summer suc- 
ceeding the one held in the slab she.l. Some 
claim it was in 1856, others are of the opinion 
that it was a year later. 

In 1883 the town comprised the following 
school districts: Seven full districts and five 
joint districts. 

In district No. 1 the school house is situated 
on section 29. The number of pupils on enroll- 
ment list, ninety-one 

District No. 3, at this date, had a scholarship 
of twenty-six. The district is provided with a 
good frame building on section 9, town 10, 
range 4 west. 

District No. 4 is provided with a school house 
situated on section 2, town 10, range 5 west. 
Number of pupils, eighty-six. 

District No. 5 inchides the village of Mt. 
Sterling. The school house is on section 26. 
Number of pupils, seventy-nine. 

District No. 6 has an average attendance of 

forty-seven. The school house in this district 
is located on section 1, town 10, range 5 west. 

In district No. 7 the school house stands on 
section 11, town 10, range 5 west. Number of 
pupils, fifty-four. 

District No. 14 is located on section 22, town 
11, range 4 west. The iiumVier of pupils in this 
district is fifty-eight. 

Joint district No. 5 is provided with a house 
in the town of Freeman. The number of pupils 
from the town of Utica is twenty-three. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 



Y33 



Joint district No. 11 is made up of territory 
from Clayton and Utica. Number of pupils 
from the latter named town, thirty-six. 

Joint district No 13 is supplied with a poor 
school house on section 22, town 11, range -t 
west. There are forty-seven pupils belonging 
to this district from the town of Utica. 

Joint district No. 14, comprising parts of Free- 
man and Utica, has its school building in the 
town of Freeman. Number of pupils from 
Utica, one. 

Joint district No. 15 is a part of the towns 
of Seneca and Utica. Its building is located in 
the former named. Number of pupils from 
Utica, twenty-four. 

RKLIGIOUS. 

Besides the numerous Church organizations 
mentioned in connection with the village histo- 
ries of ihe town of Utica, there are two outside 
of the villages — the Norwegian Lutheran Church 
and the Roman Catholic Church. The first 
Norwegian religious services in this town were 
held at the residences of the early settlers in 
1857. The first were conducted by Rev. H. A. 
Stubh, pastor of Coon Prairie Church, Vernon 
county. The first church building erected by this 
denomination was a log structure, built on sec- 
tion 22, town 11, range 4 west, in 1859. This 
building was used for church purposes until the 
present church in the town of Franklin, Ver- 
non Co., was built, where the congregation then 
attended. In 1871 the number of families be- 
longing to the Lutheran Church having so in- 
creased, that an additional church building was 
required, and the distance to the church in the 
town of Franklin being too great for many 
familiesjit was arranged to hold religious ser- 
vice in the Congregational church at Mt Ster- 
ling. In 1875 the present church building was 
erected. It is located on section 11, town 10, 
range 5 west. The congregation attending this 
iliiirch is a large one, compiising most of the 
families in this town and those from other 
towns who find it more convenient to attend 



here. The cost of the church building was 
about $4,000. 

The first Roman Catholic services in the 
town of Utica were conducted by the Rev. L. 
Galthier, of Prairie du Chien, at the house of 
Patrick Finnigan, on section 22, town 11, range 
5 west, in April, 1855. Between thirty and forty 
families comprise the congregation. Rev. Gal- 
thier held services occasionally for a number 
of years. A German priest whose name is not 
remembered, also came occasionally. Another 
priest. Father Seife, held services a few times. 
In the spring of 1857, a log church was erected, 
and the first pastor mentioned was the first to 
conduct services in this church. He was an 
earnest, energetic priest, and was well known 
throughout this section of country. The first 
pastor who was settled over the people here 
was the Rev. O'Connor, who was pastor for 
about four years. He was followed by Rev. 
Patrick Murphy, who remained two or three 
years. Father Montague, who came about 1879, 
was pastor during the building of the present 
church edifice, which was built the following 
year. This is a frame building on section 22, 
town 10, range 5 west. Cost, about $25,000. 
Then came Rev. Michael Heiss who was sue] 
ceedfd by the Rev. Constantine De Druste. 

The next priest was Father B. Degoey. 
Then came Father Collins from Seneca, who 
held services about six months, followed by 
Rev. John Collins. Then came Rev. J. J. 
Burns and Rev. J. B. A. Conroy, who was suc- 
ceeded by the present pastor. Rev. Gabriel 
Homo. 

CEMETERIES. 

There are three burying grounds in the town 
of Utica. One of these is situated on section 
25, on the farm of William McAuley. Another 
is located at Towerville, and the third, on sec- 
tions 35 and 36, town 10, range 5 west, on the 
farms of Messrs. Stearns and Willet. The 
land (^(instituting the first mentioned was deed- 
ed by Mr. McAuley to the school district in 
whicli he lived. Tlie first burials there were a 



1U 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



child of Mr. McAuley's named Allen Hess, and 
a German whose name is unknown, wlio was 
looking up a location; he was taken sick at tlie 
house of Mr. McAuley and there died. 'Jliese 
interments botli occurred in 185C. 

The cemetery at Towerville was first used by 
the Tower family and afterward used by the 
public in general. The first burials here date 
to al)0ut the same time as those in the cemetery 
just mentioned. These two cemeteries in 1884 
were being used but little, except by those wlio 
already had friends buried there. 

The principal burying place of the town was 
first used in ISYO. This ground was deeded by 
Jlessrs. Stearns and Willet, to the Utica and 
Seneca Cemetery Association. The first buri- 
als within these grounds were removals from 
the cemetery on section 25. In addition to 
these places of burial, there were Church ceme- 
teries in connection with both the Catholic and 
Lutheran Churches; also several private burial 
places. 

VILLAGE OF MT. STERLING. 

This village takes its name from the mound so 
called in honor of the first settler, Mr. Sterling. 
This mound is situated just east of and adjacent 
to the place, which is located on section 2C, 
town 10, range 5 west. The land upon which 
the village is platted, was entered by William 
T. Sterling, in the name of his wife, Eliza Ster- 
ling, in 1855. The land was sold by its original 
owner to Truman Folsom, in 1856; it was again 
transferred to P. S. Newcomb, and from him to 
Cyrus Behiiett, by whom the village was laid 
out in 1S5S. The only building on the land 
contained in the plat, at the time it was laid 
out, was a shanty owned and occupied by Mr. 
Newcoml)and his family. Mr. Folsom, already 
mentioned, erected the first building in which 
he lived, and also kept a small stock of goods, 
and consequently must be given a place as the 
first merchant of the place. 

A man named Swift was the earliest black- 
smith of the village. 



In the autumn of 1868, A. E. Mills erected 
a wagon and blacksmith shop. He employed 
George Sho]> and A. 1>. Williams as wagon 
makers. 

The first shoemaker was A. C. B. Vaiighan, 
who WHS postmaster of the place in 1883. 

The postoffice at Mt. Sterling was estab- 
lished in 18")1. William T. Sterling was ap- 
pointed fiist postm.nster. He was succeeded by 
the following in their proper order: C. C. 
Bennett, Truman Folsom, James H. Jewell, Dr. 
Frederick Corfe, Aaron Cook and A. C. B^ 
Vaughan, who received his appointment in 18*70, 
and is still (1884) in office. 

CHUBCOES. 

There were three Church organizations within 
the village in 1884 — Methodist E;>iseo|ial, Con- 
gregational and Universalist. The first two 
mentioned have buildings and mantain regular 
services. 

The first services of the Congregational 
Church held at Mt. Sterling were conducted by 
the Rev. John Sherwin in 1863. Mr. Sherwin 
was at that time State agent of the Congrega- 
tional Church in Wisconsin. He at that time 
organized a society, which was called the First 
Congregational Cinirch at Mt. Sterling. 

Those who united with the society at that 
time were: Mrs. JMary Radcliflfe, Joel Robb, 
his wife, Mrs. Jane Robb, John M. Gay, Mrs. 
Sarah Gay, Priscilla Gay, Isaac Rounds, Mrs. 
Lucy A. Rounds, Thomas Allen and his wife, 
Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Lydia Sherwood. 

First officers were: John M. Gay and Joel 
Bobb, deacons; John M. Gay, clerk. 

The first pastor was the Rev. L. D. Radcliffe. 
He preached for the society about three years. 
He was a man well liked and of fair ability. 
He is now living in Pennsylvania. He was suc- 
ceeded by the present pastor, Rev. Peter Valen- 
tine. 

The church edifice was erected in 1803. It 
is a frame building, and cost about §2,U()i). 
Since its completion, $100 have been expended 
in improvements. The society at present is 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Y35 



not a large one, many members having died 
and otliera removed. Marcus Nickerson is the 
(iresent deacon, the pastor officiating as clerk. 
Present members, fifteen. 

Rev. Peter Valentine has been pastor of the 
('liurch since Nov. 1, 1868. He is a native of 
Lancashire, England, where he was born in 
IMIO. He began preaching when twenty-seven 
years of age as an Independent Methodist 
preacher, which he continued till 1842, when he 
(Mine to the United States. Preached in Penn- 
sylvania several years before coming to this 
State. Was ordained as a Congregational min- 
ister in 1864, in the town of Wheatland, Ver- 
non county, by the Rev. John Sherwin. His 
wife, Alice Pollit, was also a native of England. 
They have two children, a son and a daughter. 

Probably the first Methodist service held in 
the l(nvn of Ulica, was conducted by the Rev. 
C. A. Wirecli, in 1854, at the house of Ezekiel 
Tainter, but whether there was a class formed 
in the town as early as that date, is not certain, 
though it is highly probable that such was the 
case, as there were several Methodist families 
living in the town at that time. 

Tlie circuit which included this town at the 
time, consisted of a large area of territory, and 
services were held infrequently for a number 
of years. The second preacher on the circuit 
was the Rev. John Knibbs, in 18.t6. 

The following is furnished by Rev. John 
Knibl)s : 

"I was sent in September, 1856, to the mis- 
sion which included the town of Utica ; I 
found the country new and rough, and the peo- 
ple few and far between. I can hardly remem- 
ber where I ])rcached first, l)Ut I think it was at 
the double log tavern of William McAuley, 
who I buliove still resides at Mt. Sterling. If 
I renienibei' aright, my first class was formed at 
Bro. Ezekiel Tainter's, or " Uncle Zeke," as 
he was generally known ; whether a class was 
then formerly organized or whether, like Topsy, 
it "grew "I cannot now remember. We liad 



several good Methodist members in that region, 
who came principally from Ohio. 

"Among them were Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur,Mr. 
and Mrs. Tallman, Mr. Roger's family, and two 
brothers named Peck. There were several 
others whose names I do not remember. The 
minister appointed by the conference to succeed 
me, was brother T. C. Clendenning, now of 
Rock River Conference, but I have long since 
lost sight of our Church in that region of the 
county. 

"You ask for some account of my experience 
while traveling the circuit in the stormy winter 
of 18-TC-7. Well, it was a very chilling experi- 
ence to say the least. I began my mission work 
in September, and had traversed the county 
quite thoroughly before winter set in. I had 
ten preaching places, besides several classes to 
visit. On the 22d of December, IS-ie, I started 
from Prairie du Chien, and preache(l at IJridge- 
port in the afternoo ■ of that day. In the evening 
I went to Stukeville. During the night a hard 
snow storm came on and I was shut in with no 
enlertaininent for myself or horse. So in the 
nioining I. started for the house of J. F. Has- 
kiiis, in llaney valley, but the storm increased 
and a crust an inch thick formed on the snow. 
.My horse's legs were cut and bleeding and he 
refused to go further, so I left him and under- 
took to find a house on foot ; but the intense 
cold and darkness confused me and I wandered 
about during five days and four nights, at the 
end of which time I was nearly exhausted. On 
the fifth day I found Eagle Points saw-mill, 
Mr. Raljih Smith, jjroprietor. There I was re- 
ceived and most kindly cared for. On the 
eighth day, mortification having begun, my left 
foot was amputated, and I was taken the same 
day to Prairie du Chien and kindly cared for 
by Mr. Alonzo Pelton, Drs. Benedict and 
.Mason, and many others. Dr. Benedict after- 
ward said that if my system had contained a 
particle of alchohol, I would not have survived 
the first night of my exposure. .Many at that 
time lost their lives who were exposed but one 



736 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



night to the intense cold. This p.art of ray ex- 
perience I have ever cherished as a valuable 
temperance lesson." 

The Rev. T. C. Clendenning, who succeeded 
Rev. John Knibbs, was assisted on the circuit 
by the Rev. Isaac E. Springer. 

The church building at Mt. Sterling, a 
frame structure, was the first Methodist church 
in the town. As late as ISe"? Mount Sterling 
was in Batavia circuit. In 1868 it belonged to 
Seneca and Brookville circuit. There is no 
record of this church to be found extending 
back further than 18V0, at which time the Rev. 
McKay was the pastor, who removed in 1872, 
and was succeeded by Rev. 0. Burnett, who re- 
moved in 1874; then came Rev. Thomas Crouch, 
who removed in 1875 and was succeeded by 
Rev. Robert Smith, who remained two years. 
E. F. Buuce was appointed in 1877 but did not 
accept the appointment, when L. L. Wooley 
was appointed as supply, and Isaac C. F. Nu- 
zem, preacher in charge, who remained till 1878 
and was succeeded by William McMillan who 
remained one year. Rev. John Avery was ap- 
pointed in 1880 and served two years. Rev. 
Edward McGinley was appointed in 1882, and 
was succeeded by Rev. James Barnett, in 1883. 

In February, 1881, Rev. I. Eberhart delivered 
a course of lectures it Mt. Sterling on univer- 
salism. Services were held here occasionally 
thereafter, but no organization was effected 
till the spring of 1883, when a society was 
formed and the organization called the First 
Universalist Church of Mount Sterling. The 
society contains about thirty members. 

The Rev. S. N. Cushett has preached for the 
society, and the Rev. A. Vedder is the present 
pastor. 

.SOCIETIES. 

In 1883 there were two secret societies in the 
village — a Good Templars' Lodge, whose char- 
ter dates Feb. 27, 1878, and the Patrons of 
Husbandry, which was organized July 8, 1874. 

BUSINESS HISTOET. 

Truman Folsom sold the first goods in the 
village, and was soon succeeded by J. H. Jewell, 



who remained in business a number of vears. 
lie kept a general stock and built him up a tine 
trade from the surrounding country. Prior to 
18(jo the firm was known as Jewell & Case, and 
during that year they were succeeded by Cook 
& McAuley, who in turn were followed by 
Cook & Il.iggerty. In 1868 this firm was 
changed to J. A. Haggerty, and three years 
later, to Haggerty & Co. The ne.xt change 
was in 1880, when N. Grant became proprietor, 
and a year later the firm was styled N. Grant & 
Co. In 1882 the firm became J. Smethurst. 

Brightman & Stearns commenced a general 
merchandising business in 1866, and closed out 
about three years later. This firm was suc- 
ceeded in 1881 by Bennett & Haggerty, who 
were still in trade in 1884. 

A drug business was first established at 
Mt. Sterling in 1860, by Dr. Fred. Corfe 
and E. Packard. During the Rebellion, these 
gentlemen both served in the Union army, and 
their business discontinued till the return of 
Dr. Corfe, when another drug house was opened 
under the firm name of Corfe & Sherwood ; the 
firm later became Corfe & Packard, the latter 
being a brother of the first mentioned Packard. 
It was again Corfe & Sherwood ; then Corfe 
alone, who was succeeded in 1881 by W. A, 
Sherwood, who is still (1884) in business. 

The pioneer hotel of the village was kept by 
Lorenzo B. Layton, wlio began keeping what is 
known as the Sherwood House. He afterward 
built the Layton House, which he operated till 
his death, which occurred in 1883. 

The business of the village in December, 
1883, was represented as follows: Haggerty & 
Bennett, general merchants; Smethurst & Case, 
general merchants; A. E. Mills, blacksmith; 
A. E. Spencer, wagon-maker; A. Sears, hotel; 
Sherwood & Son, Sherwood House; A. ('. B. 
Vaughau, postmaster; Mrs. C. G. Green, mil- 
liner; W.. A. Sherwood, drugs; C. B. Porter, 
physician. 

VILLAGE OF TOWERVILLE. 

This little hamlet is situated on the north- 
east quarter of the northeast quarter of section 



HISl'ORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



m 



4. Tlie oiiginal owners of the plat were J. H. 
Tower, Jr., and T. W. Tower. It was laid out 
l>y these gentlemen and their father, J. H. 
Tower, in July, 1854; the plat was surveyed by 
William McAuley. A grist mill and two 
dwelling lioiises were erected that year by the 
proprietors of the village. In 1855 a store 
iMiilding was erected l)y J. H. Tower, Jr., who 
started the first store in the place; a blacksmith 
and cooper shop were started the same year liy 
G. J. Freeman. The grist mill was built on 
Tainter's creek, which flows hard by the village 
and furnishes a good supply of water fur any 
ordinary mill |)ower. This mill was owned 
and operated by J. II. Tower and his sons for 
about three years. It then j)assed into the 
hands of other parties, and finally became the 
property of Matthew 8tunkard, now deceased. 
There lingers in and around this moss covereil 
mill much of historic interest, as it was the 
first mill in Crawford county, outside of Prairie 
du t'liien. 

A saw-mill was built in 1858 by J. P. Tower, 
about fifty rods below the grist mill. He 
owned and operated the mill till 18G5, when it 
was abandoned. At this date, 18S4, jMr. Tower 
lives in Dickinson, Co., Iowa. 

A woolen factory was built by Edward Davis 
in 1859. The size of the factory was -SOxoO 
feet, two stories in height. The machinery 
consisted of a custom carding machine, one 
broad and two narrow looms, and set of manu- 
facturing cards. Mr. D^vis operated this mill 
for two or three years, when it was burned. He 
began re-building soon after the fire, and be- 
fore its completion he formed a partnershiji 
with Thomas W. Tower. The factory was 
finally completed; it contained a set of custom 
cards, set of manufacturing cards, and two 
jacks. The mill also had 480 spindles, two 
broad and three narrow looms. Mr. Davis sold 
his interest, before its completion, to George 
M. Wilber, and two years later Mr. Tower be- 
came sole proprietor, and for several years did 
a thriving business. He finally leased, or 



rather sold conditionally, to ClarkXawton; but 
the flames again consumed it in 1873. It was 
again re-built by David K. Lester. In 1883 it 
was owned and worked by George C. Davis, 
who did custom work, such as carding and 
manufacturing yarns. 

A postoffice was established at Towerville in 
1856. John H. Tower was the first postmaster 
commissioned. He was succeeded by his broth- 
er, Thomas W. Tower. Archibald Sears came 
next, and was succeeded in 1883 by Mrs. A. E. 
Helgerson. 

For about twenty years Towerville was con- 
sidered a place of much importance. Among 
the prominent men of the village in its palmy 
days were J. II. and T. W. Tower. The Tower 
family came here from Underbill, Vt., and were 
indeed men of much prominence in Crawford 
county at an early day. The father, .1. 11. 
Tower, died in 1856. In 1883 J. H., Jr., w.is a 
resident of the town of Freeman, and Thomas 
\V. lived in Snmner, Bremer Co., Iowa, whitiier 
he removed in 1879. At the present date (1884) 
the business of the place is represented as 
follows : 

Thomas Helgerson, general sti>re ; George C. 
Davis, woolen mill ; Mrs Katherine Stunkard, 
grist mill ; Amanda Helgerson, postmistress. 

.JOHNSTOWN. 

In 18U0 a mill dam was built on Tainter's 
creek, on section 9, in town 10, range 4 west, 
and the frame for a saw-mill got out; but high 
water washed away the dam, and other losses 
were sustained, and the project thereby aban- 
doned. The parties thus interested were: .lohn 
Mitchell, D. R. Wilkinson, John E. Howtll.J. 
P. Mitchell and William Restler. A store was 
opened by the company composed of these gen- 
tlemen ; it was operated by William Restler for 
a time. Samuel Ilutchins also run a store here 
for some time. This place took its name from 
John Mitchell, one of the above named com- 
pany. But owing to the abandonment of the 
mill project, business was altogether discon 
tinued. 



738 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



About a lialf mile above, on the same stream 
— Tainter's creek — is the grist mill of George 
M. Wilbur, which was built by him in 1876. 
It is a frame stnu-ture 20x36 feet; has two ruti 
of stone, with an ample water power to drive 
all necessary machinery. 

gay's mill. 
The first mill built in the town of Utica was 
a saw-mill ; it was located on the Kickapoo 
river, on section 28, town 10, range 4 west. It 
was erected by .James B. Gay about 1848. It 
was owned and operated by Mr. Gay till 1859 ; 
on the death of Air. Gay in that year, it went 
into the possession of his legal heirs, and was 
run till about 1878, after which it was removed. 
Tins mill manufactured lumber from pine logs 
rafted down the Kickapoo river from the vast 
pine region above; and also cut into lumber 
the various kinds of hard timber found in the 
vicinity. This point on the Kickapoo river has 
long been an important one for milling purposes. 
The excellent water power found here attracted 
the attention of the pioneers, and it was 
promptly utilized by Mr. Gay, who was one of 
the earliest lumbermen of this county. 

In 1865 the present flouring mill at this point 
was erected by J. M. Gay, a brother of James 
B. Gay, and George M. Wilbur, Mr. Wilbur 
owned a half interest in the mill for about two 
years, when he sold out to Mr. Only, a son-in- 
law (if Mr. Gay. The mill building is a frame 
'structure 30x40 feet, containing two run of 
stone, with six feet fall, and an abundant sup- 
ply of water at all seasons of the year. In 1883 
tiie building was raised from a story .-ind a half 
in lieiglit to three stories. The mill is now 
owned and operated by Thomas W. Gay and S. 
H. and J. A. Robb. 

This mill has always done an extensive busi- 
ness, and is noted for the excellence of its work. 
The present proprietors are energetic business 
men. The business of the mill is annually in- 
creasing. Improvements are in contemplation 
and will soon be made, which will enlarge the 



capacity of the mill, and give increased facilities 
for doing excellent work. 

The term, "Gay's Mill," is used to designate 
quile a settlement at this point. Mr. J. Steffy 
has a store here, and keeps a general stock of 
goods. There are also several societies and a 
Church organization with headquarters at this 
place. There is an organization of the Congrega- 
tional Church here dating from September, 1871. 
Rev. P. Valentine has officiated as pastor since 
its Organization. The following are the names 
of those who united to form the society: N. A. 
Tallman and wife, C. R. Rounds and wife, T. 
W. Gay and wife, Mrs. F. G. Robb, Mrs. M. 
Ilartwell, Mrs. S. E. Angler and Fannie D. 
(4ay. The first officers were: C. R Round, sec- 
retary; N A. Tallman and T. W. Gay, deacons. 
The society at present consists of thirteen 
members. 

Another organization is a Post of the G. 
A. R., known as O. D. Chapman Post, No. 80. 
It was organized April 25, 1883. The appli- 
cants for a charter were: N. A. Tallman, Ed- 
ward Gray, George R. Rounds, Theodore Hard- 
ing, Phillip H. Moon, A. H. Frank, J. S. Dud- 
ley, Cyrus W. Shafer, C. R. Young, G. R. Twin- 
ing, John Lowe, J. G. Richardson, Darius 
Welch, R. W. Abbey, Edwin Thompson, Charles 
R. Rounds, O. P. Rounds and O. D. Chapman. 
The officers of the lodge are: Edwin Thompson, 
P C; Edward Gray, S. V.C; N. Tallman, J. V. 
C.; C. R. Rounds, A. D. J.; G. R. Twining, Q. 
M.; A. B. Purrington, surgeon; John Lowe, 
chaplain; A. H Turk, O. D.; G. R. Rounds, O. 
G.; Darius Welch, S. M.; John G. Richardson, 
Q. S.; Cyrus W. Shafer, C. B. Quite a number 
have joined since the organization, and the post 
is in a flourishing condition. The time of meet- 
ing is the fii-st and third Wednesday in each 
month, a' two p. m. 

A Good Templars' lodge was organized a 
number of years since, with the following char- 
ter members: F. G. Robb, T. W. Gay, P. R. 
Gay, Rissie Ilartwell, M. D. Ilartwell, M. A. 
Tallman, S. E. Angler, Callie Ilartwell, C. R. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



739 



Rounds, E. C. Dunham, Rosanna Dunham, O. 
P. Samson, X. A. Tallman, J. J. Collins, T. W. 
Samson, Belle Davis, E. F. Stearns, A. B. Sam- 
son, J. A. Neaville, W. H. Winn and S. P. Hart- 
well The charter was granted July 15,1871. 
The lodge was organized by J. A. Neaville, 
of Grant county. First officers: J. A. Neaville, 
W. C. T.; R. R. Gay, W. V. T.; T. W. Gay, W. 
C; E. F. Steams, W. S. E. C; S. E. Angier, 
W. F. S.; Rissie Hartwell, W. T. R. E. A.; N. 
Samson, W. M.; Belle D.avis, W. B. M.; Callie 
Hartwell, W. I. G.; W. J. Collins, W. O. G.; 
Mrs. M. Hartwell, W. R. H. S.; F. G. Robb, 
W. L. H. S.; C. R. Rounds, P. W. C. T. This 
is one of tlie most prosperous Good Templars' 
lodges in the county. A commendable interest 
has always been manifested in the lodge. 

Officers serving in 1883: M. H. Robb, W. C. 
T.; Rose B. Rounds, W. V. T.; Fannie Gay, P. 
W. C. T.; C. R. Rounds, W. C; Jennie Robb, 
W. R S ; Charles A Hoffman, W. A. S.; Cora 
Gay, W. F S.; Fred Twining, W. T; Joe 
Gay, W. N.; Carrie Robb, W. D. M.; Bert S. 
Girdler, W. G.; Mahlon Twining, W. S.; Ab- 
bie Lewis W. R H S.; Etta Shafer, W. L. H. 
S. There is also an orgaization of The Pat- 
rotis of Husbandry, at this point for which a 
charter was granted in August, 1ST4. 

Vir.LA.GE OF RISING SUN. 

This village is situated on section 22 town 
1 1, range 5 west. The original' owner of the 
site was T. H. Wilder. The place was never 
platted, but lots were sold by Mr. Wilder be- 
ginning about 1807, when men named Sink and 
McCulloucli purcliased lots, and erected thereon 
residences and a blacksmitli slioj). The village 
was named from the following incident: 
When Mr. Wilder first located there, it had 
been raining for two weeks, and the sun had 
not made its ap])earancc during all that time; 
but the next day, tlie sun made its appearance, 
and from this the locality was named "Rising 
Sun." In 1808, a residence was built by John 
Demming, who used the basement as a saloon . 
Robert Herrick erected the first store, and sold 



therein the first goods. Herrick did an exten- 
sive business till 1871, when he failed, well off, 
as it is generally believed, and removed to 
St. Helena, Neb. Thomas Jerman was in 
business here about one year; he is now in the 
drug business at Veroqua. 

James Curran conducted a store from 1872 till 
187.5, with N. McKie, of Viroqua, when he be- 
came a partner in the busines.s. It was run in 
the firm name of McKie & Co., till 1877, tlien 
N. McKie became sole proprietor, who sold to 
Rogers in 1877, present proprietor. 

John Demming and Guilord conducted busi- 
ness about one year in the firm name of Dem- 
ming & Guilord, who were succeeded by M A. 
Demming, who is still in business. 

Michael Dolan engaged in business in 1878, 
and is still in business. 

Truman II Wilder kept the first hotel. 

John Demming kept hotel for a number of 
years. 

James Curran is the present hotel man. 

Ove Larson, present blacksmith, came in 
1877; has done a ])rosperous business. 

The shoemaker of the place was Bent E. 
Eide; he came in 1874, left in 1878, and is now 
in Dakota. 

The postoffice. Rising Sun, was established 
in the spring of 1852 or 1853, and T. H. Wilder 
was appointed postmaster. The following are 
the postmasters who have succeeded Wilder, 
in proper order: Neal Mines, Robert Herrick, 
Thomas Jerman, John O'Connor, James Curran, 
Henry Rogers who was succeeded by James Cur- 
ran, who was appointed the second time. Mr. 
Curran resigned Jan. 1,1884, and Henry E. 
Rogers was appointed. 

PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

One of the prominent early settlers of Ftica 
town is William McAuley, whose settlement 
dates from 1854. Mr. McAuley resides on sec- 
tion 25, town 10, i-ange 5 west of the fourth 
priuciiial meridian. He was born in 1809, in 
Wythe Co., Va. When twenty-two years of 
age he removed with his parents, Daniel anfl 



740 



HISTORY OF CHAWFOIJD COUNTY. 



Margaret McAuley, to Indiana, living near Indi- 
anapolis for nearly four years. In 1835 he 
moved to Iowa (now Grant) county, in what is 
now Wisconsin, but which then belonged to 
Michigan Territory. He entered that year 240 
acres of land near the site of the village of Lan- 
caster. In 1836 he worked a farm for A. T. 
Boyce, which farm included the present site of 
Lancaster, where, the following winter, the 
county seat was located. The three following 
years Mr. McAuley resided with his parents on 
the land which he had entered upon coming to 
Grant county, after which he sold out and re- 
turned to Indiana. Returning soon after to 
Wisconsin, he purchased again his old farm in 
Grant county, resided there until 1854, when, 
as before stated, he came to Crawford county. 
He entered several hundred acres of land in 
this county, at the same time purchasing of 
William T. Sterling forty acres of land on 
which to build a home. His father died in 
Grant county, his mother in Crawford county. 
Mr. McAuley married Jane Megee, a native of 
Kentucky. They have had thirteen children, 
seven of whom are living — Rhoda A., wife of 
George Shoup; Margaret E., wife of Col. C. M. 
Butt, of Viroqua; Martha, widow of Henry Mc- 
Dougal; Sarah, wife of John A. Haggerty, of 
Mt. Sterling; Rosalia R., wife of Tliomas W. 
Tower, an early settler of this town, but now a 
resident of Bremer Co , Iowa; John and Auley. 
Mr. McAuley is one of the most prominent and 
successful farmers and stock-raisers in the 
county. He gives much attention to the im- 
provement of cattle by the introduction of 
thoroughbred stock. lie now owns about 700 
acres of land. Mr. McAuley has given con- 
sider.able attention to surveying, being a prac- 
tical surveyor. One son, William, died Dec. 
26, 1883, aged twenty-eight years. 

H. A. Sherwood was born July 5, 1834, in 
Saratoga Co., N. Y. He came to Crawford 
county with his father, Isaac Sherwood, in 1854. 
In 1855 he entered 200 acres on section 26, 
towft 10, range 5 west, where be now owns a. 



farm of 340 acres. The fall of the same year, 
1855, Mr. Sherwood began to make improve- 
ments, breaking seven acres and beginning the 
erection of a house, which was completed the 
next spring. He continued to occupy this 
house until 1875, when he erected his present 
residence. It is one of the finest farm residences 
in the county, costing $2,500. Mr. Sherwood 
married Lydia C, daughter of Rev. Henry 
Maynard, an early settler of Columbia Co., 
Wis., now a resident of Lodi. Mrs. Sherwood 
was born at Bloomington, III. Mr. and Mrs. 
Sherwood have had six children, four of whom 
are living — Isaac H., Orrin A., Edgar E. and 
Herbert L. 

Aaron C. 13. Vaughan, postmaster at Mt. 
Sterling, settled in Crawford Co., Wis., in 1854, 
locating on Copper creek, in what is now 
Freeman town. He resided there on a farm 
three years, then came to Mt. Sterling, and en- 
g.aged in the boot and shoe business, in which he 
continued, except during his absence in the 
army, until 1879, at which time he was ap- 
pointed postmaster. Mr. Vaughan was born in 
1821, in Clinton Co., N. Y. He moved from 
New York to Rock Co., Wis., from there to 
Iowa, and from Iowa to Copper creek, now in 
the town of Freeman. He married Catharine 
Johnson, a native of New York Statu. Mr. and 
Mrs. Vaughan have two children living — 
Daniel and Content. Mr. Vaughn enlisted in 
1802, in the 3l8t Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 
serving until the close of the war. He took 
part in the siege of Atlanta, was with Gen. 
Sherman on his march to the sea, and partici- 
pated in tlie battles of Averysburg and Benton- 
ville. His on, Anselm E., accompanied his 
father into the army, being a member of the 
same company. He died in the hospital at 
Columbus, Ky. He was a young man highly 
respected for his upright and generous charac- 
ter, paying strict attention to his duties as a 
soldier, and a friend to soldiers and his coun- 
try. He w.as married a few days bt-fore enlist- 
ment to Cornelia, Brockway, au estimable young 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



741 



lady, who was left to mourn tlie loss of a true and 
faithful husband. 

Peter N. Peterson was born in Norway in 
1842. His father, Nels Peterson, was the oldest 
Norwegian settler in Utica town, having come 
to ihis town in 1855. He is still living on sec- 
tion 22, town 11, range 4 west. Mr. Peterson 
enlisted Oct. 2, 1861, in the 12th Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry, serving till August, 1865. 
He was in active service all the time, participat- 
ing in all the campaigns and battles in which 
his regiment was engaged. His first location 
of land was on section -'2, town 11, range 4 west. 
In 1873 he located on section 33, in the same 
town and range, where he .still lives. Mr. Pet- 
erson is now serving his fourth term as chair- 
man of the town board, and is at present chair- 
man of the county board of supervisors. JVIrs. 
Peterson is also a native of Norway. They 
have .seven children, three sons and four 
daughters. 

Edwin Thomson is a native of Sussex, Eng- 
land, born July 6, 1830. He came to the United 
States with his father in 1842, and .settled in 
Madison Co., N. Y. In .T><ine 1845, the family 
settled in Colimil>us, Columbia Co., Wis., locat- 
ing on land which the father cimtinued to occupy 
until his death in 1880. In 1854 Edwin Thom- 
son entered land on section 25, town 10 north, 
of range 5 west, where he still resides. He was 
married Jan. 13, 1852, to Alma A. Folsom, a 
native of Vermont. In .June, 1S55, with his 
family and his wife's father and mother, Henry 
S. Bennett and Cyrus C. Bennett and their fam- 
ilies, he removed to Utica town and made a per- 
manent settlement near Mt Sterling. He enlisted 
on the 9th of August, 1862, in company A, 31st 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, for three years; 
joined the 20th army corps at Marietta, Ga.; 
was at the siege of Atlanta, and accompanied 
the corps on that famous march to the sea. He 
participate 1 in several serious engagements, was 
wounded at the battle of Benton Hill, March 19, 
1865, and was discharged on the 27th day of 
September 1865, at Madison, Wis. Some two 



years after his return from the war, hiswlfedied. 
He then married Mrs. Catharine Bennett, the 
widowed wife of II. S. Bennett, who enlisted in 
November, 1864, in company D, 18th Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry, and died at Jeffersonville, 
Ind., July 14, 1865, aged thirty-five years. 
She was a native of Ireland. Her parents died 
in her native country, and she came with the 
other children of the family to the United 
States in 1847. In the sjn'ing of 1854 she mar- 
ried H. S. Bennett, and they removed, with 
three other families, to Crawford Co., W^is. 
Mrs. Thomson had three children by her first 
husband. 

Thomas Adams was born in countv Armagh, 
in the north of Ireland, in 1820. His parents 
were respectively of Scotch and English descent. 
He came to the United States in 1851, residing 
for a time in New Hampshire. He went from 
there to Vermont, but returned to New Hamp- 
shire in a short time, where he purchased some 
land. In 1850 Mr. Adams came to Crawford 
Co, Wis. In 1866 he settled on section 14, 
town 10, range 5 west, where he now resides, 
Mr. Adams is a thoroughly practical farmer, 
and has one of the best farms in the town. It 
contains 240 acres, 121 of which he purchased 
of Joseph E. McCrillis, and fifty-one of Joseph 
R. McCrillis, son of ,Tose))h E. The remainder 
he purchased of various parties. But a small 
portion of hi.s land had been improved when he 
came here. He now has a fine residence, built 
in 1881, also a good barn and an excellent well. 
His well is 245 feet deep, producing an abun- 
dant supply of e.Kcellent water. He is engaged 
in general farming and stock raising. 

Oliver A. Caswell is a native of Connecticut, 
born in 1826. When five years gf age he re- 
moved with his father, Oliver A. Caswell, Sr., 
to Ohio. He was there reared to agricultural 
pursuits, and when a young man learned the 
carpenter trade. He married Sophronia Thomp- 
son, born in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Caswell have 
three children, one son and two daughters — E. 
A., Emerette E., wife of Ambrose Miller; ¥&• 



T42 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



tclla, wife of Rev. L. N. Wooley, now pastor 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Viola, 
Vernon county. Mr Caswell came to Crawford 
county in December, 1856, settling on his pres- 
ent farm, located on section 24, town 10, range 
.5 west. He purchased his farm of Charles 
B. Thompson. Wlien Mr. Caswell bought it 
no improvements had been made, tlie farm con- 
sisting entirely of oak openings. He formerly 
iia<l 440 acres of land, but, having given 120 
acres to his son, he now has but 320 acres. Mr. 
Caswell is a democrat in politics. He was elect- 
ed to the House in the Legislative session of 
1871, his opponent being George Sweizer. He 
was deputy sheriff of Crawford county for 
twelve years, liis first appointment being in 
1859. He has also served as chairman of the 
town board. 

Leonard Hammerly was born Aug. 4, 1 82V, 
in Switzerland, where he grew to manhood. 
In 1855 he came to the United States with 
his family. His father, Joseph Hammerly, 
died in Switzerland. In 1856 Mr. Hammer- 
ly came to this county from Green county, 
where he had resided a short time. He first 
located in Seneca town, this county, where 
he lived until 1864. He has owned a part of 
his present farm in Utica town since 1856. He 
has 154 acres of land and has made all the im- 
provements himself. Mrs. Hammerly is a na- 
tive of Switzerland. They have seven eliil- 
dren — Ellen, Fred, Kate, Ann, Joseph, Leonard 
and Adam, all of whom were born in Crawford 
county. Mr. Hammerly is a successful farmer 
and a man well known throughout tlie county. 
He has been a democrat most of his life, but 
has latterly favored the principles of the green- 
back party. • He has held several township 
offices. 

David K. Lester, of Towerville, has been a 
resident of Crawford county since Oct. 16, 1 850. 
In tiie spring of 1 857, he located on 120 acres 
of government land, on section 33, town 11, 
range 4 west. He improved about eightv acres of 
that farm, then soldit to- John Olson, who fail- 



ed to pay for the same, and the farm reverted 
to Mr. Lester; he subsequently sold it to Ole 
Sarauelson, and it is now owned by Ole Halver- 
son. Mr. Lester was one of the early black- 
smiths at Towerville, having engaged at that 
trade with Samuel Kirkpatrick, in 1856-7. He 
engaged in farming till 1864, when he embarked 
in the mercantile business with Thomas Tower, 
in which he continued for three years. He was 
then town clerk for four years; went to Johns- 
town in 1S69 and in comi)any witli Charles and 
David Mullikin eng.aged in the building of 
water wheel patterns; returned to Towerville 
in 1870, and built the store house now occupied 
by Thomas Helgerson, wiiich he afterward sold 
to Archibald Sears. Mr. Lester has been twice 
married. His first wife was Maria M. Peck, a 
native of Pennsylvania; who died in 1S09. In 
the fall of 1872, he went to Pennsylvania and 
was there married to Rachel M. Bigelow, who 
died in August, 1877. On his return from the 
east in 1873, he purchased the burned site of 
the w^oolen factory at Towerville, and erected a 
temporary building for a carding machine. He 
built the present factbry in 1874, which he run 
till 1879, then sold the same to the present 
owner, George W. Davis. Mr. Lester has four 
children; two sons and two daughters by fiist 
marriage, and a daughter by his second wife. 
Mr. Lester was born in Pennsylvania in ISll, 
where he lived till 1856. When a young man 
he learned the trade of a blacksmith His 
father, Andrew Lester, was a native of Con- 
necticut. 

Archibald Sears, owner and proj)rietor of the 
Mount Sterling House, at Mt. Sterling, has 
been a resident of Crawford county since 1856, 
at which time he settled at Towerville. Pre- 
vious to the war he was engaged in farming. He 
enlisted, Aug. 10, 1861, in the 8th Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry (Eagle regiment), serving 
until September, 1865. He participated in all 
the battles and campaigns in which the gallant 
8th was engaged. The record of this legiment 
shows twenty-four battles, and a distance trav 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



745 



eled of 14,814 miles, over 4,000 of wliich was 
traveled on foot. At the close of the war Mr. 
Sears returned to Towerville. In tlie fall of 
188-3 he purchased the Mount Sterling Hotel 
propert}", and is now operating tliis hotel. He 
was born in Wayne Co., Penn., in 1828. Mr. 
Sears married Mary E. Sherwood, a native of 
Pennsylvania. They have five children — Irene 
Jane, Amanda E., Kate P., Genevie E. and 
Earnest E. 

Nelson A. Tallman was born Dec. 14, ISt'C, 
in Susquehanna Co., Penn. His father, Wil- 
liam Tallman, was also a native of Pennsylva- 
nia, and there died. Nelson, when ten years of 
age, accompanied his step-father, H. Borst, to 
Broome Co., N. Y., and from thence to Michi- 
gan three years later. Abba Borst, his mother, 
died when he was but fourteen years of age. 
He came from Michigan to the territory of 
Wisconsin in 1846. He was married June 17, 

1849, in Dodge Co., Wis., to Mary A., daughter 
of Solomon Hartwell, who removed from Sar.n 
toga Co., N. Y., in 1844, with h.is family, anc' 
settled in Waukesha, Co., Wis. Two member 
of the family, a son and daughter, died withii 
three months after locating there. On .July 1. 

1850, Mr. Tallman, wife, neice and a nephew o! 
Mrs. Tallman, whom they had taken to raise. 
came to Crawford county, settling on section 
•21, town 10 north, of range 4 west, where he stil! 
lives. He entered forty acres of his farm, and 
bought forty acres of Thomas W. Tower nml 
Williatn McAulcy, making all of the improvo- 
nitiit himself. Mr. Tallman worked at the car- 
lienter ,um1 joiner trade for James (better known 
as "Uncle Jimmy") Gay, getting his flour and 
meat <>f him. Times were very hard, and the 
nearest niarUci was thirty-two miles distant — 
Prairie du Chicii — tlour *.t per cwt., and jxirk 
twenty cents p<'r 1)01111(1. Mrs. Tallman taught 
tlie tliree lirst terms of school in that pl.-icc ; 
the first term taught on subsci'i|)tion, getting :5S 
)ier month ami bo.'irding herself. She took her 
pay ill .nnytl^iiig th.it could be sjiared, even 
to sauerkraut or a grindstone. They were so 



anxious to have a school district organized, 
and their children at school, that Mrs. Tallman 
walked about half a mile with only a foot path 
through the snow, which was very deep and 
the weather severely cold, teaching in a vacated 
log house, with a fireplace of "ye olden time," 
where the face would be scorched and the back 
frozen at the same time. 

In October, 1856, the first religious service 
held in the place was conducted by the Rev. 
John Knibbs, who held regu'ar appointments 
once in four weeks, at Mr. Tallman's house, 
the latter and his wife being the only professors 
of religion in the Gay's Mill valley. On one 
occasion. Rev. Knibbs, while coming to his ap- 
pointment, lost his way, and was out five days 
and four nights without food or drink, result- 
ing in the loss of one foot. 

In 1857 Mr. James Gay put the first bridge 
across the Kickapoo river, Mr. Tallman doing 
the work. In 1857 he was elected justice of 
the peace, and held the office until his resigna- 
tion, in August 1862, during which time he per- 
formed several marriage ceremonies, once walk- 
ing seven miles and received $1 as a marriage 
fee, seventy-five cents of which he had to pay 
for recording the same. On Aug. 13 1862, lie 
enlisted in the 31st regiment, Wisconsin Volun- 
teer Infantry, serving until the close of the 
war. He was in active service during the en- 
tire term of his enlistment, being in all the 
liattles and campaigns in which his regiment 
participated, his health being greatly itn- 
paired by this rough service. Mrs. Tallm.Tu 
lost two brothers in the war — J. D. and Stephen 
K. Hartwell (the latter dying in a Confederate 
prison), and the nephew they had taken to live 
with them, at the age of seventeen, gave his life 
for his country, having resided with them eleven 
vears. He was buried at Cape Girardeau, JIo. 
Mr. and Mrs. Tallman having no children of 
their own, have adopted a daughter — Clara S., 
and o])ened their doors for six homeless one.>;. 
In 1860 Mrs. Tallman's mother, Clarissa Hart- 
well, came to live with them, remaining until 



4; 



746 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



her death, June 26, 1864, in the seventy-seventli 
year of her age. Mr. Tallman erected his pres- 
ent residence in 1866. 

Rev. George M. Wilbur was born at Rising 
Sun, Ohio Co., Ind., May 1, 1818. He received 
such education as the common schools of the 
country afforded, and was reared to the occupa- 
tion of a farmer. In the fall of 185.5 he came 
to Crawford Co., Wis., entering the farm now 
owned by E. F. Howe, in Utica town, locating 
with his family in the spring of 1856. He had 
forty-five acres of this farm improved when he 
sold to Mr. Howe in 1864. He afterward loca- 
ted at Gay's Mill. He was also employed in 
the woolen mill for several years, at Towerville. 
In 1876 he settled in Johnstown, this town. 
Mr. Wilber married Charlotte Buchana, also a 
native of Ohio Co., Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Wilber 
have three children — Mary A., Theron R. and 
Charlotte M. Mr. Wilber was one of the pio- 
neer preachers of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Crawford county. The first sermon 
he preached was at the house of William Mc- 
Auley in 1856. He was then a local preacher, 
traveling and preaching at various points on 
the circuit. He was for several years employed 
by the presiding elder to supply the places of 
circuit preachers who had left their charges. 
Mr. Wilbur continued to preach quite regularly 
until coming to Crawford county, when he be- 
came proprietor of the mill at Johnstown. 

Mahlon G. Mitchell was born in Sparta town, 
Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1833. Hit father 
Benjamin Mitchell, died in New York State. 
Mr. Mitchell is a nephew of John and Mar- 
joram Mitchell, who were among the first to 
locate in this town. He settled in 1866 on sec- 
tion 24, town 10, range 5 west, on a farm which 
had been entered by O. D. Stearns in 1854. 
His farm contains 160 acres of land, on which 
Mr. Mitchell has made the most of the improve- 
ments. Mr. Stearns, however, had made a be- 
ginning before it passed out of his hands. Mr. 
Mitchell is an excellent farmer, and his farm is 
in fine condition. His buildings are among the 



best to be found in the town. He married 
Lucy Sampson, a sister of O. D. Stearns. She 
was born near Cleveland, Ohio Mr. Mitchell 
is a brother-in-law of M. J. Steffy, of Utica 
town. They came to Crawford county together 
in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have two chil- 
dren — Roscoe S. and Howard P. John P. 
Mitchell, a brother of Mahlon 6., came to this 
town in 1856. He was born in 1831, and is now 
living at Johnstown, this town. His farm was 
entered by his uncles — John and Marjoram 
Mitchell. 

J. Steffy, merchant at Gay's Mill, was born 
in Dansville, Livingston Co.,N.Y., in February, 
1831, where he grew to manhood. His father, 
Isaac StefiFy, was a native of Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Steffy married Mary Mitchell, Sept. 7, 1857, 
also a native of Livingston Co., N. Y. He 
came to Crawford Co., Wis., Dec. 8, 1857, loca- 
ting on a farm in Clayton town. In 1866 he 
came to Utica town, purchasing a farm on sec- 
tion 16, town 10, range 4 west, where he still 
lives. He has been interested in the store at 
Gay's Mill since February, 1880, at which time 
it was established under the firm name of Steffy 
& Co. Since October, 1882, Mr. Steffy has been 
alone. 

George W. Davis, owner of the woolen fac- 
tory at Towerville, and the clerk of Utica tern, 
is the son of Edward Davis, who came to Tow- 
erville in 1856, purchasing a half interest in the 
grist mill of Thomas W. To < er. He afterward 
erected a woolen mill on Tainter creek, at Tow- 
erville, which was burned down and rebuilt by 
Mr. Davis. George W. Davis w.-is born in 
Ohio. He married Elizabeth, a daughter of 
David K. Lester. They have two children — 
011a B. and Goldie. Mr. Davis is serving his 
fourth term as town clerk. 

Ole Halverson is one of the prominent and 
well known early settlers of Utica town. He 
resides on section 33, town II, range 4 west, 
where he settled in 1858. Mr. Halverson is a 
native of Norway, born Dec. 11, 1822. He 
came to the United States in 1857, and entered 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



'■,41 



government land as his first forty acres. He 
has been quite successful, and is now one of the 
largest farmers of Ulica town, having 570 acres 
of land, 200 of which is improved, all by him- 
self. Mr. Halverson married Betsy Larson in 
1856, also a native of Norway. They have 
seven children — Louis 0., born Dec. 26, 1856; 
John O., April 17, 1859; Elena, July 28, 1865; 
Henry EUcrt A., Sept. 17, 18G8; Anna Marie, 
Feb. 22, 1871; Olay, Jan. 6, 1873, and Albert 
O., Feb. 26, 1876. Mr. Halverson represents 
the Hekla Insurance Company. He is also 
agent for the American Red Star and Anchor 
line of steamers. 

T. W. Gay, one of the owners and proprie- 
tors of what is known' as Gay's Mill, is the son 
of J. M Gay, who came here in 1858 and pur- 
chased the saw-mill property, then here. In 
1865, with George M. Wilber, he erected a 
grist mill. He died at Prairie du Chien in 
February, 1877. T. W. Gay was born in Prince- 
ton, III., in 1835. He has resided here since 
1859, coming to this county frwra Iowa. He 
enlisted in August, 1862, in company A, 31st 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving until 
the close of the war. He participated in all 
the important battles and campaigns in which 
the 31st regiment was engaged, including the 
siege of Atlanta and Sherman's march to the 
sea. Air. Gay married Priscilla liobb, daughter 
of Joel Robb. Mr. and Mrs. Gay have three 
children — Fannie, Cora and Joel. Mr. Gay's 
brothers-in-law, James A. and Samuel H. Robb, 
are associated with him in the ownership of the 
mill anil adjacent property, including a fine 
stock farm. 

Charles R. Rounds was born in Clarksfield, 
Huron Co., Ohio, but his parents returned to 
Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where they had former- 
ly resided, whei\ Qliarles was but an infant. 
He was reared in New York Slate. In 1859 he 
removed to Bell Centre, Clayton town, Crawford 
Co., Wis., and in 1861 located on a farm. His 
father came to Clayton town in 1870, where he 
resided until his death, in IS79. .Mr, Rounds 



enlisted, in 1864, in the Ist Wisconsin Heavy 
Artillery, company L, serving until the close of 
the war. He married Marianna Twining. 
They have three children — Mary A., Arthur H. 
and Rose B. Mr. Rounds' farm now contains 215 
acres of land, situated on sections 28, 29 and 33, 
town 10, range 4, west. 

Darius W. Briggs was born Jan. 28, 1820, in 
Jefferson Co., N. Y. When fifteen years of 
age he removed with his father to Ohio, set- 
tling near Cleveland. In December, 1863, he 
came to Crawford Co., Wis., purchasing a farm 
of the State of Wisconsin, located on section 
24, town 10,. range 5 west, where he still lives. 
Though not a pioneer of this county, Mr. Briggs 
traveled quite extensively through the territory 
in 1845. He traveled at that time through Ra- 
cine, Janesville, Beloit, Fort Atkinson, Beaver 
Dam, C'o'urabus, Broadhead, Milton, Aztalau, 
Watertown, Waterloo, Lake Mills, Whitewater, 
Milwaukee and Waukesha. The above named 
cities would at that time compare in size with 
Mt. Sterling of to-day. He made a settlemen'; 
at KIba, Dodge county, but returned to Ohio in 
18 49. Mrs. Briggs was a native of Olmsted 
town, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. 
liriggs have two sons — -Edward P. and Ernest 
G. Mr. Briggs was a member of the assembly 
in the State Legislature for the session of 1871, 
being elected by the republican party, to which 
organization he belonged. He has also been 
assessor and clerk of Utica town. He is a car- 
penter by trade, an occupation which he has 
followed for many years. His farm now con- 
tains 122 acres of land. 

A. E. Mills, one of the prominent business, 
men of Mt. Sterling, has resided in this town 
since the fall of 1868, at which time he erected 
a wagon and blacksmith shop. Mr. Mills built 
the house in which Mrs. Hutchins now lives, 
and, by giving employment to a number of men 
in his wagon-making and blacksmith business, 
was instrumental in the building of several 
other residences. He conducted both branches of 
busine.ss for a number of years, doing quite an ex- 



748 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



tensive business, giving employment to six or 
eight men. In ] 879 Mr. Mills sold his wagon shop 
to A. E. Spencer, who now conducts that branch 
of the business. Mr. Mills was born in Wayne 
Co., N. Y. When five years of age he went with 
his parents to Michigan. He learned tlie black- 
smith trade and resided in Michigan until 1865, 
when he, with his family, moved to this 
county, locating in Freeman town, where 
he purchased and improved a farm. He came 
from there to Mt. Sterling in 1868. Mr. Mills 
was married to Augusta Gregory, a native of 
Michigan. Her father, H. S. Gregory, came 
with Mr. Mills to Crawford county, with whom 
he lived until his death, in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mills have nine children, seven of whom were 
born in Crawford county. Mr. Mills' father, 
Ira Mills, was a native of New York State. He 
came here in 1873, and resided with his son un- 
til his death in 1878. Hismother, Alzina (Ran- 
dall) Mills, was born in Wayne Co., N. Y. 
She died in Michigan in 1847. 

J. A. Haggerty was born in Blairstown, N. J., 
in 1841, being raised to agricultural pursuits. 
In April, 1866, he came to Mt. Sterling, engag- 
ing at once in the mercantile business, with Mr. 
Cook, under the firm name of Cook & Haggerty, 
succeeding the firm of Cook & McAuley. He 
continued in this business until 1875, when he 
devoted himself exclusively to the real estate 
business until 1881. Mr. Haggerty has also 
dealt considerably in live stock. His excellent 
business qualities, combined with a remarkable 
amount of energy, have made him a successful 
business man. He now owns twenty improved 
farms in Crawford county, averaging 100 acres 
per farm. He also owns valuable property in 
the village. He has a fine creamery in process 
of erection near the village, which will have a 
capacity of 3,000 pounds of butter per day. 
This, with a creamery of much less capacity, now 
being erected by J. S. Rogers, of this town, 
will be the first erected in Crawford county. 
Mr. Haggerty married Sarah C, daughter of 
William McAuley. They have three childreu 



— Bessie E. J., born in October, 1871; Willie A., 
born in July, 1875, Clarence R., born in July, 

1877. 

Samson Turner was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, 
England, in 1836. When thirteen years of age 
he came with his mother to the United States, 
his father liaving previously died in England. 
He settled at St. Louis in 1849, where his mother 
died of cholera. After the death of his mother, 
he wandered from place to place, reaching La 
Crosse, Wis., in the fall of 1850, then a village 
of three houses. He passed the following win- 
ter on Root river, in southern Minnesota: came 
to Prairie du Chien in February, 1851, and 
worked for William Mahan. His first location 
was on government land, on the line of Crawford 
and Vernon counties, where he resided two yearf. 
Mr. Turnet- was married in 1860, and lived in 
Vernon county eight years; served in the War of 
the rebellion; was mustered out June 12,1866; 
moved to the town of Utica April 1, 1868, loca- 
ting on section 20, town 11, range 4. Mr. Turner 
married Louisa E. Bundy, a native of New Ysrk. 
They have six children — Ralph, Joseph, Sarah, 
Frederick, Alice and William. 

James A. Curran, postmaster at Rising Sun, 
is a native of New York city, born April 9, 
1836. When two or three years of age he re- 
moved with his parents to St. Louis, Mo., and 
in 1849 to Monroe Co., 111. In 1863 he engaged 
in the mercantile business in Freedom, 111. He 
afterwards returned to St. Louis, and in 1869 
came to Wisconsin. Coming directly to Ver- 
non county, he located at Viroqna, engaging 
for three years as clerk for N. McKie. He then 
came to Rising Sun, Crawford county, taking 
charge of a branch house for Mr. N. Mclvie, of 
Viroqua. Mr. Curran was appointed post- 
master Oct. 11, 1872, and served for some years, 
then resigned. He was again apjjointed in 
1881. He was town clerk for the years 1881 
and 1882, and treasurer from 1877 to 1879. Mr. 
Curran married Margaret McCoey, a native 
of New York Slate. 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



749 



Heury C. Lester was born in Wayne Co., 
Penn., in 1847. He came to Crawford Co., 
Wis., in 1874. In 1876 he purcliased a farm of 
Charles Chauney and M. Robinson, located on 
section 8, town 10, north of range 4 west, where 
ho now resides. His farm contains eighty 
acres. Mr. Lester was married in Pennsylvania 
to Anna D. Southard. Mr. Lester's father and 
brother, Orrin, also reside in this town. His 
father has a farm of 115 acres on section 9, 
town 10 north, of range 4 west, and Orrin 
Lester has 160 acres on section 17. 

Thomas Ilelgerson was born in 1849, in Nor- 
way, being the son of Ole Helgerson. In 1869 
he came to Utica town, Crawford Co., Wis. 
engaging in general mercantile business at 
Towerville. Mr. Helgerson had had considera- 
ble experience in business before coming here, 
having been a clerk for a mercantile house for a 
number of years. He married at Mt. Sterling 
Amanda Sears, daughter of Archibald Sears. 
Mr. and Mrs. Helgerson have three children — 
Harry, Archie and an infant. 

Rev. Gabriel Momo, pastor of St. James 
(Catholic) Church, in Utica town, is a native of 



Italy. He received his ecclesiastical education 
in Turin, province of Piedmont, being ordained 
priest in 1867. In January, 1875, he came to 
the United States. He was appointed pastor 
of the Church at Genoa, in Vernon county, 
in January, 1876, and in June, 1882, was 
transferred to his present charge. Father 
Momo is a highly cultivated gentleman, gener- 
ous and kind to all. His friends are not con- 
fined to his own Church, but he is greatly 
esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his 
acquaintance. 

John Smethurst, of the firm of John Smeth- 
urst & Co., merchants, who succeeded Nicholas 
Grant in the spring of 1882, is the son of Dan- 
iel L. Smethurst, who settled in Seneca town in 
June, 1855, a sketch of whom will be found in 
the history of that town. Mr. Smethurst en- 
listed, in 1862, in the .Slst regiment, Wisconsin 
Volunteers, serving until the close of the war. 
His brother, Joseph, was a member of the same 
company. Another brother, James, was a mem- 
ber of the 43d regiment. Mr. Smethurst mar- 
ried Helen, daughter of N. Miller. 




750 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXVII 



TOWN OF WAUZEKA. 



Tlie town of Wauzeka, so-called from an In- 
dian chief, is situated on the south line of the 
county, on the north bank of the Wisconsin 
river. It is bounded by the towns of Eastman 
and Marietta on the north; by the town of Ma- 
rietta and the Wisconsin river on the east; by 
the Wisconsin river on the south, atid the towns 
of Prairie du Chien aud Bridgeport on the 
west. Tiiis town is composed of parts of five 
congressional townships, all of township 7, 
range 4, west, north of the Wisconsin river, 
except section ] ; all of township 7, range 5 
west, north of the Wisconsin river, and frac- 
tional parts of sections 4, 5, 6 and 7, of town- 
ship 6, range 5; also section 36, township 8, 
range 5, and section 31 of the same township in 
range 4 west. 

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad 
passes through the town following the course of 
the Wisconsin river. A station called Wauzeka 
is situated on sections 8 and 17, in towns 7, 
of range 4 west, and on north bank of the Kick- 
apoo river about half a mile from the junction 
with the Wisconsin river. 

Thegeneral surface of the town is very brok- 
en being a series of ridges and intervening val- 
leys, whicli lead to the Kickapoo and Wiscon- 
sin rivers. The soil is a heavy clay on the 
ridges with more of a loam mixture in the val- 
leys. 

About three-fourtlis of the town was former- 
ly heavily timbered by the various varieties of 
oak, maple, hickory, elm, walnut, with much 
bass wood and ash. The greater part of the 
more valuable timber liad been consumed pre- 



vious to 1880, although in places there may still 
be found many of the original forest trees. The 
best timber to be found as this date was that of 
a second growth. 

The Kickapoo river flows in a very crooked 
channel through the eastern part of the town, 
and along its banks grows a fine quality of su- 
gar maple. 

The Grand Gris (Grand Gray) is the next 
stream of importance. This flows through the 
southwest partof the town, and in an early day, 
was noted for the abundance of speckled trout 
which it contained. The little Kickapoo river 
enters the northwest corner of the town, and 
flows southeast, emptying into a slough of the 
Wisconsin river, on section :^3, town 7, range 4 
west. Plum creek enters section 36, in town 8 of 
range 5 west, flows through that section and 
enters the Kickapoo river on the same section. 

SETTLEMENT. 

From the most reliable information to be ob- 
tained, Jackson Foster was the first settler of 
what is now embraced in the town of Wauzeka. 
Tie came from Ohio in \f<39 and settled on 
Grand Gris creek, and lived there several 
years Both he and his wife died on the place 
they fir^t settled on. 

Henry Stuckey was the next to settle in the 
town. He came to Prairie du Chien sometime 
during 1838 and not long after made a claim, 
the greater part of which is on section I 3, town 
7, range 5 west He was a single man at t' at 
time, but he began the improvement of his land, 
soon after erecting a log house in which he kept 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



751 



"bachelor's hall." In l841 he married, and re- 
mained on the place till his death. 

George Schlund settled on section 15, town 7, 
range 5 west, soon after Mr Stuckey came, 
probably in 1839. 

About 1840, Maj. William Wright, who 
was a major in the Black Hawk war, settled in 
the town with Judge Lockwood, and established 
Wright's Ferry, on the Wisconsin river. A 
number of years later, he married, and he and 
ills wife remained at the ferry, till their death, 
lie died in 1850, and his wife, about one year 
previous to tliat time. 

But few settlers came in for the next few 
years. Previous to 1847, however, L. Geitz 
settled on Grand Gris creek, where he built 
the first grist mill within the town in 1853. He 
died in the town some years afterward. 

John Tliomas, Stei)hen Tainter, Harvey 
Green, and perhaps a few others, made settle- 
ment before 1847. 

In 1847 came L. L. Lathrop, who located on 
section 10, town 7, range 5 west, where he still 
lived in 1884. 

Bernliard Herrold located on section 13, 
town 7, range 5 west. He afterwards lived in 
the village of Wauzeka. 

In 1849 Ralph Smith settled on Plum creek, 
where he engaged in milling. 

Morton Seeley, was another settler of 1849; 
he located on section 2, town 7, range 4 west. 
The same year he built the second saw-mill in 
tlie town. The following year, 1850, he re- 
moved from the county. 

At about the same time of Mr Seeley's com- 
ing, John Tliomas settled on section 15, town 
7, range 5 west. 

Tiie same season, came John Miller, who set- 
tled on section 10, town 7, range 5 west. He 
had been a soldier in the regular army. Sev- 
eral years after his settlement here, he died. 

John McHarg located lands by warrant in 
1849, wliich embraced the present site of the 
village of Wauzeka, but he did not settle till 
1855. 



Philip Steinbach settled on section 32, town 
7, of range 5 west, in 1850, where at the present 
time (1884) he still lives. He was a Mexican. 

In 1851 Herman Stuckey settled on section 
15, town '<, range 5 west. He purchased of 
John Thomas; he resided in the town till his 
death. The family still (1884) own the home- 
stead. 

John Berry was an early settler in the town. 

From about 1852 the town settled very rap- 
idly; the population being mostly of a German 
element. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

The first white child born in the town of 
Wauzeka was Mary L. Stuckey, daughter of 
Henry Stuckey. She was born August 21, 1842 
She became the wife of Frank Chapek. 

The first school was taught in the summer of 
1850 by James E. Lockwood, on section 36, 
town 8, range 5. 

The first regular school house was built of 
logs in the summer of 1853, in what is now 
known as district No. 3. 

The first postoffice was kept^by Henry Stuckey; 
this was established in 1854. Mr. Stuckey was 
the first and only postmaster, as the office was 
discontinued as soon as the railroad was built 
and the village of Wauzeka started, wliich was 
in 185G. 

The first saw-mill was built by John Thomas 
and A. M. Miller, on Plum creek, as early as 
1848. The only grist mill ever built in the 
town was erected by L. Geitz, in 1853, on Grand 
Gris creek ; it was destroyed by a flood in 1876, 
and rebuilt by Mr. Oswold. The first goods 
retailed in the town were sold by Ralph Smith 
o n section 36, in town 8, range 5 west, in 1849. 
Tli«se goods which came from St. Louis by way 
of Prairie du Chien, were sold to those in the 
neighborhood, and also to log men in the pine- 
ries above. 

OKGANIC. 

The first town meeting in Wauzeka was held 
April 26, 1858, at which time the following 
were elected as town officers for that year: 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Jobn C. Berry, chairman ; John McHarg, L. L | 
Lathrop, side board; Joseph Biirlingame, clerk; ; 
Loren Barnes, assessor ; Jesse R. Pratt, super- ! 
intendent of schools. The above are the only 
officers on the records of the first election. 

Officers of 188-3 : O. P. Vaughan, chairman ; ' 
Christopher Walters, George Benner, side 
board ; Charles Brandes, clerk ; Jacob Wilha- 
ber, assessor ; Chris Rice, treasurer ; L. C. Hal- 
stead, Patrick McKillip, Jasper Wayne, and , 
John Steinbach, justices of the peace. 

EDUCATIOXAL. 

At this date (1884) there are three full and 
five joint school distri :ts in the town of Wauzeka. 

District Xo. 1, joint with the town of Mari- 
etta, has thirty-seven pupils, and school property 
valued at #320. Tlie building is in a poor con- 
dition. 

District Xo. 2 comprises the village of Wau- 
zeka. The first cost of the school house in 
this district was #4,-S00. Number of pupils of 
school age, 149. 

District Xo. 3 is a full district ; it has a poor 
school building, valued at ^45. Xumber of 
pupils, thirty-four. 

District Xo. 4 has thirty-three pupils. This 
district is provided with a fair log house. 

District Xo. 5 is a full district, which is pro- 
vided with a good frame building valued at 
ji350. Xumber of pupils, thirty. 

District Xo. 6 is a full district, having fifty- 
two pupils. The school house is a log building 
ill a fair condition, valued at $100. 

District Xo. 8 is joint with the town of East- 
man. Xumber of pupils, thirty-four. Thisdis- 
trict has a log house in a good condition, valued 
at 5300. 

District X'^o. 11 is joint with the town of 
Marietta. It is provided with a frame school 
house valued at $150. Xumber of pupils from 
the town of Wauzeka, seventeen. 

CEMETERV. 

The only regular cemetery within the town 
of Wauzeka, was established on section 18, in 
1872. There were a few private burying places; 



but most of the remains* were removed to this 
cemetery. 

MILLS. 

The first mill built in the town was erected 
by John Thomas and A. M. Miller, in 1848; 
they operated this mill a year, and sold to 
Ralph Smith, wliorun it ten years, during which 
time he cut large amounts of native lumber, to- 
gether with the pine timber found on the head 
waters of the Kickapoo rivei'. 

Morton Seeley built a saw-mill in 1849. This 
mill was operated till 1880. 

A small grist mill was built in 1853, by L. 
Geitz, on the Grand Gris creek, which a Mr. 
Oswol'd bought in 1865. This mill was burned 
in 1876, and rebuilt the same year. 
COPPER mxE.';. 

In 1860 copper ore was discovered by C. X. 
Mumford, on the northwest quarter of the 
southwest quarter of section -26, town 8, range 
5 west. The plant was not developed very ex- 
tensively till 1884, when .Messrs. C. N. Mum- 
ford, A. Eaton and J. J. Hollister, formed a 
company, and were mining a paying grade of 
"float" copper. Ninety tons of this ore, was 
shipped to Baltimore, and yielded about forty 
per cent, copper. 

VILLAGE OF WAUZEKA. 

Wauzeka is the only village within the lim- 
its of the town. The original plat of the vil- 
lage is located on the north half quarter of sec- 
tion 17, town 7, range 4 west. This land was 
located by land warrants held by John McHarg 
in 1841'. The warrant being obtained by Mr. 
McHarg for services in the war with Mexico. 
About the time of the completion of the Prai- 
rie du Chien division of the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee & St. Paul railroad, to this point, the 
above mentioned quarter section of land was 
purchased by I'. L. Dousman, who, the same 
season, 1856, caused the plat to be surveyed. 
In 18.i7 an addition was made to this plat, on 
the west, by John McHarg. This part of the 
village plat being on section 18. The tir.->t 
dwelling Louse on the plat was built by the mill- 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



753 



ing firm of Markham, Foster «fe Co., in tlie sum- 
mer nf 1856 Tliis was a two and one-lialf sto- 
ry frame building. It was owned by tlie com- 
pany till 1880, when it was sold to Isaac John- 
sr)n. ^larkliam, Foster & Co , also erected the 
fir^t store building in the place, and sold the 
first goods; this store was open, ready for trade, 
in the winter of 1856-7. It was located on 
hlock 19, and was occupied by the above named 
firm for many years, and finally purchased by 
.lojjn Chestnut, who removed it to a location 
near the depot. In 1884 it was used as the 
postottice building. 

A steam saw-mill was completed in 1856, by 
.Markham, Foster & C , which had a sawing ca- 
pacity of 15,000 feet of lumber per day. This 
mill worked up pine logs, which were rafted 
down the Kickapoo river, as well as the native 
tiinl)cr which was found in great abundance at 
;ui e.irly day. Markham, Foster & Co., run 
this mill about seventeen years, when they dis- 
posed of the machinery. In 1S6.5, a steam- 
power saw-mill was built by Esterly & Kiser, of 
Whitewater; the mill was finally removed to 
Michigan. 

TheWauzeka Manufacturing Company was 
organized in May, 1871. B. F. Fay was made 
its president; George L. Scott, secretary; B. F. 
Fay, treasurer; Captain Ira Bisbee, superin- 
tendent This company engaged in the manu- 
facture of staves and other cooper stock. The 
mill was completed and in operation in July, 
1873 It is run bjr steam-power, given by a 
forty-five horse-power engine. The full capaci- 
ty of this stave mill, is about 5.000 cords of 
stave bolts per year. They manufacture from 
the native timber, oak being principally used. 

About 1S75, Parker. Hilderbrand & Co, 
erected a factory, for the manufacluro of tight 
barrel staves; this was located on railroad land 
below the depot, on the south side of the track. 
John Parker, of the firm, had charge of the 
works; this mill was operated about fonr years. 
lining an e.xtensive business; but in 1S82 was 



removed to Aiken, Minn., on the Northern Pa- 
cific railroad. 

In the winter of l>^8.3-4, a steam saw mill was 
built by Curry & Co., which had a capacity for 
cutting 4 000 feet per day. It was propelled by 
a thirty horse-power engine. 

A postoffice was established at this point in 
j 1856, and Dr. Hutchinson was appointed ])ost- 
master; after several years he was succeeded by 
George Parker, who, after a few years, was fol- 
lowed by Jane Walker, and she, two years 
later, by Leo Oswold. Then came L. M. Cul- 
ver, station agent; be was succeeded by Charles 
Brandes. It became a money order office Aug. 
1, 1882. At the present date, 1884, Charles 
Brandes is postmaster, having been in office 
two years'. 

FIRST THINGS. 

Markham, Foster & Co. opened the first 
store in the village. They also owned and 
operated the first blacksmith shop; it was loca- 
ted on the mill lot, block 14. 

The first shoemaker was II. W. Silga, who 
came in about 1850. In 1882 he moved to Es- 
torville, Iowa. 

The first harness-maker was John Steinbach, 
who opened his shop in 1882. 

L. M. Culver started the first general liard- 
ware store, also acted as station agent, and 
afterward was appointed station agent at Ester- 
ville, Iowa. 

HOTELS AND OTHER MATTERS. 

Charles Ozeos kept the first hotel of the 
place, in a building erected by Jol)n McIIarg 
for a residence. Dr. Hutchinson afterward 
kept the same house, which he purchased of 
Ozeos. About 1865 Benjamin Wolf built a 
hotel, which was burned in the fall of 1871. 
Ira Lawrence built a hotel, which was de- 
stroyed by the fire just mentioned. James 
Mallery built a hotel about 187:?, which was de- 
stroyed by fire a short time after it was com- 
pleted. The hotels at the present time (1884) 
are the Rannev House and the Wauzeka'House. 



"754 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



A boat yard was established at this place, on 
the Kickapoo river, about 1862, by Joseph Rey- 
nolds, proprietor of the Diamond Joe line of 
steamers, which ply the waters of the Mississippi 
river. The hulls of several steamboats were 
built here; also a number of barges. It was 
continued for a number of years, and was, in- 
deed, quite an enterprise for the place, giving 
employment, as it did, to so many men who 
lived in the immediate vicinity. 

In April, 1864, Dr. L. C. Halsted and Capt. 
H. Hubbel began the building of a steamer of 
quite large dimensions, the length being 265 
feet. Mr. Hubbel failing to fill his part of tlie 
contract, the project was abandoned, and the 
incomplete boat sold to the Diamond Joe com- 
pany, who used it as a wharf boat at the city of 
Dubuque. 

CHURCHES. 

In 1884 the village contained two church edi- 
fices — those were the German Lutheran and 
Roman Catholic. The former was built as a 
German Evangelical Methodist church, by that 
denomination, aided by liberal outside donations, 
with the understanding that it should be open 
for services to other denominations. By reason 
of removals, the Methodist class grew small, 
and in 1882 the building was sold to the Ger- 
man Lutherans, who number quite large. The 
first cost of this building was $900. 

A Roman Catholic church was finished in tlie 
fall of 1881. This is a frame building with a 
neat steeple surmounting it; tlie cost was about 
|600. Tills church is supplied from Prairie du 
Cliien. 

SCHOOLS. 

The village of Wauzeka is within school dis- 
trict No. 2. The first school was taught by 
Miss Gould, of Prairie du Chien. She com- 
menced in a private house, owned by William 
Sinks. A school house was completed, how- 
ever, before the term closed, and the school 
removed to it. The date of the commencement 
of this school was in May, 1858, and the school 
house was built by Ralph Smith. Among the 



early teachers in this school house were Jane 
Scott, sister of Robert Scott, of Prairie du 
Chien, Electra Washburn, James Roach, Mr. 
Wood, ISIiss Jefferson, W. A. Vaughan, Dr. 
Halsted and Manly Mumford. The old pioneer 
building, in which these just mentioned taught, 
constituted the town hall in 1884. In ISVl the 
present school house was built; it is a frame 
structure, 30x45 feet, with twenty-two foot 
studding. The building is a neat looking one, 
being provided as it is with a belfry and bell; 
it is the first object that meets the eye of the 
stranger as he enters the place. This school 
has for years been looked upon as one of the 
best in Crawford county. The school is not as 
large as at one time in its history, but still it 
sustains a good reputation for its excellence. 
Two teachers have always been employed; the 
first in the new building were James Malcolm- 
son and Emma Comstock. The former was 
employed two years as principal, and then fol- 
lowed by James Smith. James Bedicheck was 
principal for four years, and was accounted one 
of the most successful teachers ever had in the 
village. Lizzie McHarg, Mrs. Bedicheck and 
Helen Smitli were teachers in the primary de- 
partment during the time Mr. Bedicheck was 
principal. 

E. W. Farnham succeedad Mr. Bedicheck, and 
was retained for three years; he was a gradu- 
ate of Lawrence University, Wisconsin, and 
was a successful teacher. Under Mr. Farnham 
were Helen Smith and Mattie McDonald. In 
1883 the schools were in charge of J. F. Bur- 
gess and Miss Mattie McDonald. 

A large number of young ladies have been 
prepared for teaching at this school; among 
those are: Dora Jefferson, Maggie Smith, Flora 
McHarg, Helen Smith, Carrie Smith, Lizzie 
McHarg, Mamie McDonald, Mattie McDonald, 
Lillie Culver, Ester Lester, Fanny McHarg, Lot- 
tie McPIarg, Agnes McHarg, Cora Rosencrantz, 
and perhaps others whose names have not been 
recalled. Also the following young men have 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



T55 



received a like preparatory course: John Fryer, 
William Lester and Asael Larson. 

SOflETIES. 

All organization of the Temple of Honor 
was founded at Wauzeka in December, IS'JT. 
The following were the charter members: Dr. 
L. ('. Halsted, J.N. Wayne, George Beier, Ches- 
ter A. Pratt, W. J. Dougherty, E. M. Farnhara, 
K. A. Bottom. The first officers were: Dr. L. C. 
Halstead, W. C. T.; J. N. Wayne, P. W. C T.; 
E. M. Farnham, W. R.; George Beier, W. T.; 
C. A. Pratt, W. F. R.; W. J. Dougherty, A. R.; 
K. A. Bottom, W. V. T. 

Tills lodge numbered at one time seventy 
members, and has been the cause of much good; a 
hirge number of confirmed drunkards have been 
rescued and reformed, who still remain true 
to their obligations, and many moderate drink- 
ers have been restrained from further indulg- 
ence; while others have remained faithful for a 
short time and then broken their obligations 
and gone back to their cups. But on the whole 
the influence of this lodge has been for general 
good. Jan. 1, 1884, the lodge numbered twen- 
three members; meetings were then held semi- 
monthly, on Saturday evenings. 

Emery Lodge, of the order of Good Tem- 
plars was organized at Wauzeka, Aug. 3, 180.5. 
The first officers were as follows: S. J. Fostei, 
W. C.T.; M. Washburn, W. V.; O. B. West, 
W. S ; S. Perry, W. T.; O. Washburn, W. M.; 
J. J. Austin, P. W. C; G. W. Clark, W. C; 
S. Rosencranz, L G.; G. Racey, O. G.; Hellen 
Ormsby, R. H. S ; E. Burlingame, L. H. S.; M. 
L. Smith, A. M. This order had a charter mcm- 
bersliip of about twenty. The lodge continued 
about two years, the last officers of this lodge 
were elected in July 186V. Their names ap- 
])ear in their record.s as follows: J. McMillin, 
\V. C. T.; H. Smith, W. V. T.; S. Clark, W. S.; 
J. Smith, W. F. S.; B. McMillin, W. T.; E. 
Ward, \V. M.; E. McMillin, Jr., W. L G.; R. 
Moore. W. O. G. The lodge suspended soon 
after this election. 



Wauzeka lodge No. 33, of the L O. of G. T. 
was organized Oct 20, 1879, by Bro. J. A. John- 
son, State organizer. The charter members 
were as follows: R. Smith and wife, James Mc- 
Millin and wife, M. Priest and wife, Mrs. 
. N. A. Wright, Mrs. N. Johnson, George Beck, 
Mrs. H. Rosencrantz, Mrs. L. Lester, Rev. A. 
F. Thompson, F. Priest, Mrs. Jennie Walker, 
Mattie McDonald, Thomas Burlock, Mrs. S. 
Rosencrantz, Mrs.F.Lindig, L. Hayse, and Lucy 
Lawrence. The total membership from the 
date of the organization till 1884, was 290. The 
present membership is thirty-five. The success 
of this lodge has been very good. There is also 
a juvenile lodge of this same order at this place, 
whicli is also doing a good work. 
DIRECTORY — 1884. 

The following directory will show the busi- 
ness and other interests of the village of Wau- 
zeka, Jan. 1, 1884: 

Fa}' & Bisbee, manufacturers of loose and 
tight barrel staves and heading. 

John Rausiii, manufacturer of and dealer in 
hoop poles. 

W. A. Vaiiglian & Co., dealers in general 
merchandise. 

J. N. Feldmaii, dealer in general merchan- 
dise. 

George Beier, dealer in boots and shoes. 

J. G. Widmann, hardware. 

Daniel Volmar, restaurant. 

G. W. Ranney, proprietor of the Ranney 
Hotel. 

Robert Moran, proprietor of the Wauzeka 
House. 

W. G. Bailey, wagon-maker and carpenter. 

.Joseph Herrcii, blacksmith. 

W. E. Hazel wood, blacksmith. 

John Steinbach, harness shop. 

Curry & Ranney, saw-mill. 

Hattie Rosencrantz, milliner. 

L. C. Halsted, justice of the peace and phy- 
sician and surgeon. 



Y56 



mSTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Ralph Smith, one of the pioneers of Crawford 
county, was born in 1811, in Berlin, Washing- 
ton Co., Vt. In 18.31 he removed with his 
father's family to Plainfield, in what was then 
a part of Cook, now Will Co., 111., when he 
was appointed postmaster in 1837, and held the 
office three years. Soon after the arrival of 
the family at Detroit on their journey west, Mr. 
Smith, accompanied by his father and a hired 
man, started out on a tour of exploration on 
foot, with a view of finding a suitable place to 
locate, traveling the entire distance on foot 
from Detroit to Chicago, in 18.31. There were 
no roads from Ypsilanti west, an Indian trail 
being the only guide to travelers, not a frame 
house having then been erected on the present 
site of the city of Chicago. His father located 
in Will county, and engaged in the mercantile 
business in Plainfield. Mr. Ralph Smith was 
engaged in business with his father; also built 
by contract a half mile of the Illinois and Mich- 
igan canal in the years 1833, 1S34 and 1835. He 
settled in Crawford county in 1840, coming to 
Prairie du Chien. Soon after he leased the 
hotel in Lower Town, known as the Granite 
House, and owned by Alexander McGregor. 
Conducting this for about one year and a half, 
he leased for one year a farm of Judge James 
H. Lockwood. He then engaged in mercantile 
trade also took a contract from the government 
for transporting Indian annuities from Prairie 
du Cliieu to Fort Atchison, Iowa. During these 
years Mr. Smith was associated in business with 
different individuals. The firm being first 
known as Thomas & Smith, then Bugbee & 
Smith, and afterwards Savage & Smith. A. 
Savage succeeded Savage & Smith. Mr. Smith 
engaged in tlie lumber business, which he fol- 
lowed for twenty years. In 1849 he came to 
Wauzeka, and purchased the saw-mill on Plum 
creek near its entrance into the Kickapoo. In 
1846 this mill was erected by Thomas and Miller, 
aiid was the first mill erected in Wauzeka. 
After two years he abandoned this mill and 



built one further down Plum creek and nearer 
the Kickapoo, which he run for ten years, 
manufacturing lumber from the pine logs, which 
floated down the Kickapoo from the head 
waters of that stream. At the end of ten years 
lie moved from Plum creek to the village of 
Wauzeka, where he and Markham Foster 
built a steam mill, continuing in the lumber 
business till 1876, when he closed out his mill- 
ing business, and in September, 1877, took a 
residence in Dakota, Moody county. During his 
long residence in Crawford county, Mr. Smith 
has been known as a successful business man, 
also an honorable, upright citizen. He has 
been twice married, first to Betsy Goss, born 
in Montpelier, Vt., Sept 18, 1814, and who died 
in 1845 at Prairie du Chien, leaving six chil- 
dren, all have since died except two — Charles 
and Hanor. In 1847 he married Sarah L. 
Lockwood, born in Champlain, Clinton Co., N. 
Y. They have eight children — Maggie L., 
John L., Hardedine, Helen M., James II,, 
Carrie II , Marian G. and Mary N. In 1874 
Mr. Smith was appointed by the Chicago & 
Tomah Railway Company (narrow guage) as a 
trustee and still holds that position. 

Frank Chapek, who resides on section 14, is a 
son-in-law of Henry Stuckey, who made a claim 
of this farm in 1838. Mr. Stuckey was a native 
of Prussia, born Dec. 13, 1811. He was the 
oldest child of his parents, and came to the 
United States when quite a young man. He 
resided for several years in the State of New 
York, moved from there to Pennsylvania, then 
to Galena, 111. From here he went to St. Louis, 
coming to Prairie du Chien in 1837 or 183S. 
He was married in Prairie du Chien, Aug. 15, 
1841, to Mary L. Herdelbrink, a native of Hano- 
ver, Germany. Immediately after his marriage 
he located on the farm now owned by his son- 
in-law, Mr. Chapek. He had erected a house 
and made other improvements previous to that 
time, being one of the well known early set- 
tlers of this town. His general business was 
farming and dealing in live stock, though he 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



vsi 



kept a hotel and store for some time, doing 
quite an extensive business during the construc- 
tion of the railroad through this vicinity. The 
first hotel and store here were kept by Mr. 
Stuckey ahso the first postoflice, being called 
the Stuckville post-office. The oflice was dis- 
continued when the office at ^Yauzeka was es- 
tablished. He died Nov. 20, 1880, at the home- 
stead. Henry Stuckey from his habits of indus- 
try and frugality acquired additions to his farm, 
until it numbers 720 acres, the income of which 
supplies all his wants in his declining years. 
He was among the first settlers of the town, and 
assisted in tlie org.-inization of the first school 
district in the town, and did what he could to 
foster and support the common school in which 
he always took a deep interest. His oldest child, 
wife of Mr. Cbapek was born Aug. 21, 1842, at 
the homestead, and was probably the first white 
child born in the town. Mr. Chapek was born in 
Bohemia in 18.51, and came with his parents to 
the United States in 1869. They have six chil- 
dren — Caroline Lily, Caroline Louise, Willinm 
H., Frank .1., Emma M. and Matthias F. 

L. L. Lathrop was bo.rn Jan. 9, 1818, in Rut- 
land Co., Vt. For some time prior to coming 
to Wisconsin lie lived in Canada. Coming to 
Grant county from Canada, in 1837, one year 
later he took up his residence in Prairie du 
Chien. In 1847 he removed to Wauzeka, locating 
where ho now lives, and owns a tract of 800 
acres of land, on which has been found con- 
siderable lead ore, and investigations which he 
is now making promise further develo])ments. 
lie was married Nov. 3, 1844, in Prairie du 
Chien, to Samantha McCajjpee, born in Cliatau- 
qua Co., N. Y. They have nine children — five 
girls (only two living) and four sons. In poll 
tics Mr. Lathrop is a republican, and a warm 
advocate of the principles of that party. He is 
a man of extensive reading, and thougli he has 
to a great extent lost his hearing, he is well in- 
formed on the general topics of the davt 

H. L. Richmatm, of the village of Wauzcka, 
is the son of Ilenrj- Richmann, an carlv settler, 
having settled in 18,52 on section 13, town 7, 
range .5 west. He is one of the large farmers 
of this town, owning about 1,000 acres of land. 
H. L. Richmann is proprietor of a saloon in 
Wauzeka. He was born in Prussia in 1848, 
living at tlie homestead till May, 1880, when he 
came to the village and engaged in his present 
business. He married Julia Bower, of Marietta. 



They have one daughter, Jennie, born Jan. 6, 
1883. 

John McHarg, one of the prominent and well- 
known early settlers of Wauzeka, was born in 
1815 in Scotland. His mother died when he 
was a child, and soon after her death his father, 
with the family, moved to Ireland. When nine- 
teen years of age, he emigrated to Canada, mak- 
ing his home with a brother who had preceded 
him by several years to America. In 1846 he 
went to Chicago. At that time the Mexican 
war was in progress, and enlistments were being 
made for service in the conflict. Mr. McHarg 
enlisted, Feb. 23, 1847, to serve till the close 
of the war. He was assigned to the 6th regi- 
ment. United Slates Infantry, and was honorably 
discharged. July 31, 1848, having participated in 
the battles of Cherubusco, Molino del Rey, 
Contreras and was present at the capture of the 
city of Mexico by Gen. Scott. He was a non- 
commissioned officer, filling tlie position of 
color guard. At the close of the war, he re-en- 
listed in the same command, which was sta- 
tioned at Prairie du Chien. In 1849 his regi- 
ment was transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. 
During his second term of enlistment, 
which was for five years, he held the position 
of sergeant, and was connected with the quar- 
termaster's de])artment. When his time ex- 
pired, his regiment was stationed at Fort Ri- 
ley, which was built by the command to which 
he belonged. The captain of his company, 
Charles Lovill, gave him, on his discharge 
from service, the following letter, which illus- 
trates his life as a soldier: "He has always 
been a faithful, steady, and excellent non-com- 
missioned officer, in which capacity he has 
served his entire term of enlistment, five years. 
Every confidence may be placed in his integrity. 

"Signed, Capt. Charles L. Lovili., 
"Fort Riley, August 1, 18,5:f." 

Mr. McHarg has been a resident of Wauzeka, 
since M.ay, 185.5. In 1849 he had secured by a 
land warrant, obtained for service in the Mexi- 
can War, 160 acres, which includes the present 



758 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



site of Wauzeka, but on tbe building of the 
railroad in 1856, he sold this quarter section to 
Mr. Dousman, who laid out the town. He 
llien settled on section 17, where he has since 
lived, engaged in farming. In politics he is a 
republican. He was chairman of the town 
boanl of Wauzeka for ten years, and in 1880 
was census enumerator for his district. He was 
married at Fort Leavenworth, while a soldier, 
to Fanny Ormsby, a native of Ireland, but reared 
in New Orleans. They have had twelve chil- 
dren, ten of whom are living — Ann, Rebecca, 
Lizzie, William, Agnes, John, Fannie, Cottie, 
Ormsby and Ella. Mr. McIIarg and family le- 
moved to Dakota in the spring of 1 884, a number 
of their children now residing in that territory. 

Christian Rice was born in 1829, in Wurtem- 
burg, Germany. When twelve years old, he 
lost liis father, and in 1855 came to the United 
States, first living for tivo years in Fulton Co., 
Ohio, then moving to Green Bay. From there 
he went to Grant county, coming here in Feb- 
ruary, 1856, where he still resides. He was 
engaged in milling for many years, and for 
eighteen years has been head sawyer in the saw 
mill of Ralph Smith. Mr. Rice was married in 
Germany to Margaret Schiild. They have seven 
children, three sons and four daughters. He 
has been treasurer of Wauzeka since 1874, 
except an interval of two years. No present 
resident of the village was here before Mr. Rice. 
James Degnan, Jr., was born Aug. 4, 184'2, in 
Ireland, and came to the United States, with his 
])arents in 1848. They lived in New York, five 
years, and removed to Jo Daviess Co., 111., in 
185:^, where they resided till the spring of 1860, 
when they came to Crawford Co., Wis., and they 
settled on section 35, in the town of Eastman. 
In 1866 Mr. Degnan bought the farm where he 
lives, located on section 2, town 7, range 5 west, 
from Emily E. Lemons. He is one of the 
prominent citizens of Wauzeka, being elected 
town clerk in 1869, he served six years; was aNo 
chairman of the town board of Wauzeka, two 
terms. He married Mary E. Dunne, of Eastman. 



They have eight children, two sons and six 
daughters 

Charles N. Mumford was born in Lewis Co , 
N. Y., in 1816, and is the youngest son of a 
Revolutionary soldier. When three years of 
age, his parents removed to Fredonia Chautau- 
qua Co.,N. Y., where Charles grew to manhood. 
In October, 1836, he married Clarrissa Black- 
ney, born in Columbia Co., N. Y. In 1839 his 
father's family, accomjianied by himself, wife 
and babe, removed to McDonough Co., III., and 
followed farming there about three years. His 
father died the first year of their residence 
there; his motlier died the same week. In 1841 
Charles N. moved his family to Lafayette Co., 
Iowa, remaining there until 1845, when he came 
to V\'isconsin, locating in town of Highland, 
Iowa county. During his residence in Iowa 
county, Mr. Mumford kept hotel at Mineral 
Point, and on Blue river, [le did some min- 
ing, and served as sheriff of Iowa County be- 
ing elected to that position, in 1852. Mr. Mum- 
ford was postmaster for several years at Blue 
river, and was one of the active men of that 
time and locality. He came to Wauzeka in 
1860, settling on section 36, town 8, range 5, 
where he still resides; owns 160 acres of land, 
and is a much respected citizen. .Mr. and Mrs. 
Mumford h.ave nine children — Henry W., born 
in New York, April 16, 1838; Manley E., born 
in Illinois, Jan. 2, 1841; Corelelia, born in Iowa 
July 20, 1843, married Amos B. Foster, and 
died in Illinois, April 16, 1880; Adeline, born 
in Iowa Co., Wis., ^ept. 17, 1846, wife of Jacob 
Lemons, of Vlissouri; Edward born in Iowa Co., 
Wis., Sept. 9, 1848, died June 12, 1872; Frank, 
born in Iowa Co., Wis., July 16, 1850, resident 
of Idaho; Mary C, born Oct. 16, 1852, wife of 
J. P. Kendall, of Iowa; Jane, born Aug. 18, 
1855, wife of J. F. Beardsley, of Lone Rock, 
Wis.; Marian A., born Nov. 25, 1 859, and is 
residing at home. 

W. A. Vaughan is one of the two general 
merchants at Wauzeka, the firm name being 
Vaughan & Co. Tbe business was established 



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



759 



ill August, ISYe. He is a son of J. A. Vaughan, 
wlio settled in the town of Wauzeka, in Septem- 
ber 1860. -I. A Vaughan was born at Whitehall 
Vt., in 180.3, where he lived till about twentj^- 
tive years of age. Then he removed to New 
York, and from thence to what is now Corry, 
Penn. From Pennsylvania, he removed to 
Cleveland, Ohio, and from thence, in the fall of 
1845, to Kankakee, 111. He came to Wisconsin 
in 1855, and located at Black Earth, Dane coun- 
ty, where he lived five years. He came to 
Wauzeka in 1860. He located near the village 
of Wauzeka, where he reside! till his decease, 
Nov. 26, 1876. He was twice married; his first 
wife was a Miss Clark, also a native of Ver- 
mont; his second wife, Sarah Coon, whom he 
married in Pennsylvania. She was born and 
reared in New York, and died in this town in 
March, 1874. Mr. Vaughan had four children 
l)y first marriage, who grew to maturity, two of 
wliom are still living — Annis, who lives in 
Kansas, and Esther, in Pennsylvania. He had 
six children bv his second wife, five of whom 
are living — Sarah, Harriet, Washington A., Or- 
lando and Lorenzo, all of whom are residents 
of this town, excepting Lorenzo, who lives in 
Dakota. W. A., was born in Ohio, in 1845. 
He enlisted in the War of the rebellion, in 
con\pany A., 11th regiment, Wisconsin Volun- 
teer Infantry, serving the last two years of the 
war. He participated in all the campaigns and 
battles in which his command took part, after 
he entered the army, including the seige and 
capture of Mobile; and was wounded in the 
charge on the defences of that city. After the 
war, he was engaged in teaching and farming 
fur a number of years. In 1872 he was elected 
register of deeds, for Crawford county, and at 
the expiration of his term of service, was elec- 
ted clerk of the court, serving one term. His 
wife was Miss M. L. Koch, a daughter of John 
Koeli, of Prairie du Chien. Mr. and Mrs. 
Vaughan have three children — Walter, Irving 
and Grace. He has also served as town clerk, 
and treasurer of this town. 



O. P. Vaughan was born in Kankakee Co., 
111., in 1848. His father J. A. Vaughan removed 
to Black Earth, Wis., in 1 855, and in 1860 moved 
to Wauzeka. In 1872 O. P. Vaughaifmarried 
in De Soto, Wis., Delia Cutting, of Lansing, 
Iowa. They have five children — Orla P., born 
in 1874; Roy A., born in 1876; Lulu, born in 
1878; Florence, born in 1880, and H. Leon, born 
in 1883. Mr. Vaughan resides on section 12, 
town 7, range 5, where he owns 160 acres, and 
also forty acres on section 18. He was chair- 
man of the town board of supervisors in 188.3, 
and is one of the most active men in public 
affairs in his town. He served in the 49th regi- 
ment, Wisconsin Volunteers, for about nine 
months in the last year of the war, being but 
sixteen years of age when he enlisted. 

Andrew Miller was born in Genesee Co., N. 
Y., Feb. 8, 1827. When a child, bis parents 
removed to Trumbull Co., Ohio; his father, 
Peter Miller, died there. Andrew was married 
in November, 1848, to Clarinda Court wright, 
also a native of New York. In 1825, Mr Mil- 
ler went westward to Genesee Co., Mich., and fol- 
lowed fanning there twoyears, then removed to 
Ingham county in the same State, and lived in 
that and Wayne counties until November, 1859, 
when he came to Wisconsin, and located at Mt. 
Hope, Grant Co., two years. In 1861, Mr. Mil- 
ler came to Wauzeka, and bought land on section 
7, town 7, range 4 west, improved it, making a 
good home, where he still resides. Ilis mother, 
Betsy Miller, lived with him until her death, 
which occurred in 1805. They have two child- 
ren living — Jay, born in Ohio, in 185.3, and 
Emma, born in Michigan, in 1858. Margaret 
was born the year after they came to this town, 
and <lied in 1804; two infant children were 
buried in Ohio. Emma resides near her parents, 
and is the wife of William Atche^^on. Jay mar- 
ried Oc(>na Seely, Jan. 3, 1881. One child Ijas 
been given to them — Stella, born Jan. 16, 1883. 
Jay lives on the old homestead with his ])arents. 
Andrew Miller is one of the striving men of 
Wauzeka. Mr. INIiller and son Jay, own 177 
acres of land, fifty of which are under cultivation. 



reo 



HISTORY OF CKAVVFORD COtTNTT. 



Jacob Jetter was born Oct. 19, 1820, in Wur- 
temburg, Germany. He came to the United 
States in 1853, residing in New York a short 
time, then going to Canada. In 18.59 he went 
west to the Pacific coast, visiting California, and 
the other States and territories. He settled in 
Carson valley, Nevada, where he erected a liotel 
and hot spring bathing house, living there six 
years. In 1867, he returned to Europe, visiting 
his old home in Germany, and came back in the 
spring of 1868, making his home in Wauzeka, 
and engaging in the saloon business. He mar- 
ried Mrs. Johanne F. (Keler) Christ, widow of 
George Christ, who died Jan. 24, 1880, 
leaving her witli seven children — five sons and 
two daughters. Four of the sons live in Mari- 
etta and one in Boscobel. The oldest daughter 
lives in Illinois, the younger at home. Mrs. 
Jetter has lost three children, from her first 
marriage. 

William Atcheson, Sr , resides on section 12, 
town 7, range 4 west. He owns, on this section, 
210 acres of land, of which ninety acres are 
under cultivation. His son, William Jr., mar- 
ried Emma Miller, Jan, 4, 1881. They have one 
child— William A., born July 2, 1SS3. William 
Jr., lives with his father and conducts the farm; 
father and son are both intelligent and enter- 
prising citizens. William Atcheson, Sr., was 
born in County Antrim, Ireland, June 26, 1823. 
In 1847, he embarked at Belfast for Quebec, and 
from there he went to Erin, Canada West, buy- 
ing and clearing 100 acres of heavliy timbered 
land. lie was married in March, 1859, to Jesse ' 
Harris. They had born to them four children — 
William, born in 1800; Jane, born in 1862; John 
Henry, born in 1804 Hiid James, born in 1867. Mr \ 
Atche.-ion was bereaved by the death of his wife 
in 1869. The spring of the following year he 
came to Wauzeka, and made his present location. 
Jane was married Fel). 4, 1884, to Theodore La- 
mere, who owns a farm in the town of Eastman. 

George Beier was born in 1850, in Mechlen- 
burg, Germany, and came with his parents to 
the Uuited States in 1865, they settling in Wau- 



kesha, Wis. He learned his trade, that of boot 
and shoemaker, in Waukesha, coming to Wau- 
zeka in 1873. In 1874 he established a general 
store of ready made goods, but still manufac- 
tured custom work, and does repairing. He is 
the only exclusive boot and shoe dealer in the 
place, carries a good stock of goods, and has 
a good trade. He was married April 4, 1874, 
at Waukesha, to Minnie Timmerman, born in 
Germany. They have four children — May, 
Walter, Salma and William. 

John Nicholas Feldmann was born Nov. 18, 
1843, in Schleiswig, Germany. When a boy 
he went to sea with an uncle, following the life 
of a sailor for seven years. In 1 864 he came to the 
United States, accompanied by a sister and her 
four children, her husband having precedeil his 
family to this country by four years, and engag- 
ing in Boscobel, Grant county. Mr. Feldmai.n 
engaged in ship building at Manhattan, near 
Boscobel for a time, after which he was em- 
ployed on the Wisconsin and Fox river im- 
provement enterprise. He came to Wauzeka 
in 1871, and was employed in the boat yard for 
a time, but did not come here permanently 
until 1876. Mr. Feldmann has one of the two 
general stores at Wauzeka, engaging in business 
Dec. 27, 1877, as successor to Leo Oswold, de- 
ceased He is a wide awake, successful busi- 
ness man, and has a prosperous trade. He has 
been twice married. First, to Mrs. Anna 
(Schevert) Oswold, widow of Leo Oswold, who 
died Dec. 22, 1878, leaving one son — Alexander. 
His present wife was Maggie Harold, daughter 
of Bernard Harold, one of the early settlers of 
Wauzeka. They have two children - Ch.ir'es 
and Mary. 

John G. Widmann was born in 1851, in Wur- 
temburg, Germany. He learned his trade, that 
of tinning, in Lowell, Dodge county, with 
Henry Stokes, and came here in the spring of 
1878. He is the hardware dealer of \Aauzeka, 
including in his stock, general hardware, such 
as stoves, tinware, farming implements and 
sewing machines. His wife was j\lMgt:ie Wag- 
ner, born in Saxony, Germany. Mr. Widmann 
was previously married to Dora Schmalcnber- 
ger, who died in 1879, leaving two children — 
Louis and Emma. He also has one son by his 
present wife— John G, 



HISTORY 



OF 



RICHLAND COUNTY, 



"VsTiscon^sin^. 



CHAPTER 1 



INTRODUCTORY. 



Each year, as it rolls its resistless way along the 
mighty pathway of time, is fast thinning 
the ranks of the hardy pioneers, who, in their 
adventurous waj% first broke the broad pathway 
of emigration into what is now the bright val- 
leys and beautiful hills of Richland county. 
The relentless hand of death, pursuing his re- 
moreless and unceasing avocation, is cutting 
down, one by one, the hardy and brave men and 
women who first established the "broad blaze" 
and footmarks of civilization and progress in 
this, then, great wilderness, whose only inhabi- 
tants were the cruel red man and his hardly 
less wild congener, the savage beast. 

No tongue can tell, no ])en portray the hard- 
ships and cruel vicissitudes of fortune endured 
in those early days by this little band of Argo- 
nauts, who, thirty-five and forty years ago, bid- 
ding adieu to the home roof-tree, in the older 
homes of civilization and comfort, turned their 



backs upon it all, many of them forever, and 
wandered away into the broad domain of the 
mighty west, there to hew themselves out, lit- 
erally, homes in the vast primeval solitudes. 

The weather-beaten form, the furrowed 
brow, the prematurely hoary locks, are sad, yet 
eloquent evidences, that theirs was no holiday 
life, while weathering the storms and turmoil of 
pioneer life. Penury, hardship and often abso- 
lute want were their lot, while trying to con- 
quer dame nature and establish homes for them- 
selves and their families in this boundless 
wilderness. 

Let us hasten then to put down the words, as 
they fall from their lips, of the grandly heroic 
deeds done in those early days that their actions 
may find the niche in history which they de- 
serve. Let their words and deeds form a mon- 
I ument that shall long outlast the stone or 
I bronze which must ere long mark the place of 



I'j 



762 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNl Y. 



their rest. Let their epitaph be: "They have 
builded better than they knew." 

But before we take up the history of historic 
times it is the duty of the historian to record 
the facts as they have existed "down through 
the dim and misty vista of time, before man was. 
Therefore, it becomes quite necessary for us to 
ascertain something of the hi.story of the earth 
beneath, as it was formed in the vast, pre- 
historic era, before man had lived and moved 
upon its surface; history not written upon the 
puny records of man, but grandly engraved by 
the hand of creation upon the rocks and granite 
of the everlasting hills; let us, therefore, begin 
at the 

TOPOGEAPHY OF THE COUNTY. 

Richland county, in common with nearly all 
the State of Wisconsin, presents many remark- 
able and interesting topographical features, and 
according to the now accepted theory, developed 
by patient research, of the highest authority, 
was once, in those far distant primeval days, 
buried far beneath the bosom of a broad and 
waving ocean. The boldly marked inequalities 
that mark its surface are due, in a large measure, 
to three different agents, acting at different 
times and under different conditions; these arc: 

1st. During that long cycle of time that 
existed between the emergence of the land 
from its bed in the vasty deep, and what is 
known as the drift period, the numerous streams 
and rivers were ploughing their beds deeper 
and deeper into the primeval rocks, and render- 
ing the former level surface more and more 
irregular. The softer rocks being more readily 
eroded than the harder ones increased their 
unevenness, there being a constant tendency of 
the streams to follow the softer strata wherever 
the slope of the land favored, and as these run 
in a northerly and southerly direction generally 
throughout the county, the main streams have 
that general course. The little streams gatliered 
into the larger ones are not unlike the branches 
of the forest tree as they gather into the parent 
stem. The ei'osion of this nature produced in 



the unevenness of the surface a symmetry and 
a certain system easily recognizable. As 
this action upon the rocks occupied the period 
preceding the glaciers, we, for convenience, call 
it the pre-glacial. 
2nd. The modifications of the surface constitut- 
ing the first class of topograpical features were 
produced by running water; those of the second 
class, which follows next in order of time, were 
formed by ice, in the form of glaciers, and by 
the various agencies,brought into action by their 
melting. The work of the ice was two-fold; 
first, in the partial leveling of the surface by 
planing off the hills and strewing the finely pul- 
verized rock upon the surface of the valleys; 
second, in the creation of a new, uneven surface 
by the ^jromiscuous heaping up the clay, sand, 
boulders and gravel, thus giving the land a new 
aspect. Among the features produced by this 
movement of gigantic mountains of ice, are par- 
allel ridges, sometimes many miles in length, 
having the same general direction as the ice 
movement; hills of a rounded, flowing contour, 
like many found along the shores of the Wiscon- 
sin river ; half embosomed rocky ledges crop- 
ping out of the hillside, like giant battlements 
on titanic castles ; all of which combine to form 
a peculiar and distinctive contour of surface 
easily recognizable. All these apparent freaks 
of nature being due to the action of the ice are 
therefore denominated, glacial features. 

3d. Subsequent upon the subsidence of the 
glacial period the streams resumed their wearing 
action, but under different conditions, and 
carved out a new surface contour, the features 
of which may be termed post glacial or drift. 

There are no evidences of any violent disrup- 
tions of the earth's crust in the county, but the 
region has owed all its peculiarity of aspect en- 
tirely to the above agencies. 

GEOGRAPHY AND GEOI OGY. 

The county of Riehland is situated in iIk- 
f outhwestern portion of the State of Wisconsin, 
but one range of counties separating it from the 
line between this and the State of Illinois, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



in 



and is in the second tier of counties east of the 
Mississippi river. It is bounded on the north 
by Vernon and a small portion of Sauk, the 
latter also forming the eastern boundary; to the 
south lie Iowa and Grant counties, from which 
it is separated by the Wisconsin river; on the 
west it has Crawford and Vernon counties for a 
boundary. The general shape of the county is 
almost a square, except upon the southern bor- 
der, where the line follows the sinuosities of the 
river, and is therefore of an irregular shape. 
Containing, as'it does, some sixteen townships, 
it covers, in area, 620 square miles, or nearly 
400,000 acres. The general character of the 
land is steep, bluffy hills and fertile valleys, 
and streams course down each dale. When 
the white man first settled within its boundaries, 
the face of the earth was covered with a dense 
primeval forest, and much of the county is, to 
this day, heavily timbered. 

Great timber masses of trees cover the 
hillsides and the ridges, and fully supply all 
the needs of the community for fuel, rails and 
building lumber. The j)rincipal varieties are: 
white oak, ( Quercus Alba), black oak, ( Quercus 
Tinctora), red oak, (Quercus Rnhra), burr 
oak, (Quercus Macrocarpa), elm, (Ulmus Amer- 
cana), white maple, (Acer Dasycarpmii), sugar 
maple, (Arer Succhurimini), white ash, (JFra.r- 
inus Ainericatia), basswood, (Tilia Americana), 
[line, (Pinus Si/lvesteris), white and black wal- 
nut, and cherry. These timbers support one of 
the principal industries of this section of coun- 
try, saw-milling. 

The broken face of the country, while its cli- 
niatorial effects are very pleasant, modifying 
the rigidity of a prairie winter, does not present 
the advantages of Illinois or Iowa, for large 
capitalists who desire to open up immense 
grain or stock farms. The peculiar topography 
of this county marks out its future destiny, to 
be divided up into small tracts, occupied by in- 
dustrious, thrifty farmers, raising a comfortable 
living, and each having a surplus, sometimes 
largo and sometimes small, to spare for invest- 



ment in manufactures or any other scheme called 
for by the recourses or progress of the country. 
The principal attention of the rural population 
is engaged in the raising of stock, and notably 
that of sheep, although the dairy interests are 
by no means small. It is claimed that the 
county of Richland has the elements of greater 
superiority, in the rearing of this class of stock, 
over any other part of the State; besides the 
abundance of water power affords unusual fa- 
cilities for investment in woolen manufacturies. 

The geology of this section of the State is 
marked throughout the county by the outcrop 
of Trenton limestone, near or at the top of the 
bluffs or hills ; this strata varies in thickness 
from a few feet to twenty, and invariably over- 
lies a substratum of Potsdam sandstone, which 
is of a friable nature, and varies from a light 
cream or buff color, through all the gradation 
of shades to a reddish brown. This rock is 
largely quarried, and is extensively used for 
building purposes. The Trenton limestone is 
well known for its caves and the fantastic shape 
it often puts on where exposed to the elements. 
One of these curious freaks of nature is quite 
noted throughout this county. We refer to the 
natural bridge, at the town of Rockbridge, of 
which the following description has been writ- 
ten by one of the early pioneers of the county : 

"Richland county boasts a natural bridge, 
which, though of less pretensions than the Nat- 
ural Bridge of Virginia, is still a curiosity wor- 
thy of an examination. It is located in the town 
of Rockbridge, the name being suggested by 
it. The visitor, in traveling north through the 
town of Rockbridge, is struck with the utter 
abandonment of style ot purpose in the distribu- 
tion of the rocks and ledges, until he arrives at 
this bridge, consisting of a mass of rocks about 
a half mile in length, from thirty to ninety feet 
ill height, and varying in width (we shoubl 
judge) from three to five rods at the top, but 
shelving so that it is much less at the bottom. 
Here a purpose mightbe assigned, and thflt, the 
damming up, or changing from its channel the 



764 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



meandering west branch of the Pine river, 
though it heeds not the obstacle, but pursues 
its serpentine windings to the ledge and along 
its side, and seeks, successfully, for escape 
through an aperture beneath the massive struc- 
ture, which its action and old Father Time have 
evidently enlarged beyond its primitive size. 
The arch is irregular, about ten feet high, ex- 
clusive of a narrow seam which extends far up 
toward the top, and some eighteen or twenty 
feet wide at the bottom ; and has formerly been 
utilized by building a flume to run a grist mill." 
While upon this subject, it were perhaps as 
well to give a description of some caves in the 
town of Sylvan, located on section 34, which 
have not been as yet thoroughly explored. One 
of these caves has long been known as the Bear 
Den, their lair, which had been supposed to be 
the extent of the cavern, having been often seen. 
The entrance to the cave, about 200 feet above 
the level of the creek (west branch of Mill creek), 
and from a sink hole of about ten feet in depth, 
is through an opening in the solid rock ; the 
passage of twenty feet is high and wide enough 
for a man, followed by a wider one for forty 
feet further, after which, by change of direc- 
tion, the Bear Den is reached ; after this a pas- 
sage of ten rods brings the explorer to a small 
hole, just a close tit for a man's body, through 
which they can climb, then making their way 
through a difficult passage of twenty rods, 
which will bring them to a round room, about 
thirty feet in diameter, from the center of which 
a small stream of water is constantly drip- 
ping. Two passages lead off from this room ; 
the one from the left is through rock, ten rods, 
where a pool of pure, clear water, about two 
feet deep, is found ; passing this, the end of 
that cavern is reached in about four rods ; the 
passage leading from the right of the central 
room also discovers a pool of good water, 
larger than the other. After passing the water, 
at the distance of ten rods, a small opening is 
found, but what remains beyond has not been 
explored. 



On the other side of the creek, from the 
caves above described, on the bluff, another, 
equally curious, has been visited. The two, or 
either of them, will well repay an exploration. 
The distance from the Centre is about fourteen 
miles, and it does seem curious that the citizens 
of that place are not more fully acquaintod 
with these natural curiosities. 

The county abounds in fine springs and pure 
streams of water, among the latter of which 
some swell to the dignity of rivers, while others 
rejoice in the nomenclature of creeks. Pine 
river, which is probably the most important, 
rises just over the line in Vernon county, trav- 
erses the entire length of Richland county in a 
general southerly direction, sometimes inclin- 
ing to the eastward, watering the towns of 
Henrietta, Rockbridge, Richland, Buena Vista, 
and a small corner of Ithaca. The principal 
affluents are Indian, Melancthon, Soules, Hawk- 
ins, Fancy, Willow and Ash creeks, and the 
West branch. 

The Kickapoo river traverses sections 6, 7, 
18 and 19 of the town of Forest, its principal 
affluent. Camp creek, running from the east, 
westward across the whole town, and fertilizing 
with its waters the surrounding country. 

The little Baraboo river rises in the town of 
Westford, flowing in an easterly direction, 
passes into Sauk county, crossing the county 
line in section ] 2. 

The west branch of the Baraboo river just 
enters the county, in section 1 of the town of 
Westford. 

Besides these rivers,several creeks of some con- 
siderable dimensions are found within the limits 
of the county, of which the most notable are: 
Knapp's creek, in the western part of Akan and 
Richwood; Eagle or Mill creek, which rises in 
the southern part of the town of Forest and 
flows southerly through the towns of Sylvan, 
Eagle and Dayton; Willow creek and tribu- 
taries, which water the eastern part of the 
county, and Bear creek, whose waters lave the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



765 



bosom of Ithaca and Buena Vista towns, and 
finally empties into the Wisconsin. 

SOIL, PHYSICAL FEATURES AND CROPS. 

Richland county is 'said to be within the 
mineral range. In the southern part some lead 
ore has been found, but always in small quanti- 
ties, never in large enough bodies to induce 
the mining of it to be extensively entered into. 
Iron ore is, however, present in many places, 
and considerably good sized leads of it have 
been found at several points, the most impor- 
tant being at or near the town of Cazenovia. 
There has never been sufficient development, 
except at the latter place, to ascertain whether 
it exists in very extensive veins or not. Occa- 
sional specimens of copper ore have been also 
found, principally in the form of float or surface 
pieces. 

The soil, throughout nearly the whole of the 
county, is found to be, in the valleys, a deep black, 
rich, alluvial loam; in some places, however, 
more particularly about the river bottoms, it is 
quite sandy. The soil upon th<^ upland ridges 
seems ijuite often to be a species of clay, and 
is claimed to be the very best land for the lux- 
uriant growth of winter wheat. The land u])on 
some of the hill sides is too steep for cultiva- 
tion, and the narrower ridges are deemed un- 
suitable for that purpose, but they are very 
valuable for grazing purposes and for the tim- 
ber. ■ About one-fifth of the territory is under 
cultivation; one-half to two-thirds of the re- 
mainder may be easily tilled; while very little 
will be lost to the economical, thrifty and in- 
telligent class of farmers who make it their 
home. 

The soil and climate are well adapted to the 
cultivation of wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, po- 
tatoes, tobacco, hops, all kinds of vegetables, 
clover, timothy and other grasses, and plenty 
of all these are raised for home consumption, 
besides having a large surplus for export. Ap- 



ples and grapes can be raised with more than 
moderate success, and all the small fruit thrive 
abundantly, while wild plums, blackberries, 
raspberries and strawberries are indigenous. 
An article published in the Richland county 
Observer, written by W. M. Fogo, thus speaks 
of the capabilities of the county: 

"While the county is well adapted to almost 
everything known to agricultural economy, its 
best hold is stock raising. No section of the 
State is better adapted to it; the hills and val- 
leys and crystal brooks affording convenient 
range, protection and water. Until recent years 
the farmers have paid but little attention to 
this industry, but latterly they are engaging in 
it extensively, and there are numerous fine 
herds and flocks, which are rapidly increasing 
i!i number and quality as the years roll on." 

The industries of the county are : farming, 
in all its various forms ; butter and cheese- 
making ; lumbering, principally in fine hard 
woods ; milling, manufacturing of various kinds, 
and nearly all of the varied mechanic arts and 
employments. There are some twenty grist, 
thirty saw, and two woolen mills within the 
county. Many good water powers exist all 
over the county, quite a number of which re- 
main to be improved. The villages of the 
county are : Richland Centre, Lone Rock, Sex- 
tonville, Richland City, Orion, Eagle Corners, 
Port Andrew, Excelsior, Boaz, Viola, West 
Lima, Spring Valley, Woodstock, Rockbridge, 
Stalwart, Cazenovia, Loyd and Ithaca. 

Of these Richland Centre is by far the larg- 
est, and is a thriving village and the county 
seat and commercial center, and is the terminus 
of the Richland Center branch of the Prairie 
du Chien division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul railroad. 

There are some thirty-three postoffices in the 
county, but Richland Centre and Lone Rock are 
the only money order ones within its limits. 



766 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER II 



MOUND BUILDERS AND INDIAN OCCLTPANCY. 



The historian, looking back away down the 
dim corridor of time, perceives faintly in the 
mythical light of that far off, pre-historic period, 
before the red man's foot had desecrated its 
soil, the traces of a race who evidently peopled 
these hills and valleys of Richland county ; a 
race who lived in semi-barbaric civilization, akin 
to that of the Aztec that Cortez found on the 
plains of Mexico ; a race who lived and died 
and left no trace of their existence except the 
mysterious mounds and ridges that they have 
built or that mark the site of their ruined 
buildings ; a race of whom no tradition even 
exists from which their history can be written ; 
a people of mystery, and probably ever to re- 
main so — the Toltecs or Mound-builders. 

The high bluffs and the broad, level bottom 
lands along the Wisconsin river are in many 
places thickly dotted over with these reminisen- 
ces of a vanished race. In many localities 
these relics have attracted much antiquarian at- 
tention, and many theories have been advanced, 
plausible enough, but apparently only based 
upon vague speculation, accounting for their 
origin and purpose. The few slight traces of 
bones and implements, with, in some instances, 
pottery, are all that are left to tell us of a race 
that has been extinct for centuries. 

In the neighborhood of Excelsior, Port An- 
drew, Richland City, and all along the Wiscon- 
sin river, these mounds are quite numerous, and 
are of various shapes and sizes ; but we have 
failed to find that any attempt has been made 
to elucidate their mystery by a careful research. 



During the summer of 18S1, a party from 
Mineral Point made some research, near Lone 
Rock, in this county, under the auspices of the 
Smithsonian Institution, and in the interest of 
anthropology, of which the following account 
is given: 

"The mounds opened were in the meadow of 
Mr. Loomis, two miles north of Lone Rock, 
where was found a group of about twenty 
mounds — all round, except one, which was ob- 
long, and about 200 feet long. The land and 
mounds had been cultivated, but are now in 
grass, and no doubt, by these means, the mounds 
have been greatly denuded; they were in diam- 
eter the same as those above mentioned, but 
lower; no regular design in their position was 
observed, except in those farthest east, where 
were seven round mounds in a north and south 
line, with a mound to the east and west of the 
second mound, from the south end of the line, 
each mound about thirty feet in diameter, and 
distant sixty-six feet from center to center, 
thus forming a cross. The second mound from 
the south end or center of the cross was opened, 
but at the depth of four feet, they were satis- 
fied from the appearance of the earth, that it 
had been opened before, and the excavation re- 
filled, as it showed no outward signs of having 
been interfered with. 

"Another mound to the we-st was then opened, 
and at the depth of three feet the bones of 
three persons were found; they were so decom- 
posed, fragile, and near to dust that it was only 
with great care, that parts of them could be 
preserved; these bodies had been laid upon the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



767 



surface of the ground, and the mound erected 
over them; they were doubled up at the knees 
and hij)S and laid east and west, with the head 
alternately eacli way; one of them is thought 
to have been a man six feet three inches, and 
the others of ordinary stature. Strong evidence 
that part of the remains had been burned, were 
obtained here, as also the greater part of the 
genuine skull of a mound builder; many bones 
and fragments, some charred to coal were taken 
from here, as also many of the teeth, which 
were best preserved of all. 

"Another mound about 100 feet southeast of 
the last one mentioned, was then opened, and 
at the depth of two and one-half feet were 
found the bones of two persons of ordinary 
stature, in the same condition, and buried in 
the same manner, as those last described." 

Some idea of the antiquity of these mounds, 
so called, may be gathered from the fact, that 
some of them in various portions of the State, 
represent the form of a mastodon, which leads to 
the inevitable conclusion, thatthose ancient buil- 
ders were cotemporary with that long extinct an- 
imal. This theory has been strengthened by the 
presence of mastodon bones found in the 
mounds. And the conclusion is reached that, 
either these Toltecs were of earlier date than 
has been generally supposed, or that the masto- 
don or mammoth is of later. 

Many other monuments of this long banished 
race are to be found throughout the county, but 
it would seem that no further effort has been 
made toward investigating them. Whether 
they were a race with all the refinements and 
civilization of the Egyptian or Babylonian, as 
has been claimed for them, or whether they had 
but the ruder culture of the more primitive 
races, remains as ever an unwritten mystery; 
their history has perished in the lapse of ages, 
and been buried under the dust of centuries. 

Of tlieir successors, the red Indian, the Scythi- 
an American, but little has been preserved. 
Tlieir traditions, like the traditions of all bar- 
barous races, border so much upon the marvel- 



ous ; are so inter- warped with the myths and 
creations of tlie imagination, that what is fact 
and what is fable it were difficult to determine. 
The early French explorers in their wanderings 
to and fro, throughout what is now the broad 
domain of the State of Wisconsin, record about 
all that is positively known of the whereabouts 
of the various tribes that then had a habitation 
or that hunted and fished within the limits of 
the State. 

We are told, that the earliest that is known, 
with any degree of accuracy, of any tribes in- 
habiting the vast wooded solitudes of Richland 
county, is, that, it was the hunting ground of a 
portion of the tribe of Sauks or Sacs, and their 
friends and allies, the Ottagamies or Foxes. 
These tribes are of the great Algonquin family 
and are perhajis one of its most noted branches, 
and the first mention is made of them by the 
French Jesuit missionary, Allouez, during a 
voyage made by him in 1665. The valley of 
the Wisconsin river seems to have been a 
favorite locality for them. They were, as is 
told by the Jesuits, an industrious Nation, 
singularly so for Indians, and cultivated large 
tracts of corn lands. History still records the 
fact that they had quite an extensive village on 
the northern banks of the Wisconsin river, 
within the limits of this county, not very far 
from the present site of Port Andrew, perha])8 
just west, near what is now known as the 
Coumbe farm, as the large amount of graves 
of the red hunter and warrior, found upon that 
place would lead one to believe. 

The northern part of the county was claimed 
and held by a portion of the Winnebagoes, or 
men of tlie sea, as the name is translated, show- 
ing that they had migrated from the shores of 
the great salt water in previous ages. These 
two tribes, with a small sprinkling of Potta- 
wattamies, formed the bulk of the aboriginal 
inhabitants before the advent of the white 
man. 

The Foxes and Sacs ceded all their portion 
of tills county to the United States, by a treaty, 



768 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



signed in 1804, so that they were no longer 
owners of any land within its limits, nor were 
they found in any great numbers this side of 
the Mississippi river, until the episode of the 
Black Hawk war, in 183-2. Howevei", this was, 
from the date of its cession to the general gov- 
ernment, by the Foxes and Sacs, the favorite 
hunting ground of the Winnebagoes. These 
people had some settlements also in the south- 
ern and central portions of the county, accord- 
ing to traJition, and were for many years inimi- 
cal to the Americans, having esjjoused the cause, 
and taken up arms in favor of the British, dur- 
ing the War of 1812-15. 

In 1810, however, a treaty of peace was en- 
tered upon with them by the general govei'n- 
meut, at St. Louis ; and finally, in November, 
1837, the Winnebagoes ceded to the United 
States, all their lands east of the Mississippi 
river. Nothing was reserved, and it was agreed 
upon by the contracting parties, that within 
some eight months from the time of the sign- 
ing of the treaty, the Indians would all 
move west of the "Father of Waters." This 
arrangement was not fully carried out, the rich 



forests of Richland and adjoining counties 
proving too strong a temptation, and mar.y still 
lingered in their former home. The history 
of these nomadic inhabitants has been treated 
here in rather a cursory manner, as the full 
details will be found elsewhere in this volume. 

Close in the neighborhood of Port Andrew, 
in the southern portion of the county, tradition 
still points out the place of a battle, between 
two bands of rival Indian claimants, for the 
right of hunting in the rich region of the Wis- 
consin bottoms. 

Another fact in history is, that Black Hawk 
crossed Richland county in his retreat from the 
infuriated settlers of Grant and Jo Daviess 
counties, just before he made his last stand at 
Bad Ax. The trail along which he passed was 
plainly visible to many of the early settlers, and 
was followed by many of them. The trail, as seen 
by them, crossed the Wisconsin river near the 
mouth of Honey creek, then passed northward 
through the towns of Buena Vista, Ithaca, 
Rockbridge and Bloom, following one of the 
creek valleys. 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1&9 



CHAPTER III 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 



Coming down to what may more properly be 
called the historic age, it suffices to say that 
prior to 1838 the region now constituting Rich- 
land county was known only by a few adven- 
turous hunters and trappers, who had pushed 
their way into the depths of its pristine woods 
in search of the game that then abounded in its 
solitudes. 

The wide, rushing current of the tortuous 
Wisconsin river, together with tlie presence of 
the wild denizens of the land, had checked the 
How of emigration that had peopled the region 
lying south of that river in the previous years. 
In those early days a dense forest covered the 
face of hill and valley, and the bear, elk, deer 
and other smaller game literally abounded be- 
neath its umbrageous shades, and myriads of 
fish disported in its crystal streams. It was a 
favorite hunting ground of the Winnebagoes, 
who guarded it as the apple of their eye from 
the growing encroachments of their white 
neighbors, and who resented with violence the 
few faint attempts made to erect cabins thereon, 
by the few hunters and trappers that ranged its 
depths. 

The first white man who ever attempted a 
settlement within its borders was John Coumbe, 
of whom the following account has been written 
by Dr. R. M. Miller, who knew hiiu well. Of 
him it says : " Captain John Coumbe was born 
in Devonshire, England, March 2.5, 1808. Ilis 
boyiiood days, or a portion of them, were 
passed in the city of London, where he received 
his education. During the year 1828, then be- 



ing twenty years of age, he, in company with 
his father and family, emigrated to America. 
They first settled in the State of Ohio. Here 
the young man did not stay long, for, feeling 
dissatisfied with that country, he pushed on, 
following the 'course of empire,' and finally 
arrived in the then pioneer city of Galena, in 
the fall of 1835. Early the next spring, as 
soon as the snows had melted, be started for the 
lead mines in Grant Co., Wis. Here he re- 
mained until in the summer of 1838, when he, 
in company with two young companions, John 
La Rue and Frank Hubbard by name, crossed 
the swift Wisconsin river in an Indian canoe, 
landing near where the town of Port Andrew 
is now located. The party at once went to 
work and erected a cabin for themselves, which 
stood about two rods east of the stone bridge 
in that now thriving village. Here all was 
then a primeval wilderness, the hunting ground 
of the wild Indian and the home of the hardly 
less savage beasts. These young men, liaving 
some idea of a settlement in their mind, chris- 
tened their embryo village Trip Knock ; but 
their hopes of then being colonists were blasted 
— nipped, as it were, in the bud. Just how 
long they tarried here cannot now be ascer- 
tained with any degree of accuracy, but finding 
the Indians, who, it was generally supjiosed, 
had been removed by the government to reser- 
vations west of the Mississippi river, were 
likely to prove troublesome neighbors, they 
deemed it prudent, at least, to vacate and re- 
turn to the mines, thinlting, no doubt, discretion 
the better part of valor. 



no 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



"But John Coumbe had had his eyes blessed 
with the sight of the promised laud, and he 
felt a strong desire to again enter upon the pos- 
session of this western Canaan. Therefore, in 
June, 1840, be determined to make another 
trial, and this time was more successful. He 
was accompanied on this expedition by his 
brother, Edward. On one of Capt. Coumbe's first 
visits to Richland county, he was accompanied 
by a Mr. Popejoy. After landing, they located 
about half a mile west of where Coumbe and 
his companions had built their first cabin, two 
yeai's before. Here John remained, a tiller of 
the soil, and one of "the most highly respected 
men among the pioneers who immediately fol- 
lowed in his foo|8teps, until the day of his 
death, which occurred May 2, 1882. He was 
married in May, 1849, espousing a daughter of 
Thomas Palmer, one of the band of early pio- 
neers of Richland county." 

These hardy adventurers were beyond all doubt 
the first white inhabitants of the county, in the 
sense of actual settlers. Edward Coumbe, 
however did not stay very long, but returned to 
Grant county, where he died many years ago. 
It has been claimed that the actual settlement 
of some others, preceded this last location of the 
Coumbe brothers, but a rigid examination of 
the dates given, prove induditably, that they 
are entirely mistaken, and that the palm of be- 
ing the pioneer of Richland county, belongs to 
Capt. Coumbe. The land settled on by him lies 
but a short distance west of the now village of 
Port Andrew; here the river bottom expands into 
a beautiful plain, two miles or more iu width, 
and a house built on it commands a fine pictur- 
esque view of the broad river, studded with its 
green islands, and the broad valley stretching 
far away into the blue and misty distance, en- 
closed, as it were, within the walls of the state- 
ly bluffs that frown down in somber magnifi- 
cence upon the beholder. All these, no doubt, 
charmed the early settler and made him feel 
that this was an earthly Eden. 



In July, of the same year, Matthew Alexan- 
der came into the county, locating a claim 
about six miles east of the land of Coumbe, 
near where Eagle Corners has risen in later 
days. Mr. Alexander brought his family with 
him, and as Mr. Coumbe, who, by the way, was 
at that time a bachelor, has the honor of being 
th% first white man in the county, Mrs. Alex- 
ander can also claim her just dues to being the 
first woman who settled in these wooded 
wastes. 

When the frosts of autumn began to touch 
the leaves of the forest during that same event- 
ful year, Wiley H. Waters, his brother, Samuel, 
and William Smiley, crossed the tortuous chan- 
nel of the Wisconsin, landing near what is now 
called Orion village. These men staid with 
John Coumbe, until early in the spring of 1841, 
when the Waters brothers, determining to turn 
colonists themselves, located a tract of land, in 
true squatter style, a short distance west of the 
mouth of a stream called Bird's creek. Here, 
these hardy pioneers commenced their labors, 
and erected a cabin. But let Mr. Waters tell 
the story himself, which can be found in the fol- 
lowing statement made by him, and read atone 
•of the meetings of the Old Settlers' Association. 
After entering upon an account of his early 
years, Wiley H. Waters goes on to state that he 
came to Grant county in Jnne, 1833, when he 
was about fourteen years of age. He stopped 
about three miles west of Platteville, and in 
1837 or 1838, went to Iowa county and located 
a short distance west of Highland. In the fall 
of 1840 Mr. Waters, his brother, Samuel A., 
and William Smiley, crossed the Wisconsin 
river just below Muscoda, a Parish landing. 
At that time Matthew Alexander and family 
lived tiiree and a half miles below what is now 
Orion. The place is now called Pilling's Mills. 
Capt. John Coumbe was keeping bachelor's 
cabin near his jsresent residence. At this time 
Mr. Alexander and Capt. Coumbe were the 
only actual settlers in Richland county. Mr. 
Waters, his brother and Mr. Smiley remained 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Ill 



with Mr. Coumbe during the winter of 1S40 
and 1841. In the spring of 1841 Mr. Waters 
and brother located upon a tract of land a short 
distance west of Bird's creek, buiU a log house, 
cultivated some of the land, and Mr. Waters' 
father, Thomas Waters, and family, occupied 
the premises for three years, and sold out to 
James Andrews, a ^brother of Capt. Andrews. 
In the spring of 1841 Capt. Smith and Thomas 
Matthews established a ferry jbetween Muscoda 
(which was then called Savannah, to the best of 
my recollection) and Orion, which they gave 
the name of Richmond. They soon laid out a 
town plat and were the first settlers in Orion. 
In the season of 1841 one Robot Boyd located 
on Mill creek where Rodolf's mills now stand, 
with the view of erecting a saw-mill. He after- 
wards sold his interest to Capt. Stephen Estes 
and Thomas J. Parish. They built a saw-mill 
and a "corn crusher" grist mill the following 
year, which were the lirst mills in Richland 
county. 

Hardin Mooi'e accomjjanied Boyd in the 
spring of 1841, and located on the land which 
constituted part of the McClary farm, more re- 
cently owned by Marvin Briggs. Mr. Moore 
put up a large cabin and put in a basswood pun- 
cheon floor. He started a blacksmith shop, the 
first in the county. He had no family, and only 
one room in the cabin. That summer Mr. 
Moore raised some cabbage, potatoes and other 
vegetables. He put them in the cellar, and in 
the fall turned his attention to his trade, using 
his cabin for a shop. There were but two 
horses in the county, which were owned by 
Capt. Andrews. On a bitter cold day in the 
latter part of 1841, Capt. Andrews and Mr. 
Waters took the horses to Mr. Moore for the 
purpose of having them shod. One of them 
was taken in the cabin and held by Mr. Waters. 
He braced himself well, taking hold with both 
hands to hold steady. Capt. Andrews held up 
one of the fore legs while Mr. Moore took Iiis 
<lrawing-knife (for want of something better), 
.scjuared iiimself around facing Capt. Andrews, 



placed a piece of board on the floor and rested 
it against his shoulder while Mr. Andrews held 
the toe of the hoof against the board and Mr. 
Moore began to pare the hoof. The horse became 
restless and began to struggle till he finally 
floundered and plunged himself into the cellar 
among the cabbage and potatoes. After the 
horse became quiet, a second platform of pun- 
cheon was arranged, and with leading, pulling 
and boosting the horse was brought out. 

In the fall of 1843 Mr. Waters, his brother, 
James Andrews and Vincent B. Morgan first vis- 
ited Pine river valley. They came up the Wis- 
consin river from Port Andrew to Pine river, 
then up Pine river and Ash creek, and landed a 
short distance below where Brimer's carding 
mill now stands, and where they remained some 
time hunting bees and killing game, which 
were quite plenty. 

About this time Samuel Swinehart, Mr, 
Palmer, Mr. French and Mr. Green estab- 
lished a logging camp on Pine river, sec- 
tion 22, in the town of Rockbridge, a short dis- 
tance west of the present residence of W. H. 
Joslin. They cut and put into the river several 
hundred pine logs and floated them down to 
Muscoda. They had no team and were obliged 
to do everything by hand. 

During the same year a trapper by the name 
of Knapp, also built him a cabin on the creek 
that now bears his name, in the town of Rich- 
wood. 

These rugged and hardy adventurers were 
soon followed by others, who settled all along 
the northern shore of the Wisconsin river. 
Hardin Moore, Stephen Taylor, Capt. James B. 
Estes, Thomas J. Piirrish and Robert Boyd lo- 
cating in 1841; G. C. White, Thomas Andrews, 
his son-in-law, with his brother, James An- 
drews, Martin Moon and V. B. Morgan in 1842; 
Robert Akan, Hiram Palmer, Nathaniel Green, 
John Youst, Samuel Swinehart and Thomas 
Parrish in 1843, had penetrated up the Pine 
river as far as Rockbridge, and engaged in log- 
ging at that place. Mr. Swinehart gives an in- 



112 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



teresting account of these early days, and per- 
haps it would be as well to give it in this con- 
nection. In relating his experience to the old 
settlers assembled on a late occasion, Samuel 
Swinehart, now of Avoca, but one of the pio- 
neers of Richland county, as noted above, goes 
on to relate that he first crossed the Wisconsin 
river Oct. 10, 1843, in a canoe, a short distance 
above Muscoda, landing near the mouth of In- 
dian creek. He then made his way along the 
north shore of the Wisconsin to the mouth of 
Pine river, and pitched his camp on its east bank, 
but was soon compelled to remove it by the 
Winnebago Indians, who were inclined to appro- 
priate everything to their own use. The latter 
part of October and first of November were 
occupied in exploring the valley of the Pine as 
far up a? Rockbridge, where the West branch 
passes through the rocks. He passed through 
the aperture in a little canoe made of a pine 
log, and so light he could easily carry it on his 
back or pass it over or under a log or other ob- 
struction in the river. He established a camp 
under the east side of the shelving rock near 
the southern extremity. Two hackberry trees 
stood close by, and upon one he cut his name. 
This was in November, 1843. A week or ten 
days were occupied in making explorations in 
the vicinity, the chief object being to find pine 
timber near the river. After satisfying him- 
self, the next important consideration was 
whether logs could be floated down the Pine 
into the Wisconsin. In order to ascertain this, 
it was necessary to go the whole length of the 
river in a boat. For this purpose, about the 
15th of November, he embarked at Rockbridge 
(the name he had given it). in his tiny boat to 
explore the river, which be found to be of good 
depth, without shoals or rapids — a beautiful 
stream, but quite crooked, having many acute 
angles. About the fourth day he reached the 
mouth of Willow creek, where he found an old 
Indian village, many of the wigwam poles still 
standing. He found places where the Indians 
had smelted lead ore by making a shallow basin 



in the ground, placing flat stones on the bot- 
tom, then the ore on the stones, and a fire on 
the ore. Proceeding on his journey, two days 
more brought him to the mouth of the Pine. 
On this journey he had with him his gun, two 
dogs, pair of blankets, a hatchet, a frying pan 
and some hardtack. He subsisted chiefly on 
game, which was abundant. He proceeded to 
Galena, procured an outfit, and returned in 
December of the same year, accompanied by 
John Youst, Nathaniel Greene, Hiram Palmer 
and a Mr. French. An attempt was made to 
reach Rockbridge, by the way of Indian creek, 
with a sled drawn by two yoke of oxen. The 
snow was deep, and after a trial of two days 
they were obliged to turn back to Muscoda. A 
hand-sled for each man was constructed, and 
tools, provisions and camp equipments placed 
thereon, and the party set out in high spirits 
upon the ice on the Wisconsin river, and the 
mouth of Pine river was made with little trou- 
ble. The party went up the stream to witliin 
two miles of Ash creek; the weather grew 
warmer, the ice thin, and in many places the 
current had cut it out, rendering it almost im- 
possible to proceed. A few days were spent in 
hunting coons, which were plenty. Here the 
party passed the holidays, which were properly 
observed. The bill of fare consisted chiefly of 
roast coon. The weather became colder and a 
forward move was made. From this point to 
the rocks on the east side of the river, a mile 
above where Bowen's mills now are, the journey 
was very laborious; the ice in many places was 
nearly gone, the sleds were hauled through the 
deep snow, over logs, through the brush and 
numerous swamps, but by energy and persever- 
ance, after fifteen days of great fatigue and 
hardships, the}' reached the rocks, and it was 
decided to go into camp. 

The next morning Swinehart assured the party 
they were not far from the pines, and he made 
a motion that the camp be left in charge of one 
of the dogs, and proceed to the pines, with axes,- 
dig out a canoe, come down the river and take 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



113 



up the luggage. The first day they reached the 
[lilies, they found a bee-tree and after feasting on 
wihl honey and tlie lunch they had with them 
by a huge blazing fire of dry pine, Mr. Swine- 
hart proposed to fell a majestic pine standing 
near the bank of the river, which was agreed to, 
and tlie sound of the white man's axes resounded 
in those woods for the first time. The canoe 
was completed, and floated down to the camp 
which they found duly guarded by the dog, and 
all right. A camp for the winter was con- 
structed and the party employed for the remain- 
der of the winter, cutting the beautiful and 
majestic pines that were then standing thick on 
the high lands, and rolling them into the river. 
Four hundred logs as choice as ever was cut 
were put into the river and iioated out at the 
breaking up of winter. Mr. Swinehart was 
occupied most of the time in packing supplies 
on his back from Muscoda, which usually took 
him a week to make the trip. The boom which 
held the logs gave way in March, the camp 
broke up, everything was placed in canoes and 
the party followed their winter's production. It 
took them till the 4th of July to reach the 
mouth of Pine river, innumerable trees which 
lay across the stream impeding their way, hav- 
ing to be cut out. They sold their logs at 
Muscoda, to Thomas Parish, for $1,200. 

Mr. Swinehart soon returned to Rockbridge 
and continued to exercise possession of his 
claim. Harvey Cole, a lumberman of Galena, 
became interested in the enterprise about tliis 
lime, and during the summer of 1845 a saw- 
mill was erected, but not completed till the fol- 
lowing sjiring. 

In the fall of 1845 Mr. Swinehart with a 
])arty of men opened the first wagon road from 
Orion to Rockbridge, and the following winter, 
under contract, cutout Pine river, eighteen feet 
wide, of all logs, trees and brush above the ice. 
The mill was started in the spring of 1846. 

To the best of Mr. Swinehart's recollection, 
Mrs. ^Minerva Culver, the wife of Masou Cul- 



ver, a millwright, who worked on the mill, was 
the first woman that came to Rockbridge. 

Mr. Swinehart was actively engaged in lum- 
bering at the mill and marketing its products 
until he sold his interest in the year 1848. Mr. 
Cole disposed of his interest to James Vine- 
yard and James Moore, of Platteville. Thomas 
Mathews named Indian creek, Mr. Swinehart 
named Ash creek, by reason of the heavy ash 
limber upon the ridge near by. Rocky branch 
being the only stream running into the Pine 
which has a gravel bottom, it was thus given its 
name. What is now known as Center creek 
was called Camp creek, by reason of its being a 
camping ground; Brush creek, because it was 
filled with brush ; Horse creek, because a horse 
in crossing became mired and died ; Fancy 
creek, for its resemblance to a stream of that 
name in Sangamon Co., 111.; Buck creek was 
near the Creeds ; Sole's creek, because James 
Sole built a cabin and manufactured shingles in 
its valley. 

Roberr, Akau, another of these advance 
guards of the future civilization of Richland 
county, has also left on record a very amusing 
as well as instructive account of the times 
which graphically depict the mode of life then 
in vogue. In this acccount, Robert Akan relates, 
that: 

"When we arrived at Rockbridge, Nov. 5, 
1845, there were sixteen men working at the 
mill. All the provisions had to come from 
Platteville, seventj-five miles away, and no road 
from Orion to Rockbridge. Two men of some 
experience were sent to blaze the trees, and 
three men started for Orion on November 10, 
to cut a road so that we could get through with 
a team and load. I went with the men to get 
the cattle and sleds, and the men at the mill 
commenced to cut the road to meet us. It was 
a good day's walk to Orion. On the third day 
after we got there, we had our loads on and 
started on our expedition to Rockbridge; camped 
the first night on Indian creek, at the spring 
where M. Mcllhatteu's widow lives. A deer 



11i 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



made its appearence; three or four started in 
pursuit, each eager for a shot. I was the first 
to fire. At the crack of the gun, the deer 
bounded off and I lost sight of it and returned 
to camp, while some of the others still pursued. 
In about half an hour they returned, bringing 
the deer, which had fallen dead after running 
a short distance. We roasted, broiled and 
stewed it, and got up in the night to eat of it, 
and not one slice of that deer was left when 
breakfast was over next morning. We doubled 
teams up-hill and passed over to south Ash 
creek. At Booth's farm, one of the men found 
a bee-tree, and we got a wash-tub full of honey. 
We camped at the spring where Thompson 
lived. Some of the men had cut and put up 
hay for their teams, if all things went on all 
right at the mill. Some went to cutting stringers 
for a bridge across Ash creek, while others made 
puncheons for the cover, which took all day. 
The men went out to hunt, and one of them 
brought in a fine buck. Next day we camped 
at Durfee Bovee's farm; the timber was awful. 
The following night we got to Klingler's spring, 
this we called the Ash swamp, for the cattle 
mired. Got to Rocky branch the next night. 
Stopped there until the men cut the road to 
Muddy branch or Center creek, a day and a half. 
My partner and I went to Center creek with the 
men in the morning, who were cutting the road. 
We followed the blazes to Brush creek, and the 
men thought they would make it that night. 
We killed a deer, back of where Hurbert Downs 
lives, and undertook to drag it to camp, down 
through the brush. I thought it was five miles, 
so we hung it up and struck out for camp; it 
was dark when we got in ; we could see the smoke 
but tlie brush and vines were awful to make our 
way through. Here our oxen went back on us; 
they run back to Orion. We sent two men 
after them, who brought them back, which took 
three days- We had, in the meantime, cut the 
road to Fancy creek, where the others met us, 
and there we had a jollification and a regular 
old pioneer drunk, as we had with us a barrel 



of whisky. This must not shock the extremists, 
for it was fashionable, in those days, to get on a 
jollification drunk once in a while. We got to 
the mill, however, all sound. The next day 
Samuel Swinehart and I went to Orion for pro- 
visions. They had a dance at Capt. Smith's. 
We got there about dark, and the boys and girls 
began to assemble for the festivities of the 
evening. The music, such as it was, was soon 
in full blast. Capt. Smith and another man had 
a jug of whisky hid in the room, where I, 
being tired with my days tramp, had laid down 
to rest. They had come in three or four times 
and taken a nip, but Mrs. Smith saw that they 
were getting full, came in and took the jug and 
hid it, and put in its place one like it filled with 
coon oil. In about twenty minutes they came 
in again. Captain turned the jug up and took 
a swig but said nothing, handing it to his com- 
panion, who also took a swallow. The first 

word was: 'H 1, what's this ?' Captain 

was silent for a moment, but tasting it 
said: 'Coon grease!' and swore roundly. This 
was more than I could stand, so had to laugh 
outright. He went for me, but I dodged him 
and got into the ball room to avoid further 
trouble. Presently in came the men — coon 
grease on their mouths and beards. This sec- 
ond party's wife wiped it off with her hand- 
kerchief, but he was terribly mad and never 
for^t it; always blamed me, as I would not 
explain. and tell on Capt. Smiths's wife. 

Once while living at the mill, when the In- 
dians had run off, or killed off, all the deer and 
bear, so that nothing but muskrats and pheas- 
ants were left, provisions getting scarce, I 
started for Platteville to get a supply. I was 
gone longer than I had made calculation on. For 
four days my brother, Andrew, was left with 
my family; they had half of a deer, twenty 
pounds of flour, coffee and tea in plenty, and 
he could kill pheasants, if they could live on 
that, but he got discouraged, I had been gone 
so loner; thought I was killed or some accident 
had happened to me. My wife said to him: 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



775 



'Yoii go and kill a deer and we can live for a week 
yet,' and added that I would be back that day. 
He was despondent, but took his gun and started 
hunting on the road to Muscoda. About 2 
o'clock in the afternoon he heard the driver's 
halloo to the team. He said tliat the most 
pleasant voice he ever heard was that team- 
ster's at that time." 

To resume the thread of the narrative; it 
was during the year 1844, that Myron Whit- 
comb, John McKinney and family, Burrell Mc- 
Kinney, and Peter Waggner, joined the few 
settlers in this infant colony and the numbers 
that came every year thereafter steadily in- 
creased, so that when the year ] 846, had 
dawned upon their little world something like a 
settlement had been reached,although these few 
people were scattered over such a wide expanse 
of country, and among such thick timber, that 
each seemed "monarch .of all he surveyed," for 
the survey in many instances,did not extend very 
far. These were the hardy and experienced pi- 
oneers who led the advance guard of the all 
conquering Anglo-Saxon, the "most powerful 
race that ever existed," in their onward march, 
to found the civilization and culture of the nine- 
teenth century, in this land of unequalled re- 
sources, but lying then a virgin wilderness, a 
leafy desert, having little of outside help or 
support; yet the settlement grew up from the 
start, in that form of rugged independence and 
self-reliance so characteristic of the American 
people. 

ORGANIZATION. 

During the fall of 1841, and through the ear- 
ly winter following, the question of the organi- 
zation of the county was canvassed, and the 
seven residents of the district, now comprising 
this county, meeting in "mass meeting" at Ea- 
gle Mills, drew up a petition, and signing it, 
sent it to the Legislature, praying that august 
body, that such power might be given them, to 
set off the county of Crawford, of which, it 
then formed a part, and to organize tliemsclves 
into a new and seperate county. This prayer 



was granted by the third Territorial Legislature, 
in an act passed Feb. 18, 1842, and signed by 
James Duane Doty, the then Territorial gover- 
nor. By this act, Richland county was at- 
tached to Iowa county for judicial and electo- 
ral purposes, until such time as a sufficient num- 
ber of people had moved into the new county, 
as would warrant them, in setting up a seperate 
government for themselves. By this act, also, 
Abner Nichols, James Mur|)hy and John Ray, 
all of Iowa county, were appointed a commis- 
sion to'locatethe future county seat of the newly 
made county. After some discussion, it was de- 
termined to fix upon a point, near what was af- 
terwards the town of Richmond (now Orion). 
This continued to be recognized as the county 
seat for several years. We are told that the 
name Richland was suggested by the character 
of the soil. What a power, that word rich, 
must have had over these early settlers of the 
county. It seems to us that they must have 
thought of little else, as we find Richland 
county, Richland town, Richland Center, Rich- 
land City, Richmond and Richwood town. 

The county continued attached to Iowa coun- 
ty until the first day of May, 1850. When, in 
pursuance of an act of the State Legislature, ap- 
proved Feb. 1, 1850, it was seperated, and be- 
came a county by itself, enjoying all the priv- 
eleges and immunities thereunto belonging. 
An account of this organization can be found 
in Chapter IV, given in detail. 

The following, are copies of the acts above 
referred to: 

ACT OF FEBEUABT 18, 1842. 

An Act to establish the county of Richland: 
Be it enacted by the Coii?icil and House of Rep- 
resentatives of the Territory of Wisconsin: 
Section. 1 That all the district of [countrv] 
lying within the fr>llowing described limits, 
viz: Commencing at the Wisconsin river, where 
the line between the ranges of 2 and .3 east ot 
the fourth principal meridian crosses said river, 
thence along said line to the northern bounda- 



776 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



ry of town 12; thence west along said line, 
until it intersects with the western line of range 
2 west, of the fourth principal meridian, thence 
south along said line to the main channel of 
the Wisconsin river; thence up the middle of 
the main channel of said river to the place of 
beginning, shall be and the same is hereby con- 
stituted a separate county by the name of Rich- 
land. 

Sec. 2. The said countyof Richland is hereby 
attached, temporarily, to the county of Iowa for 
all county and judicial purposes; and the'county 
commissioners of the county of Iowa are here- 
by required to cause the assessors in said coun- 
ty of Iowa to assess and include in their as- 
sessmentroll all of the realand personal property 
of the inhabitants of said county of Richland, 
which may by law be assessed in the county of 
Crawford, and make return thereof as requir- 
ed by law, which property shall be subject to 
be taxed at the same rate which property in the 
county of Iowa is taxed, and collected in the 
manner provided by law. 

Sec. 3. That Abner Nichols, James Murphy 
and John Ray, be and they are hereby appointed 
commissioners to locate the county seat of said 
county, in which location they will have due re- 
gard to the present as well as the probable fu- 
ture population of said county; said location 
to be made at or near the center of said coun- 
ty, or on the Wisconsin river, as may seem 
most advantagious, and should the location be 
made on public land, the said county commis- 
sioners of Iowa county are hereby authorized to 
take such steps as may be neecesary to secure to 
thecountyof Richland the right of pre-emption, 
as provided by an act of Congress, approved May 
20, 18'i;4, entitled "An act granting to the coun- 
ties or parishes of each State and territory of the 
United States in which the public lands are sit- 
uated, the right of pre-emption to quarter sec- 
tions of lands for seats of justice within the 
same;" and they are hereby authorized to 
borrow the sum of $200, at a rate of interest 
not exceeding ten per cent, per annum, for a 



period not exceeding five years, for the pur- 
chase of 160 acres of land under the provisions 
of said pre-emption law above refered to, and 
may mortgage said land for the payment of said 
money so borrowed. 

Sec. 4. That should the said commissioners be 
unable to find a suitable tract of public land on 
which to locate said county seat, they are here- 
by authorized to make the location on individu- 
al property: Provided, the proprietor or propri- 
etors shall convey in fee simple, free of expen- 
ses, to the county commissioners of Iowa county 
in trust for said county of Richland, every fourth 
lot in any town in which may be laid out as the 
said seat of justice for the said county of Rich- 
land: Provided further, that the whole number 
of lots so ceded to said county shall not exceed 
thirty acres. 

Sec. 5. This act shall take effect from and 
after its passage. 

Approved, February 18, 1842. 

ACT OF FEBEUAEY 7, 1850. 

An Act to organize the county of Richland. 
The People of the State of Wisconsin represen- 
ted in the Senate and Assembly, do enact as 
foliates : 

Section 1. That from and after the first day 
of May next, the county of Richland in this 
State, shall be organized for judicial purposes, 
and shall enjoy all the privileges and immuni- 
ties of the other counties of this State. It shall 
form a part of the fifth judicial circuit, and the 
courts therein shall be held by the judge of said 
circuit. 

Sec. 2. That all writs, processes, appeals, 
recogizances, or other proceedings, which shall 
be pending undetermined in the circuit court of 
Iowa county, on the said first day of May next, 
which originated in the courts of justice of the 
peace in said county of Richland, shall be re- 
moved back and determined in said county of 
Richland. 

Sec. 3. That on the said first day of May. 
the clerk of the circuit court of the county of 
Iowa shall transmit all writs, process, appeals, 




if'*^'^. ~^*>»- 



^*®* 



»■,>► 



fj ,&***--%,. 



^ 



v/l 






Jia-^^-^-^^i 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



779 



recognizances, or other proceedings originating 
as aforesaid, together with a transcript of the 
records in each case, to the clerk of the circuit 
court of Richland county. 

Sec. 4. That for the purpose of carrying out 
the provisions of this act, the legal voters of 
Richland county may hold a special election on 
the first Tuesday of April next, in the respect- 
ive towns or precincts of said county, for the 
election of such county officers as are required 
by law to be elected at annual elections, whose 
term of service shall commence on the said first 
day of May next, and continue until said terms 
shall expire by law. There shall also be elected 
by the qualified electors of said county of Rich- 
land, at a special election to be held at the sev- 
eral towns or precincts of said couuty, on the 
first Tuesday of June next, a county judge, who 
shall hold his office until the first day of Janu- 
ary, A. D. 1854, and until his successor is 
elected and qualified. 

Sec. .5. That the said elections shall be coi - 
ducted in all respects, and the votes canvassed 
and returned in the same manner as is now pro- 
vided by Hw in relation to the election of coui - 
ty officers. 

Sec. G. That the judge of the said fifth ju- 
dicial circuit shall hold courts in the said coun- 
ty of Richland, semi-annually; one term on the 
last Tuesday of April, and the other on the sec- 
ond Tuesday of September in each year. 

Pec. 7. That at the annual election of 1851, 
the voters qualified, as hereinafter provided, 
shall deposit with the inspectors of elections in 
the several towns or precincts in said county, a 
ballot, on which shall be printed or written, or 
partly printed and i)artly written, the name of 
the place voted for as the county seat of said 
county, and the place receiving a majority of all 
the votes cast at said election on that subject, 
shall be declared the county seat of said county: 
Proiided, That if no place shall receive a ma- 
jority at said election, the question shall be sub- 
mitted in the same manner at each succeding 



annual election, until some one place receive 
siicli ninjiirity. 

Sec. 8. Whenever the county seat shall be es- 
tablished, as provided in the eighth section, the 
board of county supervisors of said county shall 
take such measures as they may deem proper to 
obtain funds to erect county buildings in said 
county. 

Sec. 9. The sheriff of the county of Iowa is 
hereby required to give the legal notice of such 
election required to be held in said county of 
Richland, on the first Tuesday of April next, as 
the law directs. 

Sec. 10. All records of Iowa county, relat- 
ing to persons or property in said Richland 
county, shall be free of access to, and be free of 
charge to the proper officers of Richland coun- 
ty, to transcribe. 

Sec. 11. That every free white male inlint)i- 
tant, who shall have resided in said county six 
months next preceeding any annual election, 
shall be deemed a qualified voter at such elec- 
tion, for the purpose of permanently locating 
the county seat of said county. 

Sec. 12. That until the county seat of said 
county shall be located, as provided in the sev- 
enth section of this act, the courts for said coun- 
ty shall beheld, and all county business shall 
be transacted at Richmond in said county. 
Moses M. Strong, 
Speaker of the Assembly. 
Samuel W. Beai.l, 
Lt. Governor and Pres't of the Senate. • 

Approved, February 7, 1850. 

Nelson Dkwev. 
first events. 

The matter of the first marriage that was 
solemnized within the limits of the present 
county of RichlaiKl, has, in the absence of any 
records, occasional much trouble to thc'cdiu- 
piler of this history, but a careful and co - 
scientious research, and a thorough canvass of 
the memories of those of the early pioneers, 
who still linger this side of the "bright and 
shining sluire," <levelops the fact tliat the rite 



47 



780 



lliyrOKV OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



that united W. G. Parker to Emily McKinney, 
in the year, 1846 has the precedence in point 
of time above all others. 

The subject of the first child born in the 
county, is also a mooted question, but the birth 
of Melinda Morgan, which occurred in A])ri , 
184-3, is the earliest that can be found, and she 
is, therefore, entitled to the honor of being the 
firstborn of this precinct. 

The first death that occurred within the same 
limits was a man by the name of David Petty, 
or Pettis; this occurred in the year 1844, at 
Rockbridge. It seems th;it Petty was the cook 
for the Swinehart-Akan jiarty, then engaged in 
logging at that place, and who was taken sick, 
and took a dose of some medicine, perhaps his 
own prescription. This seemed to rather in- 
crease his disorder instead of alleviating it, and 
he'grew so much worse that it was absolutely nec- 
essary for him to have the ailviee of a physician. 
But here they were, twenty miles away from a 
settler, and how was the doctor to be procured. 
At last the great big heart of the frontierman 
could not stand it any longer to see his fellow- 
man suffer without trying to do something for 
him, so Samuel Swinehart started afoot to 
thread the vast forest that lay between them 
and the villages on the river. All day long and 
through theniglit he plunged on through marsh 
and mud, and on reaching the first physician, he 
took the back track with him. But the minis- 
trations of the doctor were of no avail, and the 
man died in great agony. Determined not to 
bury their quondam companion in the depths of 
the forest, these rough pioneers hewed out a 
canoe from a pine log, and Wiley Waters and 
another man, placing the body therein, launched 
them.selves ujion the bosom of the Pine river, 
which was to bear them to the settlements. 
Long" and weary must have been the ride with 
this corpse, as they floated down the sluggish 
current, and through the heavy timber tliat 
then cumbered its banks and shaded its waters. 
There is something wierd and ghastly in this 
idea of these two men drifting down the dark 



stream, by the light of the sun or moon, with 
the dead body of their companion. They 
reached the Wisconsin river at last, and landing 
at Muscoda, procured a hand sled, and finished 
their deed of charity by dragging the body to 
Mineral Point, where his friends received and 
interred the corpse. 

The first school that was taught in the county, 
we are led to believe, was in the year 1847, by a 
man from Pennsylvania, but whose name has 
entirely escaped the memory of our informants. 
This pioneer school was held in a room of 
the house of Peter Kinder, in Richwood 
town, and is believed to have been a subscrip- 
tion one as no records are extant, showing the 
formation of a school district so early. How- 
ever, in 1849, a building was ei'ected for tlie 
accommodation of a district school on the land 
now owned by Mr. Garner, on section 27, of the 
town of Ricliwood, and a little west of the vil- 
lage of Port Andrew, and during the years 1849 
and 1850 Mary Melanthey, now Mrs. Joseph 
Elliott, presided over its destinies, as school mis- 
tress. This is no doubt the first district school 
in Richland county. 

The first postoffice within the limits of the 
county was established at a place called Sand 
Prairie about one and a half miles west of tlie 
village of Port Andrew, on land now owned 
by H. J. Clark, lying in the town of Richwood. 
'J'his was about 1845, and Johnson Young was 
the postmaster. John Kineannon had the first 
contract for carrying the mail thither, we be- 
lieve, from Mineral Point, and he brought it on 
his back, going and coming afoot, which seems 
to have been the usual method of travel in 
tliose days. 

The business of saw-niillin/,' lieing a large 
one in the county, it wouUI jirobaUly he of interest 
to say that the first stvueture of that description 
ever erected was built by Estes «& Parrish, in 
the fall of 1841, and was located at or near the 
site of the mills now known as Rodolf's, on 
Mill ov Eagle creek, in the town of Eagle, 



HfSrORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



T81 



The first ])i-eaching of the Gospel that ever 
took place in the county, was, possibly, per- 
formed by a Methodist minister by the name of 
Wheeler, in 1848, at the then rising village of 
Richland City. This gentleman wa-*, at the 
time, a reside t of Iowa county, and has often 
laughingly, made the remark, that " he brought 
Sunday over into this county, where it had 
never been before." Sometime during the 
same year, however, a Congregational minister 
locited himself at the same place, and a more 
regular service was instituted. This gentle- 
man's name was Benton. 

The first grist-mill was built at Sextonville, 
in the years 1851-2, by Jacob Krouskop. Prior 
to this time the settlers had oft-times to go fifty 
and seventy-five miles to mill with the little 
grain they had to grind. 

John McKinney, however, before the erection 
of the mill, had a small mill driven by horse 
power, in which he could grind a sort of corn 
meal. Tliis might be called the first attempt at 
grinding in the county, but could hardly be 
termed a grist mill. 

The first physician to locate within the 
county was Dr. Hartshorn, whose settlement at 
Law's or Gage's ferry, precedes any other in 
point of time. 

The first h'acksmith shop in the county was 
started by II irdin Moore, in the summer of 1841 . 

Settlements were begun in all parts of the 
county by the beginning of 1850, and the popu- 
lation by that time was, according to the census 
returns, between 900 and 1,000; during the next 
decade the flood of emigration, for which that 
period has been noted all over t^ie northwest, 
rapidly filled up the waste placet of this county, 
until in luGO, the government census placed the 
numl)er of inhabilants at 9,7 12. During the 
late Civil War, the emigration here, a« every- 
wl'.ere else, came to a stand still, and the large 
amount of enlistments from this locality, and 
the large death rate in Wisconsin regiments, in 
the field. ke])l down anv remarkable increase in 
the population, until after the clos(! of the re- 



bellio'i when immigration received a new 
impetus, and the number of the population has 
steadily grown from then until the present 
day. 

In those early days rude log cabins, scattered 
throughout the county, stood on little clearings, 
surrounded by the dense wilderness of trees 
that covered the whole land, as with a mantle; 
but in the years that have passed, these cabins 
have given way to fine, comfortable frame, and 
in many instances palatial brick residences. 
There are many yet living, whose eyes have be- 
held these wonderful transformations, but alas, 
many, very many of these early pioneers have 
never lived to realize or enjoy the full fruition 
of their days of toil and hardship. The roll 
of those whose feet have crossed he dark river 
is a long one. Still, in the days when they 
faced all the trials of a frontier life, and battled 
with stern nature, to keep the wolf from the 
("oo]-, these hardy pioneers enjoyed much pleas- 
ure in their rude way. In the language of one 
of these heroes of the outpost : "It i-< the mis- 
tnken notion of modern aristocracy, that happi- 
ness dwells only with wealth and fine equipage. 
Some of us can point to our log cabins, at least 
in memory, as our independent homes, where 
true content and happiness brooded over the 
domestic circle, and sincere gratitude gave relish 
to the most homely fare." 

Contrast the Richland county of 1845-6 with 
the same as it is to-day. Then it was a dense, 
almost unbroken wilderness, an umbr.ageous 
desert with only here and there the scatteicd 
clearings of a few adventurous frontiersmen : 
and now it is largely cleared uji, with good 
farms, fine farm houses and barns, commodious 
and numerous school houses and churches on 
every hand. In those days, the early settlers 
were jioor in purse ami strug<;Iing against fear- 
fid odds and almost insurmoiintaljle obstacles, 
to hew for themselves and their posterity, 
homes out of the forests, and all nature seemed 
uiicoii'reiii.'^l and seemed to' turn a Irowning face 



782 



HISTOKY OF RICHLAND CUUN'i'V, 



upon all tlipir eflForts. To-day, the inhabitants 
are prosperous and thrifty, and live in compara- 
tive ease and comfort. Then the "blazed" track 
through the woods was their only pathway or 
road, and the rivers and streams were cnjssed 
on the felled tree or by the still more primitive 



fashion of swimming; now, broail highways 
intersect the county and good bridges span its 
streams, and comfort and hixurj' are seen on 
every hand. Then, seventy miles to mill was 
the rule, and now the iron horse brings the 
necessaries of life almost to the very door. 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



■783 



CHAPTER IV. 



COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 



Till! county of Richland was organized on the 
lirst day of May, 1850, and the first entry upon 
Llie records of the board of supervisors in and 
ffir tl)e county, is in regard thereto, and is as 
follows: 

"In pursuance of an act of the State of Wis- 
consin, represented in Senate and Assenihly, 
'To organize the county of Ricliland,' approved 
Feb. 7, 1850, an especial meeting of tlie board 
of supervisors, in and for said county, was lield 
at tlie liouse of Alex. Smitli, in the town of 
lli(rlinioi)d, in the county and State aforesaid, 
on tlia hist (lay of May, A. 1)., 1850. Said first 
(lay of May being the day designated in said 
act, that from and after which, the county of 
Richland should be organized for judicial pur- 
poses, and should enjoy all the privileges and 
immunities of the other counties of the State." 

At the lime of this organization, the county 
was divided into three towns, and the first 
hoard of supervisors wlio were empowered to 
handle the reins of the infant government were 
•John II. Price, of Huena Vista; E. II. Dyre, of 
Richmond, and Adam Byrd, of Richwood. Of 
this hoard, tlie first named was cliosen piesi- 
den', and .John Rutan, clerk. 

As tile county had no court house, nor place 
wherein to transact even a moderate amount of 
business, tliat then occupied the attention of its 
officers, the board, at its session held May 2, 
the same year, ordered that "Marvin White be 
allowed the sum of 890 for the use of a house 
in Richmond, for one year, for the purpose of 
tlie coiiiilv officials:" tlie same to be considered 



as the county court house until more definite 
arrangements could be made. 

At the .lune session, 1850, a jietilion was pre- 
sented, praying for the organization of a new 
town, to comprise the congressional townships 
11 and 12 north, range 1 east. This petition 
was signed by Orin Ilaseltine and others. 'I he 
board, in granting the prayer, designated the 
towns as above as an election precinct, and or- 
dered lliat it be organized under the name of 
Rockbridge, and that tlie first election should 
be held at the house of Ira S. Ilaseltine, then a 
resident of the village of that name. 

The first county road mentioned u])on the 
records seems to have been one from Richland 
t'ity to Pine river, and was made in accordance 
with a petition, signed by Ira S. Ilaseltine and 
others. The board appointed Orin Ilaseltine, 
N. P. Engels and John H. Price as the com- 
missioners to locate the same. This was at the 
same June session, in the year 1850. 

It would seem that from a lack of funds in 
the treasury, or some other cause, the county 
officers, in June, or nearly a month after their 
installment into office, were without any books, 
pa])ers or stationery; and they therefore in- 
structed Marvin White, the then register of 
deeds, to act as a special agent to purchase the 
necessary books and stationery, inclu(ling the 
seals; one for the circuit, one for the county 
court, and one for the clerk of the hoard of 
sui)ervisors; together with ink, inkstands and 
sand boxes, wafers and stamps; to be paid for 
out of the first moneys in the treasury of the 



784 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



county, for tlio coiitingeiil expenses of the said 
county. 

Nov. 20, 1850, the new board of supervisors 
took possession of the lielni of government, and 
the first act of their administration was to 
authorize James Laws to establish and keep n 
ferry at Briggstown on the Wisconsin ri'vei ; 
and at the same time established the following, 
as the rate to be charged for ferriage: Two 
horses and wagon, fifty cents; one horse and 
wagon, twenty-five cents; one horse and car- 
riage, thirty-five cents; one horse and man, 
t>venty-five cents; cattle, per head, ten cents; 
each foot passenger, ten cents; hogs and sheep, 
per head, three cents. The license granted Mr. 
Laws was granted for the term of three years, 
the first year to be free of any charge. 

The weather growing chilly, and the board 
not wishing to retard the growing greatness of 
the juvenile county by freezing out its officers, 
instruct John J Mathews, the sheriff, to make 
the purchase of a stove and pipe. 

As an instance of the trouble of traveling in 
these early days, it is recorded that, it being 
necessary for the county to send a man to Mil- 
waukee on business, the time occupied by him 
on the journey there and back was twelve days, 
the mode of ti'aveling being by horseback. 

The salaries of these early days seem to have 
been so small that it is a wonder that men 
should seek political prefei-ment. As an in- 
stance of it, it is noted in the minutes of this 
session of the board, that the board allowed to 
J. W. C'otfinberry, county judge, the munificent 
salary of $10 a year, 'fiiey also authorize him 
to procure the necessary record books for his 
ofiice at the proper expense of the county. 
Tiie same board made an allowance of $50 
per year for the salary of the prosecuting 
attorney. The ferry from Richmond to 
Muscoda was also licensed, and the rates 
of ferriage established, by the same boai'd 
Matliews & Smitii being the proprietors. It 
was during the same session that the board of 
supervisors appointed J. W. Coffinberry a com- 



missioner for said county, to- supervise the 
preparation of the application and proof of 
claimant for bounty hinds granted to the sol- 
diers and tiieir heirs, .lames H. Wallace was 
also granted tiie right to establish a ferry at 
Richland City, across the Wisconsin river, on 
the same terms and at the same rates of ferriage 
granted the other parties. 

Nov. 19, 1850, the board ordered that a tax 
of two and one-half mills on the dollar be levied 
in the county for school purposes ; this was the 
first levy for such fund in the county, and de- 
serves special notice as an instance of the early 
attention paid by the former generation to the 
educational status of our county. The entire 
levy of tax for all funds was seventeen and one- 
half mi Is on the dollar. 

The first bridge built by the county of which 
any record exists seems to have been built by 
James Laws across Merriman's creek, and cost 
the whole of $17, and was finished and the bill 
ordered paid, Nov. 20, 1850. 

At the May session of the board of supervi- 
sors, it being found that the quarters occupied 
by the county officers were too contracted, two 
rooms were rented of R. Karnes, in the town of 
Richmond, for their accommodation, at a rental 
of §5 per month. 

At the fall session it was ordered that the 
sale of delinquent taxes be proceeded with; 
this is recorded as the first in the county of 
Richland. 

On a petition, signed by R. McMachan and 
others, being presented to the board at this ses- 
sion, the order was made that all of town 10 
north, range 1 east, except sections 31, 32, 33^ 
34, 35 and 36, of said town, be attached to I he 
town of Rockbridge, as a part and | arcel of the 
same. 

The value of property in the county, as re- 
turned by the assessors, for the year 1851, was 
as follows : 

Bu.-n;i Vista $44,053 (10 

HirlHii.ind 4.5,111011 

Ricbwond 14.801110 

Rockbridge , 3,.50o 00 

Total |107,4;;o00 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



785 



Of course this was much beU)w tlie actual 
yalue, but some idea can be gained by tliese 
figures of the amount possessed by the early 
settlers in the way of worldly wealth. The tax 
levy for this year is given as fourteen mills 
for county purposes, three mills for State pur- 
poses, two and a half mills for school fund or 
nineteen and a half mills on the dollar for all 
funds. 

COTJNTY SEAT. 

'I'he question of making a permanent location 
of the county seat having now come to the 
front, iho board of supervisors, at their.meeting 
held July ti6, 18.52, had entered upon their min- 
utes thai "It is unanimously decided by this 
board, that Richland Centre is the pro; er place 
for transacting the business of the county." 
This seems to be the opening of the discussion 
for we find that the same day the following reso- 
lution Has spread upon the minutes : '■'■ Mesolvecl, 
That the board accept of twenty village lots, 
and also a certain building, to be used for 
county purposes, of Ira S. Ilaseltine, in the vil- 
lage of Richland Centre, in accordance with a 
bond, dated Oct. 24, 1851, held by the county 
of Riclihiud against said Haseltiue. And it is 
also ordered that all the county business of 
Richland county be hereafter transacted in the 
said village of Richland Centre, and the officers 
thereof shall forthwith repair thither for that 
purpose '' 

In explanation of this action, it would seem, 
the next day the board passed the following: 

" WiiKKEAs — Ira S. Ilaseltine has donated to 
the county of Richland, in the State of Wiscon- 
sin, a certain house situated on village lots NoV. 
3 and (i, in block fi, in the village of Richland 
Centre, in said county, to be used for a court- 
house and other purposes as said county board 
may direct, for and during a term of five years, 
from the first day of M ly last: Therefore, it 
is ordere<l that said house be, and is hereby 
designated as the said county building, for the 
uses and purposes as above specified. Also, it 
is oidcied that a notice be served on the various 



county officers to remove the books and. papers 
of the county forthwith to Richland Centre, 
the county seat of Richland county. Also or- 
dered that the county raise $100 to furnish the 
new court house." 

Nov. 9, 1852, the first meeting of the board 
of supervisors in the new court-house took 
place. At this session, it was ordered, that 
"town 10 north, range 1 east, be, and is hereby 
set off as a separate town and election precinct, 
and shall be known as the town of Richland; 
and that the court-house in Richland Centre be 
designated as the place of holding tlie fiist town 
meeting." 

It was at the same time ordered, that towns 
11 and 12 north, range 1 west, be attached to 
the town of Rockbridge, and the house of Oriu 
Haseltine was designated as- the place of holil-~ 
ing the town meeting. 

Either the progress of the country was quite 
rapid or the developement of crime had in- 
creased largely, for we find, that at tliis' meet- 
ing of the board, the salary of the prosecuting 
attorney wa.s made $100 per annum, an increase 
of 100 per cent. 

At the session of the board held in March, 
1 85:^, it was determined to build a county jail 
and it was decided to erect the same on lot 5, 
in lilock 14, in the town of Richland Centre, 
the l)uilding to stand thirty-three feet from the 
east line of the lot, and central as to tiorth and 
south lines. The proposition to raise the sum 
of |;:K)0 to build the said jail, the same to be paid 
in three equal yearly installments, was enter- 
tained, but was finally laid over until the next 
meeting of the board. 

At this session it was ordered, that, "all the 
territory embraced in towns 9 and 10 north, of 
range 1 west, except one tier of sections from 
the east side thereof, be, and is hereby set off, 
as a separate town and election precinct, to be 
known as the town of Eagle, and that Rodolf's 
mill, in said town, is designated as the place for 
holding the first town meeting." 



•jse 



HISTORY OF RICHLAISTD COUNTY. 



Tlie board of supervisors, at the animal ses- 
:sion held in November, 1853, were presented 
with a bill by Amasa Cobb, the prosecutins; 
attorney of low a comity, for locating the county 
seat of Richland county, in the year 1842, when 
the county of Richland was attached to the 
county of Iowa This bill was for some $3, 
and its receipt at this time provoked much 
indignation. After due deliberation the board 
made and returned the following answer: 

"This board would respectfully say to the 
lionorable board of supervisors of Iowa county 
that ihey do not find any indebtedness to said 
county. Sail! county claims having paid Abner 
Nichols and John Ray for making a location of 
the county seat, under an act to establish the 
county seat of Richland county, approved Feb. 
18, 1842. Now, said act in section 1 describes 
the limits of said county. In section 2, it at- 
taches said county, for judicial and county pur- 
poses, to the county of Iowa; gives the county 
commissioners, assessors and collectors, the 
same power over Richland county as over their 
own, to assess and collect the taxes thereof, in 
the same proportion, so that it made it, tempi - 
rarily, but one county. 

"In sections 3 and 4 it constituted the county 
commissioners of Iowa connty, commissioneis 
to locate a permanent county seat for Richland 
county. 

"Then follows an act to organize Richland 
county, approved Feb. 7, 1850. 

'Tu this law it gives the people of Richland 
county tile right to vote for a county seat; and 
it does nowhere refer to a settlement between 
the two counties. Now, in our opinion, under 
tiie first law, we think tliat it was the intention 
of the Legislature, that Iowa county, with Rich- 
land county attached, should pay the cost of lo- 
cating the county seat, out of revenue arising 
from property assessed in said county. Ami a^ 
the county commissioners of Iowa county have 
never heretofore rendered any account between 
the two counties, of what they collected, and 
report what they paid out, we concluded that 



they considered, under the law passed, that we 
were, as long as attached to them, but one 
county. Also we think it the duty of Iowa 
county if they thought they were wronged in 
this last act, to provide through their represent- 
ative, some act for a settlement between the 
two counties. Having this view of the question, 
we deem it unnecessary to answer the extrava- 
gant claim set up against us; but upon this and 
other grounds, disallow the claim presented." 

COUNTY BUILDINGS. 

The court-house, being two small for the pur- 
pose intended, owing to the rapid increase in 
population and the consequent swelling of the 
volume of business done at the county offices, 
the question of erecting new buildings began 
to be agitated about this time, and although 
nothing seems to have been done at this term 
of the board, still the question of court-house 
was quite a factor in the coming election. 

The assessed value of property in the county, 
in 1853, was as follows: 

Bueua Vista $64,663 00 

Ea.de 18,256 00 

Riclimond 26,465 00 

Richland , 14.68500 

Richwood, '. 20,809 00 

Rockbridge 13,310 00 

Totil ■ $158,188 00 

The rate of tax, as laid by the board this 
year, was fifteen mills for county fund, six 
mills for State purposes and one and one-half 
mills for school fund, or twenty-two and one- 
half miljs on the dollar for all. 

When the board of supervisors met at the 
annual meeting, November, 1854, the first busi- 
ness transacted by them was the organization 
of towns 11 and 12 north, of range 2 eest, into 
a separate town and election precinct, under the 
name of Willow; the first election to be held 
at the house of R. 15. Stewart. 

It was also decided to erect towns II and 12 
north, of range 1 west, into a separate town, 
under the name of Marshall, and the first elec- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



181 



tion was ordered to be held at the house of 
Josiah McCaskey, on Fancy creek. 

By order of the board at this meetino;, sec- 
tions 1, ]2, 13, 24, 25 and 36, of town 10 north, 
of range 1 west, were set off from that town 
(Richmond) and attached to Ricliland; also 
the order for the organization of towns 11 and 
12 north, of range 2 west, into a separate town, 
to be called Forest, was issued, and the resi- 
dence of William Ogden was assigned as the 
place for holding the first election. It seems, 
from the records, that this was all the business 
that came before this board, except the audit- 
ing of the various bills and claims against the 
count)'. 

Nov. 15, 1855, the new board of supervisors 
lield tlieir annual meeting. The first business 
brought before them being the matter of county 
buildings. It was reported to the assembled 
Scions that Ira S. Haseltine and his wife had 
deeded to the county, as a fee gift and donation, 
the east half of block 13, all of blocks 14 and 
22, and the north half of block 23, all in the vil- 
lage of Richland Centre. This gift was made 
that the county might have a place whereon to 
build the said buildings. The board in accept- 
ing the deed, appointed themselves committee 
of the whole, to view the lots and select a suit- 
able site thereon on which lo placo^ the struc- 
ture to be known as the court-house. 

Considerable wire pulling and maneuvering 
was now displayed to determine the board to 
favor certain interests and to locate the build- 
ings to suit the wishes of this or that party. 
James B. Cling offered to donate to the county 
five acres of ground, provided, that the county 
erect the new buildings on blocks 22 and 23. 
At first the board seemed to favor this, but 
after mature deliberation, by vote, it was de- 
cided not to accept the offer, and to leave them- 
selves untrammelled in their choice of the site of 
the public buildings. By resolution, a com- 
mittee was appointed for the purpose of fixing 
the iimount necessary to be appropriated for the 
erection of the buildings. This committee. 



consisting of B. L. Jackson, Alden Haseltine 
and E. L. D. Moody, reported to the board next 
day in the following words: 

"Upon due consideration your, committee are 
of the opinion, that, it would be advisable to 
appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars 
(|!500) for the purpose of building a jail in 
Richland county, and would advise that the 
building be 18x26 feet, to be divided into two 
rooms. The building to be built on the block 
house plan, with weather-boarding on the out- 
side and lined on the inside with sheet iron; 
and your committee are of the opinion that the 
interests of the county demands the appropria- 
tion of the sum of fifteen hundred dollars 
($1,500) for the purpose of building a court- 
iiouse, and would further recommend that the 
four lots on block thirteen (13) be under suita- 
ble regulations and at a proper time put on sale, 
as a means of raising a part of the fund; and 
would still further recommend that the court- 
house be built 28x36 feet, with posts twenty- 
one feet long, the lower story to be finished in 
accordance with a plan accompanying this re- 
])ort; and would call the attention of the board 
to the propriety of appointing three commis- 
sioners who shall have power, as a building 
committee, to award contracts, under suitable 
restrictions. Your committee are of the opinion 
I hat it is not necessary at the present time to 
raise more than one thousand dollars (!& 1,000) 
if the lots aforesaid are placed on sale at the 
proper time. 

B. S. Jackson, ) 

E. L. D. Moody, >• Committee." 

Alden Haseltine. ) 

This report was adopted, with the amend- 
ment of making the $1,000 to be raised $500 
and the building committee (to be appointed) 
here to bo authorized to contract to pay interest 
on the balance on one-half the sum for one 
year,and on the other half two years, at seven 
per cent. 

The following resolution was presented in re- 
lation to the matter under discussion, and in 



788 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



accordance wiUi the recommendations of tlie 
committee's report, as given above. 

'■'■Resolved, That the board proceed to elect 
three commissioners, to act as a building com- 
mittee, and their duties shall be, first, prepare 
a draft and fix specifications for the building of 
a jail and court-house on the plans reported, 
with such internal alteration as may be found 
necessary, which alterations shall not increase 
the cost. Next, to advertise such plans, for a 
period of four weeks, and upon the expiration 
of such time, to award the contract to the lowest 
and best bidder. Also, it shall be their duty to 
examine the work while under construction, 
and to accept the work when done, if it shall be 
finished according to contract. Such contract 
shall be completed as follows: The jail to be 
completed by the first day of October, 185H, 
and the court-house by the first day of April, 
1857." 

On the above resolution being submitted for 
a vote, the result was a tie, but the chairman, 
by virtue of his office, gave the casting vote in 
its favor, and it was declared adopted. 

The committee appointed under it, as the 
building commission, consisted of Josephus 
Downs, Milton Langdon and B. L. Jackson. It 
was also, 

"-Resolved, That the lots in block thirtecTi 
(13), shall be advertised for eight weeks, and 
put up at public sale to the highest bidder, for 
cash, the first Monday in July, 1856 ; also, that 
the county's lots, on the west side of Pine river, 
be sold at the same time." 

The ways and means having been provided, 
it was " Ordered, That the building committee 
be empowered to draw orders on the county 
treasurer, from the building fund, to pay the 
sum of $500 on the completion of the jail, and 
the sum of $500 when the said court house 
shall be enclosed and doors hung, floors laid 
and stairs built; if the work is done according 
to the terms of the contract." 

At this meeting, also, the town 11 north, of 
range 2 west, was set oft" from the town of Forest, 



and ordered to be organized as a separate pre- 
cinct under the name of Sylvan, and the school 
house in dislirct No. 6, was named as the first 
town meeting place. Also town 12 north, of 
range 1 west, wag set off from the town of 
Marshall and christened Bloom, and was ordered 
to perfect organization and vote for town officers 
at the house of Isaac Pizer. Town 12 north, of 
range 1 east, was also detached from the town 
of Rockbridge, and under the name of Henrietta 
was instructed to elect the necessary officers to 
complete the organization thereof, the voting 
place being at the house of H. B. Miller. Town 
10 north, of range 2 east, and sections 1, 2, 3,4, 
5 and 6, and the north half of sections 7, 8, 9, 
10, 11, and 12, in town 9 north, of range 2 east, 
and section 1 and the north half of section 12, 
in town north of range 1 east, were ordered to 
be organized into one separate town under the 
name of Ithaca, and the first election was ordered 
to be held at Mr. Thomas' school house. 

The committee appointed to investigate and 
audit the books of the county treasurer, reported 
that they had done as instructed and found all 
in good order, and that the treasury contained 
money to the amount of $725.78. 

While the board were discussing the financial 
affairs of the county government, Israel S. 
Sanderson, came into the room and presented to 
each member of the board, a copy of the first 
issue of the Richland county Observer, the first 
newspaper published within the limits of the 
county. This was Nov. 17, 1855. The board 
immediately passed the following resolution: 
"Resolved, That the board tender their sincere, 
thanks to Israel S. Sanderson, the editor of the 
Richland county Observer, for his kindness in 
presenting them with the first copies of his 
paper." 

Town 10 north, of range 2 west, having asked 
for a separate organization, the prayer was 
granted, and the town named Akan and the 
house of Martin Munson was designated as the 
place of voting, at the first election. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



?89 



Tlie assessed value of the entire county this 
year shows a marked increase, being 4i399,- 
185.83. 

In November, 1S56, at the ainiual meeting of 
the board of county supervisors, tlie organization 
of the two remaining towns was ordered, as 
follows: Town 12 north, of range 2 east, to be 
known as the town of Westford, and the first 
election for t"wn officers to be held at the house 
of Asa Lincoln, in the village of Cazenovia. 
Town 10 north, of range 1 west, to be organized 
and known as the town of Dayton, and the first 
election to be held at the residence of Henry 
McNelly. 

Tliebuildingcoramittee, having made their re- 
port, that they had let the contract, for erecting 
the county buildings, to Ira Andrews whose bid 
was §l,i-25, and that he had built the buildings in 
accoidance with the plans and specifications as 
laid down in the contract ; the board, in ac- 
cepting the edifices from his hands, passed the 
following resolution, by a unanimous vote : 

"Resolved, That the countv board of super- 
visors tender their sincere thanks to Mr. Ira 
Andrews, the contractor, for the faithful dis- 
charge of his duties, and for the energetic 
spirit and action which he has inanifesttMl in 
the speedy completion of the county buildings." 

Much of this county lying on hillsides, and 
the wash of rains destroying them, the 
question of plank roads is found, at this time, 
to come to the front. In answer to several pe- 
titions asking that companies might be empow- 
ered to build such roads, and enjoy the bene- 
fits and emoluments thereof, the board appoint- 
ed a committee to look into the matter. The 
report of the committee is given in full as it is 
a complete history of the plan upon which com- 
panie-i weie formed. 

"We, your committee in the matter of plank 
road companies, would report : That it is the 
opinion of 3'our committee that it is for the 
best interests of this county that the prayer of 
.«aid petitions, with restrictions, be granted; and 



your committee would recommend that Gar- 
wood Green, Joseph C Clark and J. W. Cofliu- 
berry, of the town of Buena Vista ; D. L. 
Downs, Charles G. Rodolf and Napoleon Gra- 
ham, of the town of Richmond ; R. M. Miller, 
Jacob Rhodes and Reuben Powers, of the town 
of Richwood, be appointed commissioners to 
draft and compile charters, open stock or sub- 
scriptions for one, two or three plank and turn- 
pike companies. 

"One road may commence at Richland City, 
one at Richwood and one at Port Andrew, to 
run northerly in the direction of such terminus, 
as said commissioners shall determine, with a 
capital to each charter not to exceed $20,000, 
with shares of $20, payable in cash .only, by 
per centum or otherwise. 

"If the commissioners accepted, they were 
to hold their first meeting at Richmond, Dec. 
20, 1856, and there pass such rules for their 
governme it as suited them, so a.s not to conflict 
with any State law. Provided, however, that 
the commissioners shall not have any demand 
on this county for their services. 

"It is made the duty of the said commission- 
ers to report, in a summary manner, all their 
doings in the premises, except the charters by 
them compiled shall be reported at length to 
the county board of supervisors, at any regular 
session, for approval, modification or rejec- 
tion." 

It was probably at this session of the board 
that the name of the village of Richmond was 
changed to that of Orion. 

At an extra session called Jan. ."-, ls.")7, for 
the purpose, the board ordered the purchase of 
a safe for the treasurer's office. 

In November, 1857, at the annual meeting of 
tke board, the extravagance that has character- 
ized the various legislative bodies of later days, 
is foreshadowed by the board voting that each 
member be supplied with a lead pencil at the 
expense of the county. 



790 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The treasurer's report, submitted Nov. 13, 
1857, gives the financial standing of the county 
at that date: 

TREASURER OF RICHLAND COUNTY, Br. 
To cash received from clerk of circuit court, as 

Statetax $ 2'1.00 

To cash received from clerk of circuit court, as 

fines and forfeitures 30.00 

To State and county taxes received from town 

treasurers 10,323.26 

To school fund from State 3,078.21 

To cash from tax oertiBcates sold 4o8.o4 

Total $12,91381 

Cr. 

By State taxes paid $ 4,109.00 

By State paid for fines 41.00 

By amount paid contingent expenses. 39.98 

, By amount paid for safe, etc 231.50 

By amount paid school fund 1, 651 . 9S 

By unpaid taxes on hand 1,666.95 

By amount paid tor making returns of 

delinquent tax 37.02 

By making out tax sale certificates 496.75 

By treasurer's fees 507.19 

Total S 12,936.12 

Balance due treasurer 8 12 31 

The committee appointed to ascertain tlie 
amount of outstanding warrants of the county, 
reported at this session. Their report declares 
that there were then outstanding of wanants 
Issued from 1852 up to Jan. 1, 1857, 11,479.27; 
since Jan. 1, 1857, $1,796.66; making in all, 
13,275.93. 

'Ihe court house at Richland Centre having 
been destroyed by fire In the spring of 1860, an 
account of wlilch is detailed elsewhere, the 
board of supervisors, at a special meeting held 
May, 1860, passed the following resolutions in 
regard to re-building the same: 

^'■Resolved, That we build a court-house 
28x38 feet, the court room to be on the lower 
floor, with two jury rooms above; and that we 
also build four tire-proof offices outside the 
c urt house, each 12x16 feet in dimension. 

" Resolved, That a committee of three be ap- 
pointed to receive plans and specifications and 
bids for the building of the court-house and 
county offices ; said plans, specifications and 
bids to be received on or before the 15th day of 
May, A D. 1860, and that the said committee 



be, and is hereby empowered to let the building 
of the same to the lowest and best bidder." 

D. L. Downs, James Barnes and William J. 
Bowen were appointed the committee under 
this resolution, and soon made their report to 
the board, saying that they had made the fo'- 
lowing plan for a court-house : "The building to 
be built of brick, the lower story with sixteen- 
inch walls, the upper twelve, with one inch hol- 
low spice therein. The lower room to be 
twelve feet from floor to ceiling, while the 
second floor should be nine feet between the 
same. The edifice to have a common roof, 
about one quarter pitch, and to be covered with 
good oak shingles, on hardwood sheathing. 
To be lighted with twelve windows below and 
twelve above. The whole structure to be sur- 
mounted by a cupola, as on the old court-house. 
The court room, being on the ground floor, to 
be floored with bricks placed on edge ; the jury 
rooms, with good oak flooring ; all inside wood- 
work and finishing to be in hardwood, and to 
be painted with three good coats of paint." 

This plan was adopted by the board, and the 
committee instructed to proceed with the work, 
by the following resolution : 

^^ Resolved, That the building committee 
build, or cause to be built, a court-house, 28x38 
feet in size, and tire-proof buildings for county 
offices, for the sum of $1,200, now in the treasu- 
rer's hands, and $1,000 in county orders, and as 
much better and larger as they can, with the 
amount to be raised by the subscription of the 
citizens of Richland Centre ; said committee to 
be restricted to the said sum and the said $1,000 
in county orders, which are to be issued and 
paid to the contractor, on the completion and 
accepting of the building, by the county board, 
and that all money remaining in the hands of 
the committee after the buildings are tinished, 
be appropriated for furnishing the county 
offices." 

The contract to build the county building 
was thereupon signed with Ira S. Haseltine, wlio 
immediately commenced the erection of the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



791 



present edifices, and completed them before the 
fall of the same year. 

In the meanwhile it wa,s necessary that the 
county officers have some place for their books, 
papers, and for the transaction of their business. 
The board appointed Alden Haseltine, Allen 
Tinker and O. H. Malette a committee to pro- 
vide suitable rooms for that purpose, and for a 
temporary court room ; which committee next 
day made the report that" They had rented the 
rooms of D. Pease for sheriff, clerk of the 
courts and clerk of the lioard, for $7 per 
month, and they had hired the Lybrand 
hall for the holding of court, for $3 per 
day, lights and fuel included, and that the 
register of deeds be allowed to furnish his own 
room, at an expense not to exceed fifty cents 
per week ; and the proposition of Dr. Gage, to 
furnish a room for the treasurer free of charge, 
be accepted." 

Matters being arranged in this manner, the 
board ordered that for all intents and jnirposf's, 
Lybrand hall should be the county court house, 
for the time being. 

At the next meeting of the board of .super- 
visors, held in November, 1860, the new court 
house was so far completed that the assembled 
wisdom of the county could occupy the same 
for their deliberations, and the first busincs.s 
was to apportion the offices to the officers of the 
county, which was done, and the matter regula- 
ted as we now find it. 

At this time a petition was presented by the 
citizens of the town of Richmond, praying that 
the name of that town be changed to that of 
Orion. This prayer was granted, and the town 
has ever since been known by that cognomen. 

The citizens of Richland Centre being de- 
sirous of removing the county jail to the court 
house square, petitioned the county board for 
permission to do so, at their own ex]>ense. This 
was immediately granted, and the building com- 



mittee ordered to expend the sum of §25 in 
erecting a suitable foundation therefor. 

At a special session of the board, held in 
July, 1861, a committee, consisting of W. J. 
Bowen, A. Loveless and W. Ketchum, was ap- 
pointed to re-district the county into three pre- 
cincts ; the intention being to try and govern 
the county by three supervisors, instead of by 
the rather cumbrous machinery of the chairmen 
of the towH boards, sixteen in number. This 
committee made its report, and on their i-ecom- 
raendation the following resolution was adopted: 

" Hesolved, That Richland county be divided 
into three supervisor districts, as follows : Rich- 
wood, Eagle, Orion and Buena Vista, to be 
called district number one; Richland, Rock- 
bridge, Henrietta, Westford, Wil'owand Ithaca, 
to be called district number two ; Dayton, 
Bloom, Marshall, Forest, Sylvan and Akan, to 
be called district number three." 

Several resolutions were passed at this and 
succeeding sessions, in regard to the relief of 
the families of the volunteers then going and 
gone to the front, which will be found under 
their projier head, in the chapter devoted to the 
war record of the county. 

The subject that so long agitated the county 
politics came to the front this session — the 
building of a new jail. A committee having 
been appointed to look into the matter, reported 
favorably upon the undertaking, and recom- 
mended that the sum of |i400 be raised for that 
purpose, but the matter was laid upon the table 
for the present. 

The first mention of the purpose of purchas- 
ing a county poor farm was brought up at a 
meeting of the county board, lield Nov. 20, 
1 86.5. 

At a special meeting of the board of supervi- 
sors, held July 12, 1867, and called for the es- 
pecial purpose of taking into consideration the 
erection of a jail, competent to hold the prison' 



792 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ers committed to it in safe keeping, the follow- 
ing resolutions were adopted: . 

" Whereas, The jail of the county is unfit, and 
not sufficient for the safe keeping of persons 
placed therein, therefore, 

"Resohed, That the sum of twenty-five hun- 
dred dollars ($2,500) be raised by tax, and ap- 
propriated for the erection of a new jail; plans 
and specifications to be hereinafter agreed upon 
by this board. 

^'■Resolved, That J. G. S. Hayward visit Prairie 
du Chien and Viroqua, to get plans and esti- 
mates of cost of jails at those places." 

In accordance with the above resolution, at 
an adjourned meeting of the board, held Aug. 
26, 1867, for the purpose of deciding upon the 
plan, etc., Thomas Cholerton, B. C. Hallin, and 
J G. S. Hayward, were appointed a committee 
to draft the plan and make the specifiations for 
the edifice, and the clerk of the board was in- 
structed to advertise in the new.spapers of the 
county, for bids for furnishing material, deliv- 
ing the same, and doing all the work necessary 
to complete the said edifice. 

These requirements having been complied 
with and the bids being received, the commit- 
tee, deeming none of them satisfactory, deter- 
mined upon building it themselves, which they 
at once commenced. 

The county board, at this session, make a 
purchase of a safe, for the treasurer's ofiice, at 
an expense of $1,061.88, including freight, 
going on the principle, evidently, of "fast bind, 
fast find," and from experience, knowing that a 
poor safe will not keep the money in, or the fe.s- 
tive burglar out, invested in a first class article, 
which is doing good service to this day. 

The county board again met in regular ses- 
sion Nov. 16, 1869, and a resolution of that body 
recites : "That it is the opinion of a large por- 
tion of the people of Richland county, that the 
bepeflt to our schools from the visitation of the 



county superintendent, is not commensurate 
with the expense incurred, and, 

" Whereas, The board are in favor of an eco- 
nomical administration of the county govern- 
ment, and desire to relieve the people of taxa- 
tion, when it can be done without the sacrifice 
of the public good, do, therefore, 

"Resolre, That the county superintendent of 
schools be hereby, requested, during his next 
term of oflSce, commencing Jan. 1, 1870, not to 
visit the schools, and we do, therefore, relieve 
him of that part of his duties, and he is re- 
quested to confine his labors to holding insti- 
tutes, public examinations and making the nec- 
essary reports." 

At the session of the board, November, 1870, 
the clerk was instructed to have a well made 
on the court-house grounds, fol- the accommo- 
dation of the county officers, and as an extra 
precaution for the extinguishment of fires. 

All along through the records, one is struck 
with the singular pertinacity of the various 
boards, who in their desire to a more econom- 
ical administration of the finances of the county, 
are continually memorializing the Legislature 
for an amendment to the act in regard to the 
payment for the printing of the delinquent tax 
lists, and other county printing, which in their 
opinion is much too high. 

The board having found out by this time 
that it was a mistake in their action in regard 
to the county superintendent of schools, and 
that the lowest salary that they can pay him, ac- 
cording to a statute of the State, is -«!800, by 
resolution rescinded their former instruction 
and desired him to devote his entire time to 
the duties of the office. 

The assessed value of all property in the- 
county, in 1871, is given as $2,544,824.12. 

As an evidence of tlie growth of the county, 
and its improved financial condition, the report 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



793 



of the treasurer of the county for November, 
1872, is here inserted: 

TREASURER OF RICHLAND COUNTY, Dr. 

To tax sale certificates on hand last report S 9,569 43 

To cash on hand last report 175.88 

To State tax received from towns 5,559.00 

To county tax receivod from towns 3,365.31 

To tax. county superintendent's salary 762.56 

To cash from county judge 30.00 

To cash from fines received 65.00 

To suit tax from clerk of court 26.00 

To State school fund 3,662.93 

To delinquent tax from State ;i36.27 

To interest on certificates sold 64.66 

To interest on certificates redeemed 39.14 

To fees from county clerk 195.45 

To delinciuent taxes collected before sale 2,726,63 

To amount of tax sale 4,492.59 

Total , $30,070.80 

Cr. 

By State tax paid State treasurer $ 5,633.09 

By cash paid towns 1,518.26 

By State school funds paid towns.. 2,6.56.29 

By cash paid on illegal certificates 119.24 

By cash paid treasurers for returns 28 . 94 

By cash paid register 45.85 

By cash paid insurance 20.00 

By loss on certificates sold 7.65 

By cash paid county superintendent 600.00 

By cash paid posting notice of land sale 3 00 

By cash paid county clerk forcontingent fund 2.50 00 

By county certificate to county clerk 164 06 

By cash, expenses to Madison twice 25.00 

By cash, county orders redeemed 5,874.45 

By tax sale certificates on hand 9,957.09 

By one year's salary 800.00 

By cash on hand to balance 2,373.97 

Total $30,070.80 

The poor farm subject again comes to the fore- 
ground, during the session of the board of 
supervisors, lieid November, 1874, but it seems 
there was a division of opinion upon the sub- 
ject, and the more advanced thinkers had to 
give the matter up for the time being, finding 
themselves in the minority. 

A resolution was also introduced, offering to 
donate the sum of $.S00 toward the town's sink- 
ing an artesian well in the court-house square. 
This produced consid('ral)le debate and was, 
when action was taken thereon, voted down. 

Jan. 1, 1875, the board of county supervisors, 
in order to clear up the books and offices of the 
county officers, made the sale of all the tax sale 
oertiticates, remaining in the possession of the 



county, to James L. McKee, for the sum of ^2,- 
500, or about fifteen per cent, of their face 
value. This was considered at the- time a very 
good price, as many of them were of quite an- 
cient date, and others, no deubt, were illegally 
assessed and consequently were of no value. 

'i lie assessment rolls for 1875 show that there 
were then in the county, assessable, 3t55,898 
acres of land, at an assessed value of $1,824,- 
471; town property valued at $187,700. There 
was also of live stock, owned by the community, 
5,308 horses, 15,612 head of horned cattle, 225 
mules and donkeys, 23,625 sheep and 13,681 
swine. The personal property assessable was 
valued at $71 1,223. 

It was at the session of the board of super- 
visors, November, 1879, that a petition was 
presented, from the ex-soldiers of Richland 
county, for jierniission to place a memorial 
monument to their dead comrades in arms, in 
the court house square. The ])rayerwas granted 
with the usual liberality of the board, and a 
place i)ointed out as the most apj>ro)>riale, but 
from some cause or other the monument has not 
been erected yet. It has been suggested that, 
as so many Posts of the Grand Army of the 
Republic have been organized in Richland 
county, it would be fitting and proper that they 
take the matter in hand, and not let the dead 
heroes be forgotten. He who died with arms 
in his hands and his face to the foe, should 
have his name revered and his monument 
raised that men may see, lest they forget his 
deeds and death in defense of liberty and right. 

Wlien the board of supervisors met in special 
session, May, 25, 1881, Mr. Hlackmer, of Bur- 
lington, Iowa, appeared before them, showing 
the Pauly system of steel-clad cells for jails, 
and the board, after fully understanding the 
merits of the invention, determined upon 
equip|)ing the Richland county jail with them, 
passed a resolution adopting it and appointing 
the chairman, A. S. Ripley, J. D. Ilarring and 
George E. Bennett, clerk of the board, a coru- 
mittee to prepare and sign the contract with 



794 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



the party, and also to superintend the work of 
putting in the cells. The sum of $3,200 was 
also appropriated to defray the expense of the 
same. 

In November, 1S82, at the annual meeting 
of the board, the following resolution was 
adopted: 

"Resolved, By the county board of super- 
visors of Richland Co., Wis , that Homer J. 
Clark, the county clerk; Irvin Gribble, the 
county treasurer; D. L. Downs, O. F. Black, J. 
L. McKee and J. H. Miner be, and the same 
are li^reby appointed, a committee to consider 
and devise plans, and procure estimates for 
the erection of a new court house in this county, 
and report their proceeding to the county board 
at its next annual session in 1883." 

At the annual session held in November, 
1883, this committee made a lengthy report, in 
which they recommended that a court house be 
erected upon the site occupied by the present 
county buildings. They thought the building 
should be about 45x90 feet in size, two stories 
and a basement in height, and estimated that it 
would cost about 820,000. The report continues 
that the strongest reasons for a new court house, 
that have been presented to the committee, 
were: "First, That the present building is 
not adequate to hold the necessary persons in 
attendance at court; such as witnesses, juries 
and parties; for evidence of which Judge 
Mills, in 1867, condemned it and rented Chand- 
ler's Hall for a term of three weeks; and in 
1879 Judge Cothren rented Krouskop's Hall at 
a cost of $10 per day; and at the last term of 
court the room was intolerable by reason of be- 
ing 80 small that it would not hold the crowd, 
and many persons were compelled to stay 
away, while others stayed outside the doors and 
windows. Second, That the records of the 
county are unsafe and expcsed to fire. No 
person's title to land is secure, and endless liti- 
gation would grow out of the titles, tax titles, 
judgments, mortgages and other matters of 
record, in case of the destruction of the records." 



It was also further 8tated"that all the estates of 
deceased persons, and all the rights and titles 
devised through the settlement of the same by the 
county court are now resting in wooden pigeon 
holes in a small wooden building surrounded 
by other inflamable buildings." 

After considerable discussion it was decided 
to lay the report aside for the consideration of 
some future board of supervisors. But at the 
same time the matter was partly compromised 
by a| propriati' g from the county treasury the 
sum of $600 for the erection of a small office 
for the county judge. This building was begun 
immediately after the board adjourned, and 
finished about Jan. 1, 1884. It stands just 
north of the other county buildings. 

At the same session, the board fixed the sala- 
ries of the various county officers for the years 
1884 and 1885 as follows: county treasurer, 
1800; county clerk, $800; County superintendent, 
$800; district attorney, $400; clerk of court, $600. 

BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS. 

1850— John H. Price, of Buena Vista; E. II. 
Dyre, Richmond; Adam Byrd, Richwood. 

1851 — John H.Price, of Buena Vista; Molbry 
Ripley, Richmond; Adam Byrd, Richwood; 
Orin Haseltine, Rockbridge. 

1852— Lucius Tracy, of Buena Vista; R. H. 
McMahon, Rockbridge; George N. E wing, Rich- 
mond; Elias McCiure, Richwood. 

1853— C. G. Rodolf,of Eagle; Elias McClure, 
Richwood; D. L. Downs, Richmond; Luther 
Irish, Buena Vista; Orin Haseltine, Rockbridge; 
A. J. Sheldon, Richland; David Bovee, as asso- 
ciate from the village of Richland Centre. 

1854 — Henry Connor, of Richwood; D. L. 
Downs,Richmond;L.B. Palmer, Eagle; William . 
Harman, Buena Vista; Alden Haseltine, Rock- 
bridge; Ira S. Haseltine, Richland. 

1855-Josephus Downs, of Marshall ;Levi Ilouts, 
Richmond; B. L. Jackson, Buena Vista; George 
Rea, Richwood; Alden Haseltine, Rockbridge; 
L. li. Palmer, Eagle; Milton Langdon, Richland; 
E. L. D. Moody, Willow ; E. B. Tenney, Forest, 



HISTORY OF KIOHLAND COUNTY. 



795 



1856— E. L. D. Moody, of Willow; J. W. 
Coffiiiberry, Buena Vista; William Herman, 
Ilhaca; Riley Haniillon, Richland; J. S. Scott, 
Rofklnidgc; William 11. Joslin, Henrietta; Jo- 
soplius Downs, Bloom; J. B. Bennett, Forest; 
Horace Cook, Sylvan; Zenas W. Bevier, Akan; 
Samuel W. Flick, Rich wood; L. B. Palmer, 
Eagle; D. L. Downs, Richmond; Archibald 
Wanless, Marshall. 

1857 — Alden Hascltine, of Rockbridge; L. 
Nichols, Buena Vista; Isaac Se]>ley, Bloom ; J. 
W. Ambrose, Forest; William H. Joslin, Hen- 
rietta; .Tohn Fogo, Mar.shall; Leroy D. Gage, 
Richland; John Coumbe, Richwood; Jacob 
Fellows, Willow; Allen Tinker, Westford ; 
George N. Ewing, Eagle; E. B. Tenney, Sylvan; 
Horace Wait, Akan; G. W. Oglevie, Day ton ; 
Isaac McCollum, Ithaca; John Hendricks, Rich- 
mond. 

1858 — Zenas W. Bevier, of Akan; Thomas C. 
Clark, Bloom ; D. B. Young, Buena Vista ; 
George W. Oglevie, Dayton; L. B. Palmer, 
Eagle; J. V. Bennett, Forest; Milton Satterlee, 
Henrietta; William Dixon, Ithaca; John Fogo, 
Marshall ; John S. Scott, Rockbrivlge ; William 
H. Wilson, Richland ; Horace Wait, Rich- 
mond; Samuel Clayton, Richwood ; George H. 
Rabl), Sylvan ; Allen Tinker, Westford ; Jacob 
Fellows, Willow. After the organization of 
this board .lacob Fellows resigned his seat and 
E. L. D. Moody was allowed to fill his place. 
■ 1859— B. C. Hallin, of Akan ; T. C. Clark, 
Bloom; D. B. Young, Buena Vista; G. W. Ogle- 
vie, Dayton ; William Sharp, Eagle; W. H. 
Mack, Forest; L. Reniiick, Henrietta, S. H. 
Doolittle, Ithaca ; John Fogo, Marshall; G. B. 
Lybraiid, Richland ; Horace Wait, Richmond ; 
Henry Connor, Richwood ; Alden Ilaseltine, 
Rockbridge; O. II. .Mallette, Sylvan ; E. L. D. 
bloody. Willow ; Allen Tinker, W^estford. 

1860 — John Wait, of Akan; Darius Morrison, 
B!oom;Elias Thomas, Buena Vista;Janie8 Barnes, 
Dayton ; Newton Wells, Eagle ; A. Loveless, 
Forest; Milton Satterlee, Henrietta; .f. IT. Post, 
Ithaca; Joseph Buutoii, Jr., Marshall; Horace 



W;iii, Richmond; I. J. Wright. Richwood; Alden 
Haseltiiie, Rockbridge; William J. Bowen, 
Ricliland;U. II. Mallette, Sylvan ;E.L.D. Moody, 
Willow; Alien Tinker, Westford. 

1861 — John Black, of Akan ; William Farlin, 
Bloom; William Ketchum, Buena Vista; Molbry 
Ripley, Dayton ; L. B. Palmer, Eagle; A. Love- 
less, Forest; R. J. Stevenson, Henrietta ; S. H. 
Doolittle, Ithaca ; J. II. Hindman, Marsliall ; 
Andrew Bird, Orion; Henry Connor, Ilichwood; 
William J. Bowen, Richland; Alden Ilaseltine, 
Rockbridge; O. H. Mallette, Sylvan; John Shaw, 
Willow; Allen Tinker, Westford; 

1862 — The mode of county government hav- 
ing been changed, three supervisors were vested 
with the power of the original board of sixteen. 
The first board under this rule was comprised 
of .lolin Hendricks, of district No. 1 ; J. Ar. 
Thomas, of district No. 2; S. D. Ripley, district 
No. 3; and met January 1.3. 

1863— Q. J. Wright, Alden Haseltine and A. 
Loveless. 

1864— A. Loveless, Q. J. Wright and Alden 
flaseltine. 

1865 — George Caswell, A. S. Plaseltine and A 
Loveless. 

1866— S. Henthorn, George H. Babb and J. 
G. S. Hayward. 

1867— J. G. S. Hayward, George H. Babb and 
D. L. Downs. 

1868 — L. G. Thomas, Joseph Benton, Jr. and 
D. L. Downs. 

1869 — L. G. Thomas, J. S. Scott and Josejih 
Benton, Jr. 

1870 — It is gathered from the records that 
the three supervisor system not proving satis- 
factory, the return was made to the old system 
of re))rescntation, being one from each town. 
The roll for this year is: D. W. Core, of Akan; 
T. C. Clark, Bloom; V. Ilarter, Buena Vista; 
George R. Pyle, Dayton; C. D. Stewart, For- 
est; It. C. Hawkins, Henrietta; D. M. Logan, 
Ilhaca; John Fogo, Marshall; J. II. Tilley, 
Orion; J. B. McGrew, Richland; J. S. Ells- 
worth. Richwood; Jamcsi Washburn, Kock- 



4a 



796 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNT Y. 



bridge; O. H. Mallette, Sylvan; Joseph Moody, 
Westford; John Smith, Willow; H. O. Morris, 
Eagle; G. L. Laws, of. the village of Richland 
Centre. Before the regular session of the 
board, George R. Pyle, of Dayton, resigned his 
seat, and James M. Adair was chosen in his 
stead. 

1871— L. O. Smith, of Akan; Henry H. Hoyt, 
Bloom; Vincent Ilarter, Biiena Vista; James 
S. Barnes, Dayton; J. M. Thompson, Eagle; 
S. P. Kanable, Forest; P. H. McCarthy, Henri- 
etta; D. M. Logan, Ithaca; John Fogo, Mar- 
shall; Jacob Brimer, Orion; William J. Bowen, 
Richland; J. S. Ellsworth, Richwood; James 
Washlnirn, Rockbridge; Joseph Moody, West- 
ford; John Smith, Willow; James Twaddle, 
Sylvan; D. L. Downs, Richland Centre. 

1872 — Hiram Harvey, of Akan; Darius Mor- 
rison, Bloom; Lemuel Akey, Buena Vista; 
James T. Barnes, Dayton: W.T. Briggs, Eagle; 
Patrick H. McCarthy, Henrietta; D. M. Logan, 
Ithaca; Josepli Benton, Jr., Marshall; Jacob 
Brimer, Orion; J. 15. McGrew, Richland; J. S. 
Ellsworth, Richwood; J. S. Scott, Rockbridge; 
Stephen Henthorn, Sylvan; Joseph Moody, 
Westford; C. P. Flora, Willow; D. L. Downs, 
Richland Centre. 

1873 — Richard Carpenter, of Akan; H. H. 
Hoyt, Bloom; William Krouskop, BuenaVista; 
A. J. Campbell, Dayton; George Kite, Eagle; 
J. A. Loveless, Forest; Bertrand Clark, Henri- 
etta; William Dixon, Ithaca; Philip M. Smith, 
Marshall; Andrew Bird, Orion; J. B McGrew, 
Richland; Robert Buchanan, Richwood; Alden 
Haseltine, Rockbridge; Stephen Henthorn, Syl- 
van; William Dueren, Westford; John Smith, 
Willow; Gilbert L. Laws, village of Richland 
Centre. 

1874 — Richard Carpenter, of Akan; Darius 
Morrison, Bloom; William Krouskop, Buena 
Vista; William Beam, Dayton; James C. Wil- 
son, Eagle; John A. Loveless, Forest; Thomas 
Norman, Henrietta; William Dixon, Ithaca; 
William Lowry, Marshall; David Weiker, Ori- 
on; Henry St. John, Richland; James W. 



Jones, Richwood; James Washburn, Rock- 
bridge; Nathaniel Grim, Sylvan; D. L. Downs, 
village of Richland Centre; Joseph Moody, 
Westford; J. Smyth, Willow. 

1875 — Richard Carpenter, of Akan; Darius 
JMorrison, Bloom; Vincent Ilarter, Buena Vista; 
August S. Ripley, Dayton; H. O. Morris, 
Eagle; S. P. Kanable, Forest; P. II. Shields, 
Henrietta; William Dixon, Ithaca; Archibald 
Wanless, Marshall; Jacob Brimer, Orion; N. 
L. James, Richland; Robert Buchanan. Rich- 
wood; Alden Haseltine, Rockbridge; Nathaniel 
Grim, Sylvan; Joseph Moody, Westford; John 
Smyth, Willow; James L. McKee, village of 
Richland Centre. 

1876 — P. M. Eaton, of Akan; Darius Morri- 
son, Bloom; Vincent Ilarter, Buena Vista; 
August S. Ripley, Dayton; J. H Case, Eagle; 
J. A. Loveless, Forest; D. Wherry, Henrietta; 
William Dixon, Ithaca; Archibald Wanless, 
Marshall; J. M. Truax, Orion; N. L. James, 
Richland; Robert Buchanan, Richwood; E. 
Murphy, Rockbridge; M. Burroker, Sylvan; 
J. Keane, Westford; B. B. Brownell, Willow; 
James L. McKee, village of Richland Centre. 

1877 — James Sheffield, of Akan; Darius Mor- 
rison, Bloom; C. E. Brace, Buena Vista; Au- 
gust S. Ripley, Dayton; J. H. Case, Eagle; J. 

C. Bender, Forest; P. H. Shields, Henrietta; 
William Dixon, Ithaca; Archibald Wanless, 
Marshall; VV. H. Stewart, Orion; J. B. .McGrew, 
Richland; Robert Buchanan, Richwood; James 
Washburn Rockbridge; Nathaniel GriTu, Syl- 
van; Josepli Moody, Westford; B. B. Brownell, 
Willow; D. G James, village of Richland 
Centre. 

1878 — Squire Sheafor, of Akan; Darius. Mor- 
rison, Bloom; Henry Dillon, Buena Vista; A. 
S. Ripley, Dayton; Horatio Cornwall, Eagle; 
J. C. Bender, Forest; P. H. McCarthy, Henri- 
etta; Albert Misslich, Ithaca; William Lowry, 
Marshall; J. B. McGrew, Richland; Edmund 
Clark, Richwood; George Fogo, Rockbridge; 

D. B. Sommars, Sylvan; B. M. Jarvis, West- 



HISTORY OF UICHLAND COUNTY. 



797 



ford; E. C. Wildermuth, Willow; James L. 
McKee, village of Richland Centre. 

1879 — James Brady, of Akan; Elijah All- 
haiigh, Bloom; George J. Carswell, Bnena Vis- 
ta; A. S. Ripley, Dayton; Orrin Henry, Eagle; 
Jolin A. Loveless, Forest; Joivathan Dillon, 
Henrietta; Albert Misslich, Ithaca; Philip M. 
Smith, Marshall; William H. Stewart, Orion; 
J. B. McGrew, Richland; J. H. Tilley, Rich- 
wood; George Fogo, Rockbridge; T. M. Shef- 
field, Sylvan; B. M. Jarvis, Westford; D. J. 
O'Hara, Willow; W. M. Fogo, village of Rich- 
land Centre. 

1880 — .James Brady, of Akan; Darius Morri- 
son, Bloom; H. L Eaton, Buena Vista; P. 
Sweeney, Dayton; E. D. Manning, Eagle; Irvin 
Gribble, Forest; John F. Conley, Henrietta; 
Albert Misslich, Ithaca; J. W. Barrett, Mar- 
shall; William Brimer, Orion; J. B. McGrew, 
Richland; J. II. Tilley, Richwood; William H. 
Juslin, Rockbridge; Thomas Harn, Sylvan; B. 
M. Jarvis, Westford; B. B. Brownell, Willow; 
D. L. Downs, village of Richland Centre. 

1881 — James Brady, of Akan; Darius Morri- 
son, Bloom; John H. Carswell, Buena Vista; 
A. S Ri|)ley, Dayton; James Lucas, Eagle; J. 
S. Kanable, Forest; John F. Conley, Henrietta; 
Albert Misslich, Ithaca; Thomas Gillingham, 



.Maishall; William A. Brimer, Orion; J. D. 
Ilarring, Richland; L. M. Thorp, Ricfhwood; 
George Fogo, Rockbridge; Thomas Harn, Syl- 
van; Benedict Adleman, Westford; B. B. Brow- 
nel!, Willow; D L. Downs, village of Rich- 
land Centre. 

1-8-2 — James Brady, of Akan; Elijah All- 
baugh, Bloom; J. Q. Black, Buena Vista; Peter 
Sweeney, Dayton; John M. Craigo, Eagle; J. 
S. Kanable, Forest; John W. Fowler, Henrietta; 
Albert Misslich, Ithaca; Thomas Gillingham, 
MarslKill; William A. Brimer, Orion; Barney 
C. Hallin, Richland; L. M. Thorp, Richwood; 
J. M. Ryman, Rockbridge; George Henthorn, 
Sylvan; Birney M. Jarvis, Westford; J. P. 
Smyth, Willow; D. L. Downs, village of Rich- 
land Centre. 

THE BOARD IN 1883. 

James Bachtenkircher, of Akan; Elijah All- 
baugh, Bloom; J. Q. Black, Buena Vista; C. A. 
Berghazcn, Dayton; J. M. Craigo, Eagle; J. A. 
Loveless; Forest; P. Dunn, Henrietta; A. Mi s- 
lich, Ithaca; P. M. Smith, Marshall; W. M. 
Brimer, Orion; B. C Hallin, Richland; L M. 
Thorp, Richwood; Col. Ja-nes Washburn, Rock- 
bridge; George Henthorn, Sylvan; B. M. Jar- 
vis, Westford; J. R. Smyth, Willow; D. L. 
Downs, village of Richland Centre. 




798 



UISrORY OF RICHLAND COUNTV. 



CHAPTER V. 



VARIOUS OFFICIAL MATTERS. 



In this connection are presented various official 
matters, which, although too brief to place in a 
chapter separately, are too important to be en- 
tirely ignored. The items have been gathered 
from records, and other most authentic sources. 

TAXES AND VALUES. 

The first board of equalization of taxes, of 
and for Richland county, met at the court 
house in the village of Richland Centre, Sept. 
20, 1860, and was composed of the assessors of the 
various towns, as follows: J.S. Chitwood,Akan; J. 
P.Dewey, Buena Vista; Adam Altough, Bloom; 
E. Davis, Dayton; Oliver Wherry, Eagle; Ashail 
Savage, Sylvan; Demas Wherry, Henrietta; 
Asa McCollum, Ithaca; James Clark, Marshall; 
Isaac Welton, Richland; William Wulfing, 
Richmond; Samuel Fleck, Richwood; C. H. 
Smith Rockbridge; John Miller, Willow; Sol- 
omon Clark, Westfor. The town of Forest 
does not seem to have been represented at this 
board. In li-!63 the real estate in the various 
towns of the county as equalized by the board 
of supervisors, was assessed as follows: Akan 
averaged $1..50 per acre; Bloom, #LV5; Buena 
Vista, $3; Dayton, $2; Eagle, $3; Forest, 
Sl-To; Henrietta, $1.75; Ithaca, $3; Marshall, 
82; Orion, 82; Richwood, $2; Richland, $3; 
Rockbridge, 82; Sylvan,8l.75; Willow, 82 and 
Wegtford, I1.75. 



The taxes of 1863 were apportioned among 
the various towns as follows: 



TOWNS. 



Akan 

Bloom 

Buena Vista. 

Dayton 

Eagle 

Forest 

Henrietta 

Ithaca. 

Marshall 

Orion 

Richland 

Kichwood 

Rockbridge. . 

Sylvan 

Westford 

Willow 



State 


Tax. 

$ 99 40 


163 64 


392 95 


152 98 


236 90 


136 90 


129 14 


ail 71 


174 37 


172 69 


417 18 


307 75 


158 43 


146 85 


134 58 


143 T4 



County 
Tax. 



i?upt'e 
Salary. 



: 239 87;$ 
425 04; 

1,027 44l 
399 99 
619 45 
357 93 
337 67 
919 64 1 
455 93 
451 53! 

1,090 80! 
804 65 
414 24 
381 35 
351 88 
375 84 



12 00 

19 60 
47 41 

18 43 
28 59 

16 49 

15 56 
42 42 
21 02 

20 82 
.50 34 

nl 11 

19 10 

17 38 

16 21 

17 33 



County 
School 
Tax 



; 33 48 
.53 14 

128 43 
49 99 
77 44 
44 74 
43 30 

114 95 
56 00 
.56 44 

136 25 

100 59 
51 78 
47 66 
43 98 
46 98 



By the report of the county treasurer, dated 
November 18, 1863, there had been 825,803.60 
disbursed from the county treasury during the 
year just closed. The total receipts for the 
year were 825,961.64, leaving a balance in the 
han<ls of the county treasurer of 8158.04. 

Compare the above statement for the year 
1863, with the following facts which relalc to 
1873, after one decade had passed: The total 
valuation of property in the town of Akan was 
81 11,529, land was assessed at 83.75 per acre; 
Bloom, valuation 8145,701, land assessed at 
84.60 per acre; Buena Vista, valuation 8225,767, 
land assessed at 85.90 per acre; Dayton, valua- 
tion, 8144,712, land assessed 84.75 per acre; 
Eagle, valuation 8192,947, land assessed 86.75 
per acre; Forest, valuation 8130,462, land as- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



"799 



sessed $4.15 per acre; Henrietta, valuation 
$122,735, land asse.sscd ?i4.25 per acre; Ithaca, 
valuation $214,564, land asse.ssed $5.50 per acre; 
Marshall, valuation $150,735, land assessed 
$4.75 per acre; Orion, valuation $94,904, land 
assessed $3.60 per acre; Richland, valuation 
$320,163, land assessed $6.25 per acre; Rich- 
wood, valuation $209,236, land as.sessed $5.85 
per acre; Rockbridge, valuation $140,452, land 
assessed at $4.50 per acre; Sylvan, valuation 
$1 IS, 755, land assessed at $4.25 per acre; West- 
ford, valuation ^145,205, land asse.sscd at $4.65 
per acre; Willow, valuation $116,711, land as- 
sessed at $4.25 per acre. 

In the report of the county treasurer, under 
the date of Nov. 15, 1873, appears the state- 
ment that the total receipts for the year just 
closed were $34,483.28; total disbursements, 
$32,348.59; total cash on hand, $2,136.69. 

The following statement will show the taxes 
in the various towns of the county, as appor- 
tioned by the board of supervisors in Novem- 
ber, 1873 : 







— 21 

^ 2 




Akan 

niooin 

Hueiia ViBta 
llavtnn... . 


8 




















5 

O 

O 

8 


an 


3 S S i: ? S E 51 S S 




XR,L31BJS 



Ss -1 ^ -' £ tc >-•£:;< cj o •»-:;< tc ;c » 

CO i-< C« » — • ffl M -1 S! 3S o -• — -f^ "- - 1 
id iC 4- O --»* O »C C CO *■ ^ — -) a X 



— 3CB1 pBOJ Ajunoo 
auunipin XB^ Xjunoo 






*. cc I— t^ i-i — ic u I— >c ic — 



■ x\i% looqos X;anoo 



os4-Si;*'5xoiCi-JOO'**!OcnS- 



.{J1IIB8 iS.JiIOp 



',',','. ^ 




: : 2 


CI. . . 

S- i i : • 


: :•: 


: : • si : fS 


i : tis: : 


; r. 


: £■ : : S! 



■ 8*»Boimjao iBaaiii 



: : 88: : : g: : g: " : 



■r.m 

a] pjooq Xq pouoij 
^'oddu soJcfuiuup pHoii 






E9Xt!) 

n« JO juHouin |«loX 



PRODUCTS OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 

In til is connection is presented a statement 
of the crops grown and acreage thereof in 
Richland county, for the years 1873, 1882 and 
1883. The statement is given at length, show- 
ing the results in each town, for the purpose of 
making the table valuable as a means of ref- 
erence. 

In the year 1873, there were 21,346 acres 
sown to wheat in the county; 7,320, sown to 
oats; 18,240 to corn; 159 to barley; 1,019 to rye 
and 395 to hops. These amounts were distrib- 
uted among the various towns as follows: 



TOWNS. 


cr 


O 


9 
5 


a 

• 

V! 





a 



Akan 


889 
1,831 
1,003 
1,229 
2,4.32 
1,317 

837 
2,011 
1,691 

838 
1,089 
1,450 
1,056 
1.730 
1,243 

890 


208 
447 
703 
390 
369 
401 
3% 
1,032 
529 
307 
40) 
2a3 
378 
445 
.567 
374 


927 
1,319 
1.758 

944 
1,8.30 

947 

802 
1,377 
1,188 

733 
1, 295 
1,739 
1,034 
1,193 

.527 

629 


"31 
16 
4 

"5 

o 

o 

5 

'7 
4;) 


7 

8 

327 

4 

23 
IS 
9 
194 
4 
15 
17 
1.59 
10 

9 
27 


2H 
18 
73 

3 

10>4 
3 
»H. 

I6H 

JO 


Bloom 


Bucna Vista .... 


Davtoii . . 


Ea^le 

Forest 


Ithaca 


Marshall . 

Orion 


Kirhlanil , 

Uichwood 

Rockbridge 

sjivan 

WoRtford 

Willow 


22 

22 
15 
2 

.55H 
47H 


Totals , 


21,346 


7,323 


18,240 


169 


1,019 


395 







The following table shows the aggregate num- 
ber of acres of land assessed in the sever.nl 
towns of Richland county, with the price per 
acre as fixed by the county board of supervisors 
at their annual session, 1883 ; also their aggre 
g.ite valuation, the valuation of village and per- 
sonal property, and the aggregate valuation of 
all pro])erty in said county, as equalized ; to- 
gether with the State, county, county school and 
county superintendent's salary tax as appor- 
tioned to the several towns; also the amount of 
delinquent personal property and illegal tax 
sale certificates charged back to towns, and the 
amounts due tlie State on loans to school 
districts : 



800 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



STATEMENT FOR 1883. 



TOWNS. 


2! 

p 

'■ o 

; i 

: o 


II 

CO n) 
CI 


<! 
II 

CD CD 

: g 

: S 


< 

;l 


<! 

» p 

CD » 

■ CO 

is 


Total value of all 
property 




1 
■i 


a 
o 
c 
a 
■5" 


9 

C 

s 

o 
cr 
o 
o 

i 


o 


So 


as 

^•7 


?B 

n 
cr 
o 
o 

5 

5' 


Total. 


Akan 


23.000 


U 00 


* 92,000 


t 8,775 


$ 1,310 


$116,223 


167 40 


522 45 


250 00 


31 42 


23 14 






$994 41 


Bloom 


23,964 


5 50 


131,802 


26,816 
4,050 


31,829 


213,559 


307 56 


959 98 


300 00 


57 75 


393 


f 


M 97 


1,914 19 


Bu'na Vista 


22,623 


5 65 


127,820 


13,145 


208,037 


299 60 


933 16 


275 00 


56 26 


396 




26 94 


1,596 92 


Dayton 


22,861 


4 75 


108,590 


8,095 


154,2.53 


222 15 


693 40 


250 00 


41 72 


13 24 






1,220 51 


Eagle 


22,200 


7 50 


166,500 


6,650 
4,920 
5,825 


14,031 


223,556 


321 95 


1,004 90 


300 00 


60 46 


12 00 


2 27 , 


14 00 


1,815 ,58 


Forest 


22,718 


5 00 


113,590 


12,705 


172,590 


248 56 


775 82 


225 00 


46 67 


4 05 




16 87 


1,316 97 


Henrietta.. 


21,106 


425 


93,500 


2,970 


140,055 


201 70 


629 56 


275 00 


37 88 


483 






1,148 97 


Itbacn 


29,450 


560 


164,920 


10,882 


229, 903 


331 10 


1,033 43 


300 00 


62 18 


59 


3 28 


65 43 


2,096 01 


Marshall... 


23,078 


5 75 


132,699 




13,573 


185,361 


266 95 


833 32 


275 00 


.50 23 


11 67 






1,437 07 


Orion 


18,619 


3 25 


60,512 


4, .502 


7,193 


92,288 


132 92 


414 85 


200 00 


24 88 


17 24 






853 80 


Richland... 


22,439 


7 00 


157,073 


169,960 


41,553 


433,481 


624 25 


1,948 52 


600 00 


117 20 


35 23 




6H91 


3,367 28 


Kichwood.. 


26,643 


5 50 


146,537 


20,766 


12,701 


216,314 


31162 


972 37 


450 00 


58 50 


29 57 




42 08 


2,042 96 


Rocltbridge 


22,620 


500 


113.100 


2,026 


6,280 


156, 424 


225 28 


703 15 


350 00 


42 30 


17 63 




•21 00 


1,397 98 


Sylvan 


23,035 


5 00 


115,175 




10,563 


157,463 


226 77 


707 70 


230 00 


42 48 


14 17 




59 60 


1,241 12 


Westford. . 


20,575 


5 00 


112,875 


6,424 


2,529 


144,268 


207 77 


648 50 


250 00 


39 01 


10 66 






1,15.5 94 


Willow 


22,112 


4 00 


88,448 


1,910 


1,636 


115,270 


166 02 


518 17 


200 00 


31 06 


9 11 


1 


74 50 


1,098 86 


Total 


367,013 




«1, 925, 141 


»262,624 


*190,995 


S2, 959, 045 


44261 50 


$13,301 18 


$4750 00 


$800 00 


$211 04 


$5 55$1C 


169 30 


$24,698 57 



Dated, Richland Centre, Wis., Nov. 20. 1883. 



H J. Clark, County Clerk 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



801 



STATEMENT 

Showing the Principal Farm Products Growing in Richland County in July, 1883. 





Number of Acres. 


Milch Cows. 


TOWNS. 


ED 


3 


O 


to 

EC 

o 


•< 

o 


5 
? 


§ 
o 

3 

•a 


Apple Orch's 


3 

EB 
M 


a 

o 

■s 


i 


ffl 


Q 

3 

a 

B 
i" 

*1 


c 
B 

§■ 


< 
c 


















> 

03 


: »5g, 












S 






Akan 


772 

1,894 

217 

914 

1,215 

l,f.00 

813 

,327 

1,521 

my 

675 
087 
860 
1,704 
650 
578 


1,455 
2,048 
],4«il 
2,500 
2,781 
1,401 
877 
8.51 
1,575 
1,150 
1,411 
2,5.31 
1,228 
1,730 
450 
1,132 


831 

1,065 
933 
537 
891 

1,046 
746 
841 

1,165 
634 
700 

1,152 
978 
813 
.750 
800 


o 

26 

4 
15 

6 

Wi 

8 
11 

8 

3 

8 

4 

12,5 
9 


54 

61 
314 

46 

40 

31!4 
9 
143 

34 

82 

36 
230 

44 
144'/4 

S5 

38 


44H 

62 

53 

47 

65 

59';^ 

53!4 
520 

62 

.52 

79 
114 

73 

55->i 


8 


19 
70 
13 
62 
71 

19 

72!4 
7314 
45'/! 

:!:! 

92V4 

10 

48 


909 
3,281 

919 
2.430 
3,669 
2,805 
1,198 
7,934 
3,425 
1,522 

1,651 
1,200 
3,191 
80 
2,091 








1,144 
1,3.50 
4.367 
7.352 
2,018 
1,488 
1,052 
2,488 
1,483 

886 
1,269 
1,384 
1,857 
2,157 

600 
1,543 


3,590 

4,919 
8,390 
4,365 
3,690 

2,727 

9,026 

9,916 
20,200 


234 
437 
770 
320 
428 
360 
302 
975 
462 
258 
557 
425 
374 
416 
368 
412 


t 4,43:2 


Bloom 














m 






Dayton 

Eagle 




18,500 
3,707 
12,840 


Forest 









Henrietta 


6, ,500 
3.6.34 


Ithiica 


2 


20 

1 






19,50(1 


Orion 


0,041 
3,547 


liiehlanil 






z% 


lliChWDOll 


14,0a5 

10,389 

6,106 


Kock bridse 




1 


Westfiinl 


8,611 


Willow 






.5,520 
8,240 








Totnls 


13,52n 


22 "^^ 


12 R^fi'*>Ql 


1,340 




85i 


709i^ 


32,600 






2JC 




58,833 


6,738 















:. 


_ 








" 




_ 




* 130, 452 



802 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



PRINCIPAL FARM PRODUCTS OF RICHLAND COUNTY 

FOR 1882. 





Wheat. 


Corn. 


Oats. 


Barley. 


Rye. 


Potatoes . 


Root 
Crops. 


D3 

• CD 

: " 
: 


TOWNS. 


> 

a 


D3 
< c 

: 7 


> 
a 

3 

m 


CO 

c 

CD 

p- 
m 


> 
a 

3 

01 


a 
c 

1 

at 


> 
o 

3 

OD 




> 

o 

3 


63 
C 

'■ 1 


> 
a 


2. 

CD ] 


00 


63 
C 

s- 


: 

. n 

■ P 

■ B 

■ 

' 7 




846 

1,931 

150 

986 

1,111 

1.467 

428 

467 

1.327 

445 

580 

977 

970 

1,696 

■m 

59C 


8,641 

22,180 

1,846 

15,289 

17,556 

17,795 

9,776 

7,151 

20,024 

5,425 

7,568 

10,025 

9,387 

16,259 

6,195 

4,892 


1,172 
2,285 
1,369 
1,684 
3,449 
1,606 
794 
1,620 
1,60't 
1,288 
1,455 
2,800 
1,848 
1,825 
808 
7.56 


35,550 
46,225 
49,410 
30,597 

113,740 
52,940 
18,140 
45,660 
37,316 
31,813 
42,155 
90,341 
37,040 
44,390 
19,885 
27,205 


461 

1,002 

782 

878 

909 

1,085 

495 

1,168 

783 

572 

601 

874 

845 

1,472 

83S 

802 


15,900 
23,565 
25,189 
20,903 
21,395 
31,265 
18,381 
28,332 
17,475 
14,162 
17,043 
24,871 
19,943 
27,084 
24,2a'i 
21,438 


.... 
15 

18 
32 


32 
305 

188 
262 
100 
24 
170 
120 


12 

19 

187 

20 

49 

2 

19 

95 

5 

60 

28 

260 

24 

104 

128 

■ 27 


298 
233 

1,739 

225 

200 

70 

350 

1,665 

709 
46 
1,783 
100 
397 
707 
306 


47 
72 
56 
90 
68 
45 
60 
79 
64 
44 
73 
75 
107 
- 95 
116 
101 


1 

3,863 
4,012 
3,408 
5,737 
4,934 
3,915 
352 
6,008 
4,753 
3,752 
5,574 
6,653 
4,921 
3,359 
5,615 
5,308 




325;,... 




802II.... 






Buena Vista 

Dayton 




i 

308 


2 


Forest 




550 

2,997 

380 


1 


Ithaca 

Marshall 




12 

7 

5 

13 

102 


46 

25 

84 
85 
75 






'/4 
4 


67 

297 

75 








Rockbridge 

Sylvan 




Westford 








Willow 






~' 




14,691 


16-', 2W 


26,368 


669,46'i 


13,51! 


319,886 


2C4 


2,492 


1,035 


8,758 


1,191 


68,249 


4>/2 


5,251 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



803 



Principal Farm Froducts for 1882- Continued, 



TOWNS. 


Apple Orchards. 


Flax. 


Hops. 


] 
Tobacco 


Grasses. 


>i 

a a 

B 
. o* 

■ (B 

: n 

■ 55 
: ? 


03 

Eg- 

h 

: 2 
- o 
. < 

: a 

• <-l 

'' (JD 

: a 

: §. 


03 
c 

1-3 

B 

GO 

a> 
<v 


■ a 


Milch Cows 


Dairy Prod'e. 


2; 

n 

'■ a 






> 
a 

3 

OD 


o 
c 

3 


> 
n 


c 
a 
a 

GD 




■ Z. 

: a 


> 
P 


a 1 
a 

B 


o 
% 

CD 


i' 

o 


c 
B 


< 

so 

c 
a 


1 "^ 

11 
So. 

■ o 


Q a 
: o 


Akan 


80 

ll-i 

74 

48 

25 

40 
77 
68 
5S 


783 
3,170 

843 
2,691 
2,419 
1,482 

170 
1,308 
3,797 
2,131 
2,023 
3,055 
1,493 
7,119 
1,175 
1,357 


577 
1,700 

215 
2,094 
1,301 
1,910 

245 

933 
1,850 

820 
1,038 
3,278 

235 
2,547 

100 




11,200 










737 
1,380 
4,072 

823 
2,297 
1,341 

670 
5,909 
1,301 

808 
1,692 
1,360 
1,309 
3,480 
1,243 
1,016 


1,252 
1,986 
3,184 
1,162 
1,221 
1,045 

2,627 
1,638 
939 
1,534 
1,485 
1,441 
1,309 
1,127 
1,742 


12,760 

10,720 
2,772 

10,225 
9,910 
8,496 
8,650 
4,532 
8,252 
2,985 
4,849 
6,036 
7,450 
7,650 

12,848 
2.862 




1 






463 
432 
730 
404 
475 
357 
129 
976 
445 
227 
435 
.330 
441 
362 
277 
277 


?5,556 
6,048 

18,250 
8,555 
7,140 
7,270 
1,670 

23,940 
8,605 
3,921 
7,718 
4,732 
7,825 
4,245 
6,330 
6,123 


12,440 
28,550 
43,595 
28,190 
40,000 
24,480 
10,413 
64,900 
35,905 
14,630 
57,330 
37,560 
32,145 
25,615 
14,145 
37,683 






■ 






1,735 


95 

75 
25 

40!4 

15 

43 

22 

10 


117 

2 

6 
8 
9 


65 

50 

4 

49 

11 
15 
15 


20 

1 

23 

1 
















238,397 


Davton 


m 










2,798 
500 


Eagle 


1, .lOO 


Forest 












Henrietta 
























2,100 
300 






120,000 


Marshall 










370| 
I, mi 

1,550 


Orion 


H. 








Richland 








9H 




Rkhwood 90 












135 


1 


27 






65 
178 
128 

29 














Sylvan 














67 




80 




1,200 


Westford 






6y, 

3 

9!4 








Willow 






77 
2,477 


6 

I5"/s 


1,00(1 

8,953 

1 




















352H 






72 






'1,010H 


a5,075 


16,933 


l^ 


11,200 


29,446 


23,692 


121,027 


^77 


241 


6,760 


♦127,928 


483, 101 


J61,097 



804 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ABSTRACT OF ASSESSMENT 



FOR THE YEAR 1883. 





o 

O 

tn 

O 

Ml 

EB 



a. 


< 

O "-J 

. o 

: 3 

• to 
! * 


< 
c 
o 

m 

s 

ts 
D 

a 

a 


; s< 

: f B 

. B to 

■ C [0 

: P a 


Horses. 


Neat Cattle. 


Mules and! 
Asses. 


Sheep and 
Lambs. 


TOWNS. 


c 
B 

a" 

CD 


<! 


!2! 

c 
B 
cr 

3 


<! 
p 
c 


25 
c 
B 


<! 
p 



a 


Si 

c 
B 

o" 

CD 
1 


<! 

P 
C 

CD 




23,000 
23,964 
32,623 


$4.00 
5.50 
5.66 


$93,000 
131,803 
137,830 


$ 

7,175 
32,916 


311 


$9,330 
16,080 
11,040 


942 
1313 
1684 


$9,420 
13,120 
16,840 


8 
8 
9 


$360 

1 

360 

405 


1.485 
3,475 
1.387 


$1,8M 
4,340 


Bloom 


536 
368 


Buena Vista 


1,609 


Dayton 


22,861 


4.75 


108,590 


4,300 


431 


12,630 


1037 


10,370 


27 


1,315 


1,870 


2,330 


Eagle 


33,200 


7.50 


166,500 




573 


17.460 


1600 


16,000 


33 


990 


1,805 


2,350 


Forest 


22,718 


5.00 


113,590 


5,330 


417 


13,510 


1316 


12,160 


4 


180 


3,258 


4,073 


Henrietta 


21,406 


4.26 


93,500 


4,570 


367 


10,060 


1040 


10,400 


7 


315 


3,6% 


4,495 


Ithaca 


29,450 


5.60 


164,930 


5,520 


462 


13,860 


1863 


18,020 


23 


1,035 


1,.!I45 


3,431 




33,078 
18,619 


5.75 
3.25 


133,699 
60,513 


3,850 


464 
264 


13,930 

7,930 


1149 
643 


11,490 
6,420 


8 
10 


360 

450 


6,043 
901 


7,554 


Orion 


1,136 


Hichland 


33,439 


7.00 


157,073 


136,000 


523 


15,660 


1314 


13,440 


11 


495 


3,178 


3,733 


Hicliwood 


26,643 


5.50 


146,637 


9,130 


561 


16,830 


1471 


14,710 


11 


495 


3,373 


3,310 


Rockbridge 


23,620 


5.00 


113,100 


1,920 


457 


13,710 


1165 


11,650 


23 


990 


3,532 


4,415 




23,035 
20,575 
22,113 


5.00 
5.00 
4.00 


115,175 

110,875 

88,448 




407 
309 

287 


13,210 
9,370 
8,610 


974 
809 
810 


9,740 7 


315'' 3.053 


3,815 




6,861 
2,115 


8,090 
8,100 


9 
11 


i 
405 

495 


673 
3,060 


8U 


Willow 


2 575 






Total, 


367,043 




$1,935,141 


329,690 


6,726 


*301,750 


18,897 

1 


$188,970 


197 


$8,865 


1 
39,432 


$49,391 






1 


- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



805 



Abstract of Assessments for 1883.— Continued. 



TOWNS. 



Akan 

Bloom 

liuena Vista 

Dayton 

Easrle 

Forest 

Henrietta 

Ithaca 

Marshall 

Orion 

Richland 

Hichwood ... . 
Hockbridge... 

Sylvan 

Westford 

Willow 



Swine. 



Total. 



21 

e 
B 



ill 7 
1,799 

827 
l,64fi 
2,189 
1,212 
1,065 
1,480 
1,475 
1,187 
1,347 
1,471 
1,519 
1,575 
594 
1,241 



21,443 



8 917 
1,799 

827 
1,545 
2,189 
1,212 
1,065 
1,480 
1,475 
1,187 
1,347 
1,471 
1,519 
1,575 

594 
1,241 



Wagons, Carri 
ages and Sleighs 



¥21,443 



21 

B 

5 



94 
319 
213 
226 
255 
187 
185 
299 
170 
215 
269 
268 
162 
128 

52 
105 



3,147 



IGoi d and 

Silver 
Watches. 

■^ 
c 
S 



S 940 
3,190 
2,130 
2,260 
2,550 
1,870 
1,850 
2,990 
1,700 
2,150 
2,690 
2,680 
1,620 
1,280 
520 
1,050 



Wl,470 



3 
32 
45 
13 
2« 
13 

8 
45 

:« 

122 
39 
15 
1 



431 



t 30 

320 
450j 

130; 

260 
130 
80 
450 
220 
350 
1,220 
390 
1.50 

no 

20 



Pianos, Melo 
deons. Organs 



18 
53 

6 
14 
11 
10 
49 

4 
21 
82 
34 
9 
6 
1 
6 



$4,310 330 






$ 60 
.540 

1,855 
180, 
420 
330 
300 

1,715 
120 
630 

3,280 

1,330 
270 
180 
30 
180 



Val. Merchandise 
and Manufact'rers 
Stoclc. 



tll.420 



$ 

1,835 

8,785 

8n 

1,200 

10,400 

845 

6,600 

1,545 

513 

29,320 

16,825 

700 

3,120 

2,000 

800 



$92,724 



4,000 
9,000 
2,600 
1,200 
8,500 
9,500 
6,600 
2,250 

500 
.58,000 
7,200 

800 
2,500 
2,2.50 

800 



*I15,700 






$ 1.310 
31,829 
13,145 

8,095 
14,031 
12,705 

2,970 
10,88; 
13,573 

7,193 
41,553 
12,700 

6,280 
10,563 
2,529 
1,< 



$190,995 



en O 






3S 



$ 116,223 
213, .559 
208,037 
154,253 
223, ,553 
172 500 
140,055 
229,903 
185,361 
92,288 
433,481 
216,314 
156,424 
1J>7,4«3 
144,268 
115,270 



$2,959 046 



806 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



POSTOFFICES AND POSTMASTERS. 

According to the first number of the Rich- 
land county Observer, published Nov. 20, 1 855, 
there were thirteen postoffices in the county, 
which are given here for the satisfaction of the 
curious, together with the respective postmas- 
ters: Richland Centre, Leroy D. Gage, post- 
master; Orion, B. Ferris, postmaster; Rich- 
land City, C. B. Pearson, postmaster; Sand 
Prairie, H. M. Miller postmaster; Sextonville, 
E. M. Sexton, postmaster; Loyd, B. Hilencock, 
postmaster; Cazenovia, A. Perkins, postmaster; 
Neptune, J. Sippy, postmaster; Siresville, M. 
Satterlee, postmaster; West Branch, D. Bai'- 
rett, postmaster; Fancy Creek, Josiah McCas- 
key, postmaster; Forest, R. J. Darnell, post- 
master; Sylvan, A. Savage, postmaster. 

POOR FAEM. 

It is not to be wondered at, that the liardy 
pioneer of these grand old forest lands, in his 
desperate struggle for very existence with the 
forces of adverse nature, should be ever ready 
to extend a willing hand to the poor and needy 
brother man, whose needs and necessities ex- 
ceeded his own, when we consider that his own 
condition was but one remove from that of 
penury and want. The many deeds of kind- 
ness, the thousand acts of brotherly charity, 
done in those early days by. the hardy band of 
immigrants, who first essayed to hew them- 
selves out homes in the vast primeval forest of 
our county, are borne upon the page of no earthly 
annals. But the memory of their charity ex- 
hales around them like the sweet incense upon 
the altar. "The poor ye have with ye always" 
fell from the lips of the Incarnate Son of God 
coupled with the injunction of "help one an- 
other," and the promise that "whosoever gave 
unto these poor, were it but a cup of cold water" 
should be particularly blessed. And when we 
look around us and mark the fortunes of our fore- 
fathers, we know that they, many of them atleast, 
have" gathered of life's fair sheaves," through 
the blessing of giving to their failing, fainting 
fellow creatures. Never once did the primal set- 



tler hesitate to share his last crust with the poor 
and necessitious; never once did the cry of the 
widow and orphan fall upon deaf ears, but 
heartily and readily was the provision made 
for their comfort, and they were not suffered to 
linger in abject poverty and want. Many a 
deed, done in the dark by those rugged sons of 
toil, should be engraved in letters of gold, 
were they but known; but the dark mantle of 
time has covered them up to our finite sight, 
and earthly annals will never bear their impress, 
but let us hope that in the hereafter their good 
deeds may be returned to them. 

After the organization of the county, the 
various towns took measures for a more regular 
and sustained effort for the relief of the poor 
and needy; and as the number of those seeking 
relief necessarily grew greater as the popula- 
tion increased, the members of the county board 
thought that by concentrating these charities it 
could be performed more satisfactorily and at a 
less expense. In pursuance of this idea a reso- 
lution was adopted by the board of supervisors, 
Nov. 20, 1 865, which after stating that, "being de- 
sirous of ascertaining whether a majority of the 
people of the county wish to abolish the dis- 
tinction between town and county poor, and 
purchase a poor farm," it was determined to 
submit the same to a vote of the qualified voters 
of the county at the next general election. The 
estimates made at this time showed that the 
probable cost of the purchase would be about 
§5,000. This was accordingly done, but the 
people of the county seemed to think tliat the 
old way was preferable and declined to sanc- 
tion the measure, and the matter was allowed 
to rest, for the time being. 

In 1870 the matter again came to the front, 
and after much discussion the following resolu- 
tions were adopted on July 20, of that year. 

'^Resolved, That economy and duty de- 
mand the adoption of a county poor system, and 
the abolition of the present town system. 

"Besolved, That a committee of three be ap- 
pointed to make inquiry, of other counties, re- 



HISTORY OK RICHLAND COUNTY. 



807 



lating to the county poor system, procure esti- 
mates of cost of farm and buildings, and report 
to this board at its next meeting. 

Under this resohition, the chair appointed T. 
C. Clark, J. S. Elsworth and Vincent Harter, 
as the committee. 

For some reason this committee failed to 
make any report, as far as the records show, 
and on Nov. 14, 1871, another committee was 
appointed for the same purpose, consisting of 
five members: J. S. Ellsworth, .Tacob Brimer, 
William J. Bowen, O. H. Mallette and P. II. 
McCarthy. The gentlemen, after due consider- 
ation, returned two reports, the majority one 
being in these words: 

"Wo, the undersigned, a committee appointed 
for the purpose of taking into consideration 
and reporting upon the subject of abolishing 
the distinction between the t6wn and county 
poor system, beg leave to report as follows: 

"We would recommend that the distinction 
now existing between the town and county 
poor system, be abolished, and that all poor 
persons in the county be .supported at the ex- 
pense of the said county. 

Signed, J. S. Ell.sworth. 

W. J. BowEX. 
J. Beimer. 
O. H. Mallette." 

And the foUinving resolution was placed be- 
fore them for action: 

^'■Resolved, That the distinction between 
the town and county poor, in this county, be, 
and the same is hereby abolished." 

This was, on motion, referred to a committee, 
consisting of VVilliam Dixon,. Tames Washburn 
and .F. W. Jones, who, after due deliberation 
reported that they labored under too great a 
difficulty in procuring any reliable data, upon 
which to base an opinion in regard to the dif- 
ferent systems, and recommended that the mat- 
ter be taken into consideration by the committee 
of the whole. On the reception of this report, 
the board, by vote, laid the subject on the 



table, from whence it was not taken during the 
balance of the session. 

The subject seems to break out chronically, 
all along through the records about this time, 
for we find, that at the November session of the 
board, 1875, another resolution was presented, 
abolishing the town system of taking care of 
the poor. 

The minority rejiort was signed by P. H. Mc- 
Carthy, and dissented from the opinion of his 
colleagues. 

Nothing further was done in the matter, 
however, and the question was left in abeyance, 
until in November, 1873, when a resolution 
was introduced, at a session of the board of 
supervisors, to adopt the county system of tak- 
ing care of the destitute and penniless of the 
county; but the vote, when taken, was against 
its adoption, being ten against the measure and 
seven in favor. This was for many years the 
vexing question, and opinions were so divided 
upon the utility and economy of it, that it 
seemed impossible for it to be accomplished, 
but its friends never once gave up but ujion 
every and all occasions brought it up for con- 
sideration. 

The next year, November, 1874, it was once 
more presented to the board. 

'■'■Resolved, That the board should purchase 
a poor farm for the support of the poor and 
needy of this county;" but action on the matter 
was again indefinitely postponed. 

There is an old proverb, that "constant drop- 
ing of water will wear a stone," and it is re- 
corded, that, at the session of the board, held 
November, 1877, a resolution was finally 
adopted abolishing the town poor system and 
substituting the county relief ])lan; the 
clerk of the board being also instructed, at the 
same time, to file the resolution with the register 
of deeds. The towns were, however, instructed 
to take care of their own poor, at the expense of 
the county, until the board had provided suita- 
ble buildings for the reception of such indigent 
persons. 



808 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COITNTY. 



The first supertntendents of the poor were 
also appointed by this board, Nov. 19, ISYY, and 
were: A. M. Grumbeck r, T. C. Clark and L. 
M. Thorp. The salaries of these ofiicers were 
aifixed, as being, $2 for every day of actual 
service, and mileage at the rate of six 
cents for every mile of actual travel. At the 
same time the following was adopted: 

"Besolved, That the sum of S2,000 be, and 
the same is hereby appropriated by the board 
of supervisors of Richland county, to make 
part payment on a county poor farm, and to pro- 
vide suitable buildings for said farm." It was 
also 

"Resolved, By the board of supervisors of 
Richland county, that the superintendents elect- 
ed by the said bo<ird to purchase a poor farm, 
and erect suitable buildings thereon, for the use 
of the county poor, be, and they are hereby in- 
structed not to purchase or locate said poor 
farm within two and a half miles of any village 
in said county." A tax was also ordered to be 
levied of ^2,500, for the support of the paupers 
for the ensuing year. 

At a special session of the board of super- 
visors, held Feb. 6, 1878, the superintendents of 
the poor made the following report : 

" We, the superintendents of the poor for the 
county, most respectfully report to your honora- 
ble body, that under the directions and resolu- 
tions of the board passed in November last, we 
have spent several days in viewing places and 
situations, and are unable to procure a suitable 
and advantageous location for a county poor 
farm oiHside the limits prescribed for the loca- 
tion of the same ; and we most respectfully 
submit for your consideration the recommenda- 
tion that the restriction be removed. 

" Second, that the $2,000 appropriated for 
purchasing a poor farm, we deem inadequate 
for the purpose, as it necessitates the following 
expenditures : 

" First, to make first payment on farm ; sec- 
ond, erecting necessary buildings ; third, for 
furnishing the bouse ; fourth, to stock the farm; 



fifth, to purchasing implements and seeds ; 
sixth, to paying overseer and labor on the farm. 
We, therefore, most respectfully recommend 
that the $2,500 appropriated at the last session 
for the support of the poor, be placed at the 
disposal of the superintendents to meet the 
above expenditures. All of which is most re- 
spectfully submitted. 

A. M. Gbumbecker, 

L. M. Thorp, 
T. C. Clark, 
Superintendents of the poor." 

On motion, the report was received and the 
recommendations contained therein adopted by 
a unanimous vote of the board, leaving to the 
judgment of the superintendents the location 
of the poor farm, and placing at their disposal 
the money asked for. 

T. C. Clark having tendered his resignation 
as superintendent of the poor, S. P. Kanable 
was elected in his place. 

The land for the farm was then purchased by 
the superintendents, and consists of the north- 
west quarter of section 36, and the north- 
east quarter of the northeast quarter of 
section 35, in the town of Bloom, and 
contains 200 acres. The price paid was 
$5,000, of which amount $1,000 was paid down, 
and the balance was to be made in tw» equal 
payments, in one and two years. The date of 
the purchase was March 9, 1878. The contract 
for digging the cellar, for the house, for the use 
of the indigent wards of the county was let to 
William Akan, Ira Monroe and W. H. Waters ; 
who a§;reed to do it for the sum of $250. The 
contract for the frame erection was let to Wil- 
liam Shepherd, whose bid for the same was 
$1,700. The following maybe of some inter- 
est as showing the manner of outlay of so 
much money, by the so-called servants of the 
people. 

EKCEIPTS. 

From the county treasurer $4, 500 00 

" Pasturage 38 40 

To balance. 42 16 

Total $4,580 58 



IIISTOUY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



809 



DISBURSEMENTS. 

To first pnymenton land $1,000 00 

" building house 2,080 00 

" " outhouse 15 00 

" stock purchased 318 00 

' ' paid for labor 428 74 

'• implempnts and harness purchased 160 00 

" lurnishins house 437 54 

" threshing 28 45 

" insurance 32 50 

•' clover seed purchtised 8 50 

" hay. corn, oats and potatoes 57 00 

" miscellaneous items 24 83 

Total $4,580 56 

Kobert N. McKay wis appointed the first 
overseer, at a salary of $500 per year. 

Tlie superintendents of the poor, also, in 
making their report, as above, asked for the fol- 
lowing appropriation for the expenditures of 
the ensuing year: 

To meet payment on farm and interest $3, 280 00 

" overseer's salary 500 00 

Erection of building for the insane 600 00 

Additional stock for the farm 300 00 

For support of the inmates of home 1,420 00 

Total, $5,000 00 

At the same session the board passed a reso- 
lution deeming it, in their judgment, better to 
have one than three superintendents, and pro- 
ceeded to an election. John A. Meeker was 
chosen as such, to act for the term of one 
year. 

In is70, as is learned by a report made to the 
board, there were nineteen inmates in the 
county poor house, and the average cost per 
head was #46.17 per annum, or about eighty- 
eight cents per week. The total cost of run- 
ning the farm and poor house was 11,879.60, 
and the products were valued at $1,557.27, leav- 
ing but a small deficit. 

At the annual meeting of the board, the 
method of attending to the poor farm and the 
inmates thereof by one superintendent, not 
proving satisfactory, a change was again made, 
and three superintendents were appointed, who 
now hold that office: John A Meeker, A. S. 
Ripley and Thomas Sippy. 

The present overseer of the poor at the farm 
is Philip Warren, who has held that position 
for the past two years. 



From the report of the examining committee 
made to the board of supervisors, dated Nov. 
17, 1883, it is learned that at that time there 
were seventeen inmates on the poor farm ; the 
w hole number of weeks attendance by paupers 
at the poor house during the year just closed, 
was 78(1; the cost of maintaining each individ- 
ual upon the farm per week was $1.86; amount 
paid overseer per year, $500. 

THE MARRIAGE RECORD. 

The first marriage recorded in the Richland 
county books bears the date of May 14, 1850. 
The parties united in matrimony were James 
W. Joslin and Emeline Thompson. The cere- 
mony was performed by Tliomas E. Hessler, 
a justice of the peace, at the house of Samuel 
Swineliart, in the town of Richland. 

The second marriage upon record is that of 
Daniel Byrd, to Miria Alexander. Tlie cere- 
mony was performed Nov. 3, 1850, by Thomas 
II. Dougherty. The witnesses were Levi Ster- 
ling and Dr. Henry McNelly. 

Tlie following are the marriages which 
appear upon record as having taken place dur- 
ing the years 1850, 1851, 1852 and 1853, show- 
iiiy; the parties, the date and the officiating 
officers: 

Evart H. Erwin and Elizabeth McCloud, 
Nov. 11, 1850, by J. W. Coffinberry, county 
judge. The ceremony was performed at the 
house of Robert McCloud, in the townof Buena 
Vista. The witnesses were W. H. Janney and 
William C. Hurst. 

Benjamin N. Smith and Hannah Cusher [or 
Kershner], by Henry McNelly, justice of the 
peace, on Nov. 11, 1850. 

M. R. Whelpy and Amanda Cline, by Na- 
thaniel Wheeler, in the town of Buena Vista, 
on Nov. 3, 1850. 

Martin Munson to Mary Johnson, by justice 
of the peace, Johnson Young, on Nov. 13, 
1850. 

William Pierson to Susanah Kimbrough, by 
J. W. Coffinberry, county judge, in December, 
1850, at the house of Elizabeth Smith. The 



810 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ceremony was witnessed by J. J. Moreland and 
Nathaniel Guiu. 

Andrew J. Kincannon to Elizabeth Kincan- 
non, by Johnson Young, justice of the peace, 
Jan. 23, 1851. 

John J. Moreland to Mary A. McNelly, by 
Thomas E. Hessler, April 25, 1851. 

Abram Beard to Sally Hays, by Thomas E. 
Hessler, justice of the peace, July 3, 1851, Iti the 
present town of Eagle. 

John Henricks to Jane Brunt, by A. B. 
Slaughter, justice of the peace, Sept. 10, 1851. 

Alonzo Carson to Elizabeth Armstrong, Sept. 
25, 1851, by A. B. Slaughter, justice of the 
peace. 

David Soles to Fanny Thompson, by David 
Bovee, justice of the peace, Nov. 15, 1851. 

Cyrus Cline to Emily Sweet, Jan. 28, 1852, 
by Nathaniel Wheeler, justice of the peace. 

Jeremiah Kast to Blender Webb, by Thomas 
Palmer, justice of the peace, March 23, 1852. 

Cary Kizer to Catharine Miller, by Thomas 
E. Hessler, justice of the peace, April 13, 1852. 

Robert B. Griswold to Elenor Hooper, April 
20, 1852, by Nathaniel Wheeler, justice of the 
peace. 

Alonzo E. Decker to Jennette Haseltine; 
April 19, 1852, by Robert Hawkins, justice of 
the peace. 

William Dooly to Sarah Laws, by Nathaniel 
Wheeler, justice of the peace, June 10, 1850. 

Robert Sale to Elizabeth Miller, Oct. 20, 

1851, by Dr. Henry McNelly, justice of the 
peace. 

Herman Holcomb to Nancy L. Loop, by 
Nathaniel Wheeler, justice of the peace, July 
2, 1853. 

Herman Hook to Rozauna King, Dec. 30, 

1852, by O. L. Britton, ju'stice of the peace. 
Eber Finch to Charlotte Bacon, by Asa Mc- 

Collum, justice of the peace June 2'J, 1853. 

Byron F. Carpenter to Jane R. Haseltine; 
July 1853, by C. M. McCorkle. 

William W. Williams to Sarah Hopkins, 
Jan. 13, 1861, by Charles G. Hoyt. 



Abraham Dillon to Susan Sampson, Dec. 26, 
1852, by George C. White, justice of the peace. 

P. G. Dentto Ruth Cline, by O. L. Britton, jus 
tice of the peace, March 25, 1852. 

Oliver Moon to Isabel Bugher, by A. B. 
Slaughter, justice of the peace, in September, 
1852. 

Edward Baxter to Margaretta McKungey, 
by Orrin Haseltine, Feb. 1, 1852. 

Thomas H. Spencer to Mary J. Kast, by 
George C. Hoyt, justice of the peace, Aug. 2, 
1852. 

Nicholas Pool to Sarah Todder, July 27, 1852, 
by Orrin Haseltine, justice of the peace. 

Johnson Curtiss to Jane Waddell, Feb. 22, 
1852, by Orrin Haseltine. 

Daniel Guin to Melissa Warden, Aug. 8, 1852, 
by Nathaniel Wheeler, justice of the peace. 

James Robinson to Margaretta E. Ewing, 
by Esquire A. B. Slaughter, Sept. 20, 1852. 

Resin J. Dernall to Elizabeth , Oct. 

20, 1852, by A. B. Slaughter, justice of the 
])eaee. 

Philomen P. Fox to Jane Graham, Nov. 4, 
1852, by Nathaniel Wheeler, justice of the 
peace. 

Albert Ghastin to Eliza Coleman, Nov. 4, 
1852, by Nathaniel Wheeler. 

Chauncy Kast to Mary Ellis Moody, Nov. 27, 

1852, by J. M. McKiney, justice of the peace. 
John Ewing, to Patsey Sullivan, Dec. 28, 1852, 

by Thomas Palmer, justice of the peace. 

William Howard to Martha J. Sharp, Jan. 10, 

1853, by A. B. Slaughter. 

John R. Perrin to Nancy T. Monger, April 
14, 1853, by Nathaniel Wheeler, Esq. 

James W. Jones to Melinda Tabler, Aug. 31, 
1853, by Thomas Palmer, justice of the peace. 

Andrew McCorkle to Rebecca Sexton, Oct. 
4, 1853, by Asa McCollum, justice of the peace. 

Edward Baxter to Margaret McKenzie, Feb. 
6, 1854, by Orrin Haseltine, justice of the 
peace. 

Thomas J. Graham, to Mary E. Sharp, by 
Levi Houts, justice of the peace, Feb. 1, 1863. 



ti'C?-.^ i^ 









*«■ -.x» 




Myron Whitcomb 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUKTV 



813 



Cornelius Stetler to Louisa Durnall, Marcli 
31, 1853, by Levi Houts, justice of peace. 

Jolin Wcldy to Minerva J. McPheters, June 
30, 185:i, by Levi Houts, justice of the peace. 

Isaac J. Powell to Jane Bell, July 31, 18i3, 
by George C. Wliite, justice of the peace. 

Neal McPedigrove to Nancy Mickle, Oct. 3, 
1853, by Levi Houts, justice of the peace. 

Chester Foote to Jane Tracy, Oct. 1?, 1853, 
by Nathaniel Wheeler justice of the peace 

Freeman Cass to Ann E. Taylor, Nov. 10, 
1853, by Nathaniel Wheeler, justice of the 
peace. 

William ^'harp to Margaret Ann Ingram, 
Sept. 7, 1853, by Rev. W. I. Smith. 

Isaic Lucas to Sarah Jane Rose, Dec. 4, 1853, 
by George C. White, justice of the peace. 

William Edwards to Janette Hutman, Dec. 
22, 1853, by Levi Houts, justice of the peace. 

John G. McCollester to Ann Price, Dec. 25, 
1853, by Nathaniel Wheeler, justice of the 
peace. 

Joiin Ghastin to Elizabeth Stroud, Dec. 28, 
1853, by C. M. McCorkle, justice of the peace. 

The following table will show the number ol 
marriages that have been recorded in Richland 
county, in every year from 1865 to 1883, in- 
clusive: 



1865. 

18fi6. 

1867. 

18f>8. 

1869. 

1870. 

1871 

1872. 

1873 

1874. 



.49 
.42 
.70 
132 
116 
132 
132 
, 150 
111 
169 



1875. 
1876 
1877. 
1878. 
1879. 
1880. 
1881. 
1882. 
1883 



180 
176 
. 183 
. 162 
. 173 
,206 
, 154 
.177 
198 



Total 2,712 

MARRIAGE STATISTICS FOR 1882. 

During the year 1882, there were 177 mar- 
riage certificates recorded bv the register of 
deeds of Richland county. Of this number as 
the nativity of the husbands, seventy-nine were j 
born in Wisconsin; twenty-two in Ohio; eight i 
in Pennsylvania; one in Holland; five in i 
Norway; eighteen in Indiana; ten in New 
York; one in Conneticnt; five in Germany; two 
ju Uohemiaj fou)" in JUiiioisj twQ in Iowa; three 



in .Maryland; two in Ireland; two in Michigan; 
one in Maine; one iu Virginia; two in Sweden; 
one in Rhode Island; one in England; two in 
the United States, and five not slated. Their oc- 
cnj)ations are given as follow.s, in which it will be 
seen that farming takes the lead by a liand.-.ome 
majority: Fanning, 133; teaching, one; mer- 
cliant, six; dentist, one; engineer, one; black- 
smiths, three; carpenters, two; tonsorial artist, 
one; laborers, five; mining, one; sailor, one; 
railroading, one; telegraphy, one; lawyers, two; 
clerks, three; granger, one; doctor, one; ])ro- 
fessional one; shoemaker, one; wheelwright, 
one; stone cutter one; peddler, one, minister, 
one; stone n'ason, one; miller, one; mechanics, 
three; tinner, one, and jeweler, one. 

FIRST INSTRUMENTS RKroRDED. 

The first deed recorded in the Richland 
county books, bears the dale of May 23, 1850. 
The instrument was executed by John J. Ash 
and wife, of Tippecanoe Co., Ind., con- 
veying to Jacob Cosmer and Solomon S. Do- 
vorc(^, the northwest quarter of section 20, in 
the present town of Richwood. Tiie consider- 
ation was $200. 

The lirst real estate mortgage ujion reeoiil. 
w.,s executed by Robert McClond to William 
Elting, to secure a debt of S600. The mort- 
gage covers the east half of the northeast ([uar- 
ter of section 35, town 9, range 2 east. 

POPULATIOX. 

Richland county has had a steady increase in 
population, numbering in 1850, 963 inhabi- 
tants; in 1855, 5,584; in 1860, 9,732; in 1865, 
12,186; in 1870, 15,736; in 1875, 17,353; and 
in 1880, 17,184. The nativity of the inhabi- 
tants in 1880 was given as 1,882 foreign, anil 
16,-;92 native. 

The |)Opiilation of the various towns in the 
county in 1880, was as follows: 

Akiin 841 

Bloom : 1 , 358 

Bucna Vista 1. 075 

Dayton 1,109 

Enele 1,303 

Forest 005 

Hcnriella 1.005 

Ithaca 1. 110 

Miirshnll 989 

Orion 733 

Ku'IiImikI (outside of village) 821 

Ri<-hl:iMil Ccnlre 1.227 

Riclilanil (including village) 2,018 

Rich wood 1.515 

Rockbridge 1, 200 

Sylvan 1.035 

VVeslf..rd I,0li2 

Willow 901 



Tol.ll 18,174 



814 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VI 



POLITICAL STATISTICS. 



In tliis chapter is given the vote of Richland 
county for every general election held from 
the organization of the county until 1884, inclu- 
sive, so far as can be ascertained from the 
records. It will be noticed that there is no re- 
port of an election in 1883. By an act of the 
Legislature, passed during the winter of 1882-3, 
it was provided that all State and county offi- 
cers should thereafter be elected in "even years." 
Therefore, those officers who would otlierwise 
have been elected in 1883, hold over one year. 

The first election held within the limits of 
Richland county was in April, 1850, when the 
first county officers were chosen. The follow- 
ing is the list, although no record is in existence 
to show the nuraher of votes polled, or where 
the election was held: John Rutan, county 
clerk; Marvin White, register of deeds; A. H. 
Slaughter, clerk of the courts; D. H. Byrd, 
county treasurer; John J. Mathews, sheriff; 
J. W. Coffinberry, county judge, and John H. 
Price, E. H. Dyre and Adam Byrd, members of 
the board of supervisors. 

The election of Nov. 5, 1850, was the first 
held in the county of which there is any 
record. At this election the total number of 
votes cast was 158, divided as follows: 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1850. 
Congress. 

O. Cole 

B.C. Eastman 

State Senator . 

T. M. Fullerton 

Levi Sterling 

Aspemblyman. 

B.C. Erana , 

C D.Rodolf 

G.C. White 



76- 



80- 
78 



The record states tliat the following county 
officers were elected: John Rutan, county clerk; 
A. B. Slaughter, clerk of court; Levi Houts, 
register of deeds; D. H. Byrd, county treasurer; 
J. W. Coffinberry, county judge; John J. 
Mathews, sheriff; John Stone, prosecuting at- 
torney; James Appleby, surveyor and William 
Kincannon, coroner. 

The election July 15, 1851, was a special elec- 
tion, at which only eight votes were cast, elect- 
ing John J. Morland to till the office of prose- 
cuting attorney, to fill the' vacancy caused by 
the resignation of John Stone. 

In November, 1851, the board of canvassers, 
having decided that the election held this year 
was not in accordance with the law, rejected all 
returns. "No election had taken place," was en- 
tered upon the records, and the old officers held 
over. 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1852. 

Congress. 

B.C.Eastman 200— 70 



C. C. Abbot.. 



State Senator. 



Levi Sterling. 
L. M. Strong. 



Assemblyman. 



Henry Conner 
E. M. Se.xton . 
Scattering 



County Clerk. 



Hasoal Hazeltine . 

L. B. Palmer 

Scattering 



Clerk of Court. 



A. B. Slaughter. 

Asa Eastland 

Scatiering 



Register of Deeds. 



44— 

38 

16 



C. M. Mc 'orkle 

L vi flouts 

Scattering 



130 



l.-iT- 

I4fi 



133 

5 

149— 
143 
11 

230— : 
54 
5 

175— 
151 
1 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



815 



County Treasurer. 

Jacob Brimer 

Joseph Castro 

William Capner 

Scattering 

Sheriff. 

I( . O. Hawkins 

Molbry Kipley 

John Holland ... 

J.W.Hawkins 

District Attorney 

David Strickland 

C. D, Hodolt 

Scattering 

Surveyor. 

James Appleby 

Alfred Bush 

Coroner. 

Orin Hazeltine 

Kezin J . Darnell 

For the Establishment of State Bank . 

Against the measure ' 

In favor of 

ELECTION, SEPTEMBER 5, 1853. 
County Judge. 

A . B. Slaughter 

Thonns J. Sharer 

Scattering .. 

ELECTION, NOVEMBEU, 1853. 
Governor. 

William Barstow .. 

E. D. Holton 

H.S. Baird 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

JamesG. Lewis 

B Pinkney 

Assemblyman. 

Nathaniel Wheeler 

C.G. liDdolf 

U. L. Downs 

E .M. Sextnn 

Prohibitory Liquor Law. 

Against its passage 

Kor its passage 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER. 1854. 

[No record.] 
ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6. 18.55. 
Governor. 

Coles Bashf ord 

William A . Barstow 

Lloutenant-Governor. 

C . C. Sholes 

Arthur Me.Vrthur 

Assemblyman. 

Hcibert Akan 

L. Irish 

Lcroy D. Gage 

Scatterin ; 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 4. 1858. 
President 

Fremont and Dayton, electors 

Bu<.;h!mai) and Brf-ckeiirilge, electors 

Fillmore and Donolson,ule^;tor8 



151— 36 
115 



1T6- 


53 


123 




11 

3 




lu- 


52 


es 




4 




167— 


21 


148 




124- 


15 


109 




162— 


62 



1;M— 123 

7 
13 



185— 58 
127 
17 

IK— 47 
1.38 



106- 



l.-)fi- 
134 



448— 262 
186 ■ 

440— 244 
inti 

231— 22H 
2a5 
18.-) 
12 



882— 427 
455 
37 



Congressman. 

C. L. \Vashburn 

Samuel Crawford 

State Senator. 

L. VV. .Joiner 

G. C Maigs... 

Assemblyman. 

R.C. Fields 

B. W. Telfair 

County Clerk. 

Charles D. Stewart 

Robert C. Hawkins 

County Treasurer. 

A. H. Bush 

Jacob Brimer 

Horace Wait 

Register of Deeds. 

Israel Janney 

A. B. Slaughter 

C.D.Stewart 

Clerk of Court. 

J. S. Wilson 

LeRoy D. Gage 

Sherife. 

L. M. Thorp 

William Thompson 

William Barrett 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

lames H. Miner 

A. P. Thompson 

C. G. Rodolf 

County Surveyor. 

Joseph E. Irish 

Noah Titus 

Coroner. 

ira S. Hazeltine 

Uenjamln Fen-is 

Scattering 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 
Supreme Judge. 

Edward V. Whiton 

M. N. Cothren 

County Judge . 

A. It. Slaughter 

Riley R. Hamilton 

ELECTION. NOVEMBER 3, 1857. 
Governor. 

JamesB.Cruss 

Alexander M. R«ndall 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

E. D. Campbell 

Carl Schurz 

Assemblyman. 

C. G. Rodolf 

K. .T. Stephenson 

AmetKlment to constitudon "to extend to the 
right of sulfrage." 

Against amendment 

For am*'ndment 

JUDICIAL ELECTION. APRIL li. 185.S. 
Circuit Judge. 



475 



1857 



M. N. Cothren.. 
J. Allen Barber. 
Scatterinsr — 



870— 391 


479 




872- 


3:m 


488 




832- 3a5 


527 




742- 


294 


164 




448 




763- 


199 


.584 




7 




843— 


.344 


499 




719— 


247 


472 




169 




857- 


547 


310 




120 




893— 


Sob 


38 




714- 


527 


187 




47 




611- 


112 


469 




67.5— 


254 


421 




608— 


60 


548 




C22— 


KHI 


522 




(Xii- 


149 


484 . 




negro 


the 


813— 491 


-.ii-l 




812- 


704 


108 




16 





816 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER 3, 1858. 

Congrpseman. 

('. C. Washburn 

Charles Dunn 

State Senator. 

D. B. Priest 

C.G. Rodolf 

Scattering 

Assemblyman. 

William Di.von 

Byron W. Telfair 

Thomas Edwards . 

County Clerk. 

D. Glazier Pease 

Elihu Bailey 

F. M. Stewart 

County Treasurer. 

D. L. Downs 

Robert B. Esselstyn 

Clerk of Court. 

L. Van Dusen 

John S . Wilson 

O. Guess 

Register of Deeds. 

Andrew J . Page 

W. H. Janney 

Hascal Hazeltine 

C. E. Livingston 

Sheriff. 

William H. Joslin 

R.C.Hawkins 

Thomas J. Graham 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

JamesH. Miner 

William F. Crawford 

D.S. Hamilton 

C . E. Livingston 

Sur^'eyor. 

A. J. Campl)cll 

William Chamberlain 



JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 5, 1859. 
Associate Justice Supreme Court. 

W. P. Lynde 

Byron Paine 

Scattering 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 8, 1859. 
Governor. 

AleianderW. Randall 

H. C. Hobart 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

B. G. Noble 

A.S. Palmer 

ELECTION, APRIL 3, 1860. 
Chief Justice Supreme Court. 



A. Scott Sloan... 
Luther S. Dixon. 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1860. 
President. 

Abraham Lincoln 

Steven A. Douglas 

John Breckenridge 

John gell.. ,,,;,..,, .„ ,, .....,,...,.,..,.. 



783— 


lOO 


682 




760— 


143 


617 




3 




n54- 


130 


524 




261 




B67— 


38 


629 




123 




838— 


281 


557 




72t 




11 




640— 


74 


572 




103 




108 




608- 


88 


520 




246 




727— 


319 


508 




100 




88 




752— 


89 


663 




433— 


34 


398 




2 




743— 


9.-^ 


647 




744— 


95 


649 




551— 


81 


470 




1168— 


391 


777 




27 




3 





Congressman. 

Luther Hanchett 1104- 349 

J. D. Reymert 815 

State Senator. 

L.W. Joiner 1155—345 

B.F.Thomas 810 

County Clerk. 

G. H. Smith 116.3— a59 

Samuel Clayton 804 

County Treasurer. 

E. M. Se.xton 1028— 83 

D.L.Down , 935 

Register of Deeds. 

A.J.Page 1096-336 

William Mack 860 

Clerk of Court. 

J. L, McKee 1)88- 394 

.Samuel Doolittle 792 

Sheriff. 

E.L.Moody 1141—336 

HoraceWait 805 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

A. P. Thomson 1115— ::8j 

L. Van Dusen 833 

Surveyor. 

D. Hardenbuig 11.53— 3,')« 

Josiah McCaskcy 814 

Coroner. 

Ira S. Hazeltine .. 1137—312 

P. McNamer 825 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 2, 1861. 
Justice of Supreme Court. 

Orsamus Cole ... 447 

James N. Knowlton 636—189 

Charles Eldridge 103 

Scattering 3 

County Judge. 

A. B. Slaughter 764— 71 

C.D.Stewart 693 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 5, 1861. 
Governor. 

L.P.Harvey 714—199 

B.Ferguson 515 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Edward Solomon 713—231 

H. M. Billings 481 

State Senator . 

Norman L. Cate 534 — 47 

CM. Butt 477 

Assemblyman. 

Leroy D. Gage 611— 12:i 

D. L Downs 487 

ElihuBailey i:!3 

School Superintendent. 

J.H.Mathers 1041—875 

J.Silsby 166 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, .■VPRIL 1, 1862. 

Circuit Judge. 

GeorgeGale 987—717 

Sdwiq Flint.,.,...,,....,...,.,.,,., ,.,......,.;,..,, 37(J 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



SlV 



891— 197 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER 4, 1862. 
Congress. 

Amasa Cobb 

K. B. Simps 694 

State Senator. 
W.S.Purdy 869- 

C. G. Kodolf 697 

Assemblyman. 

John Wnlwortb 971— 

George Krouskop 754 

County Clerk. 

G. L Laws 1091— 

John H. Konney 244 

John A. Kenuey 445 

County Treasurer. 

James L. McKee 954 — 

Thomas C. Clark 708 

E. iM. Se.\ton 78 

Clerk of Court. 

Milton Satterloe 959— 

H.C.Prlcst 793 

Register of Deeds. 
A.J.Page 1125— 

D. C. Daughette 640 

Sheriff. 

Joseph MoMurtrey 1081— 

Molljry Ripley 675 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

H. A. Eastland 

O. F. Black 

Joslnh McCaskey 

Surveyor. 

CD. Belh-ille 

L. B. Palmer 

Noah Titus 

Scattering 

Coroner. 

Ira S. Hazeitine 

.M. Sharp 

SPECIAL ELECTION. DECEMBER 13, 1862. 

Congress. 

(To Hll vacancy). 

Waller Mclndoe 59.i- 

.N'ewton S. Ferris .">21 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 7, 1863. 
Chief Jiistice Supreme Court. 



217 



843 



246 



166 



485 



406 



856— 175 

681 

185 

989— 931 
38 

44 
58 

954—240 
714 



S. S. Di.von 

M. M. Cothrcn 



1023- 
745 



278 



1135 
627 



1129- 
631 



ELECTION, NOVEiMBERS, 1863. 
Governor. 

J. T Lewis 

N. S Palmer 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

W. H. Spooner 

.V . Dowey 

State Senator. 

William Kctebum 1117— 

C.G. Rudolf 017 

Scaltering 10 

Assemblyman 

John Walworth 1117— 

L.D.Gage 636 



508 



498 



500 



481 



Regis! er of Deeds. 
(To fill vacancy). 

Johns. Wilson , 1063—394 

C. Berger 669 

School Superintendent. 

W. C. Wright 1092— 430 

Joseph H. Mathers 862 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 8, 1864. 

President. 

Abraham Lincoln 1020—368 

George B. McClellan 652 

Congress. 

Amasa Cobb -. 1026— .377 

C. G. Rodolf 649 

Assemblyman. 

H . L. Eaton 1192— 504 

L. D. Gage 688 

Scattering 6 

County Clerk. 

GilbertL. Laws 1184—492 

R. Akan 692 

Scattering 6 

County Treasurer. 

C.H.Smith 1185—490 

J.Turner 695 

Scattering 6 

Clerk of Court. 

D.S.Hamilton 1168—475 

J. M. Derrickson 693 

Register of Deeds. 

.M. Satterlee 1166— 456 

n. C. Hallin 710 

Sheriff. 

L.M. Thorp 1162—492 

R. C. Hawkins 660 

Scattering 7 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

H. A. Eastland , 1185- 469 

F. Black 718 

Scattering 7 

Surveyor. 

D. Hardcnburg 1190—502 

L. B. Palmer 888 

Scattering 5 

Coroner 

A. S NcCf 1189— 501 

L. Rennlck 688 

JUDICIiL ELECTION. APRIL 4, 1865. 
Associate Justice Supreme Court. 

Jason Downer 663— 661 

A.S.Leo 1 

County Judge. 

James H. Miner 625— 246 

A. IJ. Slaughter 379 

Scattering. :j 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 7, 1865. 
Governor. 

Lucius Fairchlld 967—3:11 

H. C. Hobart 030 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Wyman Spoon(?r 952— 302 

D.W. Maxon 648 



818 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



state Senator. 

B. Bull 950—800 

Scattering , 60 

Assemblyman, 

H.L.Eaton 947—298 

A.S.Ripley 649 

School Superintendent. 

Vans. Bennett 946— 2!i,'< 

W. \V. Stewart 648 

Amendment of constitution to "extend rigbt of suffrage to 
the negro race " 

Against the amendment 934 — 400 

For the amendment .534 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1866. 

Congress, 

Araasa Cobb 1258— 510 

N. H. Virgin 748 

Assemblyman. 

Ira S. HBzeltine ... .". 1103— 280 

William Knapp 823 

County Treasurer. 

C.H.Smith 1154—317 

J.Fitzgerald 837 

Register of Deeds. 

A . Loveless 1190 — 5.J6 

Milton Satterlee 654 

Clerk of Court 

D.S.Hamilton 1240— .502 

H.C.Thomas 738 

Sheriff. 

John McMurtrey 1232—474 

H. Dillon 758 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

John S. Wilson 1252—567 

A. Duraford 685 

County Surveyor. 

D. Hardenberg 1243—537 

James Applebv 706 

Coroner. 

A. Haskins 122.^—1223 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 2, 1867. 

Associate Jiislice Supreme Court. 

Orsaraus Cole 898— 390 

L. P. Wetherby 508 

ELECTION. NOVEMBER 5, 1867. 

Governor. 

Lucius Fairchild ... 1166—282 

J. J. Tallmadge 884 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

W. Spooner 1166- 284 

G. H. Park 882 

State Senator. 

William Ketchum 1174—298 

William Butcher 876 

Assemblyman. 

W. C. S. Barrow 1448— 560 

L. De Hart 888 

School Superintendent. 

G. W. Putnam 1147— 261 

Timothy Maroney 886 



JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 7, 1868. 
Chief Justic^^upreme Court. 

Luther H. Dixon 1227— 253 

Charles Dunn 975 

Associate Justice. 

Byron Paine 1229— 255 

E. H. Ellis 974 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 3, 1868. 
President. 

U.S.Grant, Rep 1619— .517 

Horatio Seymour, Dera 1102 

Congress. 

AmasaCobb 1618—515 

T. H. F. Passmore 1103 

Assemblyman. 

J.M.Thomas , 1611— .500 

W. W. Stewart 1111 

Sheriff. 

J. B. McGrew 1629— .542 

.l.W. Fuller 1087 

Register of Deeds, 

A. Loveless 1617— .570 

A Durnford 1047 

County Treasurer. 

W.H.JoBlin 1486—266 

D. G. Pease 1220 

District Attorney 

Oscar F. Black, Dem 1442 —255 

J. S. Wilson, Rep 1187 

County Clerk. 

W.F.Pier 1603-494 

John Keane 1109 

Clerk of Court. 

James Lewis 1475— 274 

M.J. Brig-gs 1203 

County Surveyor. 

D. Hardenberg 1614—514 

P. E. Bremer IKX) 

Coroner. 

I. S. Haseltine 1574—157 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 6, 1869. 

Chief Justice Supreme Court. 

Luther S. Dixon 1573—1,572 ' 

J. Shaffer 1 

County Judge. 

Henry Fries 1054—275 

C.D.Stewart 779 

James H. Miner 2 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 2, 1869. 
Governor. 

Lucius Fairchild 1347— Xtl 

Charles D. Robinson 790 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

T. C. Pond 1246— 3.54 

H. Gray T 892 

State Senator. 

George Krouskop 1100—1.50 

O. B. Thomas 950 

Assemblyman. 

JamesH. Miner 1 06:3— 138 

Ira S. Hazeltine 925 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



819 



School Superintendent. 

George W. Putnam 

H. W. Glasicr 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 5, 1870. 
Juflge of Circuit Court. 

Joseph T. Mills 

I'hilo A. Orton 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 8,1870. 
Congress. 

J. Allen Harber 

John Straeham 

Assemblyman. 

Elihu Bailey 

L. G. Thomas 

County Clerk. 

\V. H. Pier 

H. Henthorn 

County Treasurer. 

W.H.Joslin 

D.G. Pease 

Register of Seeds. 

J. D. Funston 

B.C. Hallin 

Clerk of Courts. 

James Lewis 

S. H. Doolittle 

J. Lindley 

Sheriff. 

W. C.S.Barron ... 

A.S.N'eff 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

O. F. Black 

11. A. EasHaiHl 

County Surveyor. 

T. Borland 

.1 limes Appleby 

H. Haseltine 

Coroner. 

H. Collins 

R. Akan 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 7. 1871. 

Governor. 

C.C. Washburn 

J. R. Doolittle 

Scattering 

Lieutenant-Governor . 

M.H. Pottit 

John A. Rice 

State Senator. 

H. L.Eaton 

George Krouskop 

Assemblyman. 
(First District.) 

William Dixon 

L. G. Thomas 

(Second District.) 

Q W.Putnam 

C.G. RoUolf 

County Surveyor. 

D.Hardonburg 

Joslah McCaskey 



1098- 


106 


993 




lia5- 


179 


1006 




1064-254 


810 




946- 


63 


883 




1090- 


340 


750 




1048— 273 


77,5 




939- 


30 


909 




937— 


230 


707 




196 




1105— 393 


712 




1336— 


897 


439 




637 




8:37 




481 




991— 


158 


833 




1401- 


392 


1009 




1 




1320- 


821 


1008 




1829-281 


1048 




774-253 


521 




.580— 


39 


521 




1246 


4.59 


787 





School Superintendent. 

William J. Waggoner 1334—275 

T. C Clark 1059 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 5. 1872. 

President. 

U. S. Grant..... 107.5— 676 

Henry Conner 999 

Horace Greeley 52 

Congress. 

J. Allen Barber 1672— 580 

Allen Worden 1992 

Assemblyman. 
(District No. 1.) 

Norman James 794 — 127 

O. F. Black 667 

(District No. 3 ) 

G.W.Putnam 747—218 

J. T. Barnes 529 

• County Clerk. 

W. H.Pier 1.5.')6— 280 

S. J.Hyattt 12.56 

County Treasurer. 

.J. T, Walker 1551 - 341 

D.G. Pease 1310 

Register of Deeds. 

David Sommers 1616 — 447 

Barney C. Hallin U69 

Clerk of Court. 

Michael Murphy 1650—52:1 

E. W. Wulflng 1127 

Sheriff. 

R, D. Roliinson 1493—300 

J. L. R. McCollins 1393 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

James Lewis 168,5-817 

H . Haseltine 1068 

Surveyor. 

James Appleby 1608 — 832 

1). Hardenburg 1076 

Coroner. 

G. Jarvis 1675—559 

R.Akan 1116 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 1, 1873. 
County Judge. 

H.W. Fries 1448— 7;5 

A.L.Wilson 723 

Scattering 1 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 4, 1873 
Governor. 

C.C.Washburn 1148^ 82 

W.R.Taylor 1066 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

H.H.Baker 1147— 88 

Peter Doylo 1059 

State Senator. 

George Krouskop 1174—155 

P.G.Miller 1019 

Assemblyman. 
(District No. 1.) 

J. B. McGrew 824—786 

Sialtering 38 



820 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



(District No. a.) 

P. M. Smith 

J.S.Ellsworth 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 1874. 

Congress. 

H. S. Magoon 

Charles F. Thompson 

Scattering 

Assemblyman. 
(District No. 1.) 

Norman L. James 

Vincent Barter 

(District No. 2.) 

B.F.Washburn 

Opposition 

County Clerk. 

Jesse G. Burnell 

Samuel Noble 

Scattering 

Register of Deeds. 

D. B. Soramcrs 

J. D. Fiinston 

Clerk of Court. 

Michael Murphy 

S. N. Doolittle 

Sheriff. 

W.C. S. Barron... 

P.R.Long 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

James Lewis 

Oscar Black 

County Surveyor. 

James Appleby 

Hascal Haseltine 

Coroner. 

George Jarvis 

John Walworth 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 6, 187,5. 
Chief Justice Supreme Court, 

E.G.Ryan 

ELECTION NOVEMBER 2, 187.5. 
Governor. 

H. Ludlngton 

R. W. Taylor 

Lieutenant Governor. 

H.L.Eaton 

Charles D. Parker 

State Senator. 

D. L. Downs 

II. W. Fries 

Assemblymen. 
(District No. 1.) 

Josephy Moody 

L. R. McCoUins 

Scattering — 

(District No. 2.) 

H. H. Hoyt 

J.T.Barnes 

A. S. Ripley 

School Superintendent. 

David Parsons 

M. G. Hardeuberg 



4(il— 10 
451 



1524— 418 
1106 
57 



77ti— 117 
65!) 



669— 60a 



1454-- 165 
1289 



1565— 445 
1120 



1479- 307 
1172 



1503— 438 
1065 



1389— 
1319 



1635— 619 
1016 



1499— 385 
1114 



1321 



1522- 


390 


1132 




1545-447 


1098 




1492— 


3;J8 


11.54 




726 




737- 


11 


3 




6(13— 


92 


511 




52 




1.551 — 


o't) 


975 





.lUDIOIAL ELECTON, APRIL 4, 1876. 
Judge of Circuit Court. 

W. E. Carter 

M. M. Cothren 

M. M. Strong 

Scattering 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 7, 1876. 

President. 

R. n. Hayes, (Rep.) 

Samuel J. Tilden, (Dem.) 

Peter Cooper, (Greenback) 

Congress. 

G.C. Hazleton 

Philo A. Orton.... 

Assemblyman. 
(District No. 1.) 

J. L. R. MoColIum 

S. B Loomis 

(District No. 3.) 

Elihu Bailey 

David Matter 

County Clerk. 

Jesse G. Bunell 

Jonathan Turner 

County Treasurer. 

H. L. Burnham 

Samuel Noble 

Register of Deeds. 

Reuben Sutton 

Fred Mathews 

Clerk of Court. 

Michael Murphy 

M.J. Connolly 

Sheriff. 

G.H.Mattison 

M. H. B.Cunningham 

Prosecuting Attorney, 

Eugene Wulflng 

S. H. Doolittle 

County Surveyor. 

James Appleby 

P. E. Brewer 

Coroner. 
W. M. Fogo 

D. M. Levering 

.JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRILS, 1877. 

Justice of Supreme Court. 
William P. Lyon 

County Judge. 

H . W. Fries 

W. C. S. Barron 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6 1877. 
Governor. 

W.E.Smith 

James A. Mallory 

Edward P. Allis 

Lieutenant-Governor 

James W. Bingham 

R.E. Davis 

E. H. Benton 



1431— 89 



.56 
3 



2038- 447 
1591 
31 

2028— 406 
1623 



953— 8 
945 



932— 118 
814 



2123— 590 
1533 



2102—533 
1569 



2024— 381 
1643 



1981— 343 
1638 



2084- .521 
1663 



2037— 500 



2058— •173 
1585 



2003— 420 
1583 



3023—3033 



1700— 381 
1319 



1201— 472 
729 
705 

1196— 463 
734 
704 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



821 



State Senator. 

Archibald Campbell 

J. L. K. McCoUum 

H. C. Cutter 

Scattering 

Assemblyman. 
(District No. ].) 

J.M.Thomas 

J. Hoover 

Albert Misslich 

(District No. 2.) 

P.M. Smith 

T.C.Clark 

J. T. Coatcs 

School Superintendent. 

D. D. Parsons 

O. Hardenberg 

W.T.Sharp 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 10. 1878. 

Justice Supreme Court (full term). 

Harlow Orton 

Justice Supreme Court (short term.) 

D.Taylor 

ELECTION. N0NEMBER5, 1878. 
Congress. 

GeorgeC. Hazleton 

Owen King 

Assemblyman. 
(District No. 1.) 

J.M.Thomas 

S.M.McCorkle 

(District No. 2.) 

Elihu Bailey 

L. M. Thorp 

Scattering 

County Clerk 

Jesse (^. Bunell 

Peter Sweeney 

County Treasurer. 

H. L. Burnham 

Israel Jannoy 

Register of Deeds. 

Reuben Sutton 

B. C. Hallin 

Clerk of Court. 

Homer J. Clark 

Martin Shields 

Scattering 

Sheriff. 

Daniel S. Noble 

Henry Dillon 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

E. C. Wulllng 

H.A.Eastland 

Scattering 

Surveyor. 

James Appleby 

D. Ilardenberg 

Coroner. 

John H. Carswell 

L. 0. Thomas 

M. Loveriiig 



mi- 

885 

630 

i 


226 


653— 

364 

471 


288 


519— 

365 

252 


161 


1225-5*8 
657 

707 


1424 




1427 




1664— 224 
1440 


883- 
815 


68 


731— 

607 

5 


124 

1 


1729- 379 
i:350 


1671— 
1408 


263 


1678^ 
1393 


2&5 


1706— 334 
1382 
3 


162:)— 
1439 


186 


l.i27- 
lijftl 
11 


24 


1659—260 
1399 


1644-358 
1280 
145 



JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 1, 1879. 

Associate Justice Supreme Court. 

M. M. Cothren 

OrsamusCoIe 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1879. 

Governor. 

W.E.Smith 

James G. Jenkins 

Reuben May 

Scattering 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

James M. Bingham 

George H. King 

William M. Utley 

Scattering 

State Senator. 

J. B. McGrew 

Robert Wilson 

George J . Carswell 

Scattering 

Assemblyman. 

(District No. 1.) 

William H Joslin 

William Sraenschloss 

H. W. Fries 

(District No. 2.) 

J. H.Case 

D . Morrison 

Jay Briggs 

Scattering 

School Superintendent. 

n. D, Parsons 

H . ^V . Glazier 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 2, 1880. 
President. 

James A. Garfield (republican) 

Winfleld S. Hancock (democrat) 

James B. Weaver (greenback) 

Neal Dow (prohibition) 

Congress. 

GeorgeC. Hazelton 

M . M . Cothren 

Assemblyman. 

(District No. 1.) 

1! . M Jarvis 

Williiira McCorkle 

(District No. 2.) 

John H. Case 

F. G. Rodolf 

Scattering 

County Clerk. 

George W. Putnam 

T. J. Ellsworth 

Scattering 

County Treasurer. 

Irvin Giibblo 

Levi Houts 

Register of Deeds. 

W. H. Kennick 

O. L. Sprungler 

Scattering 



1500-, 161 
1345 


1713-U33 
580 
428 
2 


1709- 
570 
437 
5 


-1139 


1740- 
529 
431 
4 


-1111 


957- 

78 
464 


-493 


747- 
206 
234 
2 


- 513 


1640- 
996 


644 


2260— 625 
1635 
151 
2 


2285-657 
1728 


11.52— 272 

880 


1081- 

870 

1 


211 


2280— 642 
1648 
5 


2287— 
1657 


6.30 


23M— 
l«.-i8 
3 


666 



822 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Clerk of Court. 

George E. Bennett 2288— 624 

C. F. Leaoli 1664 

Scattering 2 

Sheriff. 

Harry Busby 2407—865 

John ShaflFer 1542 

Scattering 2 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

Kirk W. Eastland 2307—685 

S. H. DooUttle 1632 

Surveyor 

James Appleby 2347—759 

P. E. Brewer 1588 

Coroner. 

D. O. Chandler 2373—617 

James Snyder 1656 

JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRILS, 1881. 
Chief Justice Supreme Court. 

Orsamus Cole 1826—1826 

Associate Justice. 

John B . Cassoday 1824—1824 

County Judge. 

D. L. Downs 1824—1318 

L.G.Thomas 506 

Scattering — , 7 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 8, 1881. 
GOTeinor. 

Jeremiah M . Rusk 1383— 697 

N. D. Fratt 686 

T. D. Kanouse 185 

E.P.Allis 226 

Scattering 2 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

S.S.Fifleld 1397—704 

W.A.Anderson 693 

H. S.Clapp 165 

D.Giddings 228 

State Senator. 

W.C.Metfert 1329—206 

J. L. K. McCollum 1123 

Assemblyman. 
(District No. 1.) 

James Washburn 744— 93 

K.L.Telfair 651 

(District No. 2.) 

Geoige H.Tate 639—249 

J.W.Jones 390 



JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 4, 1882. 
Judge of Circuit Court. 

George Clementson 1676—366 

M.M. Cothren 1310 

ELECTION. NOVEMBER 7, 1882. 
Congress. 

Cyrus M. Butt 

Gilbert M. Woodward 

B, F.Parker 

R.May 

Assemblyman. 

C.G.Thomas 1844—436 

Joseph L. DeHart 1406 

S. Stofer 181 

P. H. Fay 5 

County Clerk. 

Homer J. Clark 1827— 458 

H. C. Kyger 1396 

W.H.Stewart 214 

Scattering 16 

County Treasurer. 

IrrtnGribble 1843-278 

Israel Janney 1565 

Register of Deeds. 

Reuben Sutton 1857— 531 

M.J. Covley 1326 

M.L.Sherman 235 

Scattering 3 

Clerk of Court. 

George E. Bennett. 

John Keane 

A. L. Holcomb 

Sheriff. 

A. D. Lane 

George Fogo 

D. O. Chandler 

Scattering 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

Michael Murphy 

S. H. Doolittle 

Scattering 

County Surveyor. 

James Appleby 

A. D. Dennison 

Coroner. 

Norman L. James 1736- 

M. Lovering 1626 

D.P.Wise 28 



494 



1857- 
1363 
202 

1796 

1341 

279 



1739— 240 
1499 
7 

2164— 938 
1226 



111 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



823 



CHAPTER VII. 



NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION. 



In this cliaptor it is the design to trace the 
history of each of the county offices from the 
organization of the county to tiie present day, 
and also to mention the name of every citizen 
of Richland who Las served the Nation, State 
or county in an official capacity. As far as pos- 
sible, sketches are given of the various gentle- 
men. There has been much diffi_culty con- 
nected with obtaining material for biographic- 
al sketches of those who have died or moved 
from the county since their official services 
were performed. Where tlie mention of men 
who were prominent in tlieir day, is short, it is 
because of the meagre material to be secured. 

CONGRESSIONAL. 

Upon its organization, Ricliland county be- 
came a part of the Second congressional dis- 
trict. Orsamus Cole was elected to represent 
this district in November, 1849, and served in the 
Thirty-first Congress. Mr. Cole is the present 
chief justice of the supreme court of Wis- 
consin. 

Benjamin C. Eastman succeeded Mr. Cole as 
congressman from the Second district and 
served in the Thirty-second and Thiity-third 
Congresses, or from 1851 to 1855. 

Oadwallader C. Washburn next represented 
the Second district, and served in the Thirty- 
fourth, Thirty-fifth and Thirty-sixth Congresses, 
from 1855 to 18G1. He afterwards became gov- 
ernor of Wisconsin. 

In November, 1860, Lutlier Ilanchett was 
elected to succeed Gov. Washburn. He died 
Nov. 24, 1862, and Walter Mclndoe was elected 
to fill out the balance of the term. At this 



lime Wisconsin had three representatives in 
Congress. 

By the census of 1860, it was found that 
Wisconsin was entitled to six representatives 
in the National House, and upon the State being 
re-districted, Richland county became a part of 
the Third congressional district. Amasa 
Cobb, of Mineral Point, first represented the 
new Third district. He was elected in 1864, 
and re-elected in 1866 and 1868, serving in the 
Thirty-eight, Thirty-ninth and Fortieth and 
Forty-first Congresses. 

J. Allen Barber succeeded Amasa Cobb, as 
congressman from the Third district, being 
elected in November, 1870, and re-elected two 
years later. 

In November, 1864, H. S. Magoon was elected 
congressman from this district, and served in 
the Forty-fourth Congress. 

In November, 1876, George C. Hazelton, of 
Boscobel, Grant county, was elected to repre- 
sent the Third congressional district, and 
being twice re-elected, served six years or in 
the Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh 
Congresses. 

In November, 1882, Gilbert M. Woodward, 
of La Crosse, was elected congressman from 
this district, and is the present incumbent of 
the office. 

RICHLAND COUNTY IN THE LEGISLATURE. 

Richland county first appears as being repre- 
sented in the Legislature at the third session of 
that body, -which convened Jan. 9, 1850, and 
adjourned Feb. 11, 1850. At this time this 
countv was associated with Crawford and other 



824 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



countips, as the third senatorial district, and 
was represented by James Fisher, of Prairie 
du Chien. In the Assembly, Richland associa- 
ted with Iowa county and was represented by 
Moses M. Strong, of Mineral Point. Mr. 
Strong was elected speaker of the House. He 
was considered at that time one of the finest 
lawyers in the west. 

The fourth session of the Legislature con- 
vened January 8, and adjourned March 18, 
1851. At this time, Richland, with other coun- 
ties, was represented in the Senate by Levi 
Sterling, of Mineral Point. Charles G. Rodolf, 
of Highland, served Richland county in the 
Assembly. Mr. Rodolf was for many years 
identified with the development of Richland 
county, and is often noticed in this volume. He 
now lives at Muscoda. 

The fifth session convened January 1 4, and ad- 
journed April 9, 1852. Levi Sterling, of Min- 
eral Point, was still in the Senate. Luman M. 
Strong, of Highland, represented the county in 
the Assembly. 

The Legislature convened for its sixth ses- 
sion on the 12th of January, 1853, and ad- 
journed April 4, 1853, until the 6th of June 
following, for the purpose that the Senate might 
sit as a court of impeachment and the Assem- 
bly be present to prosecute the trial of. Levi 
Hubbell, judge of the second judicial circuit, 
against whom articles of impeachment had 
been exhibited, charging him with acts of cor- 
rupt conduct and malfeasance in ofiice. For 
this purpose the Legislature again convened on 
the 6th of June, and adjourned finally on July 
13, 1853. Levi Sterling, of Mineral Point, in 
this Legislature, represented the district of 
which Richland county formed a part. In the 
Assembly the county was served by Henry Con- 
ner, then, as now, of Port Andrew. 

'i'he Legislature convened for its seventh ses- 
sion Jan. 11, 1854, and adjourned April 3, 1854. 
Levi Sterling was still in the Senate from this 
district; Nathaniel Wheeler was the assembly- 
man. Mr. Wheeler was a Methodist preacher. 



who at that time lived in the town of Buena 
Vista, where he was a very early settler. He 
remained there until just before the breaking 
out of the war, when he left the county. He 
is spoken of as having been a popular and 
influential man in those days. 

The eighth session of the Legislature began 
on Jan. 10, 1855, and adjourned April 2, 1855. 
The district to which Richland county was 
attached, was represented in the Senate by Hon. 
Amasa Cobb, of Mineral Point, one of the 
most able lawyers in the State, and afterward a 
member of Congress. Hon. D. L. Downs, now 
of Richland Centre, represented this county in 
the Assembly. 

The Legislature convened for its ninth ses- 
sion Jan. 9, 1856 ; took a recess from March 
31, 1856, to September 3, and adjourned finally 
Oct. 14, 1856. Amasa Cobb still represented 
this district in the Senate. In the Assembly, 
Robert Akan served Richland county. Mr. 
Akan came from the eastern States and at a very 
early day settled with his family upon a farm a 
short distance northwest of Richland Centre. 
There he remained until 1875, when he sold liis 
place for $5,000, and removed to Webster City, 
Iowa. He was a genial, pleasant fellow, and 
was well liked by liis neighbors. 

The tenth session of the Legislature convened 
Janauary 14, and adjourned March 9, 1856. L. 
W. Joiner, of Wyoming, represented the dis- 
trict, of which Richland county formed a part, 
in the Senate. RoVert C. Field served Rich- 
land county in the Assembly,, Mr. Field came 
to Ricliland City as early as 1850, and located 
upon a farm about a mile north of that village. 
He remained there for about ten years, when 
he removed to Trempealeau county in the north- 
ern part of the State, and represented that dis- 
trict in the Senate. He died there in 1876. 
He was a very active business man, and spent 
most of his time in trading and bartering. He 
would buy anything he saw, and sell anything 
he owned. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



825 



Tlie eleventh session of the Legislature con- 
vened January 13, and adjourned May 17, 1858. 
Lemuel W. Joiner, of Wyoming, still repre- 
sented this district in the Senate. In the As- 
sembly, Richland count}' was for the second 
time served by Charles G. Rodolf, of Orion. 

The twelfth session convened January 12, 
and adjourned March 21, 1859. At this time, 
Charles G. Rodolf, of Orion, was in the Senate, 
and William Dixon, of Lone Rock, in tlie 
Assembly. 

The tliirteenth session of the Legislature con- 
vened Jan. 10, I860, and adjourned April 2, 
18.30. C. G. Rodolf was still in the Senate. 
Jeremiah L. Jackson, of Viola, had succeeded 
William Dixon as assemblymati. Mr. Jackson 
still lives in the town of Forest. 

The fourteenth session of the Legislature be- 
gan January 9, and closed May 27, 1861. Lem- 
uel W. Joiner was senator from this district, 
and Elihu JJailey, of the town of Marshall, rep- 
resented Richland county in the Assembly. 

Tiie legislature convened for tlie fifteenth 
session, Jan. 8, ISHS and adjourned April 7, 

1862. Re-convened June 3, and adjourned June 
17,1862. Met in extra session September 10, 
and adjourned Sept. 26, 1862. At this time 
Norman L. Cate, of Viroqua, repsesented the 
district in the Senate and Dr. LeRoy D. Gage, 
of Richland Centre, served the county in the 
Assembly. 

Tlie sixteenth session of the Legislature con- 
vened Jan. 14, 186.3, and adjourned April 2, 

1863. In this session William S. Purdy, of 
Vinxjua, represented the district in the Senate, 
and John Walworth, of Richland Centre, rep- 
resented the county in the Assembly. 

The seventeenth session of the Legislature 
began January 13, and closed April 4, 1864. In 
this session Hon. William Ketchum, of Rich- 
land City, rei)resented the district in the Sen- 
ate. Hon. John Walworth was again in the 
Assembly, having been re-elected. 

Hon. William Ketchum was born at Jericho, 
Tjong I.sland, May 24,1819. In 1851 l|e came 



west and located at Richland City, where for 
many years he was engaged in the lumber bu'^i- 
ness. He served his two terms in the State 
Senate with honor to himself and to the entire 
satisfaction of his constituents. He was always 
relied upon for his integrity and uprightness in 
all his official acts. His home remained at 
Richland city until the time of his death which 
occurred Sept. 14, 1879. 

Tiie eighteenth session of the Legislature 
convened Jan. 11, 1^65, and adjourned April 10, 

1865. William Ketchum was still in the Sen- 
ate. Henry L. Eaton, of Lone Rock,- represen- 
ted Richland county in the Assembly. Mr. 
Eaton still lives in the town of IJuena Vista. 

The Legislature convened for its nineteenth 
session Jan 10, 1866, and adj(iuri\ed April 12, 

1866. At this time Richland county was asso- 
ciated with Crawford as a senatorial district and 
was icpresented in the upper house by l^eiija- 
min Bull, of Prairie du Chien. H. L. Eaton 
was still in the Assembly. 

The twentieth session of the Legislature be- 
gan Jan. 9, 1867, and closed April 11, 1867. The 
Senatorial district remained the same as in the 
preceding yeai-, and Mr. Bull was still in the 
Senate. In the Assembly, Ira S. Haseltine served 
Richland county. 

The twenty-first session convened January 
8, and adjourned March 6, 1868. William 
Ketchum, of Richland City, had been again 
elected to the Senate from this district. Capt, 
Warren C. S. Barron, then of Westford, but 
now of Richland Centre, had been elected to 
succeed Haseltine in the Assembly. 

The twenty-second session of the Legislature 
convened .lanuary 13, and adjourned March 11, 

1869. William Ketchum was still in the Senate. 
Joseph M. Thomas, of Lone Rock, served the 
county in the Assembly. Mr. Thomas is still a 
resident of the town of Buena Vista. 

The twenty-third session of the Legislature 
convened .lauuary 12. and adjourned March 17, 

1870. At this time George Krouskop, of Rich- 
laud Centre, was representing the (lislrjct iij 



826 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



the Senate ; and Janaes H. Miner, of Richland 
Centre, served the county in the Assembly. 

The twenty-fourth session began January 11, 
and adjourned March 25, 1871. George Krous- 
kop was still in the Senate. Elihu Bailey, of 
the town of Marshall, had again been elected to 
represent the county in the Assembly. 

The twenty-fifth session of the Legislature 
began January 10, and closed March 27, 1872. 
Henry L. Eaton, of Lone Rock, was Senator 
from this district. Richland county, according 
to the census taken in 1870, was entitled to two 
representatives in the Assembly. They were 
William Dixon, of Ithaca, and George W. Put- 
nam, of Ash Ridge. J. H. Waggoner, a former 
resident of Richland county, was chief clerk of 
the Assembly during this and the two follow- 
ing sessions. 

The twenty-sixth session convened January 8, 
and adjourned March 20, 1873. Henry L. 
Eaton, of the town of Buena Vista, was still in 
the Senate. In the Assembly, Richland county 
was served by Norman L. James, of Richland 
Centre, and George W. Putnam, of Ash 
Ridge. 

The Legislature convened for its twenty- 
seventh session January 14, and adjourned 
March 12, 1874. George Krouskop, of Rich- 
land Centre, had again been elected Senator. 
In the Assembly, Ricliland county's representa- 
tives were Joseph B. McGrew, of the town of 
Richland, and Phillip M. Smith, of Marshall. 

The twenty-eighth session of the Legislature 
began January 13, and closed March 6, 1875. 
George Krouskop was still in the Senate. In 
the Assembly, Richland county was served Viy 
Norman L. James, of Richland Centre, and 
Benjamin F. Washburn, of the town of Rich- 
wood. 

The Legislature convened Jan. 12, 1876, for 
the twenty-ninth session, and adjourned March 
14, 1876. Daniel L. Downs, of Richland Cen- 
tre, had been elected to succeed George Krous- 
kop as State Senator. The assemblymen fi®in 



this county were J. L. R. McCollum, of Sexton- 
ville, and Henry H. Hoyt, of West Branch. 

The thirtieth session began Jan. 10, 1877, and 
adjourned March 8, 1877. D. L. Downs was 
still in the Senate. In the Assembly, Richland 
county was served by J. L. R. McCollom, of 
Sextonville, and Elihu Bailey, of Mill Creek. 

The thirty-first session of the Legislature be- 
gan January 9, and closed March 21, 1878. This 
Legislature met in extra session June 4, 1878, 
for the purpose of completing the revision of 
the statutes, and adjourned June 7, 1878. Ar- 
chibald Campbell, of Middleburg, was Senator, 
from Richland county. The assemblymen 
from Richland were Philip M. Smitli, of Rich- 
land Centre, and Joseph M. Thomas, of Lone 
Rock. 

The Legislature convened for its thirty-second 
session January 8, and adjourned March 5, 1879. 
The representatives from Richland county 
were the same in this as in the preceding ses- 
sion, except that J. M. Thomas, of Ithaca, had 
succeeded P. M. Smith, in the Assembly. 

The thirty-third session of the Legislature be- 
gan in January, 1880, and closed in April, 1880. 
J. B. McGrew had been elected State Senator, 
and took his seat at the opening of the session. 
The assemblymen were William H. Joslin, of 
the town of Rockbridge, and J. H. Case, of the 
town of Eagle. Mr. Case now lives near Win- 
throp, Iowa. 

The Legislature convened in January, 1881, 
for its thirty-fourth session, and adjourned April, 
1881. Mr. McGrew was still in the Senate. B. M. 
Jarvis, of the town of Westford, and John H. 
Case, of the town of Eagle, served the county 
in the Assembly. 

The thirty-fifth session of the Legislature 
began in January, and closed in March, 1882. 
This couuty at that time was associated with 
Iowa county as a senatorial district, and was 
represented by W. C. Meffert, a harness-maker, 
who lived at Arena, in Iowa county. The as- 
semblymen from Richland county in this ses- 
sion were James Wasburn, of the town of Rock- 



IIISTORV OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



827 



bridge, and George H. Tate, of the town of 
Forest. 

During the winter of 1852—3 an act was 
passed by the Legislature ohanging the terms 
of office of senators from two to four years, 
and assemblymen from one to t-* o years. The 
number of assemblymen was lessened, and 
Richland county was only entitled to one 
represtMitative in the lower house. It was also 
provided that thereafter sessions of the Legisla- 
ture should be held biennially. Senator Meffert 
held over from the former election. C. Thomas 
was elected assemblyman. 

COUNTY CLERK. 

John Rutan was the first county clerk for the 
county of Richland. He was elected at the or- 
ganization of the county, in April, 1850, and 
was re-elected in November of that year. Mr. 
Rutan was among the first settlers at Richland 
City, where he was clerking in a store when 
elected to the clerkship. Soon after the expi- 
ration of his term of office he left the county. 
He was a married man ; had a fair education, 
and in those days was considered a prominent 
man. 

In November, 1852, Hascal Haseltine was 
elected county clerk and served one term. Mr. 
Haseltine was a native of Vermont, a member 
of the Haseltine family who settled at Rich- 
land Centre and founded that village. Hascal 
settled with his farailyupon what has since been 
platted as the Schoolcraft addition to Richland 
Centre. He remained in the county for a num- 
ber of years and finally removed to Missouri, 
where he still lives. 

David Strickland, of Richland Centre, suc- 
ceeded Mr. Haseltine, being elected in Novem- 
ber, 1854. His deputy was Israel Janney, who 
• at that time was register of deeds. 

In November, 185C, Charles D. Stewart was 
elected county clerk and served two years. 

By the election in November, 1858, D. Glazier 
Pease, became county clerk, and made an ex- 
cellent officer. Mr Pease is still a resident of 
the town of Richland, 



C. H. Smith succeeded Mr. Pease as county 
clerk, being elected in the fall of 1860. He 
served two years. 

In November, 1862, G. L. Laws was elected 
clerk of court, and being re-elected in 1864 and 
1866, served six years. Mr. Laws was a native 
of Illinois. At an early day, as early at least 
as 1850, he cJme to Wisconsin with his parents, 
and settled in Richland county, upon the Wis- 
consin river, at a point which took the name of 
"Law's Ferry." About 1860, Mr. Laws moved 
to Richland Centre and taught school here; 
when the war broke out he went into the ser- 
vice. At the battle of Williamsburg he lost a 
leg, and after partially recovering, in the hos- 
pital, he returned to his Richland county home, 
and was soon afterward elected county clerk. 
For some time he was associated with W. M. 
Fogo in the publication of a paper at Richland 
Centre, and was also a partner of C. II. Smith 
in the real estate and abstract business. He re- 
mained here until 18*79, when he removed to Ne- 
braska. He is now register of theUnited States 
land office at McCook, in that State. Laws was a 
man of more than ordinary education and busi- 
ness ability, and while like all men he was unfor- 
tunate in some resjtects, yet he is spoken of by all 
as having been a prominent man, and one who 
made many friends. 

W. II. Pier was the successor of G. L. Laws, 
being elected in November, 1868. In 1870 and 
1872 he was re-elected, serving the same length 
of time as Mr. Laws. Mr. Pier is now enaased 
in the banking business at Richland Centre. 

In the fall of 1874, Jesse G. Bunell, then of 
Westford, but now of Richland Centre, was 
elected county clerk In 1876 and in 1878 he 
was re-elected, serving three terms. 

George W. Putnam was elected county clerk 
in November, 1880, and served the regular terra 
of two years. Mr. Putnam is still a resident 
of the town of Marshall, Richland county. 

By the election in November, 1882, Homer J. 
Clark became county clerk, and is the present 



828 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



incumbent, making one of the most thorough 
and efficient officers the county has ever had. 

CLEEK OF COURT. 

The first clerk of court for Richland county 
was A. B. Slaughter, who was elected in April, 
1850, and re-elected in November, 1850, and 
1855<. In 1853 he was elected county judge and 
held that office for three successive terms. 
Judge Slaughter was a Kentuckian by birth. 
He came to Richland county in 1848-9 and set- 
tled in the town of Richwood. A few years 
afterwards he moved to what is now the village 
of Orion, where he remained, coming to Rich- 
land Centre to attend to the duties of county 
judge, until after the close of the war, when 
he removed to Kansas, where he still lives. 
Judge Slaughter was a man of a good deal of 
natural ability, which was supplemented by a 
good business education. He was kind hearted, 
benevolent, genial and pleasant, and a man of 
the strictest sense of honor. Politically he was 
a democrat, but he was not aggressive or dog- 
matic in his political belief, nor much of a 
politician, according to the generally accepted 
meaning of the word. 

C. D. Bellville succeeded Judge Slaughter as 
clerk of court, but did not serve but a short 
time. Mr. Hellville cime to Richland county 
from Indiana and settled with hi^ family upon 
a farm in the town of Richwood. When elected 
clerk of court he came to Richland Center to 
attend court. Later he removed to the town of 
Sylvan and remained there for a number of 
years. Wlien the war broke out he went into 
the service and his family returned to Indiana. 
He settled in that State when the war clo.sed 
and it is presumed still makes it his home. 

A. B. Slaughter succeeded Mr. Bellville as 
elerk of court. He is noticed elsewhere at 
length. 

In November, 1856, John S. Wilson was 
elected clerk of court and served one terra. He 
after vvard became a member of tlie bar and en- 
gaged iu prastice at I^ichl-and Centre, 



Lawrence Van Dusen was elected clerk of 
court in November, 1868, and served two years. 
He also became a member of the bar and en- 
gaged in practice. 

J. L. McKee succeeiled Mr. Van Dusen by 
the election in November, 1860. lie is still a 
resident of Richland Centre. 

In November, 1862, Milton Satterlee was 
elected clerk of the court and served one term. 
Mr. Satterlee is still a resident of Richland 
county, now making Woodstock liis home. 

D. S. Hamilton succeeded Milton Satterlee 
He was elected in November, 1864, and re- 
elected in 1866. D. S. Hamilton was origi- 
nally from the State of New York, hut he came 
to Richland county directly from the southern 
part of Wisconsin in 1854. He located in Rich- 
land Centre, and among other lines of business 
which at times lie followed, he engaged in the 
practice of law before justice courts. He was 
married while here and remained until about 
1873, when he removed to Readsburg, Wis., 
where he still lives. 

James Lewis was the next clerk of court, be- 
ing elected in November, 1868, and re-elected 
in November, 1870. He afterward read 
law; was admitted to the bar, engaged in 
practice, and served one term as district attor- 
ney. 

Michael Murphy, of Richland Centre, suc- 
ceeded Mr. Lewis. He was elected in Novem- 
ber, 1872, and re-elected in 1874 and 1876, serv- 
ing six years. He is the present district attor- 
ney for Richland county. 

In November, 1878, Homer J. Clark the 
present county clerk, was elected clerk of court 
and served one terra. 

George E. Bennett, the present affable and 
efficient clerk of court, was elected to succeed 
Mr. Clark in November, 1880, and was re-elect- 
ed in 1882. 

REGISTER OF DEEDS. 

Marvin White had the honor of first filling 
the office of register of deeds for Ricliland 
county. Jig was fleeted at the organization of 



HISTORY OF KIOHLAND COUNTY. 



S99 



the county in April, 1850, and served until the 
qualification of his successor, who was elected 
in tl;e fall of the same year. Marvin White 
was a mechanic wlio had settled in the village 
of Richmond in 1S49. lie was a single man 
and lio.irded "rouml among the folks." He re- 
mained until 1852 when he went north. 

In November, 1850, Levi Houts, of the pres- 
ent town of Orion, was elected register of deeds 
and served two years. 

C M. MeCorkle succeeded Mr. Houts, as regis- 
ter of deeds, being elected in November, 1852. 
Mr. MeCorkle has settled with other members 
of that family, at Sextonville. He was a man 
of delicate healtli and before his term of oflice 
as register of deeds had expired, he died of 
consumption. In accordance with his wish, ex- 
pressed before his death, the body was buried 
on the tall bluff near his former home. Mr. 
MeCorkle is remembered as a man of e.xeellent 
character, and one who was well thought of 
among the pioneers. 

Upon the death of Mr. MeCorkle, Israel Jan- 
ney was appointed to fill the vacancy and in 
November, 1854, was elected for the full term, 
and was re-elected in 1856. Mr. Janney is now 
a resident of the town of Rockbridge, Richland 
county. 

In November, 1858, Andrew J. Page was 
elected register of deeds. In i860 and 1862 he 
was re-elected, serving six years. "Jack" Page, 
as he was usually called, came to the county at 
an early day, and settled wit!) friends on Wil- 
low creek. He was a cripple having through 
some misfortune lost the use of his limbs, 
so he had to be carried about. When elected to 
office, or ]iossil)ly a short time ])revious, he 
moved to town. He died a short lime afier 
being elected for ids last term as register of 
deeds. Mr. Page was a man of a great deal of 
ability. His appearance was odd, even painful; 
his head being very large in proportion to the 
size of the body , and his legs dangling lifeless, 
almost §citt a chill of pity to all wjio saw hira. 



Pdlltic.illy Mr. Page was originally a democrat, 
but in laler years he became a n-publican. 

Upon tlie death of Mr. Page, John S. Wilson 
WHS appointed register of deeds by the Govern- 
or, and in November, 1863, he was elected to 
the office for the balance of the term. 

Ill November, 1864, .Milton Satterlee was 
elected register of deeds. Mr. Satterlee came 
from Indiana and settled at Woodstock at an 
early day. When elected to office be removed 
to Ricliland Centre, and lived there until after 
the exjjiration of his term, after which he re- 
turned to his former home, where he still lives. 

A. Loveless succeeded Mr. Satterlee, being 
elected in November, 1866, and re-elected in 
1868. Mr. Loveless came from the State of 
New York and settled in the town of Forest, 
Richland county, as early as 1858. He was an 
elderly man at the time of his removal here, 
and had quite a large family. J. A. Loveless, a 
son of his, still lives, and is a prominent man 
in the town of Forest; and a daughter is the 
wife of Van S. Bennett, the State semtor from 
Vernon and Crawford counties. When elected 
register of deeds the old gentleman took up his 
residence at Richland Centre, and remained 
there until a short time before his death in 1871 . 
A. Loveless is said to have been one of the 
most upi'ight and honorable men who have 
lived in the county, and probably no better idea 
can be given of the esteem in which he was 
held than to repeat the words of an early set- 
tler in speaking of him : "He waskind, benevo- 
lent, honorable, of urbane manners, a man in 
every sense. You could not exaggerate hi.s 
worth to a eommunity, nor the esteem in which 
he was lield." Mr. Loveles.s was a republican, 
but dabbled but very little in politics. He was 
badly crippled with rheumatism. 

John D. Funstoii succeeded iNIr. Lovele.>is as 
register of deed.s. He was elected in Novem- 
ber, 1870, and served one term. Mr. I'linston 
is still a resident of Richland Centre. 

In November, 1872, David Sommers was 
elected register of deeds, nnd being re-elected 



830 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



in 1874, served four years. Mr. Sommers came 
to RicIiJaiii'l county at an early day, and settled 
upon a farm in the present town of Sylvan. 
When tlie war broke out he enlisted, and lost 
one arm in the service, after which ho returned 
to his former home. When elected to office he 
removed to Richland Centre. Shortly after the 
expiration of his term of office be sold liis 
place and removed to Dakota; returning ayain 
to Wisconsin, he settled in Vernon county, near 
the Richland county line, where he still lives. 

Reuben Sutton was the next register of 
deeds. He was elected in November, ISTO, and 
re-elected in 1878. 

In November, 1880, W. H. Rennick, of the 
town of Henrietta, was elected to succeed Mr. 
Sutton, and served one term. 

Reuben Sutton was again elected register of 
deeds in November, 1882, and is the present in- 
cumbent. 

COUNTTY TREASURER. 

The first treasurer of Richland county was 
I). H Byrd, who was elected in the spring, and 
re-elected in November, 1850. Mr. Byrd came 
to Richland county with liis parents, in l-!47 
and settled at the head of what has since been 
known as Byrd's creek, in the town of Rich- 
wood. D. H. Byrd afterwards married a 
daughter of Matthew Alexander, whose family 
was the second to locate within the limits of 
the county. When elected treasurer, Mr. Byrd 
moved to Richmond City, then the county seat, 
and remained until about June, 1852, when he 
removed to Oregon, where, it is thought, he still 
lives. 

In November, 1852, Dr. Jacob Brimer was 
elected county treasurer, and being re-elected in 
1854, served two terms. Dr. Brimer is still a 
resident of Richland Centre. 

A. H. Bush was the next county treasurer, 
being elected in November, 1S56. Mr. Bush 
was a native of the State of New York. He 
came to Richland county at an early day, 
and settled upon a farm within tlie i)resent 
limits of the town of Ithaca, where he engaged 



in agricultural pursuits, and also taught school. 
When (lected to office he removed to Richland 
Centre, and later became closely identified with 
the tempei'ance movement, at one time being 
the highest officer of the Good Templars' Lodge 
in the State. A few j-ears later he returned 
to his farm and became a local preaclier for the 
Baptist Church. He remained in the county 
until about 1S74 when he removed to Nebraska, 
where he still lives, having since served one 
term in the Legislature of tliat State. 

In November, 1858, Dr. D. L. Downs was 
elected treasurer and served one term. lie is 
the present county judge. 

E. M. Sexton succeeded Judge Downs, being 
elected in November, 1800. He is noticed else- 
where at length. 

In November, 1862, James L. McKee was 
elected treasurer and served one term. Mr. 
McKee is still a resident of Richland Centre. 

C. H. Smith was elected county treasurer in 
November, 1804, and being re-elected in ] SOO, 
served four years. Mr. Smith was a prominent 
man in the county in the decade between 1860 
and 1 870, and was identified with many public 
intei'ests and enterprises At one time he was 
quite wealthy, but like thousands of others 
throughout Wisconsin, a large proportion of liis 
worldly goods vanished in the great ho|) panic 
in 1808. He moved from here to Wiudom, in 
Cottonwood Co., Minn., where he was elected 
to represent his district in the State Senate. In 
1880 he removed to Worthington, !\!inn., and 
upon the resignation of Hon. J. P. .Mi iilton as 
receiver of the United States land oflice at that 
place, Mr. Smith was appointed his successor to 
that responsible position. At about the same 
time, Mr. Smith was also appointed field agent 
of the Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul & Omaha 
Railroad Company, succeeding Ex-Gov. Stephen 
Miller. He has been honored with many other 
positions of trust by his Minnesota fellow-men, 
and has in every way |noved himself worthy 
of tlieii- suffrage. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



831 



In November, 1868, William H. Joslin was 
cleoted county treasurer, and in 1S70, lie was 
re-elected. Thi' t'lllowing biography of Mr. 
Joslin was piiblislu'il in tlie Wiscon.sin Blue 
Book. "William H. Jo.slin, (Rep.) Richland 
Centre, was l)orn Sept. 25, 1829, in Ypsilanti, 
Mich.; had a common school education; is a 
farmer; came to Wisconsin in 1841 and settled 
at .Madison; settled in Richland county in 184S; 
has held various local offices and was sheriff of 
Richland county in 1859 and I860 ; county 
treasurer in 1869-70-71 and 1872. Recruited a 
company, commissioned captain Aug. 16, 1862, 
assignel to company B, 25th Wisconsin Volun- 
teer Infantry. Sent to Minnesota to guard the 
frontier against Indian depredations. Went 
south February, 1863; stationed at Columbus, 
Ky., till June ; ordered to join Grant at Vicks- 
burg ; returned to Helena, Ark., remained till 
February, 1864 ; accompanied Sherman on his 
expedition, returned and joined the grand army 
at Chattanoog:i, May 5, 1864. Participated in 
the battles of Rcsaca, Dallas, Kennesaw, Nick, 
Jack, Decatur, Atlanta, Jonesboro, with Sher- 
man in his march to the sea, also his march 
through the Carolinas and through to Washing- 
ton; participated in the battles of Salkeliatchic 
and Bentonville. Commissioned major, Au . 
25, 1863. ]{reveted lieutenant-colonel, Mardi 13, 
1865. Was elected assemblyman for 1880, re- 
ceiving 957 votes against seventy-eight for 
Liinenschloss, and 464 for II. W. Fries. Is at 
present assistant superintendent of public i)rop- 
cr(y, a State apjiointment. 

.J. F. Walker succeeded Mr. Joslin as county 
treasurer, being elected in Nov. 1872. Mr. 
Walker is still a resident of the town of Rich- 
land. 

Ill November, 1874, Charles Wesley Peckhani 
of the town of Bloom, was elected comity treas- 
urer and served two vears. 

II. L. Burnhani, of the town of Ithaca suc- 
ceeded Mr. Peckham. He was elected in No- 
vember, 1876, and re-elected in November, 1878. 
Serving four vears. 



frvin Gribble, the present county treasurer, 
was elected in November, 1880, and reelected 
in November, 1882. Richland county never had 
a more capable, obliging and satisfactory officer 
than Mr. Gribble makes. 

SUKRIFF. 

John J. Matthews has the Imnor of having 
been the first sheriff of Richlaml county. Ho 
was elected at the organization of the county in 
A]iril 1850, and re-elected in November of that 
year for the full term. Mr. Matthews was 
among the very earliest settlers in the county, 
and as his name frequently occurs in this volume 
it is unnecesssary, in this connection, to speak 
of liim at length. 

R. C. Hawkins was elected sheriff' in Novem- 
ber, 1852. Mr. Hawkins came to Richland 
county at an early day and settled with his fam- 
ily at Richland Centre, which remained his 
home until after the close of the w;ir. In the 
spring of 1861 he raised a company of volun- 
teers which was mustered into the service as 
company II, of the 5th regiment, Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry, and Mr. Hawkins Avas 
elected captain. The coiu]>any left Richland 
('entre. May 26, 1861. Shortly after the close 
of the war Mr. Hawkins removed to Woodstock 
where he lived until taking up liis residence in 
Dakota, in 1876. He now lives in Sioux F:ill>, 
D. T., and is county judge- of Minnehaha 
county. Mr. Hawkins, was a large man, slow 
of movement, but jolly and whole-souled in dis- 
position. 

In November, 1854, George C. White was 
elected sheriff and served two years. .Mr. While 
was .imong tlie first settlers in the town of 
Rirliniond having settled upon a farm a short 
distance from the present village of Orion, at a 
very early day. Tliere he remained until the 
wnr broke out when he enlisted and was killed 
in the service. Ac, with several others, getting 
into close quarters, surrendered to the enemy 
and were sliot while in irons. JIarvin AVhite 
was a mill of a g' o 1 deal of intelligence and 
ability and was well liked by all the early set- 



832 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



tiers He was an active man in politics being 
what was then termed a democrat "dyed in tlie 
wool." 

In November, 1856, L. M. Thorp, of the town 
of Richwood was elected sheriff and served one 
term. 

William H. Joslin succeeded Mr. Thorp, by 
the election in November, 1858, and served one 
terra. 

E. L. Moody was the next sheriff, being 
elected in November, 1800. Mr. Moody was a 
native of the State of New York. He came 
west at an early day and .settled with his family 
upon a farm in the town of VVestford, Richland 
county. When elected to office he removed to 
Richland Centre and remained until the time 
of his death, which occurred in 186-2. Two of 
his daughter.s now live in the town of Forest. 
He was a man of upright ch.iracter and held the 
respect of all . 

Upon the death of Mr. Moody, A. S. Neff was 
appointed to serve the residue of the term. 
Mr. Neff is still a resident of Richland county. 

In November, 1862, Joseph McMurtrie was 
elected sheriff and served one term. Joseph Mc- 
Murtrie was born in St. Clair Co., 111., in 1832. 
When he w;is nine years old the family re- 
moved to La F.ayette Co., Wis. In 1 843 the 
family scattered, and until 1856 Joseph spent 
most of his time in Iowa county. During the 
year last mentioned Joseph settled in Richland 
Centre, and engaged at blacksmithing. He re- 
mained there until 1871, when he removed to 
Cottonwood Co., Minn., where he still lives. 

In November, 1864, L. M. Thorp was again 
elected sheriff, but did not serve out the full 
term. 

Hiram Welton was appointed sheriff upon the 
resignation of Mr. Thorp, and served out the 
balance of the term. Mr. Welton came origin- 
all v from Ohio but direct from Indiana, in 1852, 
and settled \ipon a farm about two miles south 
oj' Richland Centre. He lived there until tlie 



time of his death in 1873. His widow and sev- 
eral daughters are living in Kansas; and oneson 
W. W. Welton, lives at Sextonville. Hiram 
Welton was held in high esteem by all who 
knew him; being a man of the most strict in- 
tegrity. 

In November, 1866, Joseph McMurtrie was 
again elected sheriff. 

.1. B. McGrew, then of the town of Richland, 
succeeded Mr. McMurtrie as sheriff, being 
elected in the fall of 1868. Mr. McGrew now 
lives in the town of Marshall, and hns been a 
prominent man in political aiidall public moves. 

In November, 1870, ('apt. W. C. S. Barron of 
Richland Centre, was elected sheriff and served 
two years. 

R. D. Robinson was elected sheriff in Novem- 
ber, 1872, and served a like term Mr. Robin- 
son now lives in Chicago. 

In November, 1874, Capt. W. C. S. Barron, 
of Richland Centre, was again elected sheriff. 

G. N. Matteson was elected sheriff in No- 
vember, 1876 and served one term. Matteson 
came from northern Ohio, and settled at Rich- 
land Centie, in 1856. For a number of years 
he was engaged in running a general merchan- 
dise store. He was a dentist by profession, 
and practiced from 1868 until elected sheriff. 
He is still a resident of Richland Centre. 

D. S. Noble, of the town of Marshall, suc- 
ceeded Mr. Matteson as sheriff, and served two 
years. 

In November, 1880, Harry Busby was elected 
sheriff, and served until the time of his death, 
in January, 1882. .Mr. Busby came originally 
from the State of New York. He located at 
Richland Centre, in 1871, and foHowed his 
trade, painting, also n'lnning a livery stable, 
until elected sheriff. His death occurred while 
attending an entertainment in the hall. His 
family still reside in Richland Centre. 

W. C. S. Barion was appointed to succeed Mr, 
Busby and filletl out the reJ!<-U(e of the term. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



833 



A. D. Lane, the present slieiiiT, was elected 
in November, 1882. 

COUNTY JUDGE. 

The first county judge of Richland county 
was J. W. Coffinberry, who was elected upon 
the organization of the county, «n April, 1850, 
and i'e-elected in November of the same year. 
In 1851 he resigned. Judge Coffinberry was 
known as C. Bre, after 1856. He is treated 
more at length in the bar chapter. 

Upon the resignation of Judge Coffinberry, 
David Strickland was appointed his successor, 
and served the remainder of the term, .fudge 
Strickland also receives more extended notice 
in the chapter upon the bar. 

In November, 1853, A. 15. Slaughter was 
elected county judge. He was re-elected in 
April, 18o7, and April, 1801, serving twelve 
years. Judge Slaughter was a native of Ken- 
tucky ; but at an early day he settled in Lafay- 
ette, Ind., where he became judge of the munici- 
pal court. In 1848 he came to Richland Co., 
Wis., and settled in Richwood. In 1850 ho re- 
moved to near Orion, where he remained until 
1868, coming up to Richland Centre to attend 
to the duties of his office. In 1868 he removed 
to Missouri, then to Kansas, where he still lives. 
Judge Slaughter was the kind of a man who 
made every one his friend ; he was a genial, 
pleasant, whole-souled man, highly esteemed by 
all, and had but very few if any enemies. Po- 
litically, he was a democrat. 

James II. Miner, succeeded A. B. Slaughter 
as county judge, being elected in April, 1865. 
He is noted at length in the bar chapter. 

In April, 1869, Henry W. Fries was elected 
county judge. He was re-elected in 1873 and 
1877, serving until the time of his death in 
February. 1880. 

Judge Henry W. Fries was of German <le- 
scent, his father. Rev. Henry Fries having 
come from GermaTiy and settled in Union Co., 
Penn., where Judge Fries was born in 1813. 
He remained there until 1858, when he came 
west and settled in Richland Co., Wis. Here 



he remained until the time of his death, which 
occurred on Feb. 14, 1880. He left a wife, a 
family of ten children and an only brother. 
He had gathered about him many strong friends. 
He had by his social and affable ways, as well 
as by his strict integrity won the confidence 
and esteem of all the citizens. He was well 
liked as a public officer, noted for those sterling 
viitues which go to make up an indej)en<lerit 
and fearless man, and yet had but few, if any, 
enemies. In his official acts he was imjiaitial, 
conscientious and particularly careful of the 
rights of the widow and the fatherless, and it 
is conceded that the probate business of the 
county was never better or more imjjartially 
discharged. 

Ui)on the death of Judge Fries, D. L. Downs 
was appointed county judge, and filled out the 
resiilue of the term. In Ajjril, 18si, he was 
elected for the full term and is the present in- 
cumbent, giving excellent satisfaction to both 
the bar and the county at large. 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. 

As all of the gentlemen who have held this 
office from the organization of the county until 
the jiresent time, have been lawyers, and there- 
fore treated at length in the chapter devoted to 
the bar, it is only necessary in this connection 
to give their names and the years in which they 
were elected. They are as follows: 

John J. Moreland, 1850; John Stone, A]n'il, 
ISDI; David Strickland, 1852; H.A.Eastland, 
1854; James H. Miner, 1856-58; A P. Thomp- 
son, I 860; H.A.Eastland, 1862-64; John S. Wil- 
son, 1866; Oscar F. Black, 1868-70; James 
Lewis, 1872-74; Eugene C. Wulfing, 1876-78; 
Kirk W. Eastland, 1880; Michael Murphy, 

18S2. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 

The change of the educational system, from 
town to county superintendence, has been treat- 
ed in another connection. 

Tlie first ciiiinty superintendent of schools of 
Richland countv was Rev. J. H. Mathers, who 



884 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



was elected in November J 861, and served twn 
years. 

In November, 1803, W. C. Wright was elect- 
ed superintendent of scliools, and served one 
term. Mr. Wright was a law\'er, who, at that 
time was located at Richland Centre. 

In November,'] 8G5, Van S. Bennett, now of 
RocklOM,\'ernon Co., Wis., was elected snj)crin 
tendent of schools. lie was born in Medina, Ohio. 
March 1.5, 1836. He received an academic ed- 
ucation. His parents removed from Ohio to 
Wisconsin in 1846, settling in Medina, Dane, 
county; thence to .lefferson county in 1852, and 
to Richland county in 1855. In September, 
1801 , Van S enlisted in company I, 12th Wis- 
consin Infantry, us lieutenant; was promoted to 
tlie captaincy in May ISOi', and was honorably 
discharged in November, 1864. In 1866 he re- 
moved to Rockton Vernon county, wliere he still 
lives. He was three times chairman of tlie 
county board of Vernon county; was a member 
of the Assembly in 1809-70 and is the present 
senator from Vernon and Crawford counties. 

(i. W. Putnam, of the town of Marshall, slic- 
ceeded Mr. Bennett, as school superintendent 
of Richland county. lie was elected in Novem- 
ber, 1867, and re-elected in 1869, serving four 
years. 

William J. Waggoner, of the town of Forest, 
was elected superintendent of schools in No- 
vember, 1871, and was re-elected in 1873. 

David D. Parsons was the next superintend- 
ent of schools. He vvas elected in November, 
1875, and re-elected in 1877 and 1879, serving 
si.x years. Mr. Parsons was au Englishman by 
birth, but grew up from boyhood in Richland 
county. He received a good education and be- 
came a school teacher, which profession he was 
following at the time of his first election. He re- 
mained here some time after the expiraiinn ■ f 
his term of office, and then removed to Mis- 
souri, where he still lives, engaged in lai'ming. 
He made an excellent officer; although lie 
labored uiidei- tfie great disadvantage of poor 
health. 



In November, 1881, W. Sco't Sweet was 
elected su))erintendent and is the present in- 
cumbent. Through a change of the law, re- 
quiring all county officers to be elected in "even 
ye.'irs," Mr. Sweei's term of office is three 
years, or until 'Jan. 1, 1885. 

C UNTY SURVEYORS. 

James Appleby was the first county surveyor, 
and liad held tlie office most of the time since 
the organization of the county. He was first 
elected in April, 1850, and was re-elected in 
1852. Mr. Appleby walked to the southern ])art 
of La Fayette, Co., Wis., to obtain a compass 
and other necessary apparatus, paying ^80 
therefor, and carried the same back with him. 
The tirst survey made by him was on May 1 7, 
1850. It was laying out a road for the town of 
Richmond, which is now in the town of Eagle. 
The road began in the village of Mononghahela 
(now defunct) and ran nearly due north, ter- 
minating at the quarter post between sections 
25 and 26, town 9 range 1 west. Mr. Ajjple- 
by's second work was surveying and platting 
the villageof Port Andrew, forTliomas Andiew, 
on May 30, 1850. 

In November, 1854, Loreman B. Palmer was 
elected surveyor and served one term. Mr. 
Palmer was raised in Fauquier Co., Va. In 
1845 he came west and located in LaFayetle 
Co., Wis., remaining there until 1848, when he 
came to Richland county and settled on a farm 
in the town of Eagle. There he remained un- 
til the time of his deatli in 1880, and his family 
still occupy the old homestead. Mr. Palmer 
was not a practical suiveyor when he came to 
the county, but was taught tlie business by Ms 
brother-in-law, James Appleb}'. 

Joseph E. Irish was elected surveyor in No- 
vember, 1856 and served two years. Mr. Irish 
came from Ithaca, New York, in 1852, and set- 
tled w iiii iiis parents at Sextonvil'e, Richland 
county. At that time Joseph was liardly twenty 
years of age. He worked at odd job.? for some 
lime, then learned surveying and followed tliat 
quite extensively. He remained at Sextonville 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



835 



for many years, tnarryinn' Lucy Britton. Dur- 
ing the war he began preaching, and for several 
years tliereafter was an itinerant; tinally set- 
tled in Eaii Claire. He was appointed register 
of tlie United States land office, at lliat place, 
and later was elected to the State Senate. Af- 
ter serving his term in the Senate he was ap- 
pointed presiding elder of this, Methodist 
Episcopal Church district, and for four years 
acted as such; then being elected president of 
the Appleton College, which position he still 
holds. Mr. Irish is a man of much natural as 
well as acquired ability,^ and holds the respect 
and esteem of all who know him. ■ 

In November, 1858, James Appleby was 
again elected surveyor and served two years. 

D. Hardenburg succeeded Mr. Appleby by 
the election in November, 18G0. 

In November, 1862, C. D. Bellville was 
elected surveyor and served two years. 

D. Hardenburg, of Lone Rock, was again 
elected in November, 1864, and was re-elected 
in 186(i and 1868. 

At the November election, in ISYO, the candi- 
dates for surveyor, James Appleby and T. 



Borland, each received an equal number of 
votes. LTpon casting lots James Appleby was 
the fortunate man. He refused to qualify and 
Mr. Harden l)uri;', therefore, held over until the 
November electinn, 1871, when he was elected 
for the balance of the term. Mr. Hardenburg 
is still a resident of Lone Rock, in the town of 
IJuena Vista. 

James Appleby was again elected surveyor 
in November, 18T2. He is the present incum- 
bent, having been re-elected in 18T4, ]S16, 1878, 
IPSO and 1882. 

CORONKE. 

This is an unimportant office, and but few 
who have been elected to it have qualified. 
The following is a list of the gentlemen who 
have been chosen to the office, showing the 
yi'ars in which they were elected: 

William Kincannon, 1850; Orin i aseltine, 
1852; Ira S. Haseltine, 1854-56-60-62; A. S. Neff, 
1864; A. Haskins, 1866; H. Collins, 1868-70; 
George Jarvis, 1872-74; W. M. Fogo, 1876; 
John H. Carswell, 1878; D. O. Chandler, I.'^SO; 
Norman L. James, 1882. 




836 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VIII 



THE COURTS OF RICHLAND CUUiNTY. 



When Rieliland county was organized it bo- 
oarae a pari of the fifth judicial cii-cuit 
The first term of court was held by Judge Mor- 
timer W. Jackson, in a rented building at Rich- 
mond (now Orion), commencing Sept. 11, 1850. 
There was but little business transacted. John 
J. Moreland was admitted to the bar after an 
examination by Amasa Cobb and Charles Dunn. 
There was no issue to be tried by petit juiy. 
The grand jury found no presentments. 

The first grand jury empaneled in Richland 
county, was composed of the following gentle- 
men: 

*Israel Janiiey, Lattiniore Rennick, John P. 
Irish, Tiiomas H. Dauglierty, Starling McKiii- 
ney, Loman Parmer, O. L. Britton, Daniel H. 
Byd, B. B. Sutton, William Mathews, Samuel 
Fleck, Stephen Finneil, Nathaniel Greene, 
George Golf, Thomas Mathews, Lucius Canip- 
bell and E. M. Sexton. 

Terms of circuit court were subsequeMtly 
JH'ld at liichmond, in A[>ril, 18-51, September, 
1851, and April, 1852. In September, 1852, 
court convened for the first time in Richland 
Centre. Since that time terms of court luivc 
been regularly held, with a very few excejitions. 
every spring and fall. 

In 1852 Montgomery M. Cothren was elected 
circuit judge to succeed M. N. Jackson. In 
April, 1858, he was re-elected and served for 
twelve years continuously. 



* [Note. — It is a fact well worthy of note, th-it I.'irael.Janney. 
wbo was a member of the tir.st jriaiid jury, was also a tnetn- 
ber and fnrenian of the last grand jury empaneled in the 
county prior to tiie abolishment of that system]. 



At the fall term of court in 1857, there were 
some twenty-seven cases brought against Michael 
Carmichael, and a large number against Peter 
Meehan, of Richland Centre, for selling liquor 
without a license. They were convicted on 
some of the charges and acquitted on others. 
There had been a temperance crusade inaugur- 
ated at Richland Centre. One of the lawyers 
made the board of health of the village believe 
they had the right to order the abatement of 
liquor saloons, if they thought it injured the 
health of the conimitnity. They thought so and 
accordingly ordered that the saloons be closed 
up. The order was resisted. The temperance 
element thereupon acted under the order of the 
board of health and executed it, demolishing the 
dram-shops and pouring the liquor into a conven- 
ient pond. The parties who had a hand in the 
afPair were prosecuted for damages; they git 
a change of venue and took the case to Grant 
county ; from there it was carried to Dane 
county ; and fin dly the papers were stolen or 
lost and the cases were drojiped. These cases 
weie the first of a series of liquor litigation 
which appear upon tiie record, cropping out 
every now and then, until within a very few 
years ago. In the history of Richland Cenire 
will be found an extended account of the tem- 
perance movements of that place, from which 
most of the liquor cases came. 

In August, 1S5S, the case i>f Arnest Ilerrlilz 
'•.S-. Elizabeth Ilerrlitz, for divorce, appeals 
on the records. The attorneys were James II. 
Miller and D H. Priest for the plaintiff, and 
A. C. Eastland for the defendant. The case, in 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



837 



itself, involved merely the general grounds for 
divorce: desertion and quarreling; but it came to 
a tragic termination. Tiie notice of trial was 
served April 13, 1859, and between that time 
and the June term of court the plaintiff was 
murdered. Herrlitz lived in a little cabin in 
the town of Dayton. On the fatal evening, 
just after dark, he heard some one at the win- 
dow, as though they were trying to find the en- 
trance. He went to the door to tell them to 
come in, and just as he opened the door the 
cowardly assassin shot him. He did not see 
who did it; but lived long enough to go to his 
brother's, a half a mile distant, and relate the 
particulars. Squire Durnford was employed to 
look up the facts, and enough was found to lead 
to strong suspicions, but not sufficient to justify 
the arrest of any one. No arrests were made, 
and the matter finally dropped from the public 
mind as new matters arose to draw away the 
attention The matter still remains shrouded 
in mystery, although in the minds of Ilerrlitz's 
friends the bare hope remains that eventually 
"murder will out." 

The case of Ransom and Sophia Ragan vs. 
Samuel and Sidney Simpson, was only remark- 
able in point of the length of time it was in 
litigation. As the oracle says, "way back in 
185»5" the Ragans loaned money to the Simp- 
sons, and secured it by taking a mortgage upon 
some real estate in the town of Ithaca. In li^oH 
this action was brought to foreclose the mort- 
gage, and recover the money or property. 
Every possible defense was made; the case was 
put over several times; then compromised for a 
time; recommenced; continued; then aban- 
doned, atld on and on; this and repeat, remain- 
ing in the courts or out, barely long enough to 
begin a new action, until the spring of 1S83, 
when Samuel Simpson was finally ejected from 
the land. All of the attorneys of Richland 
County were at different times engaged upon 
one or the other side of the suit, besides many 
from adjoining counties, and several distin- 
guished lawyers from Madison. The amount 



of the mortgage was spent several times by 
both parties in prosecuting and defending their 
cases. 

Ths early records of the circuit court have 
not been preserved — some having been burned 
and others lost. The earliest records which are 
in the hands of the clerk of court commence 
with the term of court beginning May 9, 
1H.")9. At this time Judge Cothren was on the 
bench. The record states that "the sheriff, W. 
II. .loslin, opened the court by proclamation." 
There was considerable business to attend to at 
tliis term and court remained in session for 
several days. The sheriff returned the venire 
for a grand jury, and the following gentlemen 
were empaneled: W. J. Bowen, A. MuUen- 
dore, R. C. Field, Jacob Yoder, T. \Miitcraft, 
William Chamberlain, D. M. Donnell, H. J. 
Morrison, D. L. Hubbard, John Chitwood, 
James A. Sharp, Henry Collins, George Nor- 
inan, Sr., J. G. S. Ilayward, Thomas Snyder, 
W. P. Lewis, H. Conner, M. D. Hankins and 
Roswell Hamilton. 

When the court ordered that the petit jury 
be called, the following gentlemen answered 
to their names: Demas Wherry, William Sat- 
terlee, L. Rennicke, Sidney Rose, L. Thompson, 
C. Sharp, F. M. Stewart, J. Manley, John Bar- 
ret, William Robinson, E. Combs, G. D. Ly- 
biand, D. Williams, R. Barnes, James Brinley, 
George Krouskop, B. Graves, D. D. Mosher, C. 
Devoe, John Fry, E. C Walker, L. C. Gonche- 
nour, I). O. Chandler, John Jewell, Samuel 
Clayton, G. P. Derrickson and W. M Murlin. 
The record continues that the following were 
excused: "A. Nudd, because ho was a mem- 
ber of the bar; William Janney, M. Whitcomb, 
Willace Joslin, George E. Hale and George L. 
Dyke had gone to Pike's Peak, and J. M. Cal- 
loway on account of his ])rivileges as a post- 
master." 

At this term of court J. S. Wilson, Charles 
I). Stewart and William Farlin were admitted 
to the bar. The examining commiltee con- 



838 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



sisted of James H. Miner, A. C. Eastland and 
George L. Frost. 

In 1860-1 political influence was brought to 
hear upon the Legislature by those who were 
dissatisKed with M. M. Cothren as judge, he 
being a democrat while this county was heavily 
republican, and particularly by the temperance 
element, and Richland county was taken from 
the fifth judicial circuit and attached to the 
La Crosse circuit. 

In June, 1861, I. E. Messmore, of La Crosse, 
held the term of court here, and then drops 
forever from tiie records. 

Hon. George Gale, of Trempealeau county, pre- 
sided over the term of jjourt held in November, 
1861, and continued upon the bench until suc- 
ceeded by Hon. Edwin Flint, of La Crosse, in 
1863. Judge Flint held his first term of court 
here in June, 1863. 

The case of Wildy Rickerson vs. J. L. Mc- 
Kee, an action on promissory note, which was 
tried at the April term of court, 1863, attracted 
wide interest. The following is a brief account 
of the cause of action: In the summer of 186-2, 
the defendant, J. L. McKee, was nominated 
for county treasurer by the republicans of the 
county. E. M. Sexton, who was county treas- 
uer at the time, announced himself as an inde- 
pendent candidate for the office. It seems that 
Mr. McKee, to secure his own election, gave 
to Sexton his promissory note for $300 in con- 
sideration of the latter's withdrawing from the 
field and throwing his influence toward the 
election of the former; the note being given on 
Sunday. Mr. McKee was elected to the office 
by a majority of 246 over his opponent, Thomas 
C. Clark, and E. M. Sexton received seventy- 
eight votes. He then refused to pay the note, 
claiming that Sexton had worked against him, 
and thrown his influence toward the election of 
Mr. Clark. In the meantime, however, before 
the note became due, Mr. Sexton disposed of it 
and it came into the possession of Wildy Rick- 
erson, as an innocent purchaser. Mr. Ricker- 
son brought suit on the note in circuit court to 



recover the amount due, employing as his 
attorneys Eastland & Eastland. James H. 
Miner, D. B. Priest and J. Allen Barber were 
the defendant's lawyers. Tlie plaintiff relied 
upon the fact of the note he'ing prima facie evi- 
dence of debt, and its being in the hands of an 
innocent purchaser. The defendant's attorney.s 
set up three strong grounds for defense: 1st. 
The note being given on Sunday. 2d. Want 
of consideration. 3d. It was against public 
policy. After a long and hard struggle, every 
point being taken advantage of, the case was 
decided in favor of the plaintiff, Mr. Rickerson, 
who recovered a j'ldgment for the amount due 
on the note. 

The case of Samuel Wood vs. Samuel Pat- 
rick, which was tried at the September term of 
circuit court, in 1863, was an interesting one to 
the citizens of Richland Centre. Dr. O. H. 
Wood had owned the property where Hon. 
James H. Miner now lives. He sold it to 
Samuel Patrick, taking in part payment his 
note, secured by a mortgage on the property. 
The mortgage was never recorded and both 
note and mortgage was sold to Samuel Wood 
and subsequently disajspeared mysteriously. In 
this action Samuel Wood sought to foreclose 
the mortgage and recover the amount due on 
the note. Samuel Patrick appeared as a wit- 
ness on his own behalf, and swore that he had 
paid the note and destroyed the mortgage. Mr. 
Wood swoi-e that the documents had been lost 
or stolen, and it appeared so conclusively that 
the latter was the case that Mr. Wood re- 
covered the amount due, and in default thereof 
took charge of the property. He subsequently 
sold the same to James H. Miner, who still 
lives there. A bill of indictment for perjury 
was soon afterwards found against Samuel Pat- 
rick by the grand jury and he left the country. 
He has never returned. 

In 1864 Richland county again was attached 
to the fifth judicial circuit. Hon. J. T. Mills 
succeeded M. M. Cothren as judge of the circuit, 
and held his first term of court in Richland 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



839 



county in April, 1805. Judge Mills served 
twelve years upon the bench and gave excellent 
satisfaction. 

The ease of Patrick Quinri rs. Harvey Mar- 
shall, is cited as a sample ol' a class of cases 
wliicli arose during the war. It seems that af- 
ter one of the President's calls for men to go into 
the service, Marshall was drafted. He reported 
at Prairie du Chien. Patrick Quinn was a "sub- 
stitute broker" at that place, and for a certain 
amount procured a substitute for Marsliall. The 
latter refused to accept the substitute which he 
had bargained for, and Quinn employed Hasel- 
ton & Dutcber as attorneys and brought this 
action for about §400 damages. James II. Miner 
was retained by the defendant. A change of 
venue was secured and the case was brought to 
Richland county for trial in May, 1866. The 
case was warmly contested, and was postponed 
several times, until finally Marshall compro- 
mised the n)atter by paying Quinn ^25 and the 
case was dropped. 

In October, 1868, tlie case of George Car- 
micliael vs. Andrew Elang and MartiiT Banker 
was disposed of. It attracted a good deal of' 
attention, on account of the principles and 
rights of the parties which it involved. George 
Carinichael lived upon a farm on Sun Prairie, 
in Dane county. Mr. p]lang, for a long time, 
was his hired man. Mr. Carmichael gave to 
Mr. Elang a tract of land containing forty acres, 
telling him that he could live upon it and give 
a mortgage of ^'^OO in payment thereof. No 
money was paid. The mortgage was not re- 
corded, as Mr. Carmichael had no doubt of Mr. 
Elang's honesty. For a long time Mr. Elang 
occupied the place and nothing was said about 
the mortgage. Finally, a man named Hawkins, 
who lived in th<' neighborhood, discovered the 
actual state of affairs. He went to Mr. Elang 
and succeeded in trading some other property 
for the forty acres. His next move was to sell 
the forty acres to Martin Banker, the co-defend- 
ant. Mr. Carmichael then brought this action 
lo recover the amount of his mortgage. The 



defense was ujion the grounds that the mort- 
gage was not upon record and that the defend- 
ant AEartin Banker had no notice of it; that the 
mortgage might be the fruit of a collusion be- 
tween Mr. Elang and the plaintiff. But it was 
sliown that Martin Bankerknew of the existence 
of the mortgage, and the plaititiff recovered 
judgment. The attorneys in the case were 
James II. Miner for the plaintiff, and Eastland 
& Eastland for the defendants. 

At the April term of court in 1860, the case 
of E. M. Sexton I's. Richland county first came 
u|) for trial. The attorneys were Eastland <& 
Cothren for Mr. Sexton, and O. F. Black, dis- 
trict attorney, and James H. Miner for the 
county. This case was one of the most impor- 
tant that has ever arose in Richland county. 
The plaintiff lield the office of treasurer of' 
Richland county during the years 1861 and 
1862. In November, 1861, he liad an account- 
ing and settlement with the board of supervi- 
sors. A committee of three members of the 
board examined his books, and found both the 
debits and credits so erroneous and confused 
(some errors being in his favor and others in 
favor of the county), that they rejected tlie 
books and ascertained the receipts of the office 
from other sources, and required him to produce 
proofs from other sources than his books of all 
disbursements allowed. They reported to the 
board that he had received $2.5,677.13 (giving 
the items) and had disbursed $26,502.46, "for 
all of which," they stated, " we find satisfactory 
vouchers and eviiieiices that it had been paid ;" 
and, after detecting one error in the footings, 
they found due the plaintiff a balance of 
§618.33. The board accepted the re[)ort and 
settled with the plaintiff upon the basis thereof; 
and at the end of 1862 had a full and satisfac- 
tory settlement for that year. In 1863 the 
county board discovered mistakes in the plain- 
tiff's books, threatened him with a suit, and, for 
the piirjtose of jjrotecting his bondsmen, he de- 
posited with the clerk of the board money and 
securities amounting to 11,000; at that and un- 



840 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



der tlie circumstances Mr. Sexton admitting 
that he owed the county. In 1866 he demanded 
a return of this deposit, on the ground that he 
did not owe the county anything ; and a return 
being refused he brought this action to recover 
tlie amount so deposited. Eastland & Cothren 
were retained by the plaintiff, and James H. 
Miner and Oscar F. Black appeared on behalf 
of the county. When the case came into cii" 
cuit court it was referred to A. Durnford. Tiie 
investigation before the referee consumed 
twenty-five days, and he reported as a part of 
his finding, that the defendants (the supervi- 
sors) liad failed to establish, by evidence, that 
there was any mistake in the settlement of 1801 ; 
that "they had failed to prove that the vouchers 
which they produced in support of their defense 
did not, but ought to have entered into said set- 
tlement;'' and that "a large number of the 
vouchers between towns and the county, which 
constituted the basis of the settlement of 1861," 
had been lost ; so that it was impossible to as- 
certain whether any mistake occurred in that 
settlement or not. Tlie referee, therefore, re- 
ported that there was due the plaintiff, from 
defendants, said sum of $1,000 with interest. 
Upon the report of the referee coming into cir- 
cuit court, the attorneys for the county took 
e.xceptions to it and moved the court to set 
it aside. After a very lengthy argument. Judge 
Miner, for the county, speaking for three hours 
upon the point, the court found as facts : 
1. That the defendants had established by evi- 
dence that there was a mistake in the settle- 
ment of 1861. 2. That they had proved that 
the vouchers entered in support of the defense 
did enter into that settlement. 3. That if any 
vouchers had been lost, their contents were 
proven by other documentary evidence equally 
worthy of credit (specifying them, or some of 
them). 4. Tiiat at the time the plaintiff de- 
posited the $1,000, he was indebted to the de- 
fendants in a still larger sum. Judgment was 
accordingly rendered in favor of the defendants 
(the county) for costs. 



Mr. Sexton appealed the case to the supreme 
court, where the judgment of the circuit court 
was aiHrnied; the decision being announced at 
the January term 18V0. As the case attracted 
wide attention and has now become a standard 
case of reference, the opinion of the supreme 
court regarding it, is here presented. Chief 
Justice L. S. Dixon and Justice Orsamus Cole, 
agreed in alKrming the decision of the circuit 
court; but Justice Byron Paine dissented from 
their decision. Both sides are presented: 

"By the court — held: That settlement of 
county treasurer" with county board, is not 
conclusive: 

"1st. That the court might go behind such 
settlement, even after a lapse of six or seven 
years. 

"2d. That upon satisfactory evidence of a 
mistake in such settlement, and tliat there was a 
balance due from the plaintiff, judgment was 
properly rendered against him, notwithstanding 
an alleged loss of vouchers used u])on such 
settlement; especially where he did not show 
what those vouchers were, and for what pur- 
poses the amounts named therein were paid." 

Justice Paine in his dissenting opinion 
claimed: 

"1st. That the settlement should not be set 
aside without clear and positive i)roof of mis- 
take. 

"2d. Tlie facts that the board, in such settle- 
ment, charged plaintiff with a larger amount of 
receipts, as well as credited him with largerdis- 
bursements; that his own books were then 
regarded as incorrect, both in debits and credits, 
and he was required to produce vouchers for all 
credits allowed him; and that these vouchers 
liave since in part perished, forbids the setting 
aside of such settlement without the clearest 
proof of mistake; and the proof here is insuffi- 
cient " 

The case of Andrew Soldusky i-s-. T. P. and 
C. C. Derickson, at the spring term, 1870, was 
an imj.'ortant one. The parties had got into 
some quarrel over land difficulties, and the 



HISTORY OK RICHLAND COUNT V. 



841 



Dericksons assaulted Soldusky, beating him 
vory briilly witli a pitch fork, as he claimed. He 
was laid iij) for a long time by the injuries re- 
ceived, and upon his recovery he commenced 
this action for damages. The jury gave him a ver- 
dict for -Ssno, hut this was reduced by the court 
to ^650, which amount was paid by the defenil- 
ants. '['he attorneys in the case were Cothren 
& Black for Andrew Soldusky, and Eastland & 
Eastland for the Dericksons. 

The case of Robert Akan (vs. Alfred Parfrey 
and De.xter E. Pease, was first tried at the 
April term of court in ISTO. This case was 
afterward carried to the supreme court, and 
has now become one of the most important 
standard reference cases in the Wisconain re- 
ports. The history of the case is as follows: 
The defendants Parfrey and Pease, in 1865, 
built a dam across Pine river, at Richland Cen- 
tre, for tiie purpose of raising water to work 
their water mills. The dam caused the water 
to overflow Robert Akan's land above the dam, 
and ho claimed damages. The defendants 
agreed to pay the plaintiff $-'00 a year for three 
years, for damage to the plaintiff's land, and 
the parties entered into a written agreement in 
the form of a lease, the plaintiff agreeing to 
take -S200 per year for the flowage, and the 
defendant's agreeing to pay the same. At the 
expiration of the lease, the defendants contin- 
ued to occupy the plaintiff's land without his 
consent. In February, 1870, the plaintiff 
brought an action against defendants under the 
mill-dam act of the State, for the purpose of 
having his damage assessed. The case was 
tried at the April term of circuit court in 1870, 
and the jury returned the following verdict : 
"We, the jury, find for the plaintiff, and assess 
the damage at $800, which shall be in full of all 
claim and demand for injury done to the plain- 
tiff's lands at the i)resent height of water, 
estimated at six feet and five inches ;" or, "We, 
the jury, find for the plaintiff, and assess the 
damages to be annually paid the plaintiff by 
the 4efeo4ants ^t the sum of §ioo, which sliall 



be paid so long as the dam shall be used by the 
defendants or their assigns, at the present 
height of water, estimated at six feet and five 
inches, unless a re-asses-sment of damages shall 
be made herein, commencing from the expira- 
tion of the lease. James Tuttle, foreman 
jurors." The verdict was received and allowed 
by the court and recorded. The defendants 
moved to have the verdict set aside, and for a 
new trial, which was overruled by the court. 
On May 4, 1870, the plaintiff made his election 
of the alternative verdicts to take the $800 
gross damages. The defendants failed and 
neglected to pay the plaintiff tlie §800, or 
secure the same; whereupon the plaintiff asked 
for judgment of $800 against the defendants, 
which the court refused to grant. This question 
of whether the plaintiff was entitled to judg- 
ment was carried to the supreme court at the 
June term, 1871, and determined against the 
plaintiff. Up to this time the case had been 
managed by A. Durnford, and Cothren & 
Black for the plaintiff, and Eastland & East- 
land for the defendants; but at this time James 
H. Miner took charge of the plaintiff's case, 
and managed it to final termination, assisted a 
portion of the time by M. M. Cothren. On 
Aug. 14, 1872, the plaintiff served upon the 
defendants a written notice, reciting the sub- 
stance of the proceedings in the case and de- 
manded that the defendants reduce their dam, 
which they refused to do. 

On Aug. 16, 1872, the plaintiff brought an 
action upon the verdict rendered in April, 1870, 
and demanded defendant's dam be abated or 
reduced, and a verdict was returned for the 
plaintiff and judgment and decree entered to the 
effect, that in case the defendants failed to pay 
the plaintiff the $800 with interest and costs 
within sixty days, the sheriff should reduce the 
dam so that the water would not overflow the 
plaintiff's land. From this decree the defend- 
ants appealed to the supreme court, asking that 
the same be reversed and a new trial gratited. 
The whole gontroversy in the case was in regard 



842 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



to the form and sufficiency of theverdict. The 
defense contended: "That the verdict on wliich 
the action was based, to be valid, must find all 
the issues in the case and settle all matters con- 
troverted. That the mill-dam Act jirovided that 
'if it shall be alleged i'l the complaint that the 
dam is raised to an uni-easonable height, the 
jury shall decide how much, if any, the dam 
shall be lowered, and shall state sucli decision 
as a part of their verdict.' That the complain- 
ant in the former action, alleged that the dam 
was raised to an unreasonable height, but the 
jury failed to find anything upon that point." 
"Under this verdict," continued the defense, 
"we find an insuperable difficulty in determin- 
ing the height of the water defendants have a 
right to maintain. Defendants contend that 
they have a right to keep the water up to the 
height it then was, though above the height 
estimated by the jury, while plaintiff contends 
that the water shall be reduced to an absolute 
standard of six feet and five inches. But if six 
feet five inches is fixed as the standard, then the 
verdict must also fix the place where the meas- 
urement is to be made, and fix it, not by infer- 
ence merely, but so as to be definite and une- 
quivocal; and this it utterly fails to do." In 
answer to the objection that the former verdict 
was based upon an estimated height of water 
of six feet five inches, the plaintiff's attorneys 
contended "that the plaintiff could take no ad- 
vantage thereof, since in the event of his bring- 
ing another action, the allegation and proof of 
a greater height of water would not be sufficient 
to maintain his action. He would also l)e 
obliged to allege and prove that the height had 
been raised above what it actually was at the 
time the former damage was estimated, and that 
he was injured thereby. And this is just what 
the plaintiff would be required to prove in a 
new case, if the height of the water in feet and 
indies had not been mentioned in the verdict. 
Plaintiff declares, in the election itself, that it 
is an election to take $800 for his damages, and 
what is stated about the six feet and five inches 



can have no other meaning than to throw light 
upon the estimated height of water at the tim'e 
the damage was estimated. In the event of the 
defendant's paying the $800, plaintiff would be 
estopped from claiming anything more, unless 
he could clearly show that the water had been 
actually raised upon his land by defendant's 
dam to a greater height than it was when the 
former damage was estimated." The wliole 
gist of the contention will at once be seen from 
the sides taken by the parties. After a very 
warm contest, and lengthy argument, the su- 
preme court affirmed the judgment of the circuit 
court, deciding in favor of the plaintiff, Robert 
Akan. 

The case of Jacob W. Lybrand vs. James and 
Santippa Ann Haney was at the fall term of 
circuit court in 1871. The prominence of the 
parties, the amount involved, and the elaborate 
opinion given by the supreme court when 
brought before that tribunal, renders the case 
important and of interest recalling the taxes 
and tax titles of earlier days. The case was 
managed by James H. Miner, attorney ftu' 
plaintiff, with W. E. Carter as counsel; and 
Eastland & Eastland for defendants. Mr. 
Haney was the owner of large tracts of land in 
the southwestern part of the county, upon 
which he neglected to pay the taxes. Tlie lands 
were sold year- after year by the county for 
taxes. Mr. Lybrand purchased the lands at 
the tax sales. Mr. Haney failing to redeem the 
lands within three years after the respective 
sales, Mr. Lybrand obtained tax deeds of the 
lands, ten in all, upon nine forty acre tracts. 
Tlie first deed was dated Aug. 11, 1SB5, and 
the last May 20, 1870. Before bringing the 
action to quit the title and fully obtain the 
lands, Mr. Lybrand projiosed to Mr. Haney to 
quit claim the lands to him upon his paying the 
tax, costs of sale, and one-half of the accrued 
interest. This offer was not accepted, and Mr. 
Lybrand brought this action, setting forth the 
facts of the non-payment of the taxes, that 
deeds had been issued to him, giving a copy of 



IFIS'I'ORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



P43 



each deed, and asked a judgment that he be 
judicially declared the owner, and that James 
and Santi])])a Ann Ilaney be barred and fore- 
closed of all right and equity of redemption. 
The defendants demurred to the complaint 
u|>on several grounds; among others that as to 
the deeds of 1865 they were barred by the stat- 
utes of liinitalioiis, and tint the complaint did 
not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of 
action. The demurrer was argued before the 
circuit court, Judge Mills presiding, and over 
ruled. From this ruling the defendants ap- 
pealed to the supreme court. At the January 
term, 1872, the case was argued before tlie 
supreme court, by A. C. Eastland on the part of 
Mr. Haney, and James H. Miner for Mr. Lj-- 
brand. The ruling of the circuit court was sus- 
tained; but the court went further and held that 
no cause of action could be based upon deeds 
issued more than three years before the time of 
bringing the action. By this ruling, Mr. Ilaney 
was relieved from depositing the amount of 
tax, interest, costs and charges due ujton tlie 
lands, which he was required to do before ho 
would be permitted to serve and file his answer 
to the complaint, so that the plaintiff coul.d ac- 
cept and release the lands, or refuse and test 
the validity of the tax deeds, and take tlie lands. 
Mr. Ilaney made the deposit of something over 
$.300. Mr. Lybrand accepted the money and 
released the lands, upon Mr. Haney's paying the 
costs, about $100, besides S-^O in the supreme 
court. 

About the only trial of any importance at 
the April term in 1872, was that of the State 
of Wisconsin vs. John and George Quacken- 
bush. Oscar F. Black appeared for the State, 
and James II. Miner for the defendants. Jolin 
and George Qiiackenbusli had been arrested in 
December, 1871, for stealing a large quantity 
of hops from Alpheus Hmith, on Willow creek. 
Upon preliminary examination they were held 
to bail, and in default thereof, remaiuli'd to 
jail. They laid in jail all winter, waiting for 
their trial before the circuit court. They bad 



been troublesome guests for the sheriff, who 
found it necessary to chain them to the floor of 
the jail to prevent them from doing mischief. 
When the trial finally came off they were 
found gniltv, but they came so near proving 
that the hops were of no value tliat the judge 
iin]iosed only the light fine of $25, and astound- 
ed the bar and spectators by directingthe sheriff 
to ffive the prisimcrs the limits of the coinity un- 
til the fine was paid. 

The case of Jaquish rs. the Town of Ithaca, 
appears upon the calendar for the October term 
of circuit court in 1872. It was an action to 
recover damages for injuries to the person and 
property, suffered by the plaintiff by reason of 
a defective bridge, parcel of a highway in 
Ithaca, the defendant town. Eastland & East- 
land, with Cothren & Lanyon, were attorneys 
for the town, and George C. Hazelton and O. 
B. Thomas appeared for Mr. Jaquish. It ap- 
pears that during the afternoon of March 8, 
1871, the plaintiff attempted to drive a team 
of horses across the bridge in question, but the 
horses broke through or ran off the bridge into 
the water, and one of them was drowned, and 
the other soon after died from the injuries. 
The stream was usually very .small, but at the 
time of the accident was so much swollen by 
rain and melting snow that the water ran over 
the bridge. The plaintiff claimed, and the tes- 
timony tended to prove,- that in consequence 
of his exposure and exertion in endeavoring to 
rescue his horses, his health was seriously and 
permanently impaired. Therefore he brought 
this action for damages. A change of venue 
was taken to Vernon county. The most im- 
portant points that were argued in the trial 
were, as set by tlie defense : When a highway 
has suddenly become deficient or out of repair, 
through some action of tlie elements, the town 
is not liable for resulting injuries, without no- 
tice and time to repair the defect ; that when a 
parly seeks to recover damages of another 
for an injury caused by the carelessness or 
negligence of the agents or servants of the 



844 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



other, he must himself be entirely free from 
contributory negligence. That plaintiff knew 
the condition of the bridge, and acted carele.ssly 
and negligently in attempting to cross it. It 
was not denied that the bridge was out of re* 
pair when the accident happened, but it was 
claimed that it had suddetily become so but re- 
cently before the time, by reason of a freshet 
in the stream ; and that sufficient time had not 
elapsed thereafter, and before the accident, for 
the town authorities to repair it, or guard trav- 
elers against the danger. But there was evi- 
dence tending to prove that the town authori- 
ties had notice of the defect in the bridge. It 
was undisputed that tlie chairman of the board 
of supervisors of the town passed over the 
bridge on the same afternoon, and before the 
accident to the jjlaintiff, and saw that one end 
of some of the plank was loosened from the 
stringers. Upon this point the court held that 
notice of the defect to that officer, who was one 
of a board charged by law with the care and 
superintendence of the highways and bridges 
in the town, was notice to the town. There 
was considerable evidence tending to prove 
that the plaintiff was guilty of negligence 
which contributed directly to the injury; but still 
there was other evidence to prove that lie ex- 
ercised reasonable care to avoid tlie injury. The 
jury, after a full hearing found for the plaintiff, 
and assessed his damages at $700. The defend- 
ant then moved for a new trial, which motion 
was overruled. The defendant appealed to the 
supreme court for new trial, where the judg- 
ment of the circuit court was affirmed. One 
of the reasons urged in the higher court why a 
new trial should be granted, was that the dam- 
ages were excessive ; that except about fl25, 
they were merely speculative. Upon this 
point the supreme court's opinion was as fol- 
lows : "The testimony tends very strongly to 
show that the exertion by the plaintiff in rescu- 
ing his team, his exposure to the elements, and 
his agitation, all the direct result of the defect 
in the bridge, produ(je4 epilepsy, which dise9.9e 



was developed soon after the accident, and 
from which the plaintiff still suffers. The 
probability is that he will never recover. He 
describes himself as a wreck both in mind and 
body, and the testimony of the physicians is 
that the disease usually terminates in paralysis 
and mental imbecility or total idiocy. It is 
probable that about $500 of the damages were 
awarded for personal injuries. If the jury in 
the lower court found (as we presume they 
did find) that the epilepsy with which the 
plaintiff has been, and still is afflicted, was and 
is the result of the accident, the damages 
awarded are very moderate. Indeed, it would 
seem that the plaintiff and not the defendant is 
the party who may justly complain of the award." 
The case of F. S. Hall vs. Aschel Savage, 
tried at the April term of court in 1873, evoked 
considerable interest, especially among the 
farmers. Mr. Savage lived in the town of Syl- 
van. It seems he sold a yoke of oxen to F. S. 
Hall, the plaintiff, and took $10 to bind the 
bargain, agreeing to deliver the oxen at Viola, 
at a specified time, three or four weeks distant. 
Shortly after this bargain was made, one of the 
oxen was taken sick. Mr. Savage took care of 
and tried to cure it, and did partially recover. 
At the appointed time, however, he took the 
oxen to Viola and delivered them to the plain- 
tiff, receiving therefor the amount agreed upon. 
In a few days the ox died. Mr. Hall then se- 
cured the services of Cothren & Black, as attor- 
neys, and commenced an action to recover the 
amount paid for the ox. James II. Miner was 
retained as defendant's attorney. The point 
involved was whether the payment of the $10 
so far completed the sale that any loss there- 
after would fall upon the pai'ty buying or upon 
the one who sold. The case was first tried be- 
fore Justice A. L. Wilson, of Richland Centre, 
where it was decided in favor of the plaintiff, 
he recovering a judgment for the amount 
paid for the ox. Mr. Savage appealed the 
case to circuit court, where it came to 
final trial at the April tevm, 1S73. After 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



S47 



a sharp contest on both sides, tlie decis- 
ion of the justice's court was reversed, and Judg- 
ment was reiicleied lor the defendant. 

At the April term of court, 1875, the case of 
State vs. Charles Holbrook and Buchanan 
Nicks was tried. The whole northern part of 
the county were interested in this case, although 
the case itself involved but little. It seems 
that the boys and young men, in the vicinity 
of Woodstock, had got into the habit of having 
a "good time," as it is expressed, at church, 
Sunday school, and other meetings of like na- 
ture. Their fun was not vicious, but provoking, 
such as throwing paper wads, laughing and 
carrying on generally. This was in vogue 
there for several years until it became intoler- 
able, and then steps were taken to put an "ef- 
fectual stop" to it. The first case was' brought 
in December, 1874, against Charles Holbrook, 
Buchanan Nicks, Abner Ham^mond, Luthei 
Waldsmith, Joseph Orr, O. M.Neff, and Lymai 
Clark, before Alden Haseltine, justice of th. 
peace. James Lewis appeared for the prosecu- 
tion and James H. Miner, for the defense. 
The trial was a long one, lasting four days, anc' 
was attended by a very large concourse of peo- 
ple. A large number of witnesses were exam- 
ined. It seems that all of the defendants 
were dismissed except the first two, and these 
were found guilty, the fines and costs amount- 
ing to $86. Judge Miner appealed the case to 
the circuitcourt, and again appeared for the de- 
fense. Oscar F. Black prosecuted the case in 
circuit court. The case was disposed of at the 
April term, 1875. The boys had been arrested 
under the provisions of section 1, chapter 
145, laws of 1866, which is as follows: 

"Every person who shall, at any time, will- 
fully interrupt or molest any assembly of peo- 
ple met for the worship of God, or any member 
thereof, or persons when meeting or met to- 
gether for the performance of any duties en- 
joined on or appertaining to them as members 
of any religious society, or any wedding party, 
or other company or as>>embly of peaceable citi- 



zens, or for the recitation or performance of 
oral instruction in vocal music, within the jjale 
of such meeting or out of it, shall be pun- 
ished by fine not exceeding §L'() nor less than 

$5." 

Judge Mills, in his charge to the_ jury,deSned 
what the law contemplates as "willfully molest- 
ing pulilic worship, etc." The following quo- 
tation from the charge will show his interpre- 
tation of the law: 

'•It cannot be regarded as a molestation or in- 
terruption in view of the above law, for a per- 
son to leave his seat in a quiet and orderly 
manner, go out, and return again. But bois- 
troua and noisy demonstrations with tongue or 
feet, such as every reasonable person should 
know would interrupt and molest the exercises 
of the meeting, would render the defendent 
liable to the penalty of the law, if guiliy of 
such conduct. Gestures and grimaces calcu- 
lated to attract the attention of and disturb the 
audience would be such an interruption as is 
contemplated by the law. All peaceable and 
lawful assemblies, equally witli religious socie- 
eties, are under protection of the law. 

"It is your business to determine whether the 
evidence shows such conduct on the part of 
the accused or the contrary. 

"I do not think the evidence against Buchan- 
an Nicks sufficient to go before the jury." 

The jury found Holbrook guilty, and he was 
lined ^10. The other defendant was discharged. 

The case of State of Wisconsin vs. N. H. 
Austin, upon the charge of perjury, was the 
most important case tried at the October term 
in 1875. N. H. Austin was a money lender, a 
man about fifty years of age, and a former resi- 
dent of Richland Centre. He came here from 
Ironton, remained for a number of years, and 
in 1873 returned to the place of his former resi- 
dence. During the summer of 1872, while in 
Richland Centre, he made one loan and a trade 
with a Mrs. Frank, and secured the two notes 
which were given, by a mortgage on a farm. 
When the time expired, he commenced fore 



51 



848 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



closure proceedings. She set usury as a de- 
fense, and succeeded in defeating Austin A 
short time afterward, Austin was indicted for 
perjury, and upon a change of venue the case 
was brought to Richland county for trial. John 
Barker, district attorney for Sauk county, and 
J. W. Lusk, prosecuted the case; and Oscar F. 
Black and W. E. Carter appeared for the defend 
ant. The indictment or complaint charged that 
the defendant was guilty of perjury in swear- 
ing that there was no usury taken for a loan 
made by him to Mrs. Frank in September, 1872. 
Austin claimed that he loaned Mrs. Frank ^56, 
July 8, 1372; th.at she also bought a hop press 
in September, 1872, for which she gave another 
note for $60. The Franks claimed that the 
note given July 8, was for the hop press, and 
the one in September for the loan. In these 
statements laid the gist of this action. Both 
sides swore to their statements. Eighty wit- 
nesses were examined. lion. Alva Stewart, 
circuit judge of the circuit to which Sauk coun- 
ty is attached, and most of the members of the 
Sauk county bar appeared as witnesses. The de- 
fense relied upon proving the truth of Austin's 
statements. It was shown that the hop machine 
was patented by Mr. Bi-ockway, of Richland 
Centre; that the first that he had manufactured 
was not completed until the 2Sth of August, 
1872; that the regular price of them was $60, 
conforming exactly with the note given in Sep- 
tember, 1872. Therefore it could not have been 
delivered on the 8th day of July, because it 
was not in existence at that time. The case 
was bitterly contested on both sides. The jury 
returned a verdict of "not guilty." 

One of the amusing little incidents of the 
trial was: The counsel for the defense had 
proved that Austin had held the offices of 
justice of the peace and assessor of his town 
for many years ; that he was a member of the 
Methodist Church, and an earnest exhorler. 
This was to give the defendant standing be- 
fore the jury. When they came to the closing 
arguments, J. W, Lusk, as fine a:i appearing 



man as ever addressed any jury, in answer to 
the charge of counsel for the defendant, that 
the prosecution was malicious, in getting such 
distinguished lawyers, said, stooping down 
toward the defendant, "I have no enmity nor 
the slightest ill feeling against Austin," who 
was a little, shrimped up old man, "but I could 
earnestly saj', may the Lord have mercy on his 
S'lul !" "Hold on ! Mr. Lusk," exclaimed Judge 
Mills, from the bench, in his fine, screechy 
voice, "if Austin is an exhorter he had ought to 
answer, 'Amen !"' 

In April, 1S76, the case of C. Cooper & Co. 
vs. F. G. and T. C. Rodolf, was tried. It at- 
tracted a good deal of interest, both on account 
of its being warmly contested, and because it 
involved a nice point of law. The plaintiffs 
were engaged in manufacturing, or at least, 
handling saw-mill machinery. They sent an 
agent to the defendant to sell their goods. 
Messrs Rodolf contracted for a saw-mill out- 
fit with this agent. The contract, after setting 
forth the style and size of the different pieces 
of machinery, read, "and also a carriage 
twonty-four or thirly feet in length." The 
design was that the agent should learn which 
was wanted and then scratch out the other; but 
this was neg ected in this case. In due time 
the goods arrived, and the "carriage" was found 
to be twenty-four feet in length. Messrs. Rodolf 
resisted payment for the goods, and when action 
was brought, set up among other points for de- 
fense, that the contract had not been fulfilled. 
The question then was: In a contract of this 
character, which of the parties had the right of 
choice. After a full hearing, the court held 
that the party who was first to act, or, in other 
words, the party who was to make the first 
move toward fulfilling the contract, had the 
right to choose, where the contract contained 
an allernative clau e. Therefore the plaintiffs 
recovered. 

The trial of the case of State of Wisconsin 
vs. Hugh Boyle, for assault with intent to kill, 
excited a good deal of interest at the October 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



840 



term of circuit court in 1876. It involved 
several very nice questions of law and fact. 
Hugh Bo\-le had been upon a spree for several 
days at Lone Rock, and when in this condition 
he «as a very violent man. lie had eaten noth- 
ing for almost two days. On the evening of 
the second day, he was sitting in a saloon be- 
side Andrew Campbell, when suddenly he 
sprang to his feet, and, without any provoca- 
tion, drew a revolver and fired at Campbell 
exclaiming, "I'll blow you through!" He was 
soon secured, and this action was brought in the 
name of the State, chargi' g him with an as- 
sault with intent to kill. The fact of assault 
was very evident, but the question was raised 
l)y the defense whether drunkenness excused it, 
and whether a drunken man could fi)rm an in- 
tent to kill. The defense did not claim that 
drunkenness excused the assault, but it was 
claimed that drunkenness did excuse that class 
of crimes where there must be not only a 
general intent but a specific intent to do the 
criminal act. In the course of trial it was 
argued upon this point, that the mind must be 
cajiable of forming the intent, and if Bovle wa,'- 
so drunk as to be incapable of entertaining thi 
specific intent to kill, although ho intended to 
injure, the crime of assault with intent to kil! 
was not made out. That men are punished 
either according to the gravity of the intent 
combined with the act, or according to the 
gravity of the act combined with the intent, 
and, that a small act with a grave intent con- 
stitutes a great crime, or a great act with a 
small intent constitutes a grave crime. That, 
further, as the act of killing did not take place, 
the prisoner could only be punished for his in- 
tention, which he was too drunk to entertain. 
The attorneys interested in the case were E. C. 
Wulting, James Lewis, James H. Miner and W. 
E. Carter for the prosecution, and Eastland & 
Son and O. F. Dlack for the defendant. After 
a full hearing the jury returned a verdict of 
"guilty of assault" only. The judge fined 
Boyle $100, but iustructcl the sheriff not to col- 



lect the same in case it would embarrass the 
defendant! 

At the same term of court a large number of 
the cases of farmers against the railroad com- 
pany, ui)on appeal from the damages allowed 
by the commissioners appointed to appraise the 
lands, appear on record. The major portion, if 
not all, of these cases were compromised. 

The ease of R. C. Rounsavell vs. Elihu and 
D. G. Pease, was one of the most important 
civil actions tried at the October term of cir- 
cuit court in 1876. The facts in this case, as 
near as they can be learned from conflicting 
statements, were as follows: Elihu and D. G. 
I'ease were proprietors of a store at Richland 
Centre. One day an agent for a sewing ma- 
chine company called at the store to get Mr. 
Pease to take the agency of the machines. Mr. 
Pease had his team at the door in readiness to 
go to Rockbridge. He told the agent that he 
would take the agency, but had no time 
to look over the contract which the agent pro- 
duced. The agent prevailed upon Mr. Pease to 
sign the contract, however, and said he would 
fill it out afterward and leave a copy of it at the 
store. Mr. Pease claimed that he understood that 
he was merely taking the agency of the machines. 
The contract which he signed, however, when 
the blanks were filled, proved to be an order 
for a certain number of machines. In due time 
the machines arrived. Mr. Pease was not suc- 
cessful in selling the machines, and refused to 
p.ay for them. The company then brought this 
action on the contract. The attorneys were Miner 
<fc Wulfing, for the plaintiff, and O. F. 
Black and Eastland Sn, Son, for the defendants. 
The court after a full hearing, held, and so in- 
>tructed the jury, that if the blanks in the con- 
tract had not been filled out as agreed it was 
not binding. The jury took the view that the 
blanks were not so filled out, and Messrs. Pease 
received a judgment for costs. The case was 
carried to the supreme court and the decision 
in the circuit court was affirmed. 



850 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The case of Griffin vs. the Town of Willow, 
came up for trial at the fall term of court in 

1876. It was an action by Daniel Griffin and 
wife for injuries to their persons which they 
alleged they sustained by reason of the defect- 
ive highway. The evidence showed that at the 
place where the accident occurred, a ditch and 
break-water ran diagonally across the road, and 
that upon Griffin driving his wagon into this 
ditch, the axle-tree was broken, the wife was 
thrown from the wagon, the horses ran away, 
and both the plaintiffs sustained personal inju- 
ries. J. W. Lusk, of Sauk county, brought the 
action for damages; but not having time to try 
the case he left it in the hands of James II. 
Miner, E. C. Wulfing and James Lewis, for 
trial. M. M. Cothren and O. F. Black appeared 
on behalf of the town. The case was warmly 
contested and the jury disagreed, being equally 
divided. A new trial was had in the spring of 

1877, when J. W. Lusk was present and man- 
aged the case himself. In the meantime, Mr. 
Cothren had become circuit judge and took his 
place upon the bench. Lusk was advised to 
take a change of venue, but he thouglit 
he would receive as good treatment from 
Cothren as any I'ther judge. O. F. Black and 
W. E. Carter, this time defended the town. 
Again the case was warmly contested; but 
Cothren in his charge to the jury and admission 
of the evidence, left the plaintiff no chance; so 
the defendant received a judgment for the costs. 
Lusk carried the case to the supreme court, 
where the judgment of the circuit court was 
reversed and the case came back to circuit 
court in Vernon county for a new trial. The 
matter ran along for some time, and finally tlie 
case dropped from sight. 

The case of Thomas J. Whitcraft vs. Town 
of Rockbridge, was one of the most im- 
portant cases upon the docket for the fall term 
of court in 1876. James H. Miner and E. O. 
Wulfing appeared on the part of the plaintiff, 
and Oscar F. Black for the defense. Mr. Whit- 
craft, in company with others, w* in a wagou 



crossing the Pine river in the town of Rock- 
bridge, when the old "rickety" bridge gave 
way, and in the fall Mr. Whitcraft was badly 
hurt. He was laid up for some time, and his 
injuries were of such a nature that possibly he 
might never fully recover from their effects. 
He made a proposition to the town of Rock- 
bridge to settle the matter for $250, but the 
town refused to give that much. He therefore 
began suit against the town for $500 damages. 
The road upon which the defective bridge was 
located was one which had been formally 
adopted by the county This was done to 
legalize an act of the board of supervisors, in 
appropriating a small amount from the county 
funds to be applied towards repairing this par- 
ticular road. The defense of the town in this 
action was based upon this fact. The defense 
set forth t' at the road in question was a county 
road; had been formally adopted by the county; 
and if any injury resulted from its being out of 
repair, the county must be liable, not the town. 
But after an exciting trial the jury viewed the 
matter in a different light, and gave Thomas 
Whitcraft a verdict of S310 and costs, amount- 
ing in all to $452.83. 

In April, 1876, Hon. M. M. Cothren was 
again elected circuit judge, and served until 
January, 1883. 

At the April term of court in 1877, the case 
of State of Wisconsin vs. Thomas McClary and 
Hugh Brooks first came up for trial. This was 
probably the most important criminal case that 
has ever been tried in Richland county. A 
great deal of feeling was engendered over the 
case, and it has been difficult for the historian 
to arrive at the true state of facts; but as near 
as they can be gleaned, the history of the cast- 
was as follows: 

Many years ago, Hon. Charles G. Rodolf 
erected a valuable grist-mill on Mill creek, in 
the town of Eagle. Mr. Rodolf was very popu- 
lar, and his mill gained a very large patronage. 
One morning, in 1868, while the employees of 
the mill were at breakfast, the mill was dis- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



851 



covered to he on fire. All efforts to save it 
were futile. The mill was hurned to the 
ground, and very little was .saved. Various 
conjectures were advanced at the time as to the 
origin of the lire. Mr. Rodolf soon rebuilt his 
niiil, and one night about 12 o'clock, when it 
was well nigh completed, the mill was again 
discovered to be on fire, and this time some one 
was seen running from the mill. The party 
who discovered the fire went up stairs and 
there found an old glass-box partly filled with 
rags, shavings, papers, and other combustible ma- 
terial, all on fire. This was extinguished. Mr. 
Rodolf suspicioned one of his neighbors, had 
him arrested, taken before a justice of the 
]ieace at Richland Centre, and held to bail. 
He was afterwards indicted by the grand jury. 
Subsequent developments, however, proved that 
this party was entirely innocent, so the case 
was dropped. The work on the mill progressed. 
It was finished, and continued to run until the 
night of Feb. 6, 1876. Upon this memorable 
nisjht, for the citizens of that vicinity, at be- 
tween the hours of 12 and 1 o'clock, it was 
again discovered that the mill was in flames. 
It was totally destroyed, together with about 
¥1,000 worth of wheat and flour, which was in 
the mill. The day after the mill burned the 
Rodolfs came to the conclusion that the mill 
had taken fire from the stove, which was in an 
office adjoining the mill. Two prominent and, 
it seems, plausible reasons were given for tiiis. 
One was, a snow had fallen early in the evening 
before the mill burned, and no tracks could be 
found the next morning ; the other reason was, 
the unsafe condition of the stove. In the 
spring of 1876, it was whispered around the 
neighborhood that Thomas C. McClary liad 
stated that he had burned the first mill and had 
threatened to burn the other. The Rodolfs 
picked up scraps of evidence, and it was re- 
ported tliey had offered a large reward for in- 
forTuation regarding the burning of the mills. 

Hugh Brooks, one of the defendants men- 
tioned, told Rodolf that Thomas McCIarv had 



hired him (Brooks) to burn tlie mill, agreed to 
give him ^oOO, and had given him ^5, and that 
he (Brooks) had burned the mill. Brooks soon 
after stated to another party that he had not 
burned the mill, nor had Mr. McClary hired 
him to, but there was money in it which he 
could make easier than by hard work. Brcoks 
was arrested in July, 1876, and was locked up 
in jail, without any examination or order of 
commitment. At about this time tlie sheriff 
and C. G. Rodolf went to Spring Valley, Minn., 
to apprehend Mr. McClary, he having removed 
there in November, 1875. The friends of Mc- 
Clary sent Scott Kincannon to advise McClary 
what was being done. After full consultation, 
Kincannon and McClary's attorney at Spring 
Valley advised him to keep out of the way for 
a while, and in the mean time find out 
what they could. The sheriff and Mr. Ro- 
dolf returned without Mr. McClary. Dur- 
ing the hot days of August, Mr. Brooks got 
restless and fled. He was again arrested and 
lodged in jail and remained there until Nov. 1, 
1877, While in jail Mr. Brooks told several 
persons that he had burned the mill. This he 
afterwards denied; said he did not burn the mill, 
and stuck to it, so swearing upon his final trial, 
and claimed Rudolf hired him to so state. Mr. 
McClary's friends paid Mr. Kincannon liberally 
for his trouble, time, expense and counsel ; and 
from the part he had taken it was supposed he 
know the whereabouts Of Mr. McClary. Mr. Ro- 
dolf sentfor Mr. Kincannon to call and see him at 
Muscoda. Mr. Kincannon said he h.ad sympathy 
for Mr. Rodolfs family, and in consideration of 
the $103 paid and $97 to be paid, he told Mr. 
Rodolf the wh'jreabouts of Mr. McClary. F. C. 
Rodolf, by the aid of this information, arrested 
Mr. McClary in Illinois and brought him back 
to Richland Centre, in irons, in March, 1877. 
Mr. Brooks and Mr. McClary were taken befo're 
a justice of the peace, and after an examination, 
Mr. Brooks was remanded to jail, and Mr. Mc- 
Clary held to bail in the sum of $12,500, to 
await trial. Mr. McClary's bail was afterwards 



852 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



reduced by court commissioner Durnford to 
$6,000 wliicli was furnished. 

At tlie April term, If 77, they were proceeded 
against by the State jointly, upon information, 
for arson. Mr. McClary's friends saw at once 
that his being associated with Mr. Broi)ks 
would be a sad blow for the defense. But Imu 
to get Judge Cothren to give separate trials \v:is 
a question. A successful plan, however, was 
devised. Mr. Brooks made an application for 
a change of venue, setting forth in his affidavit 
that he feared he could not get an impartial trial 
in this circuit on account of the prejudice of 
the judges. The change of venue was accord- 
ingly granted, and the case of State vs Hugh 
Brooks was taken to Danecounty for trial. The 
attorneys were (>. F. Black, E. C. Wulfing and 
George C. Hazelton, for the State, and James 
H. Miner, James Lewis, Eastland & Son and 
Dutcher & Brooks, for the defense. The trial 
at Madison was a long one, some forty witnesses 
being in attendance. The most important 
point raised in tlie trial was over the admission 
of testimony. Mr. Brooks liad admitted before 
a justice of the peace that be had been hired to, 
and did burn the mill. The defense objected lo 
the admission of this as evidence, on the ground 
that it was a confidential statement made to an 
officer of the law. The point was hotly argueil 
and the judge sustained the olijection. But 
during a recess for dinner he consulted one of 
tlie criminal lawyers who was in the city, an 1 
when court again convened he reversed his 
former decision and allowed the admissions of 
Mr. Brooks to be introduced. This placed Mr. 
Brooks in a bad position before the jury, and 
he could expect no leniency. If he had not 
burned the mill, as he claimed in his defense, 
then he was guilty of trying to get Mr. McClary 
ill prison by false swearing, and if his former 
statements were true, then he was guilty. 
After being out a short time the jury re- 
turned a verdict of guilty, and the judge 
sentenced liini to five years in the penitentiary. 



The final trial of the State of Wisconsin vs. 
Thomas McClary, for complicity, took place at 
the fall term of circuit court in 1878, in Rich- 
land Centre. The trial excited great interest 
and was attended by a large concourse of people 
from all parts of the county. A great number 
of witnesses were sworn and examined. The 
testimony in a great measure was the same 
facts that have been related. Mr. Brooks 
after having made his first confession, that Mr. 
McClary had hired him to burn the mill, de- 
nied it, and stated that Rodolf had hired him 
to make the confession and throw the blame 
upon Mr. McClary, in the hope of forcing 
money from him (McClary). This was taken 
advantage of by the defense. Thi-oughout, the 
case was managed in a most able manner upon 
both 8ide.s, not a stone being left unturned. 
The charge of Judge Cothren seemed to leave 
no hope for the defense, as will be seen from 
the following extracts from the charge, which 
will also serve to throw some light upon parts 
of the testimony introduced: Judge Cothren 
said to the jury: "If you find from the evidence 
that the defendant had a grudge against 
Rodolf, the owner of the mill, and had made 
tliroats that the mill should be destroyed, it 
justifies the conclusion that the defendant was 
under the influence of motives that might 
reasonably be supposed sufficient to prompt 
him to hire a person to burn the mill. 

"If you find from the evidence that he em- 
ployed, directed or counseled Hugh Brooks to 
burn the mill, you should find him guilty of the 
offense charged in the information. Brooks 
has been judicially found guilty of burning the 
mill. * * It was not the result of an 
accident. You *ill consider the conduct of de- 
fendant in going from place to place to escape 
arrest, leaving his family and having letters 
directed to him under an assumed name. Si;ch 
condiu't usually attends consciousness of guilt. 
Such conduct is not consistent with the possibil- 
ity of innocence. It is inconsistent with the 
probability of iniioceTice, and if not explained 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



853 



upon some reasonable hypothesis, which ren- 
ders it consistent with his innocence, it laises a 
strong presumption against him of guilt. You will 
consider the statement made by Mr. Kincannon 
(if you believe that the defendant made it) 
that he only paid Mr. Brooks $5 when told 
that they would prove he paid Mr. Brooks $5(i, 
and give it such weight as you think it de- 
serves. You will consider the statement made 
to Tuck Rodolf when arrested (if you believe 
that it was made) that if it had been twenty- 
four hours later he never would hare got him in 
tins world, and give it such thought as 
you deem it entitled to. And in the 
same connection you will consider the state- 
ment made to the sheriff, George Matteson, that 
if he liad got his money before Tuck got hold 
of him, he would have given them a bigger 
chase, and give it such weight as you think it 
deserves. It is established that Hugh Brooks 
fired the mill. If you believe that James 
McKiiiiicy went with Mr. Brooks at the time 
the mill was tired, and believe that defendant 
had told Mr. McKinney that he had hired Mr. 
Brooks to do the burning, and had asked Mr. 
McKinney if he would do it in case Mr. Brooks 
failed, your belief from the evidence will lead 
to the result that the defendant is guilty, as 
charged in the information. If you believe from 
the evidence that Mr. McKinney went with Mr. 
Brooks at the time the mill was fired, and be- 
lieve that he was induced to go with Mr. Brooks 
upon Mr. Brooks' representation that the de- 
fendant had employed him to do it, and had 
agreed to pay him $.500 for doing it, and finding 
in connection with the evidence, will justify 
you in finding the defendant guilty, though you 
sliould doubt that defendant had told Mr. 
McKinney that he had hired Mr. Brooks, and 
doubt that defendant had asked Mr. McKinney 
if he would do it in case Mr. Brooks failed. It 
is possible that Mr. Brooks never burned the 
mill. But we are not in this case to look for 
ttiat possibility for the purpose of engendering 
a doubt. He has been tried and found guilty. 



That settles the question that he" was at the 
mill and fired it. To raise any doubt upon that 
subject would require the clearest and most con- 
vincing proof that he did not do it. Every 
question involved in the idea that' the burning 
might have been caused by a defective stove, 
that there was doubt about his doing it, on aC' 
count of tracks in the snow not having been 
found, and his absence from the place of burning 
was passed upon in that case. You will take 
the fact that Hugh Brooks burned the mill as a 
fixed fact, and take that for your starting point, 
unless you are satisfied, from the' evidence, that 
Mr. Brooks did not do the burning. Was the 
defendant accessory to the burning? Mr. Brooks 
in the beginning, charged that Mr. McClary 
employed him to do it. Mr. McClary fled. That 
is a circumstance. It is claimed that defendant, 
when informed of the charge, did not deny the 
charge. That is a circumstance. It is claimed 
that he made statements, inconsistent with his 
innocence, to Mr. Kincannon, to Tuck Rodolf 
and George Matteson. You are to judge. 
James McKinney says that he was present 
when the mill was burned. It is shown that he 
was in the neighborhood and might have been 
present. He is shown to be a man of 
bad reputation for truth and veracity. It 
does not follow that because his reputa- 
tion is bad that the jury ai"e bound to 
disbelieve what he said. A bad man may 
tell the truth. It is for the jury to say whether 
they believe him or not. Is his statement con- 
firmed by others? They are to consider his 
manner of telling his story. His apparent in- 
telligence and suavity, his means of knowledge, 
the interest he can have for telling a falsehood. 
Would he be like y to accuse himself of a hein- 
ous crime if it were not true? They are also 
to inquire whether the defendant is shown to 
be a man likely to confide in such characters as 
Mr. Brooks and McKinney. Did he associate 
with them? Was he here in Richland Centre 
eating at Mr. McKinney's house at the time 
Mr. McKinney said he was? Had the defend- 



854 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ant boasted of a previous burning and threat- 
ened a subsequent one? Is Mr. McKinney's 
statement consistent with the fact of burning, 
and with his relations to tlie defendant and 
Brooks? If if is, and has inherent evidences of 
trutli in itself, and fits in with all of the circum- 
stances of the case and harmonizes with them, it 
may afford the jury the most incontestable evi- 
dence of the defendant's guilt. You are to 
pass upon the credibility of every witness, and 
are the sole judges of whether any one is to be 
believed. Mr. McKinney is brought upon the 
stand by the public prosecutor. He is solemnly 
sworn to tell the truth. There is no apparent 
reason for supposing that he has any pecuniary 
interest in telling a falsehood. No reason appar- 
ent for his entertaining feelings of personal hos- 
tility towards the defendant. He has every reas- 
on for shrinking from branding himself as a mid- 
night incendiary. The presumption is that one 
will not falsely accuse himself. When he does 
inculpate himself does it not indicate that he 
testifies as one feeling the solemn obligations 
of his oath? It is your duty as reasonable men 
to believe or disbelieve? It is claimed that 
there is doubt of McKinney's statements, aris- 
ing from tracks not having been found leading 
to or from the mill. To make this a ground 
for doubt you must be satisfied that there was 
such an examination made for tracks, as to very 
satisfactorally estahlisli the fact that their 
were not any tracks made, when they must have 
been made if Mr. McKinney's statements are 
true. To warrant you in convicting you must 
be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the 
defendant is guilty. The doubt must be reas- 
onable and not merely imas^inary. It must be 
such as to lead you to say my conscience is not 
satisfied of his guilt. Mere pity ought not to 
deter you from finding according to your con- 
victions. Society in bringing criminals to jus- 
tice, acts upon the principle of self defense. Let 
the guilty go free from the sympathy or soft 
heartedness of juries, and it is difficult to say 
whii is safe or whether property possesses any 



value. Tiie jury is clollied with the defense of 
the public when passing upon the guilt of the 
guilty. If from the whole case you entertain 
a reasonable doubt of the guilt of the accused, 
you will acquit him. If you have no reasona- 
ble doubt of his guilt you ought not to be de- 
terred from any mere sentimentality from say- 
ing guilty." 

After delivering his chaige to the jury, -Judge 
Cothren turned to the sheriff and ordered him 
to take the defendant in charge, and place 
liim in jail, this notwithstanding the fact that 
he was under bail. The jury retired; the judge 
and a few others went to supper, but the major 
portion of the crowd hung around the court 
house in feverish excitement. In a short time 
the bell clanged! Every one rushed to the court 
house to hear the verdict, scarcely any one, not 
even the defendant or his attorney, even hop- 
ing for a verdict of not guilty. But in this 
they were mistaken; for, notwithstanding the 
charge of the judge, the verdict when read was 
not guilty\ The old court house never before or 
since witnessed a scene like that which was then 
enacted! The judge ordered the defendant re- 
leased and almost every one went to their homes 
feeling that justice had been done. Thus closed 
probably one of the most important criminal 
cases that have passed into the history of Rich- 
land county. 

The case of N. H. Sliter vs. Luke Dean and 
Giles Cook, which was tried at the April term 
of court in ] ST 9, attracted considerable attention. 
Sliter was a Baptist preacher; a small, bright, 
dapper fellow of a sensitive, mercurial tempera- 
ment, and a good speaker. He preached in ifce 
town of Sylvan, where he had a large congrega- 
tion. One Sunday, in the fall of 1878, he made 
some remarks which a young man, who was in 
the audience, took offense at, and deemed per- 
sonal. After the services were over, the young 
man walked up to the pulpit and threatened the 
preacher with bodily harm. Sliter shoved the 
young man back. The affair produced great ex- 
citement at the time ; but for several months 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



855 



iiotliing was done regarding it. In the mean- 
time the j'oiing man had left tlie State. Finally, 
at the end of tiiis time, Luke Dean, who was an 
ehler in the Ciiurcli ami a local preacher, pre- 
vailed upon Giles Cook to procure the arrest of 
SI iter upon the charge of the assault mentioned. 
SI iter was arrested in Richland Centre. He 
he was taken before 'Squire Webb, of the town 
"f Syh-an, and remained under arrest all day 
and part of the night awaiting trial, but the 
jrosccution put in no appearance and the case 
was dismissed. Sliter then commenced this 
action against Luke Dean and Giles Cook, for 
malicious prosecution, to recover damages. The 
Ciiurch in Sylvan, wliere Dean was a member, 
and also the Church at Richland Centre, where 



Sliter occasionally preached, were divided in 
sentiment over the affair. The trial in circuit 
court was had at the April term, 1879, and was 
an exciting one. The attorneys were Black & 
Burnham for Sliter, and Miner & Berryman and 
Ex-Judge Mills, for the defendant. After a full 
hearing the jury returned a verdict of $'i70 for 
Sliter. Mr. Sliter afterward abandoned the 
pulpit and began reading law. He now lives 
somewhere in the northern part of this State. 

In April, 1882 George Clementson was elected 
judge and is the present incumbent. The Fifth 
district now embraces the counties of Richland, 
Grant, Iowa, La Fayette and Crawford. Term'* 
of court are held in April and October each 
year. 




856 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IX 



THE BAR OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



There is probably nothing of more interest in 
this history, to the general public, tlian the his- 
tory of its bar, past and present. In this cliap- 
ter, as far as possible, are given sketches of 
every attorney who has practiced in Richland 
county. 

THE BAR OF THE PAST. 

Among those who have practiced before the 
courts of Richland county in the past, and who 
have been resident lawyers, were the following: 
John J. Moreland, A. C. Eastland, J. W. Coffin- 
berry (or C. Bre), A. P. Thompson, E. M. Sex- 
ton, Byron W. Telfair, Josiah McCaskey, D. B. 
Priest, William F. Crawford, Amos Nudd, 
Charles G. Rodolf, John S Wilson, Lawrence 
Van Dusen, C D. Stewart, W. C. Wright, W. 
S. Black, James Lewis, E. C. Wulfing, George 
Jarvis and A. E. Stroud. 

Among others who have been members of the 
bar, but not actively engaged in the practice of I 
law, were: William McFarlaud, W. H. Downs, ' 
Josephus Downs, Ira S Ilaseltine, Hascal Has- 
eltiiie, George C. Wright, A. B. Slaughter, 
Robert Akau, G. W Iladder, D. S. Hamilton, C. 
D. Bellville, Le Roy D. Gage, R. R.Hamilton, 
W. F. Hart, E. Livingston andE. C. Hammond. 

All of the early settlers agree that John J. 
Moreland was the first lawyer to locate within 
the limits of Kichland county. Mr. Moreland 
came here from Indiana as early as 1850, and 
settled at Richmond (now Orion). He was one 
of the first prosecuting attorneys of the county, 
and remained at Richmond until 185-3, when he 
moved to the northeastern part of Iowa. Mr. 
Moreland claimed to have been in practice prior j 



to coming here. He was not a man of educa- 
tion by any means, but was possessed of good 
natural ability and tact, and while here he had 
his share of the practice before justice courts. 
His present whereabouts are unknown, not hav- 
ing been heard from since the close of the war. 

A. C. Eastland was born in the State of New 
York in 1820. His early life was spent upon 
his father's farm. When about twenty-one 
years of age he began the study of law in 
Michigan, and was admitted to the bar at Kala- 
mazoo when twenty-four. He located at that 
place and began the practice of law, remaining 
about four years when he left there. In 1852 
he came to Richland Co., Wis., locating at 
Sextonville. For several years he was engaged 
in a saw-mill enterprise and then came to Rich- 
land Centre and resumed the practice of his 
profession. For a number of years he was 
alone, after which he was in partnership with his 
brother, H. A. Eastland. A. C. Eastland was first 
married at Kalamazoo. He married his second 
wife at Sextonville. He remained in Ricliland 
Centre until 1881, when he moved to Muscoda, 
Grant Co., Wis., where he still lives. He was 
a man of a great deal of both natural and ac- 
quired ability, a well-read lawyer and an able 
speaker. For many years he was considered one 
of Richland county's most able lawyers. 

J. W. Coffinberry came to Richland county 
in 1849, from Michigan, and settled with his 
family at Richland City. He was elected 
the first county judge of the county, but re- 
signed in 1852. During 1852 and 1853 he kept 
a hotel and real estate office in Richland City, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



85t 



and was quite a proiuineiit man in public ar- 
fairs. In 1856 he had his name changed by the 
board of supervisors from "J. W. CofBnberry" 
to ' C. Brc." It was always a mystery wliy he 
took this step. The only reason he offered 
the board for the change was, that the sound of 
the name "Coffiiiberry" when simmered down 
was really nothing more than "C. ^re." He 
remained in the county until just before the 
war broke out when he moved to Kansas, he 
:incl his wife having separated. Jlis sons hav- 
ing got into the stock business pretty exten- 
sively, he now lives with them. Mr. Coffinberry, 
or perhaps, more properly j\[r. Bre, did not en- 
gage in active practice w hen he first came to 
tlie county, but after resigning tlie office of 
(• iiiniy judge, and having his name changed he 
d 'Voted a good deal, if not all, of his time to 
tl)e profession. lie was a man of a good deal 
tuMii' than f)rdinary education for thc)se days, 
and a man of much ability. lie was affable 
and pleasant in his manners, and held the re- 
spect of the early settlers. 

A. P. ThoTn])son was an eastern man. He 
was a graduate of the Albany Law School, New 
York, and came west to pass through pioneer 
life and secure a foothold in his chosen profes- 
sion as the country developed. He first located 
in Sauk county and began practice, but in 1852 | 
came to Ricfiland county and settled in Rich 
mond, now Orion. He was at that time about , 
thirty-five years old, and was married while 
there. He remained at Richmond for about 
fifteen years, when he removed to Grant county, , 
where he still lives. He served Richland coun- 
ty as district attorney for several years. He 
was an able and close lawyer, a good speaker, 
and a man of much more than ordinary acquire- 
ments 

E. ^L Sexton came from New York State at a 
very early day, andsett'ed where Sextonville was 
aftei-ward laid out. The village was platted by 
and named after him. He served the county 
:md town in which he lived in various offices. 
He wa^ admitted to the bar at an early day, 



and devoted some of his time to the practice of 
law, but never had more than a meagre busi- 
ness. In 1874 he removed to Barron Co., Wis., 
where his home remained until the time of his 
death, in 1878. He had a fine legal mind, and 
was one of the best counselors the county has 
ever liad. He held the respect and esteem of 
all, and his death was mourned by a large circle 
of friends. 

Byron W. Telfair became a member of the 
Richland county bar in 1854. He came from 
New York, being a graduate of the Albany 
Law School, and located at Sextonville. He 
had been admitted to the bar prior to his re- 
moval west, and brought a small library with 
him. His professional life dates from his ar- 
rival, for he at once began practice, and con- 
tinued until the war broke out. At this time 
he enlisted and went into the service, serving 
with distinction, and finally becoming captain 
of his company before his discharge Upon 
the close of the war he returned to his Rich- 
land county home, and again took up the prac- 
tice of law, remaining until his death, which 
occurred in 1872. His wife and one child sur- 
vived him, and a few years later they removed 
to the northern part of the State, where they 
still live. Byron W. Telfair was a man of 
much energy in anything he earnestly under, 
took, j'et he lacked the necessary application to 
study which must always be a component part 
of a successful disciple of Blackstone. He was 
an earnest and forcible jury advocate, and with- 
al, fairly successful at the bar. He never had 
much circuit court business, but before the jus- 
tice court, on nearly all trials in his part of the 
county, he ha<l one side or the other. He was 
a democrat in politics. 

Josiah McC'askoy was a native of Scotland. 
He came to Richland county as early as 1852, 
and settled with liis family on Fancy creek, in 
the town of Marshall, and through his intiueiice 
a postoffice was established at that place, with 
himself as postmaster. He remained there uii- 
lil 187+, when he removed to Taylor county, 



858 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



where be diet! in 1879. Josiali MoCaskey was 
a noted character in Ricliland county. He was 
educated in Scotland, and came from the old 
"blue stocking, Presbyterian stock;'" but while 
studying Greek, as he said, he became con- 
verted from the Presbyterian to the Baptist 
doctrine, and was always thereafter a man of 
strong religious tendencies. He was a man of 
high moral character, a great lover of books, 
and a self constituted guardian of the people, 
always being upon the alert to detect fraud in 
persons serving in official capacities. He was a 
very accurate surveyor and an active politician. 
He was not a very good speaker, but what he 
had to say he delivered in ' "sledge hammer 
style." In the practice of law he was never 
very active aside from trials in justice court. 

Daniel Badger Priest became a member of 
the Richland county bar in June, 1855. He 
was born March 9, 1830, in Putnam Co., Ind. 
His father, Fielding Priest, who emigrated 
from Kentucky at an early day, and was one of 
the pioneer settlers of Indiana, was a man of 
great force of character, acknowledged ability 
and unsullied reputation. The early life of 
Daniel was spent upon his father's farm, at- 
tending school during the winter months. He 
completed a liberal education at the Asberry 
University. He chose the profession of law 
for his life calling, and even before arriving at 
his majority was well and favorably known to 
many of the prominent men of his native State. 
In the fall of 1850 he emigrated to Fort bfnel- 
ling, Minn., near where St. Anthony now stands, 
and pre-empted 160 acres of land, remaining 
until the following spring. In 1852 he located 
for the practice of law, at Monroe, Wis., and 
soon afterward married Lucy Farrow, of Ken- 
tucky. Up to the passage of the Kansas- 
Nebraska act and the repeal of the Missouri 
compromise, he was a democrat. But in 1854 
he was a delegate to the congressional district 
convention, held at Mineral Point, and with a 
number of others he dissolved his connection 
with that party, because the convention refused 



to endorse Congressman Eastman in his oppo- 
sition to the Kansas-Nebraska act. In June, 
1855, he removed to Richland Centre and re- 
mained in the active practice of law until 1S61, 
when lie removed to Viroqua, Vernon county. 
During his residence of seven years at Viroqua, 
he was twice elected to the office of district at- 
torney, served two terms in tlie Assembly, and 
also discharged the duties of the office of assis- 
tant assessor of Internal revenue for Vernon 
county. He was also one of the editors of the 
Vernon county Censor. In March, 1869, Secre- 
tary Washburn, tendered to him the appoint- 
ment of minister to Naples, which he declined, 
and accepted the appointment of collector of 
Internal revenue for the sixth district of Wis- 
consin. In 1869 he removed to Sparta, Wis., 
where he was connected with the editorial 
department of tlie Sparta Eagle for some time. 
Sparta remained his home until the time of his 
death, Sept. 6, 1870. While Mr. Priest was a 
resident of Richland county he made a great 
many friends. He was always prominent in all 
public moves and enterprises, and was a leader 
among men. When he came here in June, 
1855, Richland Centre was without any educa- 
tional facilities at all. He at once took hold of 
the matter, worked up an interest, and through 
his influence, to a very large degree, a school 
house site was secured and a building erected. 
He was ever a champion of public interests and 
educational progress. When the news of the 
death of Mr. Priest was received, a meeting of the 
bar was held and resolutions of respect and regret 
were passed. At this meeting Hon. James H. 
Miner, in an address regarding Mr. Priest, said: 
"I became acquainted with Mr. Priest in 
August, 1855, and formed a law partnership 
with him in November following, which contin- 
ued for more than thirteen years. I count myself 
happy in having formed his acquaintance and 
receiving the benefits of his presence. * * ■* 
If we are to count the length of life by what is 
accomplished, he lived long; for he accom- 
plished much. Some have done more; but the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



859 



tt'ii tlioiisaiul times ten thousand have done 
less. His faults were scarcely perceptible 
through his many virtues. He was solid and 
steady, inflexibly just, incapable of using any 
falsehood, flattery or deceit. Neither elated 
with honors nor disconcerted with ill success, 
he now fills an honored grave." 

William Crawford came to Richland county 
in 1855, and settled upon a farm in the town of 
Ithaca. In 1856 he moved into Richland Cen- 
tre, and began the practice of law, becoming a 
partner of lawyer Frost, of Mineral Point. 
He had never read very much law, but was a 
man of much more than ordinary intelligence 
and information, and had very good success at 
the bar, before the circuit court. 

Amos Nudd came from some of the New 
England States and settled with his family at 
Richland Centre, in 1856. The first winter of 
his residence in Richland county he was en- 
gaged at teaching school, after wliich he went 
into the real estate and loan business with L. 
D. Gage, and began the study of law. lie was 
admitted to the bar, and began practice, but 
only kept his "shingle" out a short time, when 
he removed to Waupon, Iowa, where he en- 
gaged in the manufacture of pumps. He still 
lives there. Mr. Nudd was a man of high 
moral character and strict integrity, and held 
the respect and esteem of all. While he never 
became very i)rominently identified with the 
liar of Richland county, he had very bright 
prospects for future success in the profession, 
being a man of ability and education. He had 
a very excellent and intelligent family, his wife 
being the sister of George James. 

Charles G. Rodolf came to Richland county 
at a very early day, and became a prominent 
man in all public affairs. He settled at the vil- 
lage of Orion, where he engaged at general 
merchandising, lie began the practice of law 
in 1S55, and was interested in much of the le- 
gal business in ear'/ days. He was very suc- 
cessful as a lawyer, well read in the law, aTid a 
fair speaker, although his language was quite 



broken his native German accent being plainly 
noticeable. He now lives at Muscoda, in Grant 
county. 

John S. Wilson came to Richland county 
with Ihs parents in 185.3, and settled at Rich- 
land Centre. John S., for a number of years, 
followed teaching school and clerking in stores. 
In 1856 he was elected clerk of court, and while 
in this oflice he read law, and was admitted to 
the bar. After the expiration of his term as 
clerk, he opened a law oflice as partner of 
Amasa Cobb of Mineral Point, and remained 
in practice until the war broke out, when 
he raised a company, became its captain, and 
went into the service. After the close of the 
war he returned to Richland Centre, and again 
opened a law oflice He remained there for a 
number of years, when he removed to Kansas, 
where he is still in the practice of law. While 
here Mr. Wilson did not have a very large law 
practice, but with that in which he was interested 
he was fairly successful. He did a large pen- 
sion business, and it is thought made money. 
While here, in 1857, he was married to Jane 
Hamilton. 

Lawrence Van Dusen came originally from 
the city of New York. In 1854 he located at 
Milwaukee, Wis., and two years later came to 
Richland county and settled upon a farm north 
of Richland Centre. In 1858 he was elected 
clerk of court, and during his term of oflice he 
studied law and was admitted to the bar. 
About the time the war broke out he began 
practice and remained until the spring of 1863, 
when he removed to Iowa. He afterwards en- 
gaged in the practice of medicine, was on the 
roail for a time, and his whereabouts at present 
are unknown. Mr. Van Dusen was a very 
shrewd and able politician, having been brought 
up in Albany, N. Y., where liis fatlier was 
clerk of court and a democratic leader. He was 
a man of polished manneis and of great ability; 
everybody's friend and a sclieming money- 
maker. 



860 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Charles D. Stewart was admitted to the bar 
in Richland county at the May term of circuit 
court in 1859. Charley Stewart, as lie was 
familiarly called, came from the State of New 
York at an early day and settled on Willow 
creek in the present town of Willow. In No- 
vember, 1856, he was elected county clerk, and 
moved to the county seat. He served one term 
in the office, and during that time began the 
study of law. In 1859 he was admitted to tlie 
bar and engaged in the practice of law in the 
northern part of the connty, locating in the 
town of Forest. He remained there until the 
time of his deatli which occurred in 1873. Mr. 
Stewart was possessed of a good education, made 
a good county official, a fair lawyer, and was a 
prominent man in his part of the county. He 
was a jovial, pleasant fellow, and, it is said, 
would rather laugh than eat. 

W. C. Wright came to Richland county as a 
lawyer in 1860 and settled at Lone Rock. He 
had been in practice before coming here and 
was a very well educated man. lie was a liard- 
worker, and a good speaker, when he had time 
to prepare himself. He had a fair practice and 
was very successful at the bir. After practic- 
ing l:iw for several years lie gave it up and be- 
gan preaching for the Baptist Clmreli. For a 
number of years lier was located at Richland 
Centre, and the Baptist church at that place 
was erected during his pastorate. He finally 
moved to Madison and has subsequently 
changed his religious doctrine from the Baptist 
to the Unitarian faith. He still lives in Madi- 
son, where he is engaged at preaching and also 
teaching music, as he is a very fine musician. 

Winfield Scott Black was born in Montgom- 
ery Co., Va., in 1848. He came to Richland 
county with his parents in 1854, and settled on 
Willow creek He received a good education, 
taking a commercial course at the Chicago Mer- 
cantile College, and attending the State Univer- 
sity at Madison. In the spring of 1869 he began 
reading law with his brother, O. F. Black, of 
Riclilaud Centre, and was admitted to the bar 



in the fall of 1870. He at once began tlie prac- 
tice of law in partnership with his brother, and 
this relation was maintained until the fall of 
1875, when W. S. went to Minneapolis as col- 
lecting agent for O. P. Baker & Co. In 1872, 
Mr. Black was stricken with paralysis, but partly 
recovered and was soon able to attend to busi- 
ness again. In January, 1876, he returned to 
Richland Centre, from Minneapolis, and died 
March 22, 18'i6, from pleuro pneumonia, the 
effects of the stroke of paralysis he had received. 
In 1870, Mr. Black had been married to Alia L. 
Downs, and one son, Buford, blessed this union. 
The widow and child are still residents of Rich- 
land Centre. W. Scott Black was a young man 
of more than ordinary promise, and had the 
prospect of becoming an honor to the profess- 
ion. He was bright and keen, a good speaker, 
and a well read lawyer. He was unusually en- 
ergetic in everything he undertook. 

James Lewis grew up from a young man of 
twenty-two, in Richland county, having come 
here at an earlv day with his parents from Indi- 
ana, and settled in the town of Richwood. He 
afterwards married a daughter of L. M. Thorp, 
of the western part of the county, and settled 
down to farming. In 1868 he was elected clerk 
of court, and two years later was re-elected. In 
]S02 he had settled at Port Andrew where he 
read law, and began practice. Upon the expir- 
ation of his term of office he located at Richland 
Centre, for law practice. In 1872 he was elected 
prosecuting attorney, and in 1S74 was re-elected, 
serving four years. For a number of years he 
was in partnership with W. E. Carter, of Platte- 
ville, and they made a good firm. A few years 
a,:s:o Mr. Lewis removed to Nebraska, where he 
is now county judge of Greeley ounty, in which 
county he resides and has a large farm James 
Lewis was a sound lawyer; he was not an elo- 
quent nor even a fair speaker, but he was quick 
to see a point and was abundantly able to tell 
"what he had to say." He was what in the pro- 
fession would be tevmed an "eijuity lawyer." 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



861 



E. C. Wulfing was one of the most promising 
young attornej's who have ever belonged to the 
Richland county bar. He was of German de- 
scent, and came to the county at an early day, 
settling with his parents upon a farm in the 
town of Orion. He afterwards came to Rich- 
land Centre, and took a thorough course of read- 
ing with O. F. Black, and in 1873 was admitted 
to the bar. For several years he was in part- 
nership with Hon. James H. Miner, after which 
he was alone. In 1H76 he was elected prosecut- 
ing attorney for Richland county, and being re- 
elected in I87S, served four years, making an 
efficient officer. He marritd Kate Downs, 
daughter of W. H. Downs, of Richland Centre. 
Mr. Wulfing remained here, acquiring a good 
practice and making money, until 1882, when 
he went to Mitchell, Dak., where he is still in 
practice. He made many friends here, and all 
speak of him as a young man with the very 
brightest of prospects for the future. 

George Jarvis came here a young man, with 
his parents, and settled in Richland City. He 
afterward moved to Richland Centre, where he 
became justice of the peace. He thus became 
pretty well posted in law and conversant with 
the detail of practice and was admitted to the 
bar. He remained here until 1882, when he 
went to Minnesota, where he engaged in the 
milling business. While here he devoted a 
good deal of his time to pension matters. 

A. E. Stroud was a lawyer that located at 
Lone Rock but a few years ago, and after re- 
maining two years, he left the county. He now 
lives in Milwaukee, where he has become jus- 
tice of the peace in one of the city wards. 

THE BAR IN 1884. 

In 1884 the bar of Richland county was com- 
posed of the following gentlemen: H. A. East- 
land, James H. Miner, Oscar F. 151ack, Kirk 
W. Eastland, F. W. lUirnham, J. H. Berryman, 
Michael Murphy and Thomas A. Johnston, all 
of Richland Centre, and actively engaged in 
]iractice. . In additio i to the above the foil w- 
ing gentlgmeij are m^ipbers of the bar but are 



not engaged in practice: David Strickland, 
S. H. Doolittle, A. Durnford and H. W. East- 
land, of Richland Centre; Newton Wells, of 
the town of Eagle; L. M. Thorp, of Excelsior; 
and Dr. R. M. Miller, of Port Andrew. 

H. A. Eastland is the oldest lawyer residing in 
the county. He located and hung out his shingle 
at Sextonville in April, 1851. He practiced law 
at that place for about ten years, then came to 
Richland Centre, where he has since been en- 
gaged in a general law and collection business. 
Mr. Eastland was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., 
April 4, 1816. In 1833 he emigrated with his 
parents to Michigan, where he studied law and 
was admitted to the bar. In 1847 he came to 
Wisconsin and practiced law at Prairie du Sac, 
until he came to Richland county. He voted 
with the republican party from its organization 
until 1876, since that time he has voted the Na- 
tional greenback ticket. He is an active tem- 
perance worker. The only office he ever held 
was that of district attorney. In October, 1851, 
Mr. Eastland was married to Mrs. Isabelle A. 
Pierce nee. Briggs. They have two children — 
K. W. and II. W. 

R. W. Eastland is a son of H. A. Eastland. 
He was born in Richland county, Oct. 5, 185-i, 
and educated in the schools at Richland Centre, 
and subsequently read law. In 1875 he was ad- 
mitted to the bar and has since devoted his 
attention to the legal profession. He is a re- 
publican, politically, and has been district 
attorney, and is at present town clerk. He 
was married Dec. 23, 1877, to Margaret Os- 
trander, daughter of D. B. Ostrander, of Sex- 
tonville. They have one child — Vera B. 

Alexander Black was born in Montgomery 
Co., Va., Feb. 17, 1800. His early life was 
spent on a farm, and through his own efforts he 
succeeded in obtaining a good education. He 
was married at the age of twenty-five, to Eliza- 
beth McDonald, who was of Scotch descent, but 
born in Virginia. Mr. lilack held the office of 
ciuuity surveyor in his native State for many 
years. Air. and Mrs. JJlack reared a family of 



862 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



twelve children. The oldest son, Harvey, was 
a soldier im the Mexican War, and subsequeiUly 
graduated in the medical department of tlie 
University of Virginia. He then, in 1849 or 
1850, went to Chicago, purchased a horse, and 
on horseback went to Green Bay, thence to 
Mineral Point; purchased land in Richland 
county, and went to St. Josepli, Mo.; then re- 
turned through the southwestern States to Vir- 
ginia The entire trip from Chicago was made 
on horseback. In 1854, Mr. Black, accompanied 
by his son, Oscar F., came to Wisconsin to see 
tlie land which Harvey Black had purchased. 
They were, however, intending to go to Texas, 
but on arriving at Richland county they were 
so well pleased with the location that Mr. Black 
purchased a large tract of land on Willow 
creek, and soon after moved his family from 
Virginia, and here engaged in farming until his 
death, which occurred Sep. 17, 1872. His wife 
died May 27, 1880. The children living are — 
Harvey, a physician in Blacksburg, Va.; Ellen, 
wife of James Spickard; Margaret, unmarried; 
Elizabeth, wife of George Krouskop; Amanda, 
wife of William Krouskop; James A., Oscar 
F. and J. Q. Scott Black came with his parents 
to this county and educated himself for tlie 
legal prefession. He married a daughter of D. 
L. Downs. His death took place March 22, 
1870. Charles Black died in August, 1856, aged 
sixteen years. 

O. F. Black was born in Virginia, June 1, 
1840. He came with his father to Wisconsin 
in 1854, and the first season broke land and 
raised a crop of corn. During the next five 
years, assisted by his brother, he broke 400 
acres with o.x teams. He was educated at the 
academy at Richland City, at Albion, and at 
the University at Madison. In the fall of 1861 
he commenced to read law, with John S. Wil- 
son as preceptor, and afterwards with J . H. 
Miner. In 1863 he was admitted to the bar. 
He then read law with H. W. & D. K. Tinney, 
of Madison, one year, then taught school six 
uionthg at Muscoda. In the fall of 1864, he 



stumped the county for Gen. George B. McClel- 
lan for the Presidency, in joint debate against 
D. L. Downs and others. He then clerked in 
the quartermaster's department at Memphis, 
Tenn.. until the following spring, and since 
1866 has given his attention to the legal profes- 
sion. He now has a good practice. Mr. Black 
is fond of traveling. He has crossed the 
plains four times, and has visited nearly all por 
tions of the United States. His politics are 
democratic. He has served two terms as dis- 
trict attorney, and is a member of the F. & A. 
M. June 16, 1875, Mr. Black was married to 
Ida Burnham, daughter of Dr. S. Burnham. 
They have one daughter — Virginia. 

Alfred Duniford is a native of England, born 
in Peckham, near London, May 1, 1818. His 
father, Andrew Montague Isaacson Durnford, 
was lieutenant-colonel in the Third Guards, Brit- 
ish army, and the family was consequently not 
permanently settled at any given place ; but re- 
sided in various parts of Great Britain and Ire- 
land. Alfred Durnford was educated for the 
legal profession, and for a number of years 
was engaged in parliamentary solicitorship. In 
1840 he united in marriage with Annie Smith, 
and in the fall of 1854 emigrated to the United 
States. He stopped at Milwaukee until the 
spring following, then came farther west and 
became one of the early settlers of Richland 
county. He purchased land on section 2, town 
of Dayton, and engaged in farming. But as 
he was admitted to the bar soon after coming 
to the county, he gave considerable of hie time to 
ihe practice of law, and as his practice increased 
he left the farm and removel to Richland Centre 
and gave his entire attention to the legal pro- 
fession until ISSO, when on account of failing 
ileal th he retired from practice, and now resides 
in the north part of the village, where he owns 
thirty acres of land, and is pleasantly located. 
He became asssociated with the democratic 
party soon after coining to America, and still 
adheres to its ranks, but has never taken any 
further interest than to perform his duty as an 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



863 



enlightened citizen. He was court commis- 
sioner for several years, and has served as jut;- 
tioe of the peace. Ilis religious convictions 
are with the Presbyterian society. Mr. and 
Mrs. Diirnfuird have reared eleven children, five 
now living — George, Harriet, now Mrs. J. M. 
Shireman; Rosa, now Mrs. Lewis James ; Ed- 
ward n. and Frederick W. 

.Tames 11. Miner is numbered among those 
who settled at Richland Centre when that now 
thriving village was in its infancy, his residence 
in that place bearing date Aug. 31, 1855, since 
which time he lias given his attention to the 
legal profession. During the spring of 1856 he 
was chosen town superintendent of schools and 
served the people in that capacity one year. In 
the fall of 1850 he was elected district attorney 
and held the office for two terras. In 1862 he 
was deputy United States assessor of revenue. 
In 1805 he was elected county judge and served 
one term. In 1870 he represented his district 
in the Assembly. On the 2Cth day of .July, I8TC 
he was ai)pninted postmaster at Ricliiaud Cen- 
tre and held the office until May, 1881. He 
served as a member of the State Industrial 
school for boys at Waukesha in 1880 and i8t<l. 
He has been court commissioner of tlie United 
States district court since 1872. He served as 
president of the village board one year and is 
now a memlier of the same. He took an act- 
ive part in securing the railroad at Richland 
Centre and was one of the directors of the same. 
Thus it can be seen he has continually held 
positions of trust and honor, which fact among 
many others indicates his ability, and he is to-day 
justly honored and esteemed by his fellow men. 
Judge Miner was born in Lockport, N. Y., Feb. 
4, 1830. His father Luthur Miner, was of Welch 
extraction and a farmer by occupation. Ilis 
mother Eleanor (Grant) Miner, was of Scotch 
descent, but was born in Delaware. The early 
life of the subject of this sketch was spent on 
his father's farm and when eight years old he 
removed with his parents to Hhllsdale Co., 
Mich., where he received an academic education 



and taught school. At the age of eighteen he 
commenced the study of law with Judge E. H. C. 
Wilson and subsequently continued with Judge 
Orsamus Cole. In 18 52 he came to Wisconsin, 
taught school in Grant County, and in April 
1855 was admitted to the bar, on the 12th day 
of May 1 855, at Volga city, Iowa, he was married 
to Sarah Ann Dunn, who was a native of Alle- 
ghany Co., N. Y. The following winter he 
taught school in Richland Centre and was the 
first male teacher employed. The children are — 
Berkie, the first graduate of the Richland High 
school, and now the wife of J. II. Berryman; 
Grant L., Freddie J. (deceased), Carrie and 
Minnie. Judge Miner in politics was formerly 
a whig and now acts with the republican party, 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity having 
served as Master of Richland Lodge, No. 66, of 
which he was a charter member. 

On the 22nd of February, 187f-, the republi- 
can State convention nominated Mr. Miner, as 
one of the presidential electors, and remained 
as such nominee until in October, and then ten- 
dered his declination for the reason that subse- 
quent to the nomination he had been appointed 
postmaster of Richland Centre, which rendered 
him ineligil>le. The declination was accepted 
by the central committee, and Dr. D. L. Downs, 
of Richland Centre, was placed upon the ticket 
to fill the vacancy, and was elected. 

J. H. Berryman is a member of the law firm 
of Miner & Berryman. He was born in La- 
Fayette Co., Wis., March 31, 1854. His parents 
were John and Mary A. (Retallach) Berryman. 
His early life was spent upon a farm. When 
he was twelve years old, his parents removed to 
Jo Daviess Co., 111. He was educated at the 
Normal school at Galena, and afterwards taught 
school. In 1870 he went to Madison, where he 
acted as assistant State librarian, and also read 
law-; afterwards read law in the office of Lewis, 
Lewis & Hale, and in November, 1878, was 
admitted to the bar by the circuit Tiourt. In 
June, 1879, be graduated from the law depart- 



52 



864 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ment of the State University. His residence 
at Richland Centre, dates from November, 1878. 
Oct. 30, 1880, Berkie Miner became his wife. 
They have one daughter — Mary Edith. Mr. 
Berryraan is a republican in politics, and vil- 
lage attorney. Himself and wife are members 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

F. W. Burnham, of the law firm of Black & 
Burnham, is a son of H. L. and Susan (Lowell ) 
Burnham. He was born in Addison Co., Vt., 
June 2o, 1853 ; came with his parents to Wis- 
consin in 1856. He helped till the soil until 
eighteen years of age, then took a course at the 
La Crosse Business College. In the f.all of 
ISTS, he commenced to read law with O. F. 
Black, a preceptor, and in 1877, was admitted 
to the bar, and has since been a member of the 
above named firm. Politically he is a republi- 
can. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. 
and the I. 0. O. F. 

PRESENT COUNTY OFFICIALS. 

Michael Murphy, district attorney, is a native 
of Ireland, born Feb. 2, 1S46. His parents were 
Daniel and Elizabeth (O'Brien), Murphy. The 
family came to America in 1850, and first stopped 
in Westchester, N. Y. In 1854 they came to 
Wisconsin and settled in the town of Willow, 
Richland county, where they engaged in farm- 
ing until 1872. The parents now reside with 
the subject of this sketch. The children living, 
are — James, Kate, Michael, Daniel and Eliza. 
Michael helped till the soil with his father, and 
. received a good common school education and 
subsequently taught school. In the fall of 1872, 
he was elected clerk of the circuit court, and 
held the office six years. During that time he 
studied law, and was admitted to the bar of 
Richland county. In 1880, was admitted to 
pructice before the Supreme court of the State. 
In the fall of 1882 he was elected district attor- 
ney and entered upon the duties of the oflice 
Jan. 1, 1883. His politics are republican. 

In the county clerk's office at this time may 
be found Homer J. Clark, who was elected to thii 
position in the fall of 1 882, and entered upon his 



duties January 1, 1883. Mr. Clark is a genial, 
whole-souled gentleman, affable and accommo- 
dating, ever ready to serve any one who may 
have business in his ofiice, and the people of 
Richland county certainly exercised good jndg- 
in their selection of an officer to this position. 
As a public man he has proved himself a satis- 
factory officer, having served several years as 
town clerk of Richwood, and one term as clerk 
of circuit court, and was assistant enrolling 
clerk, General Assembly, 1882. He is a Royal 
Arch mason, and in politics a republican. Mr. 
Clark is the only son of Edmund and Sally 
(Benson) Clark; was born in Schuyler Co., N. 
Y., on the 20th day of April, 1848. He was 
left motherless when four years old, but subse- 
quently his father married again, and in (866 
the family came to Wisconsin and settled in 
the town of Richwood, Richland county, and 
engaged in farming. Homer received a good 
common school education, and afterwards taught 
a number of terms. He made farming a busi- 
ness, and at this time, in connection with his 
father, owns about 350 acres of land. On the 
23d day of October, 1873, he was married to 
Ada McNelly, daughter of Dr. Henry McNelly. 
They have two children — Nora and Hattie. 

W. S. Sweet, the present county superin- 
tendent of schools, is not an old resident 
in the county, but a gentleman well quali- 
fied for the j)Osition he occupies. His parents, 
Abijali and Maria (Rhodes) Sweet, reside at 
Spring Green, and it was in the district shcools 
of that vicinity, that he acquired the rudiments 
of his education, and at the age of fifteen years, 
taught his first term of school. Being a poor 
boy, he could not afford to educate himself 
at once, so he continued teaching, during the 
winter season, and attending school in the sum- 
mer. In this way he attended one term at the 
State University, and afterward, several terms 
at the State Normal school, at Platteville. In 
the spring of 1875, he was chosen principal of 
the schools at Lone Rock, and in the fall of the 
same year, took charge of the grammar de- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



865 



parlment of the schools at Ricbland Center. 
One year later he was clioscii principal of said 
schools, which position In- iK'ld for four j'cars. 
In 18.S0 he passed liie Stale examination and 
was granted a State certilicate. In the fall of 
ISSl he was elected to the office he now holds, 
anii entered npoii its duties on the first day of 
Jaiiuaiy following. Mr. Sweet is the author of 
u book entitled "'J'lie Polity of Home Govern- 
nieut," which su|)plies a long felt want in the 
schools. JJy the aid of this texl book the pu- 
|dl may- become well-versed in the duties of 
local affairs, thus fitting himself to become a 
useful and belter citizen. Winlield Scott Sweet 
was born in Dodge Co., Wis., Jan. •'!!, 18.54, and 
has always been a resident of the State. Ang. 
24, is76, Jennie C. Fries, daughter of the late 
Juilye Henry W. Fries, became his wife and 
they now have two children — Bula and Bessie. 
Mr. Sweet is politically a republican, and in re- 
ligion, a believer in the Baptist faith. 

li. Sutton, register of deeds, i* a native of 
Ripley Co. Ind., born Sept. .3, 1843. He is the 
third of the five sons of A. M. and Jane M. 
(Wilson) Sutton. His early life was spent 
upon his father's farm. When the Civil War 
broke out, he at or.ce enlisted in company A, of 
the 37ih Indiana Volunteer Infantry; re-enlisted 
in 18(53, and served until August, 1865, when the 
regin\ent was mustered out of service. He 
]);u tieipaied in all of the engagements of his 
regiment and returned home in good health 
and without a scratch. At the close of the 
war, lie resumed farming, and in 1807, liad the 
misfortune to cut one of his legs with an ax, 
crippling liimself for life. In 1870 he came to 
Wisconsin and settled in the town of Eagle, 
llii;hlnnd county, and followed farming until 
the fall of 1876, when he was elected to the 
office he now holds, and in which he is now- 
serving his third term. He is an aceomTnodat- 
ing officer, and well fitted for the position he 
occupies. In politics he is a re])ublican, and 
has served several years as town clerk of Eagle 
town. lie is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, and is present secretary of Richland 
Loiige, No. 60. Mr. Sutton lias been twice 
married. In 1869 to Mary Gaiilt, who died in 
1871, leiving one son — Emmett. In 1873 
Eunice E, Beard became his wife. By this 
union, three children liave been born — Ellen 
K._, A[aud I. and Clyde E. 

The funds. of Richland county are now in 
cliarge of Irvin Cribble, who is servin<jr his 
second term as county treasurer. He was born 
in Somerset Co., Penn., May 0, 1 841 , his parents 



being John and Rebecca (Kanable) Gribble. 
In 1844 the family removed to Clinton Co., Ind., 
and in 1854 came to Wisconsin, and settled in 
the town of Kickapoo, Vernon county. The 
father owned land in Richland county but on 
account of water privileges built his cabin in 
the county of Vernon, and engaged in fanning. 
About the year 1869 the parents removed to 
Viola, where the father died in April, 1875. 
The mother is yet living, and now resides with 
one of her sons. Irvin Gribble assisted his 
parents on the farm until October, 1801, when 
he responded to the call of his country, and en- 
listed in com])any I, of the 12th Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry, re-enlisted Jan. 4, 1804, 
and served until Aug. 10, 1805, when the regi- 
ment was mustered out of service. Mr. Gribble 
was chief clerk in the inspector general's de- 
partment on the day Gen. James B McPlierson 
was killed. Reliirning from the army, he re- 
sumed farming. He was at one time chairman 
of the town board of Forest, and at another 
time treasurer of the same. In politics he is a 
republican, and in 1880 was a delegate to the 
State convention, where he cast his ballot and 
used his influence in favor of James G. Blaine 
for a Presidential candidate. He is a member 
of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. 
Gribble, in 1872, was married to Sarah Bender, 
daughter of Elias E. Bender, and now has five 
children — Lina, Elsie, Ella, ^Villard and Myra. 
James Appleby, the jiresent county surveyor, 
and pioneer settler of the town of Eaijle, was 
born in county Durham, England, Nov. 2/, 
1828. At an unusual early .age he was sent to 
the common school, which lie attended until 
eleven years of age. He was then sent toKirby 
Academy. V\'hen thirteen years old, he, in 
company with his parents, emigrated from York- 
shire, England, to America, coming directly to 
the territory of Wisconsin, and locating in that 
part of Iowa county now known as La l<'ayette 
iH)iir.ty. His father made a claim on a tract of 
mineral land, at that time held in reserve by 
the (Tovernment. As soon as the land came into 
the market he purchased it He erected his 
house nearly on tlie site, where a few years be- 
fore the first lead furnace in that part of La 
Fayette county was built. Here the subject of 
our sketch, at the early age of fourteen, engaged 
in teaching as private tutor for the family of 
James Murphy, Esq., teaching for him two years, 
and again engaged for Capt. Matthew Wil- 
liams iluring one winter, in the same capacity 
— in the intervening time attending the district 
schools in his neighborhood. He was married 



866 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



in 184G to Susanna C. Palmer. She was born 
in Slielby Co., Ky. He went to Jo Daviess Co., 
111., and engaged as clerk in a general store, re- 
maining tliere until the spring of 1S49, when he 
came to Richland county and settled in what is 
now known as the town of Eagle. He made his 
home in that town until 1863, when he removed 
to Richwood, purchasing land on sections i and 
5, town 8, range 2 west. He erected a good 
frame house on section 4, and still makes that 
liis home. Mr. Appleby has been county sur- 
veyor for seventeen years. His first official sur- 
vey was made in 1850, for the town of Rich- 
mond. It was for a road, and commenced in 
the middle of Commerce street, village of 
Monongahela, and extended north pastRodolf's 
mill and terminated at the quarter section 
corner stake, between sections 25 and 26 of 
town 9, range 1 west. He has been superin- 
tendent of schools for the town of E fgle, one 
year, and assessor for the town of Richwood, 
two years. Mr. Appleby is a member of the 
Church of the United Brethren in Christ, be- 
longing thereto about twenty-six years, and lias 
filled many important places in his Church, be- 
ing granted license, by his quarterly conference 
to preach, being quarterly conference secretary 
for several jears, was recommended to the an- 
nual conference, accepted, and given license by 
Bishop Glossbrenner, of Virginia, to preach, 
passed the several examinations required and 
ordained as an elder in said Church. He has 
filled the office of secretary of the Wisconsin 
Annual Conference. He has been appointed to 
and filled the most important committees of his 
conference, and was elected a delegate to the 
last general conference of his Church, of which 
privilege, however, he did not avail himself. 
Notwithstanding his many and arduous duties 
and labors, he can always find time to preach 
the unsearchable riches of Christ. It would 
almost seem unnecessary to add that Mr. Appleby 
is a strong temperance man, upon which he can 
truly say "I nurse my wrath to keep it warm." 
Mr. and Mrs. Appleby have nine children — 
Mary S., J. Marshall, Martha E., Arthur W., 
Laura I., Emma F., Luther L., Annie V. and 
Lelia F. Mr. Appleby is well known in all 



parts of the county, and enjoys, to the fullest 
extent, the respect and confidence of the people. 

Daniel Lyman Downs, M. D., is a native of Trumbull Co., 
Ohio. Ijorn on the 2d day of December, 1834. His father, Ly- 
man Downs, a native of Connecticut, was a shoemaker by 
trade, followed farming to some extent, and for a number of 
years was engaged in buying butter and cheese on the West- 
ern reserve. He would sell his butter and "heese in Cinein- 
atti, then go east and buy clocks, which he would sell in the 
southern States: then buy horses and return to Ohio, and hav- 
ing disposed of them at a remunerative figure would invest 
the proceeds in butter and cheese. His mothei', Esther (Wood- 
ward) Downs, was of Scotch descent, and was born in the 
State of New York. In 1833 the family removed to Michigan 
and in 1838 to Belvidere, Boone Co., III., and settled on a 
farm. Here the subject of this sketch helped till the soil, 
attended school a part of the season and at the age of seven- 
teen entcrcil the Belvidere Academy, where he took a two 
years course. He then commenced the study of medicine 
with Dr. Daniel H. Whitney, attended lectures at the Uush 
Medical College, and in 1847 commenced practice as a physi- 
cian at MillviUe, Jo Daviess Co., 111. In the fall of 1S19 he 
associated Molbry Ripley as a partner and engaged in a gen- 
eral mercantile and drug business. During the month of 
February, 18.50, accompanied by his partner, he came to Wis- 
consin, and about the middle of this month they made their 
first appearancein Richland county. They located at Orion, 
purchased property and established themselves in business, re- 
moving their stock of goods from MillviUe. About this time 
Dr. Downs, failing in health, left his partner in charge of the 
business, and took a trip to the Pacific coast, engaged in 
mining in California until February, 18.53, then returned to 
Orion, and in .\pril, 1853, sold his interest in the store to his 
partner and i-esumed the practice of medicine. In 1858 he 
was elected county treasurer, removed to Richland Center 
and served the people in that capacity one tern. He then 
purchased the drug business of F. P. Bowen, and in 1860 
furnished the necessary capital to build a tannery in this 
place which was the second enterprise of this character 
in the county. In January, 1865, he sold ahalf interest inhis 
drug business to F. P. Bowen, and enlisted in the 46th Wis- 
consin regiment, and served as assistant surgeon until mus- 
tered out. He then again attended to his drug trade until 
1878, when on account of failing eyesight, he sold his interest 
in the business to his partner. In February, 1880, he was 
appointed county judge as successor to H. W. Freis, and in 
the spring of 1881, was elected fora full term. Dr. Downs, In 
politics, was originally a democrat, in 1860 voted for Stephen 
A. Douglas, but in 1864 cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln, 
and has since been a republican. In 1855 he represented hia 
district in the Assembly, and In 1876-7 was a member of the 
Senate . He has been a mr' mber of the county board for m any 
years, and has often been chairman of the same, holding, 
meanwhile, various minor oifices of public trust. He is a 
Royal Arch Mason and a member of the G. A. R. Thus it 
can be seen that Dr. Downs was one of the early pioneers, 
and has been one of the most active citizens of the county, 
and no man within its borders has the confidence and esteem 
of his fellow citizens to a greater degree. Mrs. Downs, for- 
merly Mary D, Cowen, is a native of Illinois. The children 
are— Hubert L., Allie, J. Lee, Minnie L. (deceased) and 
Eno L. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



867 



CHAPTER X 



EDUCATIONAL. 



History bas furnished no lens powerful 
enough for us to discern the beginning of the 
school system, if system it can be called, that 
in the dawn of human intelligence first under- 
took to instruct tlie young. It appears like 
some fixed star which is lost in the nebulaj of 
mythology, and is obscured from our eyes in 
the misty past. We are told of schools of 
astronomy in Babylon, at least 3,300 years be- 
fore the Christian era, schools of medicine and 
science in China but little later. Schools were 
one of the institutions of Egypt in the time of 
Moses, and the schools and lyceums of Greece 
date back to the seige of Troy. But little is 
known of tlie mode of teaching in these early 
days, and, it is not until in the fifteenth century, 
that anything like an intelligent effort seems to 
have been made toward the instruction of the 
masses. 

In our own time and country the history of 
education lias been a varied one. 'l"he Puritan 
had no sooner established himself on the wave- 
washed, stormy coast of New England, than he 
planted the precious seed of the district school, 
whose foundation was so solid, whose roots were 
so deep and far reaching that it secured so 
strong a foothold, the storms and trials of two 
centuries and a half have never disturbed, nor 
interrupted its course, nor loosened its hold in 
its native soil. Tiie system of district schools, 
as these mighty reformers planted and nourished 
it, has endured and does endure to this day in 
the land where they first raised the banner of 
universal eilucation. 



This system, with such modifications as were 
suggested by the difference of time and cir- 
cumstances, was brought from that far away 
land of our forefathers, by them when they 
turned their faces toward the setting sun ; and 
some of the precious seed, so sown, has found a 
lodgment in this, our noble State of Wisconsin. 

For many years after the settlement of Rich- 
land county, each town had the absolute control 
of the schools within its limits, and the town 
superintendent of schools was one of the most 
important of its officers. It was not until 1861j 
when the system was changed and the school 
districts put under the authority of a county 
superintendent of public instruction. The 
gentleman who has the honor to first fill this 
position was J. H. Mathers, who was elected 
November 5, the year above mentioned. He 
was succeeded after two years service, in 1863,by 
W. C. Wright, who also held it for two years. 
The succeeding superintendents were: V. S. 
Bennett, G. W. Putnam, William J. Waggoner, 
David Parsons and W. Scott Sweet, who at 
present, presides over the destinies of the edu- 
cational system of Richland county. 

It has always been the endeavor to choose 
such men for this position as were best fitted 
by nature and education, for the situation, and 
a highly commendable system has been the out- 
growth of this foresight. 

As has been said, the first school taught in 
the county was that opened in 1847, in a room 
of Peter Kinder's house, in Richwood town, 
and from that small beginning has grown and 
ramified into the present full tree of education. 



868 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



No districtis complete without its school liouses; 
ill the county are now some 130 buildings used 
for that purpose, covering an investment of 
about |i40,000, and employing about 210 teachers, 
who liave enrolled in the neighborhood of 7,500 
scholars. Behold, from how small a beginning 
great results may follow. 

In 1875 there were enrolled in the various 
schools of the county 5,429 scholars, out of a 
total population of 7,094, between the school 
ages of four and twenty. At that time 127 
teachers were employed, and the schools of that 
period are spoken of as being in fine condition; 
but those who have lived in the county from 
an early date say that the last eight years have 
seen a remarkable improvement over that. This 
is partly due to the active exertions of W. S. 
Sweet, the present superintendent, who, to a 
liberal education and strong natural abilities, 
brings an earnest desire to raise the standard 
of excellence and quality of the educational 
status. 

The number of scholars enrolled in the va- 
rious school districts of the county, during the 
year 1879, is here given by towns for conven- 
ience of reference: 

Akan, 323; Bloom, 53G; Dayton, 440; Buena 
Vista, 340; Eagle, 454; Forest, 383; Henrietta, 
364; Ithaca, 455; Marshall, 385; Orion, 272; 
Richland, 663; Richwood, 626; Rockbridge, 
492; Sylvan, 434; Westford, 468, and Willow, 
380; or a grand total of 7,029 in the whole 
county. There were at that time, 127 schools, 
taught by 203 teachers, who were paid salaries 
that averaged, for males $28.48, and for fe- 
males $20.34. 

The school buildings were valued at $37,- 
821, without the apparatus and fittings therein 
contained. Most of the buildings were in good 
state of repair, and the county superintendent 
in his report for that date speaks quite proudly 
of the efficiency of the corps of teachers. 

Teachers' institutes are held annually, and 
occasionally semi-annually, with a good attend- 
ance. 



A teachers' association is also one of the in- 
stitutions of the county, which meets weekly 
for the discussion of educational topics and, 
also, for mutual improvement. Nearly all the 
teachers in the county are members of it; but 
many are deterred by distance, and the duties 
attendent upon their profession, from a regular 
attendance. One of the out-growths of this 
pleasant re-union has been 

THE teachers' LIBRAEY ASSOCIATION. 

This is an association which was organized in 
the year 1875, for the mutual improvement of 
the teachers of Richland county. The idea is 
to have a library which is distributed in some 
twenty different localities in the county, from 
which the members can take out volumes to 
read; these books are changed from place to 
place twice every year, so as to give all a change 
of pasture. The society has now about 150 
members, and has accumulated the nucleus of a 
tine library already numbering some 428 vol- 
umes. The members are required to pay $1 on 
joining, and an annual due of twenty-five cents 
thereafer. The matter lias received the support 
of all those interested in educational progress, 
and bids fair to be a large factor in the near 
future in the school system. The management 
is advised by the county school superintendent, 
W. S. Sweet, who is president, and who finds no 
labor too hard or onerous, if it vvill result in 
good to the -cause he has the interest of, so much 
at heart. 

Many of the items relating to the early 
schools and the later and present status of the 
educational interests, having been made men- 
tion of in the history of the various towns, have 
been omitted here to avoid useless repetition. 
By a reference to these, it will be found that 
tliere this subject has received the full con- 
sideration which it deserves, a subject we all 
have the deepest interest in, for it has most 
truly been said that "the public school system is 
the palladium of our liberties." 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



869 



CHAPTER XI. 



GOVERNMENT SURVEYS. 



From the field notes of the surveyors and the 
Government plats, many items of interest are 
obtained. These sources furnish the facts pre- 
sented in this chapter. 

The town lines in Richland county were run 
by William Burt, Lucius Lyon, Joshua Hatha- 
way and J. E. Witcher, in the years 18.39, 1840 
and 1845, mostly in 1840. 

The sectional lines were run by Orson Lyons, 
Harvey Parker, Sylvester Sibley, Alvin Burt, 
Joshua Ilatliaway, Robert D. Lester, James M. 
Marsli, Willard Harrows, Cliarles Phipps, Gar- 
ret Vliet and A. L. Brown, in the years 1833, 
1839, 1840, 1842, 1844, 1845, 1846 and 1852. 
The first surveying was done by Harvey Parker, 
who ran the sectional lines in tlie southwestern 
part of Ricliland county in February, 1833. 

The last general surveying was done by 
Charles Phii)ps, who surveyed the towns, Mar- 
shall and Sylvan, May, 1853. 

Town 8 north, of range 2 east (sections 1-5, 
11 and 12, in the southeastern part of Buona 
Vista), was surveyed by Sylvester Sibley, Feb- 
ruary, 1833. He was assisted by James Videto 
and A. L "Cotton, chainmen, and Noah Brook- 
field, ax-rnan. Was re-surveyed by Alvin Burt, 
assisted by Reuben Frenick and John S. Byrne, 
chainmen, and Anson B. Morey, marker. 

Town nortli, of range 2 east (sections 1-6 
and the northern half of sections '7-12, is in the 
southern part of Ithaca; the southern half of 
sections 7-12 and the whole of sections 13-10, 
constitute the main part of Buena Vista), was 
surveyed by Alvin Burt, assisted by Reuben 
Fcnick and John S. Byrne, chainmen, and An- 



son B. Morey, marker, June 1842. The bluffs 
in this town are high, abrupt, rocky points and 
ridges, thinly timbered with a stinted growth 
of black and white oak, with a thick under- 
growth of aspen, hazel brush and vines. On the 
bottoms it is thinly timbered with bur, black 
and white oak, with aspen and willow under- 
brush, and near the margin of the streams with 
maple, elm, ash, aspen, alder, linn, etc. On 
sections 22 and 23 is a growth of pitch pine. 

Town 10 north, of range 2 east (main part of 
Ithaca), was surveyed in 1843 by Robert D. 
Lester, who was assisted by Joseph Atherton 
and S. P. Folsom, chainmen, and James Hall, 
marker. This town is generally hilly and bro- 
ken, land good in the ravines; on ridges soil is 
tliin and light, well watered by pine springs and 
small streams, thinly timbered with black and 
white oak, elm, linn, aspen and hickory, with 
an undergrowth of oak, hazel and poplar 
bushes. 

Town 11 north, of range 2 east (Willow), was 
surveyed in the fourth quarter of 1855, by 
James M. Marsh, assisted by William Clear- 
land and Joseph Stone, chainmen, and James 
Anderson, marker. The face of the country in 
this town is very broken, consisting of high 
precipitous sandstone bluffs, in height from 
ten to 150 feet, covered with a heavy growth of 
aspen, elm, linn, sugar cherry, white and black 
oak. The country is well watered by sjirings. 
The streams are rapid. The east branch of 
Pine river, south branch of Honey creek and 
the south branch of Baraboo river have their 
source in this town. 



8'70 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Town 12 north, of range 2 east ( Westford), 
was surveyed in 1843, by Gilbert Vliet, assisted 
by J. Vliet and C. T. Seregmbe, cbainmen, and 
C. Webster, marker. This town lies in the 
"divide" between the Baraboo and Pine rivers. 
It is for the greater part heavily timbered, the 
timber being of good quality, large and thrifty. 
The land is principally undulating, of good 
quality, well adapted to farming, the principal 
objection being a want of water, though where 
found it is of a superior quality. 

"^I'own 8 north, of range 1 east (northern part 
of sections 4 and 5 in the southwestern part of 
Orion), was surveyed by Sylvester Sibley, United 
States deputy surveyor, assisted by James 
Videto and A. L. Cotton, cbainmen, and Noah 
Brookfield, ax-man. The survey was com- 
menced February 19, and completed March 4, 
1833. 

Town 9 north, of range 1 east (sections 2-11, 
14-23, 23-35, the main part of Orion; section 1, 
and the northern half of section 12 is in the 
southwestern part of Ithaca; southern part of 
section 12 and the whole of sections 13, 24 and 
36 is in the western part of Buena Vista), was 
surveyed in March, 1833, by Sylvester Sibley, 
assisted by James Videto and A. L. Cotton, 
cbainmen, and Noah Brookfield, ax-man. Was 
surveyed by Alvin Buit, June, 1842, assisted by 
Reuben French and John S. Byrne, cbainmen, 
and Anson B. Morey, marker. In his notes 
Mr. Burt says: "This town is mostly broken 
and hilly. The ridges are high, narrow and 
rocky, timbered thinly with white and black 
oak, with a thick undergrowth of oak, hazel, 
aspen, dogwood, hickory brush and vines. The 
ravines are mostly narrow, deep, and timbered 
with white and black oak, elm, linn, aspen, 
sugar and ironwood." 

Town 10 north, of range 1 east (Richland), was 
surveyed by Robert D. Lester in 1843. Was 
assisted by Joseph Atherton and L. P. Folsom, 
cbainmen, and James Hall, marker. This town 
is generally hilly and broken. Land generally 
poor, well watered by the Pine river and its 



branches. West of the river it is well tim- 
bered with white and black oak, elm, linn, aspen, 
hickory and elmwood, with an undergrowth 
of hazel, dogwood, and prickly ash, on tlie 
highland. In the ravines, in which the streams 
run, alder, prickly ash, thornbush, etc. East of 
the Pine river there is principally a second 
growth of poplar, burr-oak, ironwood, hick- 
ory, a.^h, hazel, dogwood, grape vines, etc. 
Pine river is a stream about sixty links in 
width, with a quick current of two feet in depth, 
sand bottom, shores low and of the same kind 
of soil. 

Town 1] north, of range 1 east (Rockbridge), 
was surveyed by William^ Clearland, assisted 
by Joseph Stone, chainman, and James Ander- 
son, marker. The face of the land in this town 
is very broken, soil sandy and poor. The tim- 
ber consists of a heavy growth of white and 
black oak, linn, elm, sugar, aspen, ironwood, 
and some pines on the bluffs in the immediate 
vicinity of Pine river, with a heavy under- 
growth of grape-vine, briar, prickly ash, etc. 
The water in this town is very good, consisting 
of excellent springs. Pine river flows nearly 
through the center of this town from north to 
south. 

Town 12 north, of range 1 east (Henrietta), 
was surveyed April, 1845, by James M. Marsh, 
assisted by William Clearland and Joseph 
Stone, cbainmen, and James Anderson, marker. 

Town 8 north, of range 1 west (northwestern 
half of section 1 and the northern part of sec- 
tion 2, is in the southeastern part of Eagle. 
Eastern half of section 1 is in the' southern 
part of Orion), was surveyed May, 1833, by Syl- 
vester Sibley, assisted by James Videto and 
A. L. Cotton, cbainmen, and Noah Brookfield, 
ax-man. 

Town 9 north, of range 1 west (sections 1-35 
and the western half of section 36 is tlie main part 
of Eagle. The eastern half of section 36 is in the 
southwestern part of Orion), was surveyed by 
Orson Lyon in 1840. He was assisted by Tru- 
man Carter and S. D. Kirkpatrick, cbainmen 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



871 



ami Thomas Cox, as-man. The soil of this 
country is broken and hilly; second and tiiird 
rate. Excepting the southern part along the 
Wisconsin river, where it is nearly level, and is 
first rate and second rate land. The tract is 
from one to two miles in width on the southern 
part of the town. The whole is well timbered 
with linn, oak, sugar tree, ironwood, asjien, etc., 
with an undergrowth of the same, and prickly 
ash, plum, thorn and crab ajjple on the creek 
bottom. 

Town 10 north, of range 1 west (Dayton) 
was surveyed in 1843 b\' W. Barrows, assisted 
by W. V". Anderson and Edward Fitzpatrick, 
chainmen, and William P. Easley, marker. 
This town is much the same in character as town 
10 north, of range 2 west (Akan), very hilly and 
broken. The soil in many places is thin and 
unfit for cultivation. The timber in general is 
good. 

Town 1 1 north, of range 1 west (Mar. 
shall), was surveyed in 1843 by W. Barrows, 
assisted by William Vandover and Edward 
Fitzpatrick, chainmen, and William P. Easley, 
marker. Was re-surveyed May 1852, by Chai'les 
C. Pliipps, assisted by Edwin Fossett and Jere- 
miah Hurley, chainmen, Edward Stever, ax-man, 
and C. F. Matliias, flagnian. The surface of 
this town is very hilly. In the eastern part itis 
poor, third rate, in iho western part it is first 
and second rate. The timber is of the iirst 
quality, aii<l stands very thick on the ground. 

Town 12 north, of range 1 west (Bloom), was 
surveyed in 1845, by A. L. Brown, assisted by 
Alexander Anderson and .Joel M. Higgins, 
■chainmen, and .lames Anilerson, marker. The 
most remarkable feature aloul this town is its 
great quantity of water. At the source of al- 
most every stream there is a bold and seemingly 
never failing spring. The timber is chiefly 
sugar, maple, linn, and elm. There seems to be 
wild game of every description, with the excep- 
tion of the wild turkey. 

Town 8 north, of range 2 west (sections 2 and 
■■^ are in the southern part of Richwood), was 



surveyed by Harvey Parker, February, 1833. 
lie was assisted by L. O. Biyan and W. Smith, 
chainmen. Was re-surveyed by Orson Lyon, 
May, 1840. He was assisted by Freeman B. 
Gordon and S. D. Kirkpatrick, chainmen, and 
Isaac Vanderburgh, marker. 

Town 9 north, of range 2 west (main part of 
Richwood), was surveyed in 1840, by O. Lyons, 
assisted by Truman B. Gordon and S. D. Kirk- 
patrick, chainmen and Isaac K. Vanderburgh, 
marker This town is hilly, second and third 
rate, excepting in the southern part where there 
is a strip of land from three-ft)urths to one and 
one-half miles in width, that is rolling, with 
some first and good second rate soil. The whole 
is well timbered with oak, linn, sugar tree and 
ironwood ; also some butternut and black wal- 
nut. 

Town 10 north, of range 2 west (Akan), was 
surveyed June, 1843, by W. Barrows, assisted 
by William Vandover and Edward Fitzpatrick, 
chainmen, and William P. Easley, marker. The 
surface of this town is broken and hilly; with 
one or two exceptions there is not level land 
enough to make a good farm. There is a ridge 
of good timber land. The soil generally is 
good. Thetimber is mostly sugar tree, linn and 
white o.ak. Would make a good sugar camp. 

Fown 11 north, of range 2 west (Sylvan), 
was surveyed by W. Barrows, assisted by Wil- 
liam Vandover and Edward Fitzpatrick, chain- 
men and William P. Easley, marker, in 1843. 
Was re-surveyed in 1852, by Charles Phijtps, as- 
sisted byC. Fossitt and Jeremiah Hurley, chain- 
men, Edwin Steever, ax-man, and E. F. Mathias, 
flagman. 

Town 12 north, of range 2 west (Forest), was 
surveyed in December, 1845, by A. L. Brown, 
assisted by Joel M. Higgins and Alexander 
Ander^■on, chainmen, and James Anderson, 
marker. The tops of the ridges in this town, 
notwithstanding their 'great elevation, are gen- 
erally not too rolling for cultivation. Judging 



872 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



from the timber, which is large, very tall and 
thick, also from the kind, namely : first, sugar 
maple ; second, linn ; third, elm and ash; fourth, 
black, white and bur oak, the soil must be very 
good but not more than one foot deep, with a 
substratum of yellow clay. The bottoms are 
generally wet and unfit for cultivation. They 
are timbered with elm, with an undergrowth of 
alder. 

Acreage of each town and parts of towns in 
Richland Co., Wis.: 



Northern part of town 8 : Range 2 west, 
3,433.61 ; 1 west, ] 61.32 ; 1 east, 238.64 ; 2 east 
3,959.40. 

Town 9 : Range 2 west, 23,123.29; 1 west, 
22,312.73; 1 east, 22,620.52; 2 east, 22,920.95. 

Town 10 : Range 2 west, 23,214.84; 1 west, 
22,666.70; 1 east, 23,109.73: 2 east, 22,990.37. 

Town 11: Range 2 west, 23,190,88; 1 west, 
23,275.60; 1 east, 23,098.76; 2 east, 22,985.48. 

Town 12: Range 2 west, 23,304.97; 1 west, 
23,233.88; 1 east, 23,246.79; 2 east, 22,938.60. 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



873 



CHAPTER XII 



REMINISCENCES OF EARLY DAYS. 



In tliis chapter are given the personal experi- 
ences of pioneers of Richland county. These 
articles are written or related by the pioneers, 
and when written, the compiter has in no case 
attempted to change the style of the writer, it 
being the design to show the peculiarity of the 
writer, as well as to record the facts narrated. 
The expressions of an individual in writing 
show his character and peculiarities as plainly 
as his features painted upon canvass, or printed 
from steel or stone. 

These sketches relating to personal matters 
will sliow the disadvantages under which the 
liardy pioneers procured tiie homes which now 
seem so comfortable. Wliatever of romance 
adiiered to the hardy colonist was abundant- 
ly compensated for by hard work. Contrast the 
journey of that devoted party through the road- 
less and bridgeless tract between Chicago and 
their destination, with a party on a like journey 
to-day. Instead of weeks of labor and toil, 
privation and suffering, with cold and hunger, 
a seat is taken in a palace car in the evening at 
Chicago; an unexceptional supper is partaken of 
without leaving the train; tlie passenger retires 
upon a downy conch, and in the morning 
awakens to find liiniself at his point in south- 
western Wisconsin, having lost no time by the 
journey. Tiiose who enjoy these blessings 
would be less than human if they were not 
filled with gratitude to these early settlers, who 
paved the way and actually made the present 
condition of things possible. At that time the 
confines of civilization were on the lakes; Chi- 
cago had not many thousand people; Milwaukee 



was just beginning to be avill.ige, and Madison 
was a more vidette, and an outpost of civiliza- 
tion. There was nothing in the now wealthy 
region of southwestern Wisconsin except the 
intrinsic merit of the location, to attract people 
from their more or less comfortable homes in 
the eastern States, or on the other side of the 
water. The hope as to the future, which 
"springs eternal in the human breast," was 
what lured them on, and, although, those that 
came were usually regarded by the friends 
they left as soldiers of fortune, who, if they 
ever returned at all, would indeed be fortunate; 
they were a sturdy race, who realized the in- 
equality of the struggle in the old States or 
countries, and resolved to plant themselves 
where merit would not be suppressed by tra- 
dition. 

The men who came were, as a rule, enter- 
prising, open-hearted and sympathizing; they 
were good neighbors, and so good neighbor- 
hoods were created, and they illustrated the 
idea of the brotherhood of man more by ex- 
ample than by quoting creeds With a bravery 
that never blanched in the presence of the most 
appalling danger, they were neverthlcss ten- 
der, kind and considerate in the presence of 
misfortune, and their deficiency in outward man- 
ifestations of piety was more than compensated 
by their love and regard for humanity. And if 
their meed of praise is justly due to the men, 
and it certainly is, what shall be said of the 
heroic women who braved the vicissitudes of 
frontier life, endured the absence of home, 
friends and old associations, whose tender ties 



874 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



must have wrung all lieavts as they were sever- 
ed. The devotion which would lead to such a 
breaking away, to follow a father, a husband or 
a son into the trackless waste, west of the 
great lakes, where gloomy apprehensions must 
have arisen in the^mind, is above all praise. 
The value of the part taken by the noble wo- 
men who fir.sit came to this uninhabited region, 
cannot be over-e.stiraated. Although by nature 
liberal, they practiced the most rigid economy, 
and often at critical times, preserved order, re- 
claiming the men from despair during gloomy 
periods; and their example of industry constant- 
ly admonished him to renewed exertions; 
while the instincts of womanhood, constantly 
encouraged integrity and manhood. 

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF OEION. 
IBy Levi Houts.] 
Richland county was held by Iowa county 
until organized as a county. Was sub-divided 
by Iowa county into two towns: 1st, Richmond, 
which includes all ihe territory from tiie Wis- 
consin river north on the congressional line, 
range 1 east, of the 4th principal meridian, to 
the north line of the county ; thence west along 
said line to the northwest corner of township 
12, 2 west; thence south from said corner on 
the congressional line to the Wisconsin river ; 
thence east along said river to the place of 
beginning, including now, Orion, Richland, 
Rockbridge, Henrietta, Bloom, Marshall, Day- 
ton, Eagle, Richwoood, Akan, Sylvan and For- 
est. 2d, Buena Vista, which included all the 
territory from the Wisconsin river, commencing 
at the congressional line on said river, range 1 
east, of the 4th principal meridian ; running 
thence east along said river to where the con- 
gressional line, range 2 east crosses said river ; 
thence north along said line to the northeast 
corner of township 12, range 2 east ; thence west 
along said line to the northeast corner of town- 
ship 12, range 2 east; thence west along said 
line to the congressional line, range 1 east of 
the 4tli principal meridian, thence south on said 
line to the place of begining, including what 



is now Buena Vista, Ithaca, Willow and West- 
ford. 

The first election held for town officers in the 
town of Richmond, was on the first Tuesday in 
April, 1849. The said election was held at the 
house of Matthew Alexander, on section 33, 
town 6, range 1 west, now in the town of Eagle. 
The house (a log one, or double log) was situ- 
ated on the bank of the Wisconsin river near 
the place where the Filling's saw-mill later was 
situated. The officers who conducted said 
election were John R. Smithy Myron Whitcomb 
and Reason J. Darnell, as inspectors of said 
election; George C. White and Nathaniel Gieen, 
clerks. The following were the town officers 
elected at said election : John R. Smith, chair- 
man; Addm Byrd and William Kincaunon, super- 
visors; John Nipple, town clerk; Stephen Finnel, 
collector or town treasurer; Walter B. Gage, 
assessor ; Marion White, superintendent of 
schools; William Thompson, E. H. Dyer, B. B. 
Sutton and Matthew Alexander, justices of the 
peace ; Nathaniel Green, William White and 
Daniel H. Boyle, constables ; L. B. Palmer and 
William White, overseers of highway. The per- 
sons elected were all qualified as such officers. 
John Nipple, town clerk, died before the expi- 
ration of his office, and A. B. Slaughter was 
appointed in his place. Also Mr. Slaughter 
resigned and Levi Houts was appointed to fill 
the unexpired term of said office and made out 
the first tax list for said town. 

The record of the first county officers elected, 
you have in the county clerk's office, therefore 
will not give their names here. After their 
election they had to go to Mineral Point in 
Iowa county to qualify. Your unfortunate sub- 
scriber hired a team and took the said officials 
to Mineral Point to be qualified, and it is need- 
less to say that they, the said officers, had to 
stop at Highland over night on going, in order 
to view the beauties of the place, inspect the 
whisky and buck the faro bank. On the next 
day we got to Mineral Point and it took them 
two days to qualify and inspect that village, etc., 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



875 



therefore I was four days making the trip, and 
$3 out of pocket. I had agreed to take them 
for a fixed price. John J. Matthews was tlie 
slieriff and he collected the tax on the list I 
made out. 

As to the first settlers in the then town of 
Richmond, it will be hard to determine; I would 
refer your honorable committee to John Comb 
and Myron Wliitcomb. I believe that they 
come as near giving that jioint of information 
as any j)erson. I came into the county Sept. 
10, 1849. I must say like the man fiddling told 
the Arkansaw traveler: "These hills were 
here when I came and so were men, women and 
children, situated liere and there in the forest in 
log houses, and seemed happy and contented." 
Their meat they had in abundance by killing 
the bear, the deer and moose, and for sweet 
they had the bees and had all the honey by cut- 
ting the trees; corn they raised for meal and 
homony; potatoes and garden vegetables they 
raised. The flour they used was generally 
bought at Galena, in Illinois, and hauled here. 
One of these pioneers would start to Galena 
with an ox team loaded with honey, bear and 
deer, trade liis load for flour and groceries, ami 
that would supply a number of families for a 
time. There was a sociability between those 
pioneers ,that is now gone among tlie things 
that are past. There was no lawing one 
against the otlier. The people held as a sac- 
red law to themselves to follow the golden rule 
one toward the other. Now and then a little bad 
whisky helped a fight and that settled the mat- 
ter. I woidd like to liere give the name of 
some of those pioneers; some are dead and 
some are still living, who, in the pioneer settle- 
ment of this county, were men whose charac- 
ters were not blemished, and we still have some 
of them living with us, and tlie golden liglit of 
justice and right between their fellow men is 
still shining. But I suppose when they let 
their minds wander back to the early settle- 
mentof this county, and think of the times then 
iu the wilds of nature and then pass on year 



after year, change after change to the present 
time, they will express — the wilderness is 
blooming and turned as by magic into beautiful 
fields and costly houses instead of the log 
houses, and the great strife now is to get money 
— honest or dishonest. He says in his mind, 
where is the sociability we had in the early 
days? Then if a man killed a deer or bear, and 
if his neighbor was out of meat, he would di- 
vide and in turn it was paid back without laws. 
But now it is law and confusion, compared to 
what it was in the early pioneer days. The 
man who has a few more dollars than his neighbor 
looks on him as a poor a scamp, and that sociabil- 
ity existing in early days without regard to 
wealth is gone. Methinks you will behold a 
deep sigh heave in the breast of that pioneer. 
For fear of making this a personal matter, I 
forbear giving names. 

As to the history of the first roads and mills, 
at now Rodolf's mills, Rockbridge mills and a 
corn cracker at now Brimer's woolen factory, I 
will not give in this. The first school house 
in the then town of Richmond, was located in 
now Rich wood, not far from M. Whitcomb'.s I 
leave them to Combs or Whitcomb to report 
that and their first teacher. The next was in 
the now village of Orion (all log houses). The 
first teacher in the school house in the village 
of Orion was Mary Malanthy (now Mrs. 
Joseph Elliott, of Port Andrew). In the sum- 
mer of 1846, and in the fall and winter of 
1849, your writer taught three months' school in 
the same house and enrolled eighteen scholars, 
a few of them over twenty years of age. 

As I have already written considerable mat- 
ter, such as it is, I will stop, hoj>ing others will 
furnish more and better information than I have 
given. Should I endeavor to make a personal 
matter of all the pioneers at a certain time, 
and then go on to describe the continued 
changes of persons coming into the county so 
far as my knowledge would pcimit, and their 
usefulness in building up the county, I might 
leave some out and then they would be offended; 



876 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



or if the locating and building up of villages in 
the county and their now delapidation, cause, 
etc. I do not expect to be able to attend your 
meetings. It matters but little to me in the 
future if I am permitted to live in seclusion 
among the hills of Richland county the remain- 
ing days of my life. 

MOEB ABOUT DEIGN. 
[By William Wiilflng-.] 

Before the town of Orion was organized and 
adorned with its present name, it was, at the 
time I came to Wisconsin, May, 1849, a part of 
the town of Richmond, and after the adjoining 
towns in the east, and Eagle in the west, had 
taken considerable, and not the poorest part 
of the territory that should by right belong to 
her, left it, as it is at the present day, one of 
the smallest and poorest towns in the county. 
Probably to comjiensnte for the wrong done to 
the new town, the name of on« of Heaven's 
brightest consteMations was adopted. Its his- 
tory to the present day would likely be one of 
troubles and difficulties, occasioned by the 
many miles of roads and numerous bridges, but 
the energies of some of her earliest settlers has 
conquered the same, and the town has never, to 
my knowledge, been involved in lawsuits on 
account of the condition of her roads and 
bridges. 

The ferry across the Wisconsin near Avoca, 
was at that time run liy a Mi'. Gage who, with 
his family and one Dr. Hartshorn, resided on 
the bank of the river in this county, near the 
place wliere James Laws, a few years after, set- 
tled, and who succeeded Gage as ferryman; it 
was from tliis place that I struck out for Ash 
creek, and found there a small settlement, and 
tired of travel, bought a piece of land and made 
one of the number of early settlers. I found 
then here about twenty residing in tlie town; 
now, about ten have gone to their resting places 
and the balance taken Greeley's advice. 

It is perhaps superfluous to say much of the 
life we have led in those early days; the hard- 
ships in a newly settled country are almost alike 



in all places; our troubles were not who should 
sell our produce but where to buy. We had no 
grist mill nor stores on this side of the Wis- 
consin river, neither a postoffice, and our nearest 
trading point was Franklin, in Iowa county, 
now Highland, until a store was started in 
Orion and Jacob Krouskop built his grist mill 
on Willow creek. This gave us at the same 
time a bridge abross Pine river near the mouth 
of Ash creek, and Mr. Banks, of Se.xtonville, 
took a contract from government to run a 
weekly mail from Sextonville to Prairie du 
Chien and back, and an office *as established at 
Ash creek and Orion, so that we once more were 
in communication with the outer world. The 
clearing of land and chopping and hauling saw 
logs to the mill, constituted the most work in 
winter, and hunting deer and other game during 
the fall, of which most settlers in a new coun- 
try are fond of, was much practiced and gave a 
great deal of sport and some profit to the set- 
tlers, who late iu fall generally took their deer 
to Platteville and other places to trade fortheir 
winter provisions. There was great harmony 
among the first settlers and it did not require 
much to make them feel contented; it seems 
every one was inclined to be sociable. I re-' 
member once we had a gathering at mj- home, 
when the whole settlement was present, and 
although we had only a room of 16.\18 to dance 
in, with Jeff Shaver as musician, sitting in one 
corner on an empty saurkraut barrel, and assist- 
ing tlie fiddler with his feet, the smaller chil- 
dren by the dozens laying up staii-s on beds and 
floors, you can hardly find a jollier set than 
there was that night in the humble cabin. 
Among the hunters occurred sometimes laugh- 
able incidents. On a general election day, in 
November, a crowd of us went to the village, 
also a bear which one of our number, a tall and 
easy going fellow, had shot the day before; the 
man starting for the woods and leaving liis 
dog, ho was too young to be of any service, at 
home, ran up all at once to Mr. Bear 
laying under a fallen tree, he fired at 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



877 



him instantly and retired quickly. The dog 
who had followed unbeknowH to his master 
hearing the report of the gun, came run- 
ning towards hira, and the man thinking he liad 
missed his game and was pursued by the bear, 
made long strides towards home, where man 
and dog arrived at the same time. Not being 
sure how things really were, he got one of his 
neighbors to go with him tC the spot where the 
shooting took place and there found briiin dead 
in his lair, being shot through the brain. The 
man was rallied a great deal on the w.ay the 
next day, especially by the fellow who went 
with him after the bear. In a few days we had 
alight sprinkling of snow, and both these men 
being out with their guns, after having killed a 
deer, struck the track of a bear, which follow- 
ing, they found their game in a small cavern. 
Holding a cuuncil of war, they agreed that one 
should take a pole and rake Mr. Bruin in the 
ribs, thereby inducing him to come out, when 
the other standing on the rock above, would 
shoot him. Following this plan they got the 
bear to rush out and the man on the rock firing 
instantly, hit him, breaking his lower jaw. Tlie 
enraged brute went f^r the man who had done 
the poking, who run lustily down hill and find- 
ing the bear was gaining on him, took to a small 
ironwood tree, liollooing and screaming all the 
time for hel]), until the other, who was the same 
man who had been bored about his running 
away from his own dog, came up and shot the 
brute, thereby releasing the prisoner and having 
the laugh on his own side. 

Of physicians, we had only a small supply in 
1S49, namely the aforementioned Dr. Harts- 
horn who stayed only a few years and then left, 
looking for a place where the folks were less 
hardy. Later the town had some good physi- 
cians, D. L. Downs, Dr. Howe, .1. H. Tilly and 
Jacob Brimmer. Lawyers did not fare very 
well in the town of Orion. A. P. Thompson 
sottloil in the village at an early day, and al- 
though the adjoining towns kept him more than 



Orion, he at last left in disgust and has had no 
successor. 

It was several years before a preacher came 
among us to show us the way we sliould go. 
The first offer we had came from a lawyer 
residing in an adjoining town, who volunteered 
to come over every four weeks and preach to us 
and save us if possible. We held a council, 
and being a little dubious if the pulpit be the 
right place for an attorney, concluded not to 
accept his kind offer and take our chances. In 
a. few years several churches were established 
and some worthy preachers came among us. 
Five buildings were erected and used as places 
of worship ; one of them is situated near the 
northeiMi town line for the use of the United 
Brethren Church, and .Jacob Brimer, Durfee 
Bovee and James Howard are the men who 
contributed mostly the means necessary. On 
section 3, near Henry Segrist, the German 
Methodists have a nice building for worship, 
their pastor residing on east side of Pine river. 
Next is the Christian church near Henry Wil- 
son on Ash creek, whose pastor is Rev. J. Wal- 
worth, through whose exertions, aided by 
David Wiker, Hezekiah Jones, Abram Miller 
and others, the church was built and is flourish- 
ing. The elder is much respected by his fol- 
lowers, but we owe it to posterity to record that 
they accuse him of baptising and catching fish 
at the same time on a certain Sund.ay, but if the 
truth has to be told, the fishing was accidental 
and only the suckers, which came up the Elder's 
leg, between pants and lining, is to blame. The 
German Lutherans have a substantial building 
near D. Wikcr's; their pastor residing at Boaz. 
The members of the Methodist Church have 
erected a house of worship on Oak Ridge, near 
S. S. Blake's, who is one of its leading mem- 
bers. 

The schools in the early days of Richland 
county and under the system then in vogue, did 
not give the scholars the advantages they now 
enjoy. The few children were scattered over a 
large territory, roads often bad and the means 



878 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



of the settlers limited. Then the method of 
giving the examination of teachers to the chair- 
man of the town board did not work well in 
many instances, and was often light on the 
teachers and hard on the chairman. The method 
of requiring the teacher to "board round," as it 
was called, was also often annoying to both 
parties. I know of one instance where the 
teacher had to sleep with five of his scholars in 
one bed, the mother claiming that this would 
greatly assist the young ones to acquire knowl- 
edge, and the teacher could not convince her 
of her error. 

Of industrial establishments, the town has 
only the woolen factory of Jacob Brimmer, on 
Ash creek, which is a great accommodation to 
wool-growers and of benefit to the whole cma- 
munity. W. H. Stewart is one of the best me- 
chanics and has a widespread reputation, is also 
very successful as a raiser and keeper of bees. 
Thomas Mathews and Levi Houts have expended 
much time and labor digging for lead mineral, 
and although they had some success, the quan- 
tity found was too small to make it a paying job 
and so abandoned it. In the mercantile busi- 
ness were engaged in llie village of Orion, 
Downs & Ripley, Rodolf <fc Graham, Berry Fer- 
ries, Clements & Wait, Miller & Edwards, St. 
Randall, IKaii Clinginsmith, Jacob Dosch, and at 
the present day, A. Crosby and W. H. Dawson. 
Orion had at one time a lively trade, but the 
building of the M. & P. C. railroad, and the 
erection of the bridge across the Wisconsin 
river, took the lai'gest part away and left her 
struggling in the sand. She also had the mis- 
fortune to lose the court house, and was only 
lucky in declining the proposal of Mr. Moore to 
make a donation of several thousand dollars, 
towards erecting the bridge. 

It speaks well for the town of Orion that in a 
space of thirty years no serious crimes are to be 
recorded. The only instance of an aggravated 
nature, was the burning of the dwelling house 
of C. G. Rodolf, by a deluded German, whereby 
the family of Mr. Rodolf, he himself was at the 



time a member of the Assembly in Madison, 
was brought in great danger, and the German 
was sent to Waupun for seven years. Of the 
men who watched over the interests of the town 
as supervisors thereof, I name D. L. Downs, 
Jacob Brimmer, J. H. Tilly, David Wiker, W. 
H. Stewart, Dan Clinginsmith, but for the faith- 
ful service renderedthe town, Levi Houts stands 
at the head, who for the last thirty years, almost 
without interruption, has served as town clerk, 
and who at the present day, would give a more 
comprehensive history of the town than any 
other man. 

I have tried to give a brief sketch of Orion's 
history, and as I write from memory only, 
omission of many things of interest are natural, 
and I hope will be excused and errors corrected. 

EEJIIXISCENCE OF EARLY DATS IN ROCKBEIDGB. 
[By A. Haseltine.] 

About the year 1840, a company from Mineral 
Point penetrated the forest up Pine river for the 
purpose of lumbering, a small pinery having 
been discovered there, from which the river 
takes its name. They located and built a saw- 
mill on the northwest quarter of section 10, in 
town 1 1 north, of range 1 east, about twenty- 
two miles from the mouth of said river, with the 
intention of rafting their lumber on the Pine to 
the Wisconsin river. They were unfortunate 
both in damming the stream at the mill and in 
keeping it clear for rafting below, so that their 
enterprise nearly proved a failure. In 1850 the 
mill property was purchased by Orrin and I. S. 
Haseltine who immediately thereafter, moved in 
from Black Earth, cutting their road on the east 
side of the river from Sextonville. At that time 
it was all government land, except the quarter 
section on which the mill stood. The Ilasel- 
tines immediately commenced entering lands 
chiefly for the timber, and constituted them- 
selves emigrant agents to encourage settlers to 
take up and improve farming lands. 

In the spring of 1851, towns II and lii, one 
east and one west, were organized as a town and 
named Rockbridge, from the natural bridge over 



^ 



,-<f«^> 




Peter Kinder 

(deceased) 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



881 



the west brancli of Pine river near the taill. 
Fourteen votes were cast at the first town meet- 
ing. Orren Haseltine was elected chairman and 
Alonzo Decker, town clerk. No party feeling 
marred the harmony of the meeting. Tlieyun- 
douhtedl}' elected their best men, for nearly 
every oi;e had an office. Several cabins were 
built and settlements commenced this year. 
Amasa Hoskins, Seth Butler, John Pool, Jacob 
and William Dairy, on section 22; Augustus 
Hoskins and Orion Satterlee, on section 18; 
Reuben Il.incock and German Tadder, on sec- 
tion IT; Hiram Tadder on section 20, of town 11, 
1 east; Joseph Marshall and A. P. Hide, on 
section 13, town 11, 1 west. In 1852, town 10, 
1 east was annexed to and made part of the town 
of Rockbridge. Orren Haseltine was elected 
chairman and Robert Hawkins, town clerk. 
Number of votes cast sixteen. Roads were laid 
this year from Pine river mill to Amasa Hos- 
kins' and thence to Cass & Pound's (now Bow- 
en's) mill; also from A. Iloskin's up Fanc\ 
creek across section 30 and 19 to town line; als. 
from Richland Centre to Willow creek. 

In 1853, town 10, 1 east, was set off and oi 
ganized as the town of Richland, leaving Rock 
bridge its original limits of four townships. O.' 
Haseltine was elected chairman, and F. ]\|. 
Stewart, town clerk. The following is the pol 



list at the general election in November of this 
year: Hiram Tadder, 0. Satterlee, R. M. De- 
Lap, Harvey Gillingham, John Marshall, Aiden 
Haseltine, Joseph Jlarshall, F. M. Stewart, 
Moses Laws, A. Aikin, O. Haseltine, Augustus 
Ibiskins, G. Tadder, A. G. Decker, Seth Butler, 
Daniel Hoskins. Sixteen general settlements 
were commenced this year in town 12, 1 east. 
The first of whom were W. W. Garfield, on 
Soles creek; A. Sires on the West branch and 
W. H. Joslin on the east branch of Pine river. 
Settlements were also commenced in town 12, 1 
west, by Isaac McMahn and others, near where 
Spring Valley now stands. At the si)ring elec- 
tion 1R54, forty-two votes were cast. Alden 
Haseltine was elected chairman and F.M.Stew- 



art, clerk. Roads were surveyed and laid out 
this year, up Fancy creek, up both branches of 
Pine river, and across from both branches to 
Fancy creek, in the whole about forty miles. 

In April 1855, towns 11 and 12, ! west, having 
been set off from Rockbride, were organized by 
the name of Marshall, leaving Rockbridge to 
consist of towns 11 and 12, 1 east. The number 
of votes cast at the spring election was thirty- 
three. Alden Haseltine was elected chairman' 
and J. W. Chinch, clerk. In April 1856, town 
12, 1 west, was organized by the name of Hen- 
rietta, leaving to Rockbridge its present limits, 
town 11,1 east. J. S. Scott was elected chairman 
and Hiram Freeman clerk; number of votes polled 
thirty-eight. The first school district was or- 
ganized in 1853 by Abner Aikin, town superin- 
tendent. The settlement of this town has not 
been rapid but steady. We have now 1,2C0 in- 
habitants; 515 children of school age and about 
240 voters and settlers on every section. (Writ- 
ten in 1879.) 



EARLY HISTORY OF FOREST. 
[By Salnm Rogers.] 
Ill tlie years 1854 and 1855, the town of For- 
est was comprised of the towns 11 and 12, range 
■^ WL-st, now known as Sylvan and Forest. The 
first town meeting of the joint towns was held 
at ihe house of William Ogden, in Sylvan, 
April ••! 1855; fifteen votes polled at that meet- 
ing; was duly organized by the election of the 
following officers of the meeting: Elijah Aus- 
tin, chairman; Silas Benjamin, William Wood, 
associates; E. B. Tenny, Asahel Sav.age, clerks. 
At the same meeting the following officers were 
duly elected for the ensuing year: E B. Tenny 
chairman; R. J. Darnell, William Wood, asso- 
ciates; Levi C. Gochenaur, clerk; William Og- 
den treasurer and Asahel Savage, assessor. 

In the year 1855, the town was divided; the 
geographical town 12 retained her political name 
of Forest, and town 11 assumed the political 
name of Sylvan. The first town meeting held 
in the town after the division was made, was 
held at the house of John W. Ambrose, on the 



53 



882 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



first day of April, 1856. R. J. Darnell, presided as 
chairman; Salma Rogers and Cyrus D.Turner, as 
associate supervisors; Levi C. Gochenaur, clerk. 
At said election the following officers were duly 
elected for the ensuing year: Jesse Harness, 
chairman; William Mathews and J. V. Bennett, 
associate supervisors; Hartwell L.Turner, clerk; 
Levi Kanable, assessor; Andrew Carpenter, 
treasurer; Harvey C. Goodrich, Jeremiah D. 
Black, Salma Rogers, justices of the peace; 
William Clift, Emanuel P. Bender and George 
Pitsenborgner, constables. 

In the year 1852, in the month of April, the 
first piece of land was entered, it being the 
southeast quarter of section 33, town 12 north, 
range 2 west,by Alexander Barclay, now owned 
by Charles Marshall. On July 2, following, Mr. 
Barclay was drowned in the Wisconsin river at 
Orion. The first settlers in the town were Dan- 
iel and William Bender. Daniel Bender en- 
tered his land, it being the northwest quarter of 
section 33, town 12 north, range 2 west, in the 
month of April, 1854, and built his house, the 
first that was built in the town, on the 12th day 
of May, the same year, and moved with his 
family into the house on the loth, and buried 
his wife on the 24th day of May, 1854, this 
being the first death that occurred in the town. 
Ten persons were present at the burial and 
only two of that number were resident of the 
to'vn. The fall of 1854 the town was sett'ed 
very rapidly. 

On Sept. 20, 1854, H. L. Turner, William 
Turner, Cyrus D. 'i'urner, Salma Rogers and 
J. Lyman Jackson, settled at Viola, in the Kick- 
apoo valley; Laal and William Clift came to the 
Kickapoo valli'V, .Tune 8, 1854, where Laal Clift 
now resides. Cyrus D. Turner laid out and 
platted the village of Viola. In October, 1854, 
Levi Kanable and David Johns settled in the 
southwestern part of the town, and in tlie same 
month, John W Ambrose, Jacob K. Ambrose, 
Levi C. Gochenaur, Jacob P. Nelier nnd R. J. 
Darnell, settled in the southeast part of the town. 



The first marriage in town, was that of 
George Chroninger and Nancy Smith, solemn- 
ized by Oliver Guess, justice of the peace, 
Aug. 27, 1856. 

The first sermon was preached by Edwin 
Buck, on the second Sunday in April, 1856, at 
the house of R. J. Darnell. The text was, 
"For God so loved the world that he gave his 
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on 
him should not perish but have everlasting 
life." 

The first school sujjerintendent was R. J. 
Darnell, and the first school teacher examined 
for a certificate was Helen Jackson, who taught 
the first school in the town of Viola, in the sum- 
mer of 1855. 

The first saw-mill built in the town, was that 
of Adam Shambaugh's, built by Salma Rogers 
in the year ISST, on the south branch of Bear 
creek. 

The first merchandise was sold by Cyrus D. 
Turner, at Viola, in October, 1854. 

In July, 1851, the first road was laid through 
the town; it was a country road running from R. 
J. Darnell's in a westerly direction across the 
town to the county line on the west. R. J. Dar- 
nell, Adam Bird, John Price, commissioners, 
aud James Appleby, surveyor. On June 7, 1855, 
the first town road laid through the town, was 
from Viola through the valley of Camp creek 
to R. J. Darnell's by E. B. Tenny, chairman, 
R. J. Darnell and William Wood associate 
supervisors and L. B. Palmer, county surveyor. 

The estimated number of votes at this date 
is some over 200. The town has thrived and 
prospered by dint of hard labor;her forests have 
fallen before the hardy sons, large fields haA'e 
been opened and her soil yields her golden har- 
vest and makes glad the hearts of the husband- 
man. 

UISTORICAL .TOTTINGS OF .SYLVAN. 
(By George H.Bftbb.) 

The town of Sylvan (congressional town 11, 
range 2 west of fourth principil meridian) is 
situated in the western part of Richland county. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



883 



It is bounded on tlie east by the town of Mar- 
sliall; on tlio south by the town of Aken; on 
the west by the town of Clayton in Crawford 
county, and town of Kickapoo in Vernon county; 
on tiie south Ijy tlje town of Forest, in Richland 
county, of which it was an integral part until 
April, 185G, when it was separated from the 
town of Forest, and organized into a separate 
town, by the election of officers on April 1, 
1856. First election was held at what was then 
known as Ogden school house. E. B. Tenny, 
William Wood and Horace Cook were elected 
first town board of supervisors; Lyman Mat- 
thews, clerk; and William Ogden, treasurer. 

The first settlement was made in 1853, E. 
B. Tenny and William Ogden being the first 
permanent settlers. The immigration steadily 
but slowly increased for a year or two, owing 
to the difficulty of procuring provisions, having 
to haul them over rough roads from Orion, on 
the Wisconsin river, a distance of about twenty 
miles. But when the town was organized, in 
1856, there were thirlv-lwo votes polled, and in 
November, there were forty-nine votes polled. 
From that time the population rapidly in- 
creased. 

The town of Sylvan is pleasantly situated, be- 
ing alternated by ridges and valleys, whicli are 
very productive. It is also well watered, a 
creek called Eagle creek (Mill creek) runs 
along ils eastern border, and the West branch 
of Eagle creek runs along its soutliern side. 
A long stream called Elk creek rises near the 
center of the town and runs to the northwest 
into the Kickapoo river; together with numer- 
ous rivulets and springs, some of which are 
Very laryc; it is thickly set with timber of the 
following varieties: White oak, bur oak, red 
oak, basswood, ash, hard and soft maples, but- 
ternut and some other varieties. At the time it 
was organized it was almost an unbroken 
wilderness; since then the improvements have 
kept apace with population. In 1855 Mr. O. 
Guess built a saw-mill on Eagle cieek and run it 
by what is called a Hutter wheel, which supplied 



the immigrants with lumber to a great extent. 
Since then it has been rebuilt, and the flutter 
wheel replaced by an overshot and the sash saw 
by a rotary saw. 

In 1855 there was a small grocery store 
stationed at what is known as Sylvan Corners, 
by a Mr. Nixon; since then it has passed 
through several hands and each time enlarged. 
At this time it is owned by Mr. William Ilen- 
thorn and is enlarged into a respectable dry 
goods store, the only establishment in the town 
of tins kind. 

Whilst the citizens were subduing the forest 
they were not neglectful of their mental culture, 
and as soon as districts could be formed, they 
began to build school houses; though rude, they 
answered the purpose for which they were in- 
tended. The first school taught in the town 
was taught by Miss Olive Matthews. Wlien 
we look back upon the crudeness of the com- 
mon school system under the town superinten- 
deiicy and compare it with the present advan- 
red state of the schools we are astonished that 
men could not see these things before. One 
instance of an examination under the town 
superinlendency: A young lady went to be ex- 
amined. The examination in arithmatic was: 
Add .V i i i 5 together, which was done very 
quickly, th.at was all the examination there was 
on that branch. The superintendent remarked 
to the writer that "she is jjretty sharp;" this is 
only a specimen of examinations of those days. 

It would perhaps not be inappropriate liere 
to notice some of the natural scenery. There are 
in some localities bold rocks cropping out from 
the points of hills that have pillars of rocks on 
them that rise to the height of twelve or fifteen 
feet above the level of the Iiill; upon wiiich if 
yi)u take your stand, gives you a view of the 
surrounding country which is delightful and 
picturesque. There is a locality known as the 
Big Rocks on section 16 which is very singular 
in appearance. Tlie gro\ind rises graduallv 
from the nortii for about thirty rods, wlien it 
abruptly breaks and forms a perpendicular 



884 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



wall of about 100 feet in height, then runs to 
the south in a gentle slope, forming quite a 
valley. There are in the south part of the 
town tliree caves of considerable size, one of 
which lias been explored to a distance of one- 
fourth or one-third of a mile, and as far as ex- 
plored consists of three rooms, each one of 
which is 50x150 feet. They are all hung with 
stalactites, and have stalagmites rising from the 
bottom, of various sizes and shapes, which give 
it truly a grand appearance. 

KEMEMBRANCES OF EAELT DAYS. 
IByA. L. Hatch]. 

The welcome a settler now receives is very 
different from tliat we received as actual settlers 
upwards of twenty-five years ago. Those who 
came before the terrible winter of 1856-7 were 
welcomed with mild and fruitful seasons, abun- 
dance of wild game in the woods, and we sup- 
posed that much of it run about all roasted, 
ready to eat! Leastwise some such stories were 
afloat in the east when we came here, and as we 
didn't find any, we presume it must have been 
here before we came. Then those fellows had 
choice of all the land ; provided they were as 
smart as other speculators who eagerly gobbled 
up the whole batch that was of any great value. 

After a time these old chaps got pretty well 
started, and then they turned around in this 
welcoming business and welcomed every green- 
horn who bi'ought plenty of cash and bought 
slices of their land at five times its first cost. 

But woe ! woe ! to the poor devil who came 
here in the fall of 1856, and especially if he had 
a family and was obliged to pass through that 
terrible winter with its rains and snows, when 
the mercury congealed at times with the intense 
cold, and tlie four feet of snow had its four 
crusts of ice. There was hardship, suffering 
and privation that winter among the poor, and 
few were wealthy here in those times. This 
winter was the collapse of the land specul.ation, 
after which many men from the burden of their 
ta.xes were actually land poor. Added to this 
there was the financial crisis of 1857, that sent 



the wild eat banks into space and dissolved 
much of our currency into thin air. 

Thus we see that many oi us had to make our 
homes here under these discouraging circum- 
stances. I have seen the time when a sack of 
bran was valued as much for food as a sack of 
Parfrey & Pease's best, patent, fancy, super- 
extra flour would be to-day; when it was very 
common for families to subsist a week or a mouth 
on two or three articles of diet, and happy was 
the man who could have pork and potatoes at 
the same meal. Everything that would do for 
food was utilized that terrible winter. Even 
the poor deer, worried and bleeding from the 
pitiless ice crusts of the snow, starved and 
frozen were mercilessly slaughtered. Those 
who came to Wisconsin from the east usually 
brought witii them two things: one was a lively 
remembrance of the plenty they left, the other 
a big apjietite. It; was wonderful what a great 
amount of food we found necessary to acclima- 
tize us. How hungry we were. Father bought 
a hog that winter, that was actually so poor it 
would hardly fry itself, yet it was the sweetest 
pork I ever tasted. 

What a big effort we made to grow hosts of 
garden vegetables in 1857, and how abominably 
wet the season was. How smutty the wheat 
was. Didn't we have shady bread tliat winter? 
We toiled in the fields, we grubbed alders, hoed 
corn, mauled rails out of tough logs, cut fire- 
wood from knotty old oaks, hunted cows in 
Uncle Sam's log pasture, and sometimes, espec- 
ially when it was stormy, it was terribly long. 
May be we perfumed our breath with a leak, 
scraped the wild. beans from our clothes with a 
case knife, and picked the wood ticks out of our 
hair. 

Ox teams were the fashion then, so much 
so that you could count all the horses on 
your fingers a whole town miglit possess. 
Father, who at that time had a blacksmith shop 
in-Loyd, shod ninety-five yoke of cattle in one 
winter. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



8R5 



Curious old tools we had in those days, and 
everybody was jack-at-all-trades. We mended 
our i>lows, patched up our wagons, and cobbled 
our own boots and shoes. M.any of our dwel- 
lings were made with fire places of sticks and 
clay, the floors of the house of "puncheons," 
or split logs, the roof of "shakes" (long split 
shingles). In such dwellings as these, many of 
our mothers and sisters toiled, and no doubt im- 
bibed many lessons of skill, industry and econo- 
my that more recent homes do not afford. Our 
home-made clothing was washed by their hands, 
with home-made soap; and home-made clothing 
meant that made with needle by hand — very 
few affording a sewing-machine then. Econo- 
my was rigid. Many are the pairs of pants we 
have seen made from grain sacks; one year 
they were very fashionable. 

Then business developed with the country, 
and new excitements roused us to new actions. 
What lots of money was made in digging gin- 
seng. For a year or two it was a great thing. 
Then we had sorghum introduced, and we all 
got rich— in a horn! No, we waited for that 
until 1868, and went into hops and got busted. 

Well, we began way back in those early times 
to build school houses, make roads and bridges, 
organize churches, societies and associations! 
We have built mills, shops and factories. Our 
villages have grown until they teem with all 
kinds of useful pui-suits that the country may 
need. We have also built onr homes among 
the hills of Richland, where once forests were 
growing. We have no regrets that our county 
was not settled among stirring scenes of war 
and tragedy. It is better, far better, that our 
settlers were devoted to the arts of peace. We 
have had our quaint old characters, our re- 
ligious revivals of many kinds, our political ex- 
citements, our business strnggles, our spelling 
schools, debating schools, singing schools, and 
more than this we have had our 4th of July 
celebrations, our Christmas festivals and New 
Year's jollities, and m.any of these are freighted 



in memory with interesting accidents, incidents 
and reminiscences. 

THE PIONEER SCnOOL TEACHER. 
[ByG. L. Laws.] 

I remember him; he came to our house as he 
"boarded around," bringing with him his Sara^ 
toga, (a red silk handkerchief containing all his 
worldly effects), a clean shirt of unbleached 
muslin and wide collar of same material, a razor, 
brush and "strop," and a strap for the boys. I 
say "he" because girls and old maids were not 
permitted to teach in those days, because they 
were supposed to be mentally and physically 
incompetent. 

The pioneer teacher was a sort of John the 
Baptist, and he not only firmly believed in the 
doctrine of Solomon, that "sparing the rod 
spoils the child," but he religiously practiced it, 
and he executed the law on the prophets, 
ranged round the room, in rows, on benches. 
To me, through remembrance, the "oil of joy" 
of even these days has a taste of leather strap 
in it. The pioneer teacher's edicts were like 
the laws of the Medes and the Persians— un- 
changeable, but not those of the tyrant, Calig- 
ula, hung so high that nobody could read them. 
They contained no inkhorn phrases of doubt- 
ful mean, but were in good plain English and 
were read aloud every Monday morning, with 
such additions as the previous week's experi- 
ence had proven necessary. Among them was 
one that "each scholar should come to school 
regulaiily at 'J o'clock, with face and hands 
clean washed and head clean combed." 

It was once the custom to bar teachers out on 
holidays and make them treat. An occurrence 
of this kind once took place in southern Illinois 
where a young man from Ohio came out west 
to "keep school." The school house was a log 
one, batten door hung on wooden hinges. The 
chimney was of logs lined with stone for a few 
feet up, then finished with clay and sticks, 
which latter in this case had fallen off. Twen- 
ty or more young men and boys and a few girls 
assembled early Christmas morning and barred 
the door. The teacher came and was refused 



886 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



admittance till he treated. He tried the door, 

then walked off briskly, for apples and candy, 

the boys thought. He soon returned with an 

ax and butcher knife, took off his coal, leisurely 

roiled up his sleeves, chopped the door off its 

hinges and entered, ax in one hand and knife 

in the other. No Arnold Winkelreid was there 

among these boys, "to make way for liberty 

and die." There was no way of escape except 

over the burning hickory logs in the fire place, 

and out over the top of the fallen chimney. 

The larger boys dropped out over the top of 

this chimney as fast as one could get out of the 

way of another, and each took the "route step" 

for home. The smaller boys from under benches 

surrendered imconditionally and were allowed 

to retain their jack knives and other side arms. 
«****»* 

lu a different view the early teachers of 
Richland Centre may be counted pioneers, and 
my heart wakes to the pulse of the past as I run 
over the list. To four, perhaps the most faith- 
ful good and true, "school is dismissed:" Mary, 
Emma, Cordelia and Betsey, have "climbed 
the golden stairs." 

"School is out." The coasters, the skaters, 
the group on the green, and the flowers brought 
fresh every morning as tokens of friendship 
and love, are not, to them. Those who re- 
main will love the old school house in the au- 
tumn. 

THREE WORTHIES. 

[By J.M. Heid.J 

John Fogo was a Scotchman, with all the stur- 
dy virtues and some of the weaknesses of the 
people of his nationality. He was a man of 
strong passious, which (alas for the weakness 
of human nature) sometimes got the better of 
him; yet he was of quick sensibilities, of gen- 
erous impulses and of a kindly heart. He was 
a warm and a truly trusty friend, but fearless 
and outspoken I'gaiust what he considered 
wrong. He had no sympathy with the weak 
sentimentalism of the present day, which apolo- 
gizes for any rascally transaction, thus "putting 



bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter," con- 
founding the distinctions between virtue and 
vice. His legal knowledge, for a man in his 
station, was considerable, and this, coupled 
with strong common sense, made him a reliable 
public officer and a useful counselor to his 
neighbors. He was gifted with a remarkable 
memory and (what does not always accompany 
a good memory) good judgment. His memory 
enabled him to retain historical facts remark- 
ably well. History indeed was his delight, 
especially the history of his native land. Few 
men were better informed in regard to the 
political and ecclesiastical history of Scotland. 
He had quite a taste for theological learning. 
He had been quite well instructed in childhood 
(for he came of a goodly house), and in Kilmar- 
nock and Pittsburgh he had opportunity of 
hearing some of the first preachers of the age. 
He was also well read in the old divines of the 
sixteenth century. He was ever a lover of the 
sanctuary, and gave devout attention to the 
various services of sermon, psalm and prayer. 
As many times as I have preached before hini, 
I do not remember a single instance in which 
his attention flagged. 

He was a most genial and instructive com- 
panion. Some of the most pleasant memories 
of my sojourn in Wisconsin, are of the long 
winter evenings, spent by the "chimla lug" of 
his humble home, in cheerful conversation with 
him and his "guid wife." History, poetry and 
religion, as well as the common topics, was our 
theme until it was time to "tak the bukes," 
which in a Scottish household means to have 
family worship. 

Alanson Clark was a man of considerable in- 
formation, and of a pure and upright life, being 
highly respected by his neighbors. He was a 
very kind man and of a sociable disposition. 
He may have lacked in firmness and decision of 
character, which, as a philosopher has faid, is 
apt to be the case with natures thoroughly 
kind. His tastes lay in a different direction 
from the other two. While they were men of 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



esT 



war from their youth, engaging with a will in 
the disputes that arose about town, county, 
State and National affairs, Mr. Clark was more 
like Jacob, a plain man dwelling in tents. lie 
took but little part in the stormy contentions 
arising out of questions agitating the neighbor- 
hood or the country. His name was identi- 
fied with the Church; he was the friend of Zion 
and of Sabbath schools; his brethren recogniz- 
ing his nrerits, elected him to the responsible 
position of ruling elder, the duties of which he 
discharged both in Ohio and Wisconsin. His 
gifts and gi'aces shone particularly in public 
prayer. I have heard few men engage in that 
e.xercise more to edification than Mr. Clark. 
His prayers were humble, solemn, and sound in 
the faith, and enriched by scriptural quotations. 
He had a deep and abiding sense of eternal 
things. He spoke often on the shortness and 
uncertainty of life, and of the importance of 
being prepared for death. He has gone to his 
grave like a shock of corn fully ripe. "Blessed 
are the dead who die in the Lord." 

Josiah McCaskey was a man of good natural 
parts and superior intelligence I believe he 
was of Scotch-Irish extraction, and had the 
firmness (to put it mildly) we might expect, for 
the Scotch-Irish are a doggedly, obstinate race, 
wliich I may .say without offence, remembering 
"the rock whence I myself was hewn." He 
was a great stickler for forms, and desired all 
things to be done according to the laws made 
and provided, whether in matters ecclesiastical 
or civil. This, let us hope, resulted not from a 
fault-finding disposition ( for he was equally 
severe on the false steps of friend or foe), but 
from a desire to have the forms of law pre- 
served. Owing to liis knowledge of law, there 
were not many in the neighborhood a match for 
him excejit Mr. Fogo. In liim he found a "foe- 
man worthy of his steel." Their controversies 
at town meetings and other public gatherings 
were long and fierce, but did not destroy their 
friendship for each other. Sometimes they dis- 
cussed Church matters, and then there would 



be an exchange of rigorous English ( and 
Scotch), but all ending in good part. Mr. Fogo 
used to good-humoredly call him an "auld 
Ishmaeleete," because his hand was against 
every man, and every man's hand against him. 

Not only had he no sympathy for mistakes 
and negligence in conducting public business, 
but anything like corruption in office was apt 
to bring him up to a white heat of indignation. 
Had he been President, official delinquency 
would iiave found no mercy at his hands, and it 
would be no fault of his if the morality of our 
civil service was not brought back to the state 
of purity characteristic of the "better days of 
the Republic." 

He was well acquainted with the Scriptures, 
and had some knowledge of the original lan- 
guage in which the New Testament was written. 
He once sent me a roll of papers entitled 
"Field Notes of a Surveyor," which pioved to 
be Greek criticisms on the New Testament. 
Many of his annotations were judicious, and 
though not of great importance, tended to 
throw some light on the sacred text. In the 
early days of my ministry at Fancy Creek, he 
used to sit before me with his Greek Testament 
in his hand, imitating the Bereans in "search- 
ing the Scriptures whether these things were 
so." But soon something was said or left un- 
said, or done or left undone, which gave offence 
and he absented himself. Few things in this 
world pleased him, either in Church or State. 
He had looked so much at the dark side of 
human nature that he had almost lost faith in 
mankind. Poor man! He had his troubles 
here. Let us hope that, through those Scrip- 
tures which he professed so highly to revere, 
he at length found peace. Though it may be 
said of him, '■^Pa?icis lacrt/mis compositiis e.i." 
With few tears thou wert laid to tliy rest, yet, 
let us forget his infirmities and remember his 
virtues. 

Thus have passed away three worthies — 
representatives of the olden time, in integrity 
and real worth. Let us avoid their mistakes 



888 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



and imitate their excellencies, and let us be ad- 
monished by their departure that we too shall 
die and not live. Our heads will soon be sil- 
vered, and crow's feet be found in our temples 
— the fore-runner of death — for man goeth to 
his long home and the mourners go about the 
streets. 

EARLY TIMES IN KICHLAND COUWTY. 
LAuthor Unknown.] 

In 18.M, by act of the Legislature, the county 
seat was located at Richland Centre, which is 
on the north side of Horse creek, supposing the 
county to be square, but by counting the fi'ac- 
tions on the south side of the county it brings 
the geographical center on the north end of 
section 28, town of Richland, on land which the 
writer hereof bought of Uncle Sam and on 
which he lived three years. The above state- 
ment is necessary to show the cause of the eight 
years war. That war carried on with much 
bitterness between Romulus, the founder, and 
the exasperated Sabiues. It is said that Rom- 
ulus promised lots, free, to those who would 
vote to confirm the act of the Legislature re- 
ferred to above, and thus succeeded in locating 
the village of Richland Centre. John Price, 
then chairman of the county board was suc- 
ceeded by a Mr. Tracy when new life and energy 
was given to the Sabines by the removal of 
Charley to Mill creek and the assistance of 
Robert and A. M. S. John Mathews was then 
sheriff and fought the county seat question to 
the bitter end. 

In ]851 I first sat foot on the present site of 
Richland Centre, near sun down, and a more 
tired and hungry paddy tban I was, you never 
saw. A smoke, and to my great joy, over the 
river by the side of the bluff was a log cabin 
occupied by a Connecticut Yankee by the name 
of Bacon. He told me he once had a pre-emption 
on the quarter, now the county seat, and that he 
had sold it to Romulus for $-25. Bacon was an 
honest man but a very green Yankee. 

In the summer of 1852, was built the little 
court house where now stands Hugh Boyle's 



blacksmith shop. The old building is now 
Schmidt & Lawrence's fruit store. During the 
same summer, part of the American (now Rich- 
land) House was built, and with the whole block, 
was sold to A. S. Neff in 1854, for $1,200. This 
was the first substantial purchase in the new 
city. In 1852, Judge Coffinbury resigned, and 
David Strickland was appointed county judge, 
by Gov. Barstow. R. C. Hawkins was elected 
sheriff in 1852, but did not enter upon the duties 
of his oflice till 1853, which compelled John 
Mathews to attend court in the "Centre" one 
day. Passing the office of the clerk of the court 
one cold, stormy day, I heard a pounding inside 
and my first thought was that the Sabines had 
taken possession of the ark of knowledge and 
the throne of justice, and were preparing to 
carry it away on their shoulders, so I rushed in 
and found the county judge seated on a high 
stool, A. B. Slaughter, clerk, at the desk and John 
Mathews trying with a very dull ax, to split an oak 
knot to fit in an eighteen inch stove. They all 
looked cold, and I offered to cut enough wood 
for two fires for twenty-five cents, but they all 
confessed, in open court, to want of funds and I 
believed them and left them shaking with the 
cold. 

The winter of 1853 gave a new turn to affairs. 
The Legislature was petitioned to bring the 
school section into market and lay it off into 
lots which was done and a day appointed for 
the sale of lots to the highest bidder. This 
measure made more stir in Richland county 
than is made by the civil rights bill in Con- 
gress. In the spring of 1853 was held the first 
town meeting in the town of Richland at which 
Asa J. Sheldon was elected chairman, McMann, 
clerk, C. McCarthy, treasurer and Hascal Hasel- 
tine superintendent of schools. 

REMINISCENCE. 
[By J. H. Waggoner.] 
[The following reminiscence appeared in the 
Richland county Republican, on July 1, 1869, 
under the head of " Fifteen Years Ago."] 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



889 



Fifteen years ago to-morrow (July 2, 1S54), 
the family of C. Waggoner, of whom the 
writer was one, hauled up at the hotel of Ricli- 
lauil Centre, then kept by Col. I. S. Haseltirie, 
after a tiresome journey by rail, steamer and 
stage, from the eastern part of Ohio. The rail- 
way between JNIilwaukee and Madison was then 
new, and as rough as new. The trip from Madi- 
son was made in nearly two days by livery con- 
veyance. All the surroundings observed in this 
then new country were very diflFerent from 
those of the liomo just left. The rude cabins, 
the rough roads, the wild scenery, were in strik- 
ing contrast with the comfortable dwellings, 
the well worked roads and the placid surface 
of eastern Ohio. 15ut the change was little 
lamented by "we boys." Our "range" was much 
enlarged, and we enjoyed the freedom of the 
hills, though the lu.xuries of the former home 
came only with the developments of after 
years. 

The first celebi'ation of the National Anni- 
versary in Richland Centre was on the second 
day after our arrival here. The first flag un- 
furled to the breeze in this valley was that 
which waved here on the 4th of July, 1854. 
The first "liberty pole" implanted in the soil of 
the village was that from which the stars and 
stripes floated on the 4th of July, 18.")4. A 
glorious day seemed that 4th of July. No 
4tli has seemed more grand since. A hand- 
ful of people, comparatively, participated in 
the observance of tbe day; but they were 
nearer to each other than now — there were no 
internal dissensions Ikon. The good of one 
was the good of all. The people of the sur- 
rounding country and the people of the village 
were one. All sought the aid of the lowing 
cattle for purposes of pleasure or labor, and the 
fat of the land, wherever found, was common 
property. 

At that time Richland Centre was com- 
prised of part of August Schmidt's building, 
tlien used as a court house; of what is now the 
"old part" of the American House, where travel- 



ers were entertained by Mr. Ilaselline; the 
building now belonging to Le Roy Humbert, 
west of Austin's corner (then south of the same 
corner and occupied by S. H. Austin with a 
small stock of goods); a small building in what 
was afterward knon-n as the Hamilton settle- 
ment, belonging to and occupied by Sidney 
Rose; the main part of the now Grant House, 
then unfinished and occupied by Hascal Hasel- 
tine; the building now occupied by George II. 
James, then occupied by a Mr. Sheldon, in the 
front room of which a liitle store was soon 
opened, and the house now belonging to W. J. 
Waggoner, on the east side of the village, then 
occupied by Dr. Gage, where also was the post- 
office. During the summer several dwellings 
were erected, among them one by the head of 
our family. Little improvement was uiade 
during two or three years following, but soon 
thereafter immigration gave the village and ad- 
jacent country a respectable population; from 
which time to tbe present the growth has been 
sure if not rapid, with every promise of ulti- 
mate good cheer for all the people. 

Though the vill.ago of Richland Centre has 
grown from a handful of people to nearly 1,200 
in fifteen years, with wealth nearly an hundred 
fold advanced over the increase of ])opulation, 
it is apparent to all that greater advancement 
might have been made. I5ut how, has not been 
demonstrated, unless the experience of the past 
be demanded to guide the effort. 

Great as have, been the improvements in 
the village, considering its embarrassments, the 
count3' at large bears off the palm. Hounding 
from a population of but 900 to over l."),000, it 
has developed in wealth and substantial im- 
provements far beyond the countv seat. Valua- 
ble farms and fine dwellings, thrifty villages 
with excellent manufacturing establishments, 
dot its length and breadth. As a whole, though 
not enjoying all the advantages of many other 
sections of the State, we doubt if its advance- 
ment has been greatly surpassed by any other. 
Our (juick soil, splen<lid timber, pure water, and 



890 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



healthy climate, offer inducements to settlers 
not always combined. 

EARLY DAYS IN RICHLAND CENTRE. 
[By James H . Miner] . 
Richland Centre in 1855, contained a popu- 
lation of about '200 souls all told. At this time 
no county buildings had lieen erected, neither 
church or school house, although the county 
seat had been located here several years be- 
fore. 

Orion, then called Richmond, had a school 
house and maintained a good school. Richland 
city had shown a degree of enterprise in build- 
ing an academy and maintaing an institution of 
learning which deserved a better fate than be- 
fell it. After a few years the village ceased to 
grow and its commerce went to Lone Rock on 
the railroad. The academy failed. Silsby, the 
principal had gained, by his successful manage- 
ment of the school, a well deserved reputation 
as an educator of eminent attainments. 

At Richland Centre, in 1855, the subject of 
securing a school liou.se site and erecting a 
school building took a definite shape. The an- 
nual meeting, of that year, was a stormy one. 
The party favoring the locating and building 
the house finally prevailed. The public school 
interest received lasting and substantial aid 
from Mr. Priest's untiring efforts. And it was 
mainly owing to his exertion, that his friend 
Israel Sanderson was induced to establish the 
Observer, the first newspaper in the county. The 
first issue of the paper was one of the marked 
and important events in our'history. The county 
board was then in session (November, 1855), and 
some of the first copies were distributed to the 
members, and when the carrier presented each 
member a coj)y, the business of the county was 
suspended until the paper was read and favorably 
commented upon. The paper soon became well 
established. 

The political campaign of 1856 received the 
consideration its importance demanded. In 
October, a republican mass convention was held, 
and addressed by C. C. Washburn, who was 



then a candidate for re election to Congress ; 
Judge Jackson, and the witty and humorous 
Mohawk dutchman, Vinton. The meeting was 
well attended, and Fremont, the Presidential 
standard bearer strongly endorsed. 

The democratic mass meeting was afterwards 
held, and was addressed by Judge Crawford, 
candidate for Congress, against C. C. Washburn. 
The meeting was well attended, and James 
Buchanan and Judge Crawford, were enthusi- 
astically supported by their parly. 

The people of this county were deeply inter- 
ested in the contest at Madison during the win- 
ter of 1856, between Governors Barstow and 
Bashford. Aside from the question of which 
was elected, and whether the supreme court, a 
co-ordinate branch of the State government, had 
the authority to determine the controversy, our 
member of assembly, Robert Akan, who was 
elected by a peculiar turn of political affairs, 
was a strong supporter of Gov. Barstow. 

A large proportion, however, of the people 
of the county firmly believed that Gov. Bash- 
ford had been really elected, and were his firm 
supporters. The supreme court were of the 
opinion and declared him elected and he was 
installed into oflSce. 

The severest winter known since the first set- 
tlement of the county was that of 1856-7. It 
was during this winter that the bold and adroit 
John J. Shoemaker, an adventurer, came among 
us. He made his appearance, representing 
himself to be a man of great wealth, md look- 
ing for a location to lay out a town and build an 
academy. He went into the northern part of 
the county and platted a village, on the west 
branch of Pine river, calling it Marysville. He 
then went to Chicago and purchased a large 
saw-mill on credit, and at great expense hauled 
it with teams from Lone Rock, some thirty-five 
miles, to Marysville, where he set it up. He 
also purchased at the same place a $10,000 stock 
of goods with which he opened a store in Rich- 
land Centre. Before his bills in Chicago fell 
due, he had disposed of a large share of the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Pdl 



goods for casli, lie obtained credit everywhere, 
and in the latter part of Felirnary, left the 
country with a valuable team and several thous- 
and dollars, the proceeds of a few months schem- 
ing. 

In the fall of 1857 the contest over building 
a school house was renewed with greater vigor 
than before. Several meetings were held, and 
a tax of 82,000 was finally voted toward a 
school house, which was placed upon the tax 
roll. It was found impossible for a large ma- 
jority of the tax-payers to pay the tax in money, 
and an expedient was resorted to. A building 
committee was appointed with power to receive 
building materials or labor, at a price to be 
li.xed by the said committee, forwhich Ihey gave 
a receipt, which was laken by the town treas- 
urer in the j)lace of money, and these receipts 
were taken by the district in its settlement with 
the treasurer. 

'J'lie price allowed by the committee for clear 
liasswodd or linn lumber was f-T per thousand. 
The old school house, 34x52 feet in dimensions, 
and two stories high, how stands a monument of 
the generosity and public spirit of a majority of 
the citizens of the village, during the most de- 
pressing financial time in the history of the 
present generation. It has been in almost con- 
stant use ever since, and is in a good state of 
preservation yet. 

The people of the county took a dee]) interest 
in the political contest of 1860, and when it merg- 
ed into the stern realities of war, with one accord 
they determined to sustain the government. At 
an early day a public meeting was held at the 
court house and strong resolutions were j)assed, 
expressing the will and opinion of the i)Cople. 
Company II,. of the 5th Wisconsin Infantry, 
was raised, and (juaitered in the village for some 
time, supported by the volunteer contril)utionK 
of tlio citizens. 

On the 2lKtof May, orders were received to 
report at Madison. The citizens gathered and 
ex))rcs8od a deep feeling in their quiet words 
anil aiixicjus countenances. 



At this time the mail was taken bj' stage 
from Lone Rock every morning and arrived here 
at 11 o'clock. The driver, on reaching the out- 
skirts of the town, blew a tin horn to announce 
his arrival. The citizens would soon begin to 
a^ssemble at the postofficc and hear from the 
boys and the news from the seat of war. A 
copy of a daily would be handed out the first 
thing on opening the mail pouch, which would 
be read to the crowd. 

From this time forward the record shows 
the temper and jjatriotism of the people of the 
county. From a population of only 9,782 in 
the county in 1860, enlistments were madednr- 
the war, nearly equalling two regiments. 

Considering all things, the people of Rich- 
land county -have shown an enterprise and in- 
dustry in the development of the resources of 
the county, unsurpassed in the settementof the 
State. 

Churches and school houses have been erect- 
ed and supported in every part of the county, 
and all by the settlers, out of their hard earned 
money, as very few men located among us with 
surplus means, and the accumulation of wealth 
has sprung from the development of land and 
country. 

a. C. Ilallin, now one of the members of the 
county board of supervisors, tells the following 
story, that illustrates, better than anything else 
can do, the stuff of which the noble pioneer wo- 
men, who first settled in Richland county, were 
made of. Mr. Ilallin was absent on business, his 
wife sat down by a w indow to rest. Looking out 
to see where the child was, that was playing in 
front of the house, she espied what she thought 
was a large dog making its way through the 
wild pea vines that interlaced the heavy growth 
of timber near the house. A searching glance 
soon revealed the fact that the intruder was a 
large brown bear. To rush out and save the child 
was but the work of a minute. Mrs. Ilallin, 
having secured her offsjiring, turned to where 
she had her dog, a large English mastiff, chain- 
ed up, and loosing his collar, sent him to grap- 



892 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



pie with his bearship. The dog made for 
him and a lively tussle ensued. The place of 
the combat was upon the declivity of a small 
hill at the bottom of wliich run a small creek, 
and in their struggles the two animals rolled 
into the water. The brave woman picked up 
the ax, which lay convenient, and running 
down to the place of combat, sought to assist 
her dog. But here she found matters in so much 
of a mi.ved state that she could not strike the 
bear for fear of hurting tlie dog. Watching 
her chance, however, she at last saw the chance 
she was looking for, and a well directed stroke 
of the ax soon gave the quietus to bruin and 
ended the battle. When the combat was ended 
she called to her assistance a neighbor, who 
helped her to skin the beast, and drag the 
carcass to the house. A numerous family of 
children have all been cradled in this trophy of 
their mother's nerve and pluck. Hallin winds 
up his story, which is well authenticated, 
by saying that the bear came just in the nick 
of time, for there was no other meat in the 
bouse, and his bones were pretty well polished 
before they got through with him. 

THE RICHLAND, UNION CHEISTIAN CONFERENCE. 
LBy Rev. John Walworth. 1 

In the early settlement of this county there 
were many of the different denominations and 
religious organizations of the eastern States, 
represented by the emigrants located here, and 
among them were a number of the members of 
the Christian Church from Ohio, Indiana and 
eastern States. 

After the excitement and trouble of the war 
of the Rebellion, and our soldiers that were 
spared had returned home, the members of all 
societies saw and felt the duty of a better 
organization for the moral and religious in- 
struction of their families, and the better order 
of society generally. 

In accordance with this sentiment, a meeting 
was held at district No. 8, in the town of Syl- 
van, on May 5, 1806. After devotional exer- 



cises and mutual consultation, it was unani- 
mously, 

Resolved, That the moral and religious wants 
of the community requires of ns a better 
organization for the more successful and effi- 
cient performance of our work as ministers and 
members of the Church of Christ." 

After which the following ministers (all of 
whom presented good credentials of their 
ordination and correct standing in their re- 
spective churches) : Jacob Felton, of the 
town of Aikin; Jacob Mark, of Marshall; John 
Walworth, of Richland Centre, and John Poff, 
of Sylvan, and delegates from two Churches or 
congregations, proceeded to organize this con- 
ference by electing Rev. J. Walworth, presi- 
dent and Rev. J. Mark, secretary. After which 
the following formulated principles in sub- 
stance were adopted as the basis of the faith of 
this conference: 

The Bible is the inestimable gift of God to 
man, and contains in its teaching, all that is 
essentia] to direct man in his duty to his God, 
his neighbor and himself ; and, therefore, the 
only authorative rule of faith and practice for 
man. 

That all men have a God given right and 
duty to read, search and interpret the Scrip- 
tures according to his own best Judgment, 
using such aids and helps as are accessible to 
him. That every man is accountable to God 
for his actions, and for the use which he makes 
of his life and the blessings bestowed upon 
him. 

That the Divine law fixes and promises a 
reward and blessing to the righteous in this 
world, and eternal life and hap])iness in the 
life to come, and that the same Divine law fixes 
and ordains an adequate retribution for sin of 
every kind, in this world and the world to 
come. 

That the Lord Jesus Christ is the promised 
Messiah, the son of God, the only medium be- 
tween God and men, and the only name given 
under Heaven to man whereby he can be saved. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



893 



Tliat tlie name Christian, designates the char- 
acter of the disciple of Christ, and is therefore 
tlic only appropriate and scriptural name given 
to the true believer and the Church of Christ. 

That in all Nations and ages, every one who 
foars God and works righteousness, is accepted 
by him, an i is therefore entitled to a member- 
ship in tlie Church of Christ by virtue of a 
Christian character. 

That all divisions among true Christians and 
and persecutions for a difference of opinion is 
unauthorized by the Bible, and contrary to the 
true spirit of Christianity. 

That all true Christians should be united in 
fellowship, in all gospel ordinances, in all good 
works and charity. 

The form of ecclesiastical government of 
this conference and the Churches connected 
with it, is Congregational. 

This conference lias peacefully and without 
ostentation labored on, mostly in rural districts, 
un'il at its last annual session held at the Bethel 
church, in the town of Oriun, October, 1883, 
the reports showed its membership to be 
twenty-one minister-s, seventeen churches and 
about 300 communicants, with ten or more 
houses of worship. It has never received any 
pecuniary aid from abroad, but has a home mis- 
sionary society with a permanent fund of about 
$300, and is ever active in the Sunday school 
work and the cause of temperance. Its officers 
elected at the last session are : Rev. John 
Walworth, president; Rev. C. M. Poff, M. D., 
vice-president and Rev. Jacob Mark, treasurer. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
ll!y UoT. J. H. Mathers] 

There are three Presbyterian hurches in 
connection with the general assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church, Richland City, Richland 
Centre and Fancy Creek — organized in the or- 
der here given. The Rev. Jo.seph Adams, of 
Dane county, occasionall3' crossed the Wiscon- 
sin river to preach to the few Presbyterians 
who had found their way to the frontier settle- 
ments of Richland county. 



He was somewhat advanced in years, and had 
the care of a farm near Hayworth Ferry, so 
that his time was occupied with other interests, 
and after the organization of a Church about 
1855, he retired from the field. For a short 
time, Rev. William McNulty suf. plied the little 
Cliurch. In January, 1855, J. H.Malhcrsarrived 
in Richland Centre, with a view to supply 
this Church for a few months, and then con- 
tinue his journey westward. E. P. Young and 
his son, David B. Young, and Richard Strubble, 
were the ruling elders, and upon them, with the 
help of J. II. Morrison, at a later date added 
to the eldership, and afew others, depended the 
maintenance of our feeble Church. 

Richland Centre, in the summer of 1855, was 
in the very infancy of its existence. Its entire 
population, before the inflow of that season, 
did not reach two score, I believe. The immi- 
gration of that year, however, gave it a new 
impulse, and as the county seat, it attracted 
population more rapidly. 

The first religious services, I think, were held 
in Richland Centre, by Rev. William Smith, a 
Congregational minister who resided at Sexton- 
ville. lie held his services in the store-room 
of Mr. Langdon. In liie fall of that year 
my attention was directed to the place by the 
settlement there of several Presbyterian fami- 
lies — the Waggoners, Wilsons and Youngs. 
My first service was held in a room occupied as 
a grocery store by W. li. Vinton, in the house 
now known as the American Hotel. At the 
next appointment our services w'ere held in an 
upper room'of the same building, fitted up and 
used as a ball-room. This room was generous- 
ly placed at my disposal by Mr. Ilerschel Ila- 
zelton, who owned and occupied the building, 
and who had no symjiathy with the doctrines 
taught by the young minister. In this room, in 
February or March, 1850, the Presbyterian 
Church was organized by the Rev. Bradley 
Phillips, of JNIineral Point (the preacher in 
charge being simply a licentiate and not an or- 
dained minister). Caleb Waggoner and E. P. 



894 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Young (formerly of Richland City) were elect- 
ed ruling elders, and our services were snbse- 
quently held in a school bouse, and then in the 
court house, and finally, after much tribulation, 
in the building now occupied by the congrega- 
tion, this house was finished in February, 1858, 
and for years was the only church edifice in 
Richland Centre. It shows the primitive con- 
dition of the town, that when the Church was 
organized, there was not a school house within 
its limits. A small building, which had been de- 
signed for a dwelling, was purchased by the dis- 
trict and fitted up for school purposes. Here 
the school meeting was held which determined 
to build the large frame building in the east- 
ern part of the town. This first house was af- 
terward purchased by C. D. Stewart, and by 
him converted into a dwelling as originally in- 
tended. Now it IS in contemplation to erect 
an edifice which will cost $-30,000. 

TOWN OF MARSHALL. 

The Presbyterian Church of Fancy Cretk, in 
the town of Marshall, was organized in the fall 
of 18.'^p7. Rev. J. II. Mathers was the first 
Presbyterian minister who preached within the 
limits of this township. The first sermon was 
prenched in the house of Daniel Noble, on Fancy 
creek, in August or September, 1855, and for 
some time thereafter regular services were held 
at the dwellings of Alanson Clark and Daniel 
Noble. 

The Church was organized a couple of years 
or more after their services were first intro- 
duced. A meeting was called for the purpose 
at the house of Alderson Clark, and after due 
considerations it was determined by the Pres- 
byterians of the neighborhood to place them- 
selves in formal connections with the Church of 
their fathers. Alanson Clark and Daniel Nob!e 
were elected ruling elders, and about eiglitien 
or twenty others entered into covenant, as the 
Church of Fancy Creek. Amjng the names 
that now seem to me as connected with this 
enterprise, either as members or supporters, arc 
Clark, Noble, Fogs, Ueutou, Smith, Ilart, 



Wanless, McDonald and Morril. There was 
no church building at that time in the township. 
Our ordinary services were held in the rude 
houses of the earlier settlers, and our commun- 
ion services in the larger buildings,, which the 
increasing crops rendered necessary for their 
storage. I remember now that the sacrament 
of the Lord's supper was dispensed on the 
threshing floor of "Squire" Joe Marshall's barn, 
which was kindly placed at our disposal by its 
generous owner. On another occasion the 
barn of Mr. John Hart sheltered us from the 
fierce rays of a summer's sun. Afterward the 
school house opened for our use. At a Congre- 
gational meeting held in Marshall's school 
house on Jan. 28, 1861, it was determined to 
build a log house 28x-30 feet, for the use of the 
Church, and arrangements for preparing the 
logs etc., were made at the same time; the 
building was erected during the summer of 
same year, which is now about to give way to a 
neat and substantial frame building. 

The relation of the pastor, J. II. Mathers 
(under whose ministry the Churches of Richland 
Centre and Fancy Creek were originally gath- 
ered), was broken by his removal to Pennsyl- 
vania in the spring of 1864. 

Rev. J. M. Reid was the immediate successor 
of Mr. Mathers, but his health was finally 
broken and he was compelled to lay aside en- 
tirely the duties of the ministry. In 1877 his 
friends in Richland Centre were shocked by 
tlie tidings of his tragic death near Congress, 
Ohio. He was crushed to death beneath the 
wheels of a loaded wag6n whic ' he was driv- 
ing. He was a man of fine ability. He was a 
resident of Richland County for eight or nine 
years. 

Rev. Joseph H.Mathers was the first Presby- 
terian minister who permanently located in 
Richland county. His ministry began there on 
Feb. 1st, 1855, and terminated in Apiil, 1864. 
J. H. Matheis was born on Aug. 5, 1832, at Mif- 
flintun, Juniata Co., Pa. His parents were 
James Mathers, a leading member of the bar 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



895 



of Juniata county, and Jane Hutchinson, a 
(laiigliter of Rev. John Hutchinson, for nearly 
forty years pastor of the Presbyterian Churcli 
of Mifflinlun and Lost creek. Mr. Mathers 
graduated at Jefferson College, Cavensburg, 
Penn., on Aug. "tli, ! 850, and at the Theolog- 
ical Seminary at Princeton, N. J., in May, 1854. 
Me was licensed to preach the Gospel by the 
Presbytery of Huntingdon, in June of the same 
year, and a few months there after began his 
ministry in Richland Co., Wis. In October,1856, 
he was ordained to the full work of the Gospel 
ministry by the same body. On Dec. 2, 1856 
lie was married to Sarah E. Jacobs, of MifHin- 
tun, Penn., who shared with him the toils and 
joys of life until Nov. 8, 1869, when she passed 
to the rest of Heaven. 

In 1860 the existing order as to the superin- 
tendency of the common schools, was adopted, 
and J. H. Mathers was elected the first county 
superintendent. The change was a very great 
one, and perliaps for the time worked to some 
disadvantage. The standard of scholarshij) on 
the part of the teachers was elevated, but some 
wliose attainments were comparatively limited, 
but whose aptness to teach compensated for tliis 
deficiency, in a measure, were excluded from 
the schools. There was, in consequence, a 
scarcity of teachers, and in some instances 
really less competent teachers were placed in 
charge. In a short time, however, educational 
interests were . adjusted to the new order, and 
undoubted advance in tiie j"ight direction has 
since resulted from the change. It would be 
wearisome to dwell at any length upon my ex- 
perience as co\inty superintendent. 

A leading business center at the time of my 
first removal to Richland county, was Krous- 
kop's store and mill. Any history of that re- 
gion would be defective which did not give a 
prominent place to Jacob Krouskop and his 
family. The old gentleman was then really in 
his prime. A sturdy, upright and shrewd man 
of business, he accomplished much in the build- 
ing up of his new fortune and in advancing the 



general interests of the community. His influ- 
ence was felt not only in business circles, but he 
was recognized as a leader in religious enter- 
prises — was an earnest and consistent member 
of the M. E. Church for many years. His mill 
and store attracted an extensive trade, whilst 
his home was a centre of social influences widely 
felt. His oldest son, now Hon. George Krous- 
kop, the banker, was just embarking in business, 
whilst "Doc" was in his youth, udt as yet hav- 
ing the opportunity to develop the talent which 
has since made him an important factor in the 
commercial history of Richland county. But you 
will have of course, a full biography of the 
father and his sons, all widely known in the 
county, and indeed the State in which they re- 
side. 

The Black family must also occupy a conspic- 
uous place in such a history. Alexander Black 
was a man of rare courtesy, intelligence and in- 
tegrity. Being prematurely grey, he had a 
more venerable appearance than his age would 
really suggest. It was always a pleasure to 
visit his hospitable home on the Willow, and 
enjoy the delightful society of this cultivated 
gentleman and his family. He possessed the 
courteous manners of the Virginian, and Ids 
intelligence always rendered him a most agree- 
able and entertaining companion. 

The eccentric E. M. Sexton, the founder of 
Sextonville, was a notable character. He was 
among the very earliest settlers. His eccen- 
tric manners sometimes possibly offended 
those who did not know him well. My rela- 
tions to him wore exceedingly pleasant, and I 
have the tenderest remembrance of the man. 
He w.is greatly crushed when the tiilings reached 
him that his only son had been slain in liattle. 
He never fully recovered from that blow. 

The Brush's, the Foxes, Field's, Bremer's, De- 
voe's, Dcrrickson's, Young's, Morrisons, AVheel- 
er's, etc., w'ere all prominent families in those 
early days, and many of the descendants are 
still conspicuous citizens. 



896 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



Israel Janney was, in 1855, the clerk of the 
county. His name is closely identified with the 
social and political history of the times. His 
residence originally in Buena Vista, was trans- 
ferred to Richland, and for years he was a citizen 
of the county seat. His reminiscences of Rich- 
land county will be especially rich. The 
"Pike's Peak" excitement took away many of 
our citizens, and for a time Mr. Janney disap- 
peared from the county. His return was a sat- 
isfaction to his friends, as it was an advantage 
to society. 

BY MKS. CYRUS D. TURNER. 

Three young men, Ilartwell, Cyrus and Jerry 
Turner left Stykesville and Sheldon, Wyom- 
ing Co., N. Y., about the 1st of May, 1854, and 
came west, making explorations for government 
lands, intending to go into the Bad Ax river 
valley; they stopped for a time at Mr. Wilson's, 
at Kickapoo Centre, to rest. Hartwell took 
lands on Camp creek and some in Vernon county. 
Cyrus took lands in Richland and some in 
Vernon. Jerry took a tract in Vernon, which 
he afterwards traded for the farm of Mr. Ricli- 
ards near the town plat of Viola. 

These men returned to New York, where 
Cyrus and Jerry remained until Sej)tember. 

A short time after they had returned home, 
ILulwell leturned and entered more lands, and 
with hiui came Lyman Jackson. Mr. Jackson 
entered lands where Mr. Sommers' residence 
now is, and Hartwell and Jackson both built 
log buildings, Jackson on said premises and 
Hartwell near the mouth of Camp creek. Then 
Ilartwell again returned to New York. Mr. 
Jackson remained here expecting his family to 
come on in company with the Turners. The 1st 
of September five families came: William Turner 
< and wife; Hartwell, wife and two childien; 
Cyrus Turner and wife and two boy^; S.ilma 
Rogers and wife and two children; Lyman Jack- 
son's wife and two children; Jeriy Turner, John 
Fuller and Asa Patten. 

We came around the lakes to Milwaukee, and 
from there with our own teams. Our journey 



was altogether a pleasant one until we left 
Richland Centre, then a town invisible, and 
entered the woods, with sometimes a road and 
sometimes not. Crying children, tipped over 
wagons and camping out, sitting up on chairs 
for fear of snakes, helped fill the programme of 
our journey; many walked as long as strength 
lasted rather than peril the lives of the little 
ones which they carried in their arms and on 
their shoulders. 

Cyrus Turner looked over his land entries 
and proceeded to lay out a town line, his first 
survey did not please him, and he again made 
another plat which is now a part of the city 
property, although some of the streets have been 
fenced up for many years. Tiie first thing to 
be done was to excavate a log for a canoe with 
which to transfer travelers from shore to shore 
of the Kickapoo, which was fordable where the 
Waggoner's mill now stands. 

House buildfng was yet in its infancy here. 
The Gothic, Ionic, Doric orders of architecture 
are but little known; the style of which all the 
principal buildings here are composed may be 
termed "Kickapooric," for several sprang into 
existence about this time, which consisted of 
rolling logs up on to each other so as to enclose 
a square pen until the required height was • b- 
tained when tlie structure was covered with split 
boards, called "shakes" in western vernacular, 
which are nailed on by placing poles across 
them, thus making a very picturesque roof and 
a well ventilated attic. The space usually in- 
closed is about 18x20 feet or about the size of 
your dining-room. This is the house of the 
pioneer, this little room is the kitchen, dining- 
ruoui, pantrv, bed-room, nursery, and frequently 
the up-stairs and down cellar for a family of 
about a dozen members; into this are stowed 
beds, chests, dishes, boxes, babies, pots, kettles, 
and all the trumpery and paraphernalia, and you 
can easily imagine what a paradise of commo- 
tion it is; there cannot be much of coveting for 
all are on an equality, even in taking pleasure 
rides after ox teams and faring sumptuously 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



897 



upon wild game or iiiusli and milk, or the most 
dainty dish of all, batter, warm griddle slap, 
pan c-akes with punijikin butter or wild lioney. 
Our first religious sermon was preached in this 
pioneer building by Mr. Neher, of Forest, and 
in the summer of lS5n a little log school house 
was erected near the county line, and in a re- 
mote part of the town plat. Here our Sabbath 
school was organized, a library from the Ameri- 
can Sunday School Union was procured, and 
wc did well, notwithstanding all our difficulties; 
trees were chopped down, corn and potatoes 
j)lanted, if disposed to indolence the melodious 
music of the mosquito or the silent aches of our 
limbs reminded us of action, by fighting mosqui- 
toes or rubbing our rheumatic limbs, or pass the 
time in shaking our superfluous flesh ofl^. 

William Mack, a half breed from the Picalonic 
country, now a])pears among us. He bought out 
the store of I). C. Turner, and built a wooden 
structure, which is now attached to Mr. Tate's 
store. With Mr. Mack came Mr. Goodrich and 
family. Mr. Goodrich built a plank house on 
block three, which is still standing. Here his 
little daughter, Libbie Goodrich, died. This 
was the first death. She was buried near the 
house on the said lot, near the southern line of 
the street, where her grave is indistinct. 

In the fall of 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Keith, teach- 
ers in the Hrown school of Chicago, spent their 
summer vacation in Viola with the family of D. 
C. Turner. In three days after their return to 
Chicago, Howey Willie Turner, D. C. Turner's 
oldest son, was a corpse. Here appears Dr. 
Gott, of Viroqua, for the first time; yet his skill 
was of no avail. This child's death was a crush- 
ing calamiiy upon his family. 

Mr. Keith, Howey Willie and Freddie Turner 
were buried on the mound between the resi- 
dence of Charley Tate and Nelson Buegor's 
store for several years, but disinterred in 1869, 
and removed to the Viroqua cemetery, along 
with the remains of William Turner. 

In the year 1857 Viola Mack was born, and 
received a lot in block three for her name. 



This year also D. C. Turner bought out Mr. 
Mack, and commenced buying ginseng, which 
business he followed for eight successive years. 
Buying and clarifying and drying was also 
largely carried on by James Turner and Henry 
Livingstone, from Kentucky. 

D. C. Turner built another store, and the old 
Mack building was used for a dry house. The 
store then built is now a part of H. C. Cush- 
man's. 

In the fall of 1856 Harry Turner and family, 
Mr. Gill and family, Mr. Loveless and family, 
Amos Fuller and family came on. Harry 
Turner bought out Lyman Jackson; Mr. Gill 
bought out the tract of land Jerry Turner had 
entered and now resides there. Amos Fuller 
went to blacksmithing, got sick of the country, 
and went back in the fall of 1867. In the fall 
of 1859 Henry M. Keith and family came here 
and bought the pioneer home of Mr. Hull. 
Mr. Keith had been obliged to resign his 
situation in the Brown school of Chicago on 
account of ill health. He received a death 
blow from a band of ruffians in that school 
building, an account of which the papers of Chi- 
cago detailed in full particulars. Mrs. Keith 
taught our school one summer, before her hus- 
band's death, whijh occurred Feb. 18, 1861. In 
the winterof 1859-60 our school house was made 
lively frequently from time to time, in which 
Jerry Turner and Van S. Bennett figured largely. 

1858-9. — About this time several acres 
of land were given bv C. D. Turner for a cem- 
etery on the mound east of the new school 
house, where Mr. Clark now resides. This did 
not suit and became outlawed. Mr. Keith, con- 
sequently, was buried and removed, as before 
mentioned. 

1860-1. — he second pioneer house was re- 
moved, and the residence Mr. Cusliman now 
occupies was erected. John Fuller left for Cal- 
ifornia. Mrs. Keith left for the Chicago school 
again. General political excitement prevailed; 
the war was upon us; consequently no im- 
urovemcnts were made for some time. 



54 



898 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Jerry Turner enlisted; was 2nd lieutenant, 
then first, then captain of company li, 5th Wis- 
consin Infantry. Here is an extract from Ben- 
jamin Lawton's letter, as written to Harry 
Sherrae's family: "He fell while charging on 
Mary's Hill, back of the city of Fredericksburg. 
He was struck in the head by a large ball; I 
think it must have been a canister shot, for it 
made a hole about the size of a canister shot. 
He was shot so dead that he did not move. He 
was a brave and noble soldier. We mourn his 
loss and always will. He has been the main 
stay of company H, ever since we came out. 
When the captain fell I staid with him and 
took care of his body, which I agreed to do 
when I first came out; I told him I should stand 
by his side until the last, and I have done so. 
I tried my best to get his body embalmed and 
sent to you; but I could not for want of an am- 
bulance to get it carried it to Falmouth. Our 
quarter-master assisted me all he could, but it 
could not be got, for everything in the shape of 
wagons was used to bring the wounded off the 
field, so we had to bury him in the city." He 
was killed May 3, 1863. He made us his last 
visit on his thirty -first birth day, the Kith of 
February before his death. 

Company I, of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, 
was organized and drilled here until ordered to 
headquarters. Hartwell Turner was captain of 
this company. Wliile this regiment was in 
Leavenworth he was very sick. C. D. Turner, 
his brother, went to and staid with him till he 
could be brought home. 

From 1861 to 1864 it was only war, war, war, 
until scarcely an able bodied man was left in 
the town of Forest, in 1865. D. C. Turner was 
quite sick, was drafted, and Dr. Terhune, of 
Viroqua, reported for him, as he was under the 
doctors's care for sometime, until he was able 
to go to Boscobel, prepared to furnish a substi- 
tute, but was not accepted. From this time 
more or less sickness followed. He gave up the 
mercantile business and sold out to Mr. Tate. 
In 1865 Mr. Harrington and family, John Bryan^ 



and C. Ward came. N. D. Ward, of the 2d 
Wisconsin Cavalry, returned from Texas. 

Of the five original families that came to 
Viola in 1854, only two are here now — Salma 
Rogers' and H. L Turner's. Of the twenty 
persons, or children, of that time, there are still 
living: Salma Rogers and wife and two chil- 
dren; Mary Bews, of Dead wood; Frank 
Rogers, of Viola; Hartwell Turner and wife; 
Lyman Jackson, wife and son, of Oregon, Wis.; 
Helen .Jackson Drenn, of Centralia, 111.; Dewitt 
C Turner and his mother, Greenfield, Mo. 

These are deceased: William Turner and 
wife, Cyrus D. Turner and son, George Tur- 
ner, Alice Turner Waggoner, Jerry Turner and 
John Fuller. 

BY ISRAEL JANNEY. 

Fine river runs the entire length from north 
to south, through the central portion of the 
county. On the west side of the river was a 
heavy forest with a thick undergrowth of brush, 
extending for miles with no roads or bridges. 
We were without communication with the 
western settlements, only by the difficult route 
of crossing the Wisconsin river and traveling 
down to the village of Muscoda,there re-crossing 
the river and following the trail the western set- 
tlers made to their homes, the only entrance for 
the early settlers of the western part of the 
county. There was a good highway^ from the 
above village to Mineral Point, and also to Ga- 
lena, where the emigrants by water landed 
that were looking for homes in Wisconsin ; and 
those that made their way by land from Illinois, 
Indiana, southern Ohio and further south, gen- 
erally found their way to Mineral Point. 

This accounts for the settlements in the west- 
ern part of the county, being generally composed 
of people from the above named States, while 
the eastern portion of the county was reached 
from the east by the way of Sauk Prairie and 
Helena. The result was, the eastern portion of 
the county was settled by the inevitable Yankee; 
a close, industrious and enterprising settler, with 
the milk pail on his arm, ready to milk the first 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



899 



cow he could secure, and also a foreign emigra- 
tion working their way westward from the 
eastern States and cities. I will here state 
the Yankee, with the cow, has been a large and 
important factor in the improvement and devel- 
opme7it of the rich resources of our county. 

Robert and William McCloud, with their 
families, emigrated from Hardin Co., Ohio, in 
the year 1845, to Wisconsin, having previously 
purchased a tract of land near Muscoda without 
seeing it. After arriving at the above named 
place and having examined their purchase, they 
found it worthless for agricultural purposes. 
They remained in the village of Muscodaduring 
the fall and winter of 1845-6, looking at diflfer- 
ont parts of the country, hunting and buying 
furs that were found in the northwest at that 
time, such as the beaver, otter, fisher, martin, 
mink and bear. The above named animals 
were numerous. Robert McCloud was a gen- 
eral agent for a fur company located at Perrys- 
burgh, Ohio, and his agents traveled as fal- 
north as St. Paul. In the spring of 1846, Robert 
and William ^fcClond moved upon farms they 
had selected on the east bank of Bear creek, in 
town north, of range 2 east. Robert broke 
up about eighty acres, planted corn, potatoes 
and garden vegetables, and William broke and 
]ilanted aboulforty acres. They had good crops, 
and when my brother, Phinneas Janney, and 
myself moved into the above name<l town in 
the fall of 1S46 we found the McClouds com- 
fortably situated with good log houses. Robert 
had sown four bushels of winter wheat, which 
was without doubt the first sown in the county. 
They were the oidy families in the eastern half 
of the county at the time we moved in, exce])t 
some parties ihat were engaged in building a 
aaw-mili on Pine river, where the village of 
Rockbridge is located. 

Mineral Point was our postottice for a time, 
and later, Franklin or Iligliland in Iowa county. 
Our supplies had to come from Mineral Point. 

Richland county at this time was a wilder- 
ness, where the Indian and wild beasts of the 



forest roamed at will; such as the lynx, elk, 
deer, bear and wolf; the three latter were very 
plentiful. Our animal food consisted chiefly of 
the deer and bear meat. The hunting of them 
was a very pleasant and exciting exercise, as 
well as profitable. Fish were very plentiful in 
the small streams. We found trout and the 
larger varieties in the Pine and Wisconsin riv- 
ers. They furnished fine sport and amusement 
in securing, as well a.s an important article of 
food; and the hunting of the wild bee was in- 
teresting and profitable. They were very plen- 
tiful and yielded a large amount of honey, which 
took the place of sugar and syrup for all sweet- 
ening purposes, so that we were not without 
some amusement and pleasure to mix with the 
troubles and trials incident to pioneer life. 
About three weeks after our arrival, Philip 
.Miller, a very promising young man, died of 
typhoid fever, which cast a gloom and sorrow 
over the small settlement; and we were admon- 
ished of the truth, notwithstanding our journey 
I'f Iniii'lreds of miles, tliat the messenger of 
(ic.itli was noai", and wouhl find us sooner or 
hiter. 

The winter of 1846-7 was one of the coldest 
and hardest that I have exjjcrienced in the 
county; the snow fell very deep, and soon after 
lli.iwed sufticiently to form a heavy crust that 
would almost bear a man up; but about the 
time lie would straighten up, down he would 
go, and would continue to repeat it for a short 
ilistance, until he found himself played out. 
The result was we had to keep close quai-ters, 
and had often to eat what we called Irish suj)- 
per — venison, potatoes and salt. We had an 
early spring. It turned warm and remained so; 
and it was not loTig until we laid aside our 
troubles caused by the winter, and were de- 
lighted with the jirospects the country pre- 
sented. The bold bluffs and beautiful valleys, 
with their cool springs, brooks and creeks, 
with the surrounding forest, made up a view 
beautifid and grand; and the thought occurred 
that there were none to dispute our right to 



900 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



this beautiful country. But we were disap- 
pointed; the red man of the forest made his 
appearance with claims, and gave us consider- 
able trouble; and on several occasions we were 
compelled to collect with our families at one 
house, for safety and protection, until the In- 
dians were disposed of. 

The McCloud brothers had been absent for 
several days from the village, early in the 
spring of 1846, looking at different parts of 
Richland county, and on their return home, 
found the people of the village in a fight with 
the Indians. They were called on for help, and 
responded by hurrying to the scene of action. 
There were four of the Indians killed and one 
wounded by the McClouds. The Indians then 
fell back into a heavy undergrowth of pine 
timber, taking their dead and wounded with 
them. The whites called a council and decided 
to send a messenger to Gov. Dodge, and runners 
to the different settlements for help, believing 
the Indians would renew the conflict as soon as 
they could collect their forces. By morning 
there were a large number of whites on the 
ground, and fully as many Indians. They 
seemed determined on mischief. But the 
whites acted strictly on the defensive until 
they could hear from the governor, which was 
soon answered by his presence in person ; and 
after a careful investigation of the facts, he 
sustained the people in what they had done and 
complimented the McClouds very highly for 
tlie brave and decisive action they took in the 
matter. The Indians were sent to their reser- 
vation by Gov. Dodge, with orders not to 
remove; but tlie orders were often violated and 
they gave the different settlements more or less 
trouble, but more particularly the McCloud 
settlement ; they were determined to have 
the scalps of those two men, and made many 
attempts to secure their object; and the num- 
ber they lost in the raids they made will proba- 
bly never be known. They finally disappeared 
and left the McClouds to enjoy their new 



homes in peace. A few words in reference to 
the McCloud family. 

Judge William McCloud, the father of 
Robert and William, was one of the early 
pioneer settlers of Champaign, Logan and 
Hardin counties in Ohio. The family held a 
prominent place in the hearts of the early set- 
tlers in the above named counties; was re- 
spected and esteemed by all who knew tlieni. 
Robert and William McCloud having grown up 
in the midst of the greatest warlike Inilian 
tribes of Ohio, with such opportunities for 
studying the peculiar traits of character of the 
Indians, well qualified them to meet their In- 
dian troubles in this county with the success 
they did. Mrs. Elizabeth McCloud, the mother 
of Robert and William, after the death of her 
husband, came to this county and remained wiih 
her children and friends until her death, which 
took place at James D. Key's, in the town of 
Buena Vista. She was a lady of fine intellect, 
highly cultured and of excellent memory. 
She had been a faithful member of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church for many years, and was 
one of the true Christian mothers of the past. 

The next addition to our small settlement 
was Mary J. Janney, now Mrs. William Willey, 
of Fancy creek, born Dec. 12, 1846, daughter of 
Israel and Elizabeth Janney. In the spring of 
1 847, W. H. Janney located on the farm now 
owned by J. W. Briggs ; and Amos Merser 
settled on land east of David Young's farm, but 
shortly afterward sold out and located about 
four miles northeast of Lone Rock, in Sauk 
county where he now resides. 

In the fall of the same year there were two 
men with their families, one by the name of 
Parshall Smith and the other Cyrus Cline, mov- 
ed in and settled on Bear creek. 

In the fall of 1848 Jonathan Ingram and 
family, Samuel Long with his family, and many 
others, moved into the town. Our first election 
was held in November at the house of Robert 
McCloud, and I think there were thirteen votes 
polled. Up to 1849 we had never seen or hear 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



901 



of an assessor or tax collector. We certainly 
ought to bave been happy. 

Nathaniel Wheeler moved from the State of 
New York, to Dane Co., Wis., in the fall of 
1848. He settled in town 9 north, of range 2 
east, on the farm now owned by David Young. 
He was the first Methodist preacher in the town. 
Mr. Wheeler served one term in the State Leg- 
islature from this county. He left this county 
many years ago, and when last heard from was 
living in the State of New York, as a Baptist 
minister. He had evidently changed his re- 
ligious views. 



B. L. Jackson was the first local preacher of 
the same Church, and settled in the same neigh* 
borhood in 1848. They organized a class about 
the same time in a log school house, a short 
distance from Samuel Long's residence. Mr. 
Jackson was an itinerant preacher in the M. E. 
Church for a number of years,and was then trans- 
ferred to an Iowa conference. 

Rev. G. G. Nickey was one of the j)ioneer 
preachers of the United Brethren Church on 
Fancy creek, and under his preaching they have 
increased in strength and numbers, and at the 
present writing are strong and prosperous. 




902 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



WAR FOR THE UNION. 



If there is any one thing, more than another, 
of which the people of the northern States have 
reason to be proud, it is the bright record 
they made during the dark and bloody days of 
the war of the Rebellion. When the war was 
forced upon the country, the people were quiet- 
ly pursuing the even tenor of thpir ways, doing 
whatever their hands found to do — making 
farms or cultivating those already made, erect- 
ing homes, founding cities and towns, building 
shops and manufactories — in short, the country 
was alive with industry and hopes for the future. 

The people were just recovering from the 
depressions and losses incident to the great 
financial panic of 1857. The future looked bright 
and promising, and the industrious and patri- 
otic sons and daughters of the free States were 
buoyant with hope — looking forward to the 
perfection of new plans for the securing of 
comfort and competence in their declining years 
of life; they little heeded the mutterings and 
threatenings of treason's children in the slave 
Stales of the South. True sons and descendants 
of the heroes of the "times that tried men's 
souls" — the struggle for American Independ- 
ence — they never dreamed that there was even 
one so base as to dare attempt the destruction of 
the Union of their fathers — a government bap- 
tised with the best blood the world ever knew. 
While immediately surrounded with peace and 
tranquillity, they paid but little attention to the 
rumored plots and plans of those who lived and 
grew rich from the sweat and toil, blood and 
flesh of others; aye, even traflicing in their 



own offspring. Nevertheless, the war came, 
with all its attendent horrors. 

April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter, in Charleston 
bay. South Carolina, Major Anderson, U. S. A., 
commandant, was fired upon by rebel arms. 
Although base treason, this first act in the 
bloody reality that followed, was looked upon 
as the mere bravado of a few hot heads, the act 
of a few fire-eaters whose sectional bias and 
freedom-hatred was crazed by excessive indul- 
gence in intoxicating potions. When, a day 
later, the news was borne northward, on the 
wings of the telegraph, that Anderson had been 
forced to surrender to what had at first been re- 
garded as a drunken mob, the strong patriotic 
souls of the people of the north were startled 
from their dreams of the future, from undertak- 
ings half completed, and made to realize, that, 
behind that mob, there was a dark, deep, well 
organized purpose to destroy the government, 
rend the Union in twain, and out of its ruins 
erect a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would 
dare question their right to hold in bond- 
age, the sons and daughters of "sunny Africa." 
But "they reckoned without their host." 
Their dreams of this Utopia, their plans for the 
establishment of an independent confederacy, 
were doomed from their inception to sad and 
bitter disappointment. 

Immediately upon the surrender of Fort Sum- 
ter, Abraham Lincoln, the President, who, but a 
few short weeks before, had taken the oath of 
office as the nation's chief executive, issued a 
proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers for 
three months, being misled by uninformed 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



903 



counselors as to the magnitude of the task be- 
fore liiin. The last word of that proclamation 
hardly ceased to vibrate along the telegraph 
wire, before the call was filled. Men and 
money were poured into the lap of the General 
Government with lavish liands. The people 
who loved their country — and who did not — 
could not give enough. Patriotism thrilled and 
pulsated through every heart. The farm, the 
shop, the office, the store, the factory, the bar, 
the pulpit, aye, even the college and school 
houses offered their best nion,theirlivcs and their 
fortune in defense of the unity and honor of 
their government and flag. Party lines were 
ignored or lost sight of and bitter words, 
spoken in the moment of political heat, were 
forgotten and forgiven, and joining hands in a 
common cause, northern democrat, republican 
and conservative repeated the oath of Ameri- 
ca's soldier-statesman, "by the Great Eternal, 
the Union must and shall be preserved." 

But alas, 75,000 men were not enough to sub- 
due the rank rebellion. Nor were ten times 
lluit number. The war continued to rage, and 
call succeedi-(l to call, until, to the doubting 
heart, it looked as if there were not men enough 
in all the northern States to crush these traitor- 
ous foes within the limits of our own glorious 
land, helped and aided as they were by traitor- 
ous friends across the ocean. But to every call 
for either men or money, there was a ready and 
willing response. And it is the boast of the 
people that, had the sujiply of men fallen short, 
there were women brave and daring enough, 
aye, even patriotic enough, to have offered 
themselves a willing sacrifice upon their coun- 
try's altar. Such were the impulses, motives 
and actions of the patriotic sons of the north, 
among whom the loyal sons of Wisconsin made 
a conspicuous record, and the boys from Rich- 
land county were not in any wise behind in the 
movement to preserve the life of our govern- 
ment. 

The county government made such appropri- 
ations as seemed to them proper and right for 



the support of the families of those who volun- 
teered; and of these matters we will treat first. 
Immediately upon receipt of the President's 
proclamation, the citizens of Richland county 
proceeded to recruit a company, but, owing to 
the distance from the seat of war, could not get 
them accepted under the three months' call, 
and the Scott Guards were mustered in under 
the first call of three years. 

The first action of the board of supervisors, 
in regard to the volunteers then going and gone 
to the front, was at a special session held July, 
1861, when the following resolution was adop- 
ted: 

Jiesolved, That the families of non-commis- 
sioned officers, musicians and privates, mustered 
into the service of the State or of the United 
States, in pursuance of any law of this State, 
being residents of this county, in addition to 
the pay provided for the rank of soldiers of the 
rank aforesaid, shall receive the sum of ^4 
for four months, to be paid only to the 
families that really need it; and that such ap- 
propriation be paid by the county treasurer 
upon the presentation of a certificate of a jus- 
tice of the peace of said county, to the effect 
that the applicant is of the class above specified, 
and in need of said appropriation." 

At its November session, the same year, the 
board, the time for which the previous resolu- 
tion provided having expired, appointed a com- 
mittee to make and report to them an order 
making an allowance to the families of the vol- 
unteers. In accordance with the above instruc- 
tions, when the committee made its report, the 
board appropriated the sum of $2,500 to meet 
the expenses of the partial support of the fami- 
lies of volunteers, to be applied under the 
direction of the board. It was also determined 
that it should be the duty of the town boards, 
when an application was made to them for re- 
lief, by the family of a volunteer in the United 
States service, to inquire into the case, and if 
necessary, to provide such aid and draw orders 



904 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



on the county treasurer, who was instructed to 
pay them. 

Jan. 13, 1862, the board of supervisors made 
the following order: — " That the families of 
non-commissioned officers, musicians and pri- 
vates mustered into the service of the State or 
of the United States, being residents of this 
county at the time of their enlistment, in addi- 
tion to the pay provided for soldiers of the 
rank aforesaid, receive from the county the sum 
of $1 per month during their service; 
that families having children under twelve years 
of age, receive the sum of $1 per month 
for each child, in addidion to the sum aforesaid, 
this allowance to date from Nov. 20, 1861." 

The board also passed resolutions defining 
how, when and where the applications for this 
relief shall be filed and paid, and rescinds any 
and all actions of previous boards of super- 
visors. 

At a special session of the board of super- 
visors held March 4, 1862, the following resolu- 
tion was adopted: 

" Whereas — There is no money in the treasu- 
ry with which to redeem the orders issued to 
the families of volunteers, and whereas, the 
families are realizing but about one-half the 
amount therefrom, it is therefore 

"Resolved, That it is deemed for the best in- 
terests of all concerned that the act passed at 
January session, for the relief of families of 
volunteers be, and the same is, hereby declared 
repealed." 

The calls for more men, more victims to the 
unholy demon of war, now became more 
frequent and soon there were no young men 
left in the county to bear the brunt of war's fierce 
struggle, and yet some m»ist go. And when the 
call for 300,000 more came in December, 1864, 
some steps must betaken to fill the county's 
quota, and a meeting was held in the court 
house at Richland Centre to take such steps, as 
seemed advisable, toward that object. The 
meeting was organized by the selection of Le 



Roy D. Gage, as chairman, and D. Downs as 
clerk. 

When the meeting was opened, N. L. James 
moved the appointment of a committee on reso- 
lutions, which was carried, and Robert Akan, 
Norman L. James and C. H. Smith were ap- 
pointed the said committee. (The committee 
reporting a majority and minority report, and 
both being lengthy, and neither being adopted, 
both have been omitted). However the follow- 
ing resolution was adopted: 

liesolved, That every man liable to the draft 
be requested to pay |25 for the purpose of pro- 
curing volunteers, and $3 for the purpose of 
paying the taxes of all enlisted men now in the 
service incurred by a town tax for war bounty 
purposes; and that the town board of supervi- 
sors be petitioned to hold at the earliest prac- 
ticable day a town meeting for the purpose of 
voting for or against a tax of $200 for each vol- 
unteer properly credited to the town. 

Voted, That C. H. Smith be, and he is hereby 
authorized to receive and receipt for the $28 re- 
quested from those liable to the draft; and that 
he is authorized to pay out of money so re- 
ceived the sum of $300 for each recruit prop- 
erly credited to Richland town. 

Voted, That J. H. Miner, D. E. Pease, J. B. 
McGrew and D. L. Dows are hereby appointed 
as a committe to call upon all subject to the 
draft and urge the payment of the $28 recom- 
mended by meeting. 

Voted That the names of those paying the 
$28, as requested, be published in The Observer. 

Voted, That the proceedings of this meeting 
be published in The Observer. 

Nearly every one liable to draft met this de- 
mand upon them and the quota was filled. It 
was discovered after the peace, that the State of 
Wisconsin had furnished a considerably greater 
number of men than was her proportion, and 
Richland was one of the counties which had a 
greater number on the credit side of the ac 
count. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



905 



But two men liad tbe honor to serve in tlie 
three month's service, from Ricliland county, 
and these were, Jesse S. Miller and William 
Worden. 

Tbe first man from Richland county that was 
killed in the late war, was George Hamlin, a 
son of Charles Hamlin, of Richland Centre. 
This young man laid down a precious life on 
the altar of his country, at the battle of Pitts- 
burg Landing, April 2, 18G2, and was at tbe 
time a member of the 11th HI, Infantry, al- 
tiiough a resident of this county. 

In almost every one of the regiments that left 
the State for active service in the field, were 
some of tbe brave boys of Richland county. 
The first company that was raised in the county 
exclusively, however,was the Scott Guards, who 
enlisted in the spring of 1861, when the first 
Hush of patriotism burned throughout tbe land. 
This company was assigned to tbe 5th regiment 
and given the letter H as its designation. Dur- 
ing its four years the company saw much active 
service and the history of the gallant 5th will 
not suffer by comparison. On mustering into 
the service of the general government, the regi- 
ment was assigned to tbe Army of the Potomac, 
its first active duty commencing in the spring of 
If^GL^whcn lliey were placed in the front and 
right nobly did they their devoir, taking a 
foremost part in the battle of Williamsburg. 
Arriving on tbe field about ten o'clock, skir- 
mishers were thrown out to the front and left, 
the regiment crossing Queen's creek and taking 
possession of the enemy's earthworks on the 
riglit. Here they again formed in line, three 
comj)anies being deployed as skirmishers, facing 
the second work, of which t lie regiment also took 
]iossession, suffering severely from a galling 
lire, which the enemy opened from three other 
works on the front and left. The regiment 
again advanced about four hundred yards, two 
companies being sent forward to su]i])(>rt the 
line of shirniishers, tlie remainder of tbe regi- 
ment supporting a battery which had taken a 



position near soiae low farm bouses, and were 
engaged in shelling the enemy's works. 

This position was maintained until 5 o'clock 
in the afternoon when vastly superior forces 
made a retrograde movenieiit highly necessary. 
Col. Cobb, in his official report, says : 

" In falling back to the point indicated, the 
regiment was immediately unmasked by tbe 
buildings, and found itself in front of the ene- 
my's center ; a heavy regiment, afterwards 
ascertained to be the 5tli North Carolina, which 
was supported on either flank by other troops, all 
of whom advanced rapidly, concentrating upon 
us a rapid and heavy fire. Tbe regiment 
fell back in good order, every man loading as he 
retreated, wheeling and returning the fire of the 
enemy, with the rapidity and coolness of veter- 
ans. In this way they fell back to the line of 
battle of the brigade, which bad already formed, 
taking position in the center, a space having 
been left for that purpose. A charge being 
then ordered, tbe whole line moved forward 
with a shout and a well directed fire, driving 
the enemy before them like chaff, they fleeing 
in wild confusion, leaving the field, over which 
they had just pursued the retiring line of the 
oth, literally strewn with their dead and 
wounded, and leaving their battle flag behind 
them, which was captured by a member of the 
regiment. 

This charge turned in our favor the wavering 
scale of battle. For this they received the 
thanks of Gen. McClellan. 

Gladly would we follow all the movements 
of this gallant regiment, of which the boys of 
Richland formed a part, did but s)iace allow. 
How they struggled at Spottsylvania, the seven 
days conflict on the Chickahominy, at Rappa- 
hannock, Sailor's creek,Winclioster,Petersburgh, 
Mary's Heights, Fredericksburgh and other fa- 
mous battles. 

In the battle at Mary's Heights, the oth 
Wisconsin headed the famous charge which 
carried a part of the almost impregnable AFary's 
Heights at Fredericksburg. Greeley eays. 



906 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



"Braver men never smiled on death, than those 
vQio climbed Mary's Hill on that fatal day." 
The one gleam of success in that gallant but 
disastrous fight, was the capture by the 5th 
Wisconsin of a rebel battery. All else was 
failure where "we had reason for sorrow but 
none for shame." 

We have inserted here an account of the 
charge at Rapi)ahanock Station, made by this 
famous regiment and its twin mate, the 6th 
Maine, as it is thought to be the only true and 
most graphic account of one of the most heroic 
actions of the war, at the request of a number 
of the men of company H, of the 5th. 

A FAMOUS ASSAULT. 
[By J. S. Anderson.] 

On the (5lh of November, lSe3, the Army of 
the Potomac lay in camp in the vicinity of 
Wai'renton, fronting the confederate army, 
commanded by Gen. Lee, which occu|)ied the 
line of the Rappahanock river. A short time 
previous, Lee had repeated against Meade the 
tactics and strategy which had been so success- 
ful against Hooker aud Pope, and passed around 
the right flank of the army of the Potomac. 
He had compelled Meade to fall back nearly to 
the vicinity of Alexandria. 

Meade selected a position in the neighborhood 
of Centreville, and Lee, finding his antagonist 
had pursued a cautious and judicious course, 
and was ready to confront him upon ground of 
his own choice, fell back to the line of the 
Rappahannock, destroying the railroad and all 
other public property in his path. Meade, 
smarting at having been out-mananivred, and 
anxious to deliver a return blow, followed him 
a little to the south and east of Warr'enton, 
striking the enemy a sharp blow at Bristoe 
Station, but failed to bring him to battle. Both 
armies rested near the line of the Rappahan- 
nock, Lee holding the fords and crossings of 
the river. 

On the evening of the 6th of November, 
1863, orders were issued to fill up to the maxi- 
mum with amunition, to have three day's 



cooked rations in the haversacks and be ready 
to march at day-break. Always prompt, the 
bugle sounded at the headquarters of "Uncle 
John" Sedgwick, the grand old commander of 
the sixth corps, just as the sky began to redden 
in the east. 

The first division of the sixth corps led the 
advance; the third brigade, commanded by Gen. 
David Russell, and consisting of the 5th Wis- 
consin, Cth Maine, 49th and 119ih Pennsylvania 
regiments in front. The 49th Pennsylvania led 
the entire column. After passing the picket 
line about two miles out, a line of skirmishers 
was thrown out to the front and flanks of the 
column, and in this manner marched without 
opposition until about 2 o'clock, i: m., when at a 
distance of two and a half miles from the river, 
a small party of cavalry was struck. 

They fell back without seriously attempting 
to oppose the advance, contenting themselves 
by observing our apj>roacli. We soon arrived 
near the range of hills bordering the river and 
the head of the column turned to the left so as 
to pass down the river. We marched down 
and parallel with the river, nearly to the rail- 
road and connected with the advance of the 
fifth corps, under Gen. Warren, which soon 
after came up in force. The second division of 
the sixth corps, as it came up, deployed by the 
right and supported a couple of batteries, 
which took position on a height from which the 
rebels could be seen in medium shell range. 
The enemy were found to be strongly en- 
trenched on the same side of the river, on 
which we were, holding a tete de pont back of 
which was a pontoon bridge. 

Their works consisted of several strong forts. 
On the south side of the river, immediately in 
our front, on commanding ground, was an elab- 
orate redoubt pierced for four pieces of artillery, 
and containing two twelve pound Parrott guns 
taken originally from Milroy, at the capitula- 
tion of Winchester. Further to the rebel right, 
at a distance of six hundred feet, was a smaller 
redoubt, containing two three inch guns, said to 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



907 



have been takeu from us, one at Antietam, the 
other at Chancellorsville. This redoubt was on 
ground a little lower than the first, and com- 
manded the approaches along the line of the 
railroad and the river below. The two redoubts 
were connected by a strong line of rille pits, 
and to the rebel left of the larger work, an 
elaborate and carefully constructed line of 
breastworks extended up the river and j)arallel 
with it for a long distance. 

On the further side of the river, on a high hill, 
that dominated the whole, was a strong fort, in 
whirl] were planted (.everal heavy guns, I 
should judge field 32-pounders, and further up, 
on the same side of the river, a smaller redoubt. 

These works were fully manned. In the 
works on the side of the river facing the federal 
troops there were two entire brigades. "Stone- 
wall" Jackson's famous old brigade was there, 
and with them also were the famous Louisiana 
Tigers. This Louisiana brigade was com- 
manded by Brig. Gen. Hayes, who as senior 
officer commanded all the forces on that side of 
the river. The other brigade was that of Gen. 
Hoke, who commanded a brigade of three large 
regiments, the 6th, 54th and 57th North Caro- 
lina. They were the tlovver of the rebel army. 
Well dressed and splendidly equipped, they no 
doubt considered themselves a match for any 
equal number of men in the world. The Louis- 
iaiiaians occujiied the two redoubts and the rifle 
pits connecting them and a small party of the 
line to their left of the larger redoubt, directly 
in front of the pontoon bridge. The line to 
their left was held by the North Carolina regi- 
ments. Our troops took some little time Id de- 
ploy and form the desired connections witii the 
lifth corps. As soon as the lines were formed, 
the skirmishers of the 49lh Pennsylvania were 
called in and the entire right wing of the 6th 
Maine, under Maj. Fuller, deployed as skii'mish- 
ers, with orders to push the rebel skirmishers 
back inside of their works if* possible. This 
was quickly and gallantly done, the artillery 
aiding in the work, and the men lay down be- I 



hind stumps, fallen trees, hillocks, and any ob- 
ject which afforded shelter, keeping up a sharp 
but desultory fire on the entrenched line of the 
enemy. 

In the meantime several batteries had taken 
position on the ridge in front of the in- 
fantry lines and had opened a heavy cannonade 
on the enemj\s entrenchments. Shot and shell 
flew like hail through the forts on both sides of 
the river, but without any perceptible effect; 
the enemy's infantry would lie down in the 
rifle pits while the storm passed over them, 
perfectly protected. The artillery, shielded by 
the heavy curtains of earth, could not be si- 
lenced. 

Gen. Russell, who commanded the first divis- 
ion of the sixth corps that day, solicited per- 
mission to make an attempt with his brigade to 
carry it by storm. The desired permission was 
given by Gen. Wright, who commanded the 
corps that day, in place of Gen. Sedgwick, who 
had charge of the entire right wing of the 
army, and preparations were immediately be- 
gun. It was trying ground for a charge. Be- 
tween our lines and the enemy were two long 
ranges of hilly ground, with several hundred 
yards of broken declivity between, at the bot- 
tom of which was a small stream. 

The storming party selected consisted of the 
left wing of the Gth Maine, and the entire 5th 
Wisconsin. They were to be supported at some 
distance by the -IQth and the 119th Pennsylva- 
nia. Just as the sun touched the horizon the 
left wing of the 6tli Maine deployed on the 
summit of the first ridge, in the form of a 
strong skirmish line. The 5th Wisconsin formed 
a hundred yards behind them, and the whole 
moved forward. 

When the 5th Wisconsin reached the little 
creek I have spoken of, two or three shells 
whizzed above the heads of the regiment and 
burst close by. In another moment the regi- 
ment would be under fire. There » as an omi- 
nous growl along the line, and a half stop. 
"What is the matter, men ':"' cried an oflicer. 



908 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



"We're not loaded ; you're taking us in with 
empty guns," cried half a hundred voices. Some 
officer riding in the rear, I think one of Gen. 
Russell's staff, cried out, " Forward ! Your 
orders are to de|)end entirely on the bayonet." 
The only answer to this was the deepening of 
the hoarse murmur along the line and the rat- 
tling of the ramrods. Nearly every man had 
bitten off a cartridge, and was trying to shove 
it down his rifle barrel as he marched in line. 
Finally, Col. Tom Allen, who was riding in 
front of the regiment, had his attention called 
to the confusion, and ascertaining its cause, 
thundered out : " Halt ! Load at will. Load !" 
"Be quick, men," Col. Allen added. " Don't 
cap your guns," cried out the same staff officer 
from the rear again, "rely entirely on the bayo- 
net." The only answer was a half contemptu- 
ous growl, accompanied by the clicking of gun 
locks all along the line, as the bright pieces of 
copper were fitted to the tubes. 

"That fellow must think we're a pack of 
greenhorns," the writer heard one of the men 
say. 

The rifles being loaded, the line moved 
quietly and rapidly forward. The delay caused 
by loading had considerably increased the in- 
terval between the Cth Maine skirmishers and 
the line of battle. These gallant fellows Iiad 
pushed fearlessly forward until they came up 
with the skirmish line formed by the right 
wing of the regiment, and the two thin lines 
together rushed headlong on the enemy. 

There were less than 370 of them, officers 
and men, and they had charged nearly ten 
times their number. The audacity and impetu- 
osity of the attack was such that the enemy re- 
coiled for a moment before it, but seeing how 
small was the number of their antagonists, they 
sprang back to the attack and the work became 
hot. 

No better regiment than the 6th Maine ever 
marched. They had never known defeat, 
they had never failed to break the enemy in a 
charge, nor to well back the waves of attack 



from the front. Between them and the 5th 
Wisconsin there was a peculiar affection. The 
men of the two regiments had fraternized from 
the first. They were together all through the 
war and had helped each other in many a hard 
spot. 

They had a right to expect that the -Tth Wis- 
consin would not fail them, and they did not. 
As soon as the 5th Wisconsin passed over the 
crest of the second ridge, behind which they 
had loaded their guns, they became exposed to 
artillery fire. A number of shells were thrown 
at them, most of which passed over their 
heads. The deepening shades of the twilight 
and the rapidity with which they marched down 
the open slope disarranged the aim of the gun- 
ners so that they suffered little or none from 
this cause. As they came nearer the whistling 
rush of canister greeted their ears. and the regi- 
ment broke into the double quick. As they 
clambered over the swampy river the crakle 
and roar of musketry burst forth in their front, 
and as they climbed the bank on the other side 
they could see the Maine boys clinging to the 
parapets of the redoubts, or standing in little 
groups of twos and threes, at the very edge of 
the breastworks, with their bayonets at a 
charge, or loading their guns and casting 
anxious glances to see if help was coming. 
They were falling thick and fast. Then arose 
from that line of battle a terrible shout. It was 
not the usual charging cheer. It was a yell of 
rage, a shout of encouragement, an imprecation 
of vengeance all in one. Only one shout and 
then a terribly significant silence. Tbey had no 
breath to waste. Knapsacks and haversacks 
were thrown right and left, and through the 
storm of bullets rushed the 5th Wisconsin to 
tiie rescue. A stalwart lieutenant of the 6th 
Maine leaped on the parapet of the large redoubt 
and shouted, " For God's sake, 5th Wisconsin, 
hurry up." The call was not needed. In an- 
other instant the line of battle reached the rebel 
works. The greater part of the 5th Wisconsin 
rushed over the parapets into the larger redoubt, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



909 



the remainder swept down tlie rifle pit to tlie 
left and tlirew itself into the smaller one. They 
emptied their rifles right and left among the 
enemy, the muzzles sometimes touching the 
bodies of their opponents. 

Men were found dead next morning with their 
flesh scorched with powder. A terrible and 
indescribable struggle ensued. It was "hand 
to hand and foot to foot." The men from 
Maine and the men from Wisconsin, without a 
semblance of organization, fought side by side. 
The Louisianians, cut off from the pontoon 
bridge, and with a deep river in their rear, fought 
desperately. Muskets were seized and torn 
from the grasp of those who held them, and men 
grappled and fought with their flsts. Inside 
the large redoubt the melee was frightful. The 
rebel artillery men stuck by their guns to the 
last, and fought savagely with rammers, hand 
spikes, swords or whatever was at hand. A 
handsome, curly haired young man of the 6th 
Maine, who curiously enough bore the name of 
Jeff Davis, killed one of the rebels with a blow 
80 terrible that the stock of his rifle was swept 
off, and the skull of his opponent shattered to 
fragments. The next instant he himself fell 
shot through the head. Sergeant Joe Goodwin, 
of company A, otli Wisconsin, and one or two 
others of the regiment, wheeled one of the 
captured cannon around to the rear of the trav- 
erse on the left of the redoubt, and seeing a 
line being formed near the pontoon bridge, 
apparently to charge back upon the fort, hurled 
among them a double charge of canister intended 
for us, breaking them up and driving them 
away from the bridge. As he i)Ut his shoulder 
to the wheel to run the gun back, he fell, shot 
through the heart. 

Ttii'se two regiments carried on this terrible 
and unccpial struggle for fifteen or twenty min- 
\ites, and in that time sixteen out of twenty-one 
conimissioned otticers, and 123 out of 350 en- 
listed men of the 6th Maine had fallen, and of 
the 5th Wisconsin, seven officers and fifty-six 
men were killed or wounded. Without com- 



mander, without organization, the men fought 
doggedly and desperately on. Lieut. Col. Har- 
ris, commander of the 6th Maine, lay in the 
ditch with his hip shattered. Col. Tom Allen, 
of the 5th Wisconsin, partially crippled in one 
arm by on old wound received in battle when 
with the Iron Brigade, was struck in the other 
arm with a rifle bullet, when he had nearly 
reached the works. Major Wheeler, then next 
in command, just recovering from an old'wound 
received at the storming of Fredericksburg 
Heights, fell mortally wounded, near the foot 
of the slope. Horace Walker, of company A, 
senior captain of the regiment, fell dead with a 
rebel bullet through his brain, near the right 
angle of the large redoubt. Capt. Ordway, of 
company D, next on the list, fell headlong from 
the parapet, killed, as he was cheering on his 
men. Thus the four senior officers of the regi- 
ment were struck down. Near Walker, lay 
dead the gallant Capt. Furlong, of the 6th 
Maine, who had hitherto passed through all the 
battles of the regiment unhurt. lie was a 
large, handsomely l)uilt man, and was known 
through the brigade as "the big captain." A 
warm hearted, genial fellow, he was brave as a 
lion, and fairly worshiped by his men. 

Inside the fort, and a little to the left of 
Ordway, lay Lieut. McKinlcy, of the 6th Maine, 
with his brains blown out. Around him too, 
lay half a dozen of his inen, who had followed 
him to the death. Thus it was all along that 
terrible line. The air was filled with a medley 
of shouts, shrieks and groans, calls to surren- 
der, yells of defiance, imprecations and curses, 
an<l through and above all other sounds the un- 
ceasing crash and rattle of musketry. The 
artillery on both sides was silent, for federals 
and confederates wore so mingled together that 
they could not tell friend from foe. 

That portion of the storming party which 
had passed to the left of the larger redoubt 
swept down the rifle pits to and beyond the 
smaller redoubt, crowding the enemy back inch 
by inch, toward the river at their right flank and 



910 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



rear. As they were broken up they would pass 
up toward the pontoon bridge, thus strengtlien- 
iiig tlieir fellows in the fight, going on around 
the larger redoubt. A number of them, how- 
ever, were cut off, and atterajjted to escape by 
passing out of their works at the extreme right 
and wading the river near the abutments of the 
railroad bridge. Here a terrible aflfair hap- 
pened. The water was up nearly to their arm- 
pits, and as they were in the stream the Union 
soldiers, mad with the rage of battle, pushed 
down to the water's edge and poured a pitiless 
fire upon them. Many sunk, wounded, in the 
water, with a bubbling shriek, losing thus what- 
ever chance of life was left after the bullet liad 
done its work. The horrors of the situation 
struck even the battle maddened soldiers, and 
suspending their fire, tliey shouted to the con- 
federates to come back and surrender. The 
greater part of those in the river started back 
to surrender, but when they came near the 
shore an officer stepped from behind a stone 
abutment and ordered them to return again, en- 
forcing his order by flourishing his sword. The 
men again wheeled around in the water and be- 
gan splashing their way to the opposite shore, 
and again tlie pitiless liail of bullets was show- 
ered upon them. At last they gave up the at- 
tempt and sheltered themselves behind the 
ruined abutments of the bridge, where they 
cried out for "quarter," and about seventy-five 
surrendered. 

I have no means of knowing who the officer 
was that prevented his men from surrendering 
sooner, and thus kept up the useless slaughter, 
but I have reason to believe it was Col. Good- 
win, the commander of the Louisiana brigade, 
who surrendered afterwards with his men. 

Meanwhile, and as soon as a lodgment had 
been effected on the enemy's works, Gen. Russell 
had sent back to bring up the 49th and 
119th Pennsylvania in support. There seemed 
to be an almost interminable delay in their 
coming up, and staff officers were -sent in quick 
succession to hurry their movements. At last 



they came, and with a cheer the 49th and the 
greater part of the 119th went up to the assis- 
tance of their comrades. They were none too 
soon. The rebels had prepared for a last des- 
perate attempt to regain the large redoubt, 
from which an incessant storm of bullets was 
sweeping the pontoon bridge, striking down all 
who attempted to escape. 

They had gathered in force as near to the 
bridge as they dared. A part of the force on 
their left, which had not been closely engaged, 
was brought up to assist the disordered ranks of 
theLouisianians,and a hot enfilading fire had al- 
ready been opened on the overtaxed forces in 
and around the large redoubt. This fire, pass- 
ing through the thin and shattered ranks of the 
5th Wisconsin and 6th Maine, smote full on the 
right wing of the 119th Pennsylvania and threw 
them into disorder. Many of them cast them- 
selves into the dry ditch at the foot of the 
slope, and added to the horror and confusion of 
the moment by returning the fire of the rebels, 
regardless of the fact that a line of their own 
comrades was between the two fires. They 
were, in a moment, however, gallantly rallied 
by their major and led up in line with the rest. 

And now the lines thus reinforced swept on. 
The rebels pushed to the river's brink, threw 
down their arms by scores, and were sent to the 
rear. The enemy were entirely swept away 
from their extreme right up to the large redoubt 
and along the rifle pits to a point in front of the 
pontoon bridge. 

The last stroke was now given. Gen. Russell 
at last seeming to realize the fact that he had 
led his brigade into a battle against large odds, 
had sent orders to Gen. Upton, commanding 
the second brigade of the same division, to 
charge with two of his regiments on the right. 
That officer selected the 5th Maine and 121st 
New York regiments, and forming them in line 
of battle behind the crest nearest to the rebel 
lines, ordered them to pile up their knapsacks 
and all other superfluous weight; and then 
marched rapidly forward. As they neared the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



911 



rifle pits they received a scattering volley of 
musketry. "Steady! forward men! don't fire a 
shot," shouted Upton, and with a ringing cheer, 
forward they go over the rifle pits, with a rush, 
crowding the enemy to the river bank, where 
they surrendered, and now the conflict is over. 
The sullen prisoners were marched to the rear. 
Some few escaped n\> the river in the darkness, 
which by this time had settled down like a pall. 
A few stray swimmers plunged into the water, 
and swam over to tell the tale to their comrades 
across the river. The rattle of the musketry 
died away into silence, and soon the lanterns 
were flashing over the field as the sad work of 
gathering up the wounded was begun. 

What were the results? The crossing of the 
river was seized and a lodgment made on a 
salient point of Lee's general litie, which com- 
pelled him to fall back to the line of the Rapi- 
dan. Four guns with caisson and ammunition, 
five limbers with full complement of battery 
horses, all complete; one stand of colors, 500 
prisoners, and many hundred stand of small 
arms, were taken by Russell's brigade alone. 
'J"wo strong redoubts were taken by a line of 
battle not much heavier than an ordinary skir- 
mish line. To the two regiments of Upton 
tliere surrendered over 1,100 prisoners, with 
seven stand of colors. Most of these were 
from the regiments which had been broken and 
driven from their positions by Russell's brigade, 
and escaped from them only to fall into the 
hands of Upton's men. 

When it is remembered that the entire strength 
of Russell's brigade was 1,549, oflicers and men, 
and that all these results were accomplished by 
them, assisted only by two regiments of another 
brigade, against more than double their number, 
thoroughly prepared in a chosen position, I 
think I am warranted in saying that the achieve- 
K'snt is without a parallel in the history of the 
war. The confederates fought under the eye of 
ticn. Lee, who stood with Gen. Jubal Early in 
the fort on the opposite side of the river, and 
was a witness of the disaster to his forces. The 



chaplain of the 54th North Carolina, in an ac- 
count of the battle written by him to the Rich- 
mond ^i'rtw(«er, three days after, said: "The 
brigade (Hoke's) is almost annihilated; the 54th 
has only one captain left, with five lieutenants 
and fifteen men remaining. The fragments of 
the brigade are now collected under the com- 
mand of Lieut. Col. Tate, of the 6th, and at- 
tached to the Louisiana brigade. These frag- 
ments now number about 2/5 men." 

The meed of praise was given to the 6th 
Maine and 5th Wisconsin for this unparalleled 
feat, by all who witnessed it, and had it not 
been for the desperate tenacity with which they 
clung to the earthworks they had stormed, until 
the su|)ports came up, the attack must have re- 
sulted most disastrously to our troops. Nor 
can I close this already too long account more 
fitly than by quoting from the general order 
issued from brigade headquarters the second 
day of the battle: 

"Officers and soldiers: — Your gallant deeds 
of the 7th of November will live in the annals 
of your country, and will be not the least glo- 
rious of the exploits of the Army of the Poto- 
mac. To have carried liy storm with a mere 
skirmish line and a feeble support in numbers, 
powerful earthworks, a strong natural position 
manned by the flower of the rebel army and 
strengthened by artillery, would be an achieve- 
ment that a division of our forces might well 
feel pride in, but it was not too much for the gal- 
lant sons of Maine and Wisconson." 

After a long term of service, having, many 
of them, re-enlisted as veterans, the regiment 
was mustered out at Madison, July 20, 1865. 

Company D, 1 1th Wisconsin Infantry, waa 
organized in September, 1861, and first went 
into camp at camp Randall, where the 
men were mustered into the service of the 
United States, with Jesse S. Miller, as captain. 
The 1 lib regiment was attached to the second 
brigade, under Gen. Ilovey, in Gen. Steel's com- 
mand, and under orders to proceed south, passed 
through Missouri to Arkansas. Its first engage- 



912 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ment, of any note, was at Bayou Cache, July 7, 
1862, wlien companies D, G, H, and I, held in 
check a vastly superior force of rebels, until 
the arrival of reinforcements. After this con- 
flict the regiment arrived at Helena, on the 
13th. In October they returned to Pilot Knob, 
Mo., where they remained in camp all winter. 
March 13, 1863, embarking at St. Genevieve, 
they soon landed at Memphis. From this point 
they were sent to Milliken's Bend, La., and 
were assigned to a position in the second brig- 
ade, fourteenth division of the thirteenth army 
corps. 

When the morning of the 1st of April dawn- 
ed, it found the 1 1th leading the advance, and 
at Anderson Hill, near Port Gibson, Miss., they 
encountered the enemy and after a warm en- 
gac:ement, which proved no "April Fool busi- 
ness" the rebels were driven back in dire con- 
fusion. On May 15th, they took part in the bat- 
tle of Champi n Hills, and the following day 
cut off the retreat of the "boys in gray" at 
Black river bridge, where there was a warm 
contest, the boys of the 11th taking upward of 
a thousand prisoners, and a regimental stand of 
colors, as trophies of their valor. 

On tiie lOlh the regiment was found in the 
trenches before Vicksburg, and they participa- 
ted in that terrible and fatal charge made on 
the 2 .id of May. They were employed quite 
actively in the days of siege that lay before 
that place, and took a part in the ceremonies of 
the surrender on the glorious 4th of .fuly, 1863. 
Immediately after that event, the regiment re- 
ceived maichiiig orders and started for Jackson, 
taking a prominent part in the "second Teche 
campaign" and going as far as Opelousas. Re- 
turning over almost imjjassable roads and 
through mud and mire they took shipping at 
Algiers, on the 19lh of November, for Brazos 
Santiago, Te.xas, where they received orders to 
reinforce the forces under Gen. Banks, at Ar- 
kansas Pass. While here, fresh orders were re- 
ceived sending them to Fort Esperenza,were they 
arrived too late to assist Geu. Washburnc in re- 



ducing the enemy at that place. Three-fourths of 
the regiment having re-enlisted,they were reliev- 
ed from duty on February 1 1th and mustered in as 
veterans on Feb. 13th. Those who did not see fit 
to re-enlist were transferred for the balance of 
their term of service to the 33d regiment. The 
veterans in accordance with the custom of the 
war department, were allowed to return home 
on furlough of thirty days, and they reached 
Madison, March 21st, and received a magnifi- 
cent ovation from the hands of the State au- 
thorities and citizens of that city. 

Having enjoyed themselves to the toj) of 
their bent, they returned, leaving the State on 
the 25th of April, and proceeded to Memphis. 
They afterward took part in the various ex- 
peditions in northern Mississippi and Alabama, 
and always received the commendation of their 
commanders for good and eflicient service. The 
regiment was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., 
Sept. 4, 1865, and reached home on the 18th of 
that month and year. The company from Rich- 
land passed through many vicissitudes in its 
career with the regiment, losing many oflicers 
by death and resignation, so that Henry Toms, 
who left only as a corporal came back the captain, 
more by tlie law of promotion than for any gal- 
lant deeds, for where all were heroes none 
could be called the bravest and most gallant. 
Tiiey left many of their comrades sleeping in 
southern graves, to be remembered and talked 
of when the shades of night have settled over a 
resting world, and whose names are enshrined 
in every patriotic breast. 

Company H, of the same regiment was partly 
raised in this county, and marching shoulder to 
shoulder with their comrades of company D, 
passed through the same experiences and par- 
ticipated in all the honor that hangs around the 
banners of the gallant lltli, a braver regiraeut 
than which never left the Badger State. Com- 
pany I, 12th Wisconsin Infantry,was also raised 
in the county of Richland, which was in- 
tensely loyal during the entire course of the 
war. This fine regiment was mustered into the 






'i.-x^yih^ 







HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



916 



service during the fall of 1861, at Camp Ran- 
dall, Madison, and Col. George E. Bryant made 
colonel. They left Madison, the 11th of Janu- 
ary, 1862, with orders to report at Weston, Mo. 
They participated in all the engagements that 
led up to the seige of Vicksburgand were in at 
the submission of that rebel strong-hold, the 
reduction of which has been called "the crown- 
ing glorj-of the war in. the valley of the Mis- 
si.ssippi." 

After the fall of that place, they were ordered 
to Natchez, Miss., where they remained until 
the 2iid of November, 186.3, when they pro- 
ceeded by steamer up the Mississippi, and 
landing at Vicksburg, marched thence ten miles, 
northeast to Bovina station, where they went 
into camp on the 26th, as guard to the railroad 
near tiie Black river. Under orders to join an 
expeditionary force under Gen. Greshani, they 
broke camp at Bovina on the 4th of December, 
and proceeding down the river from V^ieksburg, 
landed early in the morning of the 0th, at 
Natchez. Here they joined the other forces as- 
signed to the expedition, and immediately 
marched in |)ursuit of ^Virt Adams" rebel com- 
mand. Failing to discover any considerable 
force of the enemy, they returned on the '^th to 
Natchez, remaining in camp at that place until 
the 21sl, when they again marched on a scout- 
ing expe<lilion to Fayette, Miss., from which 
they returned on the 2.'5d, and went into camj) 
on the Pine Ridge road, near the fortifications. 
Embarking at Natchez on the 23d of January, 
1864, they landed at Vicksburg on the following 
d.ay, and marching theiK'e ten miles in a north- 
easterly direction, encamped on the 25th, at 
Hebron, where the 12th was re-organized as a 
veteran regiment. 

Of OOT i)resent with the regiment, 002 had 
been in tlie service upwards of two years, the 
remaining sixtv-five having joined by enlist- 
ment since its organization. Five liundred and 
twenty of those whose term of service per- 
niitted. re enlisted, and were again mustered 
into tile service for thiee ye;.rs. Of the others, 



forty-eight promised to re-enlist on the expira- 
tion of two years from their respective dates of 
enrollment. 

On the 3d of February, they left camp at 
Hebron, accompanying the celebrated Meridian 
expedition under command of Gen. Sherman. 
On the following day, they took part in the ac- 
tion at Bolton, Miss., with a loss of three killed 
and four wounded. The enemy was forced back 
a distance of two miles across Baker's creek, 
where the regiment repaired and held the bridge, 
until relieved on the morning of the 5th by the 
arrival of the third division With the ad- 
vance of the expedition, they marched through 
.Jackson, Hillsboro and Decatur, to Meridian, 
and thence to Enterprise and Quitman, destroy- 
ing the railroad track, bridges, store-houses, and 
other rebel property on their route. Returning 
by way of Decatur, Canton and Black river 
bridge, they re-entered camp at Hebron on the 
+lh of March, liaving marched in thirty-one da}\s 
al)out 41 <i miles. The veterans of the regiment 
left Hebron on the 13th of March, and embark- 
ing at Vicksburg, proceeded up the Mississi])pi 
to Cairo, 111., and thence by rail to Madison, 
Wis., where they arrived on the 21st. After a 
public reception at the capital by the State au- 
thorities and members of the Legislature, tliey 
remained at Camp Randall until the 31st, when 
the men received their i)ay and dispersed to 
their homes, in the enjoyment of veteran fur- 
lough. 

The veteran 12th KTt the legimental ren- 
dezvous at Camp Randall im the 3nth of April, 
and arrived on the od of May at Cairo, III., 
where they were joined by the non-veteran por- 
tion of the regiment, which had been left at 
Hebron, Mi'-s. Accomjianyiiig the forces of Gen. 
Gr-.'sham, they embarked at Cairo on the 10th, 
with the first brigade, to wliich they had been 
transferred, and proceeding up the Tennessee 
river, landed on the 14th at Clifton, Tenn. They 
left Clifton next day, marching by way of Hunts- 
villeand Decatur,Ala.,and Rome.Ga., a distance 
of nearly 300 miles, they joined the Army of the 



55 



916 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Tennessee, with Gen. Sherman's forces, at Ack- 
worth, Ga., on the 8th of June. They moved 
forward to Big Shanty on the 10th, and next 
day formed line of battle, and charged two miles 
through the timber, capturing the first skirmish 
line of the enemy in front of Kenesaw Moun- 
tain, before which the regiment was constantly 
employed in picket and fatigue duty, with fre- 
quent engagements with the enemy, during the 
remainder of the month, sustaining a loss of 
thirty-four men in killed, wounded and miss- 
ing. 

Participating in Gen. McPherson's celebrated 
movement to the right of the army, they moved 
from position before Kenesaw Mount'iin on 
the evening of the 2d of July, and marching 
during the night by a circuitous route, took po- 
sition near the Chattahoochie river, at the 
mouth of Nickajack creek. On the 5th, form- 
ing a part of our line, they advanced towards 
the creek, driving the enemy from a strong line 
of rifle pits and forcing him across the stream, 
to his main works. They fortified the point 
thus gained and advanced the picket line to the 
bank of the creek, occupying the position until 
the night of the 8th, when bridges were built 
and the skirmish line thrown across the stream, 
and established in rifle pits on the opposite bank. 
During the succeeding night, the enemy aband- 
oned his entire works on the right bank of the 
Chattahoochie and fell back to the south side 
of the river. At this time the regiment was 
transferred to the first brigade, third divis- 
ion, seventeenth army corps, with which they 
were afterwards identified. On the 17th of July, 
they were again put in motion towards the left 
with the Array of the Tennessee. Crossing the 
Chattahoochie at lioswell's Mills, they passed 
through Decatur, on the Georgia railroad, six 
miles uertheast of Atlanta, on the 19th, and 
crossing the railroad which they destroyed at 
this point, advanced on the following day to- 
wards Atlanta. Forcing back the enemy's 
skirmishers, as they advanced, they bivouacked 
in line during the night, and on the 21st, as part 



of a storming party, carried a high fortified 
ridge in front, about four miles from Atlanta, 
which they held, although suffering severely 
from an enfilading fire on the right, repulsing 
the enemy's repeated attempts to recover the 
position. In this action the 12th captured 
forty-eight prisoners and 500 stand of arms, sus- 
taining a loss during the day of 154 in killed, 
wounded and missing. 

During the night, the rebels evacuated tlieir 
works on the right, which were next morning 
occupied by our troops. About noon, the enemy 
in great force fell upon the left of the line, out- 
flanking and forcing back the fourth division, 
which held the extreme flank of our army, and 
pushing rapidly forward to position in rear and 
within 300 yards of the works occupied by the 
12th Wisconsin. While passing forward to the 
assault, the sixteenth corps, which arrived at 
this juncture on the field of battle, fell in turn 
upon the rebel rear, and with tlie seventeenth 
corjjs, succeeded in capturing nearly the whole of 
the attacking force. The general commanding 
the brigade having been wounded early in the 
action. Col. Bryant took charge of the brigade, 
Lieut. Col. Proudfit assuming command of the 
regiment. During the conflict, the heroic 12th 
fought oftimes in tvvo wings, back to back, with 
the enemy on both fronts and one flank, one 
wing of the regiment being unprotected with 
works. They held their own, however, but the 
rebels continued the engagement outside of the 
works on the left and point of the ridge during 
the night, fighting often over the embankment 
at a distance of eight or t^n feet, until near day- 
light, when they retired. 

In the general movements of the army, as it 
closed upon Atlanta, they marched on the 
evening of the 26th, with the Army of the Ten- 
nessee around the rear of the Army of the Cum- 
berland, which they joined on its right the next 
day, advancing by the left on the city. Having 
taken part in several skirmishe-', as they ad- 
vanced, the regiment bivouacked in line for the 
night. Next morning the forward movement 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



917 



was coiitiiiiieil until at tlie noon halt; the rebels 
attacked the fifteenth corps, then about two miles 
in advance. Tlie 12tli, which was immediately 
ordered to their rescue, advanced on the double 
quick and outstrijjped all other re-enforcements, 
arriving: just in time to meet and check the 
oiiselof the confederates, which had succeeded 
in outflanking our troops. Taking their posi- 
tion on the riglit, they were soon joined by 
other bodies of men, and "the battle was on 
once more" and raged with great fury until 
sunset, when the "Johnnies" withdrew from 
llie field, iheir successive charges on our lines 
having met with great slaughter. 

Next day the I2th was relieved, and for a 
change was set to doing picket and fatigue 
duty in the trenches before Atlanta, constantly 
exposed to the rebel fire until the 2f)th of 
August, when they set out with the Army of the 
Tennessee, marching toward Sand-town, on the 
riglit, but next day their direction was clringt'<l 
to the southeast, and on the 2"th ihev arrived 
at Fairbtirn. Having destroyed the Atlanta it 
\Vest Point railroad at this point, they again 
took up the f<irward movement, and on the 31st 
of July, they arrived at Jonesboro, twenty-two 
miles from Atlanta, on the Macon & ^\'estern 
railroad, having been engaged in heavy skir- 
mishing as they took up their position, and they 
formed in line between the seventeenth and eigh- 
teenth corps. .Shortly after noon, the enemy at- 
tacked in heavy force, and after a severe battle, 
were repulsed, our troops occuj)ying the ground 
•luring the night. During the battle at this 
point, on the Ist of September, the regiment oc- 
cupieil ))ositionon the extreme right of the seven- 
teenth corps and sustained but slight loss. Next 
•lay they marched in pursuit of the enemy, who 
had retreated during the night, leaving his 
wounded, with many stragglers, upon the field. 
Having advanced six miles to Lovejoy, where 
the rebels had occupied anew position, strongly 
fortified, the regiment was ordered forward and 
drove the enemy's skirmishers from a wooded 
hill, upon which thej had Lcen posted, lo the 



main force, when line of battle was formed, in 
which the regiment retained position until the 
5th. At this date, they marched on the return 
to Atlanta, near which they went into camp on 
the 8th, and remained until late in the fall. 

But it would be needless to give all the his- 
tory of this one of Wisconsin's most famous 
regiments, for it is well written in all the gen- 
eral histories of the war. Suffice it to say that 
after participating in all the campaigns around 
Atlanta, it took its way with the rest of Sher- 
man's forces in that unparalleled march to tlie 
sea, and was, on the conclusion of hostilities, 
mustered out July 16, 1865, having suffered, 
while in the service, a loss of fifty-nine killed 
in action, thirty-two who died of wounds and 
202 of disease. 

Company B, 25th Wisconsin Infantry, 
was organized in July 1862. And on the 14th 
of September, at Camp Solomon, at Lacrosse, 
they were mustered into the service of the 
United States, with Col. Milton Montgomery as 
the lieail of the regiment and Captain W. II. 
.foslin as the commanding officer of the com- 
pany. On the 19th of Se|)tember they left the 
State with orders to report to Gen. John 
Pope, at St. Paul, Minn., lo aid in supj)ressing 
the Indian difficulties in that Slate. After con- 
tributing to ihi^ preservation) of tranquillity 
among the settlers, and airing the festive red- 
skin, they returned to the State and went into 
quarters at Camp Randall, where they arriveti 
Dec. 18, 1862. Leaving there Feb. 17, 18C3, for 
Cairo, whence they were taken to Colum- 
bus, Ky., and from there to join the army in 
the vicitiity of Vicksburg. The regiment par- 
ticipated in the fatal mistake made by Siierman 
when he undertook to take the Yazoo bluffs, 
and had better success in the rear of Vicksbnrg. 
Here they remained, taking a hand in the trials 
and labors of that sanguinary siege, losing 
many a man from the 'diseases incident to that 
swampy ground. They enjoyed the si)ectacle 
of seeing the banner of the so-called Confeder- 
acy lowered from the heights of the city and 



918 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



tlie stronghold of strongholds delivered unto 
their keeping. 

They soon received marching orders and pro- 
ceeded to Helena, Ark., where they remained 
employed principally in provost duty, until the 
Ist of February, 1864, when they embarked, 
and proceeding down the Mississippi, landed on 
the following day at Vicksburg. Marching 
with the celebrated Meridian expedition, under 
command of Gen. Sherman, they left that place 
on the 3rd, and moving across the State of Mis- 
sissippi, reached Meridian on the 14th. After 
waiting here for two days the march was re- 
sumed, and the regiment arrived on the 26th at 
Canton, having marched a distance of 275 miles 
from Vicksburg. They left Canton on the 1st 
of March, and marched to Vicksburg where 
they again went into camp, and remained until 
the 13th, when they again embarked, going up 
the Mississippi river to Cairo, arriving there on 
the 20th. Here they received orders to proceed 
to Columbus, Ky., and had proceeded part of 
the way when they were countermanded and 
they were ordered to return, which they did. 
Re-embarking they proceeded up the Tennessee 
to Clump's landing, where they landed and 
bivouacked for the night. On the following 
day they marched thirteen miles to Purdy, 
Tenu., having met and routed a body of rebel 
cavalry und-er Col. Wisdom. They returned lo 
the transports and the next day resumed their 
progress iip the river. On the 2nd of April 
they landed at Waterloo, Ala., and marched 
thence to Decatur, where they had a sharj) 
skirmish with the enemy on the 17th. At this 
point the regiment was stationed for guard 
duty until May 1st, when they started on a 
march through Huntsville, to Chattanooga, 
Tenn., arriving there on the 5th. They imme- 
diately moved farward to join our forces under 
Sherman and formed into line at Resaca on the 
9th ot May, under the fire of the rebel guns. 

From this time until the evacuation of Resa- 
ca, they were constantly under fire. They par- 
ticipated in the battles of the 13th, 14th and 



15th of May. After the decamping of the 
"boys in gray" they were pushed forward in 
pursuit, skirmishing every day until the 26th, 
when within two and one-half miles of Dallas, 
when forming in line shortly before noon, they 
were engaged in skirmishing until evening, 
when they advanced through Dallas, which had 
been abandoned by the enemy, and bivouacked 
for the night a short distance south of the town. 
On the 27th, they advanced to the front, and 
were engaged during the three following days 
in heavy skirmishing with the enemy, repulsing 
his attacks upon the picket line with heavy loss. 
They occupied position in the front line until 
the 1st of June, when they were withdrawn 
from the trenches before daylight, and partici- 
pating in the general movement to the left to 
turn the rebel position at AUatoona Pass, 
marched six miles to Pumpkin Vine creek, near 
which they bivouacked for the night, and on 
the afternoon of the following day changed 
position a mile to the right, where they were 
attacked by the enemy's batteries, which were 
soon silenced by our artillery. Crossing the 
stream on the 3d, they advanced four miles, 
and having erected breast-works during the 
night, occupied the position until the afternoon 
of the 5th, when they moved four miles to the 
right. Next day they were again put in mo- 
tion, and passing through Ackworth, encamped 
nearly a mile from the town, remaining until 
the lOlh, when they advanced four miles, ac- 
companying the army of the Tennessee in the 
movement to break the rebel lines between 
Kenesaw and Pine mountains. On the follow- 
ing day, taking the lead of the second brigade, 
they advanced two miles to the railroad, where 
line of battle was formed with the enemy on 
their tlank and front. While holding this posi- 
tion, company C was detailed at three in the 
morning of tlie 12th, to build lifle pits in front, 
which they finished by daylight, and next day 
company D was employed in opening a road 
through the woods in their rear for more con- 
venient access to the fleams. In the evening 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



919 



companies C, H and K, occiiijied tlic front line 
of rifle pits, and on tlie 15th, companies B, D, 
F, G and I were thrown forward on the skirm- 
ish line, under command of Lieut. Col Rusk, 
the balance of tlie regiment taking possession 
in the evening, in the front line, whence they 
afterward moved forward to support the picket 
line against the anticipated advance of the enemy. 
The enemy having abandoned his line on 
Lost Mountain, on the ITtb, they advanced on 
the loth across the rebel works in their front, 
and in tlie afternoon, advanced still farther to- 
wards Kcnesaw Mountain, establishing position 
on the crest of a hill, which they proceeded to 
fortify. Here they were engaged in siege and 
fatigue duty, constantly exposed to the enemy's 
fire, until the morning of the f.d of July, 
when they were put in motion to accompany 
the movement of the Army of the Ten- 
nessee, on the right of our forces. March- 
ing on the road between Kcnesaw and Lost 
Mountains, they advanced three miles, where 
tlley constructed breastworks, and were or- 
dered to su|)port a battery, under heavy fire 
from the rebel artillery. They subsequently 
occupied the works in their front, wliich were 
ai)andoned by the enemy, and on the 5th con- 
tinued the movement to the right. Marching 
on the Sandtown road, they encamped in the 
evening two and a half miles from the Cliatta- 
liootchie river, remaining until the Tth, when 
they advanced two miles towards the river. 
'J'liey again moved on the 9th, and passing 
through Marietta, where they bivouacked for 
the night, forded tlie Chattahootchie on tlie fol- 
lowing day, going into camp on the saiitli side 
of the river. 

Participating in the general advance of the 
army, they marclied at noon on the iTtJi, and 
crossing the railroad next day, passed through 
Decatur on the 19th, encamping on the right 
of the Army of the Tennessee, in rear of Gen. 
Logan's command, on the following day. On 
the 21st, with a section of artillery, they moved 
back to Decatur, undef orders to guard the flank 



of the army trains, and next day companies B, 
E, F and I, of the 25th, with four companies of 
an Ohio regiment, moved forward on a recon- 
noissance, the enemy having been reported in 
heavy force on their front. Companies D and 
Or being detached on picket duty, the remaining 
companies, C, H and K, with a battery of artil- 
lery, under command of Maj. Joslin, were left 
in charge of the camp. Tlie enemy having 
advanced in greatly superior" force (two divis' 
ions of Wheeler's corps), Col. Montgomery's 
command fell back to camp, and after a gallant 
resistance, the whole force retired to the town, 
and subsequently half a mile beyond, where 
the advance of the rebels was finally checked. 
The train was saved, but the regiment sustained 
a loss of fifteen killed, fifty-seven wounded, 
twenty five missing, and three prisoners, 
among the latter of whom was Col. Mont- 
gomery, who was also severely wounded. On 
the 2.3d, having buried the dead, and provided 
for the wants of the wounded, they marched 
through the town, and proceeding two miles on 
th(^ Atlanta road, erected breastworks, and 
bivouacked until the 25th, when they advanced 
three miles, encamping in line, protected by 
breastworks. 

They were thenceforward constantly occu- 
pied in the active duties of the siege, until the 
evening of the 2Gth, when they were put in 
motion, accompanying the movement of the 
Army of the Tennessee. Continuing the march, 
they struck the Atlanta and West Point rail- 
road near Fairburn on the 28th, and having 
spent the next day in destroying the road, they 
resumed the march, on the morning of the 30th, 
and advancing towards the Macon railroad, 
bivouacked for the night near Jonesboro. They 
were next day present at the battle of Jones- 
boro, but were not actively engaged. On the 
2d of September, they moved forward eight 
miles in pursuit of the retreating enemy, when 
they fortified a position near Lovejoy Station, 
and remained until the Gth, at which date the 
return march was commenced. They arrived 



920 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



on the Stli at East Point, six miles from At- 
lanta, on the Macon & Western railroad. 
They followed the flag and fortunes of that in- 
comparable soldier, W. T. Sherman, to the sea, 
and were finally mustered out of the service 
June Tth, 1865. 

THIETT-SIXTH WISCOHSIN INFANTRY, CO. H. 

This regiment was recruited under the call 
of Feb. 1, 18C4, for 500,000 men, was rapidly 
filled to the maximum, and organized under the 
superintendence of Col. Frank A. Haskell, pre- 
viously adjutant of the 6th Wisconsin, whose 
muster into service as colonel dates from the 
23d of March. After a short time employed 
in acquiring familiarity with their duties as 
soldiers, they left Camp Randall on the 10th 
of May. From Washington they proceeded on 
the 16th to the front, taking position on the 
IStli in the first brigade, second division, second 
army corps, the movements of which they have 
since accompanied. 

It VFOuld be doing gross injustice to the 
gallant conduct of this, as well as other 
Wisconsin regiments, to attempt a detailed 
statement of their services, in the absence 
of the data furnished by a regimental re- 
port, but we will simply say that after par- 
ticipating in all the battles of the Army of the 
Potomac and James, and adding fresh laurels 
to the wreath of Wisconsin, they were mustered 
out July 12, 1865. A criterion of the trials of 
the regiment is the losses incurred while in the 
front, and is given by the ofiicial records as 
follows : Killed seventy-nine, died of wounds, 
forty-seven, died of disease, 170, and mustered 
out from physical debility and wounds, 214. 

FORTY-SIXTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY, CO. II. 

This regiment was organized and recruited 
under the call for volunteers for one year. The 
date of the muster-in was March, 1865. It par- 
ticipated in all the campaigns in Alabama and 
Tennessee, and was mustered oiit Sept. 25, 1865. 

SIXTH WISCONSIN BATTERY. 

The 6th Wisconsin Battery was principally 
recruited in the county of Richland, by Henry 



Dillon, of Lone Rock, afterwards elected cap- 
tain, and Samuel F. Clark, of Prairie du Sac, 
afterwards senior 1st lieutenant; though it 
drew volunteers from the adjoining counties of 
Gi'ant, Iowa, Dane and Columbia. It was the 
first to receive its full quota of men, and instead 
of being numbered as the 6th, it should have 
been the 1st; but those in charge having by some 
inadvertence failed to follow the prescribed line 
of "red tape," it failed to get its appropriate 
number. 

The organization was perfected at Lone Rock 
by the election of officers, on tlie 25th of Sep- 
tember, 1861. Henry Dillon was elected cap- 
tain, S.. F. Clark and Thomas R. Hood 1st 
lieutenants, and John W. Fancher and Daniel 
T. Noyes 2d lieutenants. Capt. Dillon was a 
veteran of the Mexican War, having been a mem- 
ber of the celebrated Bragg's Battery, officered 
at tiie time by George H. Thomas, T. W. Sher- 
man and John F. Reynolds, all of whom were 
afterwards major-generals in the Union army. 
Lieuts. Clark and Fancher had seen service, 
having been members of the 1st NVisconsin In- 
fantry — three months' volunteers. 

The battery was ordered to rendezvous at 
Camp Utley, Racine, and left Lone Rock on the 
30th of September. At Racine it was mustered 
into the United States service on the 1st of Octo- 
ber,by Capt. Trowbridge, U. S. A. Here it was ex- 
pected the battery would soon be equipped and 
sent to the front; but this hope proved to be a 
futile one, as weeks passed and the troops were 
not even uniformed. The thought of having to 
spend the winter in common army tents, exposed 
to the rigors of a Wisconsin winter, was not a 
pleasant one. The troops were poorly supplied 
with blankets, and the approach of winter 
brought much suffering; but kind friends at 
home were not unmindful of the comforts of the 
battery boys, and from thence they were soon 
amply supplied with clothing. Despite the for- 
bidding aspect of camp life in winter, there 
were too many attractions in the city for time 
to pass heavily, so the wtnter passed pleasantly 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



921 



ami rapidly, and tbe approach of spriiigbrouglit 
marching orders. 

Left Racine on the 15th of March, 18C2, for 
St. Louis, at wliicli place stopped but two days, 
and proceeded under orders to New Madrid. 
Arrived at the latter place March 21st, and was 
temporarily assigned to Gen. John M. Palmer's 
division of Pope's corps. The siege of Island 
No. 10 was then in progress; and the battery 
being still unoquiiiped for the field, was placed 
in charge of heavy guns at points along the 
river, to prevent re-enforcements or sup])lies 
from reaching the besieged army; and here 
they were engaged in several brisk skirmishes 
with tlie rebel gun boats. 

After the surrender of Island No. 10, Capt. 
Dillon equipped the battery from a park of guns 
that had been left by rebels in their flight from 
New Madrid; and being furnished with horses, 
the organization was at last equipped for the 
field, though it remained in New Madrid, on 
garrison duty, until May 17th, when itembarked 
on transports, under orders, and proceeded up 
the Tennessee river to Hamburg landing, at 
which place it arrived on the 23d, and on the 
26th moA'ed to the main line investing Corinth, 
where, being assigned to Uen. Jeff. C. Davis' 
division, took up a position with Pope's beseig- 
ing forces. After the evacuation of Corinth, 
joined in tlio pursuit of the retieating forces as 
far as Boon viile, then returned to Rienzi, wliere 
it remained on garrison duty during the sum- 
mer. 15roke camp at Rienzi, October 1st, 
1802, under orders to report to Gen. 
Hamilton at Corintli. Took part in the 
liattle of Corinth, October ?,'\ and 4th, 
going into battle with ninety-three effective 
men, and sustaining a loss of five killed, includ- 
ing one lieutenant, and twenty-one wounded. 
After the battle, had the ranks repleted by a 
detail of twenty-five men from the infantry, and 
joined in the pursuit of the retreating enemy, 
returning to Corinth on the Ilth. Left Cor- 
inth November 2d,marching by the way of Grand 
Junction, Davis' Mills and LaGrange to Moscow, 



Tenn. Participating in the general southward 
movement of Grant's army, passed through 
Holly Springs and encamped at Lumpkins' 
Mills; thence followed in pursuit of the 
enemy, who, having been flanked by a column 
under Sherman, were evacuating their works on 
the Tallahatchie and retreating southward. 
\N'ent as far as the Yocona river, south of Ox- 
ford, Miss., when the sacking of Holly Springs, 
cutting off the base of supplies, caused a retro- 
grade movement. Returned to Lumpkins' 
Mills, whence one section under Lieut. 
Clark was sent to Memphis, as escort to a sup- 
ply train. The remainder of the battery re- 
turned to Holly Springs, and thence moved to 
LaFayette, Tenn., where it was rejoined by the 
section under Lieut. Clark. On the 2d of Janu- 
ary, 1863, went into winter quarters atBuntyn's 
Station, five miles east of Memphis. Embarked 
at Memphis, March 1st, and proceeded down 
the river to Grand Lake, Ark., but returned and 
encamped on a sand bar opposite the head of 
the Yazoo pass, four miles below Helena, Ark., 
whence moved as a part of the Yazoo pass 
expedition, moving down the pass on transports 
as far as Greenwood, being nine days in the de- 
scent. Disembarked April 3d, and the next 
day one section under Lieut. Clark moved out 
and opened on the rebel fortifications. Being 
ordered to return, re-embarked that night, and 
early next day spt out on the return, reaching 
the former rendezvous on the 9th of April. 
Re-embarking on the 13th, proceeded down the 
river to Milliken's Bend, La. Left the latter 
place on the 25th, and marched across tiie 
peninsula, arriving at the river below Grand 
Gulf on the 30th. Crossed the river May Ist, 
taking up the line of march for Port Gibson, 
the advance being then engaged at Thompson's 
Hill. 

The battery was placed in a position to pre- 
vent a flank movement, but did not become ac- 
tively engaged On the 2d, pursued the re- 
treating enemy through Port Gibson, as far as 
Bayou Pierre, where further progress was 



922 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



checked by a burning bridge. The jjursuit was 
resumed the next morning, the enemy making 
a stand near Willow Springs, where the battery 
silenced a rebel battery. 

The enemy was driven across Black river, 
burning the bridge after them. On the 9tli, 
resumed the march lowai-d Jackson, partici- 
pating in the battle of Raymond on the 12th 
and Jackson on the 14th, sustaining a loss of 
two wounded at the latter pla«e. 

Left Jackson next morning for Vicksburg, re- 
tracing our steps as far as Clinton, and on the 
l>ith were again engaged on the hotly contested 
field of Champion Hills, sustaining a loss of 
two wounded. Followed the retreating forces 
to Black river, they destroying the bridge after 
them. Crossed the next day, and on the 19tli 
reached the enemies fortifications surrounding 
Vicksburg. Took up a position at once and 
opened fire, being actively engaged every day 
during the siege, sustaining a loss of one killed 
and seven wounded. 

After the surrender, remained in camp at 
Vicksburg until the 12th of September, when 
embarked on transports and proceeded up the 
river, under orders to re-enforce Gen. Steel at 
Little Rock, disembarking at Helena on the 
loth. Little Rock being evacuated, remained 
in camp at Helena until the 26th, then em- 
barked and proceeded up the river to Memphis. 
Left Memphis October 6th, under orders to 
report to Gen. Sherman at Glendale, Miss., 
from which place moved with the fifteenth 
array corps by the way of luka. Miss., Florence, 
Ala.,andWinchester,Tenn.,to Chattanooga,arriv- 
ing at the latter place on the 20th of November. 
Crossed the river above Ciiattanooga with Sher- 
man's forces on the 24th, moving with the ad- 
vance, and the same day one section was plant- 
ed on the summit of Mission Ridge — the guns 
being drawn up by ropes — maintaining this 
position and being actively engaged through- 
out the battle of Mission Ridge. Joined in the 
pursuit on the 26th, following as far as Grays- 
ville, Ga., then returned to Chattanooga, where 



the guns were turned over to the ordnance ofli- 
cer, having been condemned as worn out in 
service, prior to leaving Vicksburg. 

Left Chattanooga December 2d, and returned 
to Bridgeport,where remained in camp until the 
22d; then moved to Larkinsville, Ala., remain- 
ing there from the 26th of December to the 
7th of January, 1864; then marched for Hunts- 
ville, where on the 9th went into winter quar- 
ters, here being equipped with a new battery of 
12-pound Napoleon guns. Remained in Hunts- 
ville, on garrison duty, until June, one section 
being in tl.e meantime sent to Whitesboro, on 
the Tennessee river, where they occasionally 
exchanged a few shells with the rebel forces on 
the other side. Left Huntsville on the 22d of 
June for the front, where active operations 
were in progress for the reduction of Atlanta; 
moving by rapid marches to Stevenson. Left 
Stevenson by railroad on the 30th of June, 
reaching Kingston, Ga., on the 2d of July, and 
went into camp. Left Kingston Jul}' 11th, and 
next day took up a position in the fortifications 
on the Etawah river, near Cartersville, where 
it remained during the summer. 

Those of the original organization who had 
not re-enlisted under the call for veteran re- 
enlistmeut, left Cartersville on the 26th of Sep- 
tember, under orders to proceed to Madison, 
Wis., to be mustered out for expiration of ser- 
vice. Reached Chattanooga and found the rail- 
road track was torn up and in possession of a 
rebel force; so remained in the cars at Chatta- 
nooga a week, leaving on the night of October 
3d, and reached Madison on the 10th. Hereon 
the 10th day of October, 1864, the old organi- 
zation was mustered out of service. 

After the departure of the "bnys of '01" the 
company was re-organized as a four gun battery 
by Lieut. Sirai)son, the rolls indicating two com- 
missioned officers and ninety- six members, forty 
of whom were re-enlisted veterans. But the 
force ill camp numbered but thirty-four men. 
For the next month the battery continued to 
garrison Fort Etawah subject to all the aclivi- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



923 



lies, dangers ami uncertainties incident to an 
out|)Ost in front of niaiueuvering aniiies. Tlieir 
railroad connections were continually being 
broken, their commissary supplies being very 
limited, both horses and men subsisted largely 
on the country, wliioh was infested with guer- 
illas and rebel cavalry. 

The terrible battle of Altoona Pass fought 
on the 5tli of October was within sight and 
liearing of Fort Etawah, the battery was held 
in readiness but was not called into action. Im- 
mediately after the battle Lieut. Simpson was 
despatched to Na.shville for fresh horses and 
such other supplies as would put the battery in 
moving condition. Failing in this mission, on 
the 1st of November, there remaining twenty- 
three horses fit for service, they were turned over 
to the 12th battery,and on the 10th of November 
the battery proceeded by rail to Nashville, ar- 
riving in time to take an active part in the de- 
fense of that town against Hood, who invested 
thecity soon aftertheir arrival. Without horses 
and guns of llicir own, tiie men were ordered 
from point to point, manning guns that were 
stationed by mule teams. Sn{>erintending the 
construction of artillery defenses, bearing mus- 
kets, handling amnumition, etc. etc. This cam- 
paign exposed the men to much suffering and 
many privations. Not until after the decisive 
battle of December 17th and l^th did they go 
into permanent quarters near Fort (Jillem. Capt. 
Hood assumed command of the com])any, Nov. 
29. On the 17th of February 18<i."), the com- 
pany was ordered toChattanooga and went into 
permanent quarters with the ai-tillery reserve 
cor|)s of that department. The company was 
filled u]) with with a transferof about fifty men 
nu)sily from the 3d and sth Wiscconsin bat- 
teries and were fully equipped as a mounted 
battery, and were ke])t busy with camp and 
drill duties until the •-'Otli of June, wlien 
they were ordered to ilie State to be mnslere<l 
out— wlience they immediately proceeded under 
Capt. Simpson, who assumed -command on the 
resignation of Capt. Hood, May 21st. The 



company arrived in Madison, at G, p. m., July 
3d, wherupon the entire command "broke 
ranks" without orders. Very many of the boys 
were able to reach their homes in time to cel- 
brate Independence Day. On July Cth, the com- 
pany re-assembled at Madison and were form- 
ally mustered out of the service. 

SECOND WISCONSIN CAVALKV 

This regiment was organized March 12, 1862, 
with a total muster of 1,127 men, under the 
command of Col. C. C. Washburn, who was 
afterwards promoted to the rank of brigadier 
general; was engaged in the campaign.s in Mis- 
souri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and 
Texas. The movements of cavalry regiments 
are very difticult to follow, owing to the de- 
tached duty they are called on to perform. But 
it can be said of the 2d, tbatj it never faltered 
when duty called, nor hesitated to follow when 
lead by its ofKcers. The regiment was mustered 
out November, 1865, having lost during its cam- 
paigns: Killed in action, sixteen ; died of 
wounds, fi>ur ; died of disease, 265 ; died of 
accidents, 8 ; and a large loss by reason of dis- 
charges for disability. 

RICHLAND county's ROLL OF HONOR. 

Among the citizen soldiers of Richland coun- 
ty, those who volunteered to save the country 
when its existence was threatened, are the 
following : 

[Those marked a, were killed in action; f>, 
died of wouruls received in action; c, died of 
disease; </, died i)risoner of war; c, killed by 
accident.] 

FIFTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Company Tl. 

[Known as tho "Scott Guards."! 

Captain, Robert C. Hawkins 

Lieutenants: George D. Lybrand, J. J. Turn- 
er a. 

Sergeants: G. W. Bell, John McMurlrie 
(promoted captain) a, A. )I. Robinson, G. L. 
Laws, E. C. llungerford «. 

I'orporaLs: Thomas J. Edwards, Frank A. 
Moore, James M. Ewing «, Beujaiuin AL Law- 



924 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ton, William F. Tloyt a, Mathias Lawless (miss- 
ing), E. P. Ryder, Frank Thomas. 

Privates: J.L.Jones, R.P.Mathews, Jonathan 
Adams, James W. Austin, O. A. Atwood, A H. 
Armore, Edwin Austin, Alexander Y. Babb, E. 
II. Downs c, M. L. Babb, Thomas J. Bass, W. 
H. Bennett, William Barries, Adam C. Bell, 
Adrian Bryant, Thomas Cooper, Henry Collins, 
A. Chismore c, John Douglass, J. G. Dunken, 
William Fazel b, Henry Fazel, Peter Fazel, J. 

F. Farland, John Frawley, John Gaston, Allen 
Graham a, II. C. Gray, Adelbert Helms, Alfred 
Hiatt, H. H. Hoyt, Edward Hoke c, Leander W. 
Handy, G. W. Henthorn, Charles Hickok, L. G. 
Householder, Henry M. Johnson, L. M. Jones, 
N. Kinyon (missing), H. C. Kyger (promoted 
to 1st sergeant), H. H. Lewis (transferred to 
company D), G. W. Lawton, H. A. Lamphear, 
H. J Lawton, William Morrison, John Miller, 

G. W. Miller, M, S. Morrison, A. G. Mardin, G. 
W. Moore, E. A. Mack, J. G. Sweet, J. B. Shaf- 
fer, G. A. Shaw, William Landmyer, T. J. Shan- 
non, G. L Smith, Henry Vance, G. W. Wilscy, 
C. M. Woodcock (missing), George Jarvis, 
James Kinniff, A. C. Mayfield, G. W. Mayfield, 
G. L. iMarshall, Frederick Moody, G. W. Mc- 
Pheters, W. H. McPheters, John R. Moon, A. 
W. Miller, W. A. Nickn c, 0. N. Northrop, C. 
J. Ostrander, H. Osgood, Youngs Parfrey, J. P. 
Pool, F. M. Russell, Ami Shiremau, Jonathan 
Spry, W. H. Shoonmaker c, W. A. Stafford, 
William Smith, A. L. Thomas, W. B. Walker, 
H. E. Walker, C. C. Kyger, James Kinney, 
George Bissell (promoted to captain). 

ELEVENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Company D. 

Captains: Jesse S. Miller (promoted major), 
Henry Toms. 

Lieutenants: William Hill, William H. Daw- 
son, A. A. Chamberlain, G. W. Dale, Hiram 
Freeman, Richard Caddell a. 

Sergeants : James S. Robinson, Albert Carl- 
ton c, Nathan Hoyt a. 

Privates: P. P. Fox, Jerman Tadder, Cor- 
nelius McCarthy, Richard Caddell, Ephraim 



Alderman, George P. Magill c, Lysander Math- 
ews, fifer; L. D. Dillingham, drummer c, Philip 
Acton b, George AUtaugh a, Calvin P. Ailing, 
David Aylsworth, Perry Adney, William All- 
press, Enos Barrett, Cyrus Butler, Seth Butler, 
Newel H. Bingham, John D. Beighle, drowned; 
David Barrett, David Briggs, Joseph Jirace b, 
Joseph Burke c, J. D. Brannan c, Thomas Bond 
c, William Collins, Daniel F. Coats, Dighton 
Chesemore, Israel Cooper c, William M. Core, 
John J. Conkel, Daniel Conkel, Judson Cook, 
John M. Doudna, David Fogo, James Fazel, 
R. J. Fowler, James W. Fox, Charles Fife c, 
John Gwin, Jerome Grimes, John Gray, James 

A. Huffman, Joseph M. Huffman, Daniel W. 
Huffman c, Charles Hamblin, Albert Hoke, 
David J. Heckandom, John M. Jaquish, An- 
drew J. Kinney, Renal E. Kimball, Delos Lyons, 
Carey D. Lyons c, William H. Miller, William 
Mapes, James S. Magill, Amzi McClintock, F. 
M. Morrison, Jacob INLinn, John Mahler, G. N. 
Mickel, Angus Noble c, G. Norman, Edwin 
W. Owens, William Parsons, John Riesebeck, 
James S. Robinson, John M. Robinson, Robert 
T. Robinson, Benjamin E. Robinson c, John S. 
RobiTison, George W. Rinehart c, William A. 
Sharp c, Benjamin F. Slater, Ander Snyder, 
Franklin Snyder, Benedict Southin a, Martin V. 

B. Smith c, Ansel L. Standish, Charles A. 
Stevens, Benjamin B. Sutton, J. Dary, William 
Sullivan c, James W. Thompson, Edwin Tepier, 
Thomas Barzillai, Benjamin Williams, George 

C. White a, Henry Widner c, Martin Widner, 
Peter Ward c, Casper Zerving, Levi J. Leach, 
John Thomas, W. Bennett c, W. II. Campbell, 
W. Hill c, James L. Miller, R. Smalley c, L. 
Berry, J. M. Fruit, P. Hebert, J. McKey, W. 
Sellers, V. Ewing, H. H. Wood, Benjamin F. 
Thompson, Alfred Titus c, Isaac Talbot, Rob- 
ert J. Wilson, Comfort E. Walker c, Edward 
C. White c, George A. Waddell, Peter York, 
William Hill, Daniel Matocsin, R. Amery c, 
J. Creckpan c, A. Campbell c, M. D. Hankins, 
J. W. Kennedy a, Joseph M. Kennedy a, 
Daniel Smalley c, T. Berry, W. Favorite, D. T. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUISITY, 



925 



Lindley, W. Moon, J. W. Southard, J. A. 
Loveless, S. Wiltrout, \V. Yeager. 
Gompiuiy G. 

Robert King, Alexand Strond, John S. Welsh. 
Coinpany II. 

Captains : Alexander Christie, James O'Neal. 

Lieutenants : E. H. Mix, Charles Allen, C. A. 
Johnson c, John E. Lyon, R. J. Wright, pro- 
moted captain, William N. Gates. 

Sergeants : C. A. Bacon a, W. II. Jacobus «, 
C. IJrunaller «, G. Parsons c, R. C. Pliillips c. 

Corporals : B. P. Benson c, W. N. Fay c, J. 
Hughbanks c, O. S. Washburn c. 

Privates: E. Ackerman c, S. Almyc, William 
Bilke, II. C. Baker, R. Bacon, II. C. Blaker, E. 
W. Bidwell c, Frederick Bauer, A. Colborn e, C. 
A. Cox, William A. Delap c, James S. Dicken- 
son, John Faith c, G. W. Faith e, I''. N. Ilartson 
a, Frederick Ilolzinger, R. Hornby c, John E. 
Jones c, Benajah Johnson, William Kent c, F. 
Langdon c, J. K. Luni, A. C. Miller c, W. Mather 
c, W. McElroy c, William P. Newman c, D. H. 
OInislead c, J. W. Perkins, W. H. Powderly r, 
Hiram Porter c, S. M. Quaw, O. S. Robinson c, 
William L. Richards, G. Richardson e, William 
Risk, P. Richardson r, Horace SJieldon c, J. F. 
.Si)aulding, Reuben G. Sawyer c. Orison Wash- 
burn, W. II. Wallers, E. C. Wheelock c, I. P. 
Camp, J. L. Lavigne, J. Dingman, II. S. Brown, 
Robert Clark, B. Sutton, 15. F. Rice, B. P. Ben- 
son, Henderson Faith, Pinckney Sutton, George 
Gray, William Gates. 

TWEI.FTII 'WISCOXSIN IXFAXTRV. 

Coynpany I. 

Captain, Van S. Bennett. 

Lieutenants: Salnia Rogers, Irvin Gribble, 
Francis Hoyt. 

Privates: Eli McVey, Elias Darnell, .Jacob 
Heiin, J. S. Kanable, E. P. Bender, J. C. )Sen- 
diT, H. A. ShalFir, W. S. Snow, E. B. Tenney, 
William Ogden, Silas Benjamin, Albert Savage, 
Joiin Moon, John A Thorpe, Epiiraim Sanfoid, 
Charles Toptine c, II. J. Keepers, Rennsalaer 
Brewer, Laal Clift, M. P. Clift, D. B. Sommers, 
L. M. Keepers c, D. Yakey, William T. Dob- 



son c, John Ilenthorn c, T. S. Jordan, S. F. 
Moon a, G. S. Marshall c, Neal Petlygrove, 
Thomas Dean «, J. B. Sommers, Angus Barclay, 
Russell Francis, James E. Mace, T. R. Beighle, 
L. ^M. Mallette, Launcelot Coggin c, Jolin D. 
Welker, F. B. Clark, W. J. Woodruff, Jerome 
Fetterley, Abner Thorp c, J. C. 'I'optine c, C. H. 
Thompson c, David Tenney c, A. B. Tyler c, 
John A. Thorp c, Henry Wempner c, A. W. 
West, A. C. Wempner c, 'ihomas Skinner. 

TWENTY-FIFTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Company B. 

Captain, W. II. Joslin (promoted to major 
and brevet lieutenant-colonel). 

Lieutenants: William Roush, AV^. II. Bennett 
(promoted lo captain) d. 

Orderly Sergeants: W. C. S. Barron (pro- 
moted to captain), E. A. Houstein (promoted to 
1st lieutenant), John A. Mark e, E. A. Clark c, 
Adam Albaugh c. 

Corporal.-*: W. M. Gault c, Edward B. Wag- 
gonner (promoted to 2d lieutenant), Robert D. 
Robinson, Robert M. Classiu, Abram Miller, 
Edward Morris, Ansley Wallace r, James R. 
JIcMnlian c. 

Musicians: Norman Collins, John W. Basye. 

Teamster, G. Laymon. 

Privates: Harry Austin, Simon S . Blake, Jolin 
Bolenbaugh c, Peter Bolenbaugh, Israel Breese, 
W. S. Breese a, L. D. Browning, Jesse G. Bun- 
nell (to sergeant), Newton Chesemore, Ole 
Chistophson c, Stephen V.Craig c, Lewis Craigo, 
J. J. Crandall c, W. Crand.all c, Jacob Dickason 
c, Jacob Dix, Shadrach Dix e, Ellridge Dodge c, 
John Fitzgerald (promoted to adjutant), Isaac 
Fish c, William Fisher, George W. Freeman c, 
David Graham c, Benjamin Gray c, Enoch Gray, 
Ciiarles C. Higgins c, Walter A. Holbrook c, 
W. M. Hough e, Robert F. Hurd, David Hough, 
Thomas D. James c, Benjamin B. Jewell f, John 
Johnson, Jesse Jones c, Alexander Jones c, O. 
Klingler, Samuel Kramer, John M. Lewis, 
Samuel Q. Le« is c, Franklin E. Lyons, Henry 
W. Marden, Samuel Marshal , Greene Mayfield, 
John McKay, John McNelly c, Ira W. Merrill, 



926 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Charles Mills, George Miller, John Slierer, 
Francis T. Skinner, Albert W. Stockton, Eman- 
uel Taylor, Jabob Van Pool, Daniel Wallace c, 
Stephen J. Wallace c, John W. Wildemouth c, Ja- 
cob Yonder, Horace Alby, Peter F. C. Bartle, 
George Myers a, Joseph Moody, John D. Nicks, 
Robert J. Ninmiick, Ole Oleson a, E. E. Otta- 
way, Ole Paulson c, E. Pierson, W. R. Peck- 
ham, Charles W. Peckhara, Peter Penny, George 
E. Perkins, George L. Ramsdell, John Reeves, c, 
W. F. Rose, Frank E. Seeley, Thornton J. Smith, 
David R. Taplin, Albert Truesdell c, William 
Waddeil, Hiram Wallace c, M. J. Welton c, De- 
Witt C. Wood, John Young, 0. M. Byington, ' 
John D. Brockover, James A. Blair, John C. 
Bock, William E Classin, John Craig, Edmund 
Dosch, Darius P. David, Martin Gray, Ansel 
Hurlburt, Thomas Harris, Ole Hangeson, Al- 
bert J. Hoyt, James Lewis, George T. Logue, 
Adam J. Logue, John M. Logue, Jolin L. S. 
Logue, Warner C. Moore, Robert C. McKinney, 
Neal Pettygrove c, Samuel J. Robinson, Cutler 
Salmon, Albert W. Willetts, William Racy a, 
William E. Booth, R. F. Carver, Dolas Col win, 
John Cove, Cassius C. Dean, Marcus P. David, 
David G. Gillis, William Willoughby, James 
M. Waldeck, George W. Wilsey, Andrew 
Young, M. Beniiett, J. Lafayette Hoyt c, James 
AV. Joslin, Timothy Manning b, J. M. Sutton c, 
H. S. Milner, Joseph C. Privet, James K. Pur- 
cell, C. C. Sutton, William Wright c, Henry 
Gear b, Seth Rogers, Andre iV E. Oleson c, Chris- 
tian Muiisoii,c', Julius C. Jenks c, George W. 
Breese, William Brown c, J. M. Keepers, Wil- 
liam Perrigo, W. W. Sanborn. 

Quartermaster : W. IT. Downs. 
Company B. 

Privates: J. W. Wildermouth, George W. 
Freeman e, Henry Scher a. 

Company F. 

Private: Aaron Sutton c. 

THIRTY-SIXTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Com2Hiny A. 
Lieutenants: A. S. Ripley, James F. Lunn. 
Privates: J. W. Barrett, E. C. Bristol, Wil- 



liam Davolt, Adam Fry, J. A. Hill, B. C. Hal- 
lin, M. Hoe, E. J. Long, Joseph Miller, C. H. 
Pearce, C H. Rist, J. P. RoUet, Ezra Reagles, 
A. C. Weston, John Welsh, Pattrick Wallace, 
J. D. Fazel, David W. Davis c W. T. Lewis c, 
George W. Ferris, Ezra S. Bailey c, Daniel A. 
Diball a, Henry J. Haydon c, A. C. Sheble, 
Daniel Beggs c, John Black «, Daniel Graves 
c, John Jacobs c, A. J. McNurlen c, J. C. Mcln- 
tire c, J. B. Norris c, John Rosenbaume c, 
George M. Wright c, A. J. W. Wood c, John 
G. Wood c, Peter Hamilton, James Bolton c, 
C. F. Smith c. 

Comp>any B. 

Privates: Samuel Drake, William Recobs, 
George Kite, Thomas Hesler. 
Company C. 

Private: Michael Hull. 

Company H. 

Captain: Austin Cannon. 

Lieutenants: Cyrus Peck, G. S Morris, 
James G. Merrill. 

Privates: Samuel W. Hill, O. P Peck, 
Samuel Bovee, A. H. Bush, Patrick Dargan e, 
T. A. Dunston, Alfred H. Dow, John D. Fazel, 
^olom.)n Flick, John Gordon, Leo W. Mayfield, 
M. Munson, O. A. Northrup, Edward B. Pai- 
rish, John G. Parrish, John Popp, .James A. 
Parrish, R. J. Passmore a, Samues A. Pease c, 
Cornelius Stetler, Eli Stewart, M. Vandusen a, 
Stephen Welsh, John E. Howell, E. D. Tiche- 
nor c, S. W. Hill, Lester C. Jacobs c, Samuel* 
Oleson c, M. C. Lull c, Fred Acken a, John 
Brennan c, Alanson Dagett c. 

SIXTH WISCONSIN BATTERY. 

Captain, Henry Dillon. 

Lieutenants: Samuel F. Clark, Thomas R. 
Hood, John W. Fancher, Daniel T. Noyes a, 
James G. Simpson, John Jenawein, Sylvester 
E. Sweet, Alta S. Sweet, L. N. Keeler. 

Privates: Alonzo B Avery (bugler), Riley 
O. Allen, O. J. Burnham (bugler), Byron Bab- 
cock, James II. Bailey, W. M. Bailey, Fred T. 
Baker, George W. Barney a, James Bratt, John 
L. Bennett, S. Beaver (corporal), Lorenzo Beck 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



927 



with, Edward R. Bell, Victor A. Bennett, 
Christian Berger, Henry J. Bynes, George A. 
Hickford, William S. Booth c, William H. H. 
Uooth, Robert L. Booth, A. P. Briggs, George 
D. Brown a, Edgar E. J. Burdick, Christian 
Biirga, E. M. Burnham, E. W. Barbarin, W. 
A. Burnham bugler, Br.ulley Benson c, Henry 
P. Bowers, Marion Bancroft, George W. Bene- 
dict, Orman W. Bush, Frank Benoit, Robert E. 
Zaiiks c, B. F. Brown, corporal, Luman II. 
Calkins, Coulter Campbell c, John Campbell, 
R. B. Carpenter, John B. Chaflfee, A. M. 
dayman, Levi dayman, William Colborn, A. 
P. Clayton, D. L. Carpenter, William Cavens 
Silas S. Caspar, Avery Colborn, Joiin Colborn, 
Edgar P. Dixon, James Doyle, Ferdinand 
Daggett, George D. Dalrymple, Silas C. Da- 
vis, Herman Demmer, Augustus Dilley, W. 
II. Dowden, li. P. Dunning, M. Dzicwanow- 
ski, sergeant, Rezin L. Dye, corporal, Dan- 
iel J. Davis, Henry W. Dunning, Addison 
W. Day, Evan W. Evans, John C. Eagion, 
Albert D. Elston, David Evans, Isaiah Emer- 
son, Levi J. Emerson, George Fisher, Hugh 
Flaiinery, John A. Flerame, Jules Francois, 
Stejjhen A. Ferris, Charles H. Fernald, Francis 
Francois, Sylvester J. Gould «, Daniel Good- 
win, sergeant, Thomas Goodman, Peter Green, 
Henry T. Grinnell, E. A. Grover, Charles II. 
Gerhart, Robert Grey, Daniel W. Grey, George 
W. Grey, Henry C. Gardner, A. J. Gardner, 
•George W. Giles, William A. Gordon; Ser- 
geants: J. G. S. Ilayward, Sidney Hawxhurst, 
Joseph M. Hood, William II. Hamilton (pro- 
moted tolieutenant-colonel), Alexander J. Hood. 
Charles Hutchinzon, and L. Bruce Ilonn a, corpo- 
rals; John T. Higgins,JN. B. Hood, corporal, Ed- 
gar.F. Hayes, Edgar Iv. Hill, corporal, Watson 
T. Hays, Albert llauxhurst c, Asa Hatch, An- 
drew Ilerron, Thomas J. Hungerford, Edwin 
Hungerford c, Wilton Hungerford, R. Ham- 
mond, George T. Hill, E. J. Hordman, William 
II. Harrington, Daniel W. Hays, John J. Haz- 
ard, John G. Haskins c, Albert Hard, William 
11. Holmes, Jonathan O. Ide, John B. Jackson, 



Hiram P. James, corporal, George B. Jones, 
Wilder B. Jacobs, Thomas C. Jackson, Benja- 
min I. Johnson c,- J. L. Jones, Griffith Jones, 
Enoch Johnson c, Thomas R. Jones, N. B. 
Jaquish, Henry S. Keene, quartermaster ser- 
geant, John Keller, August H. Knai)p, corporal, 
Jacob Kencig c, Andrew J. King, Fred King, 
Franklin King a, Joseph Lester, Michael Lar- 
son, Lyman Leach, Robert II. Lloyd, Samuel F. 
Landon, Jay G. Lambertson, Fred Malish, quar- 
naster sergeant, John C. McCann, Lewis H. 
Miller, Henry W. Miller c, Andrew J. Morse c, 
P. B. Moss c, Patrick McMahan, Iliram M. 
Morey, Michael W. Murphy c, Armstrong Moore, 
J.Marden c, A. W. Maxwell, Charles K. Max- 
well, Charles F. Neefe, corporal, Julius 
F. Neefe, Nelson Newbury, Edward J. 
Orr, John H. Price, ^Villiam N. Piper, 
Frank W. Parrish, Jerome E. Parker, John W. 
Proctor, R. M. Proctor, E. J. D. Perry c, Alva 
B. Page a, Charles II. Pickard, D. A. Paddle- 
ford, II. R. Phillips, W. Phettcrplace, J. O. 
Plietterplace Alexander Ray, William Runyon, 
Edwin Ricker, C. E. Ricliardson, Aloiizo Rose, 
Moses Rose c, Alfred Rich, Benjamin F. Run- 
yon, John W. Robson, Byron W. Reynolds, 
J. B. Rogers, c, Levi Reed, Henry Robson, 
Rollin Randolph, Ernest Reynolds, Ozin 
Sloel, D. S. Stewart, Alpheus Sanderson, S. A. 
Sanderson, Fred. C. Schmidt, Ltizi Schnellcr, P. 
J. Seiders, Henry Sigrist, Iliram W. Sheldon, 
Asa Sheldon, George W. Spencer a, Cris. Stolz, 
Fred Swartz, Aaron Southard, William B. South- 
ard, William A. Stewart, John S. Stewart, Al- 
exander Stevans, George W. Simonds, John H. 
Seiders, N. L. Sweet, John M. Sweet, Byron W. 
Telfair, Charles E. Trowbridge, MenzO Tenant />, 
Augustus Trunkhill, Gilbert L. Thomas «, Grif- 
fith, Thomas, Benjamin Tulin, Levi Verneps, I. 
VanBrocklin,C. B.Worthington, corporal, David 
Wallace, Hiram Wallace, P. J. Walport, ]\Iar- 
tin -Weaver >;, Abram Weaver, Solomon F. 
Wheeler c, II. F. Wheeler, William W. Wy- 
man, E. S. Williams, A. F. Wentworth, John 
Wolf a, George WcUer, William West. 



928 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



FORTY-SIXTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Captain, A. Hoskins. 

Lieutenants: Steven Norris, John J. Bovee, 
Fred S. Lovell, A. B. Smedley, Charles H. Ford, 
William G. Ritoh, N. Stewart, D. DuBois, D. 
L. Downs, G. R. Turner. 

Sergeants: George W. Lawton, James M. 
Hoskins, William Ogden, John Hart, D. W. 
Richardson. 

Corporals: Arthur B. Ewing, Richard Law- 
ton, William Turnipseed, Thomas L. Dobson, 
Tlioraas M. McCarthy, J. R. Burgett, Ransom 
N. Francis, William W. Lilly. 

Musician, Daniel U. Withrow. 

Privates: Jonathan Turner, Elijah AUbaugh, 
David Austin, Marshall Austin, E. J. Barnett, 
William Barnett,Joshua Barnett,WiUiam J. Bar- 
nett, William .J. Baker, Hiram Bender, Ellas 

E. Bender, Aaron Boiuan, Jr., Joseph Benton, 
Jr., V. L. Benjamin, Henry L. Bevier, James R. 
Campbell, John A. Carpenter, William H. Clift, 
George Clark, Hugh M. Clark, Joshua Clark, 
Benona Davenport, Robert Drake, A. M. Deets, 
Alonzo De Pee, Nathaniel Ewing, John Ewing 
Ste[)Iien Foard, Samuel Petty, William Fair- 
brotlier, Oliver Guess, Abner Gray, Louis 
Herbert, Oiney Hoskins, Edwin P. Handy, 
Albert Hopkins, Albert Howe, Eramett Jaquish, 

F. G. Lawton, Willett Lcplen, Michael Lyncli, 
John A. Morrow, St. Clair S. Miller, John M. 
Miller, Orrin Mallette, William Minett, Elijah 
Merry, Ambrose Osborne, Elias Peckham, Law- 
rence Roach, Calvin P. Rice, Jonathan Stout, 
Simon P. Spry, James G. Slater, Jasper N. 
Smith, Mahlon Stewart, Harvey Smith, Noble 
Sugdon, Q. D. Stewart, David Thompson, Olvier 
Totten, Joseph Thornton, Thomas VV. Todd, 
David Vance, William Wulting, Jesse W. 
Wentz, Thomas Whitcraft, Benjamin Wine- 
gardner, 11. J. Welker, Fernando Walker, J. S. 
Waller. 

SECOND WISCONSIN CAVALRY. 

Company F. 
Captains: Charles M. Palmer, Newton De- 
Forest, R. K. Hamilton, FraucisM. Poynter. 



Lieutenants: H. W. Wadsworth, M. F. Cut- 
ting, Thomas H. Damon c, George H. Stem, 
J. R. Trusdale. 

Privates: J. H. Waggoner, W. M. Fogo, 
Nicholas N. Pelton c, James Ripperdam c, James 
Logue c, Nathan L. Beele c, William Bartle c, 
Walter Bowe William D. Birge c, Garrett 
Joseph Cody c, Craigo, Joseph M. Cringo, 
Harvey F. Decker a, L. Davis c, Alvardo 
Goodwin h, John J. Jeffrey c, B. F. Lilly, 
John M. Long c, Michael McDonald Andrew 
Halstinson c John U. Hewitt e, George 
McKenzie c, Willis Maze c, Henry Moll 
e, George MeGuire c, A. McAllister c, John 
H. H. MoFarlin, James Nelson, William J. No- 
ble Joseph A. Pettet c, Miles Palmer, Joseph 
Squires e, M. B. Sweep c, T. F. Shepherd, George 
W. Washburn c, Levi Bump c, H. G. Myers, 
William W. Harvey, L. Furstenberg, Walter 
Palmer, L. A. Mathews, Orrin Welton, Jeseph 
Trusdale, D. J. O'Hara, N. J. Weller, Thomas 
Graham, Thomas Kanouse, Lyman Creed, Allen 
Brewer,Arthur Culver, Joseph Thompson, R. J. 
Allen, James Pr.ole,F. D. Fowler,V.D. Niles,N. 
D.Ward, William Nichols,Frank Harris,Francis 
Patch, I. R. Trusdale 2d lieutenant, Gerge R. 
Mitchell, surgeon, William AVard, Willis Brew- 
er, H. G. Ilewelt, Theodore Wharton, John 
McKane, Alexander Smith, W. T. Kinney, Jo- 
seph Kerris, Joseph Craig. 

THIRD WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Company F. 
Alfred Beckwith, Henry Allen. 

SIXTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Company A. 
Allison Fowler a, J. O. Keys «. 

Company E. 
Peter Hamilton, Joseph Denmon, Jr. 

Company K. 
Joseph Kennedy, R. M. Brown. 

SEVENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Company O. 
Henry Colbert. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



929 



Company F. 
John A. Drew. 

EIGHTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Dr. A. W. BickforJ, surgeon. 

Company F. 
Benjamin F. Groves h, Eli M. Groves, died, 
W. C. Groves c. 

TENTH WISCONSIN INFANTEY. 

Company G. 
I. T. Potts c, H. H. Benson. 

Com,pany K. 
T. Tallage. 

THIRTEENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

P. Burns. 

SIXTEENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Company C. 
D. G. James, N. L. James. 

Company D. 
Henry Wildermouth c. 

Company F. 
Rodolph Martin, lieutenant.; A. T. Nortbrup 
«. 

SEVENTEENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY 

Company I. 
William Blackman. 

Company F. 
James Morlan. 

EIGHTEENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

M. B. H. CLHiningham. 

NINETEENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Company A. 
G. W. Cooper. 

Company JB. 
Ira Monroe. 

UNASSIGNED. 

William Knapp, David Ogden. 

TWENTIETH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. 

Company li. 
A. Bingham c, Jo.seph Moon c, Henry Fazel. 

FIRST WISCONSIN HEAVY ARTILERY. 

Company C. 
Privates: H. A. Culver, George W. Putnam, 
Miucr Robinson, W. G. James. 



Company A. 
Privates: Norman Markley, Andrew J. 
Reeves. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Thomas Armstrong, company D, 22d Wis- 
consin Infantry; George Miller, company B, 
25th Wisconsin Infantry; Soth Butler, 29tb 
Wisconsin Infantry; B. B. Brownell, 31st Wis- 
consin Infantry; L. Williams, company H, .31st 
Wisconsin Infantry; E. H. Liscim, 33d Wis- 
consin Infantry; C. E. Clossin, company G, 
33d Wisconsin Infantry; J. Sennett, 33d Wis- 
consin Infantry; George Hoke, 37th Wisconsin 
Infantry; Lewis Henry, company C, 38th Wis- 
consin Infantry; L. Sippy, company B, 40th 
Wisconsin Infantry; W. M. Fogo, 42d Wis- 
consin Infantry; N. M. Tenney, 43d Wisconsin 
Infantry; Henry Tenney, 43d Wisconsin Infan- 
try; Henry Collins, company F, 43d Wisconsin 
Infantry; Charles M. Collins, company F, 43d 
Wisconsin Infantry; John Walworth, chaplain, 
43d Wisconsin Infantry; William Minett, com- 
pany H, 46th Wisconsin Infantry; W. B. 
Hoyes, 49th Wisconsin Infantry; W. II. Wey, 
50th Wisconsin Infantry; W F. Fisher, com- 
pany A, 50th Wisconsin Infantry; George J. 
Jarvis, 3d AVisconsin Battery; D. P. Nichols, 
4tb Wi.sconsin Battery; George W. Alvord, 7th 
Wisconsin Battery; Alexander Craig, 7th Wis- 
consin Battery; Charles Gale, 7th Wisconsin 
Battery; George W. Mayfield, Iowa Cavalry; 
John Dondna, Iowa Infantry; W. J. Burchamer, 
company A, 10th West Virginia Infantry; Sol 
Townsend, company C, 4tii West Virginia In- 
fantry; J, W. Watts, company G, 9th Indiana 
Infanlry; N. Bingham, company K, l.'iOtii Illi- 
nois Infantry; M. L. Sherman, company K, .'r2d 
Illinois Infantry; A. G. Pate, 38lh Illinoi- In- 
fantry; C. G. Mickle, 4th Minnesota Infantry; 
E. J. Davis, company E, 20th Iowa Infantry; 
.John Seewright, company K, 24th Iowa In- 
fantry; J. A. Biirn.s, company H, lOlsi Indiana 
Infantry; George Hamblin, 11th Illinois In- 
fantry. 



930 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THE HONORED PIONEER DEAD. 



In this chapter it is not the design to men- 
tion or to give a sketch of all the deceased 
pioneers of Richland county, but to briefly 
sketch the lives of some of those wlio have been 
called hence, to whom it has not been con- 
venient to refer at length in other connections. 
Yet many of those who are here noted, of 
necessity receive attention elsewhere, as their 
deeds have indissolubly connected their names 
with the progress and development of Richland 
county, and therefore all matters treated of in 
this volume. Sketches of old settlers who are 
deceased, which do not appear in this chapter, 
will be found elsewhere, either in the town or 
general county history. 

PIONEER DEAD. 

Alexander Sires died at the residence of F. 
M. Slewart, in Henrietta, on the 11th of April, 
1869, aged about seventy-three years. Mr. 
Sires was one of the first settlers in the north- 
ern part of Richland county. He laid out the 
village of Siresville, now Woodstock, and it 
was first named after him. 

-E. P. Young, one of the pioneers of Rich- 
land county, died at Richland Centre on the 
24tli of June, 18T0. E. P. Young was of Quaker 
parentage. He was born in the State of New 
Jersey, in 1798. When about eleven years of 
age he emigrated with his parents to the then 
"far w est," and settled in Knox county, Ohio. 
Here he continued to reside until 1852, when he 
removed to Ricliland City, Wis. Three or four 
years later he came to Richland Centre, where 
he spent the evening of his days. When about 
thirty years of age, under the ministry of that 



eminent divine. Rev. James Scott, he united 
with the Presbyterian Church, and for nearly 
forty years, at Frederickstown, Ohio, at Rich- 
land City and Richland Centre, he was a ruling 
elder in the house of (-Jod. He held the respect 
and esteem of a wide circle of friends, and his 
death, while not unexpected, was sincerely 
mourned. 

On the 11th of December, 1870, John Worth, 
an old and highly esteemed resident of Ithaca, 
died. 

David Jaquish died at the residence of his 
son in Madison, in April, 1875. Mr. Jaquish 
was a pioneer and a veteran. He has served as 
a soldier in the war of 1812. I'^or over twenty 
years his home was in Richland county, at the 
time of his death, being a resident of tlie town 
of Ithaca. He was eighty-three years old. 

On Sa urday, May 2-i, 1875 D. A. Johns, of 
the town of Eagle, after getting into his wagon 
to drive home from Richland Centre, was taken 
with an apoplectic fit. He was carried home 
the same evening insensible and died the fol- 
lowing day. May 23, 1875. Mr. Johns was 
seventy-seven years of age, and had been a 
resident of Richland county for twenty-two 
years. He was an inJustriou.s peaceable citizen, 
much esteemed by his neighbors and acquain- 
tances for his social qualities and uniformly up- 
right life. He left an aaed wife and sev- 
eral children. Tlius passed to his rest another 
of the pioneers of Richland county, whose ii.- 
dustry had provided a good home for his family, 
and left an example worthy of memory and 
imitation. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



631 



Died— on ttic 30tli of August, 1875, Michael 
(llioriuley, one of the oldest settlers in the 
town of Henrietta, aged seventy-nine years. 
He left a wile in ler eighty-sixth year, one son, 
.lanies Gliorniley, aiul many other relatives and 
friends to mourn his loss. He was beloved by 
all vrlio knew him. He was noted for his piety 
and Christian e.xample, and die ! as he lived — a 
Christian. 

Morris Sexton died in the town of Buena 
Vista, Mar(rh 1, ISTti, of paralysis, aged sixty- 
tAvo years Mr. Sexton was a native of the 
State of New York. He came to Wisconsin in 
1849, and made a settlement at what is now 
known as tlie village of Sextonville, the place 
being named in honor of him as its founder. 
He erected and opened the first house of public 
entertainment on the Black river road north of 
the Wisconsin river. There his native energy 
and enterprise found ample opportunity lor 
developement in making improvements, laying 
out roads and inducing emigration. Being well 
adapted topioneer life, he seemed much attached 
to its excitements and highly enjoyed its various 
duties and res|)onsibilities, and secured the loiiti- 
dence and esteem, by his nnifurni kiuihu" ud 
lil)erality to the needy, of a largo circle of I 'uls 
and acquaintances. Though past the mtudian 
of life, he still fondly cherished the remembrance 
of his pioneer experience and as infirmity and 
reverses had cast a shade over his prospects lie 
naturally sought sympathy with nature in the 
hope of finding again some of the bright days of 
liis jiioncir life, and in 1873 he removcil to Bar- 
ron (iiiunty in the northwest part of tli(> State. 
Al)out three weeks before his death Mr. Sexton 
came here in company with his wife to visit his 
old htime and maiiy friends. Ileri' his health 
whiih had Ijccu for some time impaiicd, entirely 
failed, and, as stated, he died on the 1st of 
.Maich. 

During the early part of September, 1876, the 
lollowing )>i<ineers died: — Alexander Cliisholm, 
and Mrs. .M Copenheifer, of Fancy Creek, and 
Willis p. Breese, of Orion. 



Miles Randall died in the town of Willow, 
Jan. 9,1877, aged (ifiy-seven years. Mr. Randall 
was one of the early settlers of the county, 
having moved here with his family in 18.55. 
He had been an invalid for seven years previous 
to his death, and had not been able to even feed 
himself. 

Henry B. DeHart, of the town of Bloom, died 
on the 3(1 of January, 1877, aged seventy years. 
Mr. DeHart had been a resident of the town of 
Bloom for about twenty-two years, having 
with his family located there when it was a 
wilderness, and had cheerfully birne the bur- 
dens incident to pioneer life. He was highly 
esteemed by a large circle of friends. He left 
a mother-in-law, eighty-one years of age, and 
three sons. 

Jacob Simons died at his residence near 
Sairs mills, July 14, 1877, aged eighty-five years. 
"Father" Simons, as he « as called, was born 
in the State of New York. He came to Wis- 
consin in 1842 and became a resident of Kich- 
i ;nd county. He had been a proii ssor of relig- 
• II for sixty-three years, of the Disciple Church. 
II.. was a consistent Christian, lived what he 
professed, and died in the as.-ui:.nce that his 
woik on earth was well done. He was loved 
and resj)ected by all who knew h in. His fun- 
eral took place at Woodstock ami w.is cnndticted 
by Rev. G. G. Hamilton. 

John C. Davis, another of the pioneers, died 
in the town of Rockbridge, Oct. 14, 1877, aged 
fifty-one years. Mr. Davis ret-ided in this 
county for over twenty years. In 1804 he went 
into the army, was assigned to company K, 17lh 
Wisconsin regiment, and went with Gen. Sher- 
man in his march to the sea. While in the 
service he contracted a disease fioni which he 
never recovered and which was evidently the 
cause of his last sickness and death. Mr. ].)avis 
was much esteemed by a very large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. 

William H. Downs died Nov. 5,1877. Mr. 
Downs was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, in 
IS 19, and had only such opportunities of ednca- 



56 



932 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



tion as the new country afforded at that time; 
but these he improved to the best advantage. 
He made choice of the carpenter and joiner's 
trade as his occupation, and in early life he set- 
tled at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and resided there 
while he remained in that State. In 1855, in 
company with a number of other families (most 
of whom are still residents here), he came to 
this county with his family, and located where 
Richland Center now is, and took an active 
part in all the improvements and interests of the 
growing town, which at times seemed destined 
to struggle hard for even a subsistence, but in all 
these trials and hardships he was always 
actively engaged for the general good, hopeful 
and cheerful. In 1861, when the War of the 
Rebellion was inaugurated and a call was made 
by President Lincoln for volunteers to preserve 
the Union, Mr. Downs was among the first to 
enroll his name to defend tlie flag of our Na- 
tion and perpetuate our constitutional compact. 
He was assigned to tlie SSth regiment of In- 
fantry, in which he soon received the appoint- 
ment of quartermaster, in which capacity he 
served about three years, much to his own credit 
and the general satisfaction of the regiment, 
showing excellent qualification for the office. 
In the second year of the war he consented that 
his only son should enroll his name as a vol- 
unteer, and was rcoL'ived as a drummer; but 
Eddie's career was only a few moullis, for he 
died in camp quite suddenly from some disease 
which seemed not to be fully uiidi-rstood by the 
surgeons. This was a sad an 1 heartfelt be- 
reavement to the family, and especially to Mr. 
Downs — a sacrifice whicli he laid upon the 
altar of his country that few could appreciate, a 
sacrifice of priceless value, and doting parents 
only could realize its magnitude. The loss of 
his only son and the long e.xposures of cam]i 
life were obviously preying upon the health and 
constitution, which had until then seemed to 
be proof against all hardships, and it was neces- 
sary to seek for rest and some recuperative 
process to sustain life, and he accordingly re« 



turned to his home, but he never seemed to 
regain that strength of body and vivacity of 
mind which were so peculiar to him in former 
years. The seeds of disease were evidently 
sown in the constitution, which medical skill 
could not eradicate. The community was 
greatly startled and thrown into profound sor- 
row Monday, Nov. 5, ISTV, at the news that 
one of the oldest and most prominent citizens 
had passed away very suddenly while sitting in 
his chair. While it was well known that he 
was in feeble health, and that he might piss 
away at any time, none anticipated tliat his dis- 
ease would culminate so suddenly. But two 
days before his death he was about as usual. 
He seemed to realize his feeble condition 
greater than did any who surrounded him, for 
in his memorandum of the previous Thursday 
he wrote: "My last day at the office." And 
true enough it was the last! Some years before, 
he had a partial stroke of paralysis, from which 
he never fully recovered, and since which 
time he had been subject to bad spell-j. 
.Mr, Downs has held several offices of 
trust, with honor to himself and profit 
to bis fellow citizens. For some years he 
held the office of postmaster in this village, 
and soon after his return from the army he was 
elected as justice of the peace, not more by the 
sympathies of his fellow citizens than a convic- 
tion of his unquestioned integrity and qualifi- 
cations for the discharge of the duties of the 
office, which he held until his decease. In the 
several relations of life Mr. Downs " as much 
esteemed. As a neighbor he was kitTd and 
obliging; in his friendships, true and charita- 
ble; in his family, considerate and indulgent. 
His home was a sanctum of rest. Though not 
a member of any particular Church, he was a 
firm and consistent believer in the doctrijies 
and promises of Christianity, and often 
expressed a consoling prospect of that better 
life where sorrow, disease and death never 
reach the happy spirits of the redeemed. His 
funeral was largely attended. The interment 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



938 



was conducted bj- the Masonic order, with its 
usual services and ceremonies, as he was for 
iniMv years a wortliy and esteemed member of 
that ancient and honorable fraternity. 

Jacob Kroiiskop died at the residence of his 
son-in-law, .J. L. R. McColluni, in Sextonville, 
Feb. 7, 1878. One by one the old land marks 
of the county passed away. Jacob lilrouskop 
was born in one of the eastern States in 1800. 
Ho passed the most of his early life in Belle- 
fontaine, Ohio, from whence he came, in the 
spring of 18,51, with a large family to Richland 
Co. Wis, and settled at Sextonville. "With 
characteristic energy, he erected a saw-mill 
there, the first in that region, and soOn after- 
ward a grist mill. In speaking of him. Rev. J. 
E. Irish, who liad known him since his first 
settlement in "Wisconsin, said: 

"At that time the entire region where Rich- 
land Centre now is, was an unl)roken wilder- 
ness. Bringing with him the experience and 
fruits of a laborious life in Ohio, Mr. Krouskop 
was pi-opared to lay more broadly the founda- 
tion of a goodly estate lierc, and the result has 
been far more satisfactory tiian has fallen to 
the lot of most men. His prudence and sagaci- 
ty, together with that of his faithful wife, who 
lingers on the shore behind him, were crowned 
with ample success. His enterprising sons and 
sohsin-law, known far and near as successful 
business men, have continued to seek his 
counsel in his declining years. 

"Mr. Krouskop has been a member of the 
M. E. Church for over half a century. On liis 
removal west, he united his religious fortunes 
willi the feeble society at Sextonville, with 
which he has ever since been connect'-d. His 
aid and counsel have always been of value. 
Not of a very demonstrative nature, yet in the 
social meetings with his brethren his heart 
often melted with tenderness as he talked of 
Jesus, and his power to save. His last sickness 
was sliorl and painful, but with an unfaltering 
trust in Jesus' blood, he went hence. 



"The funeral was an occasion of great inter- 
est and was attended by a very large concourse. 
The circle of relatives alone was large enough 
to nearly fill the church, while the citizens 
turned out e?i 7nasse to testify their respect to 
his memory. The writer was called from a dis- 
tant field of labor to preach the sermon, having 
been an acquaintance of the family since their 
first settlement in the State. 

"Father Krouskop was laid to rest hi the 
peaceful cemetery among the hills, side by side 
with some of his kindred who had passed on 
before him, and in near proximity to others 
with whom he had often worshiped in this 
changing world. Together, we trust, they now 
rejoice before the thione." 

Zachariah Hale died in the tnwn of Orion, 
on the 6th of March, 1878, aged fifty-three 
years. The deceased was born in Marion Co., 
Ind. He came to and cast his lot with friends 
in Richland county in 185ii, and resided here 
until the time of his death. His amiable di.s- 
position and unflinching integrity gained fur 
him many friends. He left a large circle of 
relatives to mourn his loss. 

Martin Banker died in the town of Rock- 
bridge, on the 14th of March, 1878, aged eighty 
years. Mr. Banker was another i.f the pioneers 
of the county, having settled here in 18,53. 

Capt. J. G. S. Ilayward, an old, well known 
anil prominent citizen of Richland county, died 
at his home in the town of Eagle, on the 3d 
day of May, 1878. Mr. Ilayward was born near 
Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 11, 18rj. He emigrated 
to Wisconsin in 1854, and settled in the town 
of Richwood, now Orion. He soon after re- 
moved to and settled in the town of Eagle, 
where he lived until the time of his death. He 
was one of the most useful and highly esteemed 
citizens. "Thedtalhof so good a man is al- 
ways to be regretted." Mr. Hayward was ever 
ready to help all the interests, either public or 
private, in his neighborhood. He embraced 
the faith in Christ in 1843, and since that time 
he has exemplified the Christian life, which en- 



934 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



abled liim to bear his afflictions without a mur- 
mur, and to meet death without a struggle. 
He left a wife, two children and five grand- 
children to mourn his loss. 

Daniel Householder died at his home, in tlie 
town of Bloom, in August, 1878. Mr. House- 
holder had lived in Richland county almost a 
quarter of a century, coming here from Ohio in 
about 1854. At the time of his death he had 
reached the extreme old age of ninety-nine 
years. 

Henry J. Smith died in the town of Rich- 
land, on the 3i'th day of September, \81S, aged 
fifty-nine years. He died of a cancer, after 
lingering and suffering intensely for eight 
months. Mr. Smith was one of the early set- 
tlers of the county, having settled here in 1851. 
He was an industrious, peaceable and respected 
citizen, and his memory will be lung cherished 
by his many friends. 

Joshua Ewing -died in the town of Sylvan, 
Jan. 26, 1879, of heart diseas'', aged seventy 
years. Mr. Ewing was born in Maryland; but 
he came west at an earlj day and settled in 
Richland county. He was a member of the 
Methodist Church for nearly half a century, 
and was a man who held the respect and esteem 
of all. He left a large family to mourn his loss. 

On the 29th of Jamiiry, 1879, in the town of 
Rockbridge, Morris Frueinan died, ngi'd seven- 
tj'-six years. Mr. Fr^'enian was \:ovn in Herki- 
mer Co., N. Y., whiMV he reni;\iiied until 1846, 
when he came to Wisconsin and seitb d for a 
time in Wauke.sba county. In i8').3 In- removed 
to Richland county with lii.-^ I'luuily, ami located 
in the town of Rockbridge, uliire he lived until 
the time of his death. He r.iised a family of 
six children, five of wlidni survived him. As a 
neighbor, a friend anil a worthy citizen, he was 
much respected, and, as was said in his obitu- 
ary, "as he leave.s us, we feel deeply that an- 
other land-mark and pioneer of the county has 
passed to that land from whence no traveler 
returns." 



On the 6th of April, 1879, James Dowling, an 
old and highly respected citizen of the town of 
Westford, was killed by an accident. His son 
was cutting down a tree, Mr. Dowling being 
near by. When the tree fell a limb struck liim 
on the back of the head, killing him instantly 

Tliomas Kinnej' died at his residence in 
Richland Center, on the 6tli of April, 1879, aged 
seventy-seven years. Mr. Kinney was one of 
the early pioneers of Richland county. He was 
born in Nova Scotia in 1801. He moved to 
Canada West in 18.38, to Waukesha Co., Wis., 
and to Richland county, wh.ere he has since 
lived, in 1853. He left an aged companion ainl 
several grown children. He was a highly re- 
spected citizen. 

Cornelius McCarthy, an old citizen of Richland 
county, died at his home in the town of Henri- 
etta, on the 14th of September, 1879. Mr. Mc- 
Carthy was a resident of the county for twenty- 
seven years. During the war he served with 
distinction in the army, and was severely 
wounded in the battle of Bayou Cache, Ar- 
kansas. 

Martin Mnnson, aged sixty-two years, died at 
his residence in the town of Akan, Oct. 21, 1879, 
after having been confined to his bed for over 
two months. He was born March 1, 1817, in 
Norway; emigrated to this country in 1849, and 
in 1850 settled in the town of Akan, Richland 
county, where he lived until the time of his 
death. His early days here were a life of toil 
and hardship. Accompanied by two other 
families, they drove their teams as far as Port 
Andrew, andfvom there carried their house- 
hold goods, including stoves, some seven or 
eight miles, as it was impossible to drive the 
team through the woods. His death was 
widely regretted. He was held in high esteem 
not only by his own countrymen but by all who 
knew him. 

William W. Garfield died at his home in the 
town of Henrietta, on the 25th of October, 1879, 
aged seventy-two years. Mr. Garfield was a 
native of Vermont, but came west at an early 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



93o 



Jay, settling witli liis family in Richland county 
in 1853. He was a man of sterling integrity 
and worth, in cvc>ry walk of life which lie trod. 

The Richland Coiintv liepiihlican, in announc- 
ing the death of Joseph Benton, Sr., a ])iojieer, 
which occurred July 14, 1880, makes the follow- 
ing expressive remarks: 

"The old citi/.ens of Richland county are 
fast passing away. Within the past three or 
four years a very large per cent, of the early- 
settlers of the county have passed to that other 
and brighter shore. Tlie latest death which we 
have been called upon to announce, is that of 
one of the best men who ever crossed to 
America's shore — Joseph Benton, Sr., who died 
at his residence in the town of Marshall, July 
14, 1880, after a protracted illness of twelve 
months, who had reached the rijie age of seventy- 
seven years and two months. Mr. Benton was 
born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, April 20, 
1803; emigrated to America in 1834, settled in 
Ohio, and lived there until 1855, when he re- 
moved to Wisconsin and settled on Fancy 
creek, town of Marshall, Richland county, where 
he resided until the time of his death. He was 
one of the early pioneers of the county, and 
contributed his means and energy to develop 
the resources of the county. He was a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Cluirch, and died with 
the hope of a better life beyond the confines of 
time. Tlie funeral services were conducted by 
the Rev. M. Leonard. A large concourse of 
his neighbors followed iiim to his last resting- 
place, thereby showing their appreciation and 
respect for his memory. He leaves three sons 
and one daughter, and an aged widow, to 
mourn their irreparable loss." 

"John Fogo, one of the pioneer settlers, and 
a well-known citizen died at his home on Fancy 
creek, on Friday, Sept. 1, 1876. Mr. Fogo was 
born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1T99, 
and was at the time of his death about seventy- 
seven years of age. 

"He received the elements of a good education 
in the parish school, which he attended until 



twelve years of age. He was then apprenticed 
as a weaver, and wliilc earning his trade he 
enjoyed, among oil ( r means 'of improvement, 
free access to the ] ai i.vh library, of which he 
made L:o(i(l use. st"i iiig up its contents in a 
memory wonderfully retentive. Gifted with a 
mind 111 (Xiraoidii aiy capacity, -which was thus 
culti\ uied ii the higiicst degree, and in the broad- 
est sense ofeiluc.uion, ai ihat period he laid the 
foundation of his gre it knowledge of history, 
both ancient and modern, which remained with 
him until the day of his death. 

"He came with his jjarents to America in 1820, 
and settled in Columbiana Co., Ohio, and was 
among the early pioneers in that section. At 
the time of his settlement in Ohio, it was a new 
and wild country —the foot-prints of the savage 
were barely eld. 

"He removed (o Wisconsin in 1853, bringing 
with him a large lainily of young children, and 
settled on Fancy creek, where he has ever since 
resided, and again passed through the labors 
and struggles incident to opening up a new 
country. He was preceded in his settlement on 
Fancy creek by only three or four families. 
From that time he has been well known in the 
county. By his neighbors he was honored and 
beloved, and he was held in great esteem by all 
who knew him. He has repeatedly been hon- 
ored by his felloW'-townsmen with many offices 
of honor and trust. He aided in the organiza- 
tion of the town of Marshall; was its first chair- 
man, which office he held for si.\teen years con- 
secutively, always being elected without oppo- 
sition. 

"During his whole life he has been a constant 
attendant upon the preaching of the gospel in 
the Presbyterian Church, in which he was born 
and baptized. In that Church he has been a 
member in full communion for a number of 
years past. He always had a firm conviction in 
the divine inspiration and truth of the Scrip- 
tures, and believed in their inculcations, in 
order to sustain pure society and a prosperous 
government. In the close of life, by faith in 



936 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



God, througli the Scriptures, be found submis- 
sion to the Divine will, with peace and joy. 
Mr. Fogo was remarkably genial in hi.s disposi- 
tion, and his society was highly prized by tliose 
who delight in conversation that is intelligent 
and full of information. Many persons have 
enjoyed his company for an hour, or hours in a 
very pleasant and profitable manner. 

"He leaves to mourn his loss, a companion, 
with whom he lived nearly half a century. 
Also eight sons and daughters, all of whom, ex- 
cept one living in Minnesota, are settled in 
families in the neighborhood, and were around 
liis dying bed. 

"The deceased was a great sufferer for the past 
few years, but his final end was free from pain 
and suffering. lie pissed away as calmly as 
the falling asleep of an infant. 

"Thus has passed away, at the ripe age of nearly 
four score years, another of our early pioneers 
— a man whose honesty and integrity was re- 
ligion, and whose greatest heritage to his de- 
scendants is his exemp lary life and untarnished 
honor." — [From the Richland county Heptibli- 
can and Observer. 

In the Repuhlican and Observer of Feb. 10, 
1881, appears the following item wliich explains 
itself: — "We notice an announcement of the 
death of W. P. Furey, who will be remembered 
by the older residents of the county, as the 
founder of the first democratic paper published 
in the county — The Democrat. This paper, 
we believe was established in 1858, and was 
published for about a year. The senior editor 
of the Repuhlican and Observer, W. M. 
Fogo, set his first type under the direction of 
Mr. Furey. After he left here he went to 
Darlington, from there to Iowa and thence 
back to Pennsylvania, his native State. For 
years we had lost track of him. Following is 
the notice of his death referred to: 

"We regret to announce the death of 
William P. Furey, of Altoona, Penn., 
which occurred at San Antonio, Texas, in 
January, 1881. Mr. Furey was originally from 



Mauch Chunk, Penn., and was a printer 
by trade. He came west in IS.'iS, and worked 
for a short time in Darlington, in a printing 
office which was started there before it was 
made the county seat. . During the winter of 
1558 — 9 he went to Warren, 111., and worked 
for a few months in what is now the Sentinel 
office, and it was while there we first became 
acquainted with him. He afterward married a 
sister of Rev. Mr. Safford, now of Darlington. 
After remaining a number of years in the west 
he went back to Pennsylvania and engaged in 
the publishing business at Altoona. About a 
year ago his health began to fail, being attacked 
by that dread disease consumption. A month 
or two ago, accompanied by his wife, he wen" 
to San Antonio, Texas, hoping that the salubri- 
ous climate of that part of the country might 
prove beneficial to him, but he had hardly 
reached the place before llu^ grim messenger 
called for him." — (Platteville Witness, Feb. 3, 
1881.) 

Jonathan Totton, one of the old settlers of 
the town of Marshall, died quite suddenly on 
Feb. 14, 1881. Mr. Totton was born in Wash- 
ington Co., Penn , in March 1802, and was 
therefore nearly eighty years of age at the 
time of his death. He removed to Ohio at an 
early day, and in 1855 came to Richland Co., 
Wis., and settled on Fancy creek where he 
remained until the time of his death. Mr. 
Totton had been a member of the Disciple 
Church for over forty years. He was a very 
conscientious, upright and honest citizen, and 
highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends. 

Isaac McMahan, an old citizen of the town 
of Bloom, died March 14, 1881, after a painful 
illness extending over a period of three years, 
of cancer. Mr. McMahan was born in Ohio, 
and at the time of his death was seventy-four 
years of age. He was truly a pioneer of Rich- 
land county, having removed here and settled 
in the town of Bloom in 1853. 

]\ryron C. Pease, an old and esteemed citizen 
of Richland Center, died of typhoid pneumonia, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



93'? 



on the 18tli of April, 1881. Mr. Pease was 
born in Weston, Vt., April 17, 1842. He came 
to Richland Center with his parents in 1857, 
and resided here until the time of his death. 
In 1864 he was married to Emma, second 
daughter of C. W. Huntington, and his widow 
and two children survive him. The Repuhlican 
and Observer in speaking of his sad death said: 
"Mr. Pease has been actively identified with the 
business interests of Richland Center, ever since 
he has been old enough, and has pushed steadily 
forward mastering the small details as well as 
the more comprehensive affairs of a large and 
growing business. For a while he was associated 
with his brothers in the retail trade, but after- 
wards engaged in the wholesale notion business 
for himself, for a number of years. At the 
time of his death he was traveling for a Chicago 
wholesale house. Tiie same warm, generous, 
impulsive nature, whicli as a school boy made 
all wlio knew him, love and admire him, was 
manit'csted in his associations; for with ad- 
vancing years his genial qualities became 
broader and deeper until it became almost an 
unwritten law in the business and social circles 
in this community that Myron C. Pease was the 
soul of honor. Ever ready with a kindly word, 
or his purse, he was never appealed to in vain 
for a good cause. To his family and friemls 
and indeed to all, this character was like sun- 
shine, an<l by its truth and brightness, it was a 
guide. To all men he was the same and to 
those who were in trouble or in need and ap- 
pealed to liiin, he gave good counsel and what 
assistance was needed, for his was a helping 
hand." 

Samuel Davis, an old and honored citizen of 
the c()unty,died at his liome in the town of Ith- 
aca, April 17, 1881, of paralysis of tiie heart, aged 
eighty-one years. "Father" Davis, as he was 
usually called was born in Washington county, 
Penn., Oct. 27, 1799. He moved to Wayne 
Co., Ohio with his parents at an early day, 
and in March, 1845 removed to Indiana 
He removed from that State to Wisconsin, ar- 



riving at Spring Green, June 13, 1855, and dur- 
ing the same year he moved to Willow creek, 
Richland county, where he resided until the 
time of his death. Father Davis was a good 
neighbor and an iionorable citizen. 

Mrs. Thomas Mathews, one of the very ear- 
liest settlers in the county died at her home in 
Orion on the :i3r.l of August, 1881. Mrs. 
Mathews was boin in Illiiiois in 1825, and came 
to Wisconsin in 1839. In i 840 she was married 
to Thomas Mathews, who survives her, and in 
1842, they settled in Orion, where they have 
since lived. 

William Recob, an old and respected citizen 
of the town of Eagle, died on the 9th of Sep- 
tember, 1881, of paralysis, with which he had 
been afflicted for over four years. Mr. Recob 
settled in the town of E.agle in 1854. When 
the call was issued for volunteers at the break- 
ing out of the Rcbollion, Mr. Recob was among 
the first to retjiond, and left his home and family, 
like thousands of others, to save his country 
and government. He served his term faithfully, 
and received an honorable discharge. He was 
present at the surrender of Gen. Lee at Appo- 
mattox, and received injuries from which he 
never recovered, but the effects continued to in- 
crease on him with advancing age until he was 
rendered entirely helpless, and continued so 
until death relieved his sufferings. His funeral 
was attended at Pleasant Hill church by a large 
number of sympathizing friends. The services 
were conducted by Rev. John Walworth, the 
sermon being founded on Job xix., 24-25, the 
text chosen by the deceased. 

Randolph L. Carver, postmaster at Port An- 
drew, was found dead at the water's edge of 
the Wisconsin river. The facts elicited at the 
coroner's inquest, in regard to his death, were 
substantially as follows: Mr. Carver arose early 
in. the morning, ate his breakfast, waited uj)on 
several callers at the posloffice, talked with 
several persons, and was apparently in usual 
health. He was last seen alive walking toward 
the river with an ax in his hand. In less than 



938 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ten minutes afterward bis son saw a railroad tie 
floatinc; in the water. He went down to get it 
out, and found liis father lying with his feet in 
the water -dead. Others saw him at almost the 
same instant. The verdict of the jury was that 
he died of heart disease. Mr. Carver was an 
old and respected citizen. He settled at Port 
Andrew in 1854, and was postmaster for over 
twenty years. He was always obliging in the 
discharge of his official duties, and was ever 
willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. 
He was fifty-eight years old. He left a wife 
and three children to mourn his sudden death. 

Da\ id Wallace, an old citizen of Lone 
Rock, died qui le suddenly on Nov. 13, U81. 
Mr. Wallace was born in Iroquois, Canada, 
June 10, 1800. In 1821 he was wedded lo 
Lydia Hitchcock, from which union sprang 
up a family of ten boys and two girls, all of 
whom survived him. In 1849 Mr. ^Vallace 
brought his family to the United States, locating 
in Ohio, where they resided until 1853, when 
they came to Richland Co., Wis. In 1865 the 
wife and mother died, since which time the old 
gentleman had resided with his son, John Wal- 
lace, of Lone Rock. 

Geiman Tadder, an old citizen of Richland 
Center, died on the 18th of November, 1881, 
aged sixty-four years. Mr. Tadder was one of 
the earliest settlers of the county, having come 
herein 1851 and settled on Fancy creek. At 
the outbreak of the war in 1861, he joined, 
upon its organization, the company known as 
the Richland Plowboys, and which afterwards 
became company D, of the 11th Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry. He remained with the 
company until compelled by disease to get a 
discharge, and took part with the regiment in 
the campaign in Missouri and Arkansas, in the 
summer of 18G-2. After his discharge he re- 
turned home and again took up the pursuits of 
civil life. For a n\imber of years prior to his 
death he was unable to do any kind of labor, 
owing to disease and infirmities. He was an 
honest man — lived respected and died regretted. 



The following is a list of the pioneers who 
died during 1881: William Akan, William Re- 
cob, Myron C. Pease, Mrs. Thomas Whitcraft, 
Mrs. John Fogo, Mrs. Clarisa Shannon, Amos 
Poff, German Tadder, R. L. Carver, C. W.Jones, 
Elizabeth Allen, Ann Finnegan, Emma M. Har- 
ter, Mrs. Samuel McMillan, Almeda E. Gress^ 
Samuel Davis, Mrs. II. II. Barnard, Dama 
Dewey, Peter Welsh, Mrs. W. F. Lewis, Mrs. 
Dighton Chesemore, Helen Conable Aldrich, 
Prudence Hart, Sarah Brightman, Henry Dil- 
lon, Lodema T. Ketcham Mrs. T.J.Graham, 
Mrs. Thomas Mathews, S. N. Thompson and 
Mi'.s. Samuel Fries. 

The death of John Coumbe, the first settler 
in Kichland county, occurred at his home in 
Port Andrew, on May 2, 1882. 

James Weldy, an old and respected citizen of 
the town of Eagle, died May 10, 1882, aged 
about seventy years. 

B. P. Plato, an old and honored citizen of 
Wisconsin, died at Richland Center, August 1, 
1882, aged sixty-nine years. 

Alden Haseltiue, an old citizen of Richland 
county, died at his residence in the town of Rock- 
bridge, on the 10th of February, 1883. Mr. 
Ilaseltine was born in the State of Vermont, in 
1808. He came to the county at a very early 
day, and located jn what is now the town of 
Rockbridge. He was always enterprising and 
active in all the interests and improvements of 
his own town and the county generally, and 
held various positions of public trust and re- 
sponsibility. 

Samuel McMillan died at the home of his son, 
Joseph McMillan, in the town of Orion, Feb. 
10, 1883, at the ripe old age of eighty years, 
after a short illness. His death was mourned 
by many relatives and friends. Mr. McMillan 
was born at Conococheague, Penn., April 21, 
1803. He moved with his family to Richland 
county in the spring of 1855 and settled in the 
town of Orion, where he resided tiulil the time 
of his death. He followed farming as an occu- 
pation, but did the blacksmithing of his com- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



939 



munity for many years. His aged atul estima- 
ble partner in life passed to tliat otlier sliore 
ten years in advance of him. Mr. and Mrs. 
McMillan reared a family of four sons and five 
daughters. Two sons were killed in the army; 
one has since died, and the oilier, Joseph, is 
still a resident of Oi'ion. The daugliters are — 
Mrs. James McClaren, Mrs. John Rue, Mrs. 
Joseph Privottand Mrs. S. Sherman, of the town 
of Orion ; and Mrs. D. E. O. Bird, of Dakota. 
Andrew Lewis, one of the pioneer settlers of 
the town of Richland, died very suddenly, Oct. 
4, 188H. Mr. Lewis was born in the State of 
Pennsylvania, Sept. 25, 1823. He removed to 
Jefiferson Co., Oliio, when young, where, in 



18.52, he was married to Sarah A. Vanpool. He 
lived two years in Belmont Co., Ohio, and then 
removed to Richland county, where he remained 
until the time of his death. He left a wife, 
twelve children, eight grandchildren, seven 
brothers and sisters and many kind friends to 
mourn his death. 

James Collins, another pioneer settler of 
Richland county, died at his home on Ash 
creek, Oct. 16,1883. 

Caleb Waggoner died at the residence of his 
brother, Dr. Joseph Waggoner, in Ravenna, 
Ohio, Oct. 10, lScS3. He is noticed elsewhere 
at length. 




940 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



As to who was the first disciple of Galen and 
Hippocrates to locate in the pristine days of 
Richland county's history, has been a work of 
much difficulty to gather, but a desire for his- 
torical accuracy, and a diligent research in the 
annals of the past, have developed the fact that. 
Dr. Hartshorn has the honor of being the 
pioneer of that profession. He came into 
Richland county as early as 18-18 from Illinois 
and settled at what was then called Gage's 
(later Law's) ferry, on the Wisconsin river. He 
remained until 1S50 or 1851, when lie left for 
parts unknown. 

Dr. Henry lIcNelly was the second physician 
to locate within the limits of Richland county. 
Dr. .McNelly was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 
1821. In 1830 he removed with his parents to 
Clinton Co., Ind. In 1843-4 he stu(iied medi- 
cine, and until 1849 he practiced in Indiana. 
July 4, 1849, he started for Wisconsin, and in 
August of the same year he located in Orion, 
Richland county. Here he remained many 
years, practicing his profession, but moved to 
the village of Richland Center in 1861 and 
remained there a short time, removing from 
thence to the soutliern part of the county again. 
He is now in D.akota. 

Dr. D. L. Downs located at Orion in Febru- 
aro, 1850. That place remained his home until 
December, 1858, when he removed to Richland 
Center, where he still lives. He has been a 
very prominent man in all public affairs; has 
held various offices of trust and is the present 
county judge. 



Dr. Jacob Brimer came to the county during 
the i ear 1850, locating at Orion, where he re 
mained until the fall of 1873, when he removed 
to Richland Center, and has continued to reside 
there ever since, in the practice of his profes- 
sion. 

Dr. Charles B. Pierson located at Richland 
City in 1851, where he remained until 1865. 
He was assistant surgeon of the 38th Wiscon- 
sin Infantry during the late unpleasantness. He 
now resides at Spring Green, Sauk Co., VV'is., 
and is a gentleman of culture and a physician 
of much prominence. 

Dr. Bailey located at Sextonville, and Dr. L. 
Nichols at Richland City, and Dr. Sippy near 
Ithaca, during the year 1853. In 1854 Dr. Le- 
Roy D. Gage came to Richland Center as 
the postmaster, but practiced the profession of 
medicine at the same time. He was the first 
physician in the village in point of time. He 
remained at that place until August, J 870, when 
he ended a useful and valuable life by coramit- 
ing suicide. 

Dr. Byers also made his appearance in the 
county during 1854, locating at the county seat, 
where he remained until 1858, when he, think- 
ing to better his condition, moved to Bar.aboo. 

In the same year a Dr. Carpenter settled at 
the town of Rockbridge. 

Dr. Wallace located at Rishland Center dur- 
ing the fall of 1855, but staid in the county 
but about six months. 

In 1850 Dr. Drewett came to Richland Center 
but remained only until the next spring. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



941 



Dr. Henry Priest came to Ric.liland Center in 
1857, and remained there until 1802, when he 
returned to Greencastle, Ind., from whence he 
had come. During tlie same year Dr Castle 
located at Lone Rock, and Dr. O. II. Wood at 
the Center. The latter gentleman remained in 
the county some years ; was a surgeon in the 
23d regiment of Wisconsin Infantry, during the 
Rebellion ; removed to Missouri on its close, 
and was killed by a raiiroail accident near 
Brookfield, Mo., March 1, 1881. 

A Doctor McLane, located at Richland Center 
in 1856 or 1857, but on account of j)oor health 
was compelled to give up practice, after about 
six months, and left the county. 

Dr. E. W. Beebe was a very prominent physi- 
cian who made his appearance at the county 
seat during the year isr>i). Here he remained 
until isoi when lie wont to Evansville, and in 
1879, removed to Milwaukee. He is now noted 
as one of the most eminent specialist physicians 
in the State, treating all diseases of the eye and 
ear. 

Dr. W. W. Stewart came to the Center in 
1863, staid but one year and returned to Loyd. 
He is now located at Lake Shetock, Wisconsin. 

Dr. A. W. Hickford, made his debut in the 
county at Richland Center in 1804 and has con- 
tinued in constant ]>ractice ever since. The 
doctor is well known as a very j)ublic spirited 
citizen and has been a member of the village 
board and held other offices, an<l is now travel- 
ing in California for the benetit of his health, 
which has suffered by a too close application to 
the most arduous of professions. 

Dr. .Mcintosh became one of the physicians 
of Richland Center in 1863, and remaine<l for 
some time. 

Dr. G. R. Mitchell, now a resident physician 
came to the Center in I8()9. 

Dr. H. J. Wall first located in the village of 
Richland Center in the fall of 187s, and the 
present moment still finds him there, enjoying 
a lucrative practice. 



Dr. J. E. Marsh came to the Center in April, 
1882, remained about six months and then left. 
He is now located at Medford, Wis. 

TOWN OF BLOOM. 

The town of Bloom in 1884 had five physi- 
cians ; Drs. O. Houts, Mrs. Field and Adam 
Shambaugh, located at Spring Valley ; and Drs. 
J. H. Helm and A B. Cole, who are located at 
West Lima. 

Dr. O. Houts is a native of Richland county, 
born Nov. 11, 1852, in the town of Orion. He 
has always been in the county, and is among 
the best of the medical profession. In 1869 he 
commenced reading medicine with Adam Sham- 
baugh, commenced practice in the town of For- 
est the year following, where he remained un- 
til 1880, when he removed to Spring Valley, 
where he is now located, and deservedly has 
a lucrative practice. In 187G he was married 
to Anna Shambaugh, who was boiTi in 1851. 
They have had two children — Virtner, who died 
in 1879, and G. W. J., now one year old. In 
18S0Mr. Houts attended the Bennett Medical 
College, of Chicago, from wliich institution he 
is a regular graduate. His parents, Levi and 
Sarah Ilouts, are among the ])ioneer settlers of 
Richland county, now living in the town of 
Orion, and are mentioned more at length in the 
history of that territory. The doctor now has 
a pleasant location in Spring Valley, and is fully 
engaged in the practice of his chosen profession; 
has the respect and confidence of the public 
generally. 

Adam Shambaugh, one of the early settlers, 
of Richland county, was born Feb. 12, 1817, in 
Cumberland Co., Penn., where he resided five 
years, when his parents removed to Montgom- 
ery Co., Ohio, and resided there until 1826; 
thence to Fountain county, and remained only 
three years; thence to Tippecanoe Co., Ind., 
where ho learned the joiner's trade, and received 
his schooling. He studied arithmetic eleven 
days, and grammar seven days. This consti- 
tuted his school education ; yet by persever- 
ance and industry, Mr. Shambaugh iias acquired 



942 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



for himself a good education. In 1854 Mr. 
Siianibaugli moved to Boone Co., lud., where he 
engaged in merchandising two years and then 
removed to Ricliland Co., Wis., and first settled 
in the town of Forest, and entered 120 acres of 
land on section 2, which he sold in 1857, and re- 
moved to the town of Bloom, and there en- 
gaged in farming, merchandising, preaching and 
practicing medicine i\[r. Shambaugh has a com- 
plete stock of drugs, also a one-half interest in a 
dry goods and general store, in company with A. 
Householder. Mr. Shambaugh was married in 
1850 to Sarah Shambaugh, who was born Dec- 
22, 1825, in Perry Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. 
Shambaugh have one child — Sarah A., who is 
now the wife of Dr. O. Houts. ' Mr. Shambaugh 
has been a member of the United Brethren 
Church for the past fifty years and has been 
preaching for the past thirty-five years, and has 
practiced medicine since 1856, since he came 
to Richland county. Mr. Shambaugh has 
converted over 2,500 persons to a belief in re- 
ligion ; and has been a great benefactor to the 
people of Richland county, in many ways. He 
has taken one family paper fifty years in suc- 
cession. 

Dr. John H. Helm was born Sept. 7, 1842, in 
Delaware Co., Ind. He lived in his native 
county till 1857, then removed to Warren 
county. He lived there for two years, follow- 
ing farming ; thence to Atica, Fountain county, 
and clerked in a grocery store in 1859 ; thence 
removed back to his native county, in the 
spring of 1860, farming till June. He then 
went back to Atica, and stayed till the spring 
of 1861, when he moved back to his native 
county. He began going to school, in Granville, 
Ind., his birth-place ; remaining there till 
March, 1862, when he went to Muncie. He at- 
tended school, till the last of June. He 
worked at farming, plowing corn till wheat har- 
vest came, and then followed harvesting until 
about July 8. Mr. Helm then enlisted in the 
84th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was promoted 
to the rank of 1st sergeant, and honorably 



discharged in 1865. He began to read medicine 
Sept. 2, 1865; reading till the fall of 18G6, when 
he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to attend a course 
of lectures on medicine, reading with Dr. John 
C. Helm. In the spring of 1867 he began the 
practice of medicine in his birthplace, practic- 
ing one year; then farmed two years, and in tlie 
spring of 1870, resumed his practice till Se])t. 
28, 1870 when he went to New York city to 
attend medical lectures at the University of 
New York, where he graduated Feb. 21, 1S71. 
He then returned to Granville and continued 
his practice another year. He then removed 
to Eaton, in the same Slate, and remained two 
years; thence to Muncie, and lived one year 
thence to Anoke, and remained another year, 
when he returned to Muncie, stopping about 
eighteen months; thence came to his present 
location in the town of Bloom, where he has a 
remunerative practice. He was married in 1866 
to Naoma Powers who was born in Henry Co., 
Ind., in February, 1843. They have three child- 
ren—Isaac C, Mark and Arthur C. 

TOWN OF DAYTON. 

Dr. E. S> Garner, who was located in the vil- 
lage of Boaz, was the only representative of tiie 
medical profession in this town, in 1884. 

TOWN OF EAGLE. 

In 1884 the medical profession was repre- 
sented in the town of Eagle, by Dr. Marcus W. 
Haskell, who was located at Eagle corners, and 
Dr. George Miller of the eastern part of the 
town. 

Dr. George Miller, son of William and Char- 
lotte (Dawson) Miller, was born in Anderson 
Co., Ky , Jan. 10, 1818. He was but eleven 
years old when his pioneer life began in Clin- 
ton Co., Ind., where his parents had moved. 
Here he assisted his father in clearing a farm 
and made his home until 1840, when he was 
married to Julia Ann Widner. He had previ- 
ously learned the cooper trade and continued to 
work at that in Clinton county, until 1851. He 
then came to Richland county, and settled in 
town 9, range 1 west, now known as the town 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



943 



of Eagle. His father had given him a piece of 
laiul on section 23, and he purcliased another 
tract on section 2i and there erected a log house. 
Here he continued to work at his trade in con- 
nection with farming until 1862, when in July 
he enlisted in the 25lh Wisconsin, company B, 
and went to Minnesota, where the regiment re- 
mained until winter; then went sontli. His 
hen' til was not good and he was assigned to 
duty in the field hospital, where he was general 
superintendent. He was discharged July 16, 
1864, from Harvy hospital, Madison, and re- 
turned home. He was unable to do any man- 
ual labor for more than a year, l)ut continued 
the study of medicine which he had taken up 
before the war. His experience in the hospital 
had been a great help to him, and soon after 
liis discharge he commenced jjractice, and as a 
physician has been quite successful. He is of 
the eclectic school. His wife die'l a few days 
before he was discharged, leaving six children, 
—William H., Rachael M., Hannah J., Samuel, 
Lafayette and Lydia. His second wife, to whom 
he was married Aug. 3, 1 865, was barah B. Black- 
ledge, who was bcrn in Tippecanoe Co., Itid. 
She left two children, one of whom is now liv- 
ing — Woodford. His third wife, to whom he 
was married Aug. 3C, 1874, was Margaret AV^ey, 
widow of Nathan Bcebe. She was born in 
Preble Co, Ohio, Sept. 2, 1844. She was 
married to Oscar H. Dilley, June 16, 1872, by 
rt-liom she had one child — Maggie Myrtle. 

TOWN OF FOREST. 

In 1884 the only representatives of the med- 
ical profession in this town were Dis. R. H. 
De Lap and J. Goyer, both located at the vil- 
lage of Viola. 

R. H. Ue Lap, one of the priiininnut p'lysi- 
cians of the county, was born in Green Co., 
Wi<., in 1846. When he was eight years old, 
his parents moved to Grant county, where 
they lived about four years; then they 
moved from place to place, his father being a 
member of the West Wisconsin Conference of 
the M. E. Church. In 1862 he enlisted in the 



33d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was 
discharged in 1865. On returning home, he 
began the study of medicine, under Dr. E. Do 
Lap, of Boscobel, Wisconsin, studying with him 
one year, then moved to Viroqua, where he 
continued the study of his profession under Dr. 
E. W. Tinker for three years. He then began 
practicing at Viroqua, remaining there two 
years, then moved to Viola, where he was the 
first physician to settle in the village. Dr. De 
Lap graduated at the medical college in Keokuk, 
fowa, having attended two courses, and is well 
qualified to practice his chosen profession. He 
is a member of Southwestern Medical Associa- 
tion, and is one of the board of censors for the 
same. He was married in l87o, to L. Kale 
Tinker, daughter of Dr. E. W. and Mary Tin- 
ker. Mr. and Mrs. De Lap have three children — 
Mary M., Carrie and Robert II. Dr. De Lap 
now owns a house and two lots in the village of 
Viola, and one acre of ground in section lit. 
He has been justice of the peace for eight 
years, has a good reputation among his fellow- 
men, and is a rcpiesiMitalive of the best class of 
Richland county citizens. 

Joseph Goyer, .M. I)., is a native of Bartholo- 
mew Co., Ind. In 1S20, his parents removed 
to Putnam countj', of same State, where he 
lived till 1836, when his parents removed to 
Warren Co., 111.; remained there till 1837; 
thence to Henry county, of same State; re- 
mained there till 1847, and removed with his 
parents to Bureau Co., III., where he studied 
medicine two years, after which he attended 
medical lectures at the Indiana Medical College, 
of Conio, 111., for a portion i.f a term. He then 
went to Rock Island, 111., where he began the 
practice of his profession; remained till I8,'i3. 
and removed to I?ig Rock, Scott Co., Iowa; 
bought a store and sicK;ke<l it with drugs ami 
general merchandise, ami i)racliced his profes- 
sion for two years; returned to Rock Islainl, 
remaining there till 18.59, then went to Calil'oi- 
nia; returned in 1860, and in I8()2 enlisted in 
the 89th regiment, Illinois Vnlunteer Infantry; 



944 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



was wounded at the battle of Stone River, 
Tennesee, in 1862, through left shoulder and 
right hip; taken prisoner and re-taken in same 
battle. Was discharged in 1863, and returned 
lionie. In 1864 went to Tomah, Monroe Co., 
Wis., where he practiced till 1876; from thence 
to Viola, Richland county, where he now re- 
sides. Dr. Goyer owns a house and three lots 
in the village. He was married to Ann Amelia 
Goddard, in 1855. She died in 1865, leaving 
two children — George M. and Julia L. He was 
again married in 1866, to Carrie E. Bradley. 
She was the mother of five children, four living 
— lolo E., Nettie M., Charles B. and Marcus A. 
Fannie R. died in 1870. 

TOWN OF HENRIETTA. 

Dr. J. B. Hitchcock, of Woodstock, repre- 
sented the medical profession in this town in 
1884. 

J. B. Hitchcock, M. D., is the only practicing 
physician in the town of Henrietta. He located 
at Woodstock in 1880. He is of the home- 
opatliic school, and received his diploma from 
the State University of Iowa. He is the son of 
Jason and Polly (Hurd) Hitchcock, and was 
born in Boone Co., Ind., Feb. 12, 1S49. When 
he was but eleven months old his father died; 
his mother continued to live in Boone county 
until 1853, when she came to Ricliland county 
in coinpaTij' with her parents, who settled in 
the town of Orion. One year later she was 
married to William Collins, and settled in the 
town of Henrietta; remained there two years 
and then returned to Orion. Here the subject 
of this sketch grew to manhood, receiving his 
early education in the district school, supple- 
mented by two terms at the high school in Sex- 
toiiville. When he was twenty-two years old 
he bought a tract of land in the town of Orion, 
and engaged in farming, occupying his leisure 
time in study. In the winter of 1878-9, he 
went to Iowa and entered the medical depart- 
ment of the State University, at Iowa City. In 
the spring of 1879, he came to Woodstock and 
commenced practice, returning to Iowa in the 



fall to complete his course of study in the State 
University. He received his diploma in March, 
1880. He then returned to Woodstock, pur- 
chased a house, and has since followed his 
chosen profession at this point. He was mar- 
ried in 1872 to Melissa, daughter of Hezekiah 
and Sally (Marsh) Jones. They have two chil- 
pren — Neva E. L. and Dennis A. B. 

TOWN OF ITHACA. 

In 1884 the medical profession was repre- 
sented in this town by Drs. Asa McCollum and 
Miss Ada Lamson, who were located at Sexton- 
ville, and Dr. Osman Cass, who was located on 
section li'. 

Osman Cass, M. D., was born in the town of 
Stanstead, Province of Quebec, Canada, June 
26, 1826. He was the son of a farmer and his 
younger days were spent in assisting his father 
and going to school. At the ige of nineteen, 
he went to Lowell, Mass., and engaged in a 
wooleii mill, the Middlesex corporation. He 
remained there but a few months and returned 
to Canada. He purchased land and improved a 
farm in the town of Clifton, where he resided 
until 18.54. He started, in the spring of that 
year, for RichlantI county to visit his brothers 
whohad pieceded him here. Beingpleased with 
the country, he concluded to make it his home. 
He spent the summer with his brother, Colby. 
In the fall he went to Pine river and worked 
with his brother .lames in his mill, and in the 
spring of the year followins:, moved with him to 
Ithaca. He soon after entered land on section 
21, on which he lived one year, then sold out 
and purchased land in section 20, where he re- 
mained about a year. He then again sold out 
and bought his present farm, which is pleasantly 
located on section 19, town of Ithaca. It is well 
watered by Willow creek. He has erected good 
frame buildings and has a pleasant home. He 
has been twice married — first to Julia Cass, 
March 11, 1846. She was born in Stanstead 
county. Province of Quebec, Canada, Aug. 1 8, 
1827, and died June 6, 1846. His second 
wife was Harriet Hicks, a native of bhev- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



945 



brooke county, born June S, 1830. They 
are the parents of three children — Emma, 
Ella and Lydia. Dr. Cass has always been 
an extensive reader and careful student. In 
seleetino; readincf matter, he has chosen those 
books which would give him the greatest amount 
of useful information, making a specialty of 
medical works. About 1870, his health failing, 
lie employed a number of physicians, but they 
failed to relieve him. He then decided to be- 
gin the practice of medicine, with himself for a 
patient. He was successful in recovering his 
health, and since that time has continued to 
practice that profes.sion and been generally suc- 
cessful. As a citizen he enjoys the confidence 
and re.spect of all good citizens. 

TOWN OF MARSHALL. 

Dr. Hugh Morrow, who was located on sec- 
tion l.S, was the only physician in Marshall in 
1884. 

TOW>f OF OEION. 

In 18S4 the representative of the profession 
in this town was Dr. Triiax, who was located at 
the village of Orion. 

LONE ROCK. 

Dr. R. L. Telfair was the only physician lo- 
cated at Lone Rock, in 1884. 

R. L. Telfair was born at Cairo, Green Co., 
N. Y., in 18:32. His father, William Telfair, 
G , was also a i)hysician, anil a native of Scot- 
land; he was educated in the City of Edinburg, 
and came to the United States at the age of 
about twenty-five years, and w;is for forty years 
a practicing physician of Cairo, in the Catskill 
mountains of New York. He camo to Kichland 
county in 18.55, and lived at Scxtonville till his 
decease, in IS.')?. His wife still lives at Scxton- 
ville. Dr. R. L. Telfair begnn the s'ndy of 
medicine with his father, at the age of sixteen 
years He graduated at the Albany Medical 
College, Dec. 27, 1853. He married Theresa 
C. Dexter, born at Cairo. They have two sur- 
viving children — Bronson A., nnw a student of 
medicine, born at Cairo, N. Y., Jan. 11, 
1854, and Robert L., Jr., born August, 1877. 



They lost their second son, Frank A., who was 
a student of medicine and a fine physician. He 
was fatally poisoned in the dissecting room of 
Rush Medical College, Chicago, III., and died 
in May, 1881, aged twenty-one years and ten 
months. He had nearly completed his medical 
course. 

RICHLAXD center's PHYSICIANS IN 1884. 

In 1884 the medical profession was repre- 
sented in Richland Center by Drs. Jacob and 
B. F. Brimer, G. R. Mitchell, H. J. Wall, F. 
P. Casey and M. Lovering. 

Jacob Brimer, M. D., located on section 21, 
Orion, in the spring of 1850, and as he has 
given his attention to the practice <if medicine 
since that date, he is now the oldest resident 
physician in the county. He now resides on 
section 2, Orion, but has an office at Richland 
Center where he can be consulted each day. Dr. 
Brimer is a native of the State of New York, 
born in Rensselaer county on the 15th day of 
August, 1815. He was left motherless when bui 
a small child, and he then resided with Elislia 
Bovee, with whom he removed to Cayuga 
county and ten years later to Erie county where 
he helped till the si.il. A few years subsequently 
he removed with the family to Boone Co., Ind. 
He there prepared himself for the medical pn.- 
fession, and in 1850 came to Wisconsin. He 
was elected county treasurer in 1852, serving 
four years, and at various different intervals has 
held local offices. Dr. Brimer is plain and un- 
assuming in his manners, iias a large office prac- 
tice, and is highly respected. Ilis wife was 
formerly Elizabeth McMannis. They linve 
reared seven children — John N., Sarah Ann, 
William M., Benjamin F., Jacob B., M.ary E. 
and Harvey B. 

Dr. Benjamin F. Brimer is a son of Dr. Jacob 
Brimer and he was born in Boone Co., Ind., 
Jan. 20, 1849. He came with the family to this 
ounty, and at an early age commenced the 
study of medicine with Ids father as preceptor. 
He also attended medical lectures at the Ben- 
nett College of Chicago, and since 1S72 has 



946 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



given his entire attention to liis profession. He 
has principally an office practice and make.s a 
specialty of treating chronic diseases. Dr. 
Brimer is also interested as partner in the drug 
business of Dr. J. Brimer & Sons. In Novem- 
ber, 1878, he married Anna M. Humbart. She 
is a daughter of William Humbart. Dr. Brimer 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

J. N. Brimer, druggist, of the firm of Dr. J. 
Brimer & Sons, was born in Boone Co., Ind., 
Feb. 23, 1841. He came with his parents to 
Richland county, helped till the soil and for 
about nine years worked in the Ash creek 
woolen mills. In 1873 he became a member of 
the above named firm, and since 1874 has had 
charge of the business. In October, 1863, he 
married Anna Miller, daughter of Campbell 
Miller. Th"y have two daughters — Edith and 
Maggie. Mr. Brimer is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. 

G. R. Mitchell, M. D., represents the horaeop- 
atliy school of the medical profession and may 
well be called one of the leading physicians of 
the county. He located at Richland Center in 
1873 and is meeting with marked success. He 
was born in Rock Co., Wis., March 19, i848. 
His parents were C. J. and Charlotte Mitchell. 
The father now resides at Evansville, Wis. G. 
R. Mitchell received an academic education and 
in 1869 commenced the study of medicine with 
Dr. E. W. Beebe, of Evansville (now of Mil- 
waukee), as preceptor. In 1871 he entered the 
Hahneraan College, at Chicago, where he 
attended until the spring of 1872. He then 
attended the Homeopathic College at Detroit, 
Mich., graduating at that institution in June, 
1872. He then had charge, as principal, of the 
schools at Albany, Green Co , Wis., from 
whence he came to Richland Center. Dec. 2-3, 
1872, Dr. Mitchell united in marriage with 
Laura E. Dodge, daughter of Dr. J. Dodge, of 
Green county. They have two children — ^Nellie 
and Fred. The doctor is a member of the M. 
E. Church, also of the Temple of Honor. 



H. J. Wall, M. D., is a native of Ithaca, N. 
Y. He was born July 12, 1843. His father, 
John Wall, was a native of Bristol, England, 
and a merchant tailor. The subject of this 
sketch received an academic education and in 
1858 commenced the study of medicine with 
his brother-in-law, Enos Canfield, and attended 
medical lectures at Geneva, N. Y. In 1862 he 
enlisted in the United States service, where he 
remained until June, 1865. He then returned 
to his native State and read law. In 1866 he 
wentto Minnesota, and in 1868 commenced ihe 
practice of medicine with Dr. E. M. Moorhou o, 
of Owatonna, Minn. In 1870 he went lo Fmt 
Atkinson, Iowa, and in 1875 came to Wisconsin 
and has since been located at Richland Center. 
In the spring of 1880 Dr. Wall graduated at 
Rush Medical College of Chicago and is W(ll 
qualified for the important profession which 
he is following. In 1869 he was married to 
Cora F. Plato, of Rock county. Tin y l;nM> 
two daughters — Katie and Jennie. Dr. Wall 
is a member of the American Medical Associa- 
tion, chairman of the board of censors of tlit! 
Southwestern Wisconsin Medical Association; 
a member of the G. A. R., and a Mason. In 
politics he is a democrat and served as a mem- 
ber of tlie democratic State central commilioe 
of Minnesota, and has acted in a like capacity 
in the State of Wisconsin. 

F. P. Casey, M. D., located at Richland Cen- 
ter, in April, 1882. He is a graduate of the 
University of Buffalo, N. Y., and consequently 
entitled to the confidence granted liim by the 
public. He was born in Sandusky City, Ohio, 
April 29, 1857, and early in life commenced the 
study of medicine. Dr. Casey is a member nf 
the Masonic fraternity. 

TOWN OF EICHWOOD. 

In 1884 this town had four representatives of 
the medical profession: Drs. R. M. Miller, of 
Port Andrew; O. Ross, J. C. Wright and J. T. 
Coates, of E.xcelsior. 

Dr. R. M. Miller visited the county in 1849, 
and with his brother, L. N. Miller, as partner, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



94r 



established in 1851 a general store at Port An- 
drew. But Dr. Miller did not bring his family 
until the spring of 1852. He then settled at 
said place and gave his attention to the prac- 
tice- of medicine, which in those days was very 
hard on a physician, as the country was but 
sparsely settled and there being no roads, the 
making of long trips was very tedious. In 
185-t his property was destroyed by fire. In 
1859 he started a drug store at Boscobel, and 
run the same one year. Be then spent one 
year in Cana(Li. Returning home he assisted 
Caj)t. Rowley to recruit a company of men for 
the United States service, and went with them 
to Racine, expecting to enlist himself, but one 
day while driving under a leaning tree on a 
side-hill, his wagon slipped and so crushed 
his body between the wagon and tree as to 
fracture every rib, and he was thus unable t<i 
leave the house for one year, and when lie was 
agnin able to walk about, he found that he was 
two and a half inches less in height than when 
he was injured. He again resumed practice. 
But in 18T2 he found himself well advanced ii. 
years and in poor liealtli, and tlius retired fron, 
practice. He never took much interest in poli- 
tics, although he served as justice of tlie peace 
for over twenty years, and never had a case a]i- 
pealcd from liis docket. R. M. Miller was born 
in .Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1811. His father was 
a native of Pennsylvania, and a contractor and 
builder l)y occupation. Mr. Miller assisted his 
fatlier until nineteen years of age, then went to 
New Orleans. Three years later he went to 
Galena, 111., where he continued the study of 
medicine ,which he had commenced with Dr. 
.lolm Watson in New Orleans, with A. T. Crow 
ifc John Stukle «fc Johnson, )irecei)tors in 
Galena, lie afterward o])ened a store at Shells- 
burg, where lie was the first mercliant of the 
place. He was also the first merchant at Mifflin, 
Iowa county. In 1837 he married Elizabeth 
Phlager. She was a daughter of George Phla- 
ger. She was born at Fort Snelling, Minn., in 
June, 1821^ and was thus the first while child 



born in that State. They reared twelve chil- 
dren, seven of whom were living in 188.3 — Alva 
G., Augusta, Frank D. O., Nathan B., George 
F. and Minnie B. Dr. Miller has been a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F., since 1840 ; he joining 
lodge No. 5, Galena, 111., the second year of 
its organization. After coming to Wisconsin, 
he became a member of Eureka lodge. No. 73, 
Muscado. 

J. C. Wright, M. D., a leading physician of 
Richland county, son of I. J. and Catherine 
Wright, was born in Richland county, March 
19, 1859. He attended the common schools un- 
til thirteen years of age, then took a three 
years' course at Muscoda. He went with his 
parents to Tennessee, and while there took a 
scientific course at the Edwards Academy, at 
Greenville. Returning to Muscoda, he was en- 
gaged in the drug trade a short time, then 
roughed it in Dakota one season. He com- 
menced the study of medicine with Dr. G. F. 
Gay as preceptor. He afterwards entered tlie 
Rush Medical College, where he graduated in 
1882. He commenced practice at Excelsior soon 
after leaving college. He was employed by the 
board of health in 188.3, ami served as secretary 
of the Southwestern Wisconsin Medical Associa- 
tion. Dr. Wright is a well qualilied physician 
and deservedly has a rciniiiierative practice. 
Being a cautious an '< affable geiillenian he ban 
a good many warm friends. Although young 
in years, his growing practice indicates his pT^o- 
fessional abilitj', and a future of prosperity 
seems before him. 

TOWX OF SYLVAN. 

Drs. Luke Dean and E. S. Stebin represented 
the medical profession in this town in 188-1, the 
former being located near .Sylvan Corners, and 
the latter on Mill creek. 

TOWN OF WILI.OW. 

In 1884, the only medical practitioner located 
in this town was Dr. E. P. Kermc>tt, of the vil- 
lage of Lovd. 



67 



948 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVI 



RAILWAY AND TELEGRAPH LINES. 



Between tlie years 1838 and 1841 the terri- 
torial legislature, of Wisconsin, passed various 
acts, chartering several railroads. None of 
these corporations thus created, however, as- 
sumed any sliape, with the exception of the 
Milwaukee & Waukesha Railroad Company, 
which after hanging fire for several years, was 
finally incorporated during the year 1847. 
The commissioners named in its charter assem- 
bled, Nov. 23, 1847, and elected the first officers, 
in accordance with the provisions of the act in 
question. Dr. L. W. Weeks was named presi- 
dent and A. W. Randall, secretary. 

The books, for the subscription of stock, were 
first op.'ned in tlie early part of February, of 
the following year, but from the lack of funds, 
incident to a new country, it was not until 
April 5, 1849, that the necessary amount of 
stock was subscribed for, or requisite fund 
raised. 

During this time, in 1848, the charter had 
been amended, authorizing the embryo com- 
pany to build a road to the Mississippi river, 
the terminus to be located in Grant county, and, 
in 1850, the name was changed to tliat of tlie 
Milwaukee & Misssissippi Railroad Company. 

After the company was fully organized, act- 
ive measures were, at once, taken to push the 
new enterprise forward to a steady completion. 
The city of Milwaukee loaned the corporation 
its credit, and, in 1851, this pioneer railroad of 
the State of Wisconsin, had reached Wauke- 
sha, twenty miles from Milwaukee. In the 
spring of 1852, Edward H. Broadhead, a prom- 



inent civil engineer from the State of New 
York, was put in charge of the work, as chief 
engineer and superintendent. 

Under Ids supervision the work of biiililing 
was urged onward — reaching Milton in 185'2 — 
Stoughton in 1853, M.adison the year following. 
and in 1856, the iron rails were laid to Lone 
Rock in this county. The railroad was puslied 
on to the Mississippi river, reaching that stream 
at Prairie du Chien in the fall of 1857. The 
company after many trials and tribulalidiis, 
inciiteut to a new railroad in an unsettled coun- 
try, in 1859 and 1S60, defaulted the payment of 
interest on its bonds; a foreclosure was made, 
and a new company, called the Milwaukee & 
Prairie du Chien Railroad Company, took its 
place, in all its rights and (property. 

In 1867, the road, through a change of name, 
became the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
railroad line and that company still operates it. 

Having drawn the above sketch of the great 
through line that traverses a small portion of 
the territory of this county, in a cursory man- 
ner, as in a manner explanatory of t'le following 
we approach the building of what might be 
called an entirely Richland county enterprise. 

CHE PINE RIVER AND STEVENS POINT RAILROAD. 

This road owes its inception and completion 
to the public-spiritedness and business tact of 
the residents of the county seat of the county, 
and has been the means of a large increase in 
the value of real estate and business facilities 
of the entire county. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



949 



As early as April 28, 1857, there was a move- 
iiUMit made looking to the bringing of a rail- 
road from Lone Kock to Richland Center, but 
the plan seems to have been abandoned on ac- 
count of the then financial embarrassments of the 
whole country, during the panic of that year. 

The » hole scheme was held in abeyance un- 
til in the fall of that year when it was again 
agitated but nothing was done in a practical 
way toward the matter, and like the former 
project it too was allowed to drop. At various 
times afterwards some talk was made but noth- 
ing more was done in the premises until in 
1S70, when a ct arler was granted by the legis- 
lature to incorporate acompany for the building 
of a railroad — narrow gauge, wooden or iron 
rails — withtbo above name. In pursuance with 
this charter, which bears date of Aug. 5, 1872, 
the first meeting wasi held August 20th, of that 
year, and the following directors were elected: 
George Krouskop, Joseph L. De Hart, John 
Walworth, Norman L. James, D. E. Pease, D. 
L. Downs, D. O. Chandler, A. C. Eastland, J. 
M. Adams, Charles G. Thomas and David Har- 
denburg. The officers elected were: George 
Krouskop, president; D. L. Downs, treasurer, 
and A. C. Eastland, secretary. 

At the time of the organization of the com- 
pany it was not contemplated to build the road 
by their own unaided efforts, but simply to 
make such surveys as were necessary to ascer- 
tain the feasibility of tlie route and demonstrate 
to some other railroad company this fact, as an 
itiducement tliat that company would build 
the road for them. 

J>ut during the summer 1875, the plan had so 
far undergone alteration as to develop into an 
arrangoment to build a narrow gauge railroad 
by individual subscription, and to be supple- 
mented by the subscriptions of the towns trav- 
ersed by the line of the road and which would 
be most benefited thereby. 

Stock subscription books were accordingly 
opened ami stock subscribed liy most of the resi- 
dents of the village of liicliland Center and 



town of Richland. The town, by vote, took 
stock to the amount of §19,000 ; and about 6<5,- 
000 in stock was subscribed by parties outside 
of the town. 

The contract for grading the roadbed and 
surfacing the same, and laying maple rails, was 
let at some ?!400 per mile, the work to be finished 
and the road to be in running order by June 25, 
1876. 

The road was to be narrow gauge, thirty-six 
inches between the track, laid with maple rails, 
3lxo inches in diameter. All the road was laid 
with ma))le rails except three mih s of switches 
and side tracks which were laid with iron rails. 

In December, 1875, the engine was purchased, 
and also some flat cars for construction purposes. 
The locomotive was bought of Porter, Bell & 
Co., Pittsburg, Penn., at a cost of $5,000. It 
weighed ten tons, and was a perfect model for 
one of the class to which it belonged. It was 
hauled across the country from Lone Rock to 
Richland Center upon logging trucks, and was 
used for construction purposes from Richland 
Center south. 

The road soon was carried to comijlelion and 
was ready for business on the 1st of July, 1876, 
when the first passenger train ran through 
from Richland Center to Lone Rock. It had 
then cost about $66,508.10. 

In the .summer of 1875, the second set of di- 
rectors and officers were chosen. The directors 
were: George Krouskop, A. H. Krouskop, D O. 
Chandler, D. E. Pease, J. M. Adam.s, N. L. 
James, J. L. DeHart, W. J. Bowen and A. C. 
Parfley. The officers elected were: George 
Krouskop, president; A. II Krouskop vice-])resi- 
denl; N. L. James, general manager; D. O. 
Chandler, treasurer ; and A. C. Eastland, secre- 
tary. 

On the 27th of August, 1878, a meeting <.f 
the stockholders was held, and the following 
were elected directors to succeed those above 
mentioned: J. W. Lybrand, John Walworth, J. 
L. McKee, F. P. liowen, J. L. Dellarl, James 
H. Mitier, Jacob Brimer, A. C. Parfrey and A. 



950 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



W. Bickford. At the election of officers of the 
company, the following were chosen: Jacob W. 
Lybrand, president and general manager ; A. 
W. Bickford, vice-president ; J. L. McKee, 
treasurer, and W. H. Pier, secretary. This was 
the last set of officers and directors that were 
elected. 

The road continued in operation under the 
home company increasing its business, and 
finally arriving at what might be called a paying 
basis until May 26, 1880, when it was sold to the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul R. R. company. 
The directors obtained some $56,000 as the 
price, which paid the indebtedness of the com- 
pany and paid fifty cents on the dollar, on all 
original stock, except the $19,000 stock sub- 
scribed by the town of Richland, which had 
been sold at a nominal price and canceled. At 
the time of the sale the narrow gauge road was 
in excellent working condition. The entire 
length of the road having been laid with iron 
track, except about three miles. The Milwau- 
kee company at once proceeded to make the 
road entirely iron rail, and the following year 
altered the track to the standard width of all 
their roads, and it is now a fully recognized 
branch of that monster corporation. 

THE PONY TELEGRAPH. 

This was another wholly Richland county 
enterprise. In 1874, Charles W. Towsley, tele- 
graph operator at Lone Rock, conceived the 
idea of constructing a telegraph line from Rich- 



land Center to Lone Rock. He accordingly made 
a proposition to the people of Richland Center, 
that if they would patronize him and pay for a 
certain amount of telegraphing in advance, he 
would construct and manage the operation of 
the line. Tickets, which were called "franks," 
were issued, and were handled the same as 
stock of a joint stock company ; only differing 
in this, "that the holder of a frank was entitled 
to telegraph out the amount shown upon ihe 
face of the frank, and was not entitled to divi- 
dends." The people of Richland Center took 
hold of the matter with a vim, and many of 
the enterprising citizens took $5, $10, and some 
as high as $150 worth of the franks. At least 
$T00 was raised in this way at Richland Center. 
The line was ready for operation in Se]itemlier, 
1874, and Mr. Towsley placed operators at 
Richland Center and Sextonville. The enter- 
prise met with marked success and gave the 
best of satisfaction to its patrons. 

When the narrow gauge railroad was b lit, 
this line of telegraph was used for railroad busi- 
ness, notwithstanding the fact that the wires 
followed the wagon track, and shot across fields 
and creeks, the nearest way possible to Lone 
Rock, regardless of the course taken by the 
railroad. 

When the narrow gauge railroad was sold to 
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company, 
in 1880, it ended the existence of the Pony Tel- 
egraph as a Richland county enterprise.. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



951 



CHAPIER XVIi- 



DARK DEEDS. 



Crime, like every vice, bas always, more or 
less, disgraced the annals of every community, 
and without entering upon a relation of minor 
actions, or mi-demeanors, that have occurred, 
from time to time, it is intended here to only 
give an account of a few of the more impor- 
tant events of that nature that have transpired. 

The records of a community are so seldom 
preserved for posterity that the task of getting 
at all the facts is a difficult one. Could we 
have access to that book where time records 
the acts of man, it would be an easy task to 
write a true history of the past. But when in 
antiquarian research, we are compelled to rely 
in part upon the memory of the living, treach- 
erous at the best, ofttimes known only to the 
relator by tradition, it becomes an arduous 
task, and is often, by the force of circumstances, 
inaccurate. Memory cannot always be relied 
upon, especially in reference to dates, and hence 
the accounts herein have been taken mostly 
from the files of the papers of the county, sup- 
l)lcmented by such facts as have been gleaned 
from the conversation and relations of the older 
settlers. 

MURDER OF ARNEST IIERRLITZ. 

The first murder committed within the limits 
of Richland county was that of Arnest Hcrr- 
litz, in the spring of 1859. Herrlitz lived alone 
in a little log cabin in the town of Dayton. He 
was a married man ; but a short time previous 
he and his wife had separated, and he had com- 
menced proceedings in the circuit court for 
divorce. On the fatal evening, in the spring of 
1859, he was sitting in his cabin, when he 



heard some one at the window as though they 
were trying to effect an entrance. He went to 
the door for the purpose of showing in who- 
ever it was, and just as lie opened the door^ 
the cowardly assassin shot him. He did not 
see who did it, but lived long enough to go to 
his brother's, a half mile distant, and relate the 
particulars, when death relieved his suifer- 
ing. 'Squire Durnford was employed to look up 
the facts and enough was learned to lead to 
strong suspicions, but not enough to justify the 
arrest of any one. 

MURDER OF BENJAMIN SUTTOn' 

This was the next crime of importance com- 
mitted in Richland county. Benjamin Sutton, 
was an elderly man, but recently returned from 
the seat of the "war between the States," then 
raging, having been a member of the 11th 
regiment of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 
He was engaged in keeping a small grocery 
or saloon at Port Andrew, in Richwood town- 
ship, and while engaged in sweeping off the 
sidewalk in front of his place of business, about 
8 o'clock, on the morning of the 4th of Decem- 
ber, 1862, was shot by an assassin with a rifle. 

It seems, from the evidence in the case, that 
iMilton Hubanks had a quarrel with Sutton, 
said to have grown out of the treatment of Sut- 
ton's daughter by Hubanks, and out of this had 
sprung up a deadly feud, and Sutton had made 
many threats to shoot Hubanks on sight. Oii 
the morning in question, the latter concealed 
himself in the house of James Haney, within 
si.x or eight rods from Sutton's place, and locat- 
ing himself near a window overlooking the door 



952 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



of tliat person's place, loaded bis rifle with the 
intention of shooting him. It has been urged 
in extenuation that be was goaded on to this 
act by the threats of bis enemy and the advice 
of some friends, on whom he relied, but whose 
warmth of feeling had warped their judgment. 
Here at the window, be waited until the old 
man made his appearance, and then deliberately 
taking aim shot him down, the ball passing 
through the abdomen, making a fatal wound. 
Sutton fell to the ground, and while lying there 
the dastardly assassin again shot him; this time 
the ball passing through the arm and entering 
the breast of his victim. 

Sutton lingered in great agony for some hours, 
in spite of the strong efforts of Dr. R. M. Miller 
to alleviate the pain, and died before the fol- 
lowing morning. 

Hubanks w.as arrested and brought before a 
jury and they adjudging him guilty of man- 
slaughter only, on account of the extenuating 
circumstances, he was sentenced for a term of 
four years to the penitentiary. After serving 
two years he was pardoned. 

KILLING OF EDWARD LIVINGSTON. 

This sad affair occurred in the same neighbor- 
hood as the one just related. Livingston was a 
remarkably smart young man; a lawyer, and 
when sober, a gentleman of polished manners. 
One evening, while half drunk, he went to the 
house of an old man named Crozier, and at- 
tempted to get into bed with Mrs. Crozier. A 
violent quarrel and struggle ensued between 
him and Mr. Crozier, and during the encounter 
thev got down upon the floor, when Mr. Crozier, 
who had succeeded in snatching a knife, 
stabbed the intruder fatally. The coroner's 
jury, at the inquest which was held over the 
dead b.ody. exonerated Crozier from any blame 
and the case went no further. 

MUEDBR or MRS. WALLACE. 

One of the most atrocious crimes, one that has 
seldom been paralleled anywhere, was committed 
within the limits of Richland county in 1868. A 
simple recital of the crime, and the swift, sure 



vengeance that overtook the fiend who commit- 
ted it, is all that space will permit in this con- 
nection. The following account of the affair is 
from the able pen of Hon. J. H. Waggoner: 

"It was during the forenoon of Thursday, 
Sept. 24, 1868, that a floating rumor upon the 
streets of the village said that the body of a 
woman had been found near the house of Pat- 
rick Wallace; that her bead had been eaten by 
the hogs, and her body otherwise mutilated by 
them. Soon afterwards word was brought that 
the wife of "Pat" Wallace had been murdered, 
and that he had discovered the body, after a 
night of care and anguish, brooding anxiously 
over the cause of her absence. An inquest was 
at once called, and ju.stice Farlin and sheriff 
McMurtrey, accompanied by several citizens, 
made all possible haste to the scene demanding 
their official attendance. 

"All agree in the statement that a more re- 
volting spectacle never met their eyes, and the 
record of a murder more horrid in its execution 
bad never passed under their notice. Some of 
them were men whose form had stood in the 
red front of fierce battle, who had looked upon 
death in all its ghastliest shapes; some were 
men whose silvery locks betokened the snows 
of many winters that had settled there; all 
were accustomed to scenes and conversant with 
descriptions of terrible violence. But there 
the man of stoutest nerve and hardihood 
quailed like weak children at the terrible sight 
that lay before them. 

"A jury was impanelled, and the testimony 
of neighbors concerning the then mysterious 
affair duly taken. A physician was also called, 
who carefully examined the body and testified 
concerning the probability of death from the 
wounds inflicted. 

"The examination of the body disclosed a 
most horrid murder, terrible in its conception, 
but barbarous and fiendish in the execution. 
The head had been «it off, a deep gash cut into 
each side of the body, the fle.sh of one arm 
almost cleft from it, a fearful cut in the calf of 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



959 



Olio of bor legs, and all these marks clearly in- 
dicated the use of a murderous ax as tlie 
weapon of Iier taking off. A little search soon 
brought to light this instrument, all clotted 
with blood and hair, and the blades of which 
(for it was a douVtIe bitted one) fitted in the 
gashes made in the body. Only the lower jaw- 
bone and teeth could then be discovered, al- 
thougii the skull was afterwards found, the 
certain marks of the ax deeply penetrating 
each side of it. The body where found — a dis- 
tance of twenty rods from the house, and 
toward the house of her father-in-law — was 
tracked by the blood whicli streamed from the 
murderous, gaping wounds. Through a cab- 
bage patch adjoining the house, over two fences 
and throiigh the belt of woodland, until life 
was extinct or nearly so, liad this much to be 
pitied woman almost bounded, followed by a 
fiend whose crime would shock the very demons 
of lu'll itself. Hlood was oozing from her at 
every step, and precious life was being sacri- 
ficed at the instigation of a soulless wretcli, 
lured on by the hope of possessing a few'paltry 
dollars — the hard earned dollars of another. 
On investigation, tlie little money of the victim 
was found to have been taken, and also a coat 
and pair of pantaloons belonging to the hus- 
band. With these facts brought before them, 
the jury at once rendered a verdict indicating 
the foulest murder and pointing out the perpe- 
trator. 

"The testimony of the husband, relatives and 
friends, left no doubt as to the identity of the 
committer of the dark deed. This was John 
Nevel, a boy of about fifteen years of age, the 
son of a nice, quiet and respectable farmer who 
resided in the town of Dayton, about six miles 
west of the village of Ricidand Center. This 
lad had, within the pa.st four years, developed 
a precocity in almost inconceivable depravity 
beyoyd degree, both in his inclination and 
actions, but, in all charity to the boy, let it be 
said that his mind was not well balanced, and 
some said that he was quite imbecile. Although 



guarded and surrounded by an honest, anxious 
father and friends during this time, he had 
committed all manner of depredations within 
his power, or that could suggest itself to a will- 
fully wicked mind. He had the reputation of 
being troublesome, disobedient and ungovern- 
al)le. Yet, until within a few days before com- 
mitting the crime for which his life, was tYe 
penally, his deeds of sin and wickedness were 
mostly confined to petty thefts and disorderly 
brawls, of which many are reported. 

"]>ut the crime which led to or suggested the 
final one was perpetrated the day before. In a 
fit of brutal devilishness, he committed an un- 
mentionable crime upon a little girl of eleven 
years of age, the daughter of a neighboring 
farmer, and so inhumanly treated her that her 
life was endangered. This fearful exhibition 
of criminal propensity was enacted in the 
presence of the little brother of the innocent 
girl, and both he and his sister were threatened 
with death, if they should resist him, or divulge 
the shocking crime. Complaint was soon made, 
and a warrant issued for Nevel's arrest, but for 
some unexplained and unaccountable reason, its 
service was delayed. Had this warrant been 
served upon him immediately after its issue, 
and he taken into proper custody, the murder of 
the following day would have been prevented. 
But apprehending arrest, he was fleeing the 
county, and in his course — the road to crime 
having opened to him its broadest avenues — 
it was seemingly without remorse that he could 
perpetrate any deed or crime, no matter how 
devilish. 

"The murdered woman, Mrs. Anna Wallace, 
was the daughter of John Joice and wife of 
Patrick Wallace, nil industrious, jjeaceable, re- 
spected citizens of the town of Marshall. The 
residence of Mr. Wallace was about four miles 
from that of Mr. Nevel, the heartbroken father 
of the guilty boy, and about ten miles from the 
village of Richland Center. Mrs. Wallace was 
only about twenty years of age, and had been 
married only six months. Endeared to her 



954 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



family and friends by )ier virtues, her accom- 
plishments and her winning manners, as well as 
the common interests of a nationality noted for 
its clannish love for one another, and of Church, 
Iter tragical death cast a gloom over the entire 
community, and brought tears to eyes unused to 
weep. That any life be taken, is enough to 
arouse the indignation of the coldest of hu- 
manity, but when to murder is added such 
diabolical atrocity and butchery, it seems as if 
every heart must be fired with hatred and 
thoughts of vengeance; the latent feeling will 
spring to the suri'ace, and men will become 
brutes and worse than brutes, and do dire deeds 
that may prove the subject of life-long regret 
to them afterward. 

"From the testimony developed at the exami- 
nation, it seems tliat Patrick Wallace, the hus- 
band, had gone to the Center early Wednesday 
morning, on business, and did not return until 
in tlie evening. Mrs. Wallace was alone, and 
had evidently, just concluded her morning 
work when the butchery took place. She had 
been trying to earn a little money by picking 
hops during the three or four weeks prior to 
the evening pi'eceding the awful day, and had 
a small sum of money about her, the result of 
her praisewcrlliy industry. That morning, 
young Nevel had called at the house of John 
Wallace, Pat's father, which is about eighty 
rods from that of his son, and inquired if Pat 
had any revolver or other firearm to sell. Mrs. 
Wallace replied that Pat owned nothing of the 
kind, and that he had gone to Richland Center 
with a load of wheat that same day. Nevel 
had been seen a few miles from the neighbor- 
hood of the dire calamity, with blood on his 
face. He had been stopped and questioned 
about what he was doing and where ho was go- 
ing, and he replied that he had 'a scrape with a 
girl,' and was leaving the county. Having no 
suspicion of the real status of the case and the 
terrible tragedy, the questioner passed on, Nevel 
pursuing his way in a different direction. 



"At the close of the inquest the pursuit of the 
murderer was vigorously instituted. At noon 
of Thursday, twenty-four hours after the crime, 
John Barrett, constable; Sylvester Keplar, Ben- 
jamin Ewers and John Wallace, the father-in- 
law of the unfortunate victim, started in pur- 
suit of this fiend in human shape. 

"In speaking of the pursuit and subsequent 
arrest, the testimony of Mr. Keplar, an eye 
witness and active participant, is given, as the 
best and most graphic picture of the scenes and 
incidents. He says: 

" 'We started about noon for the house of 
Nevel's father, and at Sylvan Corners, six miles 
distant we had word of the object of our 
search, John Nevel. He had purchased a little 
powder here and Iiad inquired the -road to 
Readstown. We followed in that direction, and 
when near Readstown. We learned that he had 
stopped there on Wednesday night and had 
attend(?d a dance ; had slept at the hotel, but 
had eat neither supper or breakfast there; he 
had left in the forenoon, first inquiring the 
road to Ferryville, a landing about eight miles 
below De Soto. He also made several inquiries 
about the State of Iowa, and said that he was 
going to that State, to attend school. He had 
bought a new hat and a knife at Readstown, 
and wore two hats from thereto Ferryville, lie 
had left Readstown, as has been said, in the 
morning, and also, made some inquiries respect- 
ing Towerville, the next village. On reaching 
the latter place, he stopped long enough to 
make the purchase of some crackers and a 
tobacco box. 

" 'He reached Ferryville landing about sun- 
down, Thursday, having traveled from Wal- 
lace's there on foot, a distance of about forty- 
five miles, in a day and a half. 

" 'Before enteriiigthe town, he put on, over his 
own clothing, the coat and pantaloons he. had 
stolen from Wallace's house, after the murder 
had been perpetrated. He went into the poat- 
office and there left his old straw hat and old 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



955 



vest, and going out obtained lodging al tlie 
Iiouse of Mr. George Copper. 

"'We readied Ferryville about eight o'clock, 
just a few minutes after Nevel had gone to bed. 
He was still awake. Making known our busi- 
ness to Mr. Copper, we were shown to liis bed- 
side, and at once arrested him. We found the 
stolen propel ty in lii.s possession, and took 
charge of it; also a double barrelled pistol, 
some powder and caps, a couple of knives and 
other things he had bought on the rond. We 
found but $4 in his possession, lie having 
squandered the balance. Barrett and myself 
sat up with the prisoner during the night. We 
accused him of tlie crime, but he persistently 
denied any knowledge of it. His story was 
that he had bought the clothing of a man he 
had nu't between Pat Wallace's and Ewer's; 
had paid $.5 for the articles, and on investiga- 
tion hud foiunl some money in the pocket. 
When morning liad dawned, Barrett went with 
the jirisoner to the postofHee, and got the cloth- 
ing he liad let'l there, which he acknowledged 
were his. We had previously examined the 
vest and found blood upon it. 

"'We left Ferrjville, on our return, at 8 
o'clock, Friday morning, and stopped at Tovver- 
ville foi' ditmer. I'p to this time he had refused 
to make any confession. We liad but four 
horses, ( being horseback ), and we let the 
prisoner ride and walk with us, alternately. 
However, after we had started from the latter 
place, Nevel I'iding Barrett's lior.-e, I rode up 
beside him and commenced a conversation with 
him, exercising all my ingenuity to draw iVom 
him a statement of his crime. I was well re- 
warded, for within an hour's ride from the town, 
he confessed to me tliat^he had murdered tlie 
woman He said that he had shot her and then 
cut her with the a.x." 

'•'This confession he afterwards repeated to 
the otheis of his ca])tors, after some little hesi- 
tation. In reply to their numerous in(|uiries, 
whieli they propounded to him, he gave the 
particulars of the crime, which corroborated 



most of the facts, as elicited at the inquest, and 
further along entered upon a relation of the 
details in full. 

" 'lie f-aid, that after his conversation with the 
elder Mr. Wallace, which is given elsewhere, 
he went to Pat's house, knowing that Mrs. 
W^allace had been picking hops, and must have 
some money in the house, and he having a So 
bill, wanted it changed. This Mrs. Wallace, 
with her usual kindliness of disposition, was 
willing to do ; but, in making the change for 
him, she brought her pocket-book to the door 
and he saw that she had some more money in 
it, and the demon of avarice took possession of 
him, and he made up his mind to kill her and 
get possession of it. The little sum for which 
this remorseless fiend was Avilling to shed the 
blood of an innocent woman, was not above 
815 or $18. 

" 'He vvatched where she put the pocket-book 
containing the money. She then seated herself 
in a chair between the stove and the door, with 
her back toward him, he standing at the door. 
He then went on to relate, that when he cocked 
the pistol, to shoot her, he held his hand over 
the trigger, to prevent her hearing the click of 
the lock. Taking deadly aim at the nnsusj)ect- 
ing woman, he tired. After he had discharged 
his pistol, the ball entering at the back of her 
head, she juinpcil up, looked at him intently for 
a moment, and started for her father-in-law's 
house, on a run. Seeing that she might live, he 
seized the ax, which was close to the door, and 
followed her. She had a little stut ahead of 
him, and he told that he could not overtake her 
until she fell. He then, on coming up with her, 
struck her several times with the ax about her 
head an<l body. He was a little frightened by 
this time, and did not ktu)w how many times he 
did strike her. 

'"Having cut and beaten her, with the ax, un- 
til he was sure she was dead, he returned to the 
house, secured the money and clothing, and 
started for the Mississippi river, with the inten- 
tion of going into Iowa. 



956 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



" 'To test his sense of the horror of the crime, 
he was asked if he thouglit he would do the 
like again. He replied that he thought not. The 
question was then asked him, that if a friend 
asked him to help him by murdering some one, 
what would do. He said that he would help 
him.' 

"On Satur<lay the prisoner was brought to the 
county seat. The excitement, by this time, was 
intense, and the village sti-eets were thronged 
with the relations and friends of liis victim, 
the people of an outraged community. The 
preliminary examination was held at the court- 
house. An irametise crowd tilled the edifice and 
many were unable to obtain entrance. But 
court was quietly opened, and counsel for both 
State and prisoner appeared. A motion, by the 
counsel of Nevel, to continue the examination 
until Monday was sustained. No otlier refeas- 
ure of importance transpiring, the court was 
dismissed. The crowd then quietly dispersed, 
and the prisoner was lodged in the county jail. 
This was about 2 o'clock. Soon after tlie exam- 
ination, the funeral cortege passed through tlie 
streets. The train of buggies, wagons and 
pedestrians made the largest procession of the 
kind ever witnessed in the streets of the town. 
The almost insane husband, the nearly dis- 
tracted relatives and friends of the deceased, 
presented a spectacle that thrilled the liearts of 
every onlooker. During tlie exercises at the 
cemetery, the village was almost deserted. At 
the grave the upper lid of the coffin was raised 
and the mangled neck of the corpse, with the 
bared jawbone and teeth, were all that could be 
seen. (The head was not found until the follow- 
ing Monday, when it was interred in the same 
grave with the body.) The sight of these 
ghastly remains was enough to chill the blood, 
and many turned away from the open coffin, 
with revenge stamped upon their lowering 
brows. 

"Up to this time, no demonstration had been 
made, which looked to certain violence to the 



murderer, though fears were entertained by 
many, who, as was afterwards proven, had 
strong grounds for their belief. 

"From tlie grave to the courthouse square, 
about 4 o'clock, marched, with hurried and de- 
termined step, the people who had sustained the 
severe loss, and whose blood was aroused to a 
fearful fever by the terrible butchery. A con- 
sultation in the square, which lasted but a few 
minutes, resulted in a united and fierce rush for 
the door of the jail. The mob was well sup- 
plied with revolvers, as well as with ropes. The 
proper officers who met them at the door, warned 
them of their peril, an<l did all that men could 
do to stem the now furious tide that ebbed and 
surged around them, but in vain. All who 
sought to defend the law or protect the ))ris- 
oner were* swept aside, like the straw upon the 
incoming billow, by the intensely infuriated 
mob. The door was soon broken down, the 
prisoner seized, and, in less time than it takes to 
pen this sentence, the soul of the miserable 
wretch was launched into the "sweet subse- 
quently," there to meet a fearful retribution 
before a just and omnipotent God. He was taken 
to a tree near by, his body swung in the air and 
all was over. Immediately after the consum- 
mation of the violence, the crowd slowly dis- 
persed, wending homeward slowly, and quiet 
once more reigned supreme. 

"The body of the boy was taken possession of 
by the authorities, who immediately handed it 
over to the parent and friends of the family, 
and received burial from the hands of those 
who had loved and cared for him in infancy. 
His victim's and his own body lie, with but the 
fence between, in the cemeteries of Richland 
Center. 

"The ringleaders of this violation of the law, 
were afterwards indicted by the grand jury, but 
the sentiments of a large portion of the com- 
munity being with them, the cases were never 
prosecuted and the matter was allowed to drop 
where it was " 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



95r 



injRDKR OP MRS. COLEMAN. 

During the month of July, 1882, the whole 
community wa.s horrified at hearing of an atro- 
cious murder of an old lady in the town of 
Akan. The following account has been com- 
piled from newspaper files of that date and 
contain a full and complete history of the trag- 
edy. It would seem tiiat Mrs. Sabina Driskell, 
known more commonly by her first husband's 
name of Coleman, and who came from Butler 
Co., Penn., about 1878, and has been living with 
her son, Martin Coleman, on a farm on section 
30, in the town of Akan, and known to the 
neighbors as the McDermott place. 

Martin owned a small farm of forty acres, 
on section ai, on which place he was building a 
house aTid had in some crops, (this place was 
about two miles from where he lived.) The 
son's story, as lie related it, was as follows: 

On Wednesday, July 19th, he started for his 
farm, as usual, to work. Just before leaving 
the house, however, his mother requested him 
to go to the village of Excelsior, about six miles 
distant, to got some groceries which were 
needed. He made the remark that he did not 
want to lose a day from his work in the corn. 
She then told him that she would go up to the 
farm and work in the field while he went to 
town on the errand. This met his views and 
he started to his work, with the understanding 
that he should leave the hoe in a pile of lumber, 
so that lie could find it. 

From his account it appears that he worked 
until noon, and then went to his uncle's, Mi- 
chael Hernan, about a ([uartd'of a mile from his 
own farm, to dinner, according to his usual cus- 
tom. After dinner he stalled for Exceltior, as 
he had promised his niotlior lie would. In 
going there the road look him by his home, and 
stopping there, found his mother had gone 
and the house locked up. He forced an en- 
trance, by jMilling out the staple in the door, 
which was fastened by a padlock. lie went up 
stairs to get some money, wiiich he had forgot- 
ten in the morning, and had left in his pants 



pocket, but finding it gone, he supposed that 
his mother had taken it, or putit away for safe 
keeping, so he did not worry about it. Not 
having any money, he did not go on to town to 
make the purchase contemplated, Init waited 
for his mother to return. 

However, she did not return that night, and, 
in his account, he said that ho did not think 
strange of that, but supposed that she had staid 
at his uncle's, as she had sometimes done be- 
fore. In the morning he started out, and went 
to the uncle's place, and on inquiring found 
that she had not been there. On his arrival at 
his farm he found that she had been there and 
had done three or four hour's work in the corn, 
but could see nothing of either her, or the hoe, 
both having mysteriously disappeai'ed, Think- 
ing nothing of this he went back to his uncle's 
and borrowed a hoe, with which he worked un- 
til the dinner hour. On arriving there he 
seemed to be surprised at her continued absence, 
and told his uncle so, saying that he could not 
find her at all. 

In the afternoon, he went home and finding 
that she had not returned thither, during iiis 
absence, he instituted inquries among some of 
the neighbors, who, in reply, said that they had 
seen nothing of her. He now began to be 
alarmed at her prolonged absence. Toward 
evening Mr. Hernan, himself and some of the 
neighbors, took a lantern, and went out in 
search of her, going up on the ridge for that 
purpose, but found no trace of her. 

On Friday morning the search was resumed, 
and the following account of the events of the 
morning, are taken from the testimony of James 
IJrady, given at the inquest subsequently held, 
and being the words of an eye witness, can be 
relied upon. 

In the words of Mr. Brady: "We commenced 
the search of her quite early, and I was placed 
in charge of the investigation, and placed the 
men, as I thouglit best, so as to take in a strip 
of about thirty, feet wide." 



958 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Tlie party went all around the field, but with- 
out finding any trace of the lost woman. Brady 
then placed them across the ravine, from bluff 
to bluff, and the search was extended as far as 
Gorman's field. Young Coleman, or his uncle 
Hernan, then suggested that perhaps she had 
gone to Chicago. Brady then asked Martin if 
he had missed any of her good clothes, in the 
house. His reply was that he had not, and, 
what was more, probably could not miss them. 
The suggestion was then made to search the 
house, and investigate the matter there. Tlie 
three went to the premises, leaving the balance 
of the neigiibors engaged in the prosecution of 
the search, and giving them word to go on to 
Hernan's to dinner and to await there the re- 
turn of the three. 

On their arrival, they went into the house, 
and after a rigid examination, Coleman de- 
clared that his mother's best clothes hung on 
a nail and were not missing. There was a tub 
on the floor, with some clothing in it, to soak, 
and it was remarked that a woman that left 
things in that shape, evidently left with the 
intention of an early return. Then it seemed 
first to dawn upon their minds that some foul 
play was, probably, at the bottom of the whole 
business. 

After a short consultation, the search was re- 
commenced, and this time in dead earnest, and 
while carrying it on in Gorman's field, one of 
the owner's boys asked Martin if he had thrown 
any logs into a hole over there, pointing out a 
certain part of the land. This put them on the 
true scent, and under the guidance of the 
youth, the hole was sought for and found — a 
hole evidently made by an upturned tree, and 
some logs found therein were discovered to 
have traces of blood on them, as were also 
some pieces of rock. After a prolonged search 
in every direction, a trail was struck, and fol- 
lowed up and the mutilated form of the mur- 
dered woman was found at the head of the 
ravine, coTered with rocks and rotten logs, so 
that it was nearly hidden from sight. 



The head was bruised and cut as if with some 
sharp instrument, the clothing was torn, and 
quite a number of wounds were found on one 
arm and on the head. The body was carefully 
removed to the house of M. Hernan, and the 
coroner summoned and a jury impaneled before 
'Squire Pucket, of Excelsior. 

Before many days had elapsed, in spite of 
the feeling to the contrary, a strong suspicion 
began to enter the minds of the majority of the 
jieople, that the unknown party who had com- 
niitted the dastardly deed was no other tjjan 
her son Martin, and that this was more than a 
common murder. 

The circumstances surrounding the case 
caused the oflicers to make the closest investi- 
gation. On searching the premises lately occu- 
pied by the accused and his supposed victim, 
they found the tub of water, before mentioned, 
to have the overalls and overshirt of the young 
man in it to soak. These garments were 
secured, and were dried, and on being submitted 
to chemical analysis, the marks of what was 
supposed to be blood was found to have been 
upon them. These things and many little inci- 
detns drew suspicion upon him and he left for 
other climes. Immediately upon his flight be- 
coming known, sheriff Barron detailed marshal 
Spangler to pursue him and bring him back. 
He was followed to Lynxville, on the Missis- 
sippi river, where he had taken a boat, g<jing 
north. After some delay he was followed, and in 
the course of the next day, was found near 
Lake City, Minn., at work for a railroad com- 
pany near that place. He was arrested and 
brought back to meet his accusers, and was 
lodged in the county jail. Next day he was 
brought before D. L. Downs, the county judge, 
for examination. The evidence being purely 
circumstantial, and not very strong, and noth- 
ing positively proving his connection with the 
murder, he was simply bound over in bonds of 
$1,000, to appear at the next term of the court, 
to answer the charge. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



959 



At the meeting of the court, no further evi- 
dence having been found against him, or any 
otiief parties, the district attorney entered a 
nolle jrros. to be entered on the case; and tlie 
case drop|)ed, leaving the punishment of the 
criminal to the just and sure vengeance of tlie 
great Tribunal, where all crimes must be an- 
swered for at last. Coleman, upon his dis- 
charge, left the country, and disappeared from 
the knowledge of the people of Richland 
county. 

KILLING OF EPHRAIM DOCKEKTY. 

The Richland County Observer, of Oct. 12, 
1882, contains a graphic description of the next 
terrible tr^igedy, which occurred at Sexlonville, 
in Ithaca town, Oct. 5, 1882, from which we 
quote, by kind permission. 

After relating, how that excitement ran high 
in that village, when the news of the event was 
received ; how the whole community was 
shocked ; the article in question goes on to 
state that this was the second case of the taking 
of precious life in the county in niiu'ty days ; 
and that this has no mystery attending it, as it 
was a clear case of murder in self-defense, or 
justifiable homicide. The Observer then goes 
on to say : 

"The particulars of this unfortunate affair, 
as we collect from reliable sources, are, that 
Ephraim Dockcrty, the victim, some four- 
teen years ago, married a widow, who owned a 
farm near Sextonville, and who had a family 
of two sons, Arthur and Samuel, and one 
daughter. They have lived together all these 
years, the sons helping to carry on the farm, 
and at times working out. The family has, 
however, lived unhappily for years, and strife 
and contention have been rife and cciiiiinnous 
between Dockerty and the boys. 

"During last winter, matters in the domestic 
circle became so unpleasant that some kind of 
a division of property was made between Dock- 
erty, his wife and the boys, lie was given a 
team and wagon, on the condition that he would 
leave and not return to molest them. He took 



his departure for Dakota some time during 
last April, and it was hoped that the family 
and neighborhood was rid of him for good. 
But the old saying, that "a bad penny always 
returns," proved true in this case, for about the 
latter part of September he returned to Sexton- 
ville. Here he talked hard, and made threats 
against the boys and the family, saying that he 
was going to stay with the family, and similar 
remarks. 

"He camped in the neighborhood for several 
days after his return, and did not visit tlie 
family until Sunday, October 1st. On thatdiy 
he was seen to go there, and knowing that he 
was desperate, several men followed him to the 
house. None but the women of the family 
were at home. He made no disturbance, but 
asked for the youngest child, which he took 
into the street and played wiiii fur some time. 
He soon sent in for the child's clothes, evidently 
with the intention of taking it away. iVIrs. 
Dockerty went out and took the child in her 
arms, when Dockerty took it from her by force. 
The other parties then interfered, rescued the 
child and returned it to its mother. Dockerty 
drew a revolver and made violent threats. In 
the meantime Arthur, one of the boys, returned, 
when some words passed between them, not 
verj' amicable, Dockerty threatening to take his, 
(Arthur's) life. The boy very quietly told hini 
that he did not want any fuss, and that as he 
(Dockerty) was not welcome there, it would be 
best for him to leave. 

This advice Dockerty, finally took and went 
away, and quiet reigned once more. By the 
advice of friends, who were aware of Dockerty's 
desjierate frame of mind, young Arthur Van 
Dusen procured a revolver with which to de- 
fend himself, if need be. 

"Nothing further occurred until Tuesday, Oc- 
tober 5th, when Dockerty went to the place, 
put his team in the barn, and spent the after- 
noon quietly in the house. Samuel was at home 
but Arthur was absent. However, when the 
latter returned in the evening, his team being 



96'^ 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



heated by travel, he wanted to put the horses 
into the barn, so the old man's team was taken 
from thence and tied to the wagon. This "riled" 
Dockerty up, and he arose and said he was go- 
ing. The boys helped him hitch up his team 
and he got on his wagon to start. He turned 
to Samuel and said "you'll get scorched finan- 
cially for this." Arthur spoke up and said that 
he "ought not to make such threats," where- 
upon Dockerty reached for his revolver, saying 
that he would shoot him. At this Arthur drew 
his revolver and fired, the bullet going through 
the old n"n's cheek. This apparently stunned 
him and he climbed from the wagon and tried 
to keep on the opposite side of it from the boys. 
The team, however, moved on and left the man 
and boy facing one another, within a few feet 
of each other. 



"Dockerty had his revolver up and the ham- 
mer half cocked. At this Arthur again shot, 
the ball taking effect in Dockerty's head, killing 
him instantly. 

"Arthur Van Dusen then went into town and 
telling the story of how it was done, delivered 
himself a prisoner into the hands of the officers 
of the law. The day following, an inquest was 
held before 'Squire Barnard, with a jury com- 
posed of prominent citizens. The examination 
was conducted by H. A. Eastland, for the State, 
and Oscar F. Black on the part of the defense. 
The full facts in regard to the killing were 
brought out, and on reviewing tliem and invcf- 
tigaling the matter thoroughly, they agreed on 
a verdict of justifiable homicide. The verdict 
seems to have met with universal satisfaciion 
and approval." 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



961 



CHAPTER XVIII 



THE PRESS. 



There is no instnimentality, not even except- 
ing the pulpit and the har, wliicli exerts such an 
influence upon society as the press of the land. 
It is the Archimedean lever tliat moves the world. 
The talented minister of tlie gospel, on tlie 
Sabbath day, preaches to a few liundred people ; 
on the following morning his thnuglits are 
reproduced more than a thousand fold, and are 
read and discussed throughout the length and 
breadth of the land. The attorney at the bar, 
in thrilling tones, pleads either for or against 
the criminal arraigned for trial, often causing a 
jury to bring in a verdict against the law and 
evidence in ihe ease. Ilis words are reproduced 
in every daily that is reached by the tele- 
grapiiic wire, and his arguments are calmly 
weighed by unprejudiced men and accepted for 
what they are worth. The politician takes the 
stand and .addresses a liandful of men upon the 
political questions of tiie day ; his speech is re- 
ported and read by tiiousands of men for every 
one that heard the address. Suddenly the 
watws of one of our mighty rivers rise, over- 
flowing the land for miles, rendering thousands 
of people homeless, and witliout means to secure 
their daily bread. The news is flashed over the 
wire, taken up by tiie press, and known and 
read by all men. No time is lost in sending to 
their relief ; the press has made known tlieir 
wants and they are instantly supplied. "Chi- 
cago is on fire ! Two hundred millions worth 
of property destroyed ! Fifty thousand people 
rendered homeless!" Such isthe dread intelli- 
gence proclaimed by the Press. Food and 
clothing are hastily gathered, trains are char- 



tered, and the immediate wants of the sufferers 
are in a measure lelieved. 

The power for good or evil of the Press is 
to day unlimited; the shortcomings of the poli- 
tician are made known through its columns; 
the dark deeds of the wicked are exposed, and 
each fear it alike. Indeed, the controlling in- 
fluence of a Nation, Stale or county is its press. 

The local press is justly considered among 
the most important institutions of every city, 
town and yillage. The people of every com- 
munity regard their particular newspaper or 
newspapers as of peculiar value, and this not 
merely on account of the fact already alluded 
to, but because tliese papers are the repositories 
wherein are stored the facts and the events, the 
deeds and sayings, the undertakings and achiev- 
ments, that go to make up final history. One 
by one these tilings arc gathered and placed in 
lyjie; one by one the papers are issued; one by one 
these papers are gathered together and bound, 
and another volume of local, general and indi- 
vidual history is laid away imperisliable. The 
volumes thus collected are sifted by the histor- 
ian, and the book for the library is ready. 

The people of each city or town naturally 
liav--' a pride in their home jiaper. The local 
press, as a rule, reflects the business enterprise 
of a place. Judging from this standard, the 
enterprise of the citizens of liichlainl county, 
is indeed commendable. Its papers are well 
filled each week with advertisements of home 
merchants and of its business enterprises. 



9G2 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



REPUELICAN AI^D OBSERVER. 

Ricliland County Observer. 

This paper was establislied in November, 1855, 
in tlie then new village of Richland Center by 
Israel Sanderson, and was the first in Rich- 
land county. The first issue made its appear- 
ance on the 20th of November, being a six col- 
umn folio, very neatly made up and well printed. 
But little of the matter was editorial, it being 
mostly clipped from eastern papers. At the 
mast-head was placed the following : "A county 
and family newspaper; independent in all 
things, neutral in nothing." 

The following is a list of the local advertisers 
in the first issue: D. B. Priest, W. F. Craw- 
ford, David Strickland and D. S. Hamilton, 
attorneys ; S. W. Wallace, physician ; L. D. 
Gage, land agency ; Albert NelT, American 
Hotel ; O. H. Northrup, wagon-maker ; L. D. 
Gage, drugs; Milton Langdon and I. Janney, 
nursery ; Milton Langdon, S H. Austin. L. 
Dillingham and J. S. Wilson, general mer- 
chandise goods. 

The only local items in the first i)aper relate 
to the marriage of Charles R. Nelson and Me- 
linda A. Hawkins, and to the death of Louisa 
M. Austin, Helen L. Bowen and Thomas C. 
Carlton. 

A lengthy salutatory was presented in the 
first issue, by Mr. Sanderson, from which the 
following is an extract : 

"Citizens: — Having sought a location for 
the establishment of a public newspaper in 
your young and prosperous county, it is with 
pleasure that I announce to you, that with your 
aid and the blessing of good health, hencefor- 
ward will be published at Richland Center the 
Richland County Observer. That this county is 
now advanced in wealth and population suffi- 
cient to keep in tolerable existence a well con- 
ducted public journal there can hardly be a 
doubt; but it must not be expected that the 
labors and exertions of its editor and proprietor 
alone can accomplish so desirable an end. 
Every man who feels for the welfare of his home 
and county, should remember that unless the 
county in which he lives can support a newspa- 



paper, his property cannot be greatly enhanced 
in value, or his county respected ; and hence 
to accomplish this, in so new a county, it is 
necessary for him to subscribe for his home 
paper, and advertise if he need to, previous to 
sending his 7noney elsewhere, for such purposes. 
* * * I hope to meet with sufficient 

encouragement to enlarge the paper at the end 
of six months, which can only be done by the 
interest taken in itby the citizens of the coufity." 

In regard to the mails of the county, showing 
the disadvantages under which the pioneer pa- 
per labored, the editor in the first issue makes 
the following remarks : "Until there is a dif- 
ferent mail arrangement than the present, the 
readers of tlie Observer cannot reasonably ex- 
pect to find news in its columns from Madison, 
except by chance, much short of a fortnight 
old. By reference to the notice published in 
another column, it will be seen that the mail 
service from Richland City to this place is 
badly arranged. Why two mails should leave 
Richland City for Richland Center the same 
day, we are at a loss to divine. This arrange- 
ment gives but one mail a week from that 
place." 

The notice regarding the arrival and depart- 
ure of mails referred to, was as follows : 

" From Highland, Iowa county, by the way of 
Richland City and Sextonville, arriving at 
Richland Center every Wednesday, at 6 p. m. 
Leaves Richland Center for Highland every 
Thursday morning, at 6 a. m. 

" Viroqua mail, by the way of Bad Ax, 
Kickapoo, Forest and Fancy Creek, arrives at 
Richland Center every Tuesday, at 1 1 a. m. 
Leaves for Richland City the same day, at 12 
M., returning on Wednesday at 11 a. m., and 
leaving for Viro<iua same day at 12 m. 

"Mails for West Branch and Siresville arrive 
and depart every Wednesday, at 12 m." 

In the second issue the following direction is 
given as to "where the Observer may be found": 
"Office in Mr. Charles Nelson's store building, 
back room. Entrance through the gate." 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



963 



The only marringe notice in this issue is that 
of George Kronskop to Elizabeth Black. The 
ceremony was iierfornied Nov. 22, 1855, by Rev. 
Alfred Brunson. 

The secotiil issue also contained an interest- 
ing description of Richland county, from which 
the following extract is gleaned: 

RICIlLANn COUNTY IN 1855. 

" It is true that in 1850, from all that could 
be ascertained, the aggregate population of 
Richland county was but 903 inhabitants! To 
such as are not acquainted with the fact that 
the census of 1855 shows the population has in- 
creased to the almost incredible number of 
5,584, it would be almost beyond belief, were it 
not known how rapidly some new regions of 
country in the United States have been settled. 
If it should increase at the same ratio for the 
next ten years, that it has for the last five, it 
will rank high among the counties of the State 
in population and we.illh. Already it has a 
people that are making themselves respected 
abroad for their intelligence and enterprise; for, 
from a wilderness, where the Indian still found 
a hunting-ground, in five or six years they have 
made some parts of the county assume the ap- 
pearance of i aving been settled a quarter of a 
century, whereaH it is probably not more than 
twelve years since the first house was built 
within the boundaries now known as the county 
of Richl.md. This is, without doubt, one of 
the best watered and timbered counties in the 
State. There is sufficient water-power to be 
found on the streams to propel a vast amount 
of machinery. The streams are rapid, and hence 
great inducement is extended to the capitalist 
and machinist; and we hope, before many years, 
to sie the locomotive traversing our valleys to 
take the lumber from our mills (to the counties 
alniust limliciU'ss, in other parts of the State) 
which scores of saws liave made. The county 
is divided by heavy ridges of land extending 
along the streams. These are covered with ex- 
cellent timber, and are believed to be our best 
lands for the ]>roduction of small grain, as the 



valleys have generally yielded the best corn, 
potatoes, etc. As far as ])roper expeiimcnts in 
the ciikure of all kinds of crops suited to this 
climate have been made, the soil has yielded 
immensely. It is a sandy loam, and conse- 
quently the seed expands into the plant with 
great rapidity. Fruit trees grow well, and the 
peach in jiarticular, which gives great hope that 
the soil and situation of the counry are suited 
to make it vigorous and productive." 

The following sonnet to the Pine river ap- 
peared in the second issue of the Observer. It 
was written by Jane Hamilton, afterwards Mrs. 
John S. Wilson: 

SONNET TO PINE RIVER. 

Thou gently rolling stream, 

Round which trees and shrubs rombine, 
How pleasantly the sun's blight beam 

Upon thy waters shine. 
Ah, how I love to gaze 

Upon thy waves so bright, 
And listen to thy murmuiings 

With pleasure and deliglit. 
And as the sun is setting 

Behind the western bill, 
Thy course keeps onward moving. 

So gentle and so still; 
That one might almost wish to stay, 

To guide thee on th}' happy way. 

Israel Sanderson continued the jiublication 
of the Ohxervfr until 1858, when he was suc- 
ceeded as editor and proprietor by J. Wal- 
worth. Mr. Sanderson removed to Platteville, 
Grant Co., Wis., where he established the 
Grant County Witneas. lie remained connected 
with that paper a year or two, when he drifted 
into southern Illinois, where he still resides. 
Mr. Sanderson was a man of ability, and a 
clear and forcible writer. 

J. Walworth remained in charge of the paper 
until about 1864, when J. II. Waggonerbecame 
editor and proprietor. During 1864 and a por- 
tion of 1865 Mr. Waggoner was alone; after 
which, for a time, was pssociated with his 
brother, William J. Waggoner. He then again 
conducted the paper alone until in July, 1866 



68 



964 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



when he sold the oiBce and good will of the 
paper to the firm of Walworth, Fogo & Hos- 
kina^en perso)i7iel, J. Walworth, W. M. Fogo 
and J. M. Hoskins. This firm at once took 
charge of the paper and got out the issue dated 
Jul}' 5, 1S66, enlarging it to an eight column 
folio, and otherwise much improving it. In 
speaking of their reasons for enlarging, the 
editor, Mr. Walworth, says: "The paper has so 
steadily grown in popular favor that it has by 
force of necessity become necessary to enlarge 
it to its present fair proportions. Friends have 
flocked to its support in such numbers that 
limits more c >nfined than those to-day presented 
would not contain their favors. The Observer 
is the largest county paper published anywhere 
in western Wisconsin, between Madison and 
the Mississippi river." 

On July -26, 1866, J. M. Hoskins retired from 
the partnership, and the firm became Walworth 
& Fogo Mr. Hoskins was a bright and tal- 
ented young man. He is now (1884) engaged 
in the banking business, and is postmaster at 
Sioux Rapids, Iowa. 

Messrs. Walworth & Fogo continued the pub- 
lication of the Observer until Aug. 1, 1867. 
During this time journalistic heat in Richland 
county reached its maximum. An opposition 
()a))er called the Z,ivr Hepublican had been 
started by Ira S. Haseltine and J. H. Waggoner, 
and the sharp thrusts, and the sarcastic articles 
wiiich were passed, and the bitterness whicli 
existed between these two papers gained them 
a State reputation. 

On Aug. I, 1867, Walworth & Fogo sold the 
Observer to Messrs. C. II. Smith and G. L. Laws. 
The latter firm then bought up the Live Repub- 
lican, the op|iosition sheet, and consolidated the 
two under the name of the 

EICHLAND COUXTT REPUBLICAN, 

discontinuing the publication of both the old 
papers. 

Smith & Laws continued the publication of 
the "consoliilated papers" for sometime, and 
wore finally succeeded by James H. Waggoner 



and George D. Stevens, as Waggoner & 
Stevens. This firm remained editors and pro- 
prietors until 1870, when Mr. Stevens retired 
from the firm, leaving Mr. Waggoner sole ed- 
itor and proprietor. 

James H. Waggoner continued the publica- 
tion of the Rep>ublican alone until in December, 
1873, when W. M. Fogo purchased a half inter- 
est in the paper and the firm became Waggoner 
& Fogo. In September, 1874, G. L. Laws pur- 
chased J. H. Waggoner's interest, and the firm 
became Fogo &, Laws. 

Fogo & Laws conducted the paper until April 
1, 1S76, when 0. G. Munson purchased G. L. 
Laws' interest in the same, and the partnership 
then formed, as Fogo &, Munson, still continues. 
In January, 1881, Fogo & Munson purcliased 
the material and good will of the Observer aiid 
consolidated it with the Republican changing 
the name to the 

REPUBLICAN AND OBSERVER, 

under which title the paper is still pulilished. 
Tiie oftice of the Republican and Observer is equip- 
ped with a Potter cylinder press, with a capacity 
of taking 1000 impressions per hour, run by 
steam, and two job presses. It occupies the 
first floor of a fine two-story brick building 
seventy-four feet deep, which was erected by 
W. M. Fogo, in 1883. 

The Republican and Observer, through all its 
changes of management, has occupied a high 
position in journalistic circles of the State and 
has been recognized as a prominent and influ- 
ential newspaper, not simply as a local or pro- 
vincial journal. It has always taken and main- 
tained a leading position in the discussion of 
State and National affairs and all the current 
topics of the day. Under the enterprising man- 
agement of its present proprietors it has attained 
a large circulation, wields a powerful influence 
and has extended and advanced its former State 
wide reputation. .4s a county paper, it is one of 
the altlestin the State, and is the just pride of 
the people of Richland county, who accord it a 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



066 



liberal support, and claim it as one of the perma- 
nent institutions of the county. 

W. M. Fogo, setiior editor of the Republican 
and Ohserver, is a son of John and Jane (Dreg- 
horn) Fogo, and was born in Columbiana Co., 
Ohio, on the 18th day of June, 1841. He came 
with the family to Wisconsin in 1853, where he 
worked upon a farm until 18f9, when he com- 
menced work as api>rentice in the office of the 
Richland County Democrat, of which W. P. 
Furey was at that time editor. He received as 
lilioral an eilucation as the common schools of 
bis native State, and the then new Richland 
county afforded. On the 12th day of December, 
1861, he enlisted in company F, 2d Wisconsin 
Cavalry, and served one year, when he was 
discharged on accnunt of sickness. Regaining 
his health, again i[i August, 18(34, here-enlisted 
and was made Sergeant Major of the 42d 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served with 
that rank until the regiment was mustered out 
at the close of the war. Returning to Richland 
Center he resumed newspaper work as one of 
the proprietors of the Richland County 0/,.<trrcr. 
One year later he rem )Vlm1 to Ciluniet 
county and estsblished the Ciilum''t lieilectdr, 
which be published one year. He then went 
to Iowa and soon afterward purchased an 
interest in the Howard County Times. In 
1ST3 he returned to Richland Center, and has 
since been one of the proprietors of the 
Richland County Hepi/hh'can. 

Mr. Fogo is an able editor; as a writer he is 
pungent and to the point, wasting no time try- 
ing to display what he can do, and under the 
man.agement of himself and Mr. Munson, the 
liepublican and Observer lias become one of tlie 
leading county papers of the State. In addi- 
tion to t':ie foregoing, Mr. Fogo has served as 
bookkeeper and assistant clerk in the Wisconsin 
Assembly, and for a number of years has been 
secretary of liie Richland County Agricultural 
Society, and is now Secretary of the Old Set- 
tlers' Association of Richland county. He is a 
Royal Arch Masou and highly esteemed and 



respected as a citzen. In 1866 he was united 
in marriage with Amelia St. .John. They have 
two children — Emma C. and Stephen W. 

THE LIVE REPUBLICAN. 

This newspaper sprung into existance in 1866, 
as a result of disaffection and dissention in 
local politics. Ira S. Haseltine and James H. 
Waggoner were the founders. The first issue 
made its appearance in December, and was a 
seven column folio. As the sixteen years that 
have passed since these facts transpired, have 
so healed all differences that it is now consid- 
ered as a joke, it will be interesting to notice 
some of the inside press history of that day. 

From the cradle of the Live Jtepuhtican, until 
it dropped from existence, there was the most 
bitter feeling and enmity between it and the 
Observer. It seems that in the fall of 1806, Ira 
S. Haseltine was nominated for member of the 
General Assembly by the Republicans, alter a 
hard fight and a bitter opposition. Some of 
the Republicans were very much dissatisfied 
with the nomination. In commenting upon the 
result of the convention, the Observer presented 
an article which was really the cause of the 
Live Republican's establishment. In the course 
of the article the Observer rcmarki'd — referring 
to Mr Haseltine — that it was "bi tter to sub- 
mit to an !//iJ/'cfco»ie ?«ec'V<t.5j7y, than to sacrifice 
a single vote on national issues." This made 
Haseltine very wrathy, and he accordingly es. 
tablished the Live Refmbliran, in partnership 
with J. II. Waggoner, in December, 1860, as 
has been stated. 

As a sample of the respects which were passed 
between the two papers, ''in an etlilorial way," 
an extract is presented which appeared in De- 
cember, 1866. It is unnecessary to state in 
which paper this particular extract was pub- 
lished; for in those days the papers contained 
as bad and even worse articles everj' few weeks. 
The one editor, referring to the other,says: 

"The young fledgling over the way, with a 
grand flourish of its brazen trumpet, publishes 
the above garbled extract from the ♦ * » 



966 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



which as a sweet morsel it rolls under its 
forkeil, glazy, slimy, copperhead tongue! You 
long-haired, long-eared, foul-mouthed, swarthy 
faced, whining, niggardly mule; you old stench 
of putrid rottenness, plagues and boils, why 
don't you publish the article in full and not 
garble it to suit your own contemptible pur- 
poses? It didn't look well, did it? ! !— * 

The Live Republican Q,0'a\!vaMeA in existence 
until Aug. ], 1867, when it was sold to C. H. 
Smith and G. L. Laws, who also purchased the 
OJseri'er at the same time. These two papers 
were consolidated under the name of Ricliland 
County Republican. A history of the latter 
paper has already been given. 

THE OBSERVER. 

In 1876 J. H. Waggoner established the sec- 
ond Observer. The first issue of this paper 
made its appearance on the 21st of-December, 
1876, as a six column quarto. It was very 
neatly gotten up and well edited, J. W. Wag- 
goner being one of the finest writers the county 
has had. In presenting his paper to the public 
Mr. Waggoner, under the customary head of 
salutatory, said: 

"With charity for all and malice toward 
none, as God gives us to see the right, the Ob- 
server greets every person to whom it may come. 
'J'he paramount condition of existence is daily 
labor. Scarcely less imperative is the decree 
that mind and body be harmoniously employed 
to crown tliat life with happiness. The train- 
ing of the boy will in most cases determine the 
pursuit in which the man is to reap his measure 
of contentment and success. January 14, 1856, 
I was installed as printer's devil in the olfcce of 
the Richland County Observer, then a six col- 
umn folio of a few weeks' existence; and in 
1864 and 1865 I was its editor and proprietor. 
During more than one half of the twenty-one 
busy and eventful yeais that have been marked 
on the dial of time since the advent of the Ob- 
server, I have been identified with the.struggles 
and prosperity of the local newspaper. The ex- 



periences of these years have decided my life 
labor." 

In regard to the politics of the new paper 
Mr. Waggoner said: 

"The Observer will be republican . I accept 
the progressive, liberal and humane policies of 
the Republican party as the fundamental ideas 
under which the republic is to be prospered 
and perpetuated. But this faith does not carry 
with it the blind sanction of every nieasnr.'-, 
nor the reckless endorsement of every man 
labelled 'republican.' " 

James H.Waggoner remained connected with 
the Observer as long as it was continued, being 
associated at different times with C. E. and C. 
J. Glasier, as publishers, and with N. B. Burch 
upon the editorial staff. 

In January, 1881, Fogo & Munson, the pro- 
prietors of the Richland County Republican, 
purchased the material and good will of the Ob- 
server and consolidated it with their paper, the 
Republican, changing the name to the Repub- 
lican and Observer, as has been stated. 
satt's pine river pilot. 

This was the odd title of a newspaper estab- 
lished at Richland Center in the fall of 1880, by 
M. F. Sattei'lee. It was a small jiaper, but 
sharp, and rather aggressive in its policy. The 
publication of the paper was continueil until the 
spring of 1881, when it ceased to exist. Mr. 
Satterlee had been brought up in the county, 
his father having lived here for m.iny years. 
After the Pilot ceased publication, the young 
man left the county. Satterlee is now at Neills- 
ville, Clark county, where he is publishing a 
paper under the still odder name of The Owl. 

THE RICHLAND DEMOCRAT. 

This paper was established at Richland Cen- 
ter by Otis H. Brand in 1880. The first i.ssue 
made its appearance on the 13th of August. It 
was an eight column folio, and was neatly 
printed and well edited. Mr. Brand was in- 
duced to come here by the Democrats of this 
vicinity, who deemed a paper of their creed 
necessary. He continued the publication of the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



967 



j)a])er until during tbe succeeding winter of 
1880-1, wlicn he was closed out by the sheriff, 
with a mortgage which he had given upon his 
office. After being closed out, as soon as he 
could settle his business affairs, Mr. Brand moved 
to Janesville, where he now occupies a respon- 
sible position upon the staff of the Daily Re- 
corder. 

Tlie oflice'of the Richland Democrat was sold 
by the sheriff, in January, 1881, and the mate- 
rial and office fixtures were bid in by Jerry A. 
Smith. The material was again put in shape 
and a paper was started, which has finally be- 
come 

THE RICHLAND RUSTIC. 

Jerry A. Smith got out his first issue Feb. 5, 
1881, retaining the name of Richland Democrat. 
The name was afterward changed to The Dem- 
ocrat and Farmer, and finally in June, 1881, to 
the Richland ^«<s<tc, which name it still retains. 

The Rustic was run as an eight column folio 
for a long time, and during the winter of 1883-4 
was enlarged to an eight column quarto. The 
subscription price of the jjaper is only seventy- 
five cents per year, making it, as Mr. Smith can 
claim, the largest paper on earth for the price. 
It has a large circulation. 

Jerry A. Smith, who is still the editor and 
vroprieror of the Jiuslic, was born at Janes- 
ville, Wis., in 1S58. His parents, M. C. and 
Bianca (Allen) Smith, still are residents of 
Janesville, where his father is among tlie most 
wealthy and prominent merchants and citizens. 
Jerry A.'s home remained at Janesville, save 
several years spent in travel, until 1880, when 
he came to Richland Center. He received a 
lil>eral business and general education, and this, 
having been supplemented by a wide business 
experience, it is unnecessary to say that he has 
made the Hustic a success in every way, and is 
abundantly able to continue the standard the 
paper has reached. 

THE RICHLAND COUNTY DEMOCRAT. 

This was the first democratic paper started 
in the county. It was established by William 



P. Furey in 18.59, and was a neatly jjrinted 
seven colum folio. The paper continued in ex- 
istence for about one year, when it died for 
want of patronage. The material was then 
purchased by J. Walworth, and added to the 
office of the Observer. 

William P. Furey was originally from Belle 
fonte, Penn., and was a printer by trade. 
He came west in 1858 and worked for a short 
time in a newspaper office at Darlington, Wis. 
During the winter of 1858-9 he went to Warren, 
111., and worked for a few months in what is 
now the Sentinel office. After which he came 
to Richland Center and establLsbed the Richland 
County Democrat After remaining a number 
of years in the west, he went back to Penn- 
sylvania and engaged in the j)ublishing busi- 
ness at Altoona. In 1880 his health began to 
fail, being attacked by that dread disease con- 
sumption. In January, 1881, accompanied by 
his wife he went to San Antonio, Texas, hoping 
to benefit his health, but had hardly reached the 
place before he died. lie was a man of a great 
deal of both natural and acquired ability, and 
a very able and brilliant writer, and speaker. 

THE ZOUAVE. 

This was the title of a paper established at 
Richland Center about 186:3, by E. M. Gregory 
& Co. It was a six column folio, devoted to 
the interest of soldiers and literary matter, 
more than to local and general news. The edi- 
tor was Mrs. Bloomer, whose literary 7mm de 
plume was "Lisle Lester." The publication of 
the paper was continued only for a few months. 

Mrs. Bloomer, left the county upon the dis- 
continuance of the publication of tlie paper, 
and finally drifted out to California, where she 
still lives, having married a prominent lawyer 
in San Francisco. She was an active and in- 
telligent business woman, and a tasty and pun- 
gent writer. Mr. Gregory left Richland county 
at the same time and went to tlie northern part 
of the State. His whereabouts are now un- 
known. 



908 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



THE SENTINEL. 

Tliis paper was establislied at Richland Cen- 
ter in the fall of ISBY, by J. Walworth. Shortly 
after selling his interest in the Richland County 
Observer, and the discontinuance of that paper, 
Mr. Walworth went to Fond du Lac and pur- 
chased the material with which lie founded the 
Sentinel. The new paper was an eight column 
folio, and was well gotten up. Mr. Walworth 
continued the publication of the Sentinel for 
three years, building up a lucrative business. 
He then rented the office to E. Pickard, who 
managed the paper for some time and then its 
publication was discontinued. 

THE INDEPENDENT-. 

This paper was started by J. Walworth, in 
the spring of 18T2, using the press and material 
formerly in the Sentinel office. The first issue 
of the Inde2:>e7ulent \va.H dated >[arch 15, 1872. 
It was a seven column folio with patent insides. 
J. Walworth was editor and M. F. Satterlee and 
Frank Johnson, publishers. Mr. Johnson was 
local editor. The terms of subscription for the 
new paper fixed $1.50 per year, if not paid in 
advance; Si. 25 per year when paid in advance. 

The following extract from the salutatory, 
which Mr. Walworth presented in his first issue 
of the SentineJ, contains the outlined policy of 
the paper: 

"Honestly dissenting from the practical policy 
of the present (Grant's) administration, we take 
our humble position with the many thousands 
of as good, intelligent and patriotic Republicans 
as ever held an office, or east a vote for Gen. 
Grant, who are now in favor of a reform of the 
government, a change in its policy, economy in 
its expenses and honesty in its officials, and are 
ready, all over the country to fall into line and 
labor arduously for the good of the whole 
country, instead of a mere party." 

Mr. Walworth continued the publication of 
the paper for several years, the Sentinel becom- 
ing an influential and prominent organ. He 
finally gave Chas. B. Walworth a one-half in- 
terest in the office and the material and fixtures 



were moved to Boscobel and used in the estab- 
lishment of the Dial, at that place. 

THE RICHLAND UNION DKMOCEAT. 

This newspaper was established at Richland 
Center in January, 1884, by Flickner & Cook. 
The first issue made its appearance Jan. 4, 1884, 
as a six column (juarto, being neatly printed 
and well filled with local and general news. 
The name of Levi H. Cook appears as editor 
and P. Flickner as publisher. In presenting 
their paper to the public, addressing the "citi- 
zens of Richland Center and the county at 
large," the editor says: 

"We present you this day with the first issue 
of the Richland Union Democrat, a forty-eight 
column newspaper, which we propose to pub- 
lish hereafter every Friday afternoon. 

"In presenting this paper to the public, we 
will say: it will be the endeavor of the Dano- 
crat to keep its readers posted on all points of 
general interest of the day; also, to advocate 
such measures as may tend to the advancement 
and upbuilding of the place, and to promote 
the welfare and prosjierity of its citizens and 
the county at large. 

"Politically the Democrat will be what its mast 
head indicates — a straight-out-and-out demo- 
cratic journal — an exponent of pure I'emocracy. 
Believing the best intei'ests of the country de- 
mand a change in the political management of 
the governmental ship, it will labor to obtain 
this end, and defend the party and its rights 
with all the ability it possesses; yet while it so 
labors, it desires the existence of friendship's 
bonds and the unity of peace. 

"Its local department will contain a variety of 
news from the surrounding townships, as well 
as items of home interest. 

"For the benefit of our farming patrons we 
will publish a complete market report which 
will be corrected weekly before going to press. 
In a word, no pains will be spared to make the 
Democrat a first-class local paper. Our adver- 
tising columns are open to all, we reserving the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



969 



right to reject what we may consider 'objec- 
tioiial matter.' 

"In conclusion we will say we have come to 
stay, and with this understanding shall expect 
all who are interested in the enterprise to come 
to the front at once and subscribe, especially all 
true democrats who have the cause at heart and 
wish to see that party once more in the as- 
cendency. We need a change, the people de- 
mand it, and are bound to have it if all will do 
their duty. We expect to do ours, but in these 
days of improvement the old 'one horsepower' 
is all out of use, ajid nothing but a united 
effort, a 'long pull, a strong pull and a pull 
altogether,' is going to accomplish the end in 
view. 

"Again we say, we are here to stay, our outfit 
is our own, is paid for, and with the aid and 
support that we shall naturally expect, will en- 
deavor to keep the same from under the sher- 
iff's hammer. 

"We shall aim to place our paper on a high 
moral basis, and in so doing it will not be un- 
likely that occasionally we may publish that 
which may appear to some objectionable, while 
to others it would be just the right thing in the 
right place. Being honest in our convictions, 
whatever we do will be done with an eye single 
to the best interests of the party in the soon 
coming campaign. 

"In mattersof difference of opinion as regards 
party polity, we generously and courteously 
grant that privilege, and shall expect the same 
with the same generosity and forbearance. 

"With the encouragement alredy manifested 
we ought to swell our list to 800 or 1000 by the 
first of April." 

At the masthead appears the significant sen- 
tence: "Bring again to the field the daring 
alacrity of Jackson." The Union Democrat h-An 
a well equipped office; having a Prouty power 
press with a capacity of taking 800 impressions 
an hour ; excellent job presses and latest styles 
of type. The Union Democrat starts out under 



able management and with very flattering 
prospects for the future. 

Peter Flickner, senior member of the firm of 
Flickner& Cook, was born in New Jersey, in 1819. 
His parents, Jacob and Hannah (Young) Flick- 
ner, were of German descent. His father, in 
early life, was a weaver, but in later days fol- 
lowed farming. Peter Flickner remained in 
New Jersey until about thirty-one years of age, 
when he came to Wisconsin in what is now 
Walworth county. There he went into the 
wagou-raaking business,remaining for two years, 
after which he returned to New Jersey, and 
spent a couple of years there. While on his 
return west, on April 5, 1855, he was married to 
Mary Young, at Xenia, Ohio. Upon his re- 
arrival in Wisconsin he settled at Delton, 
Sauk county, and again engaged in the manufac- 
ture of wagons. Delton has remained his home 
most of the time since. Mr. Flickner is an 
educated man, affable and pleasant, and pos- 
sesses the elements to make him popular among 
all with whom he comes in contact. 

Levi H. Cook, junior member of the firm of 
Flickner & Cook, and editor of the Union Dem- 
ocrat, was born near Oconomowoc, Wis , on the 
6th of July, 1849. His parents were Martin S. 
and Mary E. (Remington) Cook; his father 
being a carpenter and mechanic by trade. 
When Levi II. was three years of age his par- 
ents removed to Iowa and settled at Volga City. 
There they remained until 1861, when they re- 
turned to Wisconsin and located at Iloricon, 
Dodge county. The father there enlisted in 
company C, 29th regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, 
and went into the service as sergeant. The 
family remained at Horicon until the fathei's 
return in 1865. At this time the mother died, 
and Levi H. left home, going to Leroy, Wis., 
where for three years he was engaged at doing 
chores and attending school. After that time he 
went to Fond du Lac City, where he was engaged 
in the paper mills, and remained until twenty, 
two years of age. While there he was married to 



970 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Sarah M. Hubbard, of Oakfield, Wis. After 
leaving Fond du Lac, he was engaged in the 
ministry for the Advent Christian Church. In 
1880 he located at Delton, Sauk county, and 
followed his profession until 1882, when he es- 
tablished the Mirror Lake Echo, a newspaper 
at that place, and conducted that paper for one 
year. In January, 1 884, in company with Mr. 
Flickner, he established the U-nion Democrat, 
as stated, and is now a settled resident of Rich- 
land Center. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the par- 



ents of three children — Morton R., Fred L. 
and Alva W. 

LONE ROCK PILOT. 

A paper of this name was established at 
Lone Rock, in the year 1875 by M. F. Satterlee, 
being printed in the office of the Richland 
County Republican, and circulated at Lone 
Rock. Its publication was continued about one 
year. 

With the exception of the Pilot, all the pa- 
pers that have ever been published in the coun- 
ty, were published at Richland Center. 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



971 



CHAPTER XIX. 



TOWN OF AKAN. 



Tlie town of Akan is one of tlie western tier 
of Ricliland county's towns, the second from 
tlie south, embracing congressional towiislii)) 10 
north, of range 2 west. It is bounded nn the 
north by the town of Sylvan ; on the east by 
Dayton ; on the south by Richwood ; and 
on the west by Crawford county. The 
surface of the town is well watered by Mill 
and Khapp's creeks, and their numerous tribu- 
tarie.M. The valleys are very fertile and in many 
cames the ridges furnish excellent farming land. 
Wherever an enterprising farmer has taken 
hold and cleared land, a good and profitable 
farm has rewarded him. As yet there is con- 
siderable unimproved land in the town, 
which will probably in the near future be cleared 
and brought under cultivation. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement within the limits now 
comprising the town of Akan was effected in the 
sjiringof 18,51 by Martin Munson, Ole Johnson 
and John Torgerson, a party of Norwegians, 
wlio came from Dodgeville. Martin Munson 
entered land on sections 20 and 27, where he 
erected a log cabin and commenced improve- 
ments. This was then on what might be called 
tiie extreme frontier, and many tiavelers on their 
way westward were entertained in Munson's 
little log cabin. ^Ir. Munson was an industri- 
ous and thrifty man and accumulated considera- 
ble property. He remained here until the time I 
of his death, and his widow now lives on sec- 
tion 27. j 

Ole Johnson entered the northwest quarter 
of the northwest quarter of section 35. He died i 



there on the 18th of March, 1855. His widow 
married Christian Jacobson and still resides in 
the town. 

John Torgerson remained but a short time 
and then returned to Dodgeville. Two years 
later he came back and entered the southeast 
quarter of the southeast quarter of section 33, 
where he still lives. 

Nels Hanson, who also came with this party, 
settled in the town of Richwood where he still 
lives. 

B. C. Hallin, a native of Ireland, came here 
in 1852 and entered land on sections 17 and 18, 
but did not settle here until 1854. He now 
lives in the town of Richland. 

William Elder, a Virginian, was an early set- 
tler in the southern part of Richland county. 
He made a business of showing the pioneers 
land, and did a great deal toward the settling up 
of this region. In 1855 he settled on section 3, 
in the town of Akan. lie resided in the town 
for a few years, then went to Crawford county 
and later removed to Dakota territory where he 
died. He was with the government surveyors 
when they surveyed the town of Akan and was 
noted as a great liunter and an extra good 
marksman. 

David Woodruff came here in 1854 and set- 
tled on the southeast quarter of section 3. In 
1875 ho sold out and moved to Dakota. He now 
lives in Otter Tail Co., Minn. 

James lirady, a native of Ireland, came in 
1854 and settled just over the line in Crawford 
county. In 1861 he purchased land on section 
19, this town, where he has since resided. 



972 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Le*is Deitder, a native of Germany, came 
here in 1854 and settled on section 25, where 
he still lives. He was accompanied by his 
father and tliree brothers. For a time they al 
lived together, the father and one of the brothers 
dying here. The rest are still residents of the 
county. 

George Hall, an Irishman, and a veteran of 
the Mexican War, came here in 1853 and en- 
tered 100 acres on sections 19 and 20. He re- 
mained about two years, then sold out and left. 
The locality in which he settled has since been 
called Hall's bottom. 

William Anderson, a native of Indiana, came 
in 1854 and settled on the southwest quarter 
of section 30. He remained about three years 
and then returned to Indiana. 

A Scotchman named Penny came in 1854 and 
settled on the northwest quarter of section 27. 
He improved a farm and remaine i for several 
years, when he went to Minnesota. 

William Smith, an Englishman, came at the 
same time and located on section 21. He went 
to Minnesota with Penny. 

Samuel Yager was an early settler in the 
town of Eagle. In 1854 he came to Akan and 
located on the southwest quarter of section 21. 
He was a veteran of the Mexican War. He 
was a cabinet maker by trade and put up a 
shop, in which he manufactured chairs, bed- 
steads, etc. When the war broke out, he enlist- 
ed and served until its close. Having ruined 
his health in the service, soon after his return 
he sold out and removed to Excelsior, where he 
still lives. 

Joseph Dunson came in 1854 and settled on 
section 2-3, where he cleared a farm and lived 
for some years. He afterwards removed to 
Richwood, where he died. 

Horace Waite, from Ohio, came here in 1855 
and settled on the northwest quarter of section 
3. He cleared a small tract of laud and remained 
here about three years, when he sold out and 
went to Orion, where he engaged in the mercan- 



tile trade. During war times he went to (Jana- 
da. He now lives at Muscoda. 

Esec Spreig came from Illinois in the fall of 

1854, and settled on the northeast quarter of 
section 4. Four or five years later he sold out 
and returned to Illinois. 

Zenas W. Bevier, a native of New York State, 
came here in 1855, from Rock Co., Wis. He 
entered 120 acres of land on section 2, and 
lived here until the time of his death. 

Frank Morningstar, a German, came here in 
the fall of 1855, and settled on section 2. He 
cleared a good farm and made this his home 
until he died. 

Mathew Ryan, an Irishman, also came in 1 865. 
He settled on section 3. 

Jefferson Smith came here from Illinois in 

1855, aiul settled on the northeast quarter of 
section 6. He cleared a small tract of land and 
remained here about twelve years, when he re- 
moved to Richwood. He is now dead. 

Julius Jenks also came from Illinois during 
the same year. He settled on the northeast 
quarter of section 8, where he remained for 
some years and then went to the mountains. 

William Percy came in 1855 and claimed the 
northeast quarter of section 9. He afterwards 
sold his claim and left the country after a short 
stop. 

Jacob Lawrence purchased Percy's claim and 
improved it. He lived here until 1875, when 
he sold out and removed to the town of Eagle. 
He is now in the mercantile trade at Eagle Cor- 
ners. 

John Ohitwood, a native of Tennessee, 
came from Indiana in 1855 and settled on 
the northeast quarter of section 5, where he 
lived until the time of his death. He raised 
fifteen children, and the widow and a number 
of children are still living in the county. 

Patrick Hines, a native of Ireland, came in 
1855 and settled on section 30, where he still 
lives. 

William'Dobbs, a native of Tennessee, came 
here from Lafayette Co., Wis., in the spring of 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



973 



1855, and entered 360 acres of land on sections 
5, 6, 7 and 8. He lived here for a number of 
years, and then went to the Black river coun- 
try. He afterwards returned and settled in 
Richwood, where he died in 1876. Two of his 
sons are still living in the town. 

Henry Bailey, a native of Rhode Island, came 
in 1855 and settled on section 7. He now lives 
in Nebraska. Two of his sons are still residents 
of this town. 

David Clancy, a native of Ireland, came in 
1855 and entered land on section 15 wliere he 
still lives. 

James Bachtenkircher, a native of Ohio, 
came to this county from Indiana in 1855, and 
located in the town of Sylvan. In 1878 he 
moved into the town of Akan, and is still a 
resident. 

Squire Shaffer, a native of Ohio, came here 
in 1856 and settled on the southwest quarter of 
section 1, whore he still lives. 

F. A. Harsha, a Kentuckian, came heie from 
Iowa county in 1856, and settled on section 36, 
where he still lives. 

John Kelly, a native of Ireland, came here 
from Madison in 1856 and settled on section 18, 
where he still lives. 

William (.'ore, a native of New Jersey, came 
here from Orion in 1856, and purchased land on 
section 24. He was the first settler in the lo- 
cality known as Core Hollow, it beinj^ named 
after him. 

KDUCATIOXAL. 

The first school in district No. 1 was taught, 
in 1856, by iSIartha A. Fuiison, at the residence 
of Zenas W. IJevit r. In \Xol a temjiorary log 
school house was erected by the district, in 
which Sarah Wood was the first teacher. In 
1868 this building was destroyed by fire, and 
the present house was erected upon the site. 

The first school house in district No. 2 was 
erected in 1860, of hewn logs. The first term 
of school was taught by Charity Williams, on 
the sub.scription plan. She "boarded round." 
This school house was used until 1881, when 



the district erected a frame building on the 
northeast quarter of section 9, about forty rods 
west of the site of the old building. Nettie 
Harris was the first teacher in the new house. 

The first school in district No. 3 was taught 
by George Watson, in the winter of 1856-7, in 
a house belonging to William Dobbs. A few 
years later a log school house was erected on 
the southwest quarter of section 5. In 1869 the 
present school house was erected on the south- 
east quarter of section 6, of hewn logs. Cor- 
delia Daggett was the first teacher in this 
building. 

The first school house in district No. 4 was 
built in 1859, of logs, and covered with shakes. 
It was located on the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 18. J. J. Brown was the first teacher. 
This building was used until 1880, when the 
present school house was erected near the old 
site. Alice Ilallin was the first teacher in this 
house. 

The first school in district No. 5 was taught 
in a house belonging to D. F. Coates, which 
was located on the southwest quarter of section 
22. Mary Ann Fay and T. J. Ellsworth were 
among the first teachers in the district. The 
first school house erected was a log one, which 
was located on D. F. Coat(!s' land. 'l"he pres- 
ent school house is located on the southwest 
(juarter of section 15. 

The school house in district No. 6 was erect- 
ed in 1861. It is of logs, located on the north- 
west quarter of section 24. Amelia Van Alstine 
was the first teacher in this housy. Belle Glass 
is the present teacher. 

The first school in district No. 7 was taught 
by Annie Humbert, in I). D. Evans' house on 
section 36. In 1866 a log school house was 
erected on the northwest quarter of section 36. 
This house was used but a few years when a 
neat frame building was erected on the same 
site. 

The first school in district No. 8 was taught 
by Susanna Bolton, in a little log school iiouse 
located on the southeast quarter of section 33. 



974 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The school house is now located on the south_ 
west quarter of section 27. 

The first school house in district No. 9 was a 
log one erected on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 31, during the war. Maria Maroney was 
the first teacher. The first school house was 
destroyed by fire a few years after its erection, 
and the present frame house was built on the 
old site. 

EELIGIOUS. 

At an early day the Methodists held services 
in the northeastern ])art of the town, and a 
class was organized that flourished for several 
years. Prominent among the members were 
David Woodruff and wife, Mrs. Polly Crothers, 
Mrs. Esther Barnes, and Elijah Austin and wife. 
Rev. Prince was the first preacher, and after 
him Revs. Ilafus, Walker and Elihu Bailey at 
different times ofliciated. The class only re- 
mained in existence for a few years, and then, 
as so'iie of the members moved away, it was 
dropped. 

The United Brethren organized at the school 
house shortly after the discontinuance of the 
Methodist class. Most of its members had be- 
longed to the M. E. class. Rev. Potts was the 
first minister for the United Brethren class. 
Among the ministers who have filled the pulpit 
since are Revs Young, Wright, Snell and Has- 
kins. This class was continued for several 
years. 

In 1873 the Christians organized a church in 
the school house of district No. 3, under the 
management of Revs. Jacob Felton and Lewis 
Himes. Among the first members of this church 
were Albert S. Bailey and wife, Mrs. Amanda 
Ross, Michael McMillan and wife, Isaac Fergu- 
son, William Fosiiow and wife, John Bearaan 
and Wilson Slayback and wife. John Beaman 
was elected the first class leader. This class 
met at the school house for about two years, 
and then merged with the Harmony Church. 
Revs. Himes, Felton and Packet were among 
the pastors of the church. A Sabbath school was 
organized at the same time as this church, with 



John Bearaan as superintendent. It met weekly 
and had a good attendance. 

AKAN POSTOFFICE. 

This postoffice was established in 185H, with 
Zenas W. Bevier as postmaster. The ofiice 
was kept at his house on the northeast quarter 
of section 2, and was on the mail route from 
Muscoda to Viroqua. Mr. Bevier was postmas- 
ter until the time of his death in 1861. D. D. 
Woodruff was then appointed postmaster and 
the office was removed across the line to the 
town of Sylvan. He was succeeded by Perry 
Dayton, and then in order came Mrs. Zenas 
Bevier, Mrs William Smith, Edgar Harvey and 
William M. Bevier, who was the last postmas- 
ter. He resigned in 1877 and the office was 
discontinued. 

beady's postoffice. 

This postoffice was established in 1868. James 
Br.ady was appointed first postmaster and has 
kept the office ever since at his residence on 
section 19. At first the office was on the route 
from Richland Center to De Soto, and mail 
was received once each week. At present it is 
on the mail route from Muscoda to Sugar 
Grove, and mail is received once a week from 
each way. 

SAW MILL.S. 

In 1866 Isaac Miles erected a saw-mill on sec- 
tion 30. A dam was thrown across Knapp's 
creek and the mill was equipped with an up 
and down saw. He ran the mill for a few 
years and then sold to A. Wright, of Muscoda, 
Grant county, who rented the mill to different 
parties. Anthony Tracy is the present owner 
of the property, but the dam has gone out and 
the mill is no longer in use. This mill was not 
a success. 

About 1853 a man named Barnes settled on 
the southwest quarter of section 12. He here 
erected a saw-mill, deriving the power from 
Mill creek. It was furnished with an up and 
down saw. It was a small affair, and was only 
run for a few years. The old frame is still 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



975 



standing, a monument to an unsuccessful enter- 
priHe. 

During the war, William Osborne erected a 
flouring mill on the west branch of Mill creek, 
be'ng aided in the enterprise by the citizens in 
the neighborhood. This was shortly after the 
Boaz mill had been burned, and Rodolf's was 
the nearest mill for this neighborhood. Mr. 
Osborne built a dam of brush and dirt, which 
set the water back and sent it through a race, 
which carried it to a spring under the bluffs. 
Tiie outlet of the spring formed the tail race. 
A small frame building, boarded up and down 
with pine lumber was erected and one run of 
buhrs was put in. The mill did a good busi- 
ness until the mill at Boaz was rebuilt, soon 
after which Osborne traded the jiroperty to 
Edgar Harvey, of Riehwood, for a farm. Mr. 
Harvey operated the mill for a lime, and then 
disposed of it. Since that time it has changed 
hands frequently, and has not been running 
constantly. The present proprietor is William 
McRobbins, who has repaired the building and 
refurnished the mill. It still has one run of 
buhrs and the necessary machinery for doing 
good work. A saw-mill equipped with a rotary 
saw has recently been attached. 



At an early day, J. J. Brown, a school teacher, 
opened a store on section 7. He purchased his 
stock of goods of Pease & Bakci', at Richland 
Center. His means were limited, and for a 
time he worked under disadvantages. He did 
a credit business, often trusting parties wiiom 
other merchants refused; but lie was a shrewd 
business man and a good collector, and made 
money rajjidly. In a short time he rf moved to 
Excelsior and opened a store there. He is still 
in trade there, and is one of the most substan- 
tial merchants in the county. 

James Brady opened a store at his home, and 
for about ten years kept a general stock of 
goods and did a good business. At the end of 



this period he closed out, and has since devoted 
his time to farming. 

OEGANIC. 

The town of Akan was created by the county 
board of supervisors at the November session, 
18.55. It was organized at a town meeting held 
at the house of Martin Munson, April 1, 1S56. 
The inspectors of the election were Zenas W. 
Bevier, Henry Miller and Julius C. Jenks. 
George Barnes was clerk. The following were 
thefirsttown officers elected: Supervisors, Zenas 
W.Bevier, chairman, Rawley Crothers and 
Votany Butman; clerk, G. R Barnes; super- 
intendent of schools, Zenas W. Bevier; treasu- 
rer, William Anderson; justices of the peace, 
William Anderson and G. R. Barnes; consta- 
bles, William Elder and Joseph Dunson; asses- 
sor, William Elder. There were twenty-eight 
votes polled at this election. 

At the annual town meeting held at the Cen- 
ter school house April 3, 1883 there were 114 
votes polled, and the following officers were 
elected: Su])ervisors, James Bachtenkircher, 
chairman; John Huffman, Levi Pierce; clerk, 
A. M. Turgasen; treasurer, George Armstrong 
(appointed); assessor, C. E. Clarson; justices, 
James Bachtenkircher, J. L. Puckitt, A. D. 
Dennison and F. M. Shafer; constables, G. W. 
Hartman, Tim Kelly and W. H. Helm; health 
officer, Robert Webb. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

The following personal sketches will show 
who are the wide-awake, energetic citizens of 
this town, and of whom too much cannot be 
said: 

John Turgasen became a pioneer of is.^:j, and, 
although then j)ossessed of no means, lias been 
very industrious, economical, and exhibited such 
excellent management, that he is now consid- 
ered one of the wealthiest farmers of Richland 
county. He was born in Norway, Jan. 21, 1824. 
Like the greater portion of his countrymen, he 
pissed his earlier life on the farm and at school. 
In 1849 he emigrated to America, landing at 
the port of New York. He started forWiscon- 



976 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



sin, Q;oing up the Hudson river to Albany, thence 
by the Erie canal to Buffalo, where he took a 
lake steamer for Milwaukee. From thence he 
went to Dane Co., Wis., and three weeks later 
to Dodgeville, where he obtained employment 
in the mines and at the smelting furnaces. In 
1R51 he came t<i Richland county, but did not 
then effect a settlement. He returned to Dodge- 
ville, where he remained two years. He then 
removed his family to Richland county, and 
entered land on section ZH, of town 10 north, of 
range 2 west. He has never removed from his 
fir.st settlement, but during the years that have 
elapsed, has added little by little to his posses- 
sions and ha'* been blessed beyond his earlier ex- 
pectations. He has a beautiful home, and his 
family are surrounded by all the comforts of 
life. Mr. Turgasen was married, in 1849, to 
Annie Frederick, who died in May, 1857, leav- 
ing two children — Tiiomas L. and Anton M. 
His second and present wife was Helena Han- 
son, to whom he was married in 1858. Mrs. 
'J'urgasen is a very estimable lady, and highly 
respected by her large circle of acquaintances. 

Lewis Dobbs, son of William and Mary 
(Helms) Dobbs, pioneers of the town of Akan, 
was born in Lafayette Co., Wis., March 14, 
1850, and was five years old when he came to 
Richland county with his parents. Here he 
grew to manhood, assisting his father upon the 
farm and attending the district school. He was 
married in May, 1876, to Lucina, daughter of 
James and Eliza (Peters) McWilliams. She 
was born in Ohio. Soon after marriage they 
settled on their present farm on Knapp's creek, 
on sections 7 and 18. They have three children 
— Nettie, Ole and George. 

John Kelly, an early settler of Akan, was 
born in the parish of Egles, county of Tipper- 
ary, Iieland, in 1 821, where he was reared to 
agricultural pursuits. In 1848 he left his na- 
tive land and came to America, landed at New 
York, and from there went to Fort Washington, 
a point ten miles distant, where he obtained 



employment on a railroad, then in process of 
construction. He continued working ilicre 
eight months, then went to Ohio and enga'.red 
in farming a short time, then to Bedford, and 
worked on the Pittsburg & Cleveland railr():i(i 
two years, thence to Akron where he was em- 
ployed on the Clinton extension two yen is. 
He next purchased two pairs of horses and eu 
gaged in teaming at Hudson, three months. 
He then came to Wisconsin and was first em- 
ployed in railroading near Waukesha. He con- 
tinued in that business until 1856. By ihis 
time he had saved enough of his liard earnings 
to purchase a home. He came to Richland 
county in the fall of that year and bought 
eighty acres of timber land on section 18. He 
constructed a rude shelter of poles, and covered 
it with "shakes." Then commenced cutting 
logs with which to build a more permanent 
abode, into which they moved when completed. 
He brought two horses, a colt and seven head of 
horned cattle with him. The following winter 
being a very severe one, his horses, and all but 
two of his cattle perished, leaving him without 
a, team. During the winter he had cleared 
some land, and the following season he chopi)ed 
in seed and raised a crop of corn and gar- 
den vegetables which served to keep the wolf 
from the door during the following winter. 
For such provisions as he was obliged to buy, 
he had to go to Orion and Muscoda, and could 
hire them brought as far as Excelsior; the re- 
mainder of the distance, he packed theui on 
his back. In spite of all these hardshi])s he 
kept up courage, and worked away and hi.s good 
judgment and industry combined have made 
him successful in life. He is now the owner 
of 240 acres, about 150 of which are under cul- 
tivation. A neat and commodious frame house 
has taken the place of the log cabin of pioneer 
time. He is engaged in raising grain and stock. 
He now keeps from thirty to forty head of c.a- 
lle and 150 sheep, besides oilier stock. Mr. 
Kelly was married in 1850 to Sarah Monuli.m, 
also a native of Tipperary, Ireland. They have 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



911 



seven children — Timothy, Bridget, Sarah, 
Maria, William, John and Francis. 

John H. Rizer, a pioneer .settler of Daylon, 
was horn in Pittshurg, Penn., Feb. 10, 18.30. 
His father was an edge tool maker in that city. 
In 18.35 the family moved to Maryland and 
lived four years; thence to Tipiiecanoe Co., 
Tnd., where his father purchased land and en- 
gaged in farming. Four years later his father 
died, leaving a wife and si.x children, the 
youngest an infant of six months. Six months 
after the father's death the mother died and 
the children became scattered. At the age of 
sixteen the subject of thi.s sketch engaged with 
a tinner in Lafayette, Ind , to learn the trade. 
He served three years, then worked on a farm 
in Tippecanoe Co., Ind. He was married 
March 23, 1852, to Mary E. Berry, born in 
Warren Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, is."-?. He then 
rented a farm in the same county until 1854. 
In that year they started for Wisconsin with 
an ox team, taking their household goods and 
provisions with them, and camping at night by 
the roadside. After traveling seventeen days 
they arrived in Richland county. He entered 
land on section 20, of town 10, range I west, 
now known as Dayton, camping in the woods 
till they built a log cabin. In 1860 he, like 
many others, became excited with the so-called 
gold fever and started for Pike's Peak, where 
he was engaged in mining and jvrospecting a 
few months. He then returned to Richland 
county and ])urchased timber land on section 
li', town of Akan, where he claimed .a farm and 
built a good frame house. In I8S2 he bought a 
farm on section 11, moved there and engaged 
in the dairy business, which was a new departure 
in that town. His example li:'.s since b'cn fol- 
lowed by Slime of his neighbors. In 1882 he 
milked nineteen cows; in 1883 twenty-five. His 
farm now contains 302 acres, 180 of which are 
tillage and jiaslure land. It is well supplied 
with good water from a never fnilinv; spring, 
and being good grazing land i^ «cll adapted 
for a dairy farm. Mr. and Mrs. Rizer have 



thrpe children living — Marquis D., Lorena and 
Clara, also an adopted son, Willie. Mr. Rizer 
is of a genial, pleasant disposition and gener- 
ally popular in the neighborhood in which he 
resides. 

James Brady was a pioneer of Crawford 
county, where he settled in 1854. He is a na- 
tive of Ireland, born in the parish of Kilshere, 
county Meath, in August, 1826. Here his 
younger days were spent on the farm, and in 
the subscription school, where he received a 
liberal education. In 1850 he bid adieu to his 
native land and sailed for America. He landed 
at New York and engaged at work in the ma- 
chine shops of the Empire Stone Dressing 
Company, and remained there until 1854, when 
he came to Crawford county as before stated. 
He came on the cars to Madison, thence by 
stage to Highland, then started on foot to seek 
a home. He crossed the Wisconsin river at 
Port Andrew, on the 4th of July. He entered 
land on section 24, town 10, range 3 west, now 
known as the town of Clayton. He then re- 
turned to Madison and remained until October, 
when he hired a team to convey him to his 
western home. He thus had transportation as 
far as Martin Munson's in the town of Akan, at 
til lit time, the end of the road. He then pro- 
cured an ox team and proceeded on his way. 
He camped on Knapp's creek while he built a 
log cabin, moving into it as soon as possible, 
and commenced clearing, and the following 
year he planted four acres of corn, and in the 
fall sowed four acres of wheat on ground that 
never bad Iieen plowed. He worked his land 
without any team until 1857, when he bought a 
yoke of steers. He lived on this farm until 
1861, then purchased land in Akan, on section 
19, with some improvements, and lived on it 
until 1874, when lie creeled a frame Iiouse 20x30 
feet, and two stories high. In 1SS2 he made 
an addition 20x30 feet, with a stone basement 
under the whole. He also has a frame barn 
30x10 feet, with a stone bHsement. He now 
has 200 acres of laud, 140 of which is cleared 



978 



HISTORY OF RICHLATSTD COUNTY. 



and farmed. He is largely engaged in raising 
grain and stock. He has always taken a lively 
interest in town and county affairs. He has 
served as town clerk six years, as treasurer six 
years, and as chairman of the board five years. 
He has also been postmaster of Brady's office 
since it was established in 1868. He has been 
twice married, firsi in 1853, to Ann Torney, who 
was born in county Meath, Ireland. She died 
in 1861, leaving two children — Katie and Mary. 
His second wife to whom he was married in 
1867 was Mary J. Hagerty, she was born in 
Honsdale, Penn. They have had nine children 
— Teresa J., James, Thomas F., Martha J., Mar- 
garet, Rosanna, John J., Louisa and Edward. 
The latter died in infancy. His second wife 
died July 28, 1883, and was buried in St. Phil- 
lips' churchyard, in Crawford county. 

C. E. Closson, the present assessor of the 
town of Akan, is a native of Sweden, born June 
9, 1822. He attended school as soon as old 
enough, until fifteen years of age, then engaged 
to learn the trade of dyer, at which he worked 
until 1849, then came to America, landed at 
New York, and immediately started for Chicago, 
going up the Hudson river by steamboat, thence 
on Erie canal to Buffalo; thence by steamboat 
to Chicago, where he remained two and one- 
half years, then went to Kane Co., 111., and re- 
mained until 1855, when he started with an ox 
team, accompanied by his family, for Wiscon- 
sin. Thev took household goods and provisions 
with them, camping out in true emigrant style. 
After tiiree weeks of travel they arrived in 
Crawford county. He entered land on section 
3, of town 0, range 3 west, now known as the 
town of Scott. The family lived with a neigh- 
bor until he could build a log cabin. He con- 
tinued clearing land and farming until 1B62. 
He enlisted in August of that year in company 
G, 33d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and 
went south, served until after the close of the 
war, and was then discharged with the regi- 
ment. Among the battles in which he partici- 
pated are Nashville and siege of Vicksburg. 



He was with Banks on his Red river expedition, 
and engaged in the battles of Pleasant Hill, 
Tupelo and Spanish Fort. While in the army 
he received a sunstroke, from the effects of 
which he has never fully recovered. He was 
promoted to rank of corporal in 1863, and to 
sergeant soon after. Upon returning, he re- 
sumed farming in Crawford county until 1866, 
then sold out and purchased his present farm on 
section 33, where he has since lived. He was 
married in 1848 to Martha Linsten, also a na- 
tive of Sweden, born Jan. 19, 1822. They have 
had six children, five of whom are now 
living — Frank, William, Lizzie, Maggie and 
Andrew. The first child, called Elizabctli, 
was born on the ocean, Sept. 22, 1849. 
She died in Chicago Sept. 22, 1850. Mr. Clos- 
son is educated in English as well as in Swede, 
and has held oflices of trust in the town. lie 
has been a member of the town board, and is 
now serving his fourth term as assessor, twelfth 
term as district treasurer, and hr.s always per- 
formed the duties thus imposed upon him to 
the satisfaction of the people. 

Robert Webb came to the town of Aknn 
in 1868, and purchased the northwest quarter of 
section 5, which was at that time timber land. 
He immediately began clearing, and now has 
seventy acres of cleared land, and one of the 
best farms in the town. The log cabin, in 
which the family lived eleven years, has been 
replaced by a good frame house. He was born 
in Oneida Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1S25. When he 
was seven years old his parents moved to Ohio, 
and settled in Geauga cininty, where his father 
died two years later. At the age of sixteen he 
went to Cleveland, and was there employed hy 
B. Harrington two years. Mr. Harrington was 
the possessor of a large library, to which the 
subject of this sketch had access, an oppor- 
tunity for improving his mind and advancing 
his education which he did not fail to take ad- 
vantage of. He returned to Geauga county 
and remained two years. He came to Wiscon- 
sin in 11^45, and located in Rock county, pur- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



979 



chased land in the town of Magnolia, improved 
a farm and lived there until 1853, when lie sold, 
and movid to Green county. He purchased 
projiorty in the village of Albany and opened a 
livery stable; also practiced as a veterinary 
surgeon, in which hi- was successful. He dealt 
largely in horses and in real estate. In 1868 
he sold his interests there and came to Akan. 
Mr. Webb is a man of intelligence, and is well 
informed. lie served several years as special 
d('])Uty sheriff of Green county, and as consta- 
ble of the village of Albany. He has served 
four years as justice of the peace in the town 
of Akan. He has been twice married, first to 
Lydia A. Dunbar, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. 
She died March 7, 18G4, leaving three children 
— Sarah J., Elizabeth A. and Charles S. He 
was again married Dec. 31, 1866, to Elizabeth 
Mackey, who was born in Union C'o., Penii. By 
thisjinion there are two children — William E. 
and Cora A. 

James Bachtenkircher, an early settler in the 
town of Sylvan, was born in Claremont Co. 
Ohio, April 1.5, 1830. When he was eleveii 
years old, his parents emigrated to Clinton Co.. 
Ind. His father was born in Germany, but wa> 
brought to America by his parents when only 
a year old. He grew to manhood's estate in 
the city of Philadelphia, receiving a good edu- 
cation in both English and German, and be- 
came a teacher by profession. The people in 
that part of Clinton county in which he settled 
were mostlyof German descent, and he here en- 
gaged at his profession. The subject of this 
sketch received a liberal education, and re- 
mained with his parents until 18.55. Ho then 
came to Richland county and located in the 
tortii of Sylvan. He did not, however, settle 
permanently, Iteing at that time unmarried, but 
engage(l in iiiiiiiing and amusing himself gen- 
erally. Ill" killed many deei- and otlu'r smaller 
game. At the end of one year he r(?turned to 
Indiana and engaged with a carpenter and 
joiner to learn the trade, with whom he served 
two years. He then returned to Sylvan and 



worked at his trade two years. In 1860, in 
company with Michael Snyder, he started for 
Pike's Peak, traveling in a wagon drawn by a 
pair of oxen. At Council Bluffs they purchased 
a supply of provision for a year. After fifty- 
two days travel, they reached Central City, Col., 
where he worked at his trade until November. 
He then yoked his oxen and started on his 
return to Sylvan. He was united in marriage 
in the spring of 1861, with Sarah A., daughter 
of Hezekiah and Hannah (Sayers) Slaback, 
early settlers of the town of Sylvan. She was 
born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind. In 1862 he 
bought land on section 30, of Sylvan, and was 
engaged in farming during the summer and in 
teaching school in the winter. In 1864 he sold 
his farm and purchased land on section 29, where 
he lived until 1869. Then beioming excited 
by the so-called western fevei', sold his land and 
removed to Kansas. He made a claim in Wil- 
son county and engaged in farming, also worked 
at his trade until 1872, when lie returned to 
Richland county and rented lan<l in the town of 
.Akan, until 1877. He then purchased his ]>res- 
ent farm, which is located on section 8. Jlr. 
and Mrs. Bachtenkircher have four children 
living — Dolphus, Fred, Frank and Nellie. Mr. 
Bachtenkircher is a man who possesses the con- 
fidence and respect of the community. He has 
been, and is still prominent an<l influential in 
public affairs. He served as clerk, assessor and 
justice of the peace, in Sylvan, and has been 
justice of the peace in Akan, since his residence 
here, and is now chairman of the town board. 
Edgar Ward, an early settler of the town of 
Sylvan, was born in the town of Underbill, ('hii- 
tenden Co., Vt., Feb. 27, 1837. He was there 
reared to agricultural pursuits. At the age of 
seventeen he went to Worcester, Mass., and 
spent two years in farming. He came to ^Vis- 
consin in 185.5, and lived iti (irant county till 
1860; then came to Richlaml county and settled 
upon land on sections 10 and 30, of the town of 
Sylvan, which he U;i(l purchased the previous 
year. Upon this land was a small log cabin, 



59 



980 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



into which he moved his family, and imme- 
diately commenced clearing. In 1863 lie had 
cleared fifteen acres. He enlisted in December 
of that year, in the 33d Wisconsin, company B, 
and served until the close of the war, when lie 
was discharged with the regiment Sept. 29, 1865. 
He participated in the following battles: Tu- 
pelo, Nashville, Spanish Fort, and other minor 
engagements. At the time of his discharge he 
was afflicted with sore eyes, which continued to 
grow worse, and at times he was obliged to con- 
fine himself in a dark room, and finally lost his 
sight entirely, but has since partially recovered 
it. He continued to occupy his farm in Sylvan 
until 1880, when he sold out, with the intention 
of going west, but changing his mind, he pur- 



chased his present farm, located on section 10, 
town of Akan. He has since bought other 
land, and now owns 140 acres. In 1883 he built 
a frame barn 30x40 feet. He was married in 1860 
to Amy Stevens, who was born in Pennsylvania, 
July 20, 1843, and died Aug. 15, 1863, leaving 
two children — Lincoln L. and Amy. Mr. Ward 
was again married in March, 1864, to Rosanna 
McCord, a native of Mercer Co., Penn., born 
June 14, 1833. She was formerly tlie wife of 

Madison Ward, who died in the United States 
service, Sept. 29, 1863, at New Orleans, leaving 
four children — Reuben, Laura, Susan and Ro- 
sanna. By the last union there are two children 
— Columbia and Edgar E. 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



981 



CHAPTER XX 



TOWN OF BLOOM. 



The town of Bloom embraces congressional 
township 12 north, of range 1 west, and is in 
the northern tier of Richland county's civil sub- 
divi.sions. It is bounded on the north by Vernon 
county; on the east by the town of Henrietta; 
on the south by Marshall and on the west by 
Forest. The surface of the town is broken and 
hilly. One main ridge extends through the 
western portion of the town from north to south, 
while on each side of this are smaller, or con- 
necting ridges, extei'<ling to the east and west. 
On the ridires the soil varies; in some places 
being a rich l)lack loam, and again, a yellow 
clay; and all is very productive. In the valleys 
the soil is a lich dark loam. In seasons of high 
water the valleys are in places overflown, and 
farmers often lose a portion of their crops. The 
town is well watered, making it a desirable and 
prolital)le locality for stock raising. The most 
inijiortaMt stream is the West Branch of Pine 
river uhicii rises on section .5. On its way 
thriiugh the eastern part of the town it is joined 
by six spring tributaries. 

B\UI-T SETTLKMENT. 

The first settlement within the limits now 
comprising the town of Bloom was made, in 
1853, by Isaac McMahan, who, during that year, 
came and entered 120 acres of land on section 
2.3 He was followed, the same year, by Daniel 
Householder, who entered 320 acres of land on 
section 3.5. He owned this land until the time 
of his death in 1879. He was ninety-nine years 
of age. 

Edward Morris came during the same year 
and entered eiglity acres on section 2ti. 



John Rogers came in the spring of 1S53 and 
entered land on section 18. He improved the 
land during the following summer, and then 
returned to Indiana, where he died shortly af- 
terward. 

Israel Cooper came at about the same time 
and entered 240 acres, a part of which was on 
section 26. He erected his house on that sec- 
tion. 

In 1854 Reuben Selby came and entered 160 
acres on section 36. He now lives in Kansas. 

Thomas Siers came at about the same time 
ind entered 160 acres on section 2."). 

Isaac Pizercame in 1854 and bought land on 
section 26. He laid out the village of Spring 
Valley and remained a few years when he re- 
moved to Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa. In 18T2he 
sold out and started for Oregon; but when three 
miles from Sacramento City, lie fell from the 
cars and was instantly killed. His wife went 
on to Oregon, married two years later, and now 
lives in California. 

Thomas Borland came in 1854 and settled on 
section 2, where he still lives. 

John Jewell came during the same year and 
located on section 1, where he still resides. 

Josephus Downs came in 1854 and entered 
land on the northwest quarter of section '.'1. He 
was a lawyer. He remained here for several 
years,then moved to Dane county; but a few 
years later returned and died on the old home- 
stead. 

James E. Kidd, a son-in-law of Mr. Downs, 
came at the same time and entered the south- 
east quarter of section 15. He improved the 



982 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



farm .and made t)iis his home until the time of 
his death, which occurred in 1881. 

James A. Jones came in 1854 and settled on 
section 25. He now resides on section 35. 

J. M. Hurless came at about the same time 
and entered 160 acres of land on section 5. 
He now resides on section 6. His brother, 
Henry, came tlie preceding spring and entered 
160 acres on section 19. 

Samuel Downs came in 1855 and bought land 
on the northwest quarter of section 14. He 
now lives in Kansas. 

James A. Sellers came in 1855 and located 
on section 26. He erected the first mill in the 
town of Bloom. It is located near Spring Val- 
ley and is still owned by him. 

Jonathan Jewell came in 1855 and settled 
on the northwest quarter of section 15, where 
he still lives. 

David Griffin came from Indiana in 1855 and 
entered 182 acres of land on section 18. He 
still lives on the same section. His father, 
Ralph Griffin, came in 1856 and settled on sec- 
tion 18. 

Friend Morrison came in 1855 and bouglit 
land on section 6. He now lives at Wood- 
stock. 

Nathan Ford, a native of New Jersey, came 
in 1855 and settled on the southeast quarter of 
section 10. He died Jan. 15, 1884. 

Joseph Pippen came at an early day and set- 
tled on section 30, where he lived for a number 
of years. He is now a resident of the town of 
Forest. 

M. R. Griffin came in 1855 and entered 120 
acres of land on section 7. He has never been 
out of the county since. 

N. M. Trubaugh came during the same year 
and entered 160 acres on section 21. 

Jesse Harness at about the same time entered 
eighty acres on section 17. 

John E. Snjder came in 1855 and located on 
section 27, where he bought 120 acres of land, 
which he still occupies. 



In the fall of the same year Charles Peckliam 
and his sons, Charles and Alexander, came and 
settled on section 26. William Peckham came 
at the same time and located on section 34. 

William Pizer came in the spring of 1855 and 
entered 160 acres of land on section 26. 

Joseph Householder came in 1855 and en- 
tered 160 acres of land on section 33. 

The same year Henry De Hart and his two 
sons, J. L. and Daniel V., came. Tlie father 
purchased land where the sons now reside. 

Philip Almon came in 1856 and settled on 
section 7. He is now dead. 

David Todd came in 1856 and bought land 
on section 6. In 1879 he sold out and went to 
California. 

During the year 1856, and from that time 
until the war broke out, the settlement of the 
town was quite rapid, a great many of the in- 
comers being from Ohio and Indiana. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first house within the present limits of 
the town of Bloom was erected in 1853, by 
Isaac McMahan, on section 23. 

The first school in the town was taught at the 
dwelling house of Isaac Pizer, in 1855, by Wil- 
liam Barrett. There were two schools taught 
in 1855, in Rev. Crandall's house, by Lucinda 
Rollins. 

The first marriage in the town was that of 
John Miller to Anna Barts, in 1855. The cere- 
mony was performed by Henry Hurless, justice 
of the peace. 

The first birth in the town was that of James, 
ason of John andRhoda Crandall, in Fehiu.i'y, 
1854 

The first sermon in the town was preached 
by John Crandall, in 1854, at his residence. 

TOWN ORGANIZATION. 

The first town meeting was held at the resi- 
dence of Isa.ac Pizer, in April, 1856. The fol- 
lowing were the first officers elected : .Tose- 
phus Downs, chairman, Isaac Pizei' and James 
E. Kidd, board of supervisors ; William Pizer, 
clerk; John H. Crandall, assessor ; Aaron Sut- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



983 



ton, treasurer ; Josephus Downs and L. M. 
Stevvart, justices of the peace. 

The following is a list of the officers chosen 
in April, 1883 : Elijah Allbaugh, chairman, W. 
Dowell, Thomas Burt, supervisors; J. W. Ren- 
ick, clerk; Henry Hurless, treasurer ; Timothy 
Spry, assessor; William Dowell, J. T. Cook 
and Jeff M. Hankius, justices ; J. W. Allbaugh, 
A. T. Carter and William Jewell, constables. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first schools taught in the town of Bloom 
have already been mentioned. In 1883 there 
were ten school districts in the town, all in suc^ 
cessful operation and supplied with neat and 
comfortable buildings. 

BELIGIOUS, 

In 1868 a union church was built on the 
present site of the village of West Lima. It 
is a very neat frame building, and cost $1,450. 
There is now but one religious organization at 
West Lima — the Disciples. 

In 1877 a church edifice was erected, on sec- 
tion 18, by the Christian denomination. It is 
a log building, and has always been known as 
the Sugar Tree House. Rev. Jacob Mark is 
the present pastor of the Christian Church. 
Services are held once each month. 
neefe's mill. 

Neefe's mill was originally erected on section 
36, in 18.57, by James and Z. Jones. Then, as 
now, it was located on the west branch of Pine 
river. In 1879 Charles A. Neefe rebuilt 
the mill and still owns and operates it. It is 
equipped with an improved circular saw, planer, 
matcher, lath saw, ripper and cut-off saw. Its 
capacity is 7,000 feet per day. The mill does 
excellent work and is having a good business. 

WE.ST BRANCU AND BON POSTOFFICES. 

In 1855 a postoffice was established under the 
name of West Branch, with ^Villiam Barrett as 
postmaster, and the office at his house on sec- 
tion 26. Mail was received once a week. 
David Barrett succeeded William Barrett as 
postmaster, and in turn was succeeded by Wil 
liam Pizer. T. K. Gray is the present post- 



master, and keeps the office at his store. In 
1883 the name of the office was changed to 
Bon, which it still bears. The office is on the 
mail route from Richland Center to West Lima, 
mail being received tri-weekly. 

THE VILLAOE OF SPRING VALI.ET. 

The village of Spring Valley was laid out 
and platted in the spring of 1855 by Isaac Pizer. 
The name of the village was suggested by the 
numerous springs in the valley where the place 
is located. The village contained four blocks 
of lots on section 26. In 1856 an addition to 
the village of one block was made by William 
Pizer, and one of three blocks by Isaac Pizer. 
The first house and barn on the site were erected 
by Willliam Pizer in 1856-7. The first store in 
the village was opened during the same year 
by William and Da^id Barrett. They were suc- 
ceeded by W. H. Downs. 

The first wagon maker in the village was 
Reuben Selby. 

The first blacksmith was William McMillan. 

The first shoemaker was W. 11. Rist. 

The first mill at Spring Valley was erected in 
1856 by James A. Sellers — a saw and gri.-it mill, 
run by water power. Mr. Sellers still owns and 
operates the mill. 

In 1883 the various lines of trade were repre- 
sented in Spring Valley by the following: 

Hardware and notions — T. K. Gray. 

General merchandise — J. W. Bradshaw, J. W. 
Cass and Shambaugh.& Householder. 

Drugs — Adam Shambaugh. 

Blacksmith and wagon shops — J. llebert & 
Co. and G. T. Hall. 

The first school in the village was tauglii liy 
David liarrett in the winter of 1857-8. 

The first school house in this vicinity was 
erected on section 26, in 1857. 

The first religious services in the village 
were held at the residence of C. W. Peckham, 
by a Presbyterian minister, in "1856. 'I'liere are 
now two church organizations in the vill.age — 
the Methodists and Disciples. 



984 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The first physician to locate at this point was 
Dr. A. Shambaugh. 

The first drug store was established by. T. K. 
Gray. 

THE VILLAGE OP WEST LIMA. 

This village was platted on sections 5 and 6, 
in 1875, by Joseph L. and Daniel V. De Hart 
and David 11. Todd. It lies just twenty miles 
from Richland Center and twenty miles from 
Union Center, the nearest railroad points. The 
village originally contained four blocks, or 
forty-eight lots. Three additions have been 
made to this one by J. L. and D. V. De Hart, 
in I8l8, of two blocks; one by Job M. Hurless, 
in 1878, of two blocks; and one by J. L. De 
Hart of two blocks. 

The first building upon the site was erected 
in 1874 by John G. Cook. • 

The first business building on the site was 
erected in 1874 by J. L. De Hart. 

The first store upon the present site of the 
village was opened in 1874 by J. L De Hart. 
Mr. De Hart, however, had kept a store in the 
vicinity of the village since 1855, and on the 
same site since 1859. 

The first blacksmith in the village was H. D. 
Tillon. 

The first shoemaker was A. B. Rundecker. 

The first mill was one run by steam power, 
which was erected by J. L. De Hart & Co., 
in 1878. 

The first hotel in the village was erected in 
1874 by W. S. Bean. 

The first physicians to locate in the village 
were Drs. J. Smith and J. H. Ilehn. 

The first school on tlie site of the village was 
taught in 1857. Daniel Grey and John Getty 
were early teachers. 

The first sermon was preached by Rev. Isaac 
Lepley. 

The following is a directory of the business 
of the village in 1883: 

General merchandise — J. L De Hart & Co., 
T. P. Burt and Drake & Hankins. 

Hardware — A. G. Jordan & Sons. 



Drugs — H. D. Tillon. The first drug store 
was started in 1877 by R. J. Earley. 

Millinery — Mantie Marshall. The first mil- 
liner was Nancy J. Early, who opened a shop 
here in 1878. 

Butcher shop — Sabin Brothers. 

Harness shop — James Stoops. The first har- 
ness shop was opened by A. J. Jacobs, in 1879. 

Hotels— E. B. Butterfield and Thomas Grif- 
fin. 

Blacksmithing — W. S. Bean. 

Physicians — Drs. J. H. Helm and H. A. Cole. 

A furniture store was opened at West Lima, 
in 1876, by H. B. Chapman and J. M. Hankins. 
It was only continued for a short time. 

D. H. Todd & Son were in trade when the 
village was platted, keeping a large stock of 
general merchandise. 

In 1S82 a new school house was erected in 
the village at a cost of 11,850. Frank Fowler 
taught the first school in this building. 

The post of the Grand Army of the Republic 
was organized March 15, 188-3, with the follow- 
ing as its charter members and officers: G. VV. 
Shattuck, commander; Henry Todd, S. V. ('.; 
John Carter. J. V. C; John Griffin, chaplain; J. 
H. Helm, sergeant; D. V. De Hart, G.; Fraiik 
Seeley, O. D.; Isaac Smith, O. G.; J. M. Hankins, 
O. T.; Lewis Long, S. M.; H. D. Tillon, Q. M. S.; 
John Gomig, James Granger, Robert Drake, 
T. W. Payne, Jesse Beatty, C. A. Neefe, M. R. 
Griffin, WiUet Lipley, C. A. Willey, T. R. 
Watts, August Zust and William Beatty. 

Tlie Independent Order of Odd Fellows at 
West Lima was organized on April 8, 1876, with 
the following charter officers and members : H. 
S. DeHart, N. G.; William Rodgers, J. A. Sand- 
mire, V. G.; George W. Drake, T.; Alma Ford, 
R. S., and Fred Cordes. The lodge now has a 
membership of fifty-two. The present officers 
are: J. L. DeHart, Jr., N. G.; Frank Poorman, 
V. G. ; A. M. Deets, T. ; Watson Telfair, R. S. 

The Independent Order of Good Templars 
was organized June 5, 1883. The following is a 
list of the officers and charter members : J. H. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



985 



Helm, W. C. T.; Alice Dellart, "W. V.T.; John 
Morrison, chaplain ; H. P. DeHart, secretary ; 
Dora Todd, A.S. ; Joseph Lipley, W.T.S ; W. Lip- 
ley, treasurer ; B. DeHart, M. ; Hattie Hurless, 
D. M.; Eliza Morrison, I. G.; W. W.Bean, O. G.; 
Mary Bean, R. H. S.; Elizabeth Watts, L. H. S.; 
B. A. Cole, P. W. C. T.; G W. Ammerman, N. 
W. S ; J. Ammerman, Anna Bean, B. B. De- 
Hart, Mrs. E. E. DeHart, Freeman Lipley, 
Mary A. Lipley, Jane Lipley, J. Morrison, Ellis 
Outland, Daniel Sabin, E. D. Sabin, Etta See- 
ley. Emma Todd, J. F. Watts and SereptaTodd. 

WEST LIMA POSTOFFICK. 

The postoffice at West Lima was established 
in 1855, under the name of Hoosier. The first 
postmaster was Jesse Harness. In 18G9 the 
name was changed to West Lima. Succeeding 
Mr. Harness as postmaster, came David H. 
Todd, G. D. Hamilton and Miss Mantie Marshall. 
The latter is the present postmistress. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

The early pioneers and prominent citizens of 
the town of Bloom, deserving of mention, are 
as follows: 

. Jobe M. Hurless, one of the pioneers of 
Bloom, was born in Pendleton Co.,Va., May 15, 
18.31. His mother died when he was but si.\ 
months old. He remained in Virginia until 
1833, in which year his father removed to Clin- 
ton Co., Ind., where he died in 1842. Our sub- 
ject then went to Carroll county, and lived with 
Dr. Courier some years, and from thence to 
Howard county, same stale, where he was mar- 
ried March 5, 1853, to Cyntha Trobough, a res- 
ident of Carroll county, but a native of Greene 
Co., Tenn., born June 20, ISiiG. Mr. Hurless 
then engaged in farming and on Sept. IV, 1854, 
departed for Wisconsin, and arrived in Richland 
county, town of Bloom Oct. 5, 1854. He there 
entered IGO acres of land on section 5, and was 
forced to cut his road through the woods three 
miles to get in with a team, and had to haul 
his provisions from Orion, a distance of thirty 
miles. He has since increased his land to 620 
acres, of which 200 acres are under cultivation. 



Mr. Hurless on his arrival in the town of 
Bloom possessed only $300, but by hard labor 
and successful speculations has acquired a com- 
petence. Mr. and Mrs. Hurless have seven chil- 
dren — Martha M., JohnM , Henry M., Ivan M.," 
Hattie A., Zettie and Orrin O. Martha was 
married in 1870 to T. P. Burt, and John M. 
was married in 1880 to Emma Stumbaugh. 
Martha has five children — Adie, Lulu, Etta, 
Elsie and Ivan M. John has three children — 
Odas H. and a pair of twins — Allen C and Bes- 
sie M. Mr. Hurless has also an interest in a 
general merchandise store in West Lima, but 
devotes the greater portion of his attention to 
stock raising. 

James A. Sellers, one of the early settlers of 
Richland county, was born June 22, 1817, in 
Perry Co., Ohio, where his early life was spent, 
obtaining his education in the common schools. 
In 1844, he was married to Caroline Melick. 
They are the parents of nine children — Jonas 
M., Mary I., John W., William A., Naomi A., 
Lucy E., Emma A. and Bessie. Mrs. Sellars 
died April 7, 1882. Jonas is now married to 
Nora Downs; Mary is the wife of J. D. All- 
baugh; J. W. is married to Mary J. Cushman, 
and Lucy E. to Marion Allbaugh. In 1855, ]\Ir. 
Sellars moved from Knox Co., Ohio, to Green 
Co., Wis., wintering there in 1850 and 1857. In 
1850, he came to Richland Center, and in Au- 
gust to the place where lie now resides, town 
of Bloom, and entered 120 acres of land on sec- 
tions 26 and 27, which he has reduced to ninety- 
two acres. He also owns a house, lot and grist 
mill in the village of Spring Valley. Mr. Sel- 
lers has been a deacon in the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church since 1869. 

W. R. Peckham, one of the leading farmers 
of Richland county, is a native of Jefi'erson Co., 
Ohio, where he was born in 1841, and there 
lived until 1855 when he moved to Richland 
Co., Wis., with his parents. They entered 160 
acres of land on section 34, town of Bloom. Mr. 
Peckham now lives on section 23, where he 
owns 200 acres, is engaged in farming and buy- 



986 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ing stock for the market. He was married 
Oct. 26, 1865, to Catharine Allbaugh, who was 
born in Carroll Co., Ohio, April 20, 1847, where 
she resided until 1861, when she came to Rich- 
land county, town of Bloom, with her parents. 
They now have four children — John A. Logan, 
Milo E , Marian S. and Bertha M. Mr. Peck- 
ham was a member of the 2.5th Wisconsin Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged 
in June, 1865. He was assessor of the town 
one year. His father, William Peckham, was 
born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 18U4, and died 
in the town of Bloom in 1881. His mother, 
Matilda, was born in 1809, also in Jefferson Co., 
Ohio, and died in the town of Bloom in 1SS3. 
Mr. Peckham has the respect and confidence 
of his fellow-men and may be classed among 
the best citizens of the county. He has always 
adhered to the principles of tlie republican 
party and is a pronounced member of tiiat or- 
ganization Mr. and Mrs. Peckham are both 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Joseph Herbert was born in the town of Mar- 
shall, Richland Co., Wis., Dec. 25, 1855, and 
since his birth, has been a resident of the 
county, excepting three years spent in Vernon 
county. He is now engaged in general black- 
smithing and the manufacture of wagons in 
the village of Spring Valley, and is the pro- 
prietor of the only hotel in tliat place. He was 
married in 18'76 to Mary E. Stewart, who was 
born in Black River Falls, Jackson Co., Wis., 
in 1857. Tiiey have three children — Rena M., 
Mertie C. and Milton M. His father, Peter, 
was born in 1801, in Canada ; emigrated to the 
United States in 1845, settled at Fort Clinton, 
Ohio, and in 1854 came to Richland county and 
located in the town of Marshall, early in the 
settlement of that territory. His mother, 
Elista, was also a native of Canada, born in 
1803, and died in Viola, Richland county, in 
1881. 

John J. Jewell, one of the most prominent 
business men and farmers of the town of Bloom, 
Wis born in Carroll Co., Ohio, in 1828, where 



his youth was spent, and he received such edu- 
cation as he was able to obtain in the district 
schools of his native county. In 1855 he moved 
to Vernon Co., Wis., settled in the town of 
Union, remained six months, then moved to the 
town of Bloom, Richland county, where he pur- 
chased 800 acres of land, which he has since 
reduced to 500, located on section 1, where he 
now resides, and is engaged in farming, mer- 
chandising, loaning money and buying and sell- 
ing stock to a large extent in Richland and 
Vernon counties. He was married in 1854 to 
Catharine Borland, who was born in the State 
of Pennsylvania, in 1830. They have seven 
children — David W., R. R., Enoch, William K., 
Ezra, John J. and Mary E. William K. is 
now married to Sarah E. McBain and Mary E. 
to Lemon T. Smitli. When Mr. Jewell came 
to this country, it was a wilderness ; and pluck 
and energy were necessary elements for success. 
Remote from mill and market, without roads or 
easy methods of transportation, with little food 
and poor shelter, settlement in those days 
meant for a while almost hermitage, and all 
honor is due such men and women as Mr. and 
Mrs. Jewell, who by sacrifice' and effortassisted 
in putting in motion a series of events, which 
have made possible the development of so 
goodly a land. Sometimes it would seem a 
place has thus been purchased at a cost beyond 
estimation, but they have lived to enjoy a home 
honestly gained, a competence fairly won, and 
are among the best class of Richland county 
citizens. Mi-. Jewell has business qualifications 
beyond most men, which, combined with econo- 
my, energy and good judgment, have enabled 
him to outstrip others in the accumulation of 
wealth, until now he is in possession of a suffi- 
ciency for every enjoyment during his declin- 
ing years. 

Charles A. Neefe, a native of Germany, was 
born Jan. 1, 1834, and emigrated to the United 
States with his parents at the age of two years. 
They first settled in St. Louis Co., Mo., where 
they remained eight or nine years, then removed 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



987 



to the lead mines of Grant Co., Wis., remain- 
ing until lS4t), when he came to Richland 
county and settled in the town of Orion. Mr. 
Neefe has been a resident of the county ever 
since. lie now owns 110 acres of land and a 
saw-mill, and is now doing a thriving business, 
lie was married in 1857 to Nancy M. See, who 
was born Jan. 7, 1836, in New York city, and 
came to Richland county in 1855. Mr. and 
Mrs. Neefe are the parents of five children — 
Maria, Christina, Emma, Frank and Frederick. 
Maria is now the wife of Ellut Jones; and 
Christina, of Hughey Clark. Mr. Neefe en- 
listed in 18()1 in the 0th Wisconsin Battery, and 
was discharged in 1864. While in the service 
he was iiijiued by the premature discharge of a 
gun, of wiiich lie was first gunner. In 1859 he 
went on a gold hunting expedition to Pike's 
Peak, and was successful only in getting finan- 
cially ruined. He, in company with three 
others, returned to Omaha, Neb., on foot. 
There, one of his comrades sold his gun for 
enovigh money to procure them passage to St. 
Josei>h, Mo. At that point Mr. Neefe took a 
twenty-dollar piece, which he liad saved, and 
paid iheir fare to Prairie du Chien, Wis., and 
having nothing to pay for food, he sawed wood 
for the cook of the boat, and so paid his own 
and his companions' board. On arriving at 
Prairie du Chien he tried to sell his gun to get 
his sick comrade home, but could get only $3 
and a glass of beer lor it. He accepted the 
offer, however, sent his comrade home and re- 
turned to his home liimself, arriving in Rich- 
land county a poorer but wiser man. He has 
never left the county since without money 
enough to bring him iiome. Mr. Neefe was 
formerly a democrat; since the wai', however, 
he has been a republican, but is not so bound 
to party but that he can and does vote for the 
best man. 

Mahlon Stewart, one of the pioneer settlers 
of the town of Bloom, was born Oct. 16, 1 827, 
in Pittsburg, Penn. In 1827 his parents moved 
to Galley Co., Ohio, where he resided until 



1852, when he removed to Jackson Co., Wis., 
where he remained until 1857, and then re- 
moved to Richland county and settled on sec- 
tion 35, of the town of Bloom, where he entered 
forty acres of land and engaged in farming 
until 1863, when he removed to the State of 
Minnesota and remained until 1864, when he 
returned to the town of Bloom and purchased 
eighty acres of land on section 35, where he 
now lives. In August, 1852, Mr. Stewart was 
married to Ruth Clark, who was born Oct. 16, 
.1830, in Jefferson Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. 
Stewart have eight children — Rachel J., Wil- 
liam, Mary E., James, Edward, Martha, John 
and Emmelt. Rachel is now married to James 
Zimberlee, William to Emma Davis, Mary E. to 
Joseph Herbert, James to Ella Bailey, and Ed- 
ward to Addie Barnhart. Mr. Stewart was a 
member of the 46th Wisconsin Volunteer In- 
fantrj', company II, having enlisted in 1864, 
and was discharged at the close of the war. 

Thomas J. Edwards is a native of the State 
of Missouri, born in Cooper county, Feb. 16, 
1817. In 1825 he moved with liis parents to 
Davis Co., Ind., where he grew to manhood and 
learned the tanner's trade. In 1839 he moved 
to Clinton Co., Ind., and remained until 1854, 
then went to Orion, Richland Co., Wis., and 
purchased 190 acres of land in Eagle town, and 
engaged in merchandising as clerk for Rodolph 
& Graham. In 1861 he enlisted in the 5tli Wis- 
consin, and was discharged in 1863, having been 
promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, 
com])any H. He now owns 104 acres of land in 
the town of Bloom, on section 32. He was 
marrietl in 1844 to Hannah Gray, who died the 
same year. He was again married Dec. 7, 1845, 
to Abigail Hayes. They have had eight chil- 
dren — Hannah J., Asa J., Mary C, Joseph A., 
May, Ida S. and EdwinaE (twins), and Claribel. 
Hannah, Asa and Ida are now deceased. Mary 
C. is the wife of Benjamiti Black; May is the 
wife of James Seeley; Edwina E. is the wife of 
Robert J. Drake; and Joseph A. is married to 



988 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Jane L. Guthrie. Mr. Edwards lias held the 
office of town treasurer of Orion ten j-ears. 

F. G. Hills, a native of New York, was born 
in Lewis county, in 1827, where he spent his 
youth and learned the trade of a wheelwright. 
In 1855 he came to Richland county, and 
worked at his trade in Richland Center nntil 
1875, when he moved to Nebraska, and there 
resided for six years. From thence he re- 
moved to the town of Bloom, and opened a 
blacksmith and wagon shop in Spring Valley, 
where he is doing a good business. He was 
married in 1852 to Miss C. J. Hubbard, born in 
Lewis Co., N. Y., in 1833. Tiiey have two 
children — Herbert and Nellie. Herbert was 
married to Emeline Peckham, and Nellie is 
now the wife of John Miller. Herbert is the 
father of four children — Charles, Delbert, 
Henry and Clara. Nellie is now the mother of 
three children — Eugene, Frank and Nora. 

James H. Stewart was born in Richland Co., 
Wis., Feb. 15, 1859, and has lived in the town 
of Bloom ever since. Mr. Stewart is the son of 
Malilon and Ruth f-tewart, who came to Wis- 
consin in 1852, and now lives in Bloom on sec- 
tion 35. Mr. Stewart was married in the year 
1880 to Ella Baily, who was born in 18ei in 
Williams Co., Ohio, and came to Richland 
county in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have one 
child — Evert A. Mr. Stewart now owns a house 
and two lots, and is engaged in the manufac- 
ture of wagons and general smithing, in the 
village of Spring Valley. 

J. W. Bradshaw, one of the prominent lousi- 
ness men of Spring Valley, was born in Wayne 
Co., 111., in 1847, where he made his home un- 
til 1S70, when he moved to Richland Co., Wis., 
locating in the village of Woodstock, engaging 
in the mercantile trade there, and continuing 
until 1876, when he sold his stock and pur- 



chased a farm, which he managed until 1883, 
when he again engaged in merchandising, locat- 
ing in Spring Valley, town of Bloom, where he 
carries a fine stock and has a good trade. He 
was married in 1870 to Lora A. Walser, a na- 
tive of Edwards Co., III., born in 1854. They 
have four children —James E., Ines, Una and 
Walser. Mr. Bradshaw was a soldier in the 
late war, having enlisted in 1863 in the 61st 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably 
discharged in 1865 His father, James, was 
born in li^entucky in 1800; went to Wayne Co., 
III., in 1830, and entered a farm, upon which he 
lived fifty years, and left a Ciiristian record ex- 
celled by none in his county. His mother, Ma- 
tilda, was born in 1804, and died in Wayne Co., 
111., in 1853. In addition to the care of his 
own business, he always finds time, and esteems 
it a great pleasure, to assist in bearing the bur- 
dens of building up Christian and benevolent 
causes of his place. 

B. F. McCord was born in Mercer Co., Penn., 
in 1826, where he resided until 1842, when he 
moved to Grant Co., Wis., and engaged in gen- 
eral work until 1859, then moved to Lee Co.. 
Iowa; remained one year, and returned to 
Grant Co., Wis. In 1866 he moved to Texas, 
remained two years, and returned to Grant 
county. In 1873 he moved to Des Moines 
Co., Iowa, remained two years, and came to 
Richland Co., Wis., and started a carding and 
spinning mill. In 1882 he moved to the town 
of Bloom, built a mill on section 4, where he 
had purchased forty acres of land and is doing 
a good business. He was married in 1859 to 
Lucinda Ayer, who was born in Rock Co., Wis., 
in 1842. They have seven children — Blanche, 
G. W., Jenette, Rebecca, Andrew, Mary and 
E. D Mrs. Mc(/ord died in the town of Bloom, 
in June, 1882. Blanche is now married to 
Charles Knightman. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



989 



CHAPTER XXI 



TOWN OF BUENA VISTA. 



Tliis town forms the southeastern corner of 
Ricliland county ami embraces portions of three 
congressional townships. Three whole and six 
fractional sections comprising this town, lie in 
ttiwnsliip 8 north., of range 2 east ; three whole, 
one-half and one fractional section of township 
9, range 1 east; and twenty-four whole and six 
half sections of township 9, range 2 east. 'J'he 
town of Buena Vista is bounded on the north 
by tin- town of Ithaca ; on the east by t"'auk 
county ; on the south by the Wisconsin river ; 
and on tlie west by the town of Orion. The 
south and southwestern portions of the town, 
including in fact nearly one-fourtli of the area, 
is made uj) of a level prairie. Tiie soil is sandy 
and moderately productive. It is well ada|ited 
to growing Indian corn and sorghum. The 
soil i)eing warm and light, melons grow in 
abundance here; and the production of water 
melons, ivarticularly, has occupied a great deal 
of the farmers' attention for a number of years. 
The first in tiie tow!i to raise and ship melons 
u|>oii an extensive st^ale was Ezekiel Elliott. 
He began in 18(5.'! and followed the business for 
a numiifr of years, slii|ipiMg from §l,OHO to 
1^1,500 wort!) aniuially and one year the ship- 
ments amounted to §2,000. In 1872 J. W. Ful- 
ler engaged in the business and for four years 
liis melon revenue was ^400 annually. He still 
devotes a good deal of his attention to the cul- 
tivation of melons. Others who are now rais- 
ing and shipping tliis pioduct are: Harvey Lay- 
ton, John Smitli, Isaac Fan and Aaron Lee. 

The valley of the Pine river, in the western 
part of tlie town, is very fertile and contaius 



many fine farms. The northern part of the 
town is hilly but well adapted to grazing. The 
greater part of the eastern portion of the town 
is included in Bear creek valley, which, with its 
tributary, the Little Bear creek valley, forms 
one of the finest farming regions in the State. 

The principal streams that traverse the town 
are Pine river and Bear creek. The former 
rises in Vernon county. It enters the town of 
Buena Vista by way of section 7, town 9, range 
2 east, and flowing nearly due south, makes 
confluence with the Wisconsin river on section 
31. Pine river is the most important stream 
that flows through Richland county. In this 
to < n its average width is seventy feet. Bear 
creek rises in Sauk county. It enters tlie town 
of Buena Vista from Ithaca, by way of section 
11, town 'J, range 2 east, and flows nearly south 
to the center of section 35, thence southwesterly 
to enter the Wisconsin river on section 4, town 
8. One of its tributaries, Little Bear creek, en- 
ters the tow-n on section 24, from Sauk county, 
and flows west to join Bear creek on section 2-3. 

'1 he ridges in the northern part of the town 
were originally heavily timbered; the principal 
varieties were white and black oak. West of 
Pine river there was a heavy growth of timber 
consisting principally of elm, basswood, oak, 
black walnut, butternut and ash. The valley of 
Bear creek was also covered with timber of the 
varieties mentioned, but the growth was not as 
heavy as that west of Pine river. 

Two lines of railway pass through this town, 
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad and 
the branch to Richland Center. 



990 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Tlie first settlement within tbe limits now 
comprising the town of Bueoa Vista, was made 
in the fall of 1845 by Robert and William 
McCloud. They emis^rated to Wisconsin from 
Hardin Co., Ohio, in 1844, and stopped with 
their families in the village of Muscoda. In 
the fall of '1845 Robert McCloud located a 
farm on the east bank of Bear creek, the north- 
east quarter of section 35, now owned by Rev. 
S. B. Loomis. He began improvements at once. 
At the same timeliis brother, William McCloud, 
located a farm about one half mile further 
south. In the spring of 1 846 they removed their 
families to the new homes, from Muscoda. 

In the fall of 184f' Israel Janney and his 
brother Phineas came to this town. Israel lo- 
cated on the west half of the northwest quarter 
of section 34 oh land which is now owned by 
R. L Moore, James Moore and Leonard Button. 
Phineas Janney located on the west half of the 
northeast quarter of section 28, town 9, range 
2 east, land now owned by D. B. Young. 

The following, from the pen of Israel Janney, 
graphically describes their settlement : 

"In the fall of 1846 my brother Phineas and 
myself, with our families, left Logan Co., Ohio, 
for Wisconsin, and on the 27th day of Septem- 
ber we crossed the Wisconsin river with our 
families in an Indian canoe, about one mile 
above the mouth of Bear creek, at a point 
since known as Hurst's ferry. Before crossing 
the river, we found it necessary to send our 
teams back by the way of Highland and Dodge- 
ville to Helena. At this point there had been 
a shot tower erected, and the company operat- 
ing this tower owned a flat boat for their own 
convenience, and they were engaged to ferry 
our teams across the river. We were landed on 
the north bank of the river near where Spring 
Green is now located, and traveled across the 
prairie to Bear creek. I mention these facts to 
show the inconvenience of traveling in the 
early settlement of the county." 



In the spring of 1847 William Janney, a 
brother of Israel, located on section 34, where 
J. \V. Briggs now lives. The next settler in the 
to \ n of Buena Vista was Amos Mercer, who also 
came in the spring of 1847. He was from south- 
ern Illinois. He settled on the west half of the 
southeast quarter of section 28, town 9, range 2 
east, on the farm now owned by A Harter. Mr. 
Mercer is a prosperous farmer of Sauk county. 

In the summer and fall of 1848 there were a 
number of locations made in this town. Delos 
Matteson, J. W. Briggs, Samuel Long, Jona- 
than Ingrum, E. B. Beason, Jonah Seaman, 
(Mr. Seaman came with the McClonds in 1845, 
but returned to Illinois, and came back again 
in 1848.) I. H. Wallace (proprietor of Rich- 
land city), C. W. Morris, George Reed, Na- 
thaniel Wheeler, who bought out Phineas Jan- 
ney ; J. W. Coffinberry, who settled on section 
SO, but soon after removed to Richland City. 
William and Cyrus Kline settled on the north- 
west quarter of section 23, and the north half 
of the northeast quarter of section 22, town 9, 
range 2 east, on what is now known as the 
Eaton farm. John P. Smith settled this year 
on section 22, on t) e farm now owned by 
Charles Daley. Emanuel Wallace, a brother 
of John Wallace, of Lone Rock, also came in 
1848 and settled on section 14, on the farm now 
owned *by Susan Halsey. B. J. Hopkins located 
on sections 24 and 18, on land now owned by 
A. Davis and Levi Runyan. Moses Brown 
and Sterling McKinney located this year on 
section 36, on land now owned by L. V. Loomis 
and Edmond Meade. Brown is in Chippewa 
county, this State ; McKinney is dead. Other 
early settlers, George L. Dyke, Stroud, Luther 
Evans, Holland Allen, Elias Thomas, George 
Woodard, Edmond Meade, on section 25, where 
he now lives, John Daley. A man uamed Per- 
rine located on section 12, town 8, range 2 east, 
in 1851. He sold to the railroad company the 
plat of Lone Rock village. He had several 
grown sons, one of whom was Dr. Perrine. A 
singular fatality attended this family, five of 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



991 



whom (lied soon after coming here. The family 
removed to Minnesota. 

HISTORICAL EVENTS. 

The first marriage in this town was that of 
Edwin Erwin and Elizabetli McCloud, the lat- 
ter a daugliter of Robert McCloud. Tlie cere- 
mony was performed in 1850 by Rev. Natlianiel 
Wlieeler. The couple now reside in Texas. 

The first death in tlie town was that of Philip 
II. Miller, which occurred Nov. 19, 1840. 
He was twenty-seven years of age, a son of 
Lsaac and Elizabeth (McCloud) Miller. He 
died of fever induced by exposure in hunting. 
The remains were buried on wiiat is now the 
farm of Hon. L. G. Thomas, but were afterward 
removed to the cemetery at Sextonville. 

The second death in the town was that of 
Mrs. Sarah J. (Miller) Janney, a sister of 
Philip Miller, which occurred March 21, 1847. 
Slic was the wife of Phineas Janney. 

Another early death was that of AdelbertH. 
Briggs, son of .1. W. aru] .Melissa Hiiggs, whicli 
took place March 7, 1849. The child was three 
and a half years old. 

Tlie first school in Buena Vista was taught 
l)y Mrs. Emily Matteson, wife of Delos Matte- 
son, in the suTumer of 1-^50. The school was 
kept at the residence of Mr Matteson. 

The first school house in the town was a log 
building erected on the northeast rpiarter of 
section 32, in 1849. Margaret Ingram was the 
first teacher here. 

The first sermon was jireached by Elder Na- 
thaniel Wheeler, in the fall of 1^48, at his resi- 
dence. 

POSTOFFICES. 

There are four postofHces in the town of 
Uuena Vista. Thi^ fir.>l eslaMishcil was at 
Richland City and a history of it will be found 
elsewhere. The history of the I.onc Rock post- 
ollicc is also given in its proper i)Iace. 

The second postfiffice in the town was estab- 
lished in 1854, with JNIoses Brown as ixislinaster 
and the office at his house on section .3". It 
was on the mail route from Sauk City to Prairie 



du Chien. 'Iliis office was discontinued at about 
the time the postoffice at Lone Rock was estab- 
lished. 

Dixon postoffice w^as established in June, 
1880, with Mrs. Helen Eaton as postmistress. 
The office is located on section 22. It was 
named in honor of William Dixon. 

Gotham postoffice is located at Richland City 
station. It was so named in honor of Capt. M. 
W. Gotham, who has been postmaster since the 
establishment of the office in July, 1882. 

EDUCATIONAL 5IATTERS. 

The town of Buena Vista is well supplied 
with schools, and educational facilities here 
are equal to any of the towns in Richland coun- 
ty. There are five districts and two joint dis- 
tricts. The total number of children of school 
age in the town is 340; of which the average 
attendance is 272. 

District No. 1 includes Richland City. It 
has fifty-eight children of school age. The 
building is a frame one in good condition. 

District No. 2 is usually called "Young's dis- 
trict," and has thirty-four pupils. The build- 
ing is a frame structure located on the south- 
cast quarter of section 29, which was built 
many years ago. In early days this was known 
as the "Friendship school house." 

District No. 3 includes the village of Lone 
Rock. 

District No. 5 has a building located on the 
northeast quarter of section 19, and has a school 
jiopulation of thirty-seven. The l)uilding is an 
(^Id frame edifice, which was erected a number 
of years ,ago. 

No. 6 is a joint district; including territory 
in the town of Orion. The school house is a 
neat frame building located on .■section 28. 
That part of the ilistricl in Buena Vista has a 
school po|)ulation of twenty-eight. 

District No. 8 has twenty-five pupils. The 
school house is a small red frame building 
located on section 23. 



992 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



District No. 10 has a neat frame building 
located on section 35. The number of pupils in 
the district is thirty-four. 

No. \ joint embraces but little territory in 
Buena Vista, only four pupils belonging to this 
town. The school house, is located in the town 
of Ithaca. 

CEMETERIES. 

There are two public burial places now in use 
in the town of Buena Vista. One is located on 
the norlliwest quarter of section 34. This cem 
etery was laid out in the fall of 1853. The first 
burial was that of Lucius Tracy, who died April 
6, 1854. There are others buried here who 
died in the town at an earlier date and were re- 
moved here from other burial places. Among 
the latter is Eliza, wife of John ?eaman, who 
died Oct. 15, 1853. She was accidentally shot by 
William McCloud. The other public burial 
place is known as Lone Rock Cemetery, and is 
situated on the northwest quarter of section 12. 

The first burial jdace in this town was on 
the farm of Robert McCloud, and the first 
burial was that of Philip H. Miller. This was 
used as a public burial place for some years, 
but most of the bodies have been removed to 
the two cemeteries mentioned. Another early 
place for the burial of the dead was at Rich- 
land City; but burials at this place have also 
been discontinued. Another place of burial 
was on the farm of Abijah Davis on the north- 
west quarter of section 3. L. G. Thomas has 
also a family burial place on his farm. 

THE NAME OF THE TOWN. 

The town of Buena Vista was so named at 
the suggestion of Mrs. J. W. Briggs. The 
name, Buena, had been suggested, it is said, by 
a returned Mexican soldier, who had probably 
become somewhat familiar with Spanish names 
during his army experience in Mexico. Mrs. 
Briggs suggested that the name would be in- 
complete simply as Buena, and thought that 
Vista should be added. Her suggestion was 
followed, hence the present name of the town. 



BEAR CREEK VALLEY. 

The eastern part of the town of Buena Vista 
includes Bear Creek valley, which is one of the 
finest sections of country to be found in the 
State of Wisconsin. From the point where 
Bear creek enters the town to its place of vxit 
into the Wisconsin river, includes a distance of 
about six miles. The average width of the 
valley is about one mile. In the early history 
of the town wheat and other cereals were 
grown in great abundance; but for a number of 
years this valley has been devoted extensively 
to grazing and dairying. 

There are two cheese factories in this valley, 
within the limits of the town of Buena Vista, 
which do an extensive business. L. G. Thomas 
is the pioneer in the cheese making business in 
the State of Wisconsin. He began in 1865, and 
for many years did an extensive business. 

In 1867 George Carswell and his brothers, 
John H. and Nathaniel, began tin' manufacture 
of cheese, using that year the milk of about 100 
cows. They ran a private dairy till 1873. The 
business was conducted for a number of years 
by George J. Carswell & Son, J. A. Carswell 
being associated with his father in the bu-iiiiess. 
That is still the style of the firm, Fred E. Cars- 
well being the junior member. The present 
factory w.as erected in 18-;2. This is one of the 
most complete factories to be found in the 
State. The size of the building is 24x45 feel; 
its full capacity of cheese is 1,500 pounds per 
day. It is furnished with all the modern im- 
provements, and its facilities for rapid .and ex- 
cellent work is not excelled. During the year 
1883 this factory manufactured into cheese the 
milk from 400 cows. The following is a state- 
ment of its product for three consecutive years: 

1881— Cheese, 100,000 pounds, value $10,500; 
butter, 3,000 pounds, value *'J00; total, |1 1,400. 

1882— Cheese, 120,000 pounds, value |12,-0U; 
butter, 4,000 pounds, value $1,200; total, $1 I,<i0(). 

1883 — Cheese, 160,000 pounds, value $17,000; 
butter, 5,000 pounds, value $1 ,500; total, $ i 8,500. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



it93 



The Eaton cheese factory was erected, in 
1871, by H. L. Eaton. During the first year 
the factory used the milk of about 200 cows. 
The establishment now has a capacity of manu- 
facturing 700 i)ounds per day. An unlimited 
amount of coM spring water runs througli the 
factory from a spring a few mds di.stant. In 
tlic spring of 1878 the factory was purchased 
by .1. M. Thomas. During the years 1882 and 
1883 tlie millv from about 500 cows -was regu- 
larly con.suraed. At present the greatest num- 
ber of cows furnished by any one patron is 
si.\ty. I hey are kept on the factory farm. 
There are nine patrons who furnish from twen- 
ty-five to forty cows each. These are Messrs. 
Brace, Fredrickson, Van Arnan, Burnham, 
Ellsworth, Winterburn, Greenback, Wade and 
Thomas. Five patrons furnish from fifteen to 
twenty-five cows each — Runyan, Webley, Brain- 
ard, Dixon and Southard. 

TOWN ORGANIZATION. 

During the winter of 1848-49, the town of 
Biiena Vista was organized by an act of the 
Legislature, and on the first Tuesday in A])ril, 
1849, the electors of the town met at the iiou.se 
of I. H. Wallace in Richland City, and organ- 
ized by choosing J. W. Coffinberry moderator 
and C. W. Morris, clerk. Tlie polls were opened 
and twenty votes were cast. The following 
oflicers were elected : Supervisors, J. W. Cof- 
finberry, chairman, Israel Janney and Jonathan 
Ingram; clerk, C. W. Morris; as-e.«8or, Phineas 
Janney; treasurer, Samuel Long; justices of 
the Peace, N. Wheeler, J. W. Coffinberry, O. 
L. Britton and J. W. Briggs ; inspector of 
Schools, E. B. Bcason. The returns were ta- 
ken to Mineral Point, Iowa county. 

The town officers of Buena Vista in 1883 
were as follows : Supervisors, J. Q. Black, 
chairman, William Krelraer and J. W. South- 
ard ; clerk, R. R. Eldred ; treasurer, William 
Furguson ; assessor, C. E. Brace ; justices of 
the Peace, J. W. P'uUer, L. D. Goodrich and 
W, E. Lewis ; constable, A. S. Lee. 



RICHLAND CITY. 

The village of Richland City — once of con- 
siderable importance — is located on the south- 
east quarter of section 31, town 9, range 2 
east. The original jiropriettirs of the village 
plat were Isaac Wallace and Garwooil Greene, 
who laid out the village in 1849. In 1851 A. 
C. Daley became an equal partner with Wallace 
and Greene in an addition that was made that 
year. This addition was laid out on the north 
side of the original plat, and was known as 
Wallace, Greene and Daley's addition to Rich- 
land City. 

Wallace made the original claim as govern- 
ment land, and had errected a log house on the 
plat. Garwood Greene erected a house in the 
fall of 1849, which was purchased and occupied 
by Henry dayman in the spring of 1850. Mr. 
dayman used this as a dwelling house and a 
shoe-shop, he being the first shoemaker in the 
village. Ezekiel Mclntyre was the first mer- 
chant. D. Osborne was the second. The latter 
coming here with a very small stock of goods. 
He was quite successful and built up an exten- 
sive trade. lie is now in Tennessee. Mr. IVIc- 
Intyre kept the first store in the log house that 
Wallace had built, previous to the laying out of 
the village. He begun in the fall of 1849. In 
1852 be built the store building now occupied 
by D. P. Nichols as a store and iiostoftice. 

Peter Haskins was the first black.smith in the 
village. 

The first physician was Dr. Hartshorn. 
Other physicians were C. B. Pierson and Tj. H. 
Nichols. 

Samuel Tyler was the first wagon maker. 
He has long since died. Other early mechanics 
were Chester Goodwin, cabinet maker; John 
Hooper, blacksmith; Christian Spidel, now of 
Riciiland Center, was the first jeweler; Capt. 
Henry Dillon and John Wyker were the first 
tailors. 

The school house in the village was erected in 
] ^53. 



994 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



In 1853 an academy was established at Rich- 
land City, Professor Silsby being the proprie- 
tor of the enterprise. The people af5sisted 
materially in the erection of a substantial build- 
ing and were to receive their recompense in 
tuition. This school was in operation for about 
four years. The building has since been moved 
to Spring Green where it is now used for school 
purposes. 

The postoffice at Richland City was the first 
in the town; it was established in 1854. Post- 
masters have been as follows: John Rutan, 
Dr. Pearson, Dr. Hadder, Mrs. Bangham, W. F. 
Lewis, Henry Eddy, T. E. Lewis and the pres- 
ent incumbent, D. P. Nichols. 

The first hotel was kept in a log building, by 
Bangham & Co. This house was burned in 
1855. Jacob Hauxhaurst built a hotel on the 
site of the log hotel burned. This building was 
erected in 1856, and was called the Valley 
House. It was afterward removed to Lone 
Rock where it is now known as the Haskell 
House. J. W. C'ofiiiiberry also erected a hotel 
here about 1855. This was afterward used as 
a boarding house for the academy. It is now 
used as a farm house near Spiing Green. ^An- 
other hotel was erected at about the same time 
by Joshua Simpson, which is also a dwelling 
house at Spring Green. 

The first mill was a steam saw-mill erected in 
1855 by Ephraim Brown. William Ketchum 
soon afterward bought one-half interest. They 
ran the mill for a number of years. It was af- 
terward conducted by other parties but its use 
was discontinued in 18V0. The pine timber 
which was used was rafted down the river 
from. the pineries above, and an extensive busi- 
ness was done. This mill supplied the sur- 
rounding country, for a radius of many miles, 
with lath and lumber. The mill also was used 
to manufacture into lumber the oak and other 
timbers in the vicinity. A steam grist and 
flouring mill was erected in 18.t4 by Henry 
Rowell. This mill contained four run of stone 
and did an extensive business for a number of 



years. Rowell owned the mill for about a year, 
when it went into the hands of other ji.uiics. 
This mill proved to be of too great magnilude 
to be profitable in this location, and was finally 
removed to Milwaukee. 

Richland City was for a number of yc:iis an 
important point. LTntil the completion of the 
Prairie du Chien branch of the C, M. & St. \\ 
Railroad, in 1856, steam-boats plied the Wis- 
consin river as far up as Portage, and Richland 
City was the most important landing on the 
route. But the completion of the railroad put 
an end to the traffic on the river, and from ilial 
time business in the village rapidly diminished. 

Among the men who were engaged in busi- 
ness here, from 1849 to 1856, the following may 
be mentioned: G. Greene, land dealer and mer- 
chant; William Ketchum, milling and merchan- 
dising; Daniel Osborne, general merchant; J. C. 
Clark, general merchant; George Rowell, mer- 
chandising and milling; Will'am F. Lewis, 
Horace Thompson, Thomas Lewis, William 
Carl and others. Some of the above, however, 
were engaged in business later than 1850. At 
present, the business of the village is re|in'- 
sented by D. P. Nichols, merchant and post- 
master, and H. M. Bock, wholesale liquor dealer. 

LONE ROCK. 

The village of Lone Rock had its origin in 
the advent of the Prairie du Chien branch of 
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railn.acl,, 
and the decision of the railroad company to es- 
tablish a station at this point. The railroad 
was completed to this place in Octoher, 18.")6. 
The name of Lone Rock was given to the sta- 
tion because of the remarkable pile' or mound 
of sandstone rock located just south of the 
eastern part of village, on section 13. It is not 
knovpn positively by whom the name was first 
applied to this mound of Rock, but it was 
probably first so called by the early raftsmen 
on the Wisconsin river, who, impressed by the 
singularity of the lonely rock on the prairie, 
gave it the name to designate a point mi the 
stream down which they tioateJ, the roi k being 



.■.-^ 











.;^ (ci^^y^^e^ 








a^\yy . QyL, ~<j:)claJ/ta^<^, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



999 



but a short distance from the left l)ank of the 
Wisconsin river. 

Ill tlie fall of 185C whit is known as Lone 
Keck City was laid out by Ray, Dean, Burrell 
and Cook. This plat comprised the southeast 
quarter of section 1-2, town 8, range 2 east. At 
about the same time, what is known as Lone 
Rock village, consisting of eighty acres adjoin- 
ing Lone Rock City on tlie north, was laid out 
by Dr. J. N. CasseU. Two other additions 
were made at about the same time — one of forty 
acres liy A. C. Daley, on the west of Lone Rock 
City; the other Ijy Daniel B. Allen, of forty 
acres joining Lone Rock village on the east. 
Tlie latter is in Sauk county. At the time Lone 
Rock was laid out there was but one building 
upon the plat. This was a log house in what 
becime Lone Rock village, occupied later by 
Mr. Calder, the first blacksmith, A number of 
buildings were erected in the fall of 1856. 

J. O. Phe'ps, the first merchant of Lone Rock, 
erected a store building on the corner of Rich- 
land and Oak streets. This building, ihougli 
remodeled, is now owned and occupied by J. C. 
Bancroft as a general store. Mr Phelps is re- 
garded as the first merchant of Lone Rock, al- 
though Joseph Wade kept a few groceries for 
sale before Mr. Phelps had completed liis build- 
ing. J. O. Piielps was a native of Seneca Falls, 
N. Y. Before locating here he had been to 
California, where he had acquired some means. 
He kept a good general store, was an active, 
wi<le-awake business man, and generally liked, 
although somewhat eccentric lie removed 
from here to Sauk county, and died at Spring 
(Trreen a few years ago. 

During the same fall, 1856, Lorenzo Boroughs 
kejit a store for A. C. Daley, in Daley's ad- 
ditinii. 

Samuel F. Hdiiii was another merchant who 
started in 1H.")0. He died at Boscobel a iniml)er 
of years ago. 

Several new buildings were erected during 
that fall, ami a number were moved from 
Hurst's Ferry. 



Henry Pad<lleford o])ened the first hotel, in a 
building wliicli he bmuglit from the ferry. 
This was called the Union House. It was kept 
successively by Mr. Paddleford, J. W. Brooks 
and S. F. Ilonn. The building is now occupied 
as a dwelling house. Mr. Paddleford is now in 
Texas, In the early history of the village, ho- 
tels were also kept by .loscph Wade and (iarrelt 
Cruson; the latter kept what was known as the 
City Inn. 

M. Waters built one of the early hotels here. 
He purchased a building erected by Flanders 
for a lumber office, to which he m ide an addi- 
tion, and opened it to the public as the Ameri- 
can House. He ran it for some time, and then 
sold it to Mr. Mullen and O. Malley, wlio ran 
the hotel for several years. 

The present hotels are the Haskell House, 
the Commercial House and the Sherman House. 
The Haskell House was brought here from 
Richland City, in 1865. It was known at that 
place as the Valley House. It was built at 
Richland City in the early history of that vil- 
lage, by a man named Hauxhaurst. It was pur- 
chased, taken to ])icces, brought here and re- 
erected by Eaton and Craig, and called by them 
the Sheridan House. It wa< run bv Piatt it 
Putnam, for some lime and then by H. IJrain- 
ard. It was also conducted at <lifferent times 
by Messrs. Page, Bell, Corbin, McDonald and 
Dyke. It was finally purchased by the Tows- 
ley Brothers, and by them run as the Towsley 
House II. W. Haskell rented the hotel for a 
time, then ))urchased it and gave his name to 
the hotel, by which it is at present known. The 
present landlord of the Haskell House is A. 15. 
Hill, late of the Commercial House. 

The building used as the Commercial House 
was bui t at Point Boss. It was bought a few 
years since and removed to its present location. 
It was first used as a hotel by A. B. Hill, now 
of the Haskell House. It is still owned by A. 
M. Woodliiny, wlio purchased and brought it to 
the village. 



60 



1000 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The Sherman House was built in the fall of 
1856. The building is now owned and kept as 
a hotel by Mrs. Dudgeon. 

The first school in the village was taught by 
Ellen M. Wesley, in the upper part of the 
building erected by Dr. J. N. Cassell, for a 
drug store. The school began in the fall of 
1856 and continued for five months. Miss Wes- 
ley is now the wife of J. W. Fuller, of Lone 
Rock. 

Garrett Crusoii was the first carpenter. A 
number of others came at about the same time. 
Mr. Cruson now lives at what was Hurst's 
Ferry. 

The first physician in the village was Dr. J. 
N. Cassell, who came in 1856. He remained 
here a number of years, when he removed to 
Chicago, where he died. His remains were 
brought here for burial. The second physician 
was Dr. R. L. Telfair, who is still a resident. 
Other physicians who have practiced l:ere in 
the past are: Dr. McKinnon, Dr. Dodge, Dr. 
Stoddard, Dr. Pinkerion Dr. Charles E. Hongh- 
man and others. 

The first drug store was kept by Dr. J. N. 
Cassell Dr. R. L. Telfair opened the second 
drug store in 1857, and has been in the business 
most of the time since. 

In 1«57 Dr. R. L. Telfair erected the first 
warehouse in the village. At about the same 
time Charles Putnam, from Boston, erected a 
warehouse and commenced dealing in grain. 
He was in traile for several years, and then re- 
moved to Chicago. 

The first jeweler was H. A. Harrison. The 
present one is Lorenzo Borroughs. 

But few (jf the business men of Lone Rock, 
who started with the growth of the town in 
1856-7, are still in trade. The following are the 
names of men and finns who have been in busi- 
ness here, but now removed or retired: Phelps 
Bros., Piatt Bros., S. F. Honn, Daniel Osborn, 
Saul Hirsline, William Shafer, J. L. R. McCol- 
lum, John Litle, J. M. McDonald, W. G. James, 
David Dudgeon, who died here, and others. 



The business of Lone Rock in 1883 was rep- 
resented as follows: 

Fuller & Foster, — general merchants. 

John Wallace, — general merchant. 

Mc Williams & Martin, represented by J. C. 
Bancroft, — general merchants. 

Tyler & Southard, — hardware dealers. 

A. Wolf, — postmaster and druggist. 

R. L.Telfair, — physician and druggist. 

A. B. Hill, — proprietor Haskell House. 

Mrs. D. W. Dudgeon. — proprietress Sherman 
House. 

Guy P. Towsley, — proprietor livery stable. 

Puller, Foster & Runyan, — lumber dealers. 

.J. F. Beardsley, — farm machinery. 

D. T. Beebe, — broom manufacturer. 
John Frank, — meat market. 

E. J. Aldrich, — blacksmith and machine shop. 
J. L. Richison, — blacksmitli and machine 

shop. 

James Gilson, — saloon. 

A. M. Woodbury, — saloon. 

L. G. Thomas, — grain and produce dealer. 

John Smith, — proprietor of Lone Rock & 
Ironton stage line. 

W. W. Garrison, — dentist. 

Laura Burnham, — millinery. 

D. Hardenburgh, — surve3'or and civil engi- 
neer. 

A. W. Towsley,— agent C, M. & St. P. Ry. 

J. W. Fuller, — justice of peace. 

L. Burroughs, — jeweler. 

M. Schlonch, — harness and saddle dealer. 

A. S. Lee, — insurance agent. 

J. K. Fries, — billiard room and confectionery. 

A.Ray <fe Co., — hardware. 

The Lone Rock grist mill is located on Bear 
creek, on the northeast quarter of section 3. 
The mill site was originally owned by J. W. 
Briggs. In 1857 Henry Rowell purchased it 
and erected the mill in 1858. The mill is an 
important institution of the town and has done 
a large business for many years. It is a frame 
structure, three stories in height above the b.ise- 
ment. It was run by Henry Rowell and his 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1001 



brother Daniel until 1 P05 when they sold to B. 
and G. Ilarter who coiidueted it until 1877 when 
it went into the hands of Mr. Miller, of Madison. 
The mill still does an extensive business and is 
noted for the excellence of its work. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The postoffice at Lone Rock was established 
in the fall of 18.56, with Henry Paddleford as 
the fir.st postmaster. lie held the office about 
one year and was succeeded by Zebulon W. Green, 
who held the office for several years, and was 
succeeded by R S. Eldred ; after Mr. Eldred 
came Dr. R. L. Telfair who held the office for 
several years. R. S. Eldred then again was 
postmaster and was succeeded by J. C. Bancroft 
early in 1869. In the fall of 1869 Abraham 
Wolf was appointed and has held the office 
since that time. The office was made a money 
order office in .Inly, 1874. The first order, for 
$8 50, was drawn by C. E. Brace. The first 
two orders were paid (o Harriet Jenkins; amount 
of first order drawn, So. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school house in tlie village was 
erected in 1857. It was a frame building and is 
still standing, in use by the primary departments 
of the school. In 1864 a much larger building 
was put up at a cost of about $2,500. It was 
two stories high, 34x5'3 feet in size. On April 
1, 186-'), when the house was about completed, 
it was struck by lightning and ontirt'ly consumed 
by fire. In the spring of 1806 snot'ier liuilding, 
somewhat larger than the one burned, was ready 
for occupancy. This, with the first house erected, 
afford tlie school huililing accommodations at 
the present time. 

The school was graded in 1866 when the new 
huilding was first occupied. 

In 1875, in accordance with the law then 
recently passed for the establishment of schools 
of a higher grade, a high school was establi!;hed. 
The first princi|ial of the high school was II. 
W. Hewett, who remained one year. ^Ir. Ilew- 
ett's successors were : I. A. Sabin, who was 
here one year; Mr. Hill, one year; Thomas 



Morrow, three years ; W. S. Sweet, the present 
county superintendent; and A. Wood, who 
succeeded Mr. Sweet in 188-^. For a number of 
years the high school was a decided success and 
secured a high reputation for its excellence, but 
the expense of supporting so higli a grade of 
school proved to be too great a buiden on the 
people and it was .abandoned in 1882 

The present principal of the graded school is 
L. H. Bancroft. The present number of pupils 
is 116. 

FRATERNAI. SOCIETIES. 

There are four fraternal organizations at 
Lone Rock: The Masonic, I. O. O. F., Good 
Templars and G. A. R. 

Palestine Lodge, A. F. & A. M. was in- 
stituted by dispensation at Richland City, Jan. 
18, 1859. The first regular meeting was lield 
Feb. 2, 1859. The first officers were— Ira Cur- 
tis, W. M.; D. B. Young, S. W.; W F. Lewis, 
J. W.; A. C. Tracy, S. D.; O. Slowell, J. D.; 
G. L. Sargent, tyler; Henry Dillon, secretary. 
A charter was granted the h dge June 14, 1859, 
and it was duly constituted under the charter 
.Iiily 28, following, by M. L. Young, special 
deputy grand master. At a special meeting 
held the same day, the following officers were 
duly installed: Ira Curtis, W M.; D. B. Long, 
S. W.; W. F. Lewis, J. W.; G. W. P. Hadder, 
secretary; S. Spidle, treasurer; A. C. Tracy, S. 
D.; O. Stowell, J. D.; D. R. Phillips, tyler. 
The following are the names of the worshipful 
masters who have )iresided over the lodge: 
Ira Curtis, W. C. Wright, H. L. Eaton, A. C. 
Tracy, H. L. Eaton, J. M. Thomas, J. C. Ban- 
croft J. M. Thomas, J. C. Bancroft and J. M. 
Thomas. The present membership of the lodge 
is forty-three. Regular communications are 
held on Wednesday preceding the full moon in 
each month. Communications were held at 
Richland City until 186l,wlien the lodge was 
removed to Lone Rock. 

Langworlhy lodge. No. 102, Odd Fellows. 
This lodge was instituted in I860, as Cascade 
lodge. No. 102, by Z. W. Green, J. C. Bancroft, 



1002 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Daniel Piatt, R. L. Telfair and Henry Dillon. 
Tlie lodge flourished for a time, but became so 
depleted during the war, from enlistments and 
other causes, that it was discontinued. It 
was resuscitated Jan. 17, 1868, by T. W. 
Fuller, J. C. Bancroft, Edward Cruson, James 
Finn, John Wallace, Timothy Maroney and 
C C. Line. The above are the names tliat 
appear on the new charter, granted in 1868. 
Of the first organization, Z. W. Green 
was the first noble giand; and the first noble 
grand of the second organization was J. W. 
Fuller. The present officers are Edward Cm- 
son, N. G.; Wm. Cramer, V. G.; L. H. Lee, R. 
S.; A. Wolf, T. The present membership is 
about thirty-five. 

The Henry Dillon Post, No. 24, G A. R., 
was organized March 1, 1882, by Phil. Cheek, 
Jr., of Baraboo, Wis. Twenty-two comrades 
were mustered at its organization. The fol- 
lowing officers were elected : N. B. Hood, 
commander; A. Wolf, S. V. C; J. M. Bowers, 
J. V. C; W. A. Garrison, .adjutant; J. W. Rey- 
ma, officer of the day; A. J. Harrison, surgeon; 
Wm. Knapp, chaplain; E. J. Burdick, officer of 
the guard; C. H. Pierce, quartermaster. The 
post is now in a flourishing condition, and num- 
bers sixty-three members. It meets every Sat- 
urday night. The post was named in honor 
of Capt. Henry Dillon, late Capt. of 6th Wis- 
consin Battery. 

PERSONA!. SKETCHES. 

Among the following personal sketches will 
will be found those of the most prominent and 
representative citizens of the town of Buena 
Vista : 

One of the earliest settlers of the town of 
Buena Vista is Samuel Long; his settlement 
dating from August, 1848. Mr. Long's resi- 
dence is on section 29. He was born in Indi- 
ana Oct. 9, 1816, but was reared in Illinois, 
where his parents, J^ob and Katharine Long, 
removed when he was a child. 

His father came here in 1853 and settled on 
section 20 where he lived till his decease in 



1863; his mother died seven years later. The 
parents of Mr. Long had four children; one son, 
John, died in Illinois. There are two daughters, 
Elizabeth and Anna; the former is Mrs. Green 
McCaim, a widow who resides in Iowa. Anna 
is the wife of Alfred Kuykendall of this town. 
Samuel married Francis Ballew a native of 
Kentucky. They have four children — Katli- 
arine, wife of William B. Brown, Charles M., 
graduated at Rush Medical College in the class 
of 1878; he is now practicing medicine at Osa- 
kis, Douglass county, Minn. Albert is a student 
at the State L'niversity, and Alice lives at home. 
Mr. Long's farm contains 160 acres. 

Leonard Button is one of the early settlers 
of this town, the date of settlement being July, 
1849. He located on section 34, his present 
home. By energy and industry he has secured 
a good honj.e. 

D. P. Nichols was one of the early settlers 
of Richland City, and is the present merchant 
and~ postmaster of that once active and impor- 
tant village. He came here in 1850, a short time 
after the village was platted. He was born in 
Essex Co., N. Y., in 1827. His father, Amasa 
Nichols, removed with his family to Richland 
Co., Ohio, in 1835, where he resided till his de- 
cease. Mr. Nichols learned the trade of tanner 
and currier, which occupation he followed for 
five years. He afterwards engaged in the busi- 
ness of carpentry, which he followed for some 
time after he caaie to Richland county. He 
run the Richland City ferry for eight years, and 
afterwards engaged in the grocery business. He 
enlisted in 1862, in the 19th regiment Wiscon- 
sin Volunteer Infantry, in which he served 
eleven months, when he was discharged for dis- 
ability. He re-enlisted in 1864 in the 4th Wis- 
consin Battery, light artillery, in which he 
served till the close of the war. After the war, 
he was variously engaged till 1880. In May of 
that year he engaged in mercantile business. 
He was appointed postmaster, Oct., 2, 1883. Mr. 
Nichols has Vjeen twice married. His first wife, 
Mary dayman, was born in Ohio and died here 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1003 



ill 1865. His present wife was Sarah Bills. lie 
has three ehiUlren by his first marriage — Orilla, 
Bell and Nellie. 

Jaraes D. Keyes has been a resident of 
the town of Bueiia Vista since May, 1851. 
He has resided where he now lives, on sec- 
tion 16, since the spring of 1856. He has 
330 acres of land, most of which was school 
land, which he obtained from tlie State. He was 
born in Bedford Co., Va., in 1825, butremovedto 
Ohio with his parents, when ten years old, where 
liis father died soon afterward. Mr. Keyes was 
married in Oliio to Maria B. Miller, a daughter 
of Isaac and Eli7,al)eth Miller. Her father died 
in Ohio, and her mother afterward married 
Jacob Krouskop, one of the well known early 
settlers of Richland county. Mrs. Krouskop is 
still living at an advanced age. Mrs. Keyes is 
a niece of the noted pioneers, Robert and Wil- 
liam McCloud. She was born in Logan Co., 
Ohio, in \(22. Mr. and Mrs. Keyes have had 
seven children, four of whom are living — Wil- 
liam McCloud, Charles B., James M. and Eliza 
A. Philip died in 1801, Jacob in 1854, and 
George D. in 1868. 

William Krousko}) resides on section 20, town 
of Buena Vista. He is a son of Jacob Krous- 
kop, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. 
Mr. Krouskop was born in Logan Co., Ohio, in 
1836, and came to this county with his father 
in 1851. His farm was entered by Philij) .Mil- 
ler, whose death was the first that occurred in 
the town. It was purchased of Robert McCloud 
by the father of the present owner, Jacob 
Krouskop, in 1848, several years before the lat- 
ter settled in the county. William Krouskop 
has owned the farm since ISHl. It formerly 
contained 100 acres, but now has 310 acres. Mr. 
Krouskop now has an excellent place, and his 
improvemenls are among the best in the town. 
He is engaged quite extensively in feeding and 
shipping stock. He learned the trade of miller 
at his father's mill at Sextonville, and followed 
milling for a number of years. His wife was 
formerly Amanda Black, a native of Virginia. 



Mr. Krouskoj) possesses the necessary qualifica- 
tions for a successful business man, has accumu- 
lated a competence, and has a good reputation 
among his fellow men. 

John Wallace, merchant at Lone Rock, came 
to Richland county in the spring of 1849, and 
has been a permanent resident since 1851, when 
he helped erect a mill at Richland City, wliich 
was the first mill built at that point. In 1854 
he settled on his land in the town of Itbica, 
which he had entered in 1849. He has lived at 
Lone Rock since May, 1861. 

Alfred Kuykendall settled on section 20, in 

1853, where he still lives. He is a native of 
Illinois. His wife was Anna Long, a sister of 
Samuel Long of this town. They have four 
children— John, Mary C, Jacob and Elizabeth. 
John enlisted Aug, 9, 1864, in company I, 
38th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 
Captain H. H. Coleman, and served until the 
close of the war. He participated in several 
important engagements in the vicinity of 
Petersburg, Va. From the spring of 1865, un- 
til the close of the war, he was on detached 
duty and was honorably discharged in July, 
1865. John Kuykendall owns a farm on section 
13, where he now resides. 

Henry J. Morrison lives on section 17, town 
9, range 2 east, where he settled in 1853, pur- 
chasing his farm of eiglity acres of Israel Jan- 
ney. He at once commenced improvements, 
breaking twenty-seven and one-half acres that 
season, and erecting. a log house, in which he 
lived with his family during the summer of 
1853; but he returned to MQrrow Co., Ohio, in 
the fall of that year, where 'he taught school 
the following winter, returning in the fall of 

1854. Mr. Morrison was born in Knox, now Mor- 
row Co., Ohio, in 1824, where he was reared. He 
received a primary education at the common 
school, after which he attended the Martins- 
burg Academy, in Knox county, and was for a 
time a student of the Miami University, in J>ut- 
ler county. Much of his life lias been spent in 
teaching, which he began in 1849, and taught 



1004 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



one terra in his native State, before coming 
west four terms in Illinois. He has taught 
eleven terms of school in the town of Bnena 
Vista, and six terms in other parts of the 
county, four in Waukesha county, one in Ozau- 
kee county. In 1850 Mr. Morrison came to 
Richland county and spent some weeks, but 
felt that he should not like the place for a 
home. He wished to go to Bloomington, 111., 
but on arriving at Hanover, Jo Daviess Co., 
111., his team gave out so he could go no farther. 
He then rented a small farm near Hanover, and 
took the village school for the winter, farmed 
in the summer, taught a six months' term the 
next fall and winter. He again visited Rich- 
land county in the spring of 1852, and seeing 
the great improvements that had been made in 
the meantime, and getting pretty well over the 
•blues" from which he suffered very much in 
1850, lie thought this county would do for a 
new home; so he returned in 1853, and pur- 
chased as before stated. He has added an 
eighty, and again a forty, and the farm now 
consists of 200 acres. In 1874 Mr. Morrison 
rented his farm and removed to Waukesha, for 
the purpose of giving his children tiie advan- 
tages of the school of Carroll College, of that 
city, where he lived with his family three and 
one-half years, and where four of his children 
graduated. He was married in June, 1848, in 
Ohio, to Sally Ann Fox, who was born near 
Mansfield, in that State. They have seven chil- 
dren, all of whom are well educated and 
promise to be useful and respected members of 
society. They have all gone out into the world 
from the paternal roof. The names of the chil- 
dren are — Walter L., Thomas G., Mary C, 
Robert T., Emma E., William H. and Ella J., 
five of whom are now teaching school. 

Alfred KuydendiU resides on section 20, 
town 9, range 2 east, where he located 
April 20, 185-3. He was born in Vigo Co Ind., 
Dec. 20, 1823. He lived in his native county 
and in Clark Co., 111., until thirty years old. 
He was engaged for a number of years boating 



on the Waba.sh, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. 
He came to Richland county as before stated in 
1853. He went first to the State of Iowa in 
search of a location, visiting what is now some 
of the finest parts of that State, but finally came 
here and bought his first land, eighty acres, of 
Jacob Long. Like most of the early settlers he 
was poor when he came here. He soon erected 
a frame dwelling, which he still occupies. His 
farm at present contains 120 acres, nearly all of 
which is improved. His wife was Anna Long, 
daughter of Jacob Long, who was born in 
Clark Co., lU., Dec. 19, 1823. They have four 
children, two sons and two daughters — John, 
Mary, wife of David Henry; Jacob and Eliza- 
beth, wife of Milo Beckwith. Mr. Kuyken- 
dall's father died in Vigo Co., Ind , in 1834. 
His ancestors were from Holland. He removed 
to Indiana from Kentucky. 

George J. Cars well has been a resident of 
the town of Buena Vista since 1853. In March 
of that year he bought of E. M. Sexton 160 
acres of land on section 26, town 9, range 
2 east, where he settled with his family the 
following September. Mr. Carswell was born 
in the town of Exeter, Otsego Co., N. Y., Dec. 
5, 1823. He was a resident of the State of 
New York until he came to Richland county. 
His father, Benjamin Carswell, was a native of 
Massachusetts and died when his son was four 
years of age. Mr. Carswell married Louisa 
Matteson, born in Otsego Co., N. Y. She is a 
sister of Delos Matteson, one of the well known 
pioneers of Richland county. He settled in 
the town Buena Vista in 1848 and died in 1857. 
His widow now lives at Lone Kock. Few 
among the pioneers of Richland county 
have been more successful than Mr. Carswell. 
He began life poor, and by energy and indus- 
try has secured a competence. His farm con- 
tains 400 acres of excellent land, and his im- 
provements are not excelled in the town of 
Buena Vista. Socially he is a genial, intelli- 
gent gentleman; he has an e.tcelient memory 
and is well informed on the early and later his- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1005 



tory of Ricliland county. Mr. Carsvvell was 
elected town superviso ■ in the spring of 1855; 
he assessed the town at an early day; was 
chairman of the board for the years 1866-7 
and again in 1879. For a number, of years Mr. 
Cirswell has given much attention to the sub- 
ject of dr.aining. For the past twenty years he 
has been engaged in raising the Devon breed of 
cattle. He has now a herd of 100 cows, si.xty 
of which are thoroughbred Devons. Probably 
a finer herd of cows cantiot be found in the 
State than is possessed by Mr. Carswell. Mr. 
and Mrs. Carswell have three children, all of 
whom were bjrn in this town— John A., born 
Oct. 29, 1854, Fred. E., born February, 1861, 
and George A., born March, 1867. 

James A. Bills resides on the northeast cor- 
ner of section 30, where he settled in 1853. He 
came to Richland City the previous autumn, 
where he resided with his family the following 
winter. He purchased eighty acres of his farm 
from Jonah Seaman; eighty acres from A. C. 
Daley, and forty acres from C. C. Woodman. 
His farm now contains 210 acres. He was 
born in Berkshire Co., Mass., in 1819. When a 
boy, he removed with his parents to Genesee 
Co., N. Y., and thence to the State of Pennsyl- 
vania. He was married in Erie county, of the 
latter State, to Permelia Emerson. After his 
marriage, he removed with his family to Kane 
Co., 111., where he lived seven years, coming 
here from that county. Like many other settlers, 
Mr. Bills came into the county a poor man, but 
by industry and economy, lias secured a pleas- 
ant home and a competency. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bills have had twelve children, four sons and 
eight daughters. One son and seven daughters 
are still living— Alonzo, born in Illinois in 1846: 
Mary, wife of Wesley Southard; Emma, wife 
of Foster Teeples; Jane, wife of Philip Bi.xler; 
Clarissa, wife*of William Gewald; Ellen, wife 
of E. Davis, in Colorado; PZtta and Hattie. 
They lost one son, William, in the army during 
the War of the Rebellion. He was born Feb. 
28, 1848. lie enlisted in company A, 30th 



Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was killed 
at Cold Harbor, Va. He was but sixteen years 
old at the time of his death, and although so 
young bad already proved himself a brave 
soldier on the field of battle. He was killed by 
a confederate sharp-shooter, while conveying 
water to his comrades. 

Abijah S. Davis came to Buena Vista in the 
fall of 1853, where he purchased a quarter sec- 
tion of land of Mr. Coffinberry. He was born 
in Canada, Aug. 2, 1824, where he lived until 
he was sixteen years old, when he left his home 
and came to the then territory of Wisconsin, 
locating in Dane county, where he lived many 
years. He purchased and improved a farm in 
Sun Prairie, in that county, which he after- 
wards sold, and located in the town of Berry, 
in the same county. He went to California in 
the early days of the gold fever in that State, 
where he engaged in mining, and was quite 
successful. He came to Richland county soon 
.after his return from the land of gold. Mr. 
Davis is one of the successful farmei-s in the 
town of Buena Vista. He was married to 
Thankful A. Bresse, a native of Canada. They 
have had four children — W. H., A. S., de- 
ceased; Walter J. and Sallie A., also deceased. 
Walter J. Davis, who now owns the homestead 
where his father settled in 1853, was born on 
the old homestead in 1854. His wife was Lizzie 
Winterburn. They have two children — Benja- 
min U. and Abijah N. 

William McNurlen resides on section 18, 
where he .settled in 1854, purchasing his farm 
of George Mathews, upon which he has since 
made all the improvements. He was born in 
Greene Co., Penn., in 1814, where he lived until 
twenty years old, when he went to Richland 
Co., Ohio, thence to this county in 1854, during 
the month of July. He was married in Ohio 
to VVillomine Trumbo, born in Tuscarawas 
county. They have had twelve children, eight 
of whom are now living— Rebecca J., Thomas 
J., Hannah J., William Allen, Wilson S., Lewis 
C, Chapman and Preston. They lost two sons, 



1006 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Jolni aiul Andrew, in the army during the War 
of llie Rebellion. The former was a member 
of the 19th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and 
died at Norfolk, Va., in 1862. The latter be- 
longed to the 36th Wisconsin, and died of 
starvation in the confederate prison at Sauls- 
burg, N. C, in 1865. Thomas also served in 
the army during the the Rebellion, in the 19lh 
Wisconsin. Mr. MeNurlen's farm now contains 
200 acres. 

John A. Carswell is the son of George J. 
Carswell, and was born at the homestead in 
this town Nov. 29, 1854. He resides on section 
26. Forty acres of his farm was entered by E. 
M. Sexton and purchased by G. J. Carswell. 
He purchased eighty acres of his farm from N. 
Carswell, and 100 acres from Harry Pier, hav- 
ing, altogether, 220 acres. Like a number of 
successful farmers of Bear river valley, Mr. 
Carswell is giving his attention to dairying, 
and like his father, possesses a fine herd of 
Devon cows. He is a practical dairyman, hav- 
ing learned thorouglily the business of cheese 
manufacture. He was educated at the high 
school at Lone Rock, which, for a number of 
years, was an institution of high merit. After 
leaving school he had charge of his father's 
farm for five years. He settled on his ])resent 
place in 1878. He was married to Abigail, 
daughter of V. Brainard. She was born in Vir- 
ginia. Her father formerly resided on section 
26 of this town, but has returned to Virginia. 

Levi Runyan resides on section 13, town 9, 
range 2 east, where he settled in April, 1855. 
He was born in Otsego Co., N, Y., but was 
reared in Herkimer county, and brought up to 
the business of agriculture. He has made 
nearly all the improvements on his present 
farm. His father, John Runyan, was born in 
Otsego county, and came to Richland county 
with Levi in 1855. Tliey purchased 160 acres 
and settled on the west eighty. The father 
died in Buena Vista, Dec. 24, 1874. His wife, 
the mother of the subject of this sketch, died 
in New York. There were six children of the 



family who came to Richland county, only 
three of whom are now residents. Mr. Runyan 
was married in New York to Maria Lane, who 
died in Herkimer county. They had one child 
— Alice. His second wife was Susanna Shontz, 
a native of Pennsylvania, who dicti in Craw- 
ford county in 1S63. They also had one child — 
John S. Mr. Runyan's farm now contains 
eighty acres. 

L. G. Thomas, one of the well known settlers 
of the town of Buena Vista, is a native of Jef- 
ferson Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1807, 
but was reared in Otsego county, that Slate. 
He was brought up to agricultural pursuits, but 
previous to coming west was engaged in the 
mercantile business for a period of seventeen 
years. He has been a resident of Buena Vista 
since 1856, coming here directly from the Em- 
pire State. He purchased the farm on section 
35, where he now resides, of A C. Daley. Mr. 
Thomas was the pioneer in the business of 
cheese making, which has now become an im- 
portant industry in Richland county. He be- 
gan the manufacture of cheese in 1865, with 
the milk of about 100 cows, including those of 
his own and neighboring farmers. He con- 
tinued the business for about ten years, increas- 
ing the amount of milk manufactured into 
cheese to the product of 200 cows, manufactur- 
ing during the last years of his continuance in 
the business, an average of 40,000 pounds a 
year. Bis factory was the first cheese manu- 
factory erected in the State. Another industry 
in which Mr. Thomas has been' largely en- 
gaged for many years, is the raising of broom 
corn and the manufacture of broortte, which he 
still continues. He is also engaged in grain 
buying at Lone Rock. Mrs. Thomas, formerly 
Dolly Catlin, is a native of Massachusetts. Mr. 
and Mrs. Thomas have had four children, two 
of whom are living — Henry C. and L. G. Jr,. 
The former resides in Sauk county. The latter, 
who resides with his father, was born in the 
town of Winfield, Herkimer Co, N. Y., in 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1007 



1839. Including his farm in Sauk county, Mr. 
Thomas has about 390 acres of land. 

William F. Lewis has been a resident of 
Ricliland City since 1856. He was born in 
Rush Co., Ind,. in 1824. His father, A. T. 
Lewis, removed to -Vigo county in that State 
in 1S28, where our subject enlisted June 12, 
1847, in the 4th regiment, Indiana Volunteers, 
and served llirough the Mexican war; was dis- 
charged from the service in August, 1848. Mr. 
Lewis was married in 1850 to Miss E. B, Dufre 
and tliey came to Richland county, as liefore 
stated, in 1856. His wife died Aug. 31, 1 881. 
He lias two children — Mary E. and Frank E. 
His oldest son, Jolin A., died in Brookings, Da- 
kota, Sept. 9, 1881. Mr. Lewis lias ever been 
highly esteemed as an upright citizen and a 
Christian gentleman. He has long been ])rom- 
inently identified witii the M. E. Church of 
Richland City. After his removal to Richland 
county, he was elected a justice of the jieace, 
and has served continuously for twenty-two 
years, and in 1884 was still in office. 

Joseph H. Rhodes resides on section 1 7, where 
he settled in 1856, purchasing his farm of Israel 
Janney. He was born in the State of Virginia, 
where he lived until nine years old, then moved 
with his parents to Bellefontaine, Ohio. Mr. 
Iliiodes owns 120 acres of land, upon which 
he has made a large part of the improvements. 
He was married in Ohio, to Sarah Jane Case- 
bolt. They have six children, — Laura A., wife 
of J. N. Moore; 'Mary, wife of E. B. Taylor, 
of Topt-ka, Kan.; Isadora, wife of R.J Miller, 
of Lincoln, Neb.; Williani G. at Topeka, 
Kan.; Earl E. and Bertha A. These children 
were all born in Huena Vista, except Isadora, 
wlio was born in Haraboo, where Mr. and Mrs. 
Rhodes were residing temporarily. 

J. C. Bancroft, general merchant at Lone 
Rock, is a settler of 1857, coming here in Janu- 
ary uf that year. He was born in Chenango 
Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1829. When fifteen years 
old he removed with his parents to the town of 
Willet, Cortland county. When a young man he 



learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, winch 
business he followed for a number of years. 
He erected a number of the early buildings of 
Lone Rock including the present residence of 
A. H. Tyler, also rebuilt the stare of G. W. 
Piatt which was afterwards occupied by Piatt 
brothers, meichaiits, who were in business 
at this place a number of years. They were 
formerly from Scranton, Vt., and are now in 
Iowa. Mr. Bancroft has been twice married; 
his first wife was a native of Marathon, Cort- 
land Co., N. Y., and died in the village of Mar- 
athon, Cortland Co., N. Y. His present wife 
was Delia A. Reynolds, a daughter of F. C. 
Reynolds, who came to Wisconsin in 1846. 
They have one daughter, Grace Elvira, boin in 
August, 1806. Mr. Bancroft has had consid- 
erable experience in the mercantile business, 
having engaged in that trade in 1802. For a 
number of years he was traveling salesman for 
Warren Hewitt <fe Co., wholesale grocers of 
Milwaukee. 

Jacob Bennett resides on section 33, town 
9, range 2 east. He has been a resident of 
Buena Vista since March 13, 1857. He was 
born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Nov. 29, 1830, 
and came to the United States with his fatlier, 
John Bennett, in July, 1851. The family settled 
in Washington Co.', Penn. In 1854 Mr. Ben- 
nett went to Ohio, and came to Richland coun- 
ty in 1857, as stated. His farm contains 110 
acres. His father came here from Peiinsyl- 
vanii in 1858, and died in 1868. His mother 
died in Scotland. Mr. Bennett married Mercy 
Ann Moore, a daughter of James Mooi-e. She 
was born in Dane Co., Wis., in 1840. 'J'hey 
liave six children — Albert Henry, John N., 
Hettie Ann, Jane E., LillieMay and George F. 

R. S. Eldred has been a resident of this coun- 
ty since 1853. He is a native of Madison Co., 
N. Y., where he was born in 1819. He came 
to Richland county from Ohio, where be went 
with his parents when a boy. His first resi- 
dence here was in what is now the town of 
Ithaca. In 1855 he removed to Richland City. 



1008 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



He has lived in Loiio Rock since the fall of 
1859. 

Andrew Harter resides on section 28. His 
farm contains 390 acres on sections 27 and 28. 
Amos Mercer made liis first improvement on 
this place. A part of the farm was entered as 
early as 1846. Mr. Harter purchased the farm 
from Edwin II. Randall in 1876. It is a fine 
place for stock, and to that branch of farming 
Mr. Harter has given considerable attention. 
He has a bountiful supply of pure water con- 
ducted in iroti pipes a distance of 273 rods to 
his farm yard. The spring from which the wa- 
ter is derived is about fifty feet above the place 
of issue. Mr Harter is a native of Germany, was 
born in Baden in 18-16. He came to the United 
States when but fourteen years old. He has 
been a resident of this county since 1863. His 
wife was a daughter of l-eonard Button. She 
died in 1881. He has one daughter — Emma, 
born in 1876. 

John H. Carswell has been a permanent resi- 
dent of Buena Vista since the spring of 18G4, 
but was in the county as early as Christmas, 
1853. He is a native of Otsego Co., N. Y., where 
he was born in October, 1815. He was reared, in 
his native State, to agricultural pursuits. Mr. 
Carswell is one of the solid men of the town of 
Buena Vista. He was for four years president 
of the agricultural society of Richland county, 
and has done much toward promoting the inter- 
ests of agriculture by his advocacy and support 
of advanced methods in farming. Mr. Cars- 
well is a man of positive opinions, and is al- 
ways found on the side which he believes to be 
right. Politically, he was an abolitionist, of 
the Gerrett Smith school, and knew well tliat 
advocate of universal freedom. He was also 
personally acquainted with John Brown, and 
was at the convention at Syracuse, in 1859, 
where, with Gerrett Smith and otliers, he con- 
tributed to a fund for the purchase of arms for 
John Brown and his sons to enable them to de- 
fend themselves against the border ruffians of 
Kansas. He has lived to see the extreme views 



he advocated on the slavery question, prevail. 
He is as strong a foe to intemperance as he was 
to the institution of human slavery. His father 
died when he was twelve years of age, and he 
resided for ma'ny years with his mother and the 
younger children of the family; marrying quite 
late in life, Mary Lutin, a native of Germany. 
They have two children — Nathaniel and Eliza- 
beth. Mr. Carswell's farm contains 240 acres. 

A. L. Holcomb resides on section 26. His 
farm is on sections 26 and 27. He settled here 
in 1867. He made his first jiurciiase, a quar- 
ter section, of George Paine, of Madison. " His 
farm includes altogether 240 acres, upon which 
he has a fine brick residence and other valualtle 
improvements, which he has put thereon. Like 
most of the farmers of Bear creek valley, he is 
engaged in dairying, keeping from thirty to 
thirty-five cows. Mr. Holcomb was born in 
Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y. He is of New 
England ancestry, his grandfather being a na- 
tive of Litchfield, Conn. His father, Albern 
Holcomb, was' born in Litchfield, N. Y. Mr. 
Holcomb came lo Richland county directly from 
the Empire State. He is the only one of his 
father's family who has emigrated to Wiscon- 
sin. His wife was formerly Cordelia D. Fish, 
born in the same town as her husband. 

J. W. Haney resides on section 34. His farm, 
lying on sections 34 and 27, contains 227 acres. 
This farm includes the location of Delos Mat- 
teson, one of the pioneers of Richland county. 
Mr. Matteson settled upon eighty acres, but 
afterwards sold seventeen acres to Leonard 
Button. He came to Buena Vista in 1848, and 
resided here till his decease. Mr. Ilaney was 
born in Auglaize Co., Ohio, in 18 46. He is the 
only member of his father's family living in 
Richland county. His father died in Ohio. 
He came to Buena Vista in 1867, and purchased 
his farm in 1876. Mrs. Haney is a daughter of 
Delos Matteson, and came to this county with 
her parents. She was born, in 1845, in New 
York. Mr. and Mrs. Haney are the parents of 
four children — Nellie, Orville A., Bertha I. and 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1009 



Nina A. Tliere were no improvements upon 
the farm at tlie time of his purchase, except 
upon that part owneJ l)y Mr. Matteson. Mr. 
llaiiey i.s engaged in dairying, to vvhicli liis 
farm is well adapted. 

Jefferson J. Reyijolds veside.s on section 35, 
town 9, range 2 east, where he settled in the 
spring of 186T, puichasing liis farm of George 
Green. He was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and 
came hero with his parents. Hismotlier is now 
dead, and his father is still living, with his son. 
Mr Reynolds lias been twice married. His first 
wife was a native of New Yorl<. His present 
wife, I\I. Octavia Carr, was born in Palmyra, 
Jefferson Co., Wis. He had a daughter by his 
first wife — Mary, wife of J. Q. Ijlack, of tliis 
town, and a son by liis second wife — Orin C. 
His farm contains 100 acres, and he has u)ion it 
among tiie best improvements in the town of 
Buena Vista. 

A. W. 'I'owsley, station agent for the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company at 
Lone Rock, has occupied the position since 
October, 1868. The road was completed to this 
place in the fall of 1856, when a small frame 
depot was built, to which, in 1866, quite an ex- 
tensive addition was made, and all was burned 
in 1881, having caught fire from the sparks of 
an engine. The present depot building was 
commenced immediately and is one of the finest 
on the road. It is a frame structure, veneered 
with Watertown brick. Hut two agents have 
been in charge here since tiie completion of the 
road to this point; the first was Williiim Craig, 
wlio remained until 1868, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Towsley, who has been a resi- 
dent of Wisconsin since 1635, when his father 
settled at what was then Southport, now Keno- 
sha. Mr. Towsley's railroad experience com- 
menced on this road in I860. He l)egan as 
brakeman, and in tiie fail of 1861 attained the 
position of conductor, in which capacity he 
acted until he assumed the duties of his pres- 
ent position in 1868. 



Curtis E. Brace resides on section 2.S, where 
he settled in 1868. His present farm is on sec- 
tions 2.3 and 24. Ho purchased eighty acres ot 
Harry Eaton and 120 of Horatio Giles, and 
forty of Mr. Bacon. His farm now contains 
300 acres. Mr. Brace was born in Herkimer 
Co., N. Y., in 1831, where his youth was spent. 
He is the only son of his fatlier's family who 
settled in this county. His father, Eleazer, is 
dead. Curtis Brace was married in the State 
of New York, to Maria Thomas, of the town of 
Columbia, Herkimer county. She died in July, 
1870. His present wife was Mrs. Susan (Brace) 
Rork. He has one son by his first wife — Henry, 
born in the State of New York. Mrs. Brace 
has one son by her former marriage — Henry J. 
Mr. Brace has made many improvements on his 
farm since he purchased it. Like most farmers 
of Bear valley, he is engaged in dairying, and 
has a herd of the grade Ilolstein breed of 
cows. 

Dr. R. S. Moore resides on section 34, town 
9, range 2 east, where he settled in 1869. He 
purchased his farm of .J. C. Foote. The land 
was entered by Israel Janney. He was born in 
Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1825. When twenty- 
two years old he directed his attention to the 
study of medicine, which he practiced for twen- 
ty-two years in his native State, his residence 
being in the town of Antram, Guernsey county. 
Since coming to Wisconsin, he has i)ecn en- 
gaged chiefly in agricultural jjursuits, although 
he has practiced medicine to some extent. His 
farm contains 250 acres, and is very pleasantly 
located. His father died here, at the residence 
of his son, in 1882, at the age of eighty-seven 
years. He was a native of Maryland. Dr. 
Moore was married to Margaret JNIcCartney. 
They have nine children — Dickson R. P., Galen, 
William H., Sarah I., George B. McClellan, 
Robert Edson, Charles B., Frank and Mattie. 

Abraham Wolf, proprietor of drug store, and 
postmaster at Lone R(jck, was born at Wurtem- 
berg, Germany, in June, 1844. When he was 



1010 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



three years old, his father, Michael Wolf, emi- 
grated to the United States with his family, 
and settled in the State of Michigan, where his 
wife died in 1850. He removed the same year 
with his family to Dane Co., Wis., and in 1857 
came to Richland county. Abraham did not 
come to Richland county with his father, as at 
the age of eight years he was bound out to a 
man by the name of J. G. Walbridge, in whose 
family he was to reside till eighteen years of 
age. On Oct. 18, 1861, befoiie he Lad attained 
that age, he enlisted in company G, 11th regi- 
ment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He con- 
tinued in the army tJll March, 1863, when he 
was discliarged for disability, occasioned by 
sickness. While in the service, he marched 
through southern Missouri and Arkansas, par- 
ticipated in the battle of Cotton Plant, July 7, 
1862; was with the regiment at Hel^a, and at 
Oldtown Landing, on the Mississippi river, 
where so many of our troops sickened and died. 
Here he was taken sick, but returned with the 
regiment to Ironton, Mo., where he was sent to 
the hospital, and discliarged March 24, 1863. 
lie returned from the army to the town of 
Ithaca, where his fatlier had settled in 1857. 
Recovering his health, he re-enlisted Aug. 24, 
1864, in company I, 38th Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infantry, joined the army at City Point, Va., 
and was in the trenches in front of Petersburg 
during the following winter. On April 2, 1865, 
he took part with the regiment in the charge on 
Fort Mahone, where he was severely w^ounded, 
losingjiis left leg and the index finger of his 
right hand He was discharged in the hospital 
at Washington, Sept. 6, 1865. After his return 
to his father's, in the fall of 1865, he attended 
school at Sextonville three terms. He then en- 
gaged in teaching school, taught five terms. In 
the fall of 1869 he was appointed postmaster at 
Lone Rock. In connection with the postoflice, he 
kept a book and stationery store. In 1877 he 
purchased the drug stock of Dr. R. L. Telfair. 
He was married April 21, J 872, to Helen A. Al- 
drich, daughter of A. A. and Helen C. Aldrich. 



They have five children — Helen M., Lois C, 
Annie Rosa, Howard A. and Ruby D. 

Hugo M. Bock, wholesale dealer in foreign 
and domesti* liquors, established business at 
Richland City in the fall of 1869, where he has 
quite an extensive trade, amounting to upwards 
of $30,000 annually. Of the stock sold, about 
two thirds is shipped from his store in Richland 
City, and the balance including principally the 
cheaper grades of goods are shipped to his cus- 
tomers directly from the distillers. He keeps 
constantly on hand a large stock of the best 
class of liquors, and handles a large amount of 
California wines. He also manufactures a very 
fine wine from the common wild grape. So ex- 
tensive is his trade in this [tarticular line of 
goods, that the amount manufactured depends 
only upon the amount of su]iply of grapes. 
When the season is favorable, he obtains a suffi- 
ciency to make from 1,500 to 3,000 gallons an- 
nually. This wine, on account of its actual 
intrinsic worth and purity, is obtaining quite a 
reputation, and is unquestionably a very fine 
article, and compares favorably with the very^ 
beet California productions. Mr. Bock is mak- 
ing improvements in his business facilities as 
the growth of his trade demands. He has a 
fine residence, erected in 1879 at a cost of |3,- 
500. Pie is a lover of fine horses and has some 
excellent specimens of the Hamiltonian breed, 
of which family he makes a specialty. He is a 
native of the city of New York. When a 
young man, he went to the city of New Orleans, 
where he was engaged as a bookkeeper. His ex- 
perience in his present business began in the 
south. He had charge for a time of a distillery 
at New Orleans and also at Mobile. His father 
was a tobacconist in the city of New York, and 
in early life, Mr. Bock learned that business, 
but going south he finally drifted into the 
liquor trade. His wife is a native of Mobile, 
Ala. They have five children — Edward, who 
is in Colorado; Joseph, at home; Hugo, a stu- 
dent at Prairie du Cliien College ; Sidney, at 
home, and one daughter, Mary, at home. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1011 



Wallace and Eli Ellsworth reside on section 
10. The farm is owned by the former, and con- 
tains 295 acres. It was purchased by their 
father, Loring D. Ellsworth, in the spring of 
ISOT, and i)y him sold to Wallace. Loring D. 
Ellsworth now resides at Spring Green, Sauk 
county. Wallace jvas born in Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., in l&o2. *He came to Wisconsin in the 
spring of 18Y4. He married Eva Perkins, a 
native of Herkimer countj% who died Oct. 3, 
1880. Eli E. Ellsworth was born in Herkimer 
county, in 1857. He came to Wisconsin in the 
summer of 1874, and was for some time en- 
gaged as clerk, and afterwards as express mes- 
senger for the American Express Company, by 
whom he was employed until December, 1882. 
He married Alice Case, daughter of Mariner 
Case. She is a native of Connecticut. 

George L. Sargent, of Richland City, was 
born at Charlestown, N. H., April 30, 1828. 
He removed when a child to Rochester, Sanga- 
mon Co., HI., and came to what is now Lafay- 



ette Co., Wis., in 1840. He was one of the 
early engineers on the upper Mississippi ; in 
fact he may be said to have followed that occu- 
pation on the upper Mississippi river and its 
navigable branches from 1845 to 1875. He put 
in the machinery of the steam flouring mill, 
which was erected in Richland City in 1854, 
for Henry Rowell. In 187G Mr Sargent went 
to Colorado and engaged in mining and erect- 
ing machinery. He returned in December, 
1882. He is a thorough practical engineer of 
large experience. But few engineers are now 
living who navigated the upper Mississippi as 
he did nearly forty years ago. His wife was 
Sarah C. Robinson, born in Morrow Co., Ohio. 
She was a daughter of Hiram Robins n and a 
ste|)-daughter of Henry dayman. Her mother, 
Hannah (Ward) Clayman, lives witli Mr. Sar- 
gent. She has reached the mature age of eighty- 
three years. Mr. and Mrs Sargent have one 
daughter — Viola E., wife of William A. Mc- 
Nurlon. 




s 



1012 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



TOWN OF DAYTON. 



The town of Dayton embracei? congressional 
township 10 north, of range 1 west. Although 
this was not the first settled town in Richland 
county, it contains some of the best farming 
land in this region. Much of the land is heavily 
timbered, except where cleared by the energy 
and industry of the settlers, and the surface 
contour of this town, like the balance of the 
counl}', is iiilly and broken. There are many 
farms here under a high state of cultivation, 
and there are many good and substantial farm 
buildings. The soil here is a rich dark loam, 
except on some of the ridges where a tendency 
to clayejMiess is visible The ridges raise the 
best wheat. It is all well a(iapted to raising 
the cereals common to this lattitude, and vege- 
tables grow in abundance. The surface of the 
town is well watered by Mill creek, Fox branch. 
Horse creek and their tributaries. The first 
mentioned. Mill creek, is the most important 
stream in the town, and furnishes good water 
power. 

There is only one village within the limits of 
the town, Boaz, which is located on sections 19 
and 20. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in the town of Dayton 
seems to have been made as early as 1852. 
During that year John Messingil and his two 
sons, Thomas and Benjamin, and John and 
George Mathews came and selected homes 
within the present limits of this town. 

John Messingil entered the nortliwest quarter 
of the northwest quarter of section US. Kis son 
Tiioraas entered the southwest quarter of the j 



southwest quarter of section 14. Benjamin 
made a claim of the southeast quarter of the 
southeast quarter of section 15. In 1855 tliey 
all sold out and and moved away. 

John and George Mathews were brothers; 
natives of Illinois. They were here as early as 
the Messingils and settled on the northwest 
quarter of section 25, where they erected a 
double log cabin and made a small clearing. 
They remained about one year. John was the 
first sheriff of Richland county; he now lives 
in Arkansas. George is dead. 

From 1852 until 1856 the settlement of the 
town progressed raj)idly. The following named 
came during that period: John H. Rizer, A. J. 
Pariah, John H. Noble, Edmund Davis, Re;isoM. 
Barnes and his son James T., William Akan, 
William Robinson, Henry Robinson, Levi Hart, 
L. M. Keepers, Archibald Benjamin, John Pui- 
cell, Lorenzo Woodman, Comfort C. Walker, 
Lyman Wood, Peter Fall, Benjamin B. Norris, 
Jacob Dix, Jacob Berg^r, Martin Shuniaker, 
Charles Hurless, Valentine Groh, John and 
Henry Wolf, Christian Tappy, C. C. Nevil, 
George Marsh, Alfred Duniford, Andrew J. 
Campbell, Levi Leslie, Martin Smith, G. W. 
Oglevie, Henry McNelly, Jacob Reed and Joel 
Berry. 

John H. Rizer was a native of Maryland. He 
entered land on section 20. His home is now 
in the town of Akan. 

A. J. Parish entered the southwest quarter of 
section 19. He lias since removed to Oie;j;i'ii 

John Noble was a native of Ohio. He came 
here in l>*5.^, and located upon the west li:ilf of 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1013 



the northwest quarter of section 29, wliere lie 
lived until the time of liis death. 

Seth MilliT settled on tlie north half of the 
northeast (jiiarter of section 29. He remained 
there about twelve years when he removed to 
Missouri. 

'William Akan was a native of New York 
city- He came here from St. Louis, Mo., in 
isr)4, and entered land on section 14, which re- 
mained his home until the time of his death, 
Jan. 3, 1881. Mr. Akan was born in the city of 
New York, June 19, 1803. In 1805 the family 
removed to Philadelphia, and in 1814 to Pitts- 
burg. Here he learned the stone-cutler's trade, 
and afterward worked on the construction of 
the first railroad in the United States. In 1830 
he was married to Mrs. Catharine Gillmore, net 
IIamel,and reared seven children. He was the 
third settler on Brush creek. Although he 
lived upon his farm, he spent the most of his 
time at his trade. At his death he left a wife 
and three children to mourn his loss. Mr. Akan 
was a member of the Masonic fraternity for 
many years, and his funeral was conducted un- 
der the auspices of the lodge at Richland Cen- 
ter. His wife and daughter now live at Nash- 
ville, Tenn. 

William Robinson, a native of Kentucky, 
came here from Indiana in 1833, and bought 
forty acres of land in town 0, range 2 east. He 
lived there one year, and in 1854 came to Day- 
ton and entered the southeast (]uartor of the 
northwest quarter of section 34. In 1860 lie 
bought land on section 26, where he improved 
a farm and lived until the time of his death. 
His widow lives with her sons on section 35. 

Mr. Barnes was a native of Maryland. He 
had come to the county as early as 1848, and en- 
tered land in the southern part of the county. 
In 1849 he moved to the county and settled at 
Richmond (now Orion). In 1854 Mr. Barnes 
and his son, J. T., entered the present site of 
the village of Boaz. The father lived to see a 
flourishing village grow up here. James T. is 
BtiU a resident. 



Edmund Davis was a native of the State of 
New York. He entered the southwest quarter 
of section 29, and the east half of the south- 
east quarter of section 30. He was a resident 
of the town until 1877, when he sold out and 
removed to Hancock Co., Iowa, where he still 
lives 

Henry Robinson, a Kentuckian, came to Rich- 
land county from Indiana in 1854, and spent 
the first winter at Pleasant Hill, in the town of 
Eagle, hi the spring of 1855 he came to the 
town of Dayton and entered the south half of 
the southeast quarter of section 28. He cleared 
a farm and li^ed here until 1871, when he sold 
out and removed to Boone Co., Neb., where he, 
his wife and two sons have since died. 

Comfort C. Walker, a native of the State of 
New York, came to the town of Dayton in 1854 
and settled on the northeast quarter of section 
25, where he erected a log house and kept trav- 
elers. In 1857 he removed to Dayton Corners, 
and there erected a large house which he opened 
as a tavern. When the war broke out ho went 
into the army and died iu the service. His 
widow kept the tavern for some time, and still 
lives at Dayton Corners. 

Lorenzo Woodman was a native of the State 
of New York. He settled on the southwest 
quarter of section 14, where he died in 1858. 
His widow and several of the children still oc- 
cupy the old homestead. 

Lyman Wood, a native of the State of New 
York, came here from Ohio, in 1856 and located 
on section 6. He lived there until the time of 
his death, and the family still occupy the old 
homestead. 

Levi Hart, a native of New York State, came 
here from Ohio, and entered the north half of 
the southeast quarter of section 28, where he 
still resides. 

L. M. Keepers came here from Ohio in com- 
pany with Levi Hart, and entered the west half 
of the northeast quarter and the east half of the 
northwest quarter of section 32. He cleared a 
portion of the place and erected a small log 



1014 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



house. When the war broke out he enlisted, 
and died in the service. His widow afterward 
married a Mr. Marsh. She is now dead, while 
most of the children live in Nebraska. 

Archibald Benjamin, a native of the State of 
New York, caine here from tlie southern part of 
the county and entered the northwest quarter 
an'l the northeast quarter of the southwest 
quarter of section 28. He remained here five 
or six years and then removed to Richland 
Center, and engaged in trade. A few years la- 
ter he went to Sparta, Wis., where he died. 

John Purcell came to Richland county from 
Indiana, and located for a time at Orion, » here 
lie followed his trade, blacksmithing. In tho 
spring of 1855 he came to Dayton and entered 
land on section 32. He lived there until 1883, 
when he sold out and removed to Missouri. 

Peter Fall was a native of Virginia. He set- 
tled on section 13, where he cleared a portion 
of his land and worked at blacksmithing, re- 
maining several years. 

Benjamin B. Norris was a native of Ohio. 
He settled on the north half of the southeast 
quarter of section 14. He was a cabinet maker, 
and erected a shop in which he manufactured 
chairs, tables and other articles of household 
furniture. In 1860 he sold out to remove to the 
nortlieast quarter of section 14. When the war 
broke out he enlisted and died in the service. 
His widow still occupies the old homestead. 

Jacob Dix settled on section 11, where he im- 
proved a farm. He is now dead and the family 
are scattered. 

Jacob Berger, Martin Shumaker, Charles 
Hurless, Valentine Groh, John and Henry 
Wolf and Christian Tappy were Germans. Mr. 
Berger was a cabinet maker, and had been in 
the United States, since his twelfth year. He 
entered land on section 15, where he still lives. 
Mr Shumaker first settled on section 23, but 
now lives on section 18. Mr. Hurless settled on 
section 5, where he still lives. Mr. Groh lo- 
cated on section 21, and now lives on section 7. 
The Wolf brothers settled on section 22. The 



remaining one now lives on section 16. .John 
sold out a few years ago and moved to Dakota, 
settling in Turner county, where he has since 
died. Mr. Tappy settled on section 10, where he. 
still lives. 

C. C. Nevil was a native of Pennsylvania. 
He settled on section 10, and is still a resident 
of the town. 

Andrew J. Campbell was a native of Indi- 
ana. He entered land on sections 12 and 13, 
which place remained his home until 1881. He 
now lives in the town of Richland. 

George Marsh settled on section 11. His 
home is now in Minnesota. 

A. Durnford was a native of England. He 
located on section I, where he improved a farm 
and lived for many years. He is still a resident 
of the county. 

Levi Leslie first settled on section 6. He 
lived in several parts of the town for a number 
of years and finally settled in Mr.rshall, where 
he died. 

Martin Smith was a native of Ohio. Ho set- 
tled on the northwest quarter of the nortlieast 
quarter of section 20. He is now living in Ne- 
braska. 

G W. Oglevie came here from the southern 
part of the county and settled on section 22. 
He was a miller by trade and worked on differ- 
ent mills in the county. He remained here a 
few years, then moved away and is now dead. 

Henry McNelly was a practicing physician — 
the first to locate in the town. He settled on 
section 28. He sold his land a few years later. 

Joel Berry settled on section 23 and improved 
a farm which he occupied for several years. 
He is now in Kansas. 

Jacob Reed was a native of Pennsylvania. He 
settled on section 10. He sold out several 
years later and moved away. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Prior to its organization the territory now 
comprising the town of Dayton was annexed 
to tlie civil tonn of Eagle. In 1857 Diyton 
was organized. The first election was htjld on 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1015 



the 7th of April of that year, at the house of 
lleiiry McNelly. j^icliibild Benjamin anil John 
II. Kizer were cliosen inspectors, and J. S. 
Robinson and Alfred Durnford, clerks of the 
election The town officers elected at this time 
were as follows: iSiipervisors, G. W. Oglevie, 
chairman, Lorenzo VV^oodraan and L. L. Leslie; 
town clerk, James S. Robinson; superintendent 
of schools, Archibald Benjamin; treasurer, 
Edmund Davis; assessor, C. C. Walker; justices 
of the peace, Lorenzo Woodman, Collins P. 
Pratt, John Noble and Lyman Wood; consta- 
bles. Elward F. Wait, Martin Smith, J. Wood 
and S. Gravatt. 

In 188-3 a town house was erected on the 
northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of 
section 21, which cost $400. 

At the annual town meeting held at the Day- 
ton Corners' school house April 3, 1883, the fol- 
lowing town officers were elected: Supervisors 
C. A. Burghagen, chairman, John Akan, W. 
Flamme; clerk, W. H. Miller; treasurer, Tom J. 
Hallin; assessor, John Bowen; justices, J. M. 
Adair, J. Yanderpool and Henry ]>aiinister; con- 
stables, W. Smart, Noah McKy and Joe Brogan. 

THE VILLAGE OF BOAZ. 

This is the only village within the limits oi 
tiie town of Dayton. It is located on sections 
Ml ami -20, on Mill creek. The village is sur- 
rounded by an excellent agricultural and dairy- 
iiig coii:)try, and enjoys a good trade. 

'I'he village was platted in the winter of 
18.-)7-s l,y R. and J. T. Barnes. The first store 
on the village site was started in 1857 by R. 
Hirnes and M. Ripley. In 1861 Mr. Barnes 
purchased the store, and ran it until the time of 
his death in 1871. He was succeeded by J. W. 
Briggs and W. M. Barnes. 

The first bl.aeksmith shop at Boaz was opened 
ill 1H57 by Conrad Kierns, who remained about 
ten years. He was then succeeded by Stephen 
Bailey. 

George H. Starr was the first harness maker 
to locate in the village. He established his 
shoji ill October, 1«70, and is still in trade.. 



The first wagon maker in the village was 
Peter Kiorns, who occupied the same building 
as his brother, Conrad. 

The next wagon shop was estahlisluMl by W. 
J. Woodruff and E. S. Fessenden. They 
sold to Jerome Cross. 

The first hotel at Boaz was opened by Lewis 
Berry in 1870. Charles Pierce was the second 
landlord. 

The Boaz House was erected in 1859 by M. 
Ripley, who occupied it for a number of years 
as a store and dwelling. In 1874 the property 
was purchased by George II. Starr, and in con- 
nection with his harness shop he ran this as the 
Starr Hotel. In 1876 he was succeeded as land- 
lord by D. J. Conklin. Then, in succession, 
came Ira Campbell, James Sheffield and W. M. 
Bevier. 

The postoffice at Boaz was established in 
1858 with M. Ripley as postmaster. The va- 
rious postmasters have been as follows : M. 
Ripley, J T. Barnes, John Ewers, J. T. Barnes, 
J. W. Briggs and F. O. Smith. .Mr. Smith, the 
present postmaster, was ai)pointcd in 1881. 

The first school in Boaz was a sub.scription 
school, taught in a building owned by Reason 
and James T. Barnes. In 1 857 a log school 
house was erected, in which John Dun.stan was 
the first teacher. 

In 1883 a school house was erected at a cost 
of $1,400 It is a fine two s'ory building, 
28.x78 feet. Kittie Delaney has the honor of 
being the first teacher in this house. 

The Boaz mills is the ni.'st iiii|)ortant estab- 
lishment in the town. The land upon w^iich the 
mills are located was entered, in 1854, by Rea- 
son Barnes aiul his son J.imes T. In 1855 they 
commenced \he erection of a saw-mill which 
was ready for operation in September, 1S5C. It 
was furnish with an "u]) and down saw." In 
1857 M. Ripby became a partner and in 1858 
they added a grist-mill. In 1861 Mr. Ripley 
withdrew. In ^Larch, 1869, the mill was de- 
stroyed by fire, but was at once rebuilt. 1 he 
saw mill has liecn furnished with circular saws 



61 



1016 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



and machinery for tlie niamiractiire of wagon 
stock. The flour mill lias two run of hulirs and 
all other machinery lor making first-class flour. 
Il is run as a custom and merchant mill, and 
has a liberal patronage. The power is derived 
from Mill creek, which at this point furnishes 
eightfeet head of water. In 1871 Reason Barnes 
died, and the firm changed to Barnes Bros. & 
Co., en persontiel, J. T. and W. M. Barnes and 
J. W. Briggs. In 1874 J. W Briggs withdrew 
and the firm became Barnes Brothers. Thus it 
continued until 1883 when W. M. Barnes be- 
came sole proprietor. 

The following is a directory of the business 
of Boaz as it stood in January, 1884 : 

General merchandise, Briggs & Kepler, and 
Smith & Shaffer. 

Mills, William Barnes. 

Hotel, W. M. Bevier. 

Millinery, Mrs. Henry Heidbrink. 

Supervising Architect, James T. Barnes. 

Wagon shop, Jerome Cross. 

Blacksmiths, John Surrum and Frank Cos- 
grove. 

Shoemakers, Alonzo Burnell and E. W. Bell. 

Butcher, Lewis Cook. 

Restaurant, William Howell. 

Harness shop, G. H. Starr. 

Physician, E. S. Garner. 

In an early day preachers of different denom- 
inations paid frequent visits to Boaz. Among 
the number was Rev. Todd, a Presbyterian, 
from Sexton ville. He did not organize a church 
here. 

Elder Knapp, a Methodist preacher from 
Buena Vista, organized a class at the school 
house at an early day. He was well liked here, 
and the class flourished under his charge. 
Members moved away, however, and it was 
finally discontinued. 

At the present time there is only one reli- 
gious organization at Boaz, the German Lu- 
theran. This society was probably organized as 
early as 1858. Rev, AVachtcl was one of tlie first 
preachei's. The society met to worship iu dif- 



ferent private houses until 1871, when they 
erected a church edifice. The society now 
numbers about thirty members. The present 
pastor is Kev. William Endeward, of Muscoda. 
The Dayton Lodge, No. 213, of the I. O. O. F., 
was organized Oct. 12, 1872, the charter bear- 
ing the date of Dec. 5, 1872. The following 
were the charter members of the lodge : David 
D. Woodruff, William J. Woodruff, Hiram 
Gardiner, Timothy W. Woodruff, Harlow O. 
Walker and J. G. Barnes. The first officers 
were: Dsvid D. Woodruff, N. G.; W. J. Wood- 
ruff, V. G. ; J. T. Barnes, treasurer ; H. 0. 
Walker, recording secretary. The following 
named have served as noble grand of the lodge: 
D. D. Woodruff, W. J. Woodruff, J. T. Barnes, 
J. A. Sheffield, E. Davis, E. S. Fessenden, W. J. 
Woodruff, J. A. Sheffield, J. W. Briggs, E. S. 
Fessenden, Jay W. Briggs, J. A. Sheffield, F. O. 
Smith, Frank Cosgrove, D. W. Core, F. M. 
Shafer and C. M. C. Bailey. The vice-grands 
of the lodge have been as follows : W. .1. 
Woodruff, J. T. Barnes, J. A. SheffieM, E. 
Davis, G. H. Starr, D. W. Manchester, II. B. 
VYood, S. Shafer, C. H. Pierce, W.J. Woodruff, 
J. J. Shafer, F. O. Smith, Frank Cosgrove, D. 
W. Core, F. Shafer, C. M. C. Bailey and M. G. 
Berry. The secretaries have been as follows : 
H. O'. Walker, J. T. Barnes, C. H. Pierce E. S. 
Fessenden, J. A. Sheffield, Jay W. Briggs, M. 
G. Berry and L. D. Bailey. The treasurers of 
the lodge have been : J. T. Barnes, E. Davis, 
G. H. Starr and H. B. Wood. The lodge is 
now in good working order, has a membership 
of forty, and meets every Saturday evening. 

VILLAGE OE DAYTOX CORNERS. 

In 1857 Lorenzo Woodman and James Hafus, 
laid out some lots aud blocks on the southwest- 
ern part of section 14, and the northwestern part 
of section 23, to which they gave the name of 
Dayton Corners. During the same year a post- 
office was established here under the name of 
Ripley Postoffice, with Lorenzo Woodman 
as postmaster. Mr. Woodman served until tlie 
time of his death, and then C. C. Walker be- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1017 



came postmaster. He was succeeded by James 
H.ifiis and tlie office was finally discontinued 
after an existence of abouttwo years. 

At an early day Peter Fall opened a black- 
smith shop on the southeast corner of the north- 
west qn art er of section 13. During the war he 
sold out and moved away. He did general re- 
pair work, mostly sliarpening plows and grub 
hoes Ills son Samuel opened a shop soon after 
the old gentleman had sold out, on the north- 
east quarter of section 13, and remained for 
several years. 

Edward Bassett came to Dayton Corners in 
185T, and bouglil a lot of Lorenzo Woodman 
on the southwest quarter of section 14. He 
erected a frame building -20x30 feet in size, and 
put iu a stock of general merchandise. He re- 
mained in trade about four years, when lie 
closed out and moved to Ohio. 

The first school at Dayton Corners was 
taught in 1857 by Eliza Bevier, in a hout-e 
owned by C. C. Walker. During the summer 
of tiie same year a school house was erected in 
that village, which was used until 1881, when 
a frame house was built on section 15. 

The Dayton Corner's Methodist Episcopal 
Church started with the organization of a class 
in I8.t6 at the house of Lorenzo Woodman, by 
Rev. John Walker, who was then located at 
Sextonville. Among the members of the class 
at its organization were tiie following: Lorenzo 
Woodman and wife; Simeon Gravatt and wife; 
Joseph Wheaton and wife, and Joel Berry and 
wiff. Lorenzo Woodman was the first class 
lea<ler. 

A United Brethren class was organized at an 
early day at the house of Peter Fall, on section 
13. The class met for worship at the residence 
of Mr Fall for a number of years. At present 
there is an organization tliat has a partially 
eonipleted church edifice on section 23. Thomas 
EwiTig is class leader. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Francis M., son of Uriah and Christiana 
(Hanies) Patch, early settlers of Richland 



county, was born in Licking Co., Ohio, in De- 
cember, 1837. Ho came to Richland county 
with his parents at the age of fifteen. Tie was 
united in marriage in March, 1863, to Esther 
Thompson. They liad ono son — James F., born 
May 21, 1864. In 1864, Mr. Patch enlisted in the 
stli Illinois Cavalry, company H, and joined the 
regiment at Washington a few weeks later. He 
served until the close of the war, and was dis- 
charged with his regiment at St. Louis in 18G5. 
He then returned to Dayton and purchased land 
on section '2, which he has improveil, and where 
he still lives. The death of his wife occurred 
while he was in the army. Ilis second wife, to 
whom he was married Jan. 1, 18fl6, was Char- 
lotte B. (Ladd) ILu-ris, widow of Abraham 
Harris. Two children have blessed lliis union — 
Francis R. and Henry T. B. 

Rev. Abraham Harris, (deceased), son of 
.Tohn and Mary (Short) Harris, was born iu Dev- 
onshire, England, in August, 183-2. He came 
to America with his parents. He was united in 
marriage to Charlotte B. Ladd, A' arch 27, IK52. 
She was a native of Orange Co., Vt., and was 
born jNIarch IS, 1832. Soon after their marriage 
they united with the r>apti>t Chuicli. lliscarly 
education had been sadly neglecle<l and he 
learned to read after his marriage. In 1855 
they came to Richland county, town of Marshall, 
and located on section 28. At the organization 
of the Church of the United Brethren, both he 
and his wife became memV>ers, and he was soon 
after licensed as a preacher of that denomina- 
tion, and devoted his lime entirely to the Church. 
He had charge of Churches in Richland, Sauk, 
Vernon and Crawford counties. His death 
occurred Oct. 17, 1862. He left a widow and 
six children to mourn his loss. One of tlie 
children lias since died. The five remaining 
are — Mary E., Martha J., J. Freeman, Sarah M. 
and Eldora J. Mrs. Harris is now the wife of 
Francis M. Patcli and resides in Dayton. 

Capt. Roswell R. Hamilton was born in .Mad- 
ison Co., N. Y., in 1826, and is the son of Til ley 
and Sarah (Orcut) Hamilton. He resided in 



1018 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



his native State until twenty-one years old, 
then, in company witli a brother, came to Rock 
Co., Wis., where he worked upon a farm. In 
1854 he came to Richland county, and in 1855 
settled at Richland Center, where he served as 
town treasurer. In September, 1861, he en- 
listed in company F, of the 2d Wisconsin Cav- 
alry, went into camp in December, at Camp 
Washburn, Milwaukee, and was mustered into 
service in January, 1862. His regiment first 
went to Camp Benton, Mo., thence to Jefferson 
City, from there to Springfield, and about the 
1st of June started for Helena, Ark., where the 
regiment brigaded with the 5th and 11th Kan- 
sas regiments. He received a wound in the 
hand at Augusta, Ark. From Augusta they 
moved to Helena, Ark., and December, 186-2, 
was at the taking of the Arkansas Post. In 
February, 1863, tl*ey removed to Memphis, and 
scouted in the southern [)art of Tennessee and 
northern part of Mississippi. In June, 1863, 
they moved to Snyder's Bluff, near Vicksburg, 
where they were placed between Grant's and 
Johnson's armies, and after the surrender 
of Vicksburg, followed Johnson's army to 
Meridian, after which they fell back to Vicks- 
burg, and went into winter quarters at Red 
River. On July 1, 1864, they made a raid on 
Jackson, Miss., had seven days' fight, and were 
driven back, the confederate forces numbering 
5,000 men, while the union forces had barely 2,500 
men. They fell back to Black river, obtained 
reinforcements, with which they forced the ene- 
my to retire. In December, 1864, they made a 
raid on Vaughn* Station, Miss., destroyed a 
railroad bridge across liiack river, and fell back 
to Yazoo City. On the 4th of December, while 
reconnoitering, tliey were overpowered by the 
enemy and driven back, during which time 
Capt. Hamilton was injured by the falling of 
his horse; thence from Yazoo to Vicksburg; 
thence to Memphis, where on Feb. 6, 1865, 
Capt. Hamilton was mustered out of service, 
his time having expired, and his injury unfit- 
ting him for further military duty. In 1881 he 



moved to his farm on section 13, town of Day- 
ton, where he owns eighty acres. He was 
united in marriage in Rock Co., Wis., in 1849, 
to Eliza Rose. Two children blessed tliis un- 
ion — Ira J. and Albert S. Mrs. Hamilton died, 
and Capt. Hamilton was again married, June 4, 
1865, to Mary [>ailei'. They are the parents of 
one son — D. Vance. 

William Robinson, deceased, pioneer of Ricli- 
land county, first settled near Sextonville in the 
year 1853. He bouglit eighty acres of land on 
section 4, town 9, range 2 east, now included in 
the town of Ithaca. He remained here hut one 
year, then sold out and removed to town 10, 
range 1 west, now known as the town of Day- 
ton. He entered the southeast quarter of the 
northwest quarter of section 34, built a log 
house and leased a portion of the land. In 186''> 
he purchased unimproved land on section 20 of 
the same town. This was his home until the 
time of his death. He was a native of Ander- 
son Co., Ky , born July 5, 1805. When a 
young man he emigrated with his [larenls to 
Indiana, and located in Washington county. 
This was at that time a new county, and here 
his pioneer life began. He was joined in mar- 
riage in February, 1828, to Nancy Menaugh. 
She was born in Shelby Co., Ky., Dec. 15, 1810. 
Soon after they removed to Carroll county, 
where he engaged in farming, but, like many 
others, the fever and ague troubled him, and 
after living there three years he removed to 
Kosciusko county. Here he purchased timber 
land, erected a comfortable log house, and 
cleared a farm. In 1852 he visited Ricliland 
county in company with Dr. Sippy, made a short 
stay, then returned to his home and remained 
until the following spring, then sold his farm, 
packed up his goods and started overland, ac- 
companied by his family, and settled near Sex- 
tonville, as before stated. Mr. and Mrs. 
Robinson were the parents of eleven children, 
six of whom are now living — Eliza J., Elizabeth, 
James H., Francis M., Erasmus P. and Samuel 
Edwin. The youngest son now occupies the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1019 



lionicstead. James H. and Francis M. pur- 
cliascd I7i acres of timber land on section 35. 
They have ninety acres of it cleared and im- 
[iroved, and it is one of the best farms in the 
town. Tlicy have erected a large frame house, 
and oilier necessary farm buildings. Their 
molhcr makes her home with them. Mr. and 
Mrs. Robinson both joined the Presbyterian 
Ciiurch soon after marriag.'. As there wa.s no 
Cliurch of that denomination in Dayton, he 
joiiied ilio United Brethren Class, and was a 
Mi('inl)i'r of OUerbein Church at the time of his 
dcatii, which occurred in the spring of 1875. 

Henry Robinson, deceased, an early settlor 
of tiie town of Dayton, was born in Anderson 
Co, Ky., in September, 1805. He was joined 
in inariiage to Sarah Farmer. In 182!', in com- 
]iany with his brother William and some olhi-rs, 
ill' emigrated to Indiana and settled in Tip])e- 
canoe cnufity, near the line of Clinton county, 
and was one of the pioneers in that section of 
ill ' country. lie remained there about ton 
yeirs, tlien removed to Kosciusko cuuuLy; he 
was also an early settler there. He th'-n pur- 
chased timber land, cleared a farm, and made 
tliat his home until the Tall of 1854, when he 
sold out and started for Wisconsin, traveling 
overland, bringing his f.imily and household 
goods along. After three weeks travel he ar- 
rived at the home of his biother William, at 
Pleasant Hill, in the town of Eagle, and there 
spent the winter. In the spring of 1855 he re- 
moved to Dayton and entered land on section 

28, as before stated, remaining here until 1871, 
then sold and moved to Boone Co., Neb , where 
he died two years later. His wife died in 1876. 
They were the parents of eleven children, six 
of whom are now living. 

Their son, William F., now resides on section 

29. He was born in Anderson Co., Ky., in Sep- 
tember, 1828. He was but one year old when 
his pioneer life began in Tippecanoe county, 
and but eleven years of age when his parents 
removed to Kosciusko county, where he grew 
to manhood. He was joined in marriage in 



1851 to Eliza J. Robinson. She was born in 
Washington Co., Ind. He purchased timber 
land in Franklin town and cleared a portion of 
it, remaining there until 1854, when he came to 
Richland county. He purchased land on sec- 
tion 4 of the town of Eagle, and lived there 
until 1862, when became to Dayton and pur- 
chased eighty acres of 'land on section 29, in 
the portion of the town known as Fox IIoHow. 
He has since that time purchased other land, 
and his farm now contains 180 acres. He has 
engaged in raising grain and stock. Mr. and 
Mrs. Robinson liave three children living — 
James E., Alfred M. and Adello M. 

Zenas W. Bevier, in 1855, settled in the town 
of Akan, wherebe was engaged in blacksmith- 
iiig and farming until his death, which occurred 
in October, 1881. Mrs. Bevier now resides 
near Dell Rapids, Dak. She reared seven chil- 
dren — Henry, William M., Charles, Caroline, 
now Mrs. I. N. Neher; Norman, George and 
pjuarcha. Mr. Bevier was a native of New- 
York, where he learned his trade and in which 
he becaine a first-class workman. He was mar- 
ried to Mary Ann Austin, also of New York. 
About 1847 they came to Rock Co., Wis., from 
whence they came to this county. It was 
through his influence that the first postofiice 
was established at Akan, he receiving the ap- 
jiointment of postmaster, which position lie 
held until his death. He was a member of the 
Church of United Brethren. W. M. Bevier 
was born in Rock county, July 27, 1848, and 
came with the family to this county. He was 
brought up on a farm. In 1874 he was married 
to Sarah Sliafer, daughter of S. Shafer. They 
left the State in March, 1877, and were absent 
four years, then returned and resided in Craw- 
ford county until March, 188-3. At that date 
he purchased the Boaz House, of wliicli he is 
now proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Bevier have four 
children — Guy M., Ida May, Floyd Z. and 
Carrie B. In February, 1864, Mr. Bevier en- 
listed in company B, of the 36th Wisconsin, and 
served until July, 18C5, when the regiment was 



1020 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



mustered out of service. He was wounded in 
the right arm at the battle of Coal Harbor. In 
politics he is a republican, and is a member of 
the I. O. 0. F. 

Jacob J. Miller was a pioneer settler of 
Richland county. He was born in Darke Co., 
Ohio, March 12, 1821, and tliere passed his 
earlier life. In 1846 he went to Indiana, and 
in 1850, in company with John Ewing, he 
started for the great northwest, and being 
pleased with the appearance of the land in 
what is now Riclilaiid county, resolved to make 
this his future home. He entered land on sec- 
tion 25, town 9 north, of range 1 east, now 
known as the town of Orion, upon which he 
erected a hewed log house, and cleared forty 
acres of land. Six years later (1856) he sold 
this land, and coming to town 10 north, of 
range 1 west, now called Dayton, purchased a 
tract of land on section 6, erected a log house 
and made various substantial improvements. 
He made that his home until his death, which 
occurred on Christmas day of 1863. Mr. Miller 
was married Feb. 16, 1853, to Angy E. Goff, 
daughter of George and Mary Goff. She was 
born Oct. 7, 1832, in Izzard Co., Ark. In 1833 
lier parents removed to Missouri, where they 
resided until the year 1859, then removed to 
Richland Co., Wis , crossed the Wisconsin 
river July 28, 1S49, at the village of Orion, 
in the present town of Orion. They 
have had three cliildren — G. M., born 
June 8, 1855; J. T., born Nov. 29, 1859; M. A., 
born June 25, 1862. The widow and family 
still occupy the old homestead. The sons have 
proven themselves industrious farmers and 
efficient managers; have cleared over fifty acres 
of the farm, and erected a neat frame residence. 

Frank O. Smith, in company with J. W. 
Briggs, in 18*75, established a grocery business 
in the village of Boaz. The name of the firm 
being Briggs & Smith. In 1878 they added 
diy goods, clothing, boots and shoes and hard- 
ware. April 1, 1881, they dissolved partnei-- 
ship and Mr. Smith succeeded J. A. Sheffield 



in trade. He now lias a general stock of dry 
goods, clothing, gents furnishing goods, boots, 
shoes, groceries and drugs. Mr. Smith was 
born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1852. His 
father, William J. Smith, came to Wiscon- 
sin in 1 856, acconijianied by W. H.Stewart, 
and both brought their families with them. 
They intended to make a hunting expedition 
and return after a time. They killed thirty 
deer the first winter. Being pleased with the 
country, Mr. Smith concluded to locate perma- 
nently and entered land on section 34, town of 
Sylvan, where he was engaged in farming until 
his death, in 1873. Mrs. Smith still resides at 
the homestead. They had two sons — Frank O. 
and Fred Mr. Smith was a Mason and a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. He was town treasurer 
ten years, but took little interest in politics. 
The subject of our sketch was educated in the 
county and taught school eighteen terms; after 
which he engaged in trade at Bnaz, as before 
stated. In 187G ho ..as man led to Flora E. 
Barnes, daughter of J. T. Barnes. They have 
two children — Lora C. and Leathy. He is a re- 
publican in politics ; is a member of the I. O. 
O. F. and a notary public. Mr. Smith has been 
postmaster at Boaz since 1881. 

Jacob Van Pool was born in Franklin Co., 
Penn., in 1887. He is the son of Anthony Van 
Pool, who is a native of Maryland, born in 
1790. In June, 1844, the family moved to 
Steubenville, Ohio. The subject of this sketch 
resided with his parents until 1853, after which 
he traveled considerably through the southern 
States, and in 1855 settled at Freeport, 111., 
where he worked at the carpenter and painter's 
trades. In 1856 he moved to Wisconsin, 
located near Richland Center, and there en- 
gaged in farming and working at the carpen- 
ter's trade. On Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted, at 
Richland Center, in the 25th Wisconsin, com- 
pany B. He participated in the memorable 
campaign against the Sioux Indians, leaving 
St. Paul, Minn., in September, 1862, and return- 
ing to Winona, in December of same year, hav- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1021 



ii]g made the trip almost entirely on foot. He 
also served with the regiment at Cape Gira- 
deaii, Lake Providence, Cypress Bend, siege of 
Viuksburg, Athens, etc. He was mustered out 
<if service a^ Washington, June 7, 1865. He 
was married in February, 1800, to Annie Jiolen- 
baiigii. Seven children were born to them, 
f(jiir of whom are now living — J. A. W., E. K., 
U. II. :unl P. J Mr. Van Pool moved to 
Crawford Co., Kan., in 1867, where he resided 
until 18',5, when he returned to Richland 
county and lias since remained. Mr. Van Pool 
has a farm of 130 acres on section 29, town of 
Day Ion. In politics he is liberal, and in his re 
lig ous views, is an Armenian. 

Samuel Hirlan is a prominent member of tiie 
Methodist Episcopal denomination of the town 
of Dayton, and has been a resident here since 
I860. He was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, 
Aug. 6, 1825, and was learedto manhood among 
rural scenes. He attended the district schools 
ill his younger days, and received as good an 
education as they then afforded. On Dec. 5, 
1863, he was joined in marriage to Elizabeth 
Totten, who died April 22, 1855. Soon after 
his wife's death, he went to Jay Co., Ind., and 
was there married, March 18, 1856, to Phebe 
Stanley, also a native of Columbiana Co., Ohio, 
born Aug. 25, 1827, and taken by her parents 
to In<liaMa when quite young. After marriage 
»Mr. Harlan remained in Jay county but a short 
time, and then returned to Columbiana Co., 
Ohio, where he lived one and a half years. 
Again settling in Jay Co., Ind., he bought 
eighty acres of land in Bear Creek, and re- 
mained there until 1860, when on account of 
poor health, he came to Richland county, and 
bought a farm on the north half of the south- 
east quarter of section 14, where he has since 
resided. Soon after coming to the town of 
Dayton, he became a class leader in the M. E 
Church, and has served in that position almost 
continuously to the present time. Himself and 
wife have three children — James W., Henry F. 
and Phebe Emily. 



E. S. Garner, M. D., is a son of Edom and 
Rebecca (Langley) Garner. He was born July 
30, 18.')4, and came with his parents to Richland 
county in 1864. The family settled near Port 
Andrew, where the subject of this sketch worked 
upon the farm and attended the district schools. 
Ill the fall of 1878 he entered the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, and 
graduated in the spring of 1881. The July fol- 
lowing he located at Boaz, and commenced the 
practice of his profession. He was married 
Feb. 21, 1877, to Carrie Kyle, and they have 
three children — Howard L., Albert C. and Car- 
rie L. Dr. Garner is a member of the South- 
western Medical Association. 

John E. Surrem was born near Chrirtiana, 
Norway. He emigrated with his parents to 
America in 1868. They landed at New York 
city, immediately came west, and stopped at 
Muscoda, Wis., some years. At the age of nine- 
teen the subject of the sketch commenced 
learning the blacksmith trade. He served two 
and a lialf years and then opened a shop for 
himself in the village of Boaz, where he is now 
doing an extensive business at blacksmithing 
and repairing. Mr. Surrem casts his vote with 
the republican party, and is a Lutheran in his 
religious views. His father, Nels J. Surrem, 
was born near Christiana, Norway, in 1828, 
where he lived until he came to America in 
1868. His wife was Elizabeth Rudzer, and 
they were married in 1857. Thuy now reside 
in this county. 

Jay W. Briggs, of the firm of Briggs & Kep- 
ler, merchants at Boaz, was the son of I. Oscar 
and Mary (Frink) Briggs. He was born in 
Sauk county, in October, 1847. In 1851 Ills 
parents came to Richland county and settled at 
Sextonville. Here his father died one year 
later. The subject of our sketch made his 
home here with his mother, receiving his edu- 
cation in the Sextonville scliool. VVIien lie was 
fifteen years of age lie engaged as clerk in A. 
II. Krouskop's store, renia.ning with him one 
1 and one-half years; then he engaged as clerk for 



1022 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



McCorkle & Thomas two years. Then he went 
to Richland Center and clerked for A. H. Krous- 
kop six months. He then went to the home 
farm at Sextonville and tried farming one season, 
tlien returned to Ricli'and Center and engaged 
witli Baker & Pease as clerk. In 1873 he came 
to Boaz and engaged in the mercantile business 
in com]iaiiy with William Barnes buying the 
store of the late R. Barnes. He also bought a 
one-fourth interest in the flouring mill fourteen 
months later. He sold his interest in the mill 
while Barnes sold his interest in the slore to A. H. 
Krouskop. The firm of Briggs & Krouskop 
continued in business about six months when 
Mr. Briggs sold to his partner and engaged to 
clerk for him in his store at Richland Center. 
At the same time he had started a small store 
in company witii F. O. Smith. He remained 
with Krouskop one year, then returned to Boaz, 
and engaged in the store with Mr, Smith. In 
1882 they dissolved partnership and he con- 
tinued alone until January, 1884, when he sulci 
one-half interest to William F. Kepler, his 
present partner. They are doing an extensive 
business and carry a stock valued at $6,000. 
He was joined in marriage May 2, 1872, to Em- 
ma, daughter of Henry W. and Margaret (Wolf) 
Fries. Four childrien blessed this union — Ada 
Belle, Lelia Louise, Jennie Laura and Fay. 

William M. Barnes, proprietor of Boaz mills, 
is a native of Indiana, born in Tippecanoe 
county in 1834. In 1849 in company with his 



parents he came to Richland county and settled 
at Riclimond, as it was then called, now Oi'ion. 
Here he engaged with an older brother to learn 
the trade of carpenter and joiner. He followed 
that trade u'ltil 1801. During that year he en- 
listed in the 5th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 
He was mustered into the service on the 28th of 
June and served in Smith's division, Army of 
the Potomac. He participa],ed in the battle of 
Williamsburg and many other minor engage- 
ments. He was discharged on account of disa- 
bility at Piiiladelphia, in October, 1862, and 
returned home. He was joined in marriage 
Nov. 1, 1863, to IdaM. Fries, daughter of Judge 
Fries, of Richland Center. He continued to 
work at his trade until 1873 when he engaged 
in mercantile trade at Boaz, and at the same 
time bought a one-fourth interest in the mill 
and fourteen months later bought another one- 
fourth interest in the mill and at the same time 
sold his interest Iti the slorc lie continued to 
operate the mill in company u itli his brother 
until January, 1882, when he bought the other 
one-half interest, making him sole proprietor. 
The flour mill has a capacity of 100 busb.els per 
day. The saw-mill a capacity to saw 5,000 feet 
of lumber per day. These mills do a flourishing 
business. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the parents 
of six children — Grace, Lee, tJarl, Minnie, Guy 
and Scott. In politics Mr. Barnes is a demo- 
crat of the conservative order. In religion he < 
favors the United Brethren Church. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1023 



CHAPTER XXIII 



TOWN OF EAGLE. 



The town of Eagle embraces nearly ail of 
congressional townshi)) north, range 1 west. 
Il is bounded on the north by the town of Day- 
ton, on the east by Orian, on the west by Rich- 
wood, and on the south by the Wisconsin river. 
This is about the finest agricultural town in, 
Kichland county. While some portions of it 
are upon the rich bottoms of the Wisconsin 
river, inucii of it is broken and hilly; bluffs, in- 
terspersed with rich lowlands and valleys; the 
lioinc of luxuriant grasses and golden grain. 
'I'lic surface of the town is well watered by 
Eagle creek and its numerous tributaries, mak- 
ing this an e.\celle.nt stock raising region. 
JIany of the farmers devote a good deal of atten- 
tion to tliis branch, and the result is higldy 
gratifying. The only vilLage in the town is 
Eagle Corners. 

EAKl.Y SETTLEMENT. 

The first permanent settler in the territory 
now com|>rising the town of Eagle was Malhew 
Alexander, a native of Kentucky. lie had been a 
sailor on the great lakes, and came from that 
region to this county in 1840. He entered lots 
1 and 2, on section 33, and lot 4, on section 34, 
where he made some improvements, and re- 
mained until 1852, wiien he sold out and re- 
moved to BroVnsville, Minn. The greater 
portion of the time which he spent liere he 
was engaged in lumbering and rafting. 

It is believed that the first claim in the town 
of Eagle was made, in 1839, by Robert Boyd 
and Monroe Fleming. During this year tliey 
came from Iowa county and claimed the south- 
west quarter of section 26, covering the excel- 



lent mill privilege on what is now called Mill 
creek. They made no imjirovenients except 
to cut four poles and lay them "claim fasliion." 
They did not attend to their claim close enough 
and it was junjped in 1841 l>y Thomas J. Par- 
rish. 

In 1841 Hardin Moore, a native of Kentucky, 
came here from Grant county and made a (tiaim 
of the southwest quarter of section :i4. lie was 
a single man; did not enter his land, but erect- 
ed a log cabin and made a little clearing. A 
few years later lie sold his claim, ami boarded 
with Mathew Alexander for a time. He was a 
natural mechanic, and would often shoe horses 
for the settlers. He receives attention in the 
general chapters of this volume. 

Thomas Palmer and liis sons, Loreman and 
William, came here in 1848. The father en- 
tered the east half of the northwest quarter of 
section 32, where he livrd until the time of his 
death. Loreman entered the east half of the 
northwest quarter of section 32, and lived there 
until he died. William entered the east half 
of the northeast quarter of section 32. He lived 
there for some years; then aold out and removed 
to Missouri; but returned after a short stop, 
and has since died. 

George Goff, a native of Virginia, came from 
Missouri in 1 848, and settled in the town of 
Orion. In 1853 he settled on the southeast 
quarter of section 26, where he died Jan. 4, 
1858. His widow died in December, 1863. They 
were both buried in the Orion cemetery. 
Thomas Goff, a son, came with his parents and 
lived for a lime in the town of Orion. In 1855 



1024 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



he entered the southwest quarter of section 15, 
in the town of Eagle, and made this his home 
until the time of his death. 

Stephen Tinnell, a native of Kentuckj', came 
here from Highland, in 1849, and claimed the 
northwest quarter of section 33. He remained 
here about three years and then removed to 
Missouri. 

William Piclcering, with his brother John, 
natives of England, came from Racine county 
in 1849 and entered 320 acres on sections 8 and 
9. William located here in 1853 and is still a 
resident. 

William Cooper, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came liere from Indiana in 1849 and entered the 
east half of the northwest quarter of section 1 1 . 
In the spring of 1850 he settled on section 26. 
He now lives on section 28. 

Cyrus McGill, a native of Virginia, came 
here in 1849 and located on section 25. He 
lived there until after the war, when he removed 
to Kansas. 

The first move toward a settlement in what 
is known as Hoosier Hollow was made in 1849, 
when William Miller, George D. Sharp and 
Preston Say came from Indiana and located 
here. Miller entered three quarter sections of 
land on sections 13 and 23; J^harp entered 160 
acres on sections 14, 21 and 22; and Say selected 
160 acres on sections 23 and 24. Miller and 
Sharp both erected log cabins, after wliich the 
party returned to Indiana for their families. In 
September, 1849, they again came, accompanied 
by their families. Mr. Miller settled on the 
southe:ist quarter of section 23. His son John, 
with his family, came at this time and settled 
on sccti.iM 13, afterwards removing to section 
23. Sharp located on the southeast quarter of 
section 14, where his widow still resides. In 
October, 1849, James and Andrew Miller, 
brothers of William, came to Richland county 
and located in the town of Orion. James was 
a bachelor. He bought land on section 29, 
which is now owned by Henry Ilurless. He 
did not improve the land, selling out a few 



years later. Until the death of his sister he 
remained in Orion, after which he made his 
home with William until he died. Andrew 
owned land on sections 29 and 30, now known 
as the Kite farm. He died in Orion and his 
widow now makes her home with her sister, Mrs, 
Abraham Beard. 

William Robinson came with the Miller 
brothers to assist in moving their goods. He 
entered land on section 24, but did not settle 
at that time, returning to Indiana. In 1851 he 
came back and settled on his land. 

Mrs. Sarah Perrin, a native of Kentucky, came 
here at the same time and bought land on sec- 
tion 25. She is now the wife of J. D. Fazel. 

In 1850, George Slater, Abraham Beard and 
Joseph Hays came here from Indiana. Slater 
first settled on section 23; but a few years later 
moved to section 34. Beard settled on section 
23, and made this his home until the time of 
his death. Hays settled on section 13. A few 
years later his wife died, and for some time he 
lived with his son-in-law; after which he re- 
turned to Indiana and died at the home of his 
son. 

John Thompson, a native of Ohio, came here 
from Indiana in 1850 and settled on section 22, 
where he died in 1854. His widow still lives 
on the old homestead. 

Charles G. Rodolf, a native of Switzerland, 
came from Iowa county in 1850 and first located 
in Orion, where he engaged in the mercantile 
trade. In 1852 he came to the town of Eagle 
and bought the mill property on section 26. He 
now lives in Muscoda. 

Josiah Newburn, a native of Pennsylvania 
came here in 1851 and settled on section 22 
He lived there for several years, then removed 
to Nebraska. He died in Missouri in 1882. 

Jeremiah B. Newburn, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, came from Illinois in 1852 and entered 
the northeast quarter of section 33. Tlie fol 
lowing year he settled there and is still a resi 
dent. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1025 



Josiali and Ricluird Willey, natives of Eng- 
land, came here in 1852 and settled on sections 
IT and 20. They remained but a short time 
then returned to Grant county, where Ricliard 
died in 1883, and Josiah still lives. 

Abraham Dillon, a native of Mi souri, came 
here from Grant county in 1852 and entered 
land on sections 7 and 8. He still occupies the 
place. 

Newton Wells, a native of Virginia, came 
here from Orion in 1854 and located on section 
10, where he still lives. 

Martin Smith came from Indiana during the 
same year and entered land. When the war 
broke out, he enlisted and died in the service. 
Tile family are now scattered. 

HoUiday Peters, a native of Indiana, came 
here in 1854 and entered land on section 4. He 
cleared a small tract of land, tiicn sold out and 
leUuMed to Indiana. A few years later he 
came back and settled on sections 27 and 28. 
He now lives in Knox Co., Neb. 

James H. Robinson, a native of Indiana, 
came here in 1854 and settled on section 4. He 
was a single man at the time, but married soon 
after. He lived here a number of years, then 
sold out and removed to Nebraska, where he 
holds the office of postmaster of his town. 

Hubert Matthews, a native of France, came 
here from Ohio in 1854 and entered land on 
section 13. In 1859 lie settled on section 22. 
N\ lien the Rebellion broke out, lie enlisted in 
the army and died in the service. His widow 
still (K-cupies the old homestead. 

James \Villey, a native of England, came 
from Iowa county in 1854 and settled on sec- 
lions 17 and 20. He has since lived on section 
20. 

Tliomas Hardy, a native of Virginia, came 
from Indiana in 1855 and settled on section 10, 
where lie lived until the lime of his death. 

James Lucas, a native of Ohio, eanie here 
from Indiana in IS55 and purchased :120 acres 
of land on sections 4 and 9. He settled on sec- 
tion 9, where he still lives. 



Samuel 15. (4o(T, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came from Indiana in 1855 and entered land on 
on section 6, where lie lived until the time of 
his death. 

In 1856 William Uriggs, a native of Massa- 
chusetts, came from Illinois and bought the 
southwest quarter of section 3. 

HISTOKICAL EVENTS. 

The first birth in the town was that of Ro- 
sanna, daughter of Delila (Ailing) Ilesler, born ^ 
Feb. 19, 1847. She is now the wife of Albert 
Brenaman, and lires on Bird's creek. 

Another early birth was that of Joseph, a son 
of Joel and Susanna (Bradbury) Doughhetee, 
born July 5, 1850. He is now living in Mis- 
souri. 

The first child in tlie town born of Norwegian 
parents was Jennie, a daughter of George and 
Annie Shelbern born Jan. 4, 1854. 

The first marriage in the town was that of 
Mark Bird to Luciuda Alexander, in 1848. They 
settled in Oregon, where she died and he still 
lives. 

Another early marriage was that of Daniel 
Bird to Maria Alexander, in 1850. The cere- 
mony was performed by T. H. Doughhetee, 
justice of the peace, at the residence of the 
bride's parents on section 33. They settled in 
Oregon, where they were still living when last 
heard from. 

The first death in the town — or one of the 
first, at least — was that of John Ricliardson. in 
1850. He was attem]>ting to cross the mill- 
pond about a mile north of tlie mill, in search 
of deer, and was caught in the brush and 
drowned. His body was recovered in a short 
time, and Idiried on section 27. He was a sin- 
gle man, and had come from Massachusetts. 
In company with a man named La Rue, he had 
a claim on section 27. 

The first election in the town, and some 
claim in the county, was held at the house of 
Mathew Alexander, in the southeast quarter of 
section 33, in the fall of 1848. There were 
nineteen votes polled. 



1026 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



MONONGAHELA. 

In 1844 (some claim 1845) the commission- 
ers, of Iowa county appointecT James Murphy 
and two otliers to select a county seat of Rich- 
land county. They came and selected the 
northwest fractional quarter of section 2, town 
8, range 1 west, now included in the town of 
Eagle, for the prospective seat of justice. 
About one year later Francis A. Hill surveyed 
a village here, laying out lots and blocks. It 
was named Monongahela. For a time Am- 
brose E. Parrish ran a saloon here, but every- 
thing connected with the village has long since 
passed away. 

ORGANIC. 

The town of Eagle was organized in 185.3. 
The first town meeting was held in April of 
that year, when the following named were 
elected officers: Supervisors, C. G. Rodolf, 
chairman, Josiah Newburn and Thomas E. 
Hesler; clerk, L. B. Palmer; treasurer, James 
Appleby; school superintendent, G. D. Sharp; 
justices of the peace, Thomas Palmer and 
Josiah Newburn; constable, William Sharp; 
assessor, L. B. Pal ner; overseers of highway, 
David D Miller and John Thompson. 

At the annual election held at the Basswood 
school house, April 3, 1883, the following were 
chosen as town officer.? for the succeeding year: 
Su|)ervisors, J. M. Craigo, chairman, Theodore 
Wheaton and William Hall; clerk, Horatio 
Cornwall; treasurer, Thomas Rummery; asses- 
sor, D. C. Doughhetee; justices, J. M. Craigo, 
Horatio Cornwall, Frank Ward and John Bo- 
vee; constables, H. M. Hardy and John Dillon. 

EDLrcATIONAL. 

The liist school house in district No. 1 was 
erected in 1856. It was built of hewn logs, 
and located on section 10. The first school was 
taught by Newton Wells, the term commencing 
Jan. 1, 1857. About 18'iS the .school house was 
burned and a temporary building was erected 
on the nortlieast quarter of .section 9 which 
was used until 1876. At that time the present 
neat frame building was erected at a cost of 



S450. Mary Hamilton was the first teacher in 
the present building. Lillie Wood was the 
teacher in 1883. 

The first school house in district No. 2 was 
erected in 1857 — a frame building on the north- 
west quarter of section 32. Harriet Hunger 
was the first teacher. In 1870 the building was 
sold and is now used as a stable. During the 
same year the present school house was erected 
on the southwest quarter of section 29, the site 
having been donated to the district by George 
Kite for a term of ninety-nine years. Olive 
Craigo is the present teacher. This is known 
as the Kite district. 

No. 3 is known as the "Eagle Corner's di.s- 
trict." The first school house in this district 
was a log one located on section 28, erected in 
1858. Frances Prevett was the first teacher. 
The school house was afterwards moved to 
Eagle Corners and was in use until 1868, when 
a frame building was erected in which Alexan- 
der Breneman was the first to teach. Frank 
Giles is the present teacher. 

The first .school house in district No. 4 was 
erected on the northeast quarter of the south- 
east quarter of section 6, in 1858. Francis 
Gault was the first teacher. The old school 
house was used until 1882, when the present 
house was completed. Katie Dorgan was the 
first teacher in this building and Ida Allison is 
the present teacher. This is usually called the 
"Gault district." 

The first school in district No. 5 was taught 
by L. M. Thorpe in a log building, erected by 
the neighborhood for the purpose, on section 
23. The building was in use until after the 
war, when the present school building was 
erected on the southwest quarter of the north- 
west quarter of section 24. Mary Edwards was 
the first teacher in the present building. This 
is generally known as the "Pleasant Hill school 
house." 

The first school house in district No. 6 was 
erected on the southeast quarter of section 11, 
in 1857. Frances Prevett, now Mrs. James 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1027 



Sliarp, was the first teacher in this Ijuikling. 
The present school house was erected in 1880. 
It is a neat frame building located on the south- 
west (juarler of section 12. Martha Potts was 
the first teacher in this buihling. 

The first school house in district No. 8 
was erected in 1856 [or 1857] on the 
northwest quarter of section 35. John Hend- 
ricks was one of the first teachers in this 
lii>us(!. This building was afterward removed 
to Rodolf's mill where it was used until 1880, 
when it w.is destroyed by fire, and the jiresent 
house was erected near the old site. Miss I. 
Rhodes was the first teacher in this building, 
and Henry Brenaman, the present. / 

The first school in district No. 9 was taught 
by Wilson Crandall in the winter of 1861-2 in 
a vacant log house located on section 21. In 
1862 a school house was erected on the north- 
east quarter of the northwest quarter of section 
21. It was erected of Basswood logs, and it 
was from this fact that this locality took the 
name "Basswood." Enos Cornwall was the 
first teacher. The present school building was 
erected in 1867, and Alexander nrenanian 
taught the first school within its w.ills. Charles 
Cronwall is the present teacher. 

MILLS. 

In 18.30 Robert Boyd and Monroe Fleming 
came here from Iowa county ami made a claim 
of the southwest quarter of section 2(), includ- 
ing the excellent mill site on what is now 
calleil Mill creek. This was probably the first 
claim taken within the limits now comprising 
the town of Eagle. They made but little im- 
])rovements, and in ]^i\ the c'aiin was jumped 
by Thomas J. Parrish. Boyd and Fleming 
were lumbermen and raflmen. Boyd afterward 
settled in Crawford county, where he laid out 
the village of Boydstown. 

In 1841 and 1842, Thomac J. Parrish, in com- 
pany with a Mr. Estes, erected a saw-mill upon 
the site — the first in the county. An old fash- 
ioned "uj) and down saw," together with one 



run of stone for grinding corn, was put into the 
mill. In January, 1848, the mill was destroyed 
by fire. Mr. Parrish had died a short time pre- 
vious to this, and the property was sold to Hen- 
ry Moore. He rebuilt the mill and furnished 
it like its predecessor with an "up and down 
saw" and one run of stone. In 1852 C. G. Ro- 
dciir ])in'cliased a half interest, and shortly after- 
ward a rotary saw was put in. Mr. Rodolf 
bought Mr. Moore's interest, and in 1857 and 
1858 erected a sHb>tantial building, :j(tx4() feet 
in size, putting in two run of stone. It was 
run as a custom and merchant mill, fiour being 
shipped to Milwaukee and other large markets. 
In January, 1^(50, the mill was destroyed by 
fire. Mr. Rodolf rebuilt immediately, erect ng 
a buihling 30x40 feet in size, and two stories in 
height. Two run of bulirs were i>ut into the 
mill, and all other machinery in use in that 
day. In February, 1874, this mill was burned. 
The interesting litigation which grew from 
this is treated at length in the chapti r upon 
"courts." In 1877 Frank G. Rodolf, a son of 
Charles G., purchased a half interest in the 
|)roperty, and they erected the present mill, 
which is ,'!4x4(') feet in size, three stories in 
height, and stone basement. 'I'he mill is 
equipped with four run of buhrs, and all other 
necessary machinery for tlie manufacture of 
first-class flour. 

In 1852 Simon Sharp and Henry Miller 
erected a saw-mill on section \H, and equipped 
it with an "up and down saw." The |)ower 
was derived from Iloosier creek, a dam of 
brush and earth being constructed. In 1853 
Sharp ife Miller sold to Oliver Miller. He 
operated the mill until 18C7, when he sold to 
Isaac Thompson and John McC'ormack. Mr. 
Thompson jmndiased McCormack's interest in 
1870, and ran the mill until 1876, when be 
abandoned that mill, and, in company with S. 
C. McClintock, jiurchased a steam mill and set 
it up near the ol<l water power. Mr. McClin- 
tock purchased his partner's interest in 1882. 



1028 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



RELIGIOUS. 

In 1854 John Cranrlall, a Baptist preaehpr, 
held services at John Thompson's house on sec- 
tion 23. He was a pioneer in the northern 
part of the county, and was instrumental in the 
establishment of a number of religious organi- 
zations in this region ; but he did not organize 
a society here. 

The first Methodist class was organized at 
the house of Josephus Cooper, on section 28, 
l>y Kev. Hyatt [or Rev. Schoonover, as some 
claim]. The following were among the mem- 
bers : Josephus Cooper and wife, Henry Miller 
and wife, Mrs. C. Thomj)son and William 
Cooper. Josephus Cooper was the first class 
leader. The class was in existence but a few 
years. 

Preachers of different denominations have 
preached at the school house in district No. 6. 
Rev. Mathers, the pioneer Presbyterian, was 
among the first to preach here. 

In 1 85*7 a Methodist Episcopal class was organ- 
ized here by Rev. John Walker. The following 
were among the members of this class: Gideon 
Miller and wife, James Lewis and wife, 
and Mrs. M. Young. Gideon Miller was the 
class leader. This class flourished for some 
time, holding meetings in the school house. 
During the war it suspended, as some of the 
members moved away. Revs. Knapp, Black- 
hurst and Burlingame were among the pastors 
who served this class. 

Pleasant Valley Christian Church was organ- 
ized at the Basswood school house in the win- 
ter of 1866-7. Rev. Jacob Mark was the 
preacher. The following were among the first 
members : Horatio Cornwall and wife, W. H. 
Cooper, Mrs. Keplogle and two daughters, Wil- 
liam Briggsand wife, and son Marvin. During 
the summer of 1866 a successful ]ii-otr.'ictcd 
meeting was held at which fourteen were bap- 
tized. The society met at the school house for 
some years. In 18T4they erected a neat frame 
church at Eagle Corners, at a cost of |6.=)0. The- 
church now has about twenty members. J. B. 



Newburn is the present clerk. Rev. James 
Keeper is the present pastor. 

The Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, was 
organized in 18.51 by Rev. William Smith, from 
Sexton I'ille, at the old log school house on sec- 
tion 23. The following were among the e.irly 
member: George D. Sharp and wife, Cyrus 
Sharp and wife, Mrs. Mary Sharp, Willi:!in 
Robinson and wife, William Miller and two 
sons, George and John Miller and wives, Mrs. 
Sarah Perrine, Mrs. Abraham Beard and Henry 
Dawson and wife. The following were elected 
elders — George D. Shar]), William Robinson 
and Cyrus Sharp. Rev. Smith preachtd for 
the society one year. Among those who have 
filled the pulpit since that time are Revs. Over- 
ton, Laughlin, Conley, Smith, Pinkerton, Fran- 
cis, Sherwin and Sparrow. Rev. Thomas Mur- 
phy is the present pastor. The society met for 
worship in the school house until 1854,when they 
erected a frame church on the southwo'^t quar- 
ter of the northwest quarter of secthin lm. Tin- 
society has flourished and now has about ninety 
members. The j^resent elders are : Wilii.ini 
Robinson, W^illiam Irving McCoy, Monroe 
Robinson, Thomas M. Miller and D. W. Beir. 
Monroe Robinson is the clerk. 

A sabbath school was organized in connec- 
tion with the Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church 
at an early day, with George D. Sharp as first 
superintendent. He was followed by D. A. 
Hurlbert, who held the position until the time 
of his death. Monroe Robinson is the ]iresent 
superintendent; the school meets every Sunday. 

United Brethren Church Humility Chapel. 
This class was organized by Rev. George Kite 
soon after the war. The following were among 
the first members: Alexander Shannon and 
wife, Clarissa Shannon, Sarah Evans, Sarah 
Endicott and Susan Dillon. Alexander Shan- 
non was the first class leader. The lollowing 
are among the pasters who have tilled the pul- 
pit here: Revs. Mebbit, Potts, Young, Whit- 
ney, Pound, Day, Taylor, Bovee and Giffen. 
Rev. Wood is the present pastor. In 1 >8'2 the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1029 



society commenced the erection of a church 
edifice which was dedicated Sept. 9, 1883, by 
Hishop Weaver, of Toledo. 

CEMETERIES 

Dawson's cemetery was surveyed by James 
A[)]>leby in September, 1881. It is located on 
tiie southeast corner of the northeast quarter 
of section 26, and contains eighty-eight blocks, 
eighty of which contain ten lots each, and eight 
five lots each. The first burial here was of the 
remains of Mrs. Henry Dawson, who selected 
the spot before she died. 

Pleasant Hill cemetery, on section 2?!, is un- 
der the control of the Presbyterian Church. 
The land was donated by William Robinson 
anil set aside for this purpose in 1851. The 
first burial here was of the remains of George 
W Miller, who died Aug. 30, 1S.55. 

EA(iI,E COKNEES. 

James Harvey was the first to engage in 
mercantile trade at Eagle Corners. He opened 
his establishment in 1879. 

J. Lawrence and son opened their stock of 
goods in 1882. 

C. C Taylor was the first blncksmitli, open- 
ingashop in 1878-9. This branch is now rep- 
resented by Jacob Stetler and William Ware. 

William Smith was the first wagon maker, 
opening here in 1876. This was tiie first busi- 
ness established at the "Corners." 

Eagle Ci>rner8 postoffice was established in 
Febrnary, 1870, with J. B. Newburn as post- 
master, and the office at his house. It was on 
tlie route from Muscoda to Excelsior, mail then 
l)eing received once each week. John A. Law- 
rence is the present postmaster, keeping the 
office at his store. 

Eagle Lodge No. 313, I. U. O. F., at Eagle 
Corners, was organized on April 18, 1883. The 
following were the charter members: James 
Richardson, Horatio Cornwall, James Lewis, 
Oliver Shepard, Cassius M. Collins, Jacob Stet- 
ler, James Tisdale, John M. Craigo, John Goff, 
William Ware and Lewis Craigo. 'I'hc first 
officers elected were: James Richardson, N. G.; 



John Goff, V. G.; Oliver Shepard, secretary; 
Horatio Cornwall, warden; James Lewis, con- 
ductor; 'C. M. Collins, treasurer. The lodge 
meets at Lawrence's hall, Eagle Corners. 

BASS WOOD. 

Robert W. Peters was the first to engage in 
mercantile trade at Basswood. In ISG9 he put 
a stock of goods in the one room of his dwell- 
ing, opening a country general merchandise 
store. A few years later he put u]) a building 
18x2() feet in size, and took in .Jnlm Blicken- 
staff as a partner. Six months later he sold 
out to his partner, and a few weeks afterward 
bought the establishment again, lie continued 
the business until 1873, when he closed out his 
stock. 

The next to engage in business here wereMc- 
Intire & Eleston Mr. Mclntire soon bought 
his partner's interest. In 1883 Joseph S.Peters 
purchased an interest, and now runs the store. 
Mr. Mclntire is in trade in Muscoda. 

Norman W. Bennett established a blacksmith 
sh'ip here in 1879, erecting a two-story building. 
He has since done a flourishing business. 

In 1881 R. C. Brown and C. F. Wallace put 
ill operation a steam saw-mill, which is still 
running. 

The United Brethren Church was organized 
at the Basswood school house in December, 
1865, by Rev. George Kite. The following 
were among the memljers: James Willey and 
wife, Ciiarles Johnson and wife, William War- 
ren and wife, Mrs. Thomas Goff and Mrs. Wil- 
liam Briggs. Charles Johnson was the first 
class leader. Among the preachers who have 
held services here are the following: Revs. 
Young, Potts, Day, Taylor, Bovee, Wliilney 
and Hood. At present no regular services are 
held. 

The Basswood cemetery was laid out in 1861, 
on section 16. The land was donated by 
Thomas Hardy and Mrs. Francis Keplogle, 
each giving half an acre. The first burial was 
of the remains of a child of Thomas Hardy. 
The ground has never been surveyed, and the 



1030 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



cemetery is free to all citizens of the town. At 
a meeting held for the purpose, James Lucas, 
Charles Johnson ami Thomas Rumm(?ry v ert' 
elected trustees. Subscriptions were solicited 
and money raised to fence the grounds. 

Basswood postoffice was established in 1869. 
Jacob Bear was appointed first postmaster, but 
before he got his commission he sold his farm 
and moved away. James Lucas was therefore 
appointed in his stead Robert Peters was the 
next postmaster, keeping the office at liis store. 
The next was Joseph Stanley, who kept the of- 
fice at his house on section 9. Robert Peters 
succeeded Mr. Stanley. He has deputized his 
son Joseph, and the office is kept at his store. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

Among the early settlers and the residents of 
to day in Richland county, there are none more 
noted for their energy, enterprise and thrift, 
than those in the town of Eagle. 

Frank G. Rodolf was born at Centerville, 
Iowa Co., Wis., March 3, 1S47. His early edu- 
cation was received in the public schools of 
Richland county and advanced by a two years 
term at the State University at Madison. In 
1S65 lie, in company with A. Schmidt, engaged 
in tiie mercantile trade at Richland Center. In 
1866 he purchased his partner's interest and con- 
tinued the business there until 1868, then 
moved to Eagle and opened a store near the 
mill. In 1869 he purchased an interest in the 
water power of his father, erected a saw-mill 
and engaged in the lumber trade. In 1872 he 
closed out the mercantile business and devoted 
his attention to his mill and farm. In 1876, in 
company with his father, he erected the flour 
mill of which he is sole manager. He is also 
quite extensively engaged in raising stock and 
hogs. He has the largest hog house in the 
county. It is 24x100 feet, and two stories in 
height. He usually keeps about 150 hogs and 
fifty head of horned cattle. He was joined in 
marriage, in 1868, to Mary Riel. She was born 
i.-i Sandusky, Ohio. They have five children — 
Winifred, Charlie, Frank, Idell and an infant. 



Thomas GofE (deceased) son of George and 
Mary (Manear) Goff, early settlers of Richland 
county, was born in Randolph Co., Va., ]May 
16, 1828. He was but two years old when his 
parents emigrated to the territory of Arkansas, 
where they lived three years, then movi'd to 
Missouri and settled in Washington county and 
remained until 1848, when they came to Wis- 
consin and located in Richland county, which 
was at that time a new country, and was at- 
tracting the attention of emigrants. The sub- 
ject of this sketch lived with his parents until 
his marriage, June 12, 18.55, to Sarah Wood. 
She was born in Randol|)li Co., Va , within two 
miles of the birthplace of her husband. They 
had never met, however, until after coming to 
Wisconsin. At the time of his marriage, he 
settled upon land that he had bought on section 
15, town of Eagle. It was heavily timbered, 
and he has cleared a good farm, which is 
watered by Mill creek. It is well adnpted to 
raising both grain ami stock. His death 
occurred on AiJril ?•, 1S81. He left four children 
— John, Adeline, Emmet and Andrew. Andrew 
was born Jan. 20, 1865, and died Aug. 24, 1>81. 
Mrs. Goff and her son Emmet occupy the home- 
stead. 

William Miller, (deceased), the first settler of 
Hoosier Hollow, was a veteran of the War of 
1812. He was born in Anderson Co., Ky., in 
January, 1795, and was married to Charlotte 
Dawson, a native of Anderson county. In J 829, 
with two or three other families, they started 
for Indiana, taking their liousehold goods on 
flat boats, floating down the Kentucky river to 
the Ohio, down the Ohio to the mouth of the 
Wabash river. At that point their boats were 
attached to a steamer and towed up stream as 
far as Lafayette. From there they continued 
their journey over land to Clinton county, where 
they located and were pioneers. 'J hey pur- 
chased government land, improved a faim aid 
resided there until 1849. In that year Mrs. 
.Miller died, and Mr. Miller went to Il'chland 
Co., Wis., where he entered huge tracts of land 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1031 



in town 9, range 1 west, now known as the 
town of Eagle. He Itiiilt a hoii.se on the soulli- 
east quarter of section 23, and returned to Indi- 
ana. In September of that year lie came back 
to Wiscon.sin with his family. Some of his 
children who came with him were married, 
and he settled them upon land that he had en- 
tered forthem. Mr. Miller and his family were 
meraber.s of the Presbyterian Church and as- 
sisted in the organization of the Pleasant Hill 
Church. He died in 1879. Hi.s son John was 
horn in Kentucky in 1818. He was married in 
Indiana to Hannah J. Hayes, a native of Ohio. 
They came to Richland county with his father 
in 1849, and settled on section 13, where they 
lived a few years and then traded for a farm on 
section 23, where they lived until the time of 
his death which occurred in 1865. He left 
seven children, six of whom are now living — 
Thomas M., James I^., Mary E., Leoma C, Jef- 
ferson H. and William H. Thomas M., the 
oldest son now living, was born in Clinton Co., 
Ind., Feb. '25, 1844, and was five years old when 
he began pioneer life in Richland county. He 
assisted his father in the clearing of a farm, 
and attended the pioneer schools. He was 
married in 1867 to Rebecca I., daughter of 
George and Rebecca Slater, pioneers of Rich- 
land county. She was also a native of Clinton 
county. They first settled on section 23 
and later on section 34. In 1875 he 
bought a farm on section 24. A portion 
of this land was cleared and upon it was a 
frame house partly completed. He completed 
the house and has since cleared quite a tract of 
land, and is engaged in raising stock and grain. 
Mr. and Mrs. Miller have three children — Edith 
I., John L. and Joseph G. 

William Cooper, one of the pioneers of Rich- 
land coiiiitj"^ was born in Butler Co, Penn., 
March 21, 1801, where his youth was spent. He 
was married in 1823 to Martha Clark, also a 
n.'itive of IJiitler county and born in April, 1802. 
He purclrsod a tract of land and cleared a farm, 
living on the same for si.v years, when he sold 



out and engaged in selling goods on the road 
for two years. He then worked on the Chenango 
canal three years, when he went to Ohio and 
was employed on the Maiimee canal one year, 
then went to Indiana and engaged in farming 
one year in Clinton county. In 1849 he made 
his first visit to Richland county and purchased 
the east half of the northwest quarter of section 
1 1. After a short time he returned to Indiana and 
remained until 1850. Then with a team, ac- 
companied by his family, and taking their 
household goods along with them, started for 
their new home. At that time there was no 
settlement in the neighborhood of liis land, and 
he purchased another tracton section 26, cleared 
a portion of the same and remained there until 
1869, then sold out and moved to Muscoda, and 
made a contract with the Government to carry 
llie mail between Muscoda, Headstown and Vi- 
roqua, and was thus employed four years. For 
the past few years he has made his home with 
his son William. He is now eighty-three years 
old and retains his faculties to a remarkable de- 
gree. His wife died in June, 1857, leaving 
twelve children, six sons and six daughters. 
Three of the sons served in the Union army — 
.lohn Wesley enlisted in the fall <if .1862, in the 
20th Wisconsin, company H, and went south, 
and died while in the service, at Si>ringfield, 
Mo., March 23, 1863. William H. was born in 
Mercer Co., Penn., June 25, 1836, and came to 
Richland county with his parents. He was 
married July 9, 1857, to Amy Eliot, who was 
born in Darke Co., Ohio, Oct. 17, 1840. In 1863 
he settled on his present farm. He enlisted in 
February, 1864, in the 14th Wisconsin, com- 
pany K, went south and joined Sherman at Dig 
Shantie, Ga. He served until Oct. 9, 1865, 
when he was discharged at M<ibile, Ala. The 
following are among the important battles in 
which he participated: "Hig Shantie, Baker's 
Ridge, Atlanta, Ezra Church, Jonesboro, Love- 
joy Station, Nashville and .Spanish Fort. While 
in the service he lost his health, and has never 
fully recovered, but has devoted his time since 



6 2 



1032 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



his return in improving his land. He has three 
children — Isainli L., Thomas W. and Lucy A. 
His brother, Thomas M., enlisted in 1861 in 
the 5th Wisconsin, company H. He was six- 
teen years old at the time, served sixteen months 
and was discharged on account of disability. 
He re-enlisted in December, 1863, in the 3d 
\Yisconsin, company H, joined Sherman's com- 
mand, and was with him on his march to the 
sea, through the Carolinas and thence to Wash- 
iTigton where he was discharged in August, 1865. 
George Slater, one of the early settlers of 
Richland county, was born in the State of Mary- 
land. When he was quite young his parents 
emigrated to Indiana and settled in Clinton 
county. Here the subject of this sketch com- 
menced pioneer life anvl spent his early days. 
He was married Feb. 7,1847, to Rebecca Beard, 
a native of Washington Co., W. Va. In 1850 
he visited Richland county and entered land oti 
sections 22 and 23, and returned to Indiana. 
During the fall of the same season, in company 
with Abraham Beard and Joseph Hays he started 
for his new home accompanied by liis family. 
They came overland with teams which was tlio 
usual mode of travel at that time, bringing 
household goods and provisions with them, 
camping out wherever night overtook them. 
Upon arrival, he at once erected a log cabin, and 
commenced clearing. A few years later he built 
a frame house. In 1801 he sold this farm and 
bought another on section 34, where he made 
his home until the time of his death, which oc- 
curred in January, 1862. Mrs. Slater died July 
4, 1880. There are six of their children now 
living — Rebecca J., William J., Harriet M., 
Julia E., Sarah L. and George R. William J., 
was born in the town of Eagle, Feb. 21, 1852, 
and here grew to manhood, receiving his edu- 
cation in the district schools, advanced by two 
term< at Beloit College. He was married Sept. 
11, 1877, to Eudora Dosch. She was born in 
in the town of Richwood. They have two 
cliildren — Delia and Don Juan. George R. 
was born, also, in the town of Eagle, Feb. 21, 



1860. He has always lived on the homestead 
which he now occupies, in company with his 
brother, William J. 

Joseph Powell was one of the early explorers 
of Richland county, having come here in 1851, 
at which time he remained about ten weeks, 
and returned to his home in Indiana. He made 
the trip overland. At this time he purchased 
land on Blue river, in Grant county, and, hav- 
ing made up his mind to settle there, he loaded 
his household goods in two wagons, and tnking 
seven or eight horses and a lot of stock, start< d 
for Wisconsin. After five weeks' travel, camp- 
ing out on the roadside at night, he reached 
Richland county. He spent a short time with 
Alonzo Carson, in the town of Richwood, while 
he built a house upon his land, into which he 
moved on Christmas day. He cleared quite a 
tract of this land, and lived there five years, 
when he sold and bought timber land in Water- 
town, near his first farm, of which he cleare<l 
quite a large tract, and resided there until 1806, 
when he sold and came to Eagle, and purchased 
his present farm, whicli is now one of the best 
in the "banner town" of the county. It is lo- 
cated on section 30, and has seventy-two acres 
under cultivation. He has erected a good 
frame house and other buildings. He has been 
twice married, first to Rebecca J. Carson, Dec. 
30, 1849. She was born in Tippecanoe Co., 
Ind., and died in April, 1881, leaving five chil- 
dren — John C, Margaret A., Amy J., Mary C. 
and Asher T. He was again married Nov. 15, 
1883, to Martha J. Sullivan, widow of Abram 
Elliott. She has one child by her former mar- 
rrage — Bertha May. Mr. Powell was born in 
Gallia Co., Ohio, May 18, 1823. When he was 
eight years old his parents moved to Indiana, 
and were early settlers in Tippecanoe county. 
His father purchased land a few miles from 
Lafayette. He was a baker by trade, and 
opened a shop in that town. His father died 
when he was eighteen years old, after which he 
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in 
Tippecanoe county until 1851. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1033 



William Robinson, a well known early set- 
tler of tlie town of Eagle, is a native of Ken- 
tucky, born in Franklin, six miles from the 
State ca])ital, Oct. 23, 1808. Here his early 
flays were s])ent. In 1829 he, in comjianv with 
his parents, emigrated to Indiana and were 
among the early settlers of Tippeconoe county. 
His father purchased timber land in Tippecanoe 
and Clinton counties. The subject of this 
sketch returned to Kentucky in the fall of 1832, 
and was married in Anderson county to Re- 
becca Richardson, and came back to Clinton 
county and began clearing a farm. In 1850 he 
came to Richland county with the Miller broth- 
ers, to assist them in moving here. He was at 
that time favorably impressed with the coun- 
try, anil, although it was a wild, unsettled re- 
gion, inhabited by Indians and wild beasts, he 
thought it must become settled at no distantday, 
and he entered 160 acres on section 24, the 
northeast quarter. In 1852 he sold his farm in 
Indiana, and started with his family for their 
new home. They took two wagon loads oi 
goods and two pairs of horses. They reached 
their destination after traveling fourteen days 
and moved into a vacant log house near bj' un- 
til he could cut logs and build one on his own 
land. As soon as it was completed, he com- 
menced the clearing of a farm. The next ye.nr 
he purchased land adjoining his, on the north- 
west quarter of section 24, and there, in 1855, 
erected the first frame dwelling in the town, 
tlie same that he still occupies. It is a commo- 
dious, two story building, and has always been 
ke])l in good repair. lie has also built a good 
frame barn and other buildings. His farm is 
located in the neighborhood known as Hoosier 
Valley. Mrs. Robinson died May 18, 1860, 
leaving seven children — James, Silas, Sarah J., 
Benjamin, Monroe, Mary and Ann. He was 
again married in 1861, to Mary Sliuler, a native 
"f Lycoming Co., Penn. Two children have 
blessed this union — Robert and Edwin. Rob- 
ert was born Dec. 26, 1862. His younger days 
«ere spent in school and on the farm. He was 



married Nov. 15, 1883, to Mary, daughter of 
John and Eliza Mainwariing. He lives at 
home and manages the farm. 

Jeremiah B. Newburn, a ])ioneer of the town 
of Eagle, first visited the county in 1852 and 
bought a claim of C. G. Rodolf, located on 
section 33, town 9, range 1 west, in what is now 
the town of Eagle. He remained a short time 
and returned to his home in Edgar Co., 111. 
The following June he started, taking his fam- 
ily and a pair of horses and a wagon, which held 
their household goods, and camped at night by 
the roadside. His wife and oldest daughter 
drove the stock, while he attended to the horses. 
They were twenty days in making the journey. 
On reaching their destination, they remained 
at his brother's until he could build a cabin. 
The family lived in this cabin several years, 
when he built a frame house, which was con- 
sumed by fire in 1875. He then erected liis 
present dwelling. He is a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, born Dec. 2, 1814. When but two years 
of age he had the misfortune to be bitten by a 
snake, and in consequence was a cripple for 
fourteen years, and not being able to work, he 
improved the time by studying, and thus ob- 
tained an education. When he was seventeen 
year old, his parents removed to Ohio and set- 
tled in Muskingum coutity, which at that time 
was attracting the attention of settlers, and 
there the subject of this sketch began bis pio- 
neer life. He was married in 1838 to Caroline 
Mapes, who was born in Perry town, Muskingum 
Co., Ohio; born Aug. 11, 1822. In 1840 they 
moved to Pike Co., Ohio, where he purchased 
timber land and partially cleared a farm, re- 
maining there until 1845 when he sold out and 
again started westward, settling then in Edgar 
Co., 111. when he again purchased timber land 
and partially . cleared a farm. He lived there 
until 1852, the year in wliich he came to Rich- 
land county. Mr. and Mrs. Newburn are tlie 
parents of three children — Margaret, William 
and Mary E Mr. Newburn was appointed post- 
master at Eagle Corners, Feb. 28, 1870, and re- 



1034 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



maiiied in office until he resigned in favor of 
John A. Lawrence, Dec. 31, 1882. 

William Pickering, one of the pioneers of 
Ri bland county, was born in Cheshire, Eng- 
land, Feb. 18, 1818. He emigrated to America 
in the fall of 1847, comingto Jefferson Co,, Wis., 
in the spring of 1848, and hiring out as a farm 
laborer until the fall of 1849. Having purchased 
two land warrants for 160 acres each, he started 
out ti) find government land; came to Richland 
county and located timbered land on sections 8 
and 9, of town 9 north, of range 1 west, now 
known as the town of Eagle. The same fall 
(1849), he returned to England to visit friends, 
coming back to Milwaukee, Wis., in the spring 
of 1850. He then purchased a team and wagon 
and engaged in carrying emigrants and merchan- 
dise from Milwaukee to different parts of the 
State. Mr. Pickering was married in the fall 
of 1851 to Mary J. Binks, also a native of Eng- 
land. He engaged in farming for one year in 
Racine Co., Wis. In the winter of 1852-3, he 
again came to Richland county, and erected a log 
cabin on his land and moved his family from 
Racine county into the same in the spring of 
1853. He immediately commenced clearing 
land and raised a crop of corn and garden vege- 
tables the same year. He has since cleared over 
160 acres of land, built a good frame house, 
two barns and a store house, and is engaged in 
raising grain and stock. He feels a deep 
interest in good horses and cattle, and has 
taken many first premiums at the Richland 
County Agricultural Fair, of which association 
he is a life member Mr. and Mrs. Pickering 
have two children — .John W. and Charles R.; 
both have taught in the public schools of Rich- 
land county, and the latter is at present a student 
at (and will soon graduate from) the State 
Normal School at Platteville, Wis. 

Hubert Mathews, one of the early settlers of 
Richland county, was born in France, Jan. 7, 1820. 
When quite young he learned the weaver's 
trade, and worked at the same until 1841, tlien 
left his native land and came to America. He 



went directly to Ohio, and was there married 
in December to Mary A. Durrstein. She was 
born in France, April 6, 1823. He engaged 
in farming during the summer season and in 
the winter was employed in weaving, his wife 
assisting him.- In a few years, by continuous 
hard labor, they saved enough money to pur- 
chase a farm of fifty-three acres in Tuscarawas 
Co., Ohio, where they lived until 1854, then 
sold out and started west to seek a home; 
coming to Richland county, they rented a farm 
in Hoosier Hollow until 1859, then pur- 
chased eighty acres on section 21-', town of 
Eagle, where he commenced clearing a farm. 
He enlisted Feb. 25, 1864, in the 36th Wiscon- 
sin, company B, and went south; was taken 
prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, June 
1, 1864, and was confined in Andersonville 
prison until December, when, in a dying con- 
dition he was discharged. A few days later he 
died, weakened and reduced to a mere shadow 
by hunger and exposure. He left a wife wiiii 
nine children, the youngest less than one year 
old, but his wife, with the assistance of the 
children, continued to clear away the timber 
and till the soil, and has since erected a good 
frame house and barn. Eight of the children 
are now married. The youngest son, Thomas, 
makes his home with his mother and manages 
the farm. 

William Recob was an early settler of the 
town of Eagle. He came here from Indiana in 
1854, making the journey by rail as far as War- 
ren, 111., and the remainder of the distance by 
team. He purchased the southeast quarter of 
section 11, town 9, range 1 west. Having left 
his family at Orion, he pushed on through the 
woods, chopped a road to a suitable location 
for a dwelling and built a log cabin. He then 
returned to Orion for his family. He was fond 
of hunting, and a good marksman. Gam.e was 
plenty and he had abundant opportunities for 
displaying his skill. One winter he killed 
fourteen deer. He was engaged in clearing 
land and farming until 1864. He enlisted in 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1036 



February of tliat year in company B, 36th Wis- 
consin Volunteer Infantry, joined the Army of 
the Potomac, and participated in many of the 
important battles of the campaign, from that 
time until the close of the war. He received an 
injury in his spine at Appomattcrx, the day be- 
fore the surrender of Lee, being struck by a 
horse while crossing a ravine. It resulted in 
paralysis from which he was confined to his 
bed four years. He bore his sufferings patiently. 
Death came to his relief Sept. 9, 1881. Mr. 
Recob was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Dec. 17, 
18'iO. His younger days were spent on the 
farm and in school, where he obtained a liberal 
education. When a young man he emigrated 
to Indiana, and located in Tippecanoe county, 
where he was married in 1845 to Mary A. Wil- 
son, who was born in Butler Co., Ohio, A])ril 
2, 1826. Twelve children blessed their union, 
eight of whom are now living — Leonidas, 
Amanda A., Margaret E., Emily L., Lycurgus, 
-Mary S., Orlando B. and Effie L. Alvari'Ua 
was born March 16, 1854, and died in 1871; 
Zella A. was born Dec. 8, 1857, and died in 
March, 1876. Two children died in infancy. 
Mrs. Recob and some of her children now 
occujiy the homestead, where they have a com- 
fortable and pleasant home. 

Henry II. Hurless, one of the pioneers of the 
town of liloom, was born in Virginia, Oct. 15, 
1824. His mother died when he was eleven 
years old. Two years later his father emigrated 
to Indiana, settled in Clinton county and pur- 
chased timber land, which the subject of this 
sketch assisted in clearing. When he was 
eighteen years old his father died, but he con- 
tinued to live there until 1854. At that date 
he came to Richland county and entered land 
on section 19, of town 11, range 1 west, now 
known as Bloom. He erected two log houses 
and commenced clearing. He was an unmarried 
man then, and a part of the time kept his own 
house. He soon sold his land and bought again 
in the town of Forest, and again sold, and pur- 
chased a large tract of timber land which he 



began clearing. In 1865 he came to Eagle and 
selected a farm on section 29, on which were 
about thirty-five acres of cleared land. He 
now has ninety-five acres cleared, with good 
buildings, including a frame house, barn and 
gr.inary. His farm is considered one of the 
finest in Richland county. He was married 
July 20, 1856, to Eliza, daughter of Rev. John 
H. and Rhoda (Little) Crandall. 

Jdhn Huston, an early settler in Eagle, was 
born in county Antrim, Ireland, and was there 
married in 1846 to Jane Thompson. In 1849 
they emigrated to America and lived in New 
York city until 1854, then came to Richland 
county and bought land on section 12, town of 
Eagle,and have since made this their Lome. Their 
son William was born in New York city, Aug. 
19,1853, and was but an infant when his pio- 
neer life began in Richland county. Here he 
grew to manhood. His younger days being 
spent much like other farmer's sons, assisting 
on the farm and attending the district school. 
He was njarried in 1875 to Emma Smith. She 
was born in Dane county, where her parents 
were early settlers. Four children have blessed 
this union — John L., Imogene, Sarah J. and 
Ida May. At the time of his marriage they 
settled on his present farm on section 12. He 
has erected a good set of buildings, including 
a neat frame house. 

Samuel Ferebee, one of the pioneers of Rich- 
land county, was born on the banks of the 
Gadkin river, in that part of Rowan known as 
Davie Co., N. C, Aug. 23, 1816. Here he grew 
to manhood and was brought up on a farm. 
He made his home there with his parents until 
1838, when he went to Indiana and commenced 
pioneer life in Madison county. He purchased 
heavily timbered land and made a small im- 
provement. In 1844 he was married to Eliza- 
beth Ann Chitwood. She was born in Fayette 
Co., Ind., April 24,1827. In the fall of 1844 
they settled on the Miami reservation. He 
purchased timbered land on the Wild Cat river, 
erected a log house, cleared a farm and lived 



1036 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUMTY. 



tliere until 1855, when he came to Richland 
county and settled in town 9, range 2 west, now 
known as the town of Richwood. The next 
year he traded his property in Indiana for tim- 
ber land on section 27 of the town of Richwood. 
He built a frame house, 18x24 feet to which he 
afterward made an addition. He cleared and 
fenced sixty-five acres of land, and in 1874 sold 
out, came to the town of Eagle and purchased 
land on section 28 and has since made this his 
home. He has purchased land adjoining until 
now his farm contains 200 acres, and is consid- 
ered one of the best in the county. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ferebee have nine children — Thomas J., Francis, 
Nancy J., George B., William J., Samuel A., Ma- 
thias C, James M and Franklin J. A daughter 
named Elizabeth, died at the age of nine years. 
Three others died in infancy. Mr Ferebee is 
a man of fair education, is a great reader, and 
thus keeps himself well posted on the topics of 
the times. He has given his children a good 
education. 

Samuel B. Gault,an early settler of the town of 
Eagle, was born in Lancaster Co.,Penn. In his 
youth he emigrated with his parents to Ohio, 
and settled in Butler county, where he was 
married to Mary B. Wilson, a native of that 
county. A few years later they removed to 
Tippecanoe Co., Ind., and lived until 1855. In 
that year they came to Richland county and 
settled in the town of Eagle. Here Mr. Gault 
died in 1870. His widow still lives at the home- 
stead. Their son Francis was born in Butler 
Co., Ohio, in 1831. He came to Richland 
county with his parents, and worked at carpen- 
tering in the summer seasons and taught 
school during the winter. He enlisted in 18G3 
in the 72d Indiana regiment, and died in the 
service at Gallatin, Tenn. Henry Gault was 
born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., in 1845, and was 
ten years old when his parent=! settled in the 
town of Eagle. He enlisted in November, 
1864, in the 37th Wisconsin, company H, and 
was killed at the battle of Petersburg, Va. Ed- 
ward W., youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Gault, 



was boi'ii in Tippecanoe Co., Ind , in 1847, and 
came to Eagle at the age of eight years. Here 
he attended the district school and assisted his 
father in clearing a farm. He was mariied in 
1872 to Susie Cook, a native of Ohio. He now 
occupies the homestead. 

James Lucas, one of the most extensive 
farmers of Richland county, was an early set- 
tler in the town of Eagle. He came here in 
1855 and ]>urchased 320 acres of timber land on 
sections 4 and 9. He now owns 560 acres of 
land in tlie town of Eagle and 160 in the town 
of Richwood. He has engaged quite exten- 
sively in raising fine stock. He is also a lover 
of fine horses, and always drives a good team. 
He has traveled extensively and is well ac- 
quainted in different parts of the country. In 
1861 he visited Pike's Peak and engaged in 
mining a few months. In 1880 he went to 
Texas, bought a pony and visited various parts 
of that country horseback. In 1882 he went to 
Nebraska and engaged in mercantile trade in 
the town of Cragton, but being confined in- 
doors did not agree with his health, and he sold 
out and returned to his home. He is interested 
in real estate in that State, and now owns real 
estate in Knox and Pierce counties. His farm 
is well watered by a branch of Mill creek that 
flows through it. He has a good set of build- 
ings, including a frame house and barn. He is 
a native of Ohio, born in Ross county, Nov. 3, 
1827. When he was three years of age his 
father died, and he soon after went to live with 
an older sister in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., and 
there grew to manhood. In 1850 he went to 
California, where he engaged in mining a short 
time, then returned to Indiana. He was joined 
in marriage in 1851 to Mary Pelers. She was 
born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind. He then rented 
a farm in Tippecanoe county until 1851, then 
came to Richland county, as before stated. 
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lucas, 
two of whom are now living -Sarah O. and 
Olive E. Lillie, their youngest daughter, was 
born in April, 1864. She was married to T. S. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1037 



Shaffer. She died in 1883, leaving one child, 
now at home with its grandparents. He is a 
lively, good hearted man, hospitable and much 
liked. He is well known in the county. 

John Shaffer came to Richland county in 
company with his mother and grand- parents 
when but six years old. He made his home 
with them in the town of Forest, until seven 
years of age, when he came to Orion to make 
his home with Daniel Clinginsmith, a promi- 
nent merciiant of that town. Here he attained 
his majority, receiving his education in the dis- 
trict school. When not in school he was em 
ployed in the store and on the farm. He was 
joined in marriage in 1871 with Mary Corn- 
wall, who was born in Ohio. Then he settled 
on the Clinginsmith farm, which he now owns 
and occupies. It is located on section 36, now 
the town of Eagle, and is well improved, hav- 
ing a good frame house aud two frame baiiis. 
Mr. Sliaffer is an industrious and thorough 
farmer and always has everything in good order. 
Mrs. Shaffer died in 1875. Mr. bhaffer has 
held offices of public trust with honor to him- 
self and satisfaction to the people, and to a 
remarkable degree has the res|)ect and confi- 
dence of hi.s fellowraan. 

George Ilillberry, (deceased) one of the pio- 
neers of the town of Sylvan, was born in Hunt- 
ingdon Co., Penn., in December, 1807. Here 
he grew to manhood, being reared upon a 
farm. He was married in 1829 to Catharine 
Roberts, who was also a native of Huntingdon 
county, born in September, 1807. They re- 
mained in Pennsylvania about five years and 
then moved to Ohio and settled in Jlonroe 
county, where he purchased land and improved 
a farm, which was their home until 185G, when 
they came to Richland county and located in 
town 11, range 2 west, now the town of Sylvan. 
He bought land on section 21, built a log house 
anj improved a farm. In 1SG4 he sold his farm 
and wt'nt to Colorado. He remained there but 
a short time, and returned to Richland county 
and purchased the northwest quarter of section 



30, town of Eagle. He improved a farm, built 
a neat frame house, and made it his home until 
his decease, in May, 1878. He left a wife and 
seven children to mourn his loss. The children 
are — David W., Mariani E., George fl., Laban, 
Elizabeth, Alfred and Melissa. Mrs. Ilillberry, 
with her sou David and daughter Mariam, oc- 
cuj)ies the homestead. David was born in 
Huntingdon Co., Penn., and has always resided 
with his parents. Alfred Ilillberry was born in 
Monroe Co., Ohio, June 4, 1844, and was 
twelve years old when his parents came to 
Richland county. In 1873 he settled upon land 
that he had previously bought on section 29, 
and lived there until 1880. He then bought 
the John Crandall farm, located on sections 31 
and 32, on which were comfortable buildings, 
including a frame house. He still owns iiis farm 
on section 29, and has since purchased other 
land. He is engaged in raising stock and grain. 
He was married in 187-5 to Ella, daughter of 
Stephen J. and Emma (Ferrit*) Randall. They 
have four children — Melissa, Elizabeth, Myrtle 
May and John Wesley. 

Thomas Gunnell, deceased, a settler of 1856, 
was a native of England, born in Lincolnshire, 
May 19, 1827. Here he was reared to agricul- 
tural pursuits. In 1850 he left his native land 
and came to America and located at Ripon. 
He was joined in marriage here in 1854 to Ann 
Baird. She was born in county Mayo, Ireland, 
July 12, 1821. A few weeks after marriage 
they moved to Platteville, Grant Co., Wis., and 
remained there until 1856, then came to the 
town of Eagle and purchased a tract of timber 
laud on section 12, and commenced clearing a 
farm. He enlisted Feb. 20, 1804, in company 
B, 36th Wisconsin, and joined the army of the 
Potomac, going immediately to the front. He 
was killed at llu' battle of Deep Bottom, Aug. 
14, 1864. He left his widow and three children 
to mourn his loss — Sarah A., Elizabeth J. and 
John Leeman. Sarah is the wife of Dighton 
Wright. Elizabeth J. married George Sharp. 
She died Dec. 29, 1882, leaving one child— Ida, 



1038 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



who now lives with her grandmother. John 
L. was married to Kate Salmon. He has built 
a frame house near the homestead which he 
now occupies. Mrs. Gunnell, at her husband's 
death, assumed the management of the farm 
until her son was large enough to take charge. 
William H. Hall, a member of the board of 
supervisors, first came to Richland county in 
1862. At that time he purchased a one-half 
interest in 270 acres of land on section 21. He 
was quite successful in farming and remained 
here eight years, then sold oat with the inten- 
tion of going to Missouri, but afterward 
changed his mind and went to Dane county 
and purchased a farm in the town of Windsor. 
Here his crops failed and after five years he 
sold out there and returned to the town of 
Eagle and purchased a farm of 170 acres, lo- 
cated on sections 10 and 15, and has since made 
this his home. He is a native of England, born 
in Suraersetshire, July 7, 1834. When he 
was quite young his parents emigrated to Anu r- 
ica and located in Onondaga Co., N. Y., where 
he grew to manhood, being reared on a farm, 
getting his education in the public schools. In 
1857 he first came to Wisconsin and spent a 
a short time in Dane county, then returned to 
New York State and remained two years, then 
again returned to Dane county and was there 
married in 1860 to Keziah Burrington. She 
was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. They re- 
mained in Dane county two years then came to 
Richland county, as before stated. They are 
the parents of two children — Virtue and Mabel. 
He has been elected three times to his present 
office; he has also served as constable. 

Erasmus Darwin Manning first settled in 
Wisconsin when it was a territory, locating 
in Shel oygan county, where he lived until 
1851 except one winter s])ent in Green Bay. 
In the spring of 1851 in company with five 
others he started for California, traveling by 
water to St Joseph, Mo., where they purchased 
ox teams and provisions. They were four 
months on the road. He engaged in mining 



there until late in 1852, then returned to She- 
boygan county and purchased timber land in 
the town of Plymouth, commenced clearing and 
there made his home until 1858 when he came 
to Richland county and lived one year on 
Knapp's creek. He then purchased seventy 
acres on section 30, town of Eagle, built a I6g 
cabin and commenced clearing hispresent farm. 
He has been successful and has since purchased 
additional land and now owns 190 acres, 100 of 
which is now under cultivation. He is a native of 
the Empire State, born at Saratoga Springs Oct. 
12, 1827. He received a good education in the 
public schools and at fifteen years old engaged 
in a tannery to learn the trade, and worked at 
thisbusintss in his native State until he came 
to the territory of Wisconsin. He was married 
Nov. 20, 1854, to Elizabeth Shauger who was 
born in Morris t'o., N, J. Her parents were 
pioneers in Sheboygan county, where they still 
live. Mr. and Mrs. Manning have had five 
children— William S., Mary Belle, Jessie E., 
Etta W. and Eugene, who died when four years 
old. Mr. Manning has always taken a com- 
mendable interest in town affairs, has been 
town clerk and chairman of the board. Politic- 
ally he adheres to the democratic party, but 
will not vote for a dishonest man if he knows it. 
He cast a vote for Abraham Lincoln for Presi- 
dent, and always prefers the best men regard- 
less of politics. 

James D. Weldy came to Richland county in 
1858, and located in the town of Eagle, purchas- 
ing the east half of the northwest quarter 
of section 33. He cleared quite a tract of this 
land and then sold and bought the south half of 
the southeast quarter of section 16. He was 
not entirely satisfied with this farm and again 
sold and purchased the northeast of the north- 
east quarter of section 32, and twenty acres 
on section 29, where he made his home until 
the time of his death which occurred in May, 
1882. He was a native of Virginia, born in 
Fluvanna county, March 4, 1813. When he was 
thirteen years old his parents moved to Ohio 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1039 



and lived in Ross county where they were pio- 
neers. Seven years later they again started west- 
ward and became pioneers of Tippecanoe Co., 
Ind. They lived in Indiana until 1858, then 
came to Richland county as before stated. He 
left a widow and three children to mourn his 
death — William, David and Ellen. The oldest 
son William lives in California. David owns 
and occupies the homestead; he was born in the 
town of Eagle in Febiuary, 1862, where he has 
always lived. He was married in January, 1883, 
to Liilie Kershner, who was burn in the town of 
Orion. They have one child — F'loyd. Ellen is 
now the wife of Cieorge Hunter. 

Horace Cornwall, (deceased) was born in the 
State of New York, April 21, 1813, and there 
attained his majority, obtaining his education in 
the public schools. He was married in 183(5 to 
to Diantha Burrington, who was born in Cole- 
rain, Franklin Co., Mass., July 18, 1818. Soon 
after marriage they emigrated to Ohio and 
settled at Doane's Corner, which is now a ])art 
of the city of Cleveland. He there engaged in 
teaming about a year and then moved to the 
town of Royalton, where he purchased a farm, 
remainirtg there until 1863. He came to Rich- 
land county in that year and purchased land of 
James Appleby on section 34 of the town of 
Eagle. Here with the assistance of his sons, he 
cleared a farm of nearly 100 acres and made 
this his home until the time of his death which 
occurred Dec. 6, 1883. Mrs. Cornwall occiijiies 
the homestead. She has nine children living — 
Horatio, Matilda, A.Ksa, Horace, Irena, Albert, 
Mary, Martha and John. Their second son, 
Enos, was born in Royalton, Ohio, June 13, 
1840. He lived w^ith his parents in Ohio until 
1860, when he came to Wisconsin and spent 
three years in Dane county, then came to Rich- 
land, and taught school in the Basswood school 
bouse, in the winter of 1863-4. In January, 
1865, he enlisted in the 49lh Wisconsin, com- 
pany B, and went south. He died while in the 
service, at RoUa, Mo., July 28, 1865. Horatio, 
the eldest son, is the present town clerk. He 



was born in Cleveland, Ohio, March 6, 1838.* 
He grew to manhood in the town of Royalton, 
Ohio, obtaining his education in the public 
schools. In 1862 he came to Wisconsin and 
rented a farm in Dane countj^, where he was 
married, Jan. 18, 1863, to Sophrona Johnson, 
who was born in Huron Co., Ohio. He came 
to Richland county in 1864. On Feb. 8, 
1865, he enlisted in the 44lh Wisconsin, com- 
pany H, and went south, and was taken sick at 
Paducah, Ky., in April, and in June was dis- 
charged from the hospital at Jeffersonville, 
lud., and reliirued lionu'. He was unable to do 
any work until the following spring when he 
settled on the farm which is now his home. It 
is located on section 16. He was first elected 
town clerk in 1877, and has held the office con- 
tinuously except in 1878, when he was chairman 
of the board. He has held the office of justice 
of the peace for several years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cornwall have two children living — Charles and 
Ella. Charles is a teacher in the public schools. 
Thomas J. Rummery, for the last nine years 
treasurer of the town of Eagle, is a native of 
England, born in Sussex county in 1835. When 
he was six years old his parents came to Amer- 
ica, and settled in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. His 
father purchased a farm in the town of Royal- 
ton, and tliere the subject of this sketch ])assed 
his younger days, obtaining his education in 
the public schools. In 1863 he came to Rich- 
land county and engaged in teaching, soon pur- 
chasing timber land on section 16, town of Ea- 
gle. He has since cleared a farm of about 
seventy acres, and erected a neat frame house 
and barn. His place is pleasantly located in 
the neighborhood known as Basswood. He 
was married first to Rosaline Johnson, who 
was born in Huron Co., Ohio, and died in 1873, 
leaving one child, who died three months after 
the death of its mother. He was again married 
in 1878 to Mary, daughter of Hubert and Mary 
Mathews. She was born in the town of Eagle, 
where ber parents were early settlers. They 
have one child — Martha Gertrude. 



1040 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



George W. Waller first settled in Richland 
county in 1863, about the middle of April, hav- 
ing at that time purchased, in the town of Syl- 
van, 360 acres of land, partially timbered, with 
about fifty acres under cultivation; cleared forty 
or fifty acres, erected good buildings, and lived 
there until the spring of 1882. He then sold 
out and moved to Mill Creek, in the town of 
Akan, where he remained until fall, then pur- 
chased his present farm in the town of Eagle, 
which is pleasantly located in what is known 
as the Bethel school district, and is well im- 
proved. Mr. Waller was born in Green Co., 
Penn., Sept 4, 1812. When about four years 
of age his parents emigrated to Ohio, and set- 
tled in Monroe county, where they were among 
the f:rst settlers. There he grew to manhood, 
receiving his education in the subscription 
schools, fitting himself for a teacher of 
the same kind of school — sitting on a slab 
bench or stool, and writing on planks put on 
pins drove in the walls slantingly, and windows 
covered with greased paper; a fire-place, with 
a rousing big log heap tire. He was married 
March 8, 1838, to Sarah Johnson, born in Mon- 
roe Co., Ohio, March 25, 1819. In that county 
he purchased 200 acres of land, cultivated 
about 100 acres, and made that his home until 
1863, when he sold out and came to Richland 
Co., Wis., as before stated. Mr. and Mrs. 
Waller are the parents of seven children — 
Rachel, Sarah, Mary, David N., Deborah, Eliza- 
beth and Susanna. 

D. W. Bear started a blacksmith shop near 
Rodolf's mill in 1876. At that time he erected 
a building 20x31 feet. Since that year he has 
built on .'i<lditions, until he has quite an e.xten- 
sive shop. Horse shoeing ai first formed a con- 
siderable part of his business, but he has since 
given up that branch, and attends to general 
repair work in all its branches in wood and 
iron, and manufactures buggies. His shop is 
furnished with all the tools and machinery for 
this class of work. In 1883 he added to his 
business a stock of hardware, and later a stock 



of groceries. He was born in that part of 
Marion, now known as Richland Co., Ohio, 
April 9, 1848. When he was but an infant his 
parents emigrated to Wisconsin and located in 
Spring Green, Sauk county, where they were 
pioneers. His father purchased 100 acres of 
land and improved a farm, and five years later 
died there, and his widow married again after 
fourteen years. 'i he subject of this sketch 
lived with his mother until eleven years old, 
then returned to Ohio and made his home with 
an uncle three years, and then returned to 
Spring Green and engaged with a brother-in- 
law at carpentering a short lime, then the two 
years following he was engaged in farming. 
He enlisted in February, 1865, in the 47th Wis" 
cousin, company E, went south and served until 
the followin<j October, then returned home and 
in company with his sister opened a photograph 
gallery in Richland Center. A few months later 
he embarked in the same business in Muscoda, 
where he continued a few months, then went to 
Spring Green, engaged in a harness-shop, where 
he worked one year, then went to Prairie du 
Sac and engaged to learn the blacksmith trade; 
there he worked for three years, then came to 
Richland county and opened a shop in Ithaca, re- 
maining there until 1875, when he went to Rich- 
land Center and worked as journeyman for a 
time, then opened a shop and remained there 
until he went to the town of Eagle. He was 
married July 10, 1869, to Calinda Daniels. 
They have three children — Ulysses, Lillie May 
and Daisy May. In 1876 he erected a neat cot- 
tage house, to which he has since made an addi- 
tion, and now has a i^leasant home. He and 
his wife are members of the Pleasant Hill 
Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. 

George P. Roth was an early settler in Bear 
Den Hollow, town of Eagle. He was a native 
of Pennsylvania, born Nov. 22, 1818. When 
he was quite young his mother died, and his 
father with his family of six children emigrated 
to Indiana and settled in Blackford county. 
Here he was married March 12, 1846, to Bar- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1041 



bara LefBer. She was born in Perry Co., Ohio. 
He had previously purcliased land in Blackford 
county, and at the time of his marriage they 
settled on that land, lie cleared a farm and 
remained there until 1856, then came to Rich- 
land county and entered land on section 17, 
town of E.agle, and commenced clearing a farm. 
He enliste<l March 12, 1862, in company I, 19th 
Wisconsin. He died the "JTth day of tlic same 
month at Racine, Wis. His body was brought 
home and laid to rest in Basswood cemetfry. 
His wife was left with six small children to 
provide for. She was equal to the emergencv, 
and these ciiildren are now all grovv?i to man 
and womanhoo<]. Mrs. Roth has purchased ad- 
ditional land and now has a comfortable home. 
The names of the children are — Sarah E., Eliza 
J., Milton H., Rachel M., Daniel and Fiances. 
Sarah E. is now the wife of Cassius M. C. Col- 
lins. He was born in Cameron Co., Penn., in 
IS+T. When but five years of age his parents 
emigrated lo Wisconsin and settled in Sauk 
county. Here he made his home with his 
parents until March, 1864, when he enlis-ted in 
company A, 37th Wisconsin, and with, the regi- 
ment joined the Army of the Potomac and 
participated in a number of engagements, of 
which we mention the following: battle of the 
Wilderness, Spoltsylvania Court House, Cold 
Harbor, Petersburg; his brigade was the first to 
make a charge after the mine explosion before 
Petersburg; Yellow Tavern, Ream's Station, 
Hatches Run and Five Forks. He was dis- 
charged in August, 1865, and returned home. 
In 1868 he came to E.igle, and two years later 
purcliased his ])resent farm on section 17. He 
was married Dec. :iO, !S7I. His father, John 
Collins, was al.so a sohlier in the Union army. 
He enlisted in 186^ in the I7th Wisconsin, but 
was soon after transferred to the lltli Mi.«!.souri 
Light Artillery. He died while in the service, 
at Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 7, 18G2, while on his 
way home. He was born at Willianisport, Penn., 
in February, 1S08. When quite young his 
parents moved to Clearfield county, where he 



grew to manhood. He was married in 1832 to 
Rosanna Jordan. They lived in Pennsylvania 
until l8o'3, then removed to Sauk Co., Wis., and 
purchased land in the town of Lavalle. Three 
years later he sold out and moved to Reedsburg, 
where he remained until the time of his enlist- 
ment. His son, Hugh, was born in Cameron 
Co., Penn., in 1845. He enlisted in 1861 in the 
19th Wisconsin, company A, and joined the 
Army of the Potomac six months later. He 
was discharged on account of disability and re- 
turned home. He re-enlisted in January, 1864, 
in company D, lOtli regiment, and served until 
the close of the war. He returned home sick, 
and died two years later Mrs. Collins makes 
her home with hereon, Cassius M.C: Collins, in 
the town of Eagle. 

Theodore Wheaton came to Richland county 
in 1865 and settled. He was born in Monroe 
Co., Ohio, Dec. 11, 1846. His younger days 
were spent in school and on the farm. In the 
autumn following his sixteenth liirthday, he 
enlisted in company D, of the 92d Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, went south and joined Slierinan's 
army at Chattanooga, was with him on his 
"march to the sea," and through the Carolinas 
to Washington, participating in many of the 
important battles of that noted campaign. He 
was transferred at Washington to the I31st 
Ohio, and was discharged with that regiment at 
Columbus, Ohio, in July, 1865. During the war 
his parents had moved to Richland county and 
settled in the town of Eagle, where he joined 
them soon after his discharge. He was married 
in 1869 to Abigail, daughter of Rev. John and 
Rhoda Crandall. He rented land on section 32 
for five years, then purchased land on the same 
section, built a house, and lived there two years. 
He then rented the farm of his father-in-law, 
on sections 31 and 32. Six years later he pur- 
chased his present farm on sections 13 and 20. 
He also has forty acres on section 29, on which 
there is some improvement. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wheaton have four children living — Ida L., 
Mary R., Eliza and Ella. Johnnie, their 



1042 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



only son, was born Dec. 15, 1877, and 
died May 4, 1883. Mr. Wheaton has taken an 
interest in town affairs and has been several 
times a member of the town board. 

T. A. Manchester, proprietor of the black- 
smith and wagon shop at Muscoda Bridge, was 
born in CTcauga Co., Ohio, in 1846. His younger 
days were spent on the farm and in attending 
school. Wlien seventeen years of age he went 
into the army, and when nineteen was appren- 
ticed to a blacksmith at Ravenna, Portage Co., 
Ohio, to learn the trade and served three years; 
after which he worked as journeyman in differ- 
ent places, including Cleveland, where he 
worked five years. In 1874 he opened a shop in 
Newbury, Geauga county, where he continued 
in business one year, then resumed work as 
journeyman. In 1878 he came to Richland 
county and located at Muscoda Bridge, where 
he built a shop 14x20 feet but business increas- 
ing, in 1880 he erected a building 18x50 feet to 
be used for a wagon shop. In 1881 he took pos- 
session of the building he now occupies, which 
is 20x48 feet. A. R. Moon has charge of the 
wagon shop. He doing the wood, and Mr. Man- 
chester the ii"on work. He also does horse shoe- 
ing and general repairing. He is a skilled me- 
chanic and is doing an extensive and prosper- 
ous business. He was married in 1879 to 
Nettie Dimston, who was born in Richland Co., 
Wis. They have one child — Frederick A. They 



have acomfortable and pleasant residence, at 
a convenient distance from his place of business. 
Alexander Barrett came to Richland county 
in 1870 and purchased a farm on section 5, town 
of Eagle, lived there a short time and then 
moved to Dayton and purchased a farm on sec- 
tion 32, where he remained nine years; then 
went to Akan and purchased a farm. He re- 
mained there only a short time when he re- 
turned to Dayton and purchased the McNally 
farm on section 28, where he lived until 1883, 
then purchased his present farm located on sec- 
tion 28, town of Eagle. It is pleasantly located 
in the richest belt of land in the county and is 
one of the best farms. It was formerly owned 
and improved by Alvin Pepein who built the 
frame house now on it. Mr. Barrett was born 
in Geauga Co., Oliio, in January, 1836, where 
he spent his younger days on the farm and at- 
tending school. He was married Nov. 22, 1 856, 
to Jennett Manchester, also a native of Geauga 
county, where they lived three years, then came 
to Wisconsin and settled in LaCrosse Valley, 
LaCrosse county, where they were among the 
early settlers. He engaged in farming and 
lived there until 1863, then moved to Minnesota 
and lived in tlie town of Milton, Dodge county, 
until 1867, tlien went to Douglass county 
and took a homestead which he improved and 
sold three years afterward, and came to Rich- 
land county as before stated. Mr. and Mrs. 
Barrett have two children — Alanson and 
Walter. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1043 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



TOWN OF FOREST. 



Tlie town of Forest forms the northwest 
corner of Richland county, being composed of 
congressional township 12 north, range 2 west. 
It is bounded on the north and west by Vernon 
county, and on the east and .south by the towns 
of Bloom and Sylvan respectively. The surface 
of this town is very broken and uneven, the 
Kickapoo river traversing the northwe.stern 
portion.. Some portions of the valley of this 
river is excellent farming land, having a soil 
of rich black loam, made up chietly of wash- 
ings from the surrounding hills. It is well 
adapted to raising all cereals common to this 
latitude, and being well watered it makes ex- 
cellent pasturage for stock. The Kickapoo 
river enters the town by way of section 6, and 
passing through sections 6, 7, 18 and 19, leaves 
through the latter section. Thi.s stream fur- 
nishes splendid water power privileges, which 
have to a large extent been improved. South 
branch of Bear creek has its source on section 
2, and flowing northward leaves the town by 
way of the same section. Camp creek enters 
the town from the east and flows across the 
center of the town to empty into the Kickapoo. 
These streams have many spring tributaries, 
some small, while others are of considerable 
size, which abundantly water territory more re- 
mote from the larger streams. Upon the 
higher and more uneven lands the soil is made 
up of a clayey loam; the original soil of black 
'oam having by the action of the elements been 
largely washed into the valleys. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in this town was made in 
April, 1854, by Daniel and William Bender, 



two brothers who came together from Pennsyl- 
vania. Daniel entered 16i) acres of land on 
section 32, ,where the first house in the town 
was erected and where he still lives. William 
entered 160 acres of land on section 29, where 
he still lives. 

In the following June (1854) the Bender broth- 
ers were joined by Laal Cliff, who entered forty 
acres on section 7, where he still lives; and 
William Cliff, who selected eighty acres on 
section 8. _ William now resides in Minne- 
sota. 'J"he Cliffs were natives of Vermont. 

Jeremiah D. Black came during the same 
year and entered eighty acres on section 15. 
He is now dead. 

On the l7th of September, '[i^ai, quite a party 
of pioneers arrived, consisting of Cyrus D. 
Turner, Salma Rogers, Hartwell L. Turner, 
William Turner, J. L. Jackson and John Ful- 
ler. Cyrus Turner entered 320 acres of land 
on sections 18 and 19. He is now dead. Mr. 
Rogers selected the forty acres of land on section 
19 which he still occupies. H. L. Turner en- 
' tered 320 acres on section 19, but now resides 
just over the line in Vernon county. William 
Turner entered forty acres on section 18. J. L. 
I Jackson entered land in the town of Liberty, 
I Vernon county. John Fuller remained onlv a 
short time and then went to California, where 
he died. 

John II. Crandall, a Baptist preacher, came 
here from Indiana in 1854, and entered 320 
acres of land on sections 19 and 30. He lived 
here a few years, then removed to the town of 
Eatrle. He is now dead. 



1044 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



E. P. Fay came in 1854 and entered land on 
section 18. He settled there in 1855. He is 
now dead. 

.Jacob Bennett came here in 1854, and the 
year following located on section 7. He is dead. 

George Fruit and James Guthrie came at an 
early day and located on section 12, where they 
still live. 

Levi Knable also came in 1854, and entered 
land on section 30, where he now resides. 

David Johns came in October, 1854, and en- 
tered eighty acres of land on section 30. 

He was followed the same year l»y .f. K., H. 
W. and J. W. Ambrose. J. K. entered 120 
acres of land on section 34, where he now re- 
sides. H. W. entered 120 acres on section 28, 
where he still lives. J. W. selected 120 acres 
on section 34, where he died in 1881. 

J. P. Neher came in 1854 and entered eighty 
acres on section 34. He now resides in Cali- 
fornia. 

Jeremiah Clark came in 1854 and entered 
160 acres of land on section 26, where he still 
lives. 

R. .1. Darnell was also one of the settlers of 
1 854. He bought a farm of eighty acres on section 
36. He removed to Kansas from here, but now 
lives in Illinois. 

Levi Gochenour came in 1854 and entered 
160 acres of land on section 27. He remained 
there until the time of liis death, in 1861. His 
widow still lives there. 

In 1855 George Croninger, Andrew Carpen- 
ter, John Booher, Isaac Phifer, James Rock- 
well and Mr. Todd all came. Mr. Croninger 
bought land on sections 8 and 17, erecting a 
house on the former section, where he still 
lives. Mr. Carpenter settled on the southeast 
quarter of section 10. .John Booher located on 
section 11. Mr. Rockwell located on section 
10. He is now dead. His son, H. L., wlio 
came with him, tiow lives on section 3. Mr. 
Phifer settled on section 11. He now lives in 
Iowa. 



Alfred Loveless, a native of the State of New 
York, came here in 1856 and bought foriy 
acres of land on section 18, where he lived until 
the time of his death. He was a prominent man in 
the county and held many positions of trust and 
responsibility. His son, J. A. Loveless, siill 
occupies the old homestead. 

VARIOUS MATTERS. 

The first house within the present limits of 
the town of Forest was erected in May, 1854, 
by William and Daniel Bender, upon the farm 
that Daniel Bender now owns. 

The first marriage in the town was th:it of 
George Croninger to Nancy Smart in 1855. The 
ceremony was performed by Oliver Guess, 
justice of the peace. 

The first birth in the town was that of Viola 
M. Mack, a daughter of William and Julia 
Mack, born in May, 1856. 

The first sermon in the town was preached 
by Rev. J. P. Neher, in 1855, at the residence 
of Cyrus D. Turner. 

The first school in the town was taught in 
1855 at the residence of Cyrus D. Turner by 
Helen Jackson. 

The first school house in the town was erected 
at the village of Viola in 1S56. 

The first death in the town was that of Mrs. 
Margaret Bender, wife of Daniel Bender, who 
died in 1854. 

The first saw mill in the town was erected by 
S. Rogers and Adam Shambaugh, on section 
2 in 1857-8. 

The first grist mill in the town was erected 
by Adam Shambaugh in 1860 on section 2. 

The Krst bridge in the town was constructed 
by S. Rogers and H. L. Turner in 1855. It 
spanned the Kickapoo river, being 150 feet 
long, the covering being of poles. It was built 
by contribution, not a cent ch.anging hands be- 
cause of its erection. 

The first road was laid out in 1854 by R. J. 
r);iriiell. It passes through sections 31 , 32, 33, 
34, 35 and 36. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1045 



The first church edifice in the town was 
erected on the nortlieastern part of section 11, 
!)}■ the United Brethren denomination. This 
was prior to the breaking out of the war. 

The first male child born in the town was 
Jasper, a son of Andrew and Lucy Hull. The 
birth occurred on the present site of Viola, 
Oct. 4, 1856. Jasper is still a resident of the 
village. 

There is a Free Will Baptist church on 
Goose creek, which is of hewn logs and a sub- 
stantial building. 

The Baptists have a church building on sec- 
tion 22. 

PCSTOFFICES. 

Bear postoffice was established at an early 
day with Adam Shambaugh as postmaster. 

Forest postofiice was established in 1855. R. 
J. Darnell was the first postmaster. A few 
years later Jeremiah Clark was appointed post- 
master and the office was moved to section '26. 
The office has been moved several times since. 

SAW MILL. 

In the fall of 1883 Blakely Sons & Rogers 
])ut up a steam saw-mill on section 4. Atwenty- 
eight horse power steam engine was put in, and 
the mill was equip|)ed with a circular saw. It 
does custom work. 

ORGANIC. 

The town of Forest was first organized in 
April, 1855. For some time the town embraced 
congressional townships 11 and 12, range 2 
west. In 1856 the town of Sylvan was created, 
embracing township 1 1, range 2 west, leaving 
the boundaries of the town of Forest as they 
are to-day. The first town officers of Forest 
were as follows : Supervisors, .Jesse Harness, 
chairman, J. V. Bennett and William Mathews; 
H. L. Turner, clerk; Andrew Carpenter, treas- 
urer; Levi Knable, assessor. 

The following is a list of the officers elected 
in April, 188.S: Supervisors, J. A. Loveless, 
chairman, J. II. Shroader, J. iM. Clark; Jona- 
than Turner, clerk ; J. S. Kanable, treasurer; 



J. W. Sellars, assessor; R. H. De Lap, and II. L. 
Rockwell, justices. 

THE VILLAGE OF VIOLA. 

The village of Viola was laid out in the sum- 
mer of 1855, by Cyrus D. Turner and his 
brother Ilartwell. The name was suggested by 
H. L. Turner, in honor of Viola Buck, who had 
been the teacher of the Turner boys in New 
York State. 

The first house upon the site was erected by 
Cyrus D. Turner. He also opened the first store 
in 1854. 

The first wagon maker was John Ciimmings, 
who located here in 1866. 

The first shoemaker was John Gribble, who 
came here in 1861. 

The first saw mill was erected in 1556 by H. 
L. Turner. It stood just across the line in 
Vernon county. 

The first grist-mill was erected in 1857 by the 
same person. It contained one run of buhrs. 

The first school was taught in 1855 by Miss 
Helen Jackson. 

The first sermon was preached by Rev. Jacob 
Neher at the residence of Cyrus D. Turner in 
]>^55. 

The first child born was Viola May Mack, a 
daughter William H. and Julia Mack, born in 
May, 1856. Cyrus D. Turner gave the child a 
village lot for the privilege of naming her, 
and bestowed the name of Viola May, in honor 
of the village and month in which the birth 
occurred. 

The first ])hysician here was Dr. DeLap, 
who is still a resident. 

The first hotel in the village was erected and 
opened by A. II. Hull in 1856. 

In 1883 the village was doing a thriving busi- 
ness and h:id excellent prospects for the fu- 
ture. The following is a business <lirectory of 
the village : 

General merchandise, Burgor& ,\[athews, W. 
.1. Waggoner, Cushman & Sons and G. H. Tite. 

Drugs, Burgor & Mathews. 

Hardware, G. II. Tate and W. J. Waggoner. 



1046 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Furniture, Jones & Gorsuch. 

Blacksmith and wagon shoj s, A. W. Guess, 
Cleopbas Pepein and B. Osterout. 

Grist-mills, Cushman & Sons and W. J. 
Waggoner. 

Saw-mills, Cushman & Sons and Benjamin 
W. Lawton. 

Physicians, Drs. R. H. De Lap and Joseph 
Goyer. 

Veterinary Surgeon — N. D. Ward. 

The village has organizations of the follow- 
ing societies : G. A. R, I. O. G. T. and I. O. 
O. F, 

In the spring of 1883 a cheese factory was 
established at Viola by Peter Young, furnished 
with all the necessary apparatus for producing 
a first class article. The enterprise has been 
very successful. The productions are marketed 
mostly at Viroqua and LaCrosse. 

The Viola postoffice was established in 185S, 
with Cyrus D. Turner as postmaster. He was 
succeeded by G. H. Tate, and then came W. J. 
Waggoner, the present postmaster. There are 
mail routes from here to Norwalk, Righland 
Center, Readstown an 1 Viroqua. Tiiose to 
Richland Center and Norwalk are tri-weekly ; 
while those to 'Viroqua and Readstown are 
weekly. 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was 
organized on the 23d of July, 1870, with the 
following as its officers and charter members : 
John Gribble, P. S.; J. A. Cummings, R. S.; 
Jonathan Turner, T.; Salma Rodgers, V. G.; 
Harley Trobridge, N. G. In 1883 the society 
had a membership of forty-two. The officers 
in the fall of 1 883 were : L. R. Gribble, N. G. ; M. 
A. Gill, R. S.; N. D. Ward, P. S.; W. J. Wag- 
goner, T.; B. Robbitt, R. S. N. G.; William 
Clark, L. S. N. G.; C. W. Shultz, W.; R. H. 
De Lap, C; G. W. Wilson, R. S. S.; G. Harris, 
L. S. S.; E. B. Waggoner, O. G.; J. Stone- 
brook, J. G.; R. H. Buciianan, R. V. G.; Peter 
Pippen, L. S. V. G. Trustees, Dr. R. H. De 
Lap and James Dowell. 



The present Good Templars Lodge was or- 
ganized Jan. 12, 1872. The following were 
the first officers and charter members: John A. 
Cummings, W. C. T.; Mrs. Lucy A. Tate, V. 
T.; Norman H. Stiles, chaplain; Perlie V. Ik-sa, 
secretary; Dr. R. H. De Lap, M.; Civilian 
West, O. G.; Mrs. S. K. De Lap, P. W. C. T. 
The organization now has a membership of 
thirty. 

JEKBY TURNER POST NO. 85. 

A post of the Grand Army of the Republic 
was instituted at Viola, May 23, 1883, by mus- 
tering officer A. P. Clayton , assisted by com- 
rades Charles Pearce, Irvin Gribble, J. W. 
Liek and II. Allen, of Richland Center. The 
post was named in honor of one of Richland 
county's gallant soldiers who was killed in 
battle, Capt. J J. Turner, of company H, 5th 
Wisconsin Infantry regiment, who fell while 
leading liis men at the storming of Mary's 
Heights, at the battle of Fredericksburg, May 
3, 1883. The following is a complete roster of 
the organization, which starts under very 
favorable auspices and a large membership : 

Officers.^ — Commander, Salma Rogers; Senior 
Vice Commander, D. B. Scmraars; Junior Vice 
Commander, J. L. Simmons ; Adjutant, M. V. 
B. Richards; Surgeon, Dr. R. 11. DeLap; Cha])- 
lain, J. B. Snow ; Quartermaster, W. J. Wag- 
goner; Officer of the Day, E B. Waggoner; 
Officer of the Guard, Jacob Benn ; Sergeant 
Major, J. M. Clark; Quartermaster Sergeant, J. 
M. Saubert. 

Charter members. — R. H. DeLap, Salma Rog- 
ers, W. J. Waggoner, J. B. Snow, D. B. Sora- 
mars, M. V. B. Richards, Adam Barton, Joseph 
Goyer, S. D. Wiltrout, Jacob Benn, J. M. Clark, 
T. D. Risin, David Austin, J. M. Saubert, 
Thomas Morris, A. A. Wiltrout, E. C. Gill, E. 
B. Waggoner, G. W. Wise, James Moriow, 
Peter Fazel, Alouzo Clark, T M. McCullougli, 
J. L. .^imnions, I. G. B. Ott, L. S. Kellogg, A. 
E. Clark, J. S. Kanable, J. R. Campbell and 
L. C. Gates. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1047 



In 1883 and l'?84 the post erected a building 
at Viola, at a co^t of about |1,500. It is two 
stories in heiglit, and about 24x48 feet in size. 
Tlie upper story has been arranged as a lodge 
room, and the lower will be occupied with a 
store. Salraa Rogers was the builder. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Viola, 
was organized in 1856, by Rev. James S. Lake, 
in the school house. Services were held in the 
school house until 1876, when the society 
erected a church building 26x.36 feet in size, at 
a cost of §GOU. The Churcli now has a mem- 
Ucrsliip of about forty. The officers of the 
Church in 1883 were: Pastor, Rev. Wooley; 
trustees. Dr. R. H. DeLap, R. A. Tubbs and 
Joseph Goyer. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

The following biographical sketches are of 
the representative citizens of this town: 

Albert W. Guess, proprietor of the Viola 
House, Viola, Wis., was born in Carroll Co , 
Ohio, March 29, 1849. When five years of age, 
his parents, Oliver and Henrietta (Adams 
Guess, removed to Wisconsin, and became pic 
neer settlers in Sylvan town. Albert W. passed 
his early life in Richland county, assisting hi- 
father on the farm and in the latter's nrill, and 
attending the district school during the winter 
seasons. When seventeen j'ears of age, he went 
to Richland Center, and served an apprentice- 
ship of two years at the blacksmith trade. The 
two years following, he traveled in IVIinnesota 
and Iowa, working at his trade at various points 
in those States. Returning liome, he erected a 
blacksmith shop on his father's farm, and there 
worked at his trade until the fall of 1869. He 
then came to Viola, and in the spring of 1870 
rented a shop, and, in connection with his trade, 
engaged in the manufacture of wagons, buggies 
and cutters. In July of the same year he pur- 
chased the buildings, and the land on which 
they were locatec^ which comprised lot 3, of 
block I, Hull's addition to Viola. In 1881 he 
erected a large and substantial frame building 
which he opened as a hotel. He <-arrted on the 



blacksmith and wagon trade until 1S82, since 
which time he has devoted his time to the pa- 
trons of the Viola House. This hotel is conven- 
iently arranged, neatly furnished, and enjoys a 
fair patronage from the best class of travelers. 
Mr. Guess was married May 12, 1870, to Marj' 
E., daughter of Isaac and Savilla Phifer, and a 
native of Indiana. They are the parents of 
three children — Georgie, Harry and an infant. 

William Bender, who, with his brother, was 
the first permanent settler in the town of Forest, 
was born in Somerset Co., Penn.. in 1824. He 
received a common school education, and at the 
age of thirty emigrated to Wisconsin and set- 
tled in Richland county, town of Forest, section 
20. He and his brother, Daniel, built the first 
l)uilding in the town, which was a log house of 
small dimensions, and constituted the dwelling 
])lace for both families. Mr. IJender entered a 
farm of eighty acres, on section 20, where lie 
now lives. He now owns 280 acres. He was 
married in 1848 to Mary Barnett, who was 
born in Somerset Co, Penn., in 1828. They 
have two children — Ephraim and Henry. The 
latter is now married to Rachel Taylor. Mr. 
Bender was a member of the 1 1 tli Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted in 1865 and 
was discharged the same year. Mr. Bender'^ 
mother, Susan Bender, was born in 1795, and 
is now living in Forest. The family have ex- 
perienced all the hardsliips and privations of 
pioneer life. 

Daniel Bender, one of the pioneer settlers of 
the town of Forest, was born in the year 1813, 
in Somerset Co., Penn., where he resided until 
1842. In that year be was married to Sarah 
Barnt, who died i>i 1851, Itaving three chil- 
dren — Hiram, William andSarah. Mr. Bender, 
believing it "not good for man to be alone," 
married again, in 1852, Elizabeth Wisner, who 
died in 1853, leaving one child — Mary J. His 
third wife was Margaret Reel. Her death oc- 
curred in May, 1854, and was the first death in 
the town of Forest. He was married to his 
present wife, Mary A. Fall, in 1855. Theirunion 



63 



1048 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



lias been blessed with five children, three of 
whom are now living — Samuel, John and Eliza- 
belli. Hiram is now married to Minnie Wood. 
Sarah is the wife of John Morrow, and Mary J. 
of David Austin. Mr. Bender, on coming to 
Forest, entered 240 acres of land on sections -32 
and 33, where he now lives. He now has 230 
acres besides giving three of his children farms 
of eighty acres each. He has been chairman of 
the town board three years. He came from Ad- 
ams Co., Ind., coming by team to Sturgis, Mich., 
then by rail to Vernon, 111., thence by team to 
Muscoda, then crossed the river to Orion where 
he rented a house until he could build a log 
house on his land, and which was the first in 
the town. In about six weeks he moved into it, 
and commenced pioneer life. They lived here 
about four years then built a hewed log house 
and lived in it about three years ; then built 
the commodious frame structure in which he 
now lives. Mr. Bender commenced pioneer 
life under difficulties. His wife died soon after 
his arrival, aiul he had considerable sickness in 
the family. He persevered, however. He could 
not getaway, so went to work and has lived to 
see the county settled and developed. Mr. 
Bender adheres to the principles of the repub- 
lican part}'', and votes with that organization. 
Mrs. Bender is a member of the United Breth- 
ren Church. 

Salma Rogers, a pioneer settler in the town 
of Forest, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 
182-5, where his younger days were spent. He 
obtained his education in the common school, 
and in his youth, learned the joiner's trade. In 
1854, he, in company with Cyrus D. and Hart- 
well S. Turner, emigrated to the town of Forest. 
He entered forty acres of land on section 19, 
where he now lives. His place now contains 165 
acres. Mr. Rogei's was united in marriage in 
1847 with Mary J. Turner, who died Jan. 26, 
1848, leaving one child — Mary A., now the wife 
of George Bews. They reside at the Black 
Hills, Dak. Mr. Rogers again married, in 1849, 
Harriet M. Brownell, who was born in Monroe 



Co., N. Y., in 1828. Four children have been 
born to them — Frank E., Calvin N., Lilly B. 
and Orla A. The latter died Nov. 3, 1879. 
Frank E. is married to Bell Moody. They have 
one child — Nellie. Calvin married Elizabeth 
Syverson. They have one child — Homer. Mr. 
Rogers enlisted in 1861 in the 1 2th Wisconsin 
Infantry, company I, and was commissioned 2d 
lieutenant July 30, 1863. He held the ofiice of 
town treasurer in 1865-6, and has been justice 
of the peace three years. He is now engaged 
in contracting, building and millwrighting. 

Adam A. Wiltrout was born in Somerset 
Co., Penn., in 1840, where he lived until 1847, 
when his parents moved to Clinton Co., lud. 
His mother died there the next spring, at which 
place he remained until 1854, when the family 
emigrated again to Richland Co., Wis., and 
were among the first settlers in the town of 
Bloom. His father lives in Green Co., Iowa, 
and Adam now resides in the town of Fon-st, 
and owns forty acres of land on section 16. He 
was married to Mercy E. Clark, of Allamakee 
Co., Iowa, July 4, 1871, by Ira B. Branson, of 
Prairie du Chien, Wis. They have five chil- 
dren — Rosa R., James G., Charles W., Bertha 
B. and lola R. Mr. Wiltrout enlisted in 1861 
in the 14th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, com- 
pany K ; was promoted to corporal the Istday of 
July, 1865. He participated, in the following 
battles: Shiloh, April 7, 1862; luka, Sept. 19, 
1862 ; Corinth, Oct. 3, 1862 ; siege of Vicks- 
burg, 1863; Big Shanty, June 10, 1864; Baker's 
Ridge, to the left of Kenesaw mountain, June 
17, 1864; near Atlanta, July 22, 1S'14 ; Ezra 
Church, July 28, 1864; Jonesboro, Aug. 30, 
1864; Lovejoy station, Sept. 2, 1864; siege of 
Savannah, in December, 1864; Sherman's march 
through the Carolinas; battle at FortPocataligo, 
Salkehatchie swamp, Orangeburg,Columbin, Che- 
raw, battle at Mill Creek Bend and other skir- 
mishes. From 1871 to 1875 he was a resident of 
Allamakee Co., Iowa; removed to Victory, Ver- 
non Co., Wis., in 1875; removed from Victory to 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1049 



Richland county; is officer of the day in Jerry 
Turner Post, No. So, department of Wisconsin. 
Isaac R. Lawton was born in 1829 in Catta- 
raugu.s Co., N. Y., where he lived until 1845, 
when he moved to Waukesha Co., Wis., and re- 
mained two years, then to Jefferson county 
where he lived until 1850. He then went to 
northern Minnesota and worked in the pineries 
of that region about four years, then removed 
to Vernon county where he remained one year. 
He came from there to the town of Forest, 
Bnd entered 200 acres of land on section 6. He 
now own.s 160 acres. Mr. Lawton was married 
Sept. 25, 1855, to Alalissa Southworth, who was 
born in 1831, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They 
have three children — Wallace A., James W. 
and May. Wallace is now married to Lizzie 
Reed and they liave two cliildren. James mar- 
ried Sarah Saubert. Mr. Lawton was a mem- 
ber of the 46th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 
serving as corporal of company H. He enlisted 
in 1865 and was discharged the same year. 

Jonathan Turner was born in Erie Co., N. 
Y"., and resided in tlie western portion of the 
State until I860. He received an academic 
education and engaged in teaching school and 
merchandising in his native State until he 
moved to Forest, Richland Co., Wis., and pur- 
chased forty acres of land in the town of Lib- 
erty, Vernon county. He now owns thirty acres 
of Ian " in Liberty, also a house and an acre of 
land in the village of Viola. Mr. Turner 
has been engaged in farming most of the time 
since coming to Forest. lie was married to 
Phebe Welker, daughter of John and Catli- 
arine Welker. They have two children — 
Una E. and Nora H., both living with their 
parents. Mr. Turner was a member of the 46th 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry having enlisted 
in 186i and was discharged tiie same year. 
Mr. Turner was chairman of the bbard of 
supervisors of the to\vn of Forest for two years 
and clerk seventeen years. His mother, Lany 
Turner, was born in 1 78f', in Herkimer Co., N. 
Y., and raiup lo Forest in 1860. She died in 



Dane county at the advanced age of ninety- 
three vears. 

R. A. Tubbs, one of Forest's prominent farm- 
ers, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1816, 
where he grew to manhood and obtained a com- 
mon school education, which he has greatly in- 
creased by industry and perseverance. In 1837 
he moved to Kane Co., 111., where he engaged 
in farming and blacksmithing twenty years. 
He then went to Jefferson Co., Wis., and fol- 
lowed the business of manufacturing wagons 
six years. He next removed to Richland coun- 
ty and settled in the town of Forest, where he 
purchased eighty acres of land on section 6, 
which he has since increased to 160 acres. Mr. 
Tubbs was married in 1840, in Oneida Co., N. 
Y., to Rachel Force, who was born in 1815. 
They are the parents of four children — Mercena 
M., Mary E., Richard A. and Clara. Mary is 
now the widow of J. F. Kelly, living at De- 
corah, Iowa. Mercena is the wife of W. P. 
Cliff. Richard is married to Mary A. Slay back, 
and Clara to W. H. Tenney Mr. Tubbs has 
been town treasurer four years, a member of the 
town board four years, and justice of the peace 
seven years. During his residence in Illinois 
he held the position of town clerk and other 
local offices. 

William J. Waggoner became a resident of 
Viola, Richland Co., Wis, in October, 1875. 
He was born in Springfield, .lefferson Co., Ohio, 
Oct 7, 1839. He is the oldest of four living 
brothers. His parents removed to Richland 
Center on July 2, 1854, being the eighth family 
to locate at that place. He mowed the first 
path through the hazel brush from tlie old hotel, 
east of what is now Bailey's corner, on the 
principal business street of the little city; and 
later, a path on the same street up to what has 
so long been the home of the Waggoner family. 
He grew up and remained a citizen of that 
town until 1875, when, with his wife, Alice, 
daughter of Capt. H. L. Turner, of Viola, and 
their son, George, and daughters, Lillie and 
Rosa, he removed to Viola, as before stated, 



1050 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ami engaged in farming, milling and merchan- 
dising. While in Richland Center, he was for 
eighteen months one of the proprietors and 
editors of the Richland County Observer. Buy- 
ing a one-third interest in the paper, he en- 
tered the office, laid oflE his hat and coat, and in 
eight months was editor, foreman and press- 
man of the establishment. He served as town 
clerk in 1864, and district school clerk in 1874-5; 
also as county superintendent of schools 
from IS'ra to 1875. He was town clerk of For- 
est in 1876, and elected justice of the peace in 
1880. His wife dying that fall, adding sorrow 
to his already manifold cares, he felt con- 
strained to resign this expression of confidence 
and respect. Being of a studious nature, he 
became an expert mathematician, excelled by 
few, if any, as a ready and correct accountant. 
He commenced teaching school at the age of 
seventeen, and during the succeeding eight 
years was engaged in teaching, studying and 
attending school, thereby gaining a thoroughly 
practical business education and a well disci- 
plined, active business mind. He has been en- 
gaged in the mercantile business during his 
residence in Viola, and four years ago added to 
his business the Forest grist mills. He is a 
lover of agriculture, and his horses, Durham 
cattle and sheep are not excelled in the county. 
Mr. Waggoner was married to Mrs. M. E. Scott, 
of Richmond, Ohio, ill 1883. He has held the 
office of village postmaster since February, 1876. 
Cleophus Pepin was born in Canada East in 
1841, and emigrated to the United States in 
1857. He first settled at Chain of Rocks, Mo., 
where he remained until 1861, when he enlisted 
in the State militia, and was discharged in 1864. 
He returned home and resumed his former oc- 
cupation, which was that of blaeksmithing. 
He remained one year, then started on a trip, 



going from place to place, working at his trade, 
finally coming to Viola in 1878, where he has 
since remained, still employed at his trade. 
Mr. Pepin was married in 1880 to Catharine 
Short. They have three children — Ada M., 
Clara and C'eophus. Mr. Pepin owns a house 
and lot and his shop in the village of Viola. 

Amadeus Muliler, Jr., was born in Beaver Co., 
Penn., in 1850, where he resided one year. His 
parents then moved to Grant Co., Wis. In 1879 
he and his brother, John G., purchased ten ncres 
of land and a flouring mill in the town of Forest, 
on section 2, at a cost of $800, which property 
they have greatly improved, having now two 
run of buhrs and a capacity of 100 bushels per 
day. Mr. Muhler was a single man until his 
marriage in 1880 with Mrs. Sarge. 

His brother, George Muhler, was born in 
Grant Co., Wis., in 1854, where he remained 
until 1879, then came with his brother Amadfus 
to the town of Forest, and with him purch:isod 
their mill property. They are the sons of 
Amadeus G. Muhler, Sr., who lives in Grant 
Co., Wis. In addition to their flouring mill, 
they are the owners of a saw-mill, which has a 
capacity of 3,000 feet per day. They are now 
doing a thriving business. 

Isaac G. B. Ott was born in Clay Co., Ind., in 
1835, and lived there till 1848, when he moved 
to Vermillion county, of the same State. He 
lived there till 1881, then came to Richland 
county, town of Forest, and purchased 160 acres 
of land on section 26, where he now lives. Mr. 
Ott was a member of the 43d regiment, Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry; he enlisted in 1861, and 
was discharged in 1862 on account of disability. 
He took part in the battles of New Madrid and 
Pilot Grove. He was married in 1869 to Jane 
Strain, of Vermillion Co., Ind. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1051 



CHAPTER XXV. 



TOWN OF HENRIETTA. 



Henrietta is one of the nortliern tier of Rich- 
i.inii county's subdivisions, and embraces con- 
gressional townsliip 12 north, range 1 east. 
It is bounded on the north by Vernon county ; 
on the east by the town of Westford; on tlie 
Noutli by Rockbridge; and on the west by 
Bloom. Tlie surface of the town is well 
watered by Pine river and its tributaries, of 
which the principal is Melancthon creek. 
There are many fine farms in the town. The 
inhabitants as a class are intelligent and enter- 
]iiising and are making permanent imjirove- 
nunts. A large number of the farmers iu the 
town devote a gfeat share of their time and 
energy to raising stocks-improved stock, both 
horned cattle and sheep receiving much atten- 
tion. The population of the town is mixed, 
including American English, Bohemian and 
Irish. The greater part of Melancthon creek 
valley is settled by people of the latter named 
nationality. 

EA.RI,T SETTLEMENT. 

The first permanent settlement in the town 
of Henrietta; was made in 1853 by William 
Garfield, a native of Vermont, who came here 
from Waukesha, in March, of that year, and 
entered the north half of the northwest quarter 
of section 35. He lived here until the time of 
his death. 

Later in the same year Alexander Sires and 
two sons, William and Alexander, came from 
Indiana. They settled on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 32. Mr. Sires laid out the village 
of Siresvillo. He died herein 1869. 



William Joslyn, a native of Michigan, came 
here in 1853, and lived for about one year on 
section 27, where he was engaged in making 
shingles. In 1854 he entered land on tlie south- 
east ijuarter of section 7, ami remained there 
until elected sheriff of the county in 1859, 
when he moved to Richland Center. In 1861 
he returned to his farm and remained until 
1868, when he removed to the town of Rich- 
land. 

Jonas Lockwood, a native of Vermont, 
came in the fall of 1853 and settled on section 
27, where he lived until the time of his death. 

Carlos .loslyn, a native of Vermont, came in 
1854 and located on section 7. He now lives 
with his son-in-law, Latimore Renick. 

Henr}' Simpson, a native of England, came 
in 1854 and entered land on section 36. He 
erected a house, cleared a farm and made this 
his home until the time of his death in 1862. 
His widow married again and now lives in Sank 
county. Hi.s son Joseph still occupies the old 
homestead. 

R. M. De Lap came froin Illinois in 1854 
and settled near Siresville. He remained there 
about two years when his cabin burned and h* 
removed to Grant county. When the war 
broke out he enlisted and died in the service. 

Quinton Nicks, a Tenneseean, came from 
Illinois in 1863, and settled on section 31. He 
was a half owner in the village plat of Wood- 
stock. He has always been engaged in farm- 
ing and still lives adjoining the village. 

Demas Wherry, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came here in 1851 and entered land on section 



1052 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



31. After entering his land he returned to In- 
diana where he remained until the fall of 1854, 
when he came and settled. He now lives on 
section 32. 

William Collins, a native of Indiana, came 
from California in 1854 and entered land on 
sections 8, 17, 18 and 28. He built a log house 
on section 17 and during the summer kept 
bachelor's hall. In the fall of that year he 
married and settled on section 28, where he 
lived until the spring of 1855, when he sold out 
and returned to section 17. In 1856 he re- 
moved to Orion, and when the war broke out he 
enlisted and died in the service. His widow still 
lives in the county. 

A. J. Slater, a native of New York, came 
here in 1854 and entered land on section 18. 
In 1857 he sold to Perry Brown and after liv- 
ing in different portions of the town for some 
time he removed to Minnesota. 

Jabez Smith came from Illinois in 1854 rsnd 
settled on section 26, where he improved a 
farm. In 1860 he removed to Green county. 

Edward Pinick came here from the town of 
Marshall iu 1S54 and settled on section 6, where 
he laid out the village of Yuba. In 1869 
he sold out and removed to Pottawatomie Co., 
Kan., where he still lives. 

Heman B. Miller in 1854 came from Ohio, 
and settled on the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 20. He made some improvement and 
lived here until 1869, when he sold out and re- 
moved to the town of Richland. He afterward 
went to Nebraska, but is now in Ohio. 

Amos Carpenter, a native of New York, 
came in 1854 and made his home with A. J. 
Slater. He was a physician, the first to locate 
in the town. In 1856 he removed to Vernon 
county, where he still lives. 

James Ghormley, a native of Indiana, came 
in 1854 and settled on section 34. He erected 
a flour and saw mill and lived here until 1882, 
when he sold out and returned to Indiana, 
where he died a few months later. 



Michael Ghormley, a native of Indiana, and 
father of Jimes, came at the same time and 
entered land on section 26, where he cleared a 
farm and lived for several years. He owned 
an interest in the mills in company with his 
son. He died in 1878. 

Andrew Hughert came from Indiana in 1854 
and settled on the southeast quarter of section 
26. He lived there until 1873, when he re- 
moved to Ricliland Center, where he died. 

In 1854 Milton Satterlee came from Illinois. 
He is now a resident of Woodstock. Mr. Sat- 
terlee has been quite a prominent man in the 
history of this town, holding many positions of 
trust, among which are clerk of the circuit court 
and register of deeds. 

George Norman, a native of England, came 
from Jefferson county, in 1855, and located on 
Section 20. He now resides on section 17. 
Four of his sons are well-to-do farmers in the 
town. 

Henry Bristol came from Ohio in 1855 and 
settled on section 17. Two or three years later 
he sold out and went to Richland Center. His 
son, Samuel, located on section 18, where he 
lived a short time, then sold and moved away. 

James Williams, from Ohio, came in 1855 and 
located on section 8. When the war broke out 
he enlisted, and contracted disease in the 
service from the effects of which he died at 
home shortly after his discharge. The family 
removed to Kansas. 

A Mr. Rigby came in 1855 and located on 
the northeast quarter of section 6. He lived 
there a short time, when he sold out and 
moved away. 

In the fall of 1855 William Richardson, a 
native of Ohio, came and entered land on sec- 
tion 21. lie settled on the land in the fall of 
1858 and still makes this his home. 

Carlisle Tillow, a native of Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., came in 1855 and settled on section 34, 
where he cleared a farm and lived until the 
time of his death in 1870. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1053 



Cornelius McCarthy, a native of Ireland, 
came to Richland county in 1852 and entered 
land near the present site of Richland Center. 
In ISoo he sold out and removed to Melanllion 
creek, entering land on section 23, in the town 
of Henrietta. In September, 18U1, he enlisted 
in company D, 11th Wisconsin regiment 
and went to Arkansas. He was severely 
wounded in July, 1862, at the battle of Bayou 
Cache, and in the following September was dis- 
charged for disability aTid returned home. In 
18C4 he re-enlisted in company I, 42d Wiscon- 
sin regiment and served until the close of the 
war, after which he returned home. He died 
in September, 1879, leaving a widow and seven 
children. The widow and son, Cornelius J., 
still occuj)y the old homestead. 

Jonathan Dillon, a native of Virginia, came 
from Ohio in 1855 and entered land on sections 
5 and 8, where he still lives. 

Starr Titus, a native of New York, cami- here 
al about the same time and selecteii hind on 
section 15, where he lived until the time of his 
death in 1859. The family are scattered. 

Among others who came in 1855 were: George 
Askins, a Mr. Robbing, Peter Ward and John 
Manning. 

George Askins settled upon the northeast 
quarter of the northeast quarter of section 15. 
He was an old bachelor, and lived almost tlie 
life of a hermit until the time of his death in 
1872. 

Mr. Robbins located on section 21. He lived 
there but a few years; then sold out and left. 

Peter Ward was a native of the Emerald 
Isle, and made his selection of land on section 
26. When the war broke out he enlisted and 
died wliile in tlie service. His family removed 
to Green county. 

John Manning was also an Irisliman. He 
settled on section 10, where he cleared a farm 
and remained four or five years, then removed 
to Iowa county. 



Jarvis Shipman came in 1856 and settled on 
section 6. He lived here a number of years, 
then removed to Trempeleau county. 

Simon Harris, a native of Ohio, came in 1856 
and settled on section 8, where he improved a 
farm. When the war broke out he enlisted in 
the 2d Cavalry; but after some time he con- 
tracted disease and was discharged for disabil- 
ity. He again enlisted and served until tiie 
(dose of the war. He afterward lost one eye, 
from the effects of disease contracted. In 1878 
he sold his place and removed to Th.ayer Co., 
Neb. 

Thomas Kinney, a native of Nova Scotia, came 
here in 1856 and located on section 22. He im- 
])roved a farm and remained here about ten 
years, when he removed to Richland Center, 
where he has since died. 

Others, who came in 1856 were: Charles 
Shields, Bronson Greaves, John Slaney, John 
Kennedy, Michael Doyle, John W^halen, Jolin 
Welsh and James Kelly. 

Charles Shields was a native of Ireland. He 
located on section 15, where he still lives. 

Bronson Greaves w-as a native of the State of 
New York. He came here from Rockbiidge 
and settled on section 17, where he lived until 
the time of his death. His family still occu])y 
the old homestead. 

.Joli:i Slaney was a native of Ireland. He lo- 
cated on section 2:i, where he lived until the 
time of his death. His death was caused by an 
accident, a tree falling upon him while he was at 
work in tlie woods. The family still occupy 
the old homestead. 

John Kennedy and his son, James, were na- 
tives of Ireland. The father located on section 
22. He is dead, and the son now occupies the 
place. 

Michael Doyle located on section 3. He re- 
mained but a few years, then removed to 
Chicago. 

John Whalen settled on section 22, where 
some of the family still live. 



1054 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



John Welsh, was a native of Ireland and set- 
tled on section 23. He now lives in the town 
of Westford. 

James Kelly was also a native of the Emerald 
Isle. He settled on section 10, where he still 
lives. 

Among others who should be mentioned as 
early settlers of Henrietta are the following: 
Perry Brown, O. S. Welton, Henry Travers 
and Stephen McWilliams. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school in district No. 3 was taught 
in 1854 in a log house on section 34 by Eliza 
A. Garfield, now the wife of Demas Wherry. 
The next school was taught by Daniel Garfield 
in a house belonging to Thomas Gillham, on 
section 27. In 1858 a frame school house was 
erected on the northeast corner of the north- 
west quarter of section 35, in which Eliza Gar- 
field was the first teacher. She finished a term 
here which had been commenced in a private 
house. 

The first school house in district No. 4 was 
erected of logs, in 1857, on the northeast corner 
of section 22. Caroline Kinney, now the wife 
O. S. Welton, was the first teacher in this house. 
In 1875 a frame building was erected near the 
center of section 15, in which Thomas Conway 
taught the first term of school. 

The first school house iji district No. 5 was 
erected in 1856 on the northwest quarter of the 
southeast quarter of section 7. The neighbors 
turned out and made a "building bee" of the 
affair. They drew the logs, split puncheons 
for the floor and covered the building with 
shakes. Ann Andrews was the first teacher in 
this house. In If 65 a frame house was erected 
on the northeast corner of the southeast quar- 
ter of section 7, in which Emma Eastland taught 
the first school. Mattie Spyker is the present 
teacher. 

School district No. 6 was organized in 1855. 
The first school house was erected in the fall of 
1 856. It was a log building with a dirt and stick 
chimney on the outside, and a fire jilace within. 



Marion Kinney, now the wife of H. T. Hamil- 
ton, was the first teacher, holding a term in the 
spring of 1856. The old school house was in 
use until 1861, when a frame building was 
erected on section 20. Mattie Akan taught 
the first, and George Holsey the second school 
in this house. The district is preparing to erect 
a new school building in 1884. 

Union school district at Woodstock. The 
iirst school in this district was taught by Demas 
Wherry, in 1855, in a small log house which had 
been erected for the purpose. The first school 
within the present village of Woodstock was 
taught by Julia Satterlee. In the fall of 1859 a 
petition was circulated by James M. Callaway, 
Thomas C. Clark and Milton Satterlee, which 
was presented to the Legislature, asking that the 
Woodstock district and a part of the town of 
J31oom be organized as the Woodstock Union 
district. The prayer was granted and the or- 
ganization of the new district eifected. A com- 
modious frame building was erected, which 
was used until 1883. In 1SS2 a new and larger 
building was commenced which was completed 
during the succeeding year. It is a frame 
building, vaneered with brick, two stories in 
height and 30x40 feet in size. The building is 
a credit to the village and one of which they 
m.ay well be proud. 

BELIGIOUS. 

In early days religious services were held in a 
building erected by Bronson Greaves for a 
grist mill. Rev. George W. Turner, a Second 
Adventist, was the first preacher. 

In December, 1865, a society of this denomi- 
nation was organized in the Norman school dis- 
trict, by Elder J. R. Preston. There were four 
members — Bronson Greaves, Benjamin Judson, 
Lizzie Hughart and Mary Renick. Bronson 
Greaves was the first deacon. Since the organi- 
zation, among those who have preached here 
are the following: Elders Hitchcock, Wilbur, 
Huff, Wilcox, White and Greaves. The society 
continued to flourish, and met regularly for 
worship at the school house in district No. 6. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



105S 



Oswald Palmer is the present deacon. There 
is a Sunday school organization in connection 
with the Church, which meets during the sum- 
mer seasons. Oswald Palmer is superintendent, 
and I>. Judson secretary. 

As early as 1857 a Methodist Episcopal or- 
ganization was effected at the school house on 
section 20, under the management of Rev. 
Tlionias Mason. The ela.ss took and has since 
liDinethe name of East Pine class. Levi Mick 
was the first class leader. The class is still in 
existence, having a metnbersliip of seventeen, and 
mcL'ts for worship at the school house in district 
No. 5. John Fowler is the present class leader, 
Rev. Snodgrass pastor, and .John W. Fowler 
steward. Since organization the following 
named have filled the pulpit for this class: Revs. 
Hrainard, Hawthorn, 'I'imby, Thurston, Brake- 
man, Olmstead, Hodgson, McMillan, Sackett, 
Brothers, Bradley, Kilbonvn, Medd, Bryan and 
Wheaton. The class belongs to the West Wis- 
consin conference. 

A Sabbath-school was organized shortly after 
the class, with Levi Mick as the first superin- 
tendent. The school still meets regularly dur- 
ing the summer months. The following have 
acted as superintendents of the school: Levi 
Mick, John Fowler, T. F. Ayers, B. Fowler and 
Mary Ayers. Levi Mick is the jiresent superin- 
tendent. 

In the fall of 1881 Rev. I). C. Young, a 
preacher of the United Brethren denomination, 
held meetings at the school house in district 
No. 3. Since that time various preachers of 
this denomination have held services here. 
In December, 188.3, Rev. Cosper, from Vernon 
county, organized a class ^ ith the following 
members: C A. Robinson and wife and son Al- 
bert, Daniel Long and wife, Mrs. Matilda Cock- 
roft and daughter Mary J., Mrs. John M. Gar- 
field and Mrs. John Di.\on. Daniel Long was 
selected class leader. Services are held once 
every two weeks at the school house in district 
No. 3. 



A Dunkard, or German Baptist, society was 
organized in the vicinity of Woodstock in 1878. 
Revs. Myers and Forney were the first preach- 
ers. Meetings are now held once a month at 
the house of Joseph Turner on section 4, in the 
town of Rockbridije, and once each month in 
the town of Bloom. Rev. George Turner is 
the present pastor. 

At an early day a Wesleyan Methodist class 
was organized at the school house of district 
No. 3. The following were among the first 
members: Michael Ghormley and wife, Jonas 
Lockwood and wife, Mrs. John M. Garfiiild, C. 
A. Robinson and wife and Martha Cockroft. 
Michael Giiormley was the first class leader. 
Among those who have filled the pulpit for the 
class are the following: Revs. Caniack, Mul- 
lini.x. Good, Wood, McMillan, Ryman, Van 
Dressen, Holcomb, Mann, DeLap and Bunker. 

The Universalist society. In 1875 B. F. 
Snook, the State missionary, came to Wood- 
stock and delivered a course of five lectures in 
the M. E. church. These were the first meet- 
ings of this denomination in the village. Since 
that time Revs. Eberhart and Criieliet have 
j)reached here. The society is small but pros- 
perous. The following are among its mem- 
bers: Demas Wherry and family, H. T. Wal- 
ser, J. A. Meeker and Dr. J. 1>. Hitchcock. 

The Catholic Church. Tiie first mass in the 
town was said by Father Slhale, in the fall of 
1855, at the house of Cornelius McCarthy. For 
several years meetings were held in Mr. Mc- 
Cartiiy's. In 1867 a church was built near the 
center of section 15. Among those who have 
held services since Father Sthale are: Fathers 
Montague, Bean, Bernard and Metzler. The 
present pastor is Father Herman Groose. There 
are thirty-five families who attend here. 

ORGANIC. 

The town of Henrietta was organized on the 
1st day of April, 1856, at a town meeting held at 
the house of Ileman B. Miller, on section 17. 
The officers of the election were: Inspectors, 
Henry Bristol, chairman, William II. Joslyn 



1056 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



and Alexander Sires; Allen J. Slater, clerk. 
The first officers of the town were elected at 
this time. They were as follows: Supervisors, 
William H. Joslyn, chairman, Milton Satterlee 
and John M. Garfield; A. J. Slater, clerk; 
Henry Bristol, treasurer; Jabez Smith, assessor; 
Latimore Rennick, Henry Bristol, A. J. Smith 
and A. Sires, justices of the peace; A. J. Slater, 
superintendent of schools; Stephen Howard, A. 
Ryan and John M. Garfield, constables. At 
the first meeting it was declared that 1150 he 
raised to defray town expenses for the ensuing 
year, and $75 for the support of the schools. It 
was also voted that hogs be allowed to run at 
large. 

At the annual town election held in April, 
1883, the following officers were chosen for the 
ensuing year: Supervisors, John Dunn, chairman, 
R. M.Stockwell and O. Palmer; H. H. Walser, 
clerk; J. T. Pratt, treasurer; Wensel Hynek, 
assessor; Thomas Borton, and E. Johnson, jus- 
tices; John Slaney, G. W. Weeden and S. M. 
Ferguson, constables. 

In 1876 a twon Jiall was erected on the north- 
east quarter of section 20. It is a frame build- 
ing and cost about |400. 

HENRIETTA POSTOFFICE. 

Henrietta postoffice was established, in 1857, 
with Heman B. Miller as the first postmaster. 
The office was kept at the residence of the post- 
master, on section 1 7, and was on a mail route 
from Richland Center, mail being received 
twice each week. Mr. Miller's successors were 
Bronson Greaves, Thomas Kinney, O. S. Wel- 
ton and Daniel Priest. The latter is the pres- 
ent postmaster, and keeps the oflice at his house 
on section 20. Mail is now received three 
times each week. ' 

MELANTHON CREEK POSTOFFICE. 

Melanthon Creek postoffice was established, 
in 1856, with Cornelius McCarthy as postmas- 
ter. The office was kept at the residence of the 
postmaster, and mail was received once each 
week from Rockbridge. The postmaster's sons, 
Thomas G. and Patrick, carried the mail. Two 



years after its establishment the office was dis- 
continued at Mr. McCarthy's request. 

MILL. 

In 1856 Bronson Greaves erected a building 
for a flour mill, on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 17. However, he did not compilete it, and 
during the war Herman Stoddard purchased the 
building, and put in machinery for carding 
wool and pulling and finishing cloth. In 1868 
he sold to Daniel Priest, the present projjrietor. 
The power is derived from East Pine river, 
which at this point furnished six feet head of 
water. Originally a timber dam was built, but 
this has been replaced by a substantial stone 
and earth dam. 

VILLAGE OF ■WOODSTOCK. 

The village of Woodstock is located on the 
southwest quarter of section 31. It is pleas- 
antly situated and is surrounded by an excellent 
country. The merchants are mostly young 
men who are enterprising, and the village bids 
fair to become a prominent rival for the larger 
portion of the trade of the northern part of 
Richland county. 

The village of Woodstock was laid out in 
1855 by Quinton Nicks and Milton Satterlee. 
The surveyor was Joseph Irish. 

The first merchant here was James Calloway, 
who opened a general merchandise store in 
1855. Since that time a great many have been 
in trade here for a longer or shorter period. 

In 1883 there were four stores, kept by J. E. 
Mason, A. W. Travers, Samuel Ferguson and 
a joint stock company, of which A. S. NeflE is 
president, and Ella Dickersou secretary. 

The first blacksmith shop in the village was 
started by Daniel Storms. He now runs a shop 
at Richland Center. There are now two black- 
smith shops at Woodstock. 

In 1864 L. B. Madden started a small tannery 
here for the purpose of tanning skins for the 
manufacture of gloves and mittens. 

In 1857 Chambers & Wilson, from Lacon, III., 
erected a wash and dry house for the purpose 
of drying ginseng. They brought bacon and 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1057 



flour from Chicago, whicli they traded for gin- 
seiig, getting it by the wagon loads, and for 
some lime doing an extensive business. 

In the vicinity of Woodstock there is good 
material for making brick. H. N. Holbrook 
put up and burned the first kiln of brick. 

The first death in Woodstock was an infant 
child of Dr. Byers, wiio located here in the fall 
of 1S56, and remained during the following 
winter. 

Tiie second death was tliat of Elisha Satter- 
lee, aged seventy-three years. He was living 
with his son Ossian at the time. 

The postoffice was established at Siresville in 
1854, under that name. Milton Satterlee was 
the first postmaster. In 1855 it was removed to 
the southwest quarter of section 31, and the 
name changed to Woodst' ck ; Mr. Satterlee 
being re-appointed postmaster. At the present 
time Mrs. J. Ei Mason is postmistress, her hus- 
Icind :is deputy having charge of the office. 
Mail is received daily, the office being on the 
route from West Lima to Richland Center. 

The Woodstock mills were built in 1857 by 
Stephenson & Calloway. The power was derived 
from the west branch of Pine river, a log dam 
biMMg constructed. The mill stood upon the 
south bank of the stream. A M alley saw was 
put in and common lumber was manufactured. 
In 1837 th(! firm erected a grist mill, near the saw 
mill, putting up a two story building 20x50 feet 
in size, and e(juippingit with one run of stone. 
The Tuiil commenced operations in 1858. In 
1S59 John Meeker purchased Mr. Calloway's 
interest in the property. In 18C4 Mr Stephen- 
son sold his interest to James Jones, who a 
short time afterward sold to Moses Meeker. 
In 1878 John A. Meeker purchased Moses' in- 
terest. At the jiresent time the proprietors are 
Moses Meeker and his son R. 1) Meeker. The 
saw-mill continued iti operation until 1878. The 
old log dam was replaced by a frame one, 
which ill turn has been superseded by a stone 
dam. Eight feet head of water is secured at 



this point, and it is never failing. The mill 
does custom work. 

In 18G9 Henry T. Walser erected a grist-mill 
near Woodstock on the west branch of Pine 
river. The building is two stories high, 25x36 
feet in size. A dam of stone wa.s built which 
furnishes six feet head of water. The mill 
does custom work. It contains two run of 
stone, and all necessary machinery for the 
manufacture of first class flour. 

The Methodist Church at Woodstock was 
organized in 1857 by Elder Hrainard. The first 
members were Henry Travers and wife, James 
M. Calaway and wife, Alexander Sires, Sr., and 
wife, Thomas Mason and wife, Mrs. Wil- 
liam Hook and William Sires and wife. Mr. 
Mason at that time was a local preacher and af- 
terward joined the conference. James M. Cal- 
away was the first class leader. Among those 
who have preached here since the organization 
of the class are the following : Elders Haw- 
thorn, Brahman, McMillan, Sackett, Brothers, 
Bradley, Kilbourn, Mead, Bryant and Wheaton. 
A. S. Neff is the jtresent class leader. The 
class has flourished and is now in good condi- 
tion. In 1871 a neat church edifice was erected 
just east of the village, in which they now meet 
for worship. 

A Disciple Church was organized here in 
1S56 by Elder Morrill, with about twenty mem- 
bers. Quinton Nicks and family were among 
the prominent workers in this Church. 

THE VILLAOE OF YUBA. 

This village is located on the southwest 
(juarler of section 6. It was laid out in 1856 
for Edward Piiiick. Joseph Irish was the sur- 
veyor, and proposed the name of "Pinick," but 
"Yuba" was finally chosen. Mr. Pinick sold 
a number of lots but no business start was 
made until several years later. 

The first business enterprise here was a 
saloon opened by Joseph Baranek in 1875. 

The first store here was established by Bur- 
gess Fowler in August, 1880, in the same build- 
ing that had been formerly occupied by the 



1058 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



saloon. In 1882 Mr. Fowler erected a building, 
24x44 feet in size, two stories in height. The 
upper story is ' used as a tenement; and 
the lower is occupied by the general merchan- 
dise store. 

The first blacksmith shop was opened by W. 
Wheden in 1881. H. A. Renick is the present 
blacksmith. 

John Jewell started a general merchandise 
store in 1882. 

E. E. and J. H. Potts erected a building in 
1883, for the purpose of a hardware store. 

In 1856 Edward Pinick erected a saw mill on 
section 6. The power was derived from Pine 
river, the water being carried to the mill by 
means of a race, half a mile in length, securing 
seven feet head of water. An old fashioned 
"up and down" saw was put in. Joseph Bar- 
anek bought this mill and ran it until 1879, 
when he erected a new mill a short distance be- 
low the old one. The new mill is furnished 
with a Mulley saw, and does custom work. 

The Yuba Hour mill was erected in 1882 by 
R. D. Meeker and Frank Baranek, on section 7. 
The power is derived from the east branch of 
Pine river. The race through which the water 
is carried to the mill is seventy rods long, and ten 
feet head of water is secured. The building is 
a frame, two and a half stories in height and 
24x36 feet in size. The mill is furnished with 
two run of stone, two bolting chests and all 
necessary machinery for doing first class work. 
It does custom work and most of the time is 
run to its full capacity. 

Yuba postoffice was established in 1857, with 
Ell ward Pinick as postmaster. The office was 
kept at tlie house of the postmaster on section 
6, When Mr. Pinick moved away, John Fowler 
was appointed postmaster, and kept the oftice 
at his house on section 7. In 1880 he was suc- 
ceeded by his son Burgess, who kept the office 
at his store in Yuba. The office is on the mail 
route from Rockbridge to Hillsboro, and mail 
is received three times each week. 



VILLAGE OF HUB CITY. 

During the summer of 1854 James Ghormley 
put up a saw-mill on section 34. He put up a 
frame building and threw a brush and dirt dam 
across Pine river. In 1855 he made an addition 
to the building and put in one run of buhrs for 
grinding corn and wheat, and a bolting ma- 
chine for the manufacture of flour. In 1860 he 
erected a two story frame building, 20x40 feet 
in size, and put in one run of buhrs for making 
good flour. A few years later he added an- 
other run of stone, and about 1867 he put up a 
new saw-mill which he equipped with a circular 
saw. Mr. Ghormley ran the mills until 1876, 
when the property was purchased by Hon. 
George Krouskop. In the winter of 1881-2 he 
sold to T. G. Mandt, of Stoughton, Wis. The 
saw-mill has been enlarged and a planing mill 
added. A dry-house 60x200 feet in size has 
also been erected, and the enterprise has be- 
come one of the most important of Richland 
county's industries. 

In 1882 a village was platted here under the 
name of Hub City. It now contains about 
twenty dwelling houses, aside from the numer- 
ous mill buildings. 

A postoffice was established here in 1882 un- 
der the name of "Stalwart," but this has since 
been changed to "Hub City." The first post- 
mistress was Mrs. Frank Pollard. Hiratn 
Hernstein is the present postmaster. The of- 
fice is on the mail route from Rockbridge to 
Ilillsborogh. 

The first store in the village was started by 
T. G. Mandt in 1882. 

BIOGRAPHICAL 

Lattimore Renick was one of the earliest 
settlers of Richland county. He arrived in 
what is now the town of Orion, in a snow 
storm, on the I7th of October, 1848. That fall 
he commenced the building of a saw-mill on 
Ash creek, for William Thompson, and com- 
pleted it in 1849. In 1852 we went to Rich- 
mond village, bought a piece of land and en- 
gaged in farming, and also worked at his trade, 
which was that of carpenter and joiner, re- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



1069 



maiiiing tliere until IH06 when he moved to Hen- 
rietta and purchased timber land on section 6 and 
immediately began to clear a farm. He broke his 
first two and a half acres with a hoe. He has 
since purchased adjoining land, and now has 
120 acres on sections 6 and 7. He has built a 
commodious hewed log house with a frame 
addition, and has made it his home until the 
present time. Mr. Renick is a native of Ken- 
tucky, born in Barren county, Oct. 7, 1813. In 
his youth he was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker 
to learn the trade. After serving throe years 
he started on foot and alone for Louisville, ar- 
rived there and soon found friends and employ- 
ment as carpenter, and being a good workman 
he was never out of work. He remained there 
till 1S4I, when lie went to St. Louis, but stopped 
there only a few days and then made another 
move, this time toward the north, halting at 
Mineral Point where he worked for a time at 
his trade, and from thence to Madison, where 
he was employed to work on the territorial cap- 
itol, remaining there until 1844, when he re- 
turned to Mineral Point and was engaged to 
constiuct the fluted columns of the court house. 
In 1845 he went to work at mining at Mineral 
Point and continued in that employment until 
1848, when he came to Richland county. He 
was married in 184.5 to Lucy, daughter of Carlos 
and Mary (Bo.stwick) Joslyn. Eleven children 
have blessed this union, nine of whom are 
now living — Mary L., Henry, Margaret, James 
W., Francis A., Harry, George S., Ad<lie and 
Susie. The oldest daughter, Mary, married 
Isaac N. Bingham, of this county. Emma mar- 
ried William F. I}ingliam,of this county. She 
died in October, 18H0, leaving one child, Edith, 
who has since made her home with lur grand- 
parents. Maigaret E. is the wife of John W. 
Fowler. Mr. Renick has an extensive acquain- 
tance in different parts of the county, and is 
respected by all. He is a well read man and 
has a good recollection of past events. He has 
been prominent in town and county affairs, lias 
been a member of the county board and has 



filled nearly all the offices in the town in which 
he has lived, besides having served as an officer 
in the school district a great part of the time 
since its organization. He was also one of_the 
first grand jurors of Richland county. 

William Cralsenberg, one of the earliest 
settlers of Richland county, was born in Lewis 
county, town of Denmark, State of New York, 
in August, 1821. His father, Nicholas Cratsen- 
berg, was a native of Montgomery county, York 
State, and one of the early eettlers of Lewis 
county. The subject of this sketch was here 
brought up, receiving a liberal education in the 
public schools. When quite young he coni- 
raenced to work in his father's tannery, learned 
that trade, and a few years later the trade of 
boot and shoe making. He was married in 
184o to Catharine Rich, also a native of Lewis 
county, where he purchased a farm of 100 acres, 
and engaged in dairying. In 1S51 he sold out 
and started west to seek a home. He came on 
the lakes to Milwaukee, and then with one 
horse and a wagon started for Richland county, 
coming directly to the town* now known as 
Ithaca, and entered land on Willow creek, on 
s( c'ion 18, whei-e he commenced building a log 
house. He harvested wheat on the shares and 
that same fall had to haul his grain to Iowa 
county to find a mill for grinding. The fol- 
lowing spring moved into his new house, and 
raised his first crop of corn in 1852. In the 
fall of this year (1852) he went to mill at Black 
Earth, Dane county. The year following he 
sold this place and moved to Scxtonville, where 
he ])iirchased town property and engaged in 
the boot and shoe trade. Two years afterward 
he purehased the tavern well known as The 
Ark, conducting the same until 1858, then sold 
out and bought timber land on section 2s, town 
of Henrietta; here he built a log house and 
stables and immediately commenced to clear a 
farm. In 1880 Iiis stables were struck by light- 
ning and destroyed, together with stock and 
farming utensils. The frame house in which be 
now lives was built in 1870. His first wife 



1060 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



died in February, 1S49, leaving two children — 
Deett and Dowite. His second wife, to whom 
he was married April 10, 1851, was Louisa Bur- 
dick, a native of Lincoln, Chenango Co., N. Y., 
born June 15, 1827. By this union there were 
five children — Nicholas Leroy, Celinda E., 
James B., Adam A. J. and Eugene S. Mr. 
Cratsenberg assisted in the organization of the 
town of Ithaca, and proposed the name which 
it still bears. 

Patrick IL, son of Cornelius and Ellen (Gal- 
lagher) McCarthy, pioneer settlers of Richland 
county, was born Dec. •'), 1845, in the province 
of Ontario, Canada. The next spring his par- 
ents removed to Milwaukee. When he was 
seven years of age, his parents removed to 
Richland county, locating in the town of Rich- 
land, where they remained until 1855, and then 
removed to the town of Henrietta, where the 
subject of this sketch grew to manhood, his 
time being employed in going to and teaching 
school and farming. In March, 1864, he en- 
listed in company D, 38th Wisconsin. His 
company formed a part of the Army of the 
Potomac and was immediately sent to the front, 
where it was engaged in many of the important 
battles from that time until the close of the 
war; including the charge of Petersburg, June 
1 7 and 18, 1864, and the siege and capture of 
that city. He was discharged May 25, 1865, 
and returned home, where he engaged in teach- 
ing and farming. In 1807 he was united in 
marriage to Catharine Drea. She was born in 
Cleveland, Ohio. Nine children were born to 
them — Robert, Emmet, Catharine J., Cornelius 
E., Ellen L., William B., James F., John P., 
Francis A. and Mollie. In 1868 he purchased a 
tract of land on section 13, cleared up a farm 
and erected a nice lot of buildings, wliete he 
now makes his home. Mr. McCarthy has been 
quite prominent in town and county affairs. 
He has served as town clerk, chiiirmaii of the 
board and justice of the peace; the latter at the 
present time. 



John A. Meeker, the present proprietor of the 
Woodstock flouring mill, is a native of Ohi", 
and was born in the city of Cincinnatti June 21, 
1823. When he was quite young his ]i:iient8 
moved to Galena, 111., where his father li.ul re- 
ceived a land grantfrom the government and on- 
gaged in the business of smelting lead, and was 
the first person to establish an enterprise of that 
character at that point, which has since become 
an extensive and lucrative business. In 1834 
his farther moved to Wisconsin and located 
near Mineral Point, Iowa county. Here tlie sub- 
ject of this sketch grew to manhood, making 
his home with his parents and assisting at tiie 
smelting works, until twenty-one years of age. 
At this time, 1851, desiring to make a start for 
himself, he concluded to leave the pateinal 
roof and seek his fortune. Full of energy and 
enterprise he started for California, not as the 
trip is made in these latter days by methods of 
easy and comparatively safe transif, but by the 
tedious, dangerous journey acru.s.s tlie plains 
with ox teams. This journey occupied 
120 days, but at length he arrived at his 
destination and engaged in mining until 
1853, when he returned home by way of 
Nicaragua. He then purchased prairie land 
and improved a farm which ho sold in 1859. 
That same year he came to Woodstock and 
bought a one-half interest in the mill property 
which he now owns and has since made this 
his home, and milling has been his business 
except in 1863 when he went to Pike's Peak and 
remained until the fall of 1^64. He has been 
twice married — to his first wife M;itilda W. Ste- 
vens in 1848 who was boin in Columbiana Co., 
Ohio, and died in 1876, leaving three childron 
— Robert D , Amy E. and Alice. His second 
wife was Amanda Biehl, born in Edwards Co., 
III. They have one child — Winifred VV. Mr. 
Meeker's father's name was Moses, and he was 
born in Essex Co., N. J., in 1790. His parents 
were poor and he was obliged to work for him- 
self and make his own fortune as best he might. 
When young he learned the potter's trade. He 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1061 



was enerfjetic and industrious, and devoted bis 
leisure time to reading and study and after- 
\vnr<l practiced medicine, and later engaged in 
tlie manufacture of white lead in Cincinnati. 
He was a leading Mason and assisted in the or- 
ganization of the first lodge in the State of 
Wisconsin. He was a member of the territor- 
ial Legislature, and a delegate from Iowa 
county to the first constitutional convention in 
Wisconsin. He died in Lafayette county in 
1S05. Thus it may be seen the subject of this 
sketch is from a sturdy, energetic slock, and he 
retains those eminent characteristics to a 
marked degree. He is a man of generous im- 
pulses and pure motives, and has the confidence 
and esteem of his fellowmen, and can truly be 
classed among Richland county's best citizens. 

William W. Garfield, deceased, the pioneer 
settler of Henrietta, was born in Windham Co., 
Vt., March 9, 1807, where his childhood and 
youth were spent. He was married April 1, 
1830, to Fannie Willard, who was born in 
Weathersfieid.Vt., April 16, 1804. Five children 
were born to them — William, John M., Eliza 
A., Addison and Caroline. They remained in 
Windham county until 1352, wiien they started 
for the west to seek a home. He left his family 
in Waukesha while he came to Richland county 
to select a location. He entered land on section 
35, town I'J, range 1 ea-ft, now in the town of 
Henrietta, and returned to Waukesha and spent 
the winter. In the spring of 18:).3 he look his 
family and started with an ox team for their 
new home in the then unbroken wilderness. 
They were about two weeks on the road, and on 
their anival moved into a hunter's cabin, in 
which tlicy lived one year. He then built a 
frame house, which was afterwards burned, 
when he built another, which was his home un- 
til the time of his death, Oct. 25, 1879. Mrs. 
Garfield died May 5, 1878. Their oldest daugh- 
ter is the wife of Demas Wherry The young- 
est daughter died July II, 18(55, at home, of 
small-pox contracted while tcftching school at 
Debello. Their oldest son, William, was teach- 



ing school in New Jersey at the time of the re- 
moval of the family to Wisconsin, but joined 
them in 1854, and afterwards taught here. He 
died four or five years later. John M. was born 
in Windham Co., Vt., March 17, 1833. .He 
came to Wisconsin with his parents and lived 
with them until 1861, when ho was married 
January 20th to Nancy A. Judkins, daughter of 
Joel Judkins, an early settler of Rockbridge. 
He settled at the time of his marriage on his 
present farm, which he had pre-empted in 1854. 
He has cleared a good farm and built a frame 
house and barn. He enlisted on Feb. 14, 1865, 
in the 46th Wisconsin, company E, and went 
south, served until after the close of ^le war, 
and was discharged Oct. 6, 1865. He was a 
member of the first board of supervisors of the 
town of Henrietta. Addison was born April 
24, 1838. He came to Wisconsin with his 
parents and remained with them as long as they 
lived, and he now occupies the homestead. He 
was married in 1876 to Julia, daughter of Wil- 
liam and Bethany (Carey) Jordan, early settlers 
of Greenwood, Vernon county. They have two 
children — Frederick and James A. 

Carlos Joslin, in Juno, 1847, pre-empted the 
southeast quarter of section 9, town 9 north, 
range 1 east, of the 4ih principal meridian, now 
Orion, and in September of the same year re- 
moved his wife and three children from Mineral 
Point to this place. He resided on his pre- 
emption but one year, when he sold to Fred- 
erick Schurman, and then entered the norttieast 
quarter of the southwest quarter of section 10, 
in the same town. Here he toiled to improve 
the land, and, in common with the rest of the 
early settlers on Ash creek, endured the hard- 
ships and enjoyed the pastimes of pioneer life. 
In 1853 Mr. Joslin moved to the north part of 
the county and became one of the early settlers 
in the town of Henrietta, where he still resides, 
an aged and respected citizen. Mr. Joslin was 
born in Chittenden Co., Vt., Nov. 30, 1805. 
His parents died when he was but a small boy, 
and he subsequently resided with his guardian, 



1062 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



with whom, in about 1819, he removed to the 
State of New York. In 1825, near Rochester, 
he married Mary Bostwick, a native of Canada. 
In about 1828 he emigrated to Micliigan, and in 
1841. came to Wisconsin and first settled at 
Madison, where he resided until November, 
1 846, then removed to Mineral Point, whence 
he came to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Joslin 
have five children — Lucy H., now the wife of 
Lattimer Renick; William H., James W., Mary 
A., now the wife of O. Carl, and Albert E. 

Thomas J. Leatherberry, one of the early set- 
tlers of Richland county, is a native of Ohio, 
born in Jefferson county, in January, 1829, where 
he madeJtiis home until 1854. In that year he 
came with his parents to Rockbridge. In 1855 
he entered land on section 20, town 12, range 1 
east, now known as Henrietta. He did not, 
however, settle upon this land, but soon traded 
it for property at Richland Center, and rented 
land on section 17. In 1860 he traded his vil- 
lage property for land on section 15, the east 
half of the southeast quarter. He has since 
purchased the south half of the southwest quar- 
ter of section 14, and his farm now contains 
160 acres. He was united in marriage in 1858 
with Maria, daughter of George and Mary 
(Welsh) Norman. Eight children have been 
born to them — Leroy D., George J., Henry W., 
Joshua S., Dora E., Mary J., Robert G. and Lal- 
lie J. 

Deraas Wherry, one of the pioneers of Rich- 
land county, was born in Washington Co., 
Penn., Nov. 14, 1824. When he was one and a 
half years old his parents moved to Ohio and 
settled in Carroll county, where his younger 
days were spent in going to school and working 
upon the farm. He first visited Richland coun- 
ty in 1853, and entered land on section 31, 
town 12, range 1 east, now known as Henrietta. 
He remained a short time, and returned to In- 
diana, where he lived until 1854, then came 
back to Wisconsin and settled on his land and 
began improving it. He soon sold it, however, 
and purchased other land on sections 5, of the 



town of Rockbridge, and 32, of the town of 
Henrietta, where he has cleared a farm and 
built a large frame barn and a good frame 
house. He has been twice married, fir.-t in 
1851, to Elizabeth Nickilson, who died a few 
years later, leaving one child — Elizabetli; .and 
again, in 185S, to Eliza A., daughter of William 
M. and Fannie (Willard) Garfield. They have 
seven children — Irving L., Lillie M., Rose, 
Nettie, John, Bert and Alice. Mr. Wherry has 
been prominent in town affairs, and has held 
many of the different oflices. He has been 
chairman of the board, assessor, superintendent 
of schools and town clerk. 

Bronson Greaves, one of the pioneers of 
Richland county, was born in Fairfield, Frank- 
lin Co., Vt., Sept. 8, 1818. When he was 
young his parents moved to the State of New 
York and settled in Malone, where he grew to 
manhood's estate. He was employed in a saw- 
mill, where he learned to be a sawyer. In 1849 
he started west to seek a home, came to R.ch- 
land county and entered land on section 27, of 
town 11, range 1 east. He was then a single 
m.an, and did not settle upon the land at that 
time, but went to what is now the village of 
Rockbridge, and worke<l in Mr. Ilazeltine's 
mill one year, then went to Black Earth, Dane 
county, and from there to West Bend, where 
he remained until 1851, when he returned to 
New York State. In 1852 he came again to 
Dane county, and rented a saw-mill at Black 
Earth. He was there married, in the fall of 
1853, to Julia F. Hubbard, who was l)orii in St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y., July 20, 1830. In the 
spring of 1854 they came to Rockbridge, and 
settled upon his land. They built a frame 
shanty and lived there two years. They then 
moved to town 12, range 1 east, now known as 
Henrietta. He had previously entered land on 
section 17, of that town. The same year he 
commenced building a grist-mill, but, iiis health 
failing, he was obliged to abandon the project, 
and he devoted his time to his farm, where he 
lived until the time of his death, which occurred 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1063 



March 10, 1874. He cleared a good farm and 
erected good frame buildings. Mr. and Mrs. 
Greaves were the parents of three children — 
Mary J., David E. and Norman D. Mary J. is 
now the wife of Oswald Palmer, and lives on 
section 21. Mrs. Greaves and her two sons oc- 
cupy the homestead. Mr. Greaves was a good 
business man, honest in all his dealings, and 
much respected in the community. He had 
filled various town offices, and was known as a 
good citizen. 

Albert S. Neff, one of the prominent men and 
])ioueers of tlichland county, is a son of Sam- 
uel and Mary Neff, and was born Sept. 9, 
1821, in the town of Chaplin, Windham Co., 
Conn. Here his younger days were spent upon 
a farm, and in obtaining such instructions as op- 
](ortunity offered in the public school. At the 
age of eighteen he commenced to learn the 
trade of plasterer, mason and brick layer, serv- 
ing two years in Norwich and one year in Hart- 
ford. He then came to Milwaukee wliere he 
worked as journeyman three years. He then 
engaged as contractor and builder two years, 
after which he removed to Watertown, .Feffer- 
son Co., Wis., and there engaged in the same- 
business until 1855, when he came to Richland 
county, purchased the hotel property in Rich- 
land Center, and named it the American House. 
He kept hotel six and a half years, and then 
traded it for land on section :il, of the town of 
Henrietta, where he has since engaged in farm- 
ing. Forty-one acres of his land is south of 
the village, adjoining the plat, and seventy-one 
acres north of the plat. Mr. Neff has cleared 
quite a tract of this land. He has built a large 
frame house and barn and other buildings. Be- 
ing neat and commodious, he has one of the 
l)leasantest residences in the county. He has 
been prominent in both town and county affairs, 
lie has served as under-sheriff, six years, and 
lias also been deputy sheriff, chairman of the 
town board, justice of the peace, besides tilling 
variou-i other ofK<'es. He was married in 184.5 
to .Mary, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Dillon) 



I Manning Mr. Neff has the confidence and es- 
teem of his fellow men and is numbered among 
the best class of Richland county's citizens. 

Rev. Thomas Mason, (deceased) one of the 
pioneer preachers of Richland county, was born 
in Pennsylvania in 1818. He commenced 
preaching in Richland Co., 111., and was married 
there in 184T to Almira Bradshaw, a native of 
Wayne Co., 111. He continued preaching in 
Illinois until 1855, when he came to Richland 
Co., Wis., and settled on section 30, of town 12, 
range 1 east, in the present town of Henrietta. 
He immediately joined the North western Con- 
ference, and was appointed to the West Branch 
circuit. In 1857 he went to Salem, La Crosse 
county, and preached one year, then to Mendota, 
where he remained two years, then to Augusta, 
in Eau Clair county remaining there two years, 
next to Galesville in Trenipeleau county. He 
then enlisted as private in the I4lh Wisconsin, 
company D, and went to the front. He was 
killed at the battle of Corinth. He had been 
appointed clia]>lain of his regiment, but had not 
taken the position at the time of his dcalli. lie 
left a wife and six children to mourn his loss. 
The children are — Shadrach, Elijah, Saiah, Ma- 
hala, Maggie and James E. '1 he two eldest 
sons, Shadrach and Elijah, wi-iv in the same 
regiment and company with their father. Shad- 
rach was severely wounded in the same battle 
in which his father was killed. He was dis- 
charged on account of disability, and returned . 
home. He soon re-enlisted and died in the ser- 
vice. Elijah served till the close of the war, 
and is now living in Illinois. Mrs. Mason is 
now the wife of Henry T. Walser, a resident of 
Woodstock. 

James Edward, son of Thomas and Almira 
(Uradshaw) ^lason, was born in the town of 
Henrietta, Feb. 2>!, ISO). He attended the dis- 
trict school, aiKJ later, the seminary at Elroy, 
and the high scrliool at Sextonville. At the age 
of twelve he entered the employ of William 
]}radsliaw as clerk. He continued in the same 
employment, excepting the time spent in school, 



64 



1064 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



until 1881, when he purchased the stock and 
good will of William Bradshaw and has since 
been engaged in trade. He keeps a good stock 
of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, glass 
ware and crockery, notions, etc. He was mar- 
ried in 1881 to Viola, daughter of Simon S. and 
Mary (Ambrose) Blake, who was born in the 
town of Orion. They have three children — Ray 
and Roy, twins, and Chester. 

George Norman, Sr., one of the pioneers of 
Henrietta is a native of England, born in Som- 
er.setshire, July 17, 1811, where he spent his 
younger days. At the age of twenty-one he 
left his native land and came to America, and 
settled in the province of Ontario. He pur- 
chased land in what is now the town of Ora. 
Upon this land, which was heavily timbered, he 
built a log house and cleared a farm, and lived 
there until 1850. He then sold out and came 
to Wisconsin, settled in Jefferson county, where 
he brought property in Watertown, and lived 
there until 1855. In that year he came to 
Richland county and entered land on section 
20, of town 12, range 1 east, now known as 
Henrietta. He built a log house and then be- 
gan clearing his faria. He occupied the log 
house until 1859, when he built a neat frame 
house, in which he now lives, on section 17. 
He w:is married in 18-34 to Mary Wel^h. They 
have eight children — George, Robert* and 
Maria, twins; Joshua J., Caleb II., James, 
Thomas and Mary J. 

Their eldest son, George, was born in the 
town of Ora, province of Ontario, Jan. 22, 
1837, and came to Wisconsin with his parents 
and assisted his father in clearing a farm. He 
enlisted in 186-3 in the lltli Wisconsin, com- 
pany D, and went soutli. He was in the Red 
river expedition under Banks, and afterwards 
went to Alabama and participated in the siege 
and capture of Fort Blakely. He was dis- 
chargi-d with the regiment in September, 1865, 
and returned home. He was married in 1868 
to Elizabeth, daughter of Quinton and Susan 
(Morrell) Nicks. Four children have been born 



to them — Willie, Ephraim, Loretta and Leo. 
Mr. Norman settled upon his present farm at 
the time of his marriage. It is on sections 20 
and 17, in the locality known as Norman valley. 

Joshua J. Norman was born in Ora, province 
of Ontario, June 3, 1840. He came with his 
parents to Wisconsin and lived with them until 
1862, when he enlisted in March, in the 12th 
Wisconsin Battery, and went soutli. He par- 
ticipated in the following engagements: Cor- 
inth, luka, Vicksburg and Chattanooga and was 
with Sherman on his march through Georgia to 
the sea and through the Carolinas, taking a 
part in most of the battles of that noted cam- 
paign. He returned home at the expiration of 
the time for which he enlisted. He was joined 
in marriage in August, 1869, to Margaret 
Householder, a native of Ohio. They are the 
parents of six children — James B., Daniel I., 
Elgin S., Mary L., Rollie R. and Arthur J. Mr. 
Norman's farm, where he settled at the time of 
his marriage, is located on section 32, of tlie 
town of Henrietta. He has a good frame house 
aud a log stable 20x90 feet. Sixty acres of the 
farm are cleared and under cultivation. 

Caleb H. Norman was born in the town of 
Ora, May 17, 1844, and came to Wisconsin with 
his parents. He assisted his father and brother 
in clearing the farm. In January, 1865, he en- 
listed in the 46th Wisconsin, company G, serv- 
ing as fifer in the band. He was discharged 
in October, 1865, and returned home. He was 
married Nov. 10, 1867, to Angelina A. Bron- 
hard, who^was born in Marion Co., Ind. They 
have four children — Nettie J., Ettie M., Mertie 
E. and Mary Belle. His farm is in the Nor- 
man valley, where he settled at the time of his 
marriage, on section 20. 

James Norman, also a native of the town of 
Ora, was born Feb. 8, 1846, and was four years 
of age when his parents emigrated to Wiscon- 
sin, where he grew up with the country, living 
with his parents until 1875 In that year lie 
jjurcliased the old homestead, and his parents 
moved to section 17, where they now reside. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1065 



ITp was married in November to Delia A., 
daughter of Perry and Soplironia (Blodgett) 
Brown. They have two children— Mary J and 
James Elmer. 

Robert M. Stock well, one of the eary settlers 
of Richland county, is a native of Vermont, 
born in Ciiittenden county, March 7, 1829. 
When he was seven years of age his jiarents 
moved to Washington Co., Vt. and here he 
grew to manhood's estate, obtaining his educa- 
tion in the district school. He was married in 
IS5o to Amelia D., daughter of Benjamin and 
Amelia (Hazeltine) Davis, who was born in 
Mooretown, Washington Co., Vt. They re- 
mained ill Vermont until 1856 and then came 
to Wisconsin and first located on Fancy creek, 
where he rented a farm. In 1861 he purchased 
timber lanil on section 21, town of Henrietta, 
built a log cabin, into which his family moved, 
and he then commenced clearing his present 
farm. In November, 1863, he was drafted in 
the 37th Wisconsin, company H, and joined the 
Army of the Potomac in front of Petersburg, 
and served with the regiment until tlie close of 
the war, and was discharged July 27, 180,5. 
Tie may well be considered one of the most 
successful farmers of Richland county His 
f.uni now contains 260 acres. In 1883 he erected 
a Meat frame liouse. Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell 
have fiveciiildren living — Eli, Carlos, Ezr.a, Le- 
l.'ili and Abbie. 

Henry Travers, an early settler of Henrietta, 
is a native of Indiana, borti in Posey county, 
Dec. 22, 1827. At the age of eleven he re- 
moved with his parents to Wayne Co., 111., 
wiiere tiiey were among the early settlers and 
the subject of this sketch began hi.s pioneer 
life His father purchased wild land, which he 
assisted in clearing. He was married in 18,51 
to Sabrina Bradshaw, a native of Illinois. He 
purchased land in Ramsey township, Wayne 
county, and lived their until 18.57. when he sold 
out and started with two pairs of oxen and a 
wagon to seek a home in the far west. His 
funnily .■vcompanied him, aud he drove thirty 



head of stock. After traveling twenty -one 
days they an-ived at Woodstock. lie purchased 
timber land on section 30, town of Henrietta, 
and immediately began clearing. The family 
lived in a log house until 1873, when he built 
a good frame dwelling. Mr. Travers has been 
three times married. Hi.s first wife liied March 
19, 1876, leavingseven children — Arthur, Mary, 
Ella, Orilla, Emma, Willie and Ina. He mar- 
ried again, in 1878, to Nancy Silbaugh, a native 
of Ohio who died in 1880. His present wife 
was Susan Eusie. One child has blessed this 
union — -Frederick. 

His son, Arthur W., was born iu Wayne Co., 
111., March 7, 1853. He came to this county, 
town of Henrietta, with his parents in 1857, 
where he grew to manhood, lie was educated 
in the district school and at the seminary at 
Elroy, Wis. In September, 187.5, he engaged 
in the mercantile b\isiness in the village of 
Woodstock, town of Henrietta, purchasing at 
that time the stock and good-will of IJradshaw 
brothers. On Dec. 24, 1875, he was married to 
llos.i Hoyt, a native of Ohio. One child blessed 
this union — Harry, born May 30, 1878. In 
18-0 Andrew .Snyder became his partner in 
Imsiness and the firm is now known as Trav- 
ers & Snyder. They keep a general slock of 
dry goods, notions, groceries, boots and 
shoes, hats and caps and farming implements 
and repairs for the same. 'IMiey are also produce 
ship]iers and live stock brokers. 

Anson Stowell was an earl)' settler in Rock- 
bridge. He came there in 1857 and bought 
land on section 14, and built a substantial log 
house, 18x24 feet, which at that time was called 
Buck Creek mansion. He sold the following 
year to John Clarsoii, and moved to Henrietta, 
purcliased land on section :t2, and built a frame 
house. He cleared a porli'm of llie laml and 
lived thereuntil 1861, when he traded for land 
on section 5, town of Rockbridge. He cleared 
some of this land, built a log house and frame 
barn, and remained here till 1867, when here- 
turned to Henrietta and settled on section 17. 



1060 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Here he erected another log house and a com- 
modious frame barn. In 1881 lie bought the 
Perry Brown farm on section 18, and now 
makes that his home. Upon this place there is 
a nice frame house, built by Perry Brown. Mr. 
Stowell has built a frame barn upon this farm 
making the fourth built by him in the county. 
He has some of the best improvements in the 
town. He is a natife of the State of New York, 
born in Rensselaer county, March 3, 18T0. 
When he was twelve years old his parents 
moved to Onieda county, where he attained his 
majority. He was married Dec. 29, 1849, to 
Martha R., daughter of Holsey and Sarah (Van- 
netar) Carpenter. They are the parents of ten 
children — James W., Mary A., Harland P., 
Miranda, Sarah E., Charles H., Dudley II., 
Fannie A., William E. and Samuel E. 

Robert Douglas Meeker, part owner of the 
Yuba flouring mill and also of the Woodstock 
mills, is an only son of John A. and Matilda 
(Stevenson) Meeker, born in Iowa Co., Wis., 
Aug. 2, 1849. When he was nine years of age 
his parents moved to Richland county and he 
commenced learning the miller's trade in his 
father's mill at Woodstock. He was eng.aged 
in 1862-3 in brickmaking at Woodstock. In 
February, 1865, he enlisted in the 50th regiment, 
Wisconsin Volunteers, but was sent as a recruit 
to company D, 7th Wisconsin, and joined the 
regiment in front of Petersburg, remaining at 
the front until March 28, when he was taken 
sick and sent to the hospital. He lost his 
speech and did not regain it for three months. 
He was honorably discharged- in June, 1865, 
when he returned home. In 1868 he went to 
Milwaukee an I worked in a machine shop ten 
months, he then returned to Woodstock and 
engaged in milling two years and next to Rich- 
land Center, where he worked as sawyer in Par- 
frey & Pease's mill. He then returned to 
Woodstock and again engaged in milling, re- 
maining there until 1882, when he built his 
present mill. Mr. Meeker is a nat\iral mechanic 
and readily turns his hand to anything in that 



line. He has been employed to quite an extent 
in the capacity of millwright. He was married 
in 1872 to Elizabeth, daughter of Demas and 
Elizabeth (Nicholson) Wherry. They have 
thiee children — Jessie R , Lee and Alice. 

Jeremiah Koch settled in the town of Hen- 
rietta in 1861. He purchased land on section 
86. He has since cleared a farm, and erected 
a neat frame house, a commodious log barn and 
also a saw-mill. He is a native of Pennsylva- 
nia, born in York county. When he was eight 
years of age, his parents moved to Perry county 
and continued to reside there until he was 
eighteen years old, when he moved to Cumber- 
land county. In the fall of 1834 he went to 
Ohio and spent the winter, and in the spring of 
1835 he emigrated to Indiana and settled in 
Cass county, where they were among the early 
settlers. Here the subject of this sketch was 
married, in 1838, to Mary Shueya, a native of 
Pennsylvania. They remained in Cass county 
until 1852, and then came to Wisconsin and set- 
tled in Sauk county. He bought eighty acres 
of land in Spring Green, where he improved a 
farm and lived until 1861, when, as before sta- 
ted, he came to Henrietta. Mr. Koch has taken 
an interest in public affairs, and has filled offices 
of trust in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Koch have 
been blessed with thirteen children, ten of 
whom are now living — John H., Catharine, 
Sophia, Jeremiah Mattison, William, Michael, 
Eliza, Rebecca, Jane and Amos. 

John Fowler settled in Henrietta in 186]. 
He was born in Hancock Co., W. Va., July 25, 
1812, where his younger days were spent upon 
a farm. In 1854 he visited Michigan for the 
purpose of finding a desir.able place to locate. 
After remaining there a short time, he returned 
home without purchasing land. In the fall of 
1855, taking his family, he started with two 
teams for Wisconsin. They carried their own 
provisions and camped on the way. After four 
weeks' travel they reached Sauk City, where 
they spent the winter. In the spring of 1856, 
he went to Sauk Prairie and engaged in farming, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



lOCI 



remaining there until February, 1861, when he 
came to Henrietta, and settled on land on sec- 
tion 7, the south half of the northeast quarter, 
whicii he had purchased in 1857. He has 
cleared (juite a piece of this land, and built a 
good frame house and barn. In June, 1856, he 
bought the northwest quarter of the northwest 
quarter of section 18, driving the first wagon 
from Debello, Vernon county, to Yuba, that was 
ever driven down the valley, and now makes this 
his liome. te, in company with his son 
Joliii W., is engaged in farming and stock 
raising, making a specialty of Merino sheep, of 
wliicli tliey have a large flock of full bloods, 
lie was joined in marriage Sept. 3, 1835, to 
Sarah Allison, who was born in Hancock Co., 
\V. Va., June 15, 1816. They have seven 
children — Richard J., Allison, James B., Mary, 
Burgess, Sarah S. and John W. He settled 
at the time of his marriage on a farm 
lying on sections 8 and 18, that he had 
liougiit in company with liis brother in ls7(). 
lii 1S80 he bought his brothel's farm, the Wil- 
liam Joslyn place, on section 1, the north half 
of the southeast quarter, and now makes this 
his home. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler are the parents 
of two children — David P. and Bertha A. 

Their son Allison was born in Hancock Co., 
Dec. 12, 1838 and came to Wisconsin with liis 
parents. In 1861, at the first call for three 
years men, he enlisted in the 6th Wisconsin, 
company A, and was killed in the battle of 
Hatch's Run, in February, 1805. Previous to 
this he had been wounded three times. 

Their son, John W., was born in Hancock 
county, Oct. 31, l!i50, and was in his fifth year 
when his parents came to Wisconsin His 
younger days were spent on the farm and in 
school. He was married Oct. 18, 1874, to Eva 
M., daughter of Lattimore and Lucy (Joslyn) 
Re nick. 

Their son. Burgess, was born in Hancock 
county, Nov. 30, 1844. He came with his par- 
ents to Wisconsin, and continued to live them 
until 186:!, when he enlisted in the I7th regi- 



ment, Wisconsin Volunteers; wentto Vicksburg, 
Miss.; came home on veteran furlough witli the 
regiment; retuiiied totliearmy in March, 1804; 
was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee ; 
was in all the battles in which the 17th army 
corps was engaged — Resnca, Dallas, Kennesaw 
Mountain, siege of Allaniii, Lovejoy station, 
inarch to the sea, through South and North 
Carolina to Washington in May, 1865; to Lou- 
isville, Ky., in June, 1865; sent from Louisville, 
Ky., to Madison to be discharged, in July, 1865; 
arrived at home Aug. 5, 1805, and remained 
tliere until twenty-six years old. He was then 
married to May J., daughter of George and 
Mary (Welsh) Norman, and settled on a farm 
on section 7, wliich he had previously purchased 
of William Joslyn. In 1879, he went to Wone- 
woc. Wis., and worked at wagon making for fif- 
teen months. He then engaged in mercantile 
business at Yuba, where he is now doing a good 
business. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have two chil- 
dren — Winnie J. and Willie A. 

John W. Ferguson is one of the successful 
farmers of Henrietta. In 1866 he purchased 
the first land he ever owned. It was in the 
town of Bloom, consisting of forty acres. He 
did not settle upon it, however, but soon sold it 
and bought eighty acres on section 30, town of 
Henrietta. He cleared a part of this land, 
built a log house and lived there until 1870, 
when he sold it and purchased eighty acres on 
section 19, where he built a good frame house 
and a large granary, and he now makes this his 
home. He has since purchased his father's 
homestead, which adjoins his land, and his farm 
now contains 215 acres, 120 of whicli are 
cleared. He has a log barn, 20x60 feet, and a 
frame barn 30x40 feet He first engaged iu 
raising grain, but has lately turned his attention 
more to stock raising. He is a native of Guern. 
esey Co., Ohio, born Ajiril 15, 1843, and is the 
son of John T. and Sarah (Robins) Ferguson. 
He came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1864. 
That year he joined the I6lh Wisconsin, com- 
pany G, went south and joined Sherman's army 



1068 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



at Atlanta; was in the famous march to the sea 
and through the Carolinas, and was discharged 
on June 2, 1865. He was married Jan. 15, 
1875, to Jane Stout, who was born in Ohio. 
Three chiklren have been born to them — Nellie 
May, (-Jeorge Francis and Delia A. 

Henry T. Walser, proprietor of the Walser 
mill, is a native of a soutliern State, having 
been born in Rowan Co., N. C, in April, 1822. 
He was eight years of age when his parents 
moved to Illinois and settled in Edwards county 
where they were pioneers. His father pur- 
chased timber land, cleared a farm and lived 
there until the time of his death. It was here 
that the subject of this sketch grew to man- 
hood. When he was seventeen years old, his 
father built ^ saw-mill, in which he was em- 
ployed five years. He then purchased the mill, 
and built a flour-mill, which he operated in con- 
nection with the saw-mill for six years. At the 
end of that time, he sold out and engaged in 
mercantile business. Three years later he sold llu' 
store, and built another mill in Edwards county, 
which he operated until 1866, when he came to 
Richland county and located at Woodstock and 
engaged again in mercantile business, which 
he continued until 1869. He then sold out and 
built the mill which he now operates. He has 
been twice married— first, in 1844, to Patsy Doty, 
a native of Indiana. They had nine children, 
siv of whom are now living — Martin, Rebecci, 
Solomon, Harriet, Lori and Hiram. Mrs. Wal- 
ser died in 1866. Mr. Walser's second wife 
was Almira Bradshaw, widow of Rev. Thomas 
Mason. One child blessed this union, but died 
in infancy. 

His son, Hiram H. Walser, was born in 
Edwards Co., 111., in October, 1860. He came 
to Woodstock with his parents and received his 
early education in the district school. At t' e 
age of sixteen he went to work in his father's 
mill. He has continued in the same business 
ever since, and now has charge of the mill. He 
was married in 1881 to Eva Simmons, a native 
Green Co., Wis. They have one child — Lewie. 



Mr. Walser is town clerk, elected in April, 
188.3. 

John Dunn, the chairman of the town board 
of Henrietta, is a native of Orange Co., N. Y., 
born March 2, 18.^4. When he was three years 
of age, his ])arents moved to Wisconsin and 
located at Madison, Dane county, where they 
lived four years and then removed to Middle- 
ton, in the same county, remained there six 
years and then came to Henrietta, where the 
subject of this sketch attained his majority, 
obtaining a liberal education in the district 
school. He was united in marriage, in 18*79, 
with Mary McDonald. Three children have 
been born to them — James, Ellen and Frank. 
At the time of his marriage he settled upon 
his present farm on section 28. Mr. Dunn is a 
public spirited man and has taken an active 
part in town affairs. He has filled the offices of 
town clerk and side supervisor, and was elected 
to his present oftice in April, 1883. 

Wensel Ilynek, the pre.sent assessor of the 
town of Henrietta, is a native* of Bohemia, 
born in 1847. When he was but eleven years 
old, his parents came to America and settled in 
Vernon county, town of Union, where he grew 
to manhood, obtaining an education in the 
district school. He was married in 1867 to 
Josephine Plachetka. They remained in Ver- 
non county one year, and then came to Rich- 
land county and bought timber Ian5 on section 
5, town of Henrietta, and immediately began 
clearing a farm. In 1883 he erected a two- 
story, hewed log house, in which he now lives. 
He has taken a prominent part in town affairs, 
and was elected to his present office in April, 
1883. Mr. and Mrs. Ilynek are the parents of 
six children — John, Anna, Joseph, Francis, 
Josephina and Betty. 

Oswald Palmer, a member of the board of 
supervisors, is a native of England, was born 
in Northumberland, in 1845, and was there 
brought up on a farm, receiving his education 
by private tuition. When he was twenty-one 
years old he went to Newcastle, and was there 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1069 



employed as clerk in a store, remaining until 
1869, when he came to America, and joined 
friends in Milwaukee. He remained there but 
a few days, when he formed the acquaintance 
of Perry Brown and came with him to Henri- 
etta. He was married in 1870 to Mary, 
daughter of Bronson and Julia F. Greaves. 
He settled on section 17, where he lived until 
1877, when he purchased laud on section 21, 



and moved on to it. He has been successful as 
a farmer and now has 350 acres of land. He 
was elected to his present office in April, 188:i. 
He has served as jusTne of the peace, and held 
different offices in the school district ; and as a 
public man has proven himself worthy in every 
position he has been called upon to fill. He is 
also deacon in the Advent Church, and has the 
respect of his fellow-men. 




lOiO 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXVI 



TOWN OF ITHACA. 



The town of Ithaca lies in the eastern tier of 
Richland county's sub-divisions. It comprises 
the territory of township 10, range 2 east, and 
sections 1, 2, 8, 4, 5 and 6, and the north half of 
sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of township 9, 
range 2 east, and also section 1 and the north 
half of section 12, township 9, range 1 east. 
Unlike most of the towns in the county, orig- 
inally there was but little timber in Ithaca. 
The Indians, when this was tlieir home, set 
fires yearly that stripped the surface of its vege- 
tation. What timber there was in the toun 
was at tiie head of the smaller valleys, or 
"pockets," except quite a heavy body of timber 
on Pine river, and some scattered along on the 
banks of other streams. Since the advent of 
the whites a flourishing growth of timber has 
sprung up and now covers the unimproved 
lands. 

The town is well watered by Willow creek 
and its tributaries. The creek enters the town 
from the north by way of section 4, and flows 
in a general southwesterly course across the 
surface of the town, to finally make confluence 
with Pine river. Little Willow, the main branch 
of the creek just mentioned, enters Ithaca from 
the north by way of section G, from thence it 
passes through sections 7 and 18, a corner of 19, 
to section 20, where it flows into the Willoiv. 
Pine river touches but a small portion of this 
town. The celebrated Bear creek passes 
through the southeastern part of the town. It 
enters section 36 from Sauk county; takes a 
general southwesterly course through sections 
1 and 11, and touches section 10 on its way to 



the town of Buena Vista. There are several 
tributaries to this beautiful stream, fed by 
springs. 

Ithaca is one of the best towns of Richland 
county. It was settled with an enterprising 
and thrifty class of people who took hold of 
such industries as the county seemed to them 
to be best adapted. An instance of this is 
found in the dairy industries, in which this 
town leads most of the towns in the county. 
Some of the best land in the town was first 
thought to be u?ifit for agrieu'tural purposes on 
account of its wet and marshy appearance. Es- 
pecially was this the case in the Little Willow 
and upper part of Big Willow and Bear val- 
leys. These lands have been sufliciently 
drained by cultivation, and here, at the present 
time, are to be found some of the best farms in 
the town. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settler within the limits now com- 
prising the town of Ithaca was Orrin Britton, 
a native of New Hampshire. He came here 
from Fort Atkinson, Jefferson Co., Wis., in the 
summer of 1848 and entered the northeast quar- 
ter of the northwest quarter of section 8, town 
9, range 2 east. E. M. Sexton came with him 
and entered a large tract of land including the 
present site of the village of Sextonviile. Or- 
rin Britton erected a log cabin on his land, 
using split puncheon for the floor and shakes to 
cover the roof. The party then returned to 
Jeft'erson county. In December, 1848, Britton 
returned, accompanied by his family, consisting 
of himself, wife and six children. The teams 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1071 



then went back to Fort Atkinson for other 
goods and provisions, and upon their return to 
Richland county Jacob Essyltine, his son Rod- 
erick and Alonzo Britton accompanied them. 
This party had been employed by E. M. J^ex- 
ton to build him a house. During that winter 
they boarded with Britlon's family, who at that 
time were the only residents of Ithaca. 

In the spring of 1849 E. M. Sexton and R. 
B. Stewart came from Jefferson county, ac- 
companied by their families. Mr. Sexton 
moved his family into the house which had 
been erected for him on the northeast (quarter 
of section 7. He made this part of the county 
his home for several years, then removed to 
Bnrron county. In 1876 he came back on a 
a visit. He was sick at the time and told his 
friends that he had come back to die. lie lived 
buta few weeks, his death occurring at the hou-e 
of friends in the town of Buena Vista. His 
remains lie buried in Sextonville cemetery. 

R. R. Stewart lived for a time in Sevton- 
ville, then settled in the town of Buena Vista. 
In 1853 he located in the town of Willow, 
where he still resides. 

Orrin Britton soon bought and entered other 
lands in the neighborhood. He remained there 
for three or four years, when he sold out and 
removed to the LaCrosse Talley. 

James Bank, a native of England, came here 
in 1849 and settled on the soullieast quarter of 
section 31. On the 19lh of July, 1852, he sold 
tlii.'i farm to Dr. Sij)])y and moved to Bear val- 
ley, where he located on the southwest quarter 
of section 2. In 1855 he sold out again and re- 
moved to Sextonville where he opened a hotel 
and also contracted to carry the mail. He died 
there a few years later. 

A Mr. Whelpy was the first settler in that 
part of ]>ear creek valley now included in Ith- 
aca. He came here as early as 1849, and set- 
tled upon the iiorllieast quarter of the south- 
east quarter of section 36. He erected a log 
cabin and covered the roof with sod. He re- 



mained until 1857 when he sold to H. L. Burn- 
ham and left the country. 

In the fall of 1848 Thomas Derrickson and 
John Walker came from Indiana. Mr. Derrick- 
son located a land warrant on tiie southeast 
quarter of section 30, town 10, range 2 east, 
and still occupies the farm. John Walker en- 
tered the northeast quarter of section 31. He 
was a Methodist exhorter, and for a number of 
years he preached in the neighborhood and 
tilled his farm; then sold out and moved to La 
Crosse. Jle now lives in Dakota. 

Samuel Metcalf also came from Indiana in 
184h. He entered the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 30. He lived there until 1853, when he 
sold to Anthony Thomas and removed to Illi- 
nois. 

F. G. Robinson came here fi'om Indiana at 
about the same time as did Metcalf, and settled 
on the southwest quarter of section 20. He 
made that his home for about one year, when 
he sold his place to Rolland Bush and returned 
to Indiana. 

Joab Enos came here from Green county in 
1849 and claimed the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 17. He sojourned here but a few years, 
selling out at the expiration of that time and 
removing to California. 

William Butler, an Indian half-breed, from 
the reservation in Onondaga Co., N. Y., came 
here in 1849 and claimed the northwest quarter 
of section 9. He soon sold this claim and en- 
tered the northwest quarter of the northwest 
quarter of section 29. In Noveml)er, 185-2, he 
traded this land to Isaac P. Wei ton, receiving 
therefor a pair of horses, harness and wagon, 
and ^4ii in gold. In December, of the same 
year, he moved to section 16 where he spent a 
few months, and then moved to the town of 
Willow. In the history of that town will be 
found an account of the settlement there. 

John Lawrence, a native of New York State, 
and a son-in-law of William Butler, came with 
Butler, and entered the north half of the north- 
east quarter of section 17. In the fall of 1851 



1072 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



he said to Amasa Grorer, and moved to the 
town of Richland. He lived there a few years, 
then returned to Ithaca and lived on s.'Ction 18 
for a lime, when he went west. A man named 
Hademan came here at the same time as Butler 
and Lawrence, and lived with Butler until 185:.', 
when he started with Enos for California, and 
died on the plains. 

In March, 1850, Charles Devoe, a native of 
the State of New York and a blacksmith by 
trade, came and settled on the present site of 
the village of Sextonville. He entered land on 
section 5, town 9, range 2 east. He worked at 
his trade and followed farming, remaining un- 
til the time of his death. 

Alfred H. Bush and James II. Boyd came 
with Devoe. They were both sons-in-law of 
Devoe, and natives of New York State. Bush 
bought land on section 20, and lived there for a 
short time, then moved to section 30. In 1872 
he moved to Franklin Co., Neb., where he now 
lives. He was a school teacher by profession, 
and had served as superintendent of schools in 
Lewis Co., N. Y. After he had been here some 
years, he became a preacher in the Congrega- 
tional Church. He was prominent in town and 
county affairs, and served as county treasurer. 
He has represented Franklin county in the 
State Legislature, and is now mail agent on the 
B. & M. R. R. Boyd took a claim on Little 
Willow creek and erected a board shanty. He 
spent the summer there, then disposed of the 
claim and afterward bought the south half of 
the northwest quarter of section 5, town 9, 
range 2 east, and lived here until 1881, when he 
sold and moved to Jackson county, where he 
now lives. 

Joseph Post, a son-in-law of Charles Devoe, 
came here from Walworth county in 1850 and 
entered land on section 4. He made his home 
here until the time of his death. Some of the 
children still occupy the old homestead. He 
was well liked and had the confidence of the 
people. He filled most of the various offices in 



the town and was chairman of the board for 
several years. 

Lucius Campbell, a native Vermont, came 
here in 1849 and entered land on section 6. In 

1852 he sold out and returned to Jefferson 
county. 

In 1850 Peter Mickel, a native of New York 
State, came to Sextonville, and remained until 

1853 when he went to the LaCrosse valley. In 
1861 he returned to Sextonville, and has since 
made this his home. 

In 1850 James Goodrich came here, with the 
intention of engaging in merchandising. He re- 
mained only a couple of years and then removed 
to Nebraska. 

John Perry, a native of New York, came in 
1850 and entered land on section 17, which in- 
cluded the mill privileges. He remained here 
about live years, when he sold out and went to 
Iowa, where he died a few years later. 

William Beeraer was also one of the settlers 
during 1850. He was a native of Ohio, and 
after looking around a little he entered the 
southwest quarter, and the north half of the 
northwest quarter of section 1, town 9, range 
1 east; also the southwest qu.arter of the south- 
east quarter of section 36, town 10, range 1 
east. He erected a frame house on the north- 
east quarter of section 1, which at that 
time was the only house between Sextonville 
and Ricliland Center. Here he opened a tavern, 
and hung a sign bearing the words painted in 
black letters- "Pine River House!" This was a 
favorite stopping place among travelers for 
many years. Beemer remained there until 
1861 when he went to Illinois, and the famous 
old Pine River House became a thing of the 
past. 

In the fall of 1850 Mr. Rowley, an English- 
man, came to the town of Ithaca and squatted on 
the northeast quarter of section 5, He made no 
improvements except putting up a log cabin; and 
in 1852, accompanied the Enos party to Califor- 
nia. 



HISTOKV OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1073 



Roland Bush, a native of Hampden Co., 
Mass"., came here from the State of New York 
in 1850, and purchased 3-20 acres of land. He 
now lives on section 19. 

Aniasa Grover, a native of New York, came 
from that State in the fall of 185 1, and jmrchased 
the north half of the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 17, where he still resides. 

At about the same time Dr. Asa McCullom, a 
native of Ohio, came from Massachusetts, and 
purchased the north half of the northwest quar- 
ter of section 8, adjuining the plat of Sexton- 
ville. He is slill an liiniorL'd resident of the 
village. 

Robert Clement, a native of Ireland, came 
here from the State of New York in 1851 and 
bought land on section 10, town 9, range 2 
east. He improved a farm and lived here until 
the time of his death. 

In the spring of 1851 Jacob Krouskop came 
from Ohio and settled on section 6, town 9, 
range 2 east. He remained a resident of the 
town until the time of his death, Feb. 7, 1878. 

^Villi:l^l Cratsenburg, a native of the State of 
New York, came here in 1851, and lived for a 
few weeks on section 32, then entered laud on 
section 18. In 1853 heboid this land and re- 
m()ve<l to Sextonville, where he opciu'd a shoe 
slioj). In 1855 he bought the building known 
as "the Ark" and kept tavern for a while. His 
home is now in the town of Henrietta. 

William Richardson came in 1851 [or 1852], 
ami settled on section 17. He lived here three 
years when he removed to La Crosse valley, and 
later to Ohio. 

In 1851 Oscar Briggs, a surveyor, came here 
fniiu Sauk county and located on section 6. He 
died there in 1852 and was buried upon the 
place. 

Archibald ('. ami H. A. Eastland came in 
1851 and located at Sextonville. Archibald was 
agent for his brother, David, for whom he pur- 
chased land. A. <\ remained here for several 
years. He is now engageil in the practice of 
law at Muscoda. H. A. Eastland now lives in 



Richland Center, and still follows the legal pro- 
fession. 

Samuel Simpson, a native of Delaware, came 
here from Illinois in 1851 and settled on section 
29. He now lives in the town of Willow. His 
father, Joshua Simpson, also a native of Dela- 
ware, came here in 1850 from Carroll Co., Ind , 
and stopped for a time with his son. He bought 
land on sections 17 and 20; but did not settle 
here at that time. He went to Richland City 
and engaged in mercantile trade. A few years 
later he settled on his land, erected a set of 
buildings and opened a farm, lie now lives at 
Spring Green. 

Joseph Irish, a native of New York State, 
came to Sextonville in 1852. He taught school, 
was elected county surveyor, and while here, 
entered the ministry. He was a resident of the 
county until 1860. Since leaving the county he 
has served as senator from the St. Croix dis- 
trict. He now lives at Madison, and is financial 
agent of Lawrence University. In 1883 he was 
tendered the appointment of minister to France, 
but declined. 

Phineas Janney, a native of Virginia, came 
here in 1852 and entered land on section 12. 
He erected a cabin and remained during the 
summer, when he sold to David Eastland. 

Mr. Eastland was a native of the Slate of 
New York, but came here from Mississippi. His 
home is now on section 7. 

Willard H. Thomas, a son of Anthony 
Thomas, paid a visit to this county in 1851, and 
the following year came with his family. He 
shipped his goods at Milwaukee, where he 
bought ox teams and came the rest of the way 
overland. He entered land on sections 8 and 
9, where he lived until I855, when he removed 
to Sextonville and engaged in trade. In 1858 
in company with E. M. Sexton and K. C. Field 
he wont to Trempeleau county and platted the 
village of Osseo. He was engaged in mercan- 
tile pursuits at that place until the time of his 
death in 1877. He was a prominent man in 
public affairs. 



1074 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Isaac P. Weltou, an Ohioaii, came here on 
the 10th of July, 1852. The following fall he 
bought forty acres of land on section 21, and 
entered the south half of the northeast quarter 
of section 3, and the north half of the northeast 
quarter of section 10, and the southwest quarter 
of the northwest quarter of section 21. He set- 
tled on the Butler quarter and lived there for 
two years. His home is now on section 1, 
town 9, range 1 east. 

Joseph Sippy, a native of Maryland, came 
here from Indiana in 1852, and bought the 
southeast quarter of section 31, and also entered 
the south half of the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 4, and the southwest quarter of the south- 
east quarter of the same section. In addition 
to these tracts he bought land in the neighbor- 
hood amounting in all to 600 acres. 

G. W. Mathews, a native of the State of New 
York, came to Richland county in 1852. In 
1854 he settled on section 17, where he still 
lives. 

William Hibbs came from Indiana in ]851 
and entered land on section 30. He owned 
this place for several years; then sold out and 
went to Indiana. 

Paul Andrews vras the first settlers in "Simp- 
son Hollow," taking up his residence there in 
1851. Two or three years later he sold out and 
moved to Sextonville where he remaine 1 a short 
time. 

James Beebe came in 1852 and entered land 
on section 2. In 1856 he sold out and went 
west, but has since returned east. 

Elijah Nourse, a native of New Hampshire, 
came here from Rock Co., Wis., in 1852, and 
secured the south half of the northeast quarter 
and the north half of the southeast quarter of 
section 6, town 9, range 2 east, and also bought 
the southeast quarter of section 2, town 9, range 
1 east. He settled on section 6, and made 
his home there until the time of his death. 

In the fall of 1852 James King came here 
from Watertown, and entered the north haJf of 
the southeast quarter and the south half of the 



northeast quarter of section 5. He erected a 
log house which was soon afterward destroyed 
by fire and he at once erected another. In 
1857 he sold out and removed to Trempelean 
county, and later went to Minnesota. 

In ] 853 William Harris was one of the arrivals. 
He was a native of the State of New York. 
He settled on the northwest quarter of section 
1, town 9, range 2 east, and made a '-dug-out" 
in the side of the hill, in which he lived for two 
years, and then erected a log house. He lived 
there until 1864, when he sold out and removed 
to Wright Co., Iowa. 

Peter W. Haskins, a native of the State of 
New York, came here from Richland City in 
1853, and settled on the southeast quarter of 
section 25. He bought the south half of the 
southeast quarter, and the east half of the south- 
west quarter of that section. Here he laid out 
a village called Petersburg; started a black- 
smith shop and built a saw-mill, in wliich he 
put one run of stone for grinding corn. He 
sold out several years later, and moved to the 
town of Buena Vista, where he started a black- 
smith shop and worked at his trade for a num- 
ber of years. He has since gone to Dakota. 

William Atwood, a native of New York 
State, was also one of the arrivals in 1853. He 
settled on the northwest quarter of section 2, 
where he lived for a number of years, and then 
removed to Sextonville. He was a blacksmith, 
and followed his trade for several years at Sex- 
tonville, after which he removed to Orion. 

Richard Woodcock, a native of New York, 
arrived during the same year. He settled on 
the southeast quarter of section 26, where he 
lived for several years and improved a farm. 
He is now dead 

John Smith, an Irishman, came here as early 
as 1853, and settled on the west half of the 
northwest quarter of section 18. lie erected a 
board shanty, broke a few acres of the land 
and remained four or five years, when he sold 
to John Young and left the country. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1075 



John Jaquish, a native of New York State, 
came here in October, 1853, and entered land on 
section 15. He lived there until in March, 
1882, and then removed to the village of Ithaca. 

Joseph VV. Jaquish, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came here at the same time, entered land on 
sections 10 and 11 and put up a shanty. He 
settled upon the place in 1854 and still lives 
there. His father, David Jaquish, came with 
him in 1854, and made his home here for several 
years. He died at Madison in 1875. He was a 
native of New York State; had served in the 
War of 1812, and was a pensioner during the 
last few years of his life. 

Anthony Thomas, a native of Connecticut, 
came here in 1853 and bought land on section 
30, where he remained until 1860. During this 
year he removed to Trempealeau county, where 
lie lived until the time of his death. 

Colby Cass, a Canadian, also came here in 
1853 and settled on section 20. He lived there 
until tlie time of his death. 

In the fall of 1854 William Stearns, a miner, 
came from Spring Valley, and settled upon the 
west half of tiie southeast quarler and the east 
half of the soutiiwest quarter of .serlion I, 
towTi 9, range 2 east. In 1860 he sold his place 
to Hon. J. M. Thomas, and removed to White- 
side Co., III., where he has since died. 

The first (Tcrman settlers in the town were 
William Tunenschloss and Rudolf Gra-sman, 
who came from Dodge county in June, 1854. 
The former bought 120 acres of land on sec- 
tion 16, where he still lives. The latter bouglit 
land on the same section and lived there until 
1871, when he sold out and removed to Monroe 
count}', where he died. His widow and family 
still live there. 

William Irish came in 1854 ;ind made this 
his home for a number of years. He is now a 
Methodist minister and is presiding elder of 
the Portage district. 

Daniel Earl, the first settler in Four Spring 
Hollow, came here in 1854 and entered the 



southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of 
section 36. This is still his home. 

Amos C. Williams came here in 1854 and 
settled on the northeast quarter of section 1, 
town 9, range 2 east. There he built a log 
house, cleared a small tract of laud, and re- 
mained until 1858, when he sold out and moved 
across the line into Sauk county. lie has since 
removed to Iowa. He was a cooper by trade, 
and was generally known as "Cooper Wil- 
liams." 

David Carpenter, a native of Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., also came in 1854. He settled on the 
southwest quarter of section 2, where he opened 
a farm and lived until after the close of the 
war, when he sold out and remove<l to Ne- 
Itraska. 

Chester Foote, a native of New York State, 
came here in 1854 and settled on the northwest 
quarter of section 11. In 1857 he sold to 
Jienjamin Winterburn and removed to the town 
of Buena Vista, wliere he lived for a number of 
years. He is now a resident of McHenry Co., 
III. 

William H. Davis was another of the arrivals 
in 18.54. He was a native of Vermont, but 
came here from Cauida in October of that 
year, and l)ought land on sections 28 and 29, 
town 10 range 2 east. This is still his liome. 

James Soules came here in 1854 and entered 
the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter 
of section 6; but only lived there a short time. 
II(! is now a lesident of the town of Richland. 

During the following year, 1855, there were 
many valuable additions to the settlement in 
this town. 

John Wallace, a native of Canada, came 
in 1855 from Richland City, and settled on the 
northwest quarler of section 12, town 9, range 
2 east. He lived there for several years and 
then sold to Josej)h Wade. 

Jacob Handel, a native of Germany, came 
here from Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1855. He 
entered quite a large tract of land and set- 
tled on section 26. He was quite an elderly 



1076 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



man. After remaining here a few yeari? he re- 
moved to Milwaukee, where he died. 

Ira Davenport, a native of the Slate of New 
York, came liere in 1855 and settled iipon the 
iiortliwe.st quarter of section 25. He sold out 
several years later and went to Dane Co., Wis. 

William Simpson, a native of Ohio, came 
here from Illinois during the same year, 1855, 
and settled on section 30, where he still lives. 

William Misslich, a native of Germany, came 
here from Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1855, 
and bought the south half of the southeast 
quarter of section 14. He improved the farm 
and made it his home until the time of his 
death. Three of his sons — Albert, Paul and 
Anthony, came here at the same time, in 1855. 
Albert entered the southeast quarter of the 
southwest quarter, and the southwest quarter of 
the southeast quarter of section 13, and the 
south half of the southwest quarter of section 
14. Paul entered the northwest quarter of the 
southeast quarter of section 14. Albert now 
lives on section 26. Anthony and Paul live 
on the old homestead on section 14. 

Eberhard Wallpott, a German, also came 
with the Misslich party, and bought 200 acres 
of land on section 2-2. He lived there until 
1881, when he sold out and moved to Cross 
Plains. 

William Perrin came here from Sauk county 
in 1855, and settled on the southeast quarter 
of section S. He lived there for two or three 
years when he sold out and removed to near Has- 
tings, Minn., where he died. 

John Short, an Englishman, came from the 
State of New York in 1855, and entered land on 
section 33, town 11, range 2 east, just over the 
line in the town of Willow. He now lives with 
his son Henry, in the town of Ithaca. 

Christian Lasse, a native of Prussia, came 
here from that country in 1855 and bought land 
of Amasa Grover, on section 26. 

David Hardenberg came in 1855 and bought 
the soutliwest quarter of section 2 from James 



Banks. He sold out in 1866 and removed to 
Lone Rock. 

William Dixon, a native of England, came 
here in 1855 from Buena Vista and settled on 
section 1, town 9, range 2 east, where he still 
lives. 

Isaac Lawrence, a native of Dutchess Co , 
N. Y., came here from New York city in 
1856, and bought the south half of the north- 
east quarter of section 2. He lived there until 
1880, when he sold out and went to Nebraska, 
where he and his wife have since died. 

James Carpenter, a brother of David Car- 
penter, a settler of 1854 came here in 1856, 
and settled on section 2. He lived there until 
after the close of the war, when he moved to 
Lone Rock, and has since gone to Nebraska. 

David Lane, a native of New York State, came 
here in 1856 and settled on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 36. He improved a farm and 
lived here until 1875, when he sold out and 
removed to New Jersey. 

Henry Emshoff was another of the pioneer 
Germans. He canle here in 1856 and settled 
on section 14. He is now a resident of the 
town of Orion. 

Elias Weston was also a settler of 1856. He 
was a native of the State of New York. He 
settled on section 10, and lived there until 1880 
when he sold out and removed to Des Moines, 
Iowa. 

Other early settlers were: .M. M. Smith, Cole- 
man Dupee, John Worth and Abel Ragles. 

FIRST BIRTH AND DEATH. 

The first birth in the town of Ithaca was tli^it 
of James, a son of Thomas and Rachel Derrick- 
son, which occurred Aug. 5, 1849. The child 
died Oct. 6, 1849. This was the first death in 
the town. 

RELIGIONS. 

The first mass in the town of Ithaca was held 
by Father Max Gardner, at the house of William 
Misslich, in November, 1856, and this finally re- 
sulted in the organization of St. Mary's Catholic 
Church. Father Gardner was at that lime a 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1077 



resident of Sauk county, and knowing there 
were people here in the wilderness without a 
spiritual advisor, he started out on foot and 
alone for this little German settlement. He 
was gladlj' welfomed and the people gathered 
at the house of William Misslich, as stated. 
There were four children baptized at this time 
— Agnes, daughter of Albert and Mary A. 
Misslich; Henry, a son of Peter and Mary Wert- 
«el; Gertrude, daughter of Joseph and Barbara 
Bodendine; and Maggie, daughter of Jacob and 
Catharine Weitzel. It was decided to build a 
church, and subscriptions were solicited. There 
were but few families here at tliat time. The 
male members were — William Misslich and his 
three sons, Albert, Paul and Anthony; Joseph 
Oschner, Andrew Muller, Jacob Weitzel, Henry 
Aisenmacher, Peter Weit/.el, Casper Brewer 
and Joseph Bodendine. Money was sub- 
scribed to the amount of $130, and a small 
building was erected on the southeast quarter'of 
the southwest quarter of section 14. Father 
Max Gardner was the first to say mass in the 
church. Father Wendel Bernard was the first 
resident pastor. In 1864 a parsonage was built. 
It was an unpretentious frame building, with 
two rooms, and cost $.3-37, beside work done by 
the members. Father Bernard was succeeded 
on Christmas, 186.5, by Father Tlieopholis Bean, 
who had charge until May, 1872. In 1869, 
through his influence, a commodious stone house 
was erected for school purposes and a.s a home 
for the sisters in cliarge. It is a two and a half 
story building, well furnished. There are two 
large rooms on the ground flt)or, which are 
used for school purposes, while the sisters oc- 
cupy the upper part. 

Father Bean was succeeded by Father Fran- 
cis X. Heller, who remained until Oct. 17, 1874, 
when Father A. Mendl became pastor. In May, 
187.5, lie was succeeded by Father Michael 
Heiss, who remained until 1878. In January, 
of that year, Father Henry Koeiiig, the j)resent 
pastor, took charge. 



The parsonage, as stated, when first built 
contained two rooms. A few years later an ad- 
dition of two rooms was made. In 188.3 Father 
Koenig erected a commodious two story frame 
house, adjoining the old part. To show how 
the Catholic Church has prospered, it is stated 
that Father Bean had charge of seven different 
Churches, beside several ajjpointmcnts at pri- 
vate houses. Two of these Churches were in 
Sauk county, one in Crawford, and the rest in 
Richland. St. Mary's Church started with 
eight families; it now numbers eighty-five fam- 
ilies, and owns property valued at 115,000. 
Father Koenig also has charge of the Church at 
Riciiland Center, being assisted in his labors 
by Father Joseph Bush. 

Father Henry Koenig, the popular pastor of 
the St. Mary's Church, was born in the city of 
Ileiligenstadt, Prussia, Germany, Oct. 7, 1835. 
He studied first in his own native city, and fin- 
ished his education at the city of Rome. He 
went to Ireland and was ordained as a Catholic 
priest at Carlow College, on the 9th day <>f 
May, 1859. After a sojourn of a few weeks in 
Ireland he came to America, and was assigned 
to a (Church at .Mishawaka, St. Joseph Co., Ind. 
He remained there seven years, and then went 
to Wilmar, Pulaski county. From there he 
went to Kansas, and returning east located at 
Toronto, Canada, where he remained until tak- 
ing charge of the St. Mary's Church, in Janu- 
ary, 1878. Father Koenig's parents never 
came to America. His father diod Jan. 29, 
1382, at the ripe old age of eighty-three. His 
mother is still living in Prussia, seventy-five years 
of age. He has a sister that is teaching in Urso- 
line Convent, JefFersonville, Ind. 

The Bear Valley union church was erected 
in 1874, by the people in the vicinity. It is a 
neat frame structure and cost about $2,400. It 
is located on the south half of the northwest 
quarter of section 11, town 9, range 2 east. 
The 1 hnrch is free to all denominations. There 
i-: no organization, but Rev. S. B. Loomis 



lOTS 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



preaches bene. He is liberal in bis views, and 
bis sermons are listened to with interest. 

Adjoining tbe church grounds is a cemetery, 
which was laid out in 1860. An association 
was formed in tbe neighborhood for the pur- 
pose. The first officers were: A. G. Burnham, 
president; J G. Carpenter, treasurer, and J. 
M. Thomas, secretary. The officers of the asso- 
ciation in 1883 were: Benjamin Winterburn, 
president; William Dixon, treasurer, and J. 
M. Tliomas, secretary. 

A Lutheran Church was organized in 1802 at 
tbe school house on section 30 by Rev. Simon 
Spyker. It had fourteen members, as follows: 
Samuel Davis and wife; Samuel S. Davis and 
wife; Samuel Stofer and wife; J. G. Marden 
and wife; Harriet Cass, Rosanna Spyker and O. 
V. Davis. Rev. Spyker has been the pastor of 
this Church since its organization. In 1869 it 
changed its form of government and became a 
Congregational Church. For several years 
they met for worship in the school bouse, but 
since the erection of the union church, services 
have been held there. The society now has 
forty-three members. The present deacons are: 
O. v. Davis, S. S. Davis and O. R. Jaquisb. 
The trustees are: S. J. Freeborn, O. V. Davis 
and C. A. Hatch. 

KDUCATIONAL. 

The first school in the town was taught in 
The Ark in 1851 by Susan McCaw. 

The first school bouse in this town was built 
in 1851 in tbe present village of Sextonville 
The rafters and studding were made of hewn 
tamarack poles. Margaret Ingram taught the 
first school. 

School district No. 1 embraces the village of 
Sextonville, and a history of it appears in con- 
nection witli the history of the village. 

The first school in district No. 2 was taught 
in a log house, owned by William Harris, on the 
northwest quarter of section 1, town 9, 
range 2. in the summer of 1855. The teaclier 
was Mary Dyke. During the same summer a 
a substantial frame house was erected on the 



southeast quarter of the northeast quarter 
section 2. Isaac Peckham was the first 
teacher in this building. In 1859 the dis- 
trict was divided and a log school house 
was built on the southeast quarter of section 26, 
in which Jane Giles first wielded the ferule. 
Two or three years later the school house was 
removed to the southeast quarter of the north- 
east quarter of section 36, where it remained 
several years and was then moved to tbe north- 
west quarter of section 36. It was in use here 
two years, when the territory was again 
attached to district No. 2. Arthur Ochner is 
the present teacher. 

School district No. 4 is a joint district. The 
first school house in this district was erected in 
1852 on the northeast quarter of section 30. 
Cordelia A. Bush was tbe first teacher. There 
were eight scholars in the district at the time. 
The old school house remained in use until dur- 
ifig the war, when a larger bouse was erected on 
tbe old site. 

In 1859 a portion of the district was set off 
and a school was taught in Joshua Crapser's 
granery, on section 28, Belle Britton being tbe 
teacher. In 1859 a school bouse was erected on 
the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter 
of section 28. Sarah Telfair was the first 
teacher in this house. This district was known 
as No. 11, and its organization continued in ex- 
istence until 18 75, when tbe territory was 
attached to other districts and district No. 1 1 
was abolished. 

District No. 6 is also a joint district. The 
first school house in this district was erected in 
1856. Dr. Sippy and Abel Reagles gave the 
lumber and all of the neighbors turned out ami 
put up the building on the southwest quarter of 
section 4. Charlotte Smith and Rebecca Mc- 
Cloud, now tbe wife of Valentine Stoddard, 
were the first teachers. The old house was in 
use but a sliort lime when it was replaced by a 
larger and inoie expensive building. Edward 
Long was the tirst teacher in this building. The 
present teacher is Johanna Stoddard. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1079 



In joint district No. 5 the first scIiodI lioiise 
W.1S eroctcil in 1860, being located on the east 
h.ilf of tlie south vest quarter of section 6. Mrs. 
Helen Smiih was tlic first teacher. The school 
building has since l)een moved to its present 
loc.itioTi on the e.ist half of the northwest quar- 
ter of section 7. J. \V. Manley is the present 
teacher. 

The first school in district No. 7 was taught 
in Amasa Grover's granary by Sarah Etta Per- 
rin in 18.55. There were less than a dozen 
scholars in attendance. The following spring 
the district erected a frame house on the south- 
west quarter of the northeast quarter of section 
17. Miss P^rrin was also the first teacher in 
this house. This building was used for school 
purposes until 1877, when a new house was 
erected. Delia Welton was the first teacher in 
the new building. Fl'ank Smith is the present 
teacher. 

Tiie first school house in district No. 10 was 
a log one erected in ls61 on section 14. Mil 
ton Derrickson was the first teacher. Thi^ 
house was used until 1869, since which time tli( 
district has rented a room of tiie St. Mary's 
congregation at Keysville. 

The first school house in district No. 12 was 
built in 1860. It was of logs, and located on 
the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter 
of section 2. Olivia Hays was the first teaclier. 
The house which was first erected was used for 
school ])urposes until 1880, when a neat frame 
building was put up near the old site. I-ibbie 
Ward was the first teacher in tlie new liouse. 
The present teacher is Francis W. Jaquish. 

ORGANIC. 

The town of Ithaca was organized in 18f 6. 
At a meeting held on the 1st of April at the 
Thomas school house, the following oflicers 
were elected: Hoard of supervisors, William 
Harmon, chairman, J. C. Foote and S. II. Doo- 
little; clerk, Luther Irish; treasurer, James 
Boyd; superintendent of schools, D. L. Hub- 
bard; justices of the peace, William Crutsen- 
burg, S. H. Doolitlle and I). W. Dodge; asses- 



sors, (there were three elected) George Math- 
ews, D. F. CarpLMiler and Joseph Post; consta- 
bles, James Hoyd, Stephen Reagles and John 
Wallace; inspector of weights and measures, 
George Richards. The clerk of the meeting 
was R. S. Eldrcd. The inspectors of the elec- 
tion were Jacob Krouskop, chairman, William 
H. Davis and D. L. Carpenter. 

At the annual town meeting held in April, 
1883, the following were chosen as town officials 
fertile ensuing year: Supervisors, Albert Miss- 
lich, chairman, J. G. Lamberson and A. Grover; 
clerk, J. R. Shaw; treasurer, T. Sippy; assessor, 
George IT. Turner; justices, L. (ii'ail, William 
Dixon and A. 11. Dow; constables, E. F. Howe, 
R. A. Hammond and John E. Schmitz. 

RICIII.AND COUNTY NURSERY. 

This nursery was started in 1868 by S. J. 
Freeborn, at his home on secfton -20. In 1871 
he was joined by A. L. Hatch, and a partnership 
was formed between these two gontleincn for 
carrying on the business. At this time the 
nursery was removed to sections 22 and 27, 
wliere sixty acres were purchased, forty of which 
were improved. Since that time other tracts of 
land have been j)urchased until they now have 
160 acres, the most of which they use. Both of 
these gentlemen have sepaiate orchards, aside 
from the nursery, Mr. Freeborn having :3,.500 
trees and A. L. Hatch, 2,000. The firm has 
been very successful in their business, and much 
credit is due to them for their energy and en- 
terprise in the establishment and prosecution 
of this beneficial and much needed industry. 

TWIN HLUFFS I'OSTOFKICE. 

This office was established in June, 1883, 
witli Chaales Pierce as the first postmaster. He 
keeps the office at his house near the station. 
The office receives fouq mails j)er day. 

KEYSVILLE POSTOFFICK. 

The postoflice bearing this name was estab- 
lished in April, 1872, and Paul Misslich was 
commissioned postmaster. It was then on the 
Lone Hock and Le Valle route, and mail was 
received three times each week. It is still on 



65 



lORO 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



the same mail route, but mail is now received 
daily. Mr. Misslich is still postmaster and 
keeps the office at his house on section 14. 

BEAR VALLBY POSTOFFICE. 

This office was originally established in Sauk 
county at an early day, taking its name from 
the creek of that name. About 1860 the office 
was moved to the town of Ithaca, and John 
Price was commissioned as postmaster. He 
kept the office at his house, on section 36. The 
office at that time was on the mail route from 
Lone Rock to Ironton, and mail was received 
twice each week from both ways. Mr. Price in 
a few years was succeeded by John A. Shontz, 
as postmaster, who is the present incumbent. 
The office is kept at his house on section 36. 
Mail is now received every day. 

THE VILLAGE OF PETERSBURG. 

In 185.5 Peter Haskins laid out a village on 
the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter 
of section 25, to which he gave the name, 
Petersburg; suggested, it is presumed, by his 
first name. 

Shortly afterward a Mr. Beard bought three 
village lots and opened a grocery store, and in 
connection made the sale of whisky a specialty. 
After he had run the business for a year or so, 
he was taken sick with the typhoid fever and 
died. 

There was no other sign of business life here 
until after the close of the war, when A. Ded- 
erich opened the store, which is still in opera- 
tion. He now runs a wagon, blacksmith and 
shoeshop, and also keeps a public house at this 
point. 

In 1871 Joseph Ochsner, John Little and 
David Dudgeon erected a flour mill on the 
northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of 
section 36, adjoining the site of the village of 
Petersburg. They put up a buiLling, 26x38 
feet in size, two stories high, and equipped it 
with three run of buhrs and other necessary 
machinery for making first-class flour. The 
dam was built of earth and timber and secured 
seven and a half feet fall of water. Joseph 



Ochsner and Boorinan are the present owners of 
the property and they rent it. It is now run as 
a custom mill. 

THE VILLAGE OF NEPTUNE. 

Dr. Joseph Sippy platted a village on the 
southeast corner of the southwest quarter 
of the northwest quarter of section 4, in 1855, 
to which he gave the name of Neptune. .\t 
the time there was a log house upon the site 
belonging to Daniel Gwin. 

In 1854 Stephen Ragles opened a store here in 
a building that he had erected for the purpose. 
He soon made an addition to the building and 
opened a tavern called the Neptune House. 
In 1856 he closed up his business arnd went to 
Sextonville. 

The Neptune postoffice was established in 
1854, with Dr. Joseph Sippy as postmaster. 
The office was named by the authorities at 
Washington. It was on a route from Sexton- 
ville, and mail was received once each week. 
Dr. Sippy was succeeded as post master by U. 
J. Taplin, and then came John Sippy. The 
latter gentleman resigned and moved away, 
and as no one would accept the office it was 
finally discontinued. 

In 1853 Dr. Sippy commenced the erection 
of a saw mill at Neptune, which was completed 
during the following year. It was furnished 
with an "up and down saw." A dam of brush 
and dirt was thrown across Big Willow creek, 
which secured six and a half feet fall of water. 
In May, 1866, Rufus Taplin bought the property 
and has run the mill since that time. The dam 
ha.-! been washed out several times since then, 
but the present substantial stone dam, which 
was built by Mr. Taplin, bids fair to be per- 
manent. In 1883 he added a feed mill which is 
quite a convenience to the people in the vicinity. 

In 1862 Rev. Thurston, a Methodist Episco- 
pal clergyman, preached at the school house in 
Neptune and organized a class with about 
twenty members. Among them were the fol- 
lowing: Joseph W. .Jaquish and wife, 
David Jaquish, Mrs. Olive Dupee, Dr. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1081 



Josopli J^ippy and wife, Natlian .Taijiiish 
anil wife, and Julia Weston. .Tosoi)li W. 
Jaquish was elcotod class leader. Among the 
pastors who at tiin.'s presided over the little 
society wore Rev. ('. Cook and Mr. Harvey. 
As time rolled by the members moved away 
anil died, and finally the class dropped out of ex- 
istence. 

THE VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 

This is a very pleasantly located hamlet on 
section IV. It has never been platted; but busi- 
ness houses have collected about the spot and 
it is now a good ]ioint for trade, being sur- 
rounded ijy a wealthy and prosperous class of 
farmers. 

In 186.T James Spickard opened a harness 
shop on the present site of the village. This 
was the first sign of business life at this point. 
In 18G5 Mr. Spickard opened the first store in 
tlie village, keeping groceries, dry goods and 
a general assortment of merchandise. He is 
still in trade here. Mr. Spickard only contin- 
ued to run his harness shop for two years. 

Samuel Stover, in 1SG7, opened the second 
harness shop and is still in business. 

Tlie first blacksmith was William Krousc, 
who opened a shop at this point in I8()7. He 
was in lousiness five or six years, when ho was 
succeeded by D. \V. Bear, a first-class workman. 
Mr. lioar was in business hero about four years. 
He is now located at Rodolf's mill, in the town 
of Eagle, and is doingr an extensive business, 
ruiinijig a hardware and grocery store in con- 
nection with his blacksmith shop. The shop at 
Ithaca changed hands several times within a 
year, and then George Bear bought it and con- 
tinued in business until the fall of 1883, when 
H. H. Spyker, the present blacksmith, pur- 
chased it. 

In 1876 John H. Davis opened a shoe shop in 
Ithaca, doing custom work and repairing. In 
1877 he purchased a liuildiiig that had been used 
as a wagon shop and furiiislii'il and remodeled 
it for a shiie ■shop. In 188.} he ])iii, in a slock of 



groceries, crockery, glassware and notions, and 
IS still in business. 

In 1881 William Morrison established a 
cheese factory in the village, which has been in 
successful operation since. 

C. W. Davis commenced in mercantile trade 
here in 1872, and still continues. 

The Ithaca i)ostoffice was established in 1857. 
James McMillan was appointed postmaster, and 
kept the office at his house on the southeast 
corner of the northwest quarter of the south- 
west quarter of section 17. James Spickard 
succeeded Mr. McMillan as postmaster and re- 
moved the office to his house' on the northeast 
corner of the southwest quarter of section 17, 
and later to his store. In 1871 he was suc- 
ceeded by William Davis, and a few months 
later Mr. Spickard was again appointed post- 
master. In 1874 he was succeeded by C. W. 
Davis, the present postmaster. The office is 
kept at Mr. Davis' store. 

In 1853 Wyatt Perkins commenced the erec- 
tion of a saw-mill on the southwest quarter of 
section 17. The power was derived from the 
Big Willow, a dam of grass and dirt being 
thrown across the stream, securing about five 
feet fall of water. The mill was equipped 
with a perpendicular saw. Perkins was a Ver- 
mont man. He had lived in Dane county, this 
State, for a few years, and had floated down to 
Richland county in a boat on the Wisconsin 
river. He had no money at all. When he 
started down the Wisconsin river an ax was 
the only tool which he possessed, and the boat 
being capsized, this was lost. When he arrived 
at Ithaca John Perry gave him the mill privi- 
lege, upon the condition that he would build a 
mill there. For some time Perkins and his 
family, consisting of a wife and two children, 
lived upon boiled wheat, they came to such 
straitened circumstances. But he com- 
menced work on the mill, using borrowed tools, 
and compleltd it about two years later. After 
he had got out the frame, he mortgaged the 
privilege and so got the machinery. Even 



1082 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



after he got the mill in running order, he was 
not very successful, as he was inclined to be 
indolent, and did not attend to business 
closely. He ran the mill about five years, 
when he sold it to James R. McMillan. He 
then went to Columbia county, and, when the 
war broke out, went into the army and died 
while in the service. He was a great talker, 
was well educated and an intelligent man. He 
frequently preached in this neighborhood. Im- 
mediately after buying the property, Mr. Mc- 
Millan erected a grist mill, adjoining the saw- 
mill, putting up a building 30x40 feet in size, 
and two and a half stories high. Two run of 
stone were put in and the other necessary ma- 
chinery. He ran it as a custom mill until the 
close of the war and sold soon afterward to 
Alfred Parfrey. Five or six years later the 
property was purchased by James Black, who 
tore out the old dam, put in a stone one and 
erected a new building, two stories and a base- 
ment in height. Two run of buhrs were put in. 
In 1878 Frank B. Koleman bought the property 
and is the present owner. 

THB VILLAGE OF SEXTONVILLE. 

The village of Sextonville is pleasantly lo- 
cated in the southwestern part of the town of 
Ithaca, on sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, town 9, range 
2 east. Being situated on Willow creek, and 
in close proximity to Pine river, water power 
sufficient to propel a vast amount of machinery 
can be easily obtained. The village is sur- 
rounded by some of the best and most valuable 
farming and stock raising territory in the 
county, which is a guaranty of permanent and 
ever increasing trade. The Richland Center 
branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St, Paul 
railroad p.isses just west of the village. Twin 
Bluff station being located on the northeast 
corner of section 12, town 9, range 1 east. 

The village was platted in January, 1851, by 
E. M. Sexton; the surveyor being Oscar Briggs 
from Sauk county. The plat as then drawn 
laid upon sections 5, 6, 7 and 8. There were 
five buildings upon the site at that time. The 



first was a log house erected by Mrs. Marinda 
Lonsdale, and was located on lot 2, block 17. 
There was also a small frame house that bi-'- 
longed to the same party located on lot 4, block 
8. The third was a small one story frame 
building which had been erected in 1850 by 
James Goodrich, located on lot 6, block 23. 
He put in a stock of goods and was in trade 
here a short time; then moved to section 7, 
where for some time he was engaged at li:s 
trade — carpentering. His next move was to Ne- 
braska, where he became a prominent man. 
The building in Sextonville w hich he erected 
is still standing as part of the hotel. The 
fourth building upon the site was a blacksmith 
shop which had been erected by Charles Devoo. 
The fifth was located on lot 1, block 29. It 
was a frame building erected by Luther. Irisli, 
in which he opened the first permanent store 
in the village. He commenced business here 
in January, 1851, buying his goods in Milwau- 
kee, and having them hauled here with teams. 
He was a good business man and made money 
as well as friends here. In lS5ii he closed this 
store and was intending to build a larger store 
and carry on a larger business. He went to La 
Crosse valley that year on a visit and died while 
there. His loss was severely felt in the com- 
munity. The new bell in the Methodist church 
first tolled for his funeral. He left a wife and 
infant son. His widow is now tlie wife of 
Peter Mickle. His son now lives in Barron 
Co., Wis. 

Daniel Osborne was the next to engage in 
trade here, occupying the Goodrich building. 
He kept open for a few months during the year 
1851, and then removed to Richland City. 

The next to engage in business here was 
Henry Leonard, a native of New York State. 
He came here in 1852 and opened a tinshop in 
the Goodrich building, mat)ufacturing tin-ware 
and selling stoves. He was a good salesman, 
and did well as long as he "stuck to his text"; 
but after a time he engaged in the cattle trade 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1083 



and was not successful in this line. He now 
runs a tin shop in Trenton, Mo. 

The next to engage in trade here was Hen- 
ry Mitchell, a confectioner by trade. In 1853 
he opened a general store and kept there about 
one year. 

In September, 1855, Willard H. and Charles 
G. Thomas opened a general store in the 
Mitchell building, located on lot 2, block 20. 

In 1856 N. A. Hawks opened a store here. 
In the fall of that year he sold to E. M. Sexton 
and Andrew McCorkle, who carried on the 
business until the spring of 185'?, when William 
JlcCorklu bought them out. About the same 
time Willard H. and Charles G. Thomas dis- 
solved partnership, Charles G. taking the goods. 
He and William McCorkle formed a partner- 
ship and put their stocks of goods together. 
They are still in trade here, and are probably 
the oldest firm doing business in the county. 

The first drug store in the village was opened 
in 1854 by Martin Britton. He afterwards 
added groceries, and was in trade here until 
1857, when he sold to Robert Essyltine, an es- 
timable young man. On account of ill health, 
Mr. Essyltine was unable to attend very strictly 
to business. In 1858 he sold to Dr. Asa Mc- 
Cullum, who is still in trade. 

Charles Devoe established the first black- 
smith shop here, in May, 1850. He erected a 
frame shanty on what afterwards became lot 8, 
block 22. 

The first harness maker in the place was Al- 
bert Shebly, who opened a shop here in about 
1860. He continued in trade for about two 
years, when he entered the army and remained 
in the service until the close of the war. He 
then again opened his shop here and ran it a 
short time, when he sold to David Wood. Mr. 
Wood ran the shop here and at the mill until 
1882, when he closed out and moved to Rich- 
land Center. 

Henry Smith was the first shoemaker. He 
worked at cobbling in the winter and at carpen- 
ter work in the summer. Phineas Janney was 



the first to open a shoe shop. He opened in 
1852 and remained but a short time. 

In 1855 George Krouskop erected a building 
near the mill and opened a general merchandise 
store. He was afterwards joined in the business 
by his brother, A. H. Krouskop, and they were 
in trade here for a number of years. 

In the spring of 1882 J. L. R. McCollum, Jo- 
seph McCorkle and C. G. Thomas established a 
cheese factory in the building formerly occu- 
pied by the Krouskop brothers. It w;is fur- 
nished with all the necessary machinery, and 
the factory has been in successful operation 
since. 

Sextonville cemetery was suivoyed in 1852 
l)y Jose])h Irish on section 5. The land was 
donated by Charles Devoe. The first burial 
liere was of the remains of Mrs. George 
Reed. 

The first hotel in this part of the county was 
kept by E. M. Sexton in the building that was 
erected for him in the wintT of 1848-9. He 
made an addition to it and had it raised, mak- 
ing of it a two-story building, seventy-five feet 
in length. This building for years went by the 
name of "The Ark," and was well known 
throughout this region. Mr. Sexton was a popu- 
lar landlord, being of a jolly disposition and 
always cracking jokes. The hotel did quite a 
business; dancing and other parties were held 
here, which were largely attended. Mr. Sexton 
sold to Samuel Bristol, and he to William 
Cralsenberg. It afterwards changed hands 
several times, and was finally destroyed by 
fire. 

The first hotel on the village plat proper was 
erected by Hiram Z. Britton in 1851. It was 
located on lot 7, of block 16. It was a small 
building at first, but he soon made additions, 
and kept tavern until 1856. Since that time 
there have been several hotels kept in the vil- 
lage. The Parker House, the only hotel in the 
village at present, is kept by George Hoke. It 
was first opened in 1873 by George Parker, who 
purchased the property at that time. He re- 



1084 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



built and added to the house and kept it until 
1881, when he sold to the present proprietor. 

MILLS. 

In 1851 E. M. Sexton erected a saw-mill on 
the southwest quarter of section 6, throwing a 
dam of brush and dirt across Willow creek, 
thus securing seven feet fall of water. The 
mill was equipped with an "up and down" saw, 
which for years awoke the echoes of the neigh- 
boring wood with its busy hum. The mill was 
built for Jacob Krouskop, who, in 1853, erected 
a three story grist-mill building adjoining the 
saw-mill. He put in two run of stone and all 
other machinery for the manufacture of flour. 
Jacob Krouskop sold to his son, George Krous- 
kop, who added another run of stone and other 
machinery, making it a merchant and custom 
mill. He sold the property to Fleisher& Wolf, 
who ran a short time and then Wolf sold his 
interest to Mr. Turnutses. The latter gentle- 
man, about one year later, sold to Willi;nii 
Sherman. In 1870 C. G. Thomas purchased 
Fleisher's interest, and the firm became Thomas 
& Sherman. They immediately rebuilt both 
grist and saw-mills, and repaired the dam. In 
1871 Thomas sold half his interest to William 
McCorkle. The firm is now Sherman, Thomas 
<fc McCorkle. The mill now has three run of 
buhrs and all the necessary machinery for 
manufacturing first-class flour. It is run as a 
custom and merchant mill. New machinery 
has been placed in the saw-mill, which now 
does a splendid business. It is equipped with 
three saws and a planer. 

In 1852 David J. Eastland began the erection 
of a saw-mill on the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 7, town 9, range 2 east. 'J'he mill was 
completed in 1853. The dam was constructed 
of stone, brush and earth. Ilie water wheel 
was a screw wheel, fourteen feet in diam- 
eter. The power was derived from Pine 
river. The water was carried to the mill 
through a race sixty rods in length, and a tail 
race of the same length. They used an "up 



and down saw." The mill was in operation 
for about twelve years. 

LODGES. 

Ithaca Lodge, No. 9.3, I. O. O. F., at Sexton- 
ville, was instituted June 25, 1857, by David H. 
Wright, grand master, of Madison. The char- 
ter members were as follows: 8. Bailey, B. W. 
Telfair,Albert Ghastin, M. Britton, N.A. Haw ks 
and J. E. Irish. The first oflicers elected were 
as follows: J. E. Irish, noble grand; B. W. Tel- 
fair, vice grand; M. Britton, recording secre- 
tary; and Albert Ghastin, treasurer. The fol- 
lowing, named in order, have served as i.oble 
grand of the lodge; B. W. Telfair, S. Bailey, 
George Richards, George Krouskop, Lemuel 
Akey, A. Ghastin, D. Williams, L. D. Hall, Wil- 
liam McCorkle, D. L. Hubbard, J. B. Grew, T. 
P. Derrickson, Amasa Grover, H. W. Glasier, 
L. A. Taylor, J. Knap)i, John Jaquish, D. P. 
Nichols, William Krouskop, H. H. Barnard, F. 
B. Hubbard, James D. Keys, John Kuykeiidall, 
F. D. Fowler, J. L. R. McC<.llum, J. II. Post, A. 
Ghastin, J. Knapp, William Krouskop, J. G. 
Lamberson, Alfred Kuvkendall, Henry R. How- 
ard, A. M. Stratten, G. N. Hill, Jacob Hoover, 
J. S. Stofer, George Parker, D. B. Ostrander, 
Clayton Bush, L. C. Taylor, George M. Hoke, 
J. L. R. McCollum, D. B. Ostrander, G. M. 
Hoke, E. E. Ostrander. A. H. Dowe, R. Gibbens, 
David Warner, J. W. I'arker, E. Parker, D. A. 
Barnard and J. Warner. The oflicers of the 
lodge, in 1883, were as follows: J. Warner, N. 
G.; F. W. Turner, Y. G.; W. A. Reed, R. S.; J. 
D. Keys, treasurer. At the present time there 
are thirty-three members, and the lodge is in 
good working condition. 

Valley Lodge, I. O G. T., was organized at 
the Methodist church in Sextonville, Dec. 5, 
18S3, with twenty-one members. The follow- 
ing officers were elected. W. S. Dupee, W. C. 
T.; W. V. T.; Franklin Nourse, chaplain; 
Charles McCollum, W. S.; F. Johnson, W. A. S.; 
Mrs. Dora E. Howard, W. F. S.; A. B.Grafton, 
W. T.; E. E. Craig, W. M.; Philip Kolfe, VV. D, 
M.; F. T. Nourse, W. O. G.; Anna Lamson, W. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1085 



I. G.; Mrs. Kate R. Crosper, W. R. H. S.; C. J. 
Henry, W. L. H. S.; A. Van Dusen, P. W.C.T. 

RELIGIOUS. 

'I'he first religious meetings in the town of 
Ilbaca were held in the old building known as 
"The Ark," by Rev. Chaffee, a Presbyterian 
minister. He organized a Presbyterian class 
here, the following being among its first mem- 
bers: Charles Dcvoe and wife, A. H. Bush and 
wife, Samuel Long and wife, Richard Struble 
and wife, Emanuel AUace and wife, John In- 
graham and wife and Mr. Fox and wife. Charles 
Devoe was elected deacon. This class met for 
worship in "The Ark" until tKe school house was 
erected, and then met there for a few years. 
Some of the leading members moved away, 
and tinally this class was united with the Con- 
gregationalists. 

About 1859 a Congregational Church was 
organized at Sextonville. It included as mem- 
bers: Arvin Burnham and wife, Wareham IJuin- 
hara and wife, J. C. Stockton and wife ami .Mrs. 
Susau Tapin. Arvin Burnham and wife were 
elected deacons. This class flourished but a 
short time. In 1867 it was reorganized by 
De.xter Cleary, agent for the American Home 
Missionary Society for southern Wisconsin. 
The following were among its members at this 
time: Arvin Burnham and wife, Wareham 
liurnhajn and wife, Franklin Ilapgood and 
wife, Amelia L. Perry, Harriet K. Bush, Wil- 
liam II. Davis, Mary A. Post, A. H. Bush and 
wife, Charles Devoe and wife and John C. 
Stockton. Arvin Burnham and J. C. Stockton 
were elected deacons. The class met for wor- 
ship in the M. E. church until 1868, when they 
erected a church edifice on lot 8, block 24, in 
the village. Rev. A. H. Bush was the first pas- 
tor. He was succeeded after about a year by 
Rev. Simon Spyker, who is the present pastor. 
The present deacons are Arvin Burnham and 
E. E. Pratt. 

A Methodist Episcopal class was organized 
in Sextonville at an early day, and in 1850 a 
cliurch edifice was erected on block 31. Rev. 



William R. Irish was one of the first preachers. 
Among those who have filled the pulpit for this 
denomination since are: Revs. William Harvey, 
G. W. Nuzum, A. D. Chase, C. Cook, William 
Hill, II. J. Walker, Thomas Mamiel, W. F. De 
Lap, D. W. Coucii, W. R. Irish, W. J. McKay, 
Tliomas Crouch, J. Trewathe and O. B. Kil- 
bourn. Rev. J. D. Tull is the present pastor. 
Jonathan Knapp is the present class leader. 
There is a Sabbath-school in connection, of 
whicli Clinton Bush is superintendent. 

SEXTONVILLE POSTOFKICE. 

The postofiice at Sextonville was established, 
in 1849, with E. M. Sexton as postmaster. It 
was tlien a special office and mail was received 
once a week from Highland, in Iowa county. 
The neighbors acted as mail carriers, often- 
times going on foot, carrying the mail sack on 
their backs. About 1853 a mail route was es- 
tablished from Madison, west through Sexton- 
ville, and a mail carrier was furnished by tlie 
government. A man named Ragers acted as 
mail carrier. In 1854 a route was established 
from Highland to Richlan<l Center, by way of 
Sextonville. David McFarland was mail car- 
rier. Soon afterward a route was established 
from Sauk City to Prairie du Chien, by way of 
this otKce, with James Banks as mail carrier. 
When the railroad was completed to Lone 
Rock, a route was cstablislied from tiiat place 
through Sextonville to Richland Center and 
the other routes were discontinued. E. M. 
Sexton was succeeded as postmaster by l>uther 
Irish, then in succession came Martin Britton, 
Robert Essyltine, William McCorkle, Edwin 
Devoe, W^illiam Irish, Mrs. Lamberson and 
Horace U.Barnard. Mr. Barnard was appoint- 
ed in 1876, and is the present postmaster. 

EDUCATIONAL MATTERS. 

The first school house in the town of Ithaca, 
as well as the village of Sextonville, was erected 
in 1851. The rafters and studding were of 
hewn tamarack poles. The first teacher in this 
house was Margaret Ingrum. This house was 
in use until 1860, when a two story building 



1086 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



was erected. The citizens had resolved to hav^ 
a liigh school and the services of Prof. Henry 
W. Glasier, then teaching in Richland Center, 
were secured. 

In the fall cf 1860 the first high school in 
the county was taught at Sextonville. Under 
the able management of Prof. Glasier the 
school was a decided success, and became estab- 
lished upon firm footing. Succeeding Prof. 
Glasier as principal, the following have served: 
David Parsons, Timothy Moroney, J. G. Lam- 
berson, N. E. Carver, E. E. Fowler, Mr. Farn- 
ham, G. E. Marshall and R. J, Porter. In 
1882 the district erected a building, 40x60 feet 
in size, two stories in height ; with a front en- 
trance, 10x20 feet, and back entrance, 10x16 feet. 
The grounds occupying six lots on block 21. 
The cost of site and building was $3,500. In 1 883 
the corps of teachers was as follows: Prof. II. W. 
Glasier, principal ; Delia Welton, teacher of 
intermediate department and Anna Lamson in 
primary department. In 1883 a new move was 
taken, and special instruction is now given in 

languages and music, by Prof. Hemmersback. 
Much credit is due to the efliciency and en- 
ergetic management of Prof. Glasier, in 
building up and making a success of the high 
school enterprise, and many of the best busi- 
ness men of Richland county received their 
education here. 

FIRST EXHIBITION BY THE SEXTONVILLE HIGH 
SCHOOL. 

At the close of the first term of the Sexton- 
ville High School, Nov. 15, 1860, thefirst school 
exhibition was given at the Methodist cliurch 
in lliat place. The church was crowded, and it 
was a decided success. As nearly all who took 
part in the exercises have friends and relatives 
scattered over the county, many of whom at- 
tended the exhibitionj a verbatim copy of the 
programme for the evening is here presented: 



PROGKAMME OF THE EXHIBITION 
—by the— 

SEXTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 
AT SEXTONVILLE, WIS., KOV. 1.5, 1860. 

PROF. w. H. GLASIER, Principal. 

Instrumental music Miss Emma Burnham. 

Prayer Rev.Todd. 

Singing. 

Introductory Miss Jane Britton. 

Song: **'Ti8 Night! 'Tig Night!" by Miss Jane Essyltine, 

Mrs. C. G. Thomas, Laura Williams, Hettie Essyltine 

and Laura Briggs. 

Declamation : ' 'The destiny of the human race, " 

J. M. Derrickson. 

Song: ' 'A hundred years to come '* School. 

Essays: 

"What we live for" Miss Laura a. Williams. 

' 'The Catacombs " . Lelia A . Lambereon . 

' 'Fashion " Laura Hriggs. 

Essay Harriet Manley. 

"Repininge" Louisa Pierce. 

Essay Hettie Essyltine. 

' 'Passing away " Mary A . Eastland . 

"The degeneracy of the age" J. L. R. McCoUum. 

"Gradual progress" Leander Kimball. 

Instrumental music. 
Dialogue : ' 'The secret of true happiness." 
Characters : 

Prologue MisR Lelia Lamberson. 

Eupbelia Miss Mary Holden. 

Cleara Miss Mary Walker. 

Pastorella Miss Laura A. Williams. 

Laurinda Miss Sarah F. Telfair. 

Urina Miss Laura Briggs. 

Sylvia Miss Addie Boyd. 

Eliza Miss Louisa Pierce. 

Florilla Miss Gertrude Hardenberg. 

Instrumental music. 
Song: "The happiest time is now." 
Essays: 

"Angelic man" Miss Mary Holden. 

"Angelic woman" J. M. Derrickson. 

' 'Contentment" Josiah Ward. 

"Farewell summer" Miss Eliza Krouskop. 

' 'The best pursuitis knowledge," Miss Gertrude Hardenberg. 
Discussion : ' 'Resolved that a peaceable reunion of the States 

can never be effected by coercion." Affirmative, J. M. 

Derrickson; negative, Timothy Moroney. 

Declamation: "The rattlesnake constitution and the star 
spangled banner cannot dwell together, " 

J. G. Lamberson. 

Song: "Stand up for Uncle Sam, my boys" School. 

The dialogue: "Mother and children." Mother, Miss Lelia 
Lamberson. Children; Misses Hattie Caldwell, Char- 
lotte Rice, Hattie Hall, Addie Dodge, Ellen Boyd, Lydia 
Banks and Ada Briggs. 

Charade: "There is no rose without a thorn." Characters; 
William Telfair, as Jack Upson, a wealthy young law- 
,ver; Miss Lelia Lamberson, as Rose Thorn, a young 
lady engaged to Jack; J. M. Derrickson, as Rose's 
father; Mies Laura A. Williams, as Rose's waiting 
maid, Kate. 

Declamation ; ' 'Aunt Hattie's advice to you ng ladies, " 

Miss Mary A. Holden. 

Dialogue; Characters— Albert Hhll, as an Irishman, and 
Ragan, a lawyer. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1087 



Dialogue: "Widow Bedotte." Characters: Miss Addle 
Boyd, as Widow Bedotte; William Telfair, as Mr. 
Crane. 

Declamation Charles Ochsner. 

Charade: ••Manage," by Josinh Ward, Miss Ellen Holden, 
Eliza Krouskop, William Eastland and J. M. Derrick- 
eon. 

A farce; Characters — Josiah W'ard, asLudiTio, a down tnwn 
clnrk; Timothy Moroney, as Mr. Last, a bootmaker; J. 
M. Derriokson, as Mr. Buckskin, a lawyer; J. L. II. 
McCollum, as Dr. Tourniquet; Miss Laura Pierce, as 
Mrs. Johnson, a washer woman; ,\ddie Boyd, as Mary 
Worthintfton. 

Dialogue: ••Widow Bedotte, No. 2." Characters: .Miss Mary 
A. Holden, as Widow Bedotte; J. M. Derrickson, a!» Mr. 
Crane. 

Dialogue: Characters— John McXurlen, as captain; J. M. 
Derrickson, as Patrick; Timothy Moroney, as a French- 
man. 

Essay : • •Farewell " Miss Jane Britton. 

Charade; •'Ma-tri-mony." Characters: Miss Mary A. Hol- 
den, as Mrs. Hamilton, a lad.v of fashion: Miss Eliza 
Krouskop, as Mrs. Hamilton's oldest dauwhtcr, Ara- 
bella; Miss Mary A. Eastland, as the youngest daugh- 
ter, Ellen; Miss Ellen Holden, as Kate, the maid; S.J. 
Eastland, as Count de Vaurieu; Josiah Ward, as Charles 
Harper; J. M. Derrickson, as Dennis, the Irishman 
who '•does the waiting." 

Music and singing. 

Dialogue: "How to keep a secret, " by Emma Eastland and 
Emma Hrig^s. 

Dialogue: ' •Philosophy, •' by Charles Lamberson and Charles 
Ochsner. 

Music. 

Declamation Lewis C. McCollum. 

PEKSONAL SKETCHE.S. 

The following personal sketches represent 
the early pioneer and prominent citizens of the 
town of Ithaca : 

Orrin L. Britton, the pioneer settler of Sex- 
tonville, was born in Westmoreland, N. II., in 
1811. When lie was twelve years old, his par- 
ents moved to Jefferson t^o., N. Y, where they 
were pioneers. Tiiere thesubjectof tiii.s .skeleii 
spent hi.s youth and was married in 18.30 to 
Annie Pr.itt, who was born in Jefferson county 
in ISil. They continued to live in that county 
until 1844, then moved to Wisconsin, making 
the journey overland with a pair of horses and 
wagon. Tliey were six week-* on the road, after 
whicii they arrived at the village of Jefferson, 
Jefferson county. He first rented land a few 
miles out of town. In the spring of 1845 he 
bought timber land in the Rock river woods, 
moved there and cleared a few acres, then sold 



and hired to E. M. Sexton to drive a j)eddler's 
wagon from near Fort Atkinson, which he con- 
tinued until 1848, at which date be came to Riclj- 
land county. His wife died in 1857, leaving 
eight children. He was iharried again two or 
three years later to j\Iary J. Rice. They have 
one child, and now reside a few miles from 
Black River Falls, in Jackson county. 

Jame.s Southard, deceased, a pioneer of Rich- 
land county, was a native of Vermont, where he 
was reared to agricultural pursuits. He was 
married to Emily Pickett, also a native of Ver- 
raonf. They removed to New York and settled 
in Chautauqua county, where he bought a farm. 
They lived there until 1850 and again started 
westward, coming then to Richland county, 
where he entered the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 11, the southeastof the southwestof section 
12, town 9, range 2 east, the northwest of the 
southwest of section 30, the north half of the 
southeast of section 25 and the northeast of 
southwest of section 25, town 9, range 1 east. 
He settled with his family on section 25 of the 
town of Buena Vista. He made the journey 
from New York with his family by canal to 
Buffalo, from thence by the lakes to Milwaukee, 
the remainder of the distance by team. He 
had built a log cabin into which tliey moved, 
and he immediately commenced to improve his 
land. In 1854 he met with a sudden and vio- 
lent death. He was digging a well, assisted by 
his son Morone. They had reached the depth 
of twenty-five feet, when the banks caved in 
killing them both. He left three children — 
James W., Ransom E. and Florence A.; who is 
married and lives in Iowa. 

Ransom E. Southard was born in Chautauqua 
Co., N. Y., in April, 1838; came to Richland 
county with his parents and here grew to man- 
hood's estate. In 1867 he settled on his present 
farm on the northeast quarter of section 11, 
where he lived with his mother in a small frame 
house which he had moved from Richland City. 
He was married April 18, 1868, to Harriet, 
daughter of Ira and Mary (Cook) West, early 



1088 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



settlers of Richland county. She was born in 
Wayne Co., N. Y. Mr. Southard now owns 
200 acres of land, 100 of which are under culti- 
vation. He has erected a large frame house and 
baru, and is engaged in dairying and stock 
raising. 

Hon. J. L. R McCollum,son of Asa and Hadas- 
sap (Kingsbury) McCollum, was born in the 
town of Leicester, Worcester Co., Mass., Jan. 
4, 1842. He was but six years old when his 
parents emigrated to Wisconsin, and nine years 
old when tliey came to Richland county. Soon 
after tlieir arrival here he went to Wiot^, La 
Fayette county, to live with a brother-in-law, 
who was engaged in mercantile trade; in a short 
time he went witli him to Elkader, Iowa. In 
both of these places he attended the public 
schools and assisted his brother-in-law in the 
store, and later attended Bryant & Stratton's 
J5usiiiess College in Chicago, from which insti- 
tution he graduated and received a diploma. 
Tliis in^tiiietioa was afterwards supplemented 
by a course of study in the Sextonville High 
School, of which he was among the first gradu- 
ates. When twenty-one years old he engaged 
in the mercantile trade in company with A. H. 
Krouskop near the mill in the town of Ithaca. 
In 1865 he went to Lone Rock, following the 
same business, and dealing in live stock quite 
extensively. In ISV? he settled on his present 
farm, located in the Pine liver valley, on sec- 
tion 12, town 9, range 1 east, now included in 
the town of Ithaca. This is one of the model 
farms of the county; is under a high state of 
cultivation, and has upon it excellent improve- 
ments. He is engaged in raising grain and 
slock aiul in dealing in live stock and railroad 
ties^ He was married in 1864 to Eliza, daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Elizabeth (McCloud) Krous- 
kop. Three children have blessed this union — 
Charles L., Dock C. and Elmer E. Mr. Mc- 
Collum is a prominent man among the best 
class of Richland county citizens, and was 
elected to the Assembly in 1875 and 1876, serv- 
ing the people faithfully. He has the confidence 



and esteem of his fellow men, and would be a 
desirable acquisition to any community. 

His father, Asa McCoUom, was the first doctor 
at Sextonville. He was born in that part of the 
northeastern territory, now the town of Wind- 
sor, Morgan Co., Ohio. His father, the grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Scotland and brought to America by his parents 
when five ^earsold, and settled in North Caro- 
lina, where he grew to manhood. He was a 
stirring patriot of that day and enlisted during 
the War for Independence in the American 
army. Was taken prisoner by the English 
forces and sent to Nova Scotia, where he re- 
mained for some time. After he was liberated 
he was married to Lucy Fordyce, a native of 
Massachusetts. Her parents were loyal to the 
Crown, and during the war had emigrated to 
Nova Scotia. After his marriage he returned to 
the States and immediately started for the north- 
western territory. At that time there was con- 
siderable trouble with the Indians and they 
consequently stopped at Redstone, now Browns- 
ville, east of the AUeghanies, tiiree or four 
years or until the Indian ditJiculties were in a 
measure settled, and they were for a time more 
peaceable, when they moved on and settled in 
the northwestern territory as before stated. 
Asa, the father of the subject of our sketch, 
made his home with his parents until eleven 
years old, when his father proposed to give him 
his time summers, and he could attend school 
winters, to which he agreed. He remained in 
that section of the county until eighteen years 
old, then joined an older brother in Illinois, 
and engaged with him surveying and farming 
three years, when his brother built a tavern in 
Vandalia. He continued to live with him one 
year longer and then returned to Ohio anfl en- 
gaged with another brother in a cabinet manu- 
factory. They carried on that business there 
three years, when he sold out and went to 
Massachusetts. He there located in Worcester 
county, and commenced to work as carpenter 
and joiner, and later as contractor and builder. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1089 



Here his health failed, and going to Boston, he 
entered an infirmary, and was there during the 
cholera epidemic. As soon as he was able, he 
was employed as an assistant, and here he com- 
menced the study of medicine, not theoreti- 
cally, under an M. D., but practically amid 
actual surroundings, which gave him an ex- 
]ierience very valuable and superior to any 
school. iSoon after his return to Leicester, a 
child in the neigiiborhood was stricken with 
that dreadful disease, cholera, and he was called 
upon to prescribe. 'I'his was his first ease, and 
in it lie was successful. He soon afterward 
erected a large building, opened an infirmary, 
and tliere continued the practice of medicine 
until 184S, when he came to Wisconsin and 
located at Fayette, in La Fayette county, prac- 
ticing medicine there until 1851, when became 
to Richland county aud purchased land adjoin- 
ing the village jilal of SextonvilJe, and imme- 
diately comii-enced the practice of his chosen 
luifcNsioM. In 1858 he purchased a drug store 
and has since followed that business, and at 
the ]jreseiit time is the oldest druggist in the 
State. He was married in 1828 to Iladassap 
Kingsbury, who was born in that part of Ox- 
ford, now known as Webster, Worcester Co., 
.Mass., Se[it. 10, 1802. They have six children- 
Lucy, now the wife of Spencer Ellsworth, now 
living in Lacon, 111.; Lauraine, now tlie wife of 
Charles Schellenger; Van Huren, Curtis, Julien 
Lee Itoy and Lewis Cass. As an M. D. he be- 
longs to the nforrriid botanical school. Politi- 
cally he adheres to democracy as it was, but li.is 
not voted for a President since liuchanan, and 
is not in sympathy with that organization as it 
at present exists. 

Lucius Tracy (deceased) a pioneer of Ricli- 
land county, was a native of the Green Mountain 
^tate, born in 1798, where lie obtained a liberal 
education and became fitted foi' a teacher. He 
went to New York State and engaged in teach- 
ing. While there he made the ac(iuaintance of 
Polly McDowl, who became his wife. She was 
born near Elmira, N. Y. They went to Penn- 



sylvania and settled ten miles from Erie City, 
where he purchased a farm. They lived there 
until 1851, then started west to seek a home. 
Richland county was then attracting the atten- 
tion of settlers and thither they came. He 
bought the northwest quarter of Buena Vista, 
built a frame house and commenced improving 
the land. His death occurred in 1854. lie left 
a wife and eight children to mourn his loss. 
Mrs. Tracy died in 1878. Five of the children 
are now living — Arza C, Alexander D., John V., 
Jane and Flora A During the short time that 
Mr. Tracy lived at Buena Vista he formed 
many acquaintances, and was respected by all 
who knew him. By his death liuena Vista lost 
one of her most honored citizens. 

Amasa Grover, one of the pioneers of Rich- 
land county, was born in the town of Hume, 
Allegany Co., N. Y. Wiien he had arrived at 
a seasonable age he was sent to the district 
school where he acquired a fair education. His 
faiher was a miller by trade but did not always 
have occupation at that business and at times 
engaged riving and shaving shingles, and 
Amasa when not in school assisted iiis father 
at such work. When he was tliirteen years old 
his f.ither rented a mill in Cold Creek village, 
and Amasa was placed in charge of it. He op- 
erated that mill one year when the family 
removed to Cold Creek village, when two years 
later his father died and the family removed to 
Erie county. The subject of this skfilch was 
then sixteen years old and the oldest of six chil- 
dren, and the support of the family ilevolved to 
a great extent upon liiiii. He engaged in farm- 
ing three years and a half then returne<l to Al- 
legany county with the family and engaged in 
teaming, drawing coal and iron from Rocli ester, 
a distance of sixty miles. He followed this 
business one summer then jmrchased a lot in 
Mixville and built a house for his mother. He 
then engaged with a blacksmith to learn the 
trade, and served two years, then bought the 
shop and carried on the business one year. 
About this time he joined a co-operative society, 



1090 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



remained a member a few montlis and then 
withdrew liaving lost all his property. He then 
went to the town of Pike, which was in that 
part of Allegany, now Wyoming, county, 
opened a shop at Patch Corners where he worked 
at his trade two years, then went to Loon Lake, 
Steuben county, and run a shop two years, then 
opened a shop in Cohocton where he remained 
until 1851, when he determined to go west and 
try farming. lie started in September of that 
je^v for Wisconsin, departing with his wife and 
three children from Danville on a canal boat, 
going to Buffalo and thence on a steamboat to 
Milwaukee where he hired a team for $25 to take 
his family and household goods to Richland City 
and they arrived there on the 17th of October. 
Then he rented a cabin, moved in, and with his 
rifle on his shoulder started on foot in search of 
land. He went up Pine river to Fancy creek, fol- 
lowed that stream up some distance and then went 
across the country to Rockbridge, and down the 
river to Sextonville without finding a place to 
suit him. At Sextonville he met James Good- 
rich, who informed him that he had a desirable 
piece of land to sell, and wanted him to go and 
see it. To this he assented and they started on 
foot. This was the Lawrence place located on 
section 17, the north half of the northeast quarter. 
There was a log cabin on the place and twelve 
acres improved. Mr. Grover was pleased with 
it and made the purchase, paying for it $300. 
He was, however, obliged to go Beloit for the 
deed, and they hired a team together for this 
purpose, returning they stopped at Janesville 
and bought a slock of provisions for the winter. 
He then moved to his new home with his family 
and arrived in November. He immediately 
started a blacksmith shoj), the first in that part 
of the county north of Sextonville, and engaged 
in farming and work at his trade. The family 
lived in the log cabin five years when he erected 
a small frame house. The commodious house 
now occupied by the family was built in 1881. 
He also built a frame barn thirty feet wide and 
ninety feet long with a shed attached sixty feet 



in length. He has engaged in raising grain 
and stock. He also carried on the business of 
blacksmithing until 1880. He is a man of more 
than ordinary intelligence, a great reader and 
well posted on the current events of the day. 
He has filled offices of trust in the town, having 
been elected assessor for the town of Buena 
Vista in 1853 which at the time included terri- 
tory extending from the Wisconsin river to 
Vernon county. He has since been elected to that 
office in the town of Ithaca. He is at present a 
member of the board of supervisors. He has 
been twice married, first in 1845 to Fidelia 
Tichenor. She was born in Genesee Co., N. 
Y., and died in 1848, leaving three children — 
Hiram, and twins, Fidelia and Amelia. His 
second wife to whom he was married in 1849 
was Arvella Armstrong; she was born in the 
town of Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y. Twelve 
children blessed this union, eleven of whom are 
now living — Elizabeth, James, Madena, Alpha, 
Janelt, Mary, Martin, George, Gilbert, Araasa 
and Evert. 

George Hoke, son of John and Jemima (An- 
tisdell) Hoke, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 
August, 1840. When he was eleven years old, 
he came to Richland county with his parents, 
with whom he continued to reside until 1863. 
In November of that year he enlisted in com- 
pany H, of the 37th Wisconsin, went into camp 
at Madison, and in the spring of 1864 went to 
Virginia, and joined the Army of the Potomac. 
He was severely wounded at the battle of Peters- 
burg June 18, 1864, in consequence of which, 
he lay in the hospital eight months. He then 
joined his command and participated in the 
more important battles, before Richmond and 
Petersburg, until the close of the war. He was 
discharged with the regiment July 26, 1865, af- 
ter which he returned home and engaged in 
farming. In 1866 Eliza Parker became his wife. 
She was born in the State of New York. He 
continued farming in Hoke Hollow until 1868, 
then removed to Sextonville and commenced to 
learn the cooper's trade. In 1871 he took a 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1091 



contract to carry the mails from Sextonville to 
Cazenovia, wliTch he continued one year, then 
sold out and again engaged in farming. In 
1877 he opene<l a hotel in Sextonville, which he 
named the Sextonville House. In 1878 he went 
to Lone Rock and kept hotel one year, then re- 
turned to Sextonville, and in 1881 purchased 
the Parker House property, where he is now en- 
gaged in hotel keeping. Mr. and Mrs. Hoke 
are the parents of two children — Alma L., who 
is a teacher in the piihlic schools, and Nettie A. 
S. I. Freeborn, horticulturist an<l apiarist, 
first came to Richland county in 1851, with his 
l)rother-in-law, .James M. Cass, with whom he 
liTed, being unmarried at that time. Soon af- 
ter his arrival he engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness, in company with a man named Barber. 
They went up Pine river, cut the timber and 
rafted it down the stream. They had at 
one time 2,200 logs upon the river. He was 
married in 1859 to Elvira Howe, a na- 
tive of Canada. Two years later he settled on 
his present farm, on the northeast quarter of 
section 20, town 10 north, range 2 east. In 
1856 lie bought twenty colonies of bees of Green 
Mayfield, which were the beginning of the 
apiary he now owns. At present he has 320 
colonies. He sold, in 1882, 28,000 pounds of 
lioney. In the nursery business, he is the pio- 
neer of this place. He has met with decided 
success, and has made large sales, for a new en- 
terprise, and the stock being as represented, 
gives satisfaction and an increasing demand 
may be expected. In 1862 he associated A. L. 
Hatch in this business. They have at present, 
a nursery stock of 150,000 trees, an orc^liard of 
4,000 trees and a general stock in proportion. 
Mr. Freeborn is a native of New York, born in 
Chautauqua county, April 30, 1833. His father 
(lied when he was ten years old. Soon after, 
his mother was married to Thomas Pound, and 
the family removed to Crawford Co., Penn., 
where they lived until 1847. In that year tliey 
emigrated to the territory of Wisconsin and lo- 
cated in Dane county, making the trip in thirty 



days, traveling overland with teams. The sub- 
ject of this sketch remained with his parents a 
short time, then went to Blue Mound, where his 
brother had charge of a stage station. He as- 
sisted him tliere in the care of the horses, two 
seasons. At the age of sixteen he went to 
Helena and engaged in ferrying on the Wiscon- 
sin river, two summers. During that time he 
ferried many persons across the river, who be- 
came settlers of Richland county. Mrs. Free- 
boiiii died in Is72, leaving three children — Ar- 
villa, Elma and Ernest. In 1873 he was mar- 
ried to Hadassah Spyker. Two children have 
blessed this union — Simon A. and Lorena. Po- 
litically, Mr. Freeborn belongs to the republican 
party, having been identified with that organi- 
zation since its formation. 

James M. Cass, a pioneer of Richland count)", 
was born in the town of Stanstead, province of 
Quebec, Canada, March 24, 1808. His grand- 
father was a native of New Hatupshire, and 
had emigrated, in company with eight others, 
to Stanstead, then a wilderness. Here the 
subject of this sketch grew to manhood, obtain- 
ing his education in the common schools. He 
was married 'Feb. 19, 1829, to Mary Taplin, 
who was bom in Stanstead county, Feb. 12, 
1809. He built a house near his old home, 
where he lived two years, then moved to the 
homestead and remained till 1835, when lie 
came to the States, located in Ohio, near the 
Penn.sylvania line and there formed a partner- 
ship witli a mill owner and operated a flouring 
mill three years, then moved to Wellsburg, 
where he engaged in the same business. From 
there he went to Crawford county, and in com- 
pany with a cousin built a mill, which they 
operated about three years, successfully. He 
then sold his interest. In 1847, accompanied 
by his family, he started witli teams, overland, 
for the territory of Wisconsin. After thirty 
days travel they arrived in Sauk county, and 
settled in what is now the town of Spring 
Green. He was chairman of the first boanl of 
supervisors of that town, and gave the town its 



1092 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



name. In 1851 he came to Richland county 
and purchased a claim on section 3, town 10 
north, range 1 east, now in the town of Rich- 
land. He entered this land and then returned 
for his family. They started with two teams 
loaded with their household goods. There was 
no regularly traveled road in those days, and 
their progress was necessarily slow. They 
reached Beemer's Tavern in time for dinner, 
after which they again started, hut liad gone 
onl}' a little distance when one load of their 
goods tipped over. 'J'hey quickly re-loadL>d and 
started on, but before reaching their destination, 
the other load capsized causing another delay. 
They reached their cabin after dark, much 
fatigued by the day's journey. In one of the 
loads was some honey which, when the load 
tipped over, was spilled, rendering a number of 
household articles very sticky and sweet. Tiie 
next day the wild bees scented the honey and 
came swarming around to gather it. I. S. Free- 
born, who had come with the family, noticed 
them, and knowing something of the habits of 
bees, made up his mind that their abiding place 
was not far distant. He persuaded Mr. Cass to 
start with him in search of it They soon 
found two swarms from which they gathered 
150 pounds of honey. Not long after this, Mr. 
Freeborn started out in search of a shoat that 
had Ijeeii missing for several days. He had not 
proceeded fai-, before he discovered a bear. He 
raised his gun and fired, but it was nearly dark 
and the bear was partly concealed in the brush. 
He hurried hack for lights and assistance. On 
returning, they found the bear dead. A team 
was procured and the bear drawn to the house. 
As soon as Mr. Cass got fairly settled, he com- 
menced building a saw-mill on Pine river. He 
constructed a stone and brush dam, procuring a 
fall of six and a half feet. The mill was fur- 
nished with an up and dow n saw. He operated 
it successfully four years, then sold to William 
Bowen, came to Ithaca and purchased his pres- 
ent farm, located on the northwest quarter of 
section 21. The place was first occupied by 



William Butler, an Indian, who had built a log 
house upon it. They lived in thatafew months, 
when they replaced it by the frame house they 
now occupy. Mrs. Cass died in 1840, in P( nn- 
sylvania, leaving four children — Osman. Al- 
mina, George W. and Walter T. Mr. Cass was 
married again in June, 1840, to Esther A. Free- 
born, who was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., 
March 28, 1821. Mr. Cass is an enterprising 
intelligent man, and has filled offices of trust 
in the town. 

William McCorkle, an early settler in Rich- 
land county and a member of the oldest firm 
now in business in the county, was born in New 
York city, Jan. 1, 1819, As soon asold enough 
he attended the city schools. During his 
school days here an incident occurred which 
has always been remembered The occasion 
being a visit to this city in 1825 by La Fayette. 
The school children, desiring to do him honor 
and express their appreciation of hi'i attention, 
arranged themselves in line, whilu lije hero re- 
viewed the ranks in soldier style, except that 
occasionally he would place his hand upon the 
head of some of the children expressive of his 
affection for them and indicative of a well 
formed physiognomy. The suljject <'f this 
sketch was among those thus selected, and hon- 
ored by the great La Fayette. Soon after this 
his parents moved to Long Island and settled 
in the town of South Ham[)ton, Suffolk county. 
He remained here with his parents until about 
fifteen years of age when he went to New York 
city where he was employed as a clerk in a 
dry goods store three years, then went to Port 
.Jefferson, L. I., and clerked there three 
years. He then concluded to go on a whal- 
ing voyage and made that his calling until 
1855. During this time he sailed around the 
world six times and was once wrecked oti the 
coast of South America. The veS'^el went to 
pieces on the rocks aiid about one-third of the 
cargo lost. He spent about four months in 
South America, viewing the country and having 
a good time generally. He then took passage 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1093 



for New York on an English brig. Meanwhile 
his brotlier Andrew iiad come to Wisconsin 
and stopped for a short time in Sauk county 
and in the spring of 1851 had come to Rich- 
land county. William, accompanied by three 
other brothers, Samuel, Robert and Charles, 
concluded to give him a surprise in his new 
home, and started for Richland county. An- 
drew was at this time a single man, and boarded 
at the well known tavern called "The Ark." The 
brothers found on their arrival that he had gone 
out looking for land. They waited patiently 
several days. He was finally seen coming down 
the road and the brothers stoipd behind the 
door. As he came up William stepped out and 
greeted his brother, who was much surprised 
to see him. By the time he had partially re- 
covered his surprise another brother stepped out, 
then anoth'-r, and fiiiaUy the fourth, "for God's 
.sake," said Andrew, "is the whule family here?" 
William remained in Richland coutity for a 
sh(irt time, then removed to Long Island, and 
went on another voyage. lie joined in mar- 
riage, Oct. 14, 1856, with Harriet F. Toping, 
who was bfirn in the town of South Hampton, 
Suffolk Co., L I., July -21, 1837. In the 
spring of 1857 he returned to R'chland county, 
and located in Sextonville, purcliased village 
property and engaged in mercantile trade. 
In 1857 the Hrm of McCorkle & Thomas was 
formed and is now the oldest firm doing busi- 
ness in the county. Mr. and Mrs. .McCorkle 
liave had two children) — Eugene W., born July 
l.=i, 1857, and Lillian, born Nov. -23, IStil, and 
died Nov. 14, 1868. Andrew remained a resi- 
dent of Sextonville several years. He was mar- 
ried to Rel)( cca, daughter of E. M. Sexton. He 
now resides in Webb City. Mo. Charles and 
Robert both settled in Richland county. Charles 
was a young unmarried man, intelligent and 
enterprising. He had filled offices of trust in 
the towTi and county; was at the time of his 
death, register of deeds. Robert lived here 
some years then removed to Lloyd where he is 
interested in a flourinsr mill. Samuel returned 



to Richland county some years later and engaged 
in mercantile trade at Lloyd. 

George W. Cass, son of James M. and Mary 
(Taplin) Cass, was born in Ohio, Feb. 19, 1836, 
and was fifteen years old when his parents set- 
tled in Richland county. lie w'as married in 
1859 to Margaret J. Beaver, daughter of Chris- 
tian and Catharine )ieaver, and a native of 
Mifflin ('()., Pcnn. He then went to Spring 
Green and purchased a f;irm, lived there one 
year, after which he returned to this county, 
and settled in the valley of Little Willow, on 
section 7, land that he had bought in 1 856. It was 
then in its natural state, mostly covered with 
brush. He now has 120 acres of the 160 under 
cultivation; has erected good frame l)uilding8 
and has altogether a pleasant home. Mr. and 
Mrs. Cass are the parents of six children — Mary, 
Charles, Jennie, Frank, Nellie and Lucy. Jen- 
nie died March 7, 1883, of di|)tlieria. 

Joseph Sippy, M. D. (deceased), one of the 
pioneers of Richland county, was born near 
Harper's Ferry, Va., in Mari;li, 1791. His father 
was a native of France and came to America 
with La Fayette during the War for Indo- 
|)en(lence. He left home without the consent 
of his parents, and was not mustered into ser- 
vice until his arrival in America. After the 
declaration of peace he settled in Virginia and 
was there married to Lucretia Johnson, who 
was born in Fredericksburg, Va. When the 
subject of this sketch was seven years old his 
parents moved to Pennsylvania and settled in 
Beaver county, where he grew to manhood, re- 
ceiving his education in the subscription 
schools. He was a stirring patriot and volun- 
teered in the War of 1812, served a short time 
when he was honorably discharged, and soon 
after was married to Mai tha Cogswell. Her 
mother was a sister to Gen. Gates, of Revolu- 
tionary fame, and was born in March, 1796. In 
the year 1813 they emigrated to Ohio, making 
the trip with one horse, without a wagon, pack- 
ing upon the back of the horse their household 
goods, including bedding and camp kettles. 



1094 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Such a method of transportation at this day 
would indeed seem slow and irksome, and shows 
that these persons must have been of pluck and 
energy. They made their way to the Cuyahoga 
river in Cuyahoga county and remained a few 
months. It was at that time an unhealthy 
country and consequently he moved and settled 
in the town of Granger, Medina county, where 
they were early settlers. They lived there a 
few years and then moved to the town of Hink- 
ley, in the same county where he commenced 
the practice of medicine, and also having pur- 
chased eighty acres of land carried on a farm. 
In 1836 he sold out and again started west and 
this time settled in Fulton Co., Ind., where they 
were again pioneers. A history of Medina 
county, published subsequently, makes particu- 
lar mention of this pioneer, as he was a promi- 
nent representative man. In Indiana he made 
his chosen profession a business and had a lu- 
crative practice. Thi.s country also proved to be 
somewhat unhealthy and in 1852 he concluded 
to again change location, and accordingly made 
a visit to Richland county, coming from Indi- 
ana on horseback. Thinking this would be a 
desirable, healthy country, he returned to Indi- 
ana, and in September of that year, returned 
with his family and settled on section 31. He 
was not well pleased with this place but bought 
it on account of the improvements. As soon as 
he was comfortably settled he started, accom- 
panied by his son, Thomas, to explore the val- 
ley of Willow creek. There was no road and 
they went prepared to cut their way through. 
At night they camped under the protection of 
a shelving rock on section 9. The road now 
runs under this same rock. Isaac Welton had 
been following their trail and overtook them at 
thiis place, and the next morning, leaving the 
team, they started on foot. Mr. Sippy at this 
time selected three forties of land — the .south 
half of the west quarter of section 4, town 90, 
range 2 east, and the southwest quarter of the 
southeast quarter of section 4; he afterward 
bought additional land adjoining land near by 



until his place was increased to 600 acre*. He 
lived on section 31 two years, then removed to 
section 4, and commenced improvements on his 
land. He laid out the village of Neptune, 
erected a saw mill and made this his home until 
the time of his death which occurred in Sep- 
tember, 1870. His wife died in July, 1880. He 
had quite an extensive practice in the county, 
and was well and favorably known. Seven of 
his children are now living — Minerva, who 
married Menzies Manley (deceased), she now 
lives in Sanborn, Iowa. Hannah, widow of H. 
L. Welton now living in Kansas. Martha, wife 
of John Stockton now living in Richland Cen- 
ter. Lydia, wife of Daniel Dodge, now living 
in Kansas. Precilla, wife of Abel Ragles now 
in this town. Rebecca, wife of Valentine 
Stoddard now living in the town of Willow, 
and Thomas. The latter is the only son and 
now occupies a portion of the original home- 
stead, where he has a farm of upwards of 300 
acres and is extensively engaged in d.iiry 
and stock farming. He was born in the town 
of Hinkley, Medina Co., Ohio, April 3,1835. 
The year following his father removed to Indi- 
ana, where his younger days were spent in 
school, on the farm and in his father's 
store. He came to Richland county with his 
parents and made his home with them until 
1857, when he was married to Laura E. Welton. 
Her parents were natives of York State, bii* 
she was brought up in the Slate of Ohio. He 
then settled on the southwest quarter of the north- 
west quarter of section 4, where he lived until 
1870, then moved to the southwest quarter of 
the same section. He has erected agooil fianie 
house, a frame barn with sione basement and 
now has a good farm well improved, lie lias 
been a member of the board and is at present 
town treasurer, and has been justice of the peace 
— the latter office he has held almost continually 
for eighteen years, and during all this time ills 
rennrkable that none of his decisions have 
ever been reversed, or a change of venue taken 
or asked, which fact in itself speaks volumes 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1095 



for tlic good judgment and honesty of this set- 
tk-r. Mr. and .Mrs. Sippyare the parents of two 
cliildren — AsIut Francello and Bertram W; a 
daughter nainoil ('ora died when three years 
old. These people were true pioneers and en- 
dured the haidsliips and inconveniences of such 
a lili'. Remote from mill and market, various 
meliiods were devised to meet the necessities 
of life. In the absence of a mill Dr. Sippy's 
large moriar, with a wheel for a pestle, did the 
work of grinding for the neigliborhood. Thus 
llie people of that day met every difficulty, 
overcame every obstacle, and in consequence a 
goodly land with every convenience may here 
be found, where within comparatively a short 
time a wilderness prevailed. 

Elijah Nourse, (deceased) a pioneer of Rich- 
land coiuily, was a native of New Hampshire, 
born in Bedford, Hillsborough county of that 
State, in 1797, where he was brought up on a 
farm. His wife was Mehitable Towns, who 
was born in Hillsborough county Nov. 24, 
1798. Soon after marriage they emigrated to 
Orange Co., Vt., and settled in tlie town of 
Topsham, and remained until 18:jt), then moved 
to Washington county of the same State, and 
located in Moretown whore he purchased a 
farm, which he improved and lived upon until 
lK.39. He then sold out and started for the t<'r- 
ritory of Wisconsin, traveling wilii teams to 
Buffalo, put teams and wagons on l)oard steam- 
boat for Detroit, where they eniljarked and 
completed the journey to Kenoslia, (then South- 
port). Here their eldest son, William, was 
taken sick and died. They lived there one 
year only and then weuttoOhio making the trip 
overland; remained one year and returned to 
Wisconsin, passing through Chicago on the 
way, which was then a mere hamlet. He loca- 
ted in Rock county, where he purchased a tract 
of land, now in the city limits of J.mesville, 
on Rock river, upon which was a slight im- 
provement, including a log cabin, the first ever 
built on Rock river mi that county. The loca- 
tion proved unhealthy, and four of their chil- 



dren sickened and died. In 1852 he sold his 
farm and came to Richland county; ])urchased 
the south half of the northeast quarter and 
the north half of the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 6, town 9 north, range 2 east, now included 
in the town of Ithaca, there improved a farm 
and erected a good frame house. ISIr. Nourse 
was an industrious man, a good farmer, and in 
comfortable circumstances at the time of liis 
death which occurred A])ril 3, 1877. His wife 
died Feb. 23, 1877. Their son Franklin, the 
only one of their children now living, occupies 
the homestead, and since his father's death lias 
carried on the farm. He has built a large frame 
barn with a stone basement, and the j>lace is 
now one of the best improved in the county. 
Franklin Nourse was born in Tojisham, Orange 
Co., Vt., March 12, 1830, and was never se|)ar- 
ated from his parents for any length of time. 
In 185(5 he visited his native to^vn and there, 
February 25lh, « as married to Ilnnnah Fellows, 
also a native of Topsham. They have five 
children — Ella, Dora, Lilla, Frank and Lulu. 

^Nlenzics Phelps Manley, one of the first set- 
tlcis on Little Willow creek, is a native of 
Connecticut, l)orn in the township of 'J'olland, 
Ilartfonl county, xMarch G, 1829. When six 
years of age his parents emigrated to Ohio 
and located in Medina county, township of 
Brunswick, where he was reared to agricultural 
pursuits, receiving his education in the pioneer 
schools which at that time were very crude, 
compared with our present system of common 
schools. The school house itself being a rude 
log structure, with a fire ])laee in one end. The 
benches consisted of split logs, flat side up, 
with four legs. When twelve years old, his 
jiarents removed to Indiana and locateil in the 
village of Akron, Fulton county. Here he re- 
mained with his parents for three years, when 
they removecl from the village of Akron, on to 
a farm three iriiles east. On this farm he re- 
mained for three years assisting his father in 
agricultural pursuits. During these three years, 
at limes the whole family of eight were stricken 



6U 



1096 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



down with ague. Phelps being the main stay of 
the family, was obliged to work, when weak na- 
ture said "go to bed." Plowing day after day, 
having no support save the plow handles. In 
the month of April, after he was eighteen 
years of age he hired out to Messrs. Kent & 
Elam, who were proprietors of a brick yard, 
which was located a mile and a half south of 
Rochester, the county seat of Fulton county. 
Here he worked until the 1st of October, off- 
bearing brick from the moulder. His regular 
days work being 5,000 brick. During the next 
winter, 1847-8, he was engaged in cutting cord 
wood for John Elam at twenty-five cents per 
cord. The next summer he attended masons 
on the court house at Rochester. In the fall of 
1848, in company with a young man by name 
of John Shamp, he went to Niles, Mich. Not 
finding any work at that place, they went to 
New Buffalo, their only guide being the survey 
of the Michigan Central railroad. Their effect 
on this journey consisted of an extra shirt 
done up in a bandanna handkerchief, and $1.50 
in money apiece. Still they were proud to say 
they sponged not a meal of victuals or a night's 
lodging from any one. At New Buffalo they 
worked in a steam-mil! until the 1st of June, 
when they returned to a point eight miles from 
New Buffalo, on the Michigan Central railroad. 
Here they worked for the railroad company 
until the following June, cutting cord wood, 
making ties and clearing track for the grade. 
In June, 1849, he returned to La Porte Co.,Ind., 
and hired out to a farmer by the name of 
Charles W. Henry, who lived on Still well prairie. 
Here he worked till the fall of 1852, when he 
took his span of horses and went to Fulton 
county to see his parents, who were still living 
near Akron. While at home he purchased for- 
ty acres of laud, paying the sum of $1.25 per 
acre. This piece of land he sold after locating 
in Richland county. In September, 1852, he 
started for Richland Co., Wis., taking with his 
team a load of goods for Dr. Sippy, who emi- 
grated to Richland county at that time. They 



were a month on the road and brought forty 
head of cattle with them. Soon after his ar- 
rival he traded his team to I. P. Welton for 
eighty acres of land — the south half of liie 
southwest quarter of section .32, town 10, range 
2 east. This team consisted of two beautiful 
dapple grays, and were highly prized by Mr. 
Manley. Mr. Welton traded them to an Indian 
by the name of William Butler, who kept them 
for twenty years. They lived to a great age 
and till perfectly white. They were at o:ie 
time owned by Berney M. Jarvis, of Cazenovia. 
Mr. Manley did not settle on this land, but sold 
it to his father, who settled on it in the fall of 
1853. In October, 1852, Mr. .Manley engaged 
with James Cap in his saw-mill as sawyer. 
Soon after going to work he injured his foot on 
the saw and was not able to resume until March 
following. He worked in the mill for Mr. Cap 
until the spring of 1854, when he rented the 
mill and operated it for one year. In June, 
1853, Mr. Manley, in company with Daniel, 
Benjamin and Addison Ranee, West Southard 
and a man named Page, started out to look for 
land. Leaving Dr. Sippy's place, they followed 
up Little Willow creek to the head, thence 
down the Alwood hollow, and camped for the 
night on the spot where Mr. McCorkle's flour- 
ing mills now stand. During the afternoon 
West Southard got lost. His companions re- 
mained up till late in the night, firing guns at 
intervals and keeping up a bright tiie t<i attract 
his attention; but finally becoiuing discouraged 
with their efforts, they rolled up in their blank- 
ets and went to sleep. Tiie next morning the 
lost one put in his appearance. He had chanced 
to find his way to Benjamin Smith's cabin, as 
had many other wanderers before him. The 
old pioneer gladly gave him the much needed 
advice and sent him on his way rejoicing. 
Manley did not select land on this trip, but was 
favorably impressed with Little Willow valley. 
The bottom lands of Little Willow at that time 
were wet and swampy, but he concluded that 
by a little drainage they could be made tillable, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTF. 



1097 



and in Jiiiio, 1854, he entered the s utth half of 
the noriliwcst quarter, and the northeast quarter 
of the southwest quarter, and the nortliwest 
quarter of the southeast quarter of section 6, 
town 10, range 2 east. In 1856 he sold the 
last named forties to his two brothers, Asa and 
Joseph ]\Ianley, * iio divided the two forties 
lengthwise the line, retaining the same to the 
present time. In the fall of 1854 he built a 
rude lumber shanty and lived in that till the 
following February, when he moved into the 
ii aise in which he now resides. In 1869 Mr. 
iManley bougiit forty acres of land (the south- 
west quarter of the northeast quarter — remain- 
der of description the same as before men- 
tioned). Of this 120 acres, ninety-five are im- 
proved — the balance retained for wood and 
other purposes. Mr. Manley was married 
to Harriet (Hamilton) Tompson on March 2G, 
1854. They have seven children — George S.. 
J. Willard, Flora L., Cora A., Dora J., David 
F. and Albert E. The oldest child, George S.. 
is married and living on a farm at the mouth ol 
Little Willow. For the greater part of the 
last five years Mrs. Manley has been coniined ti 
her bed with nervous prostration. Six of thei: 
children are now at home to take care of and 
assist their mother in her illness. 

Mathias M. Smith, a pioneer of Richland 
county, was born in Litchfield, Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., Feb. 23, 1827, where his early life was 
spent in school and on the f:irni. ^Vllen hi^ was 
nineteen years old, iiis father sold the farm 
upon wliich he had livcil for fifty-three years, 
and removed to Bedford, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 
where the subject of this sketch remained until 
lie was twenty-three years of age. He then 
started out to see something of the world. He 
visited the cities of C'incinnati and St. Louis, 
then went to Illinois, and engaged in farming 
in Greene and Jersey counties. From there, 
he went to Hancock county, in the same 
State, where he was employed by a Massa- 
chusetts firm to sell cloi'ks in the States 
of liliiioib :ind Iowa, in which business 



he continued about a year. He then re- 
turned to Ijedfonl, Ohio, and Dec. 24, 1852 was 
married to Elizabeth Thomas. She was born 
in Hamilton, Madi.son Co., N. Y.,Feb. 20, 1831. 
In the spring of 1853, they started for Wiscon- 
sin. They came from Cleveland to Milwaukee 
on the lakes; from thence by team to Se.xton- 
ville. Here they stopped for a time with Mrs. 
Smith's father, Anthony Thomas, and also with 
her brother, Willard H. Thomas, who lived on 
section 8, in town 10. He built a temporary 
frame building, 14x18 feet in size, in wiiicli the 
family lived until 1861, when lie erected a good 
frame house which they still occupy. .Mr. 
Smith, in company with James B. Smith, his 
brother, who came from Ohio in 1858, owns 265 
acres of land, of which 12U acres are improved. 
They have engaged in raising grain and stock, 
and of late years have kept a dairy. Mr. and 
Mrs. Smith have five children — Frederick A., 
James W., Kate B., Frank M. and Annie E. 

William Lunenschloss, the pioneer German 
settler of the town of Ithaca, was born in the 
city of Cologne, (which then belonged to the 
French Empire) Nov. 23, 1816. He obtained a 
good education in the schools of his native city, 
attending three terms at a high school. He 
then engaged in the grain trade. At the age of 
twenty he entered the aimy and served one 
and a half years, after which he resumed his 
former occupation. In 1852 be took passage 
in the steamship "(Utt/ of Glasgow," bound for 
America, landed in Philadelphix and went di- 
rectly to Milwaukee, where he remained two 
months. From there he went to Dodge county 
and engaged in buying grain and other farm 
produce until June, 1854; then, accompanied by 
his family, started with a pair of horses for 
Richland county. He bought 120 acres of land 
on section 16. The family moved into a va- 
cant log cabin on section 22 and lived there 
three months. In the meantime he erected a 
small frame house on the northeast of the south- 
east of stctioi) IC. He ctmmmced faimii g by 
raising grain and stock. In 1867 he engagtd 



1098 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



in the culture of hops, and is the only man in 
the town who has continued that industry. He, 
however, has made it a paying business. He 
has erected a neat cottage house, enclosed the 
yard and beautified it by the planting of orna- 
mental trees and shrubs. He has two stables, 
one log and the other frame, a hop house and 
granary. The latter is 20x50 feet. In ISYS he 
engaged in the hop trade, buying in Wisconsin 
and selling abroad. In 1878 he removed to 
Richland Center and bought grain until 1882, 
when he returned to his farm. He was married 
in 1852 to Eliza Tliernes, also a native of the 
city of Cologne. They have four children — 
Frank, Charles B., Eliza and William. 

John A. Shontz was one of the pioneers of 
Ithaca, having come here in 1854, accompanied 
by his brother, Loren Shontz. They purchased 
land on section 36, town 10, range 2 east, now 
included in the town of Ithaca. They erected 
a small frame house and commenced improving 
the land. They were both unmarried at that 
time, and a sister kept house for them. In 
1856, John A. returned to his home in Penn- 
sylvania and was there married September 23, 
to Rebecca McFadden, who was born in Craw- 
ford Co., Penn., Nov. 2, 1832. He then came 
back to Wisconsin with Lis bride. Loren then 
returned to his eastern home, made a short 
visit, then went to Missouri, where he was 
taken sick and died. Mrs. Shontz was very 
homesick, so, in 1857, they rented the farm and 
returned to Pennsylvania, where Mr. Shontz 
engaged in the lumber business until 1862. In 
that year they came back to his farm in Rich- 
land count}', where ihey have since resided. He 
has built an addition to the house, and a frame 
barn with a stone basement. His farm now 
contains 200 acres, all fenced and improved. It 
is located in Bear Valley. Mr. Shontz was 
born in Crawford Co., Penn., Jan. 25, 1828, 
where he was brought up on a farm. He ob- 
tained his education in the common schools. At 
the age of eighteen, he engaged in the lumber 
business in company with his brother, buying 



standing timber and having it manufactured 
into lumber and shingles. He was thus em- 
ployed until the date of his coming to Ithaca. 
Mr. and Mrs. Shontz have four children — Lola 
Kate, Clara L., Florence H. and George IVf. 
Mr. Shontz is postmaster of the Bear Valley 
postoffice, 

William Misslicb, one of the pioneers of 
Richland county, was born in the city of 
Cologne, Rhine province, Prussia, in 1795. 
Here he attended school in his younger days, 
and later, devoted his time to ngricultural pur- 
suits. He was married in 1823 to Agnes 
Ileinen, who was born in Rhine province in 
1793. In 1850 they came to America and set- 
tled first in Waukesha Co., Wis., where he 
bought forty acres of land. He improved this 
land and lived upon it until 1855. In that year 
he came to Richland county and settled upon 
section 14, town 10, range 2 east, now known as 
the town of Ithaca, where he lived until the 
time of his death in 1868. Mrs. Misslieh died 
in 1878. His son Albert was bori] in Rhine 
province, Prussia, in 1831, came witii his jjar- 
ents to America and remained with them until 
1851. He then went to California, making the 
trip overland, with an ox team, and was five 
months and twenty-two days on the road. He 
returned in 1855 by water, crossing the isth- 
mus at Nicaragua, joined his parents and came 
with them to Richland county. He entered 
land on sections 13 and 14, where he resided 
about fourteen years, then inovc'd to his present 
location on section 26. In 1855 he was married 
to Mary Weitzel, a native of Rhine province. 
They have nine children. Mr. Misslieh has 
taken a lively interest in town and county 
affairs He is the present chairman of the 
town board of supervisors, which office he has 
held six years. Their son, Paul, was born in 
Rhine province, Oct. 14, 1834. He obtained a 
good education in the common schools of his 
native country and was seventeen years old 
when he came with his parents to America. 
He lived with them until his marriage, Nov. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1099 



2", 1858, to Elizabeth Bodeiifliiie, also a native 
of Rliiiic province. They are the parents of 
■six children — William, Agnes, Albert, Mar- 
garet, Mary and Anna. Mr. Misslich ha.s always 
been engaged in agricnltural pursuits. His 
farm is located on section 14. He has been 
postmaster of the ]5!eyesville postofHce ever 
since its establishment in 18'72. He is also 
notary public, having been appointed by Gov. 
Smith, in April, 1880. 

Isaac O. Smith was an early settler in the 
town (if Buena Vista, having come there in 
18.55. He purchased 215 acres of land on sec- 
tion 10, town 9, -range 2 east, upon wliich 
he erected a small frame house and made 
other improvements. His resided there until 
1867, wlien he bought the "Lawrence" farm, 
located on the northwest quarter of section 2, 
town of Ithaca. He has built a large frame 
l)arn and fiarae bouse, and is engaged in raising 
grain and stock, also keeps a large dairy. Mv. 
Smith was born in Brook Haven, Suffolk ('().,L. I., 
ill November, 1 823, where he spent his childhood, 
helping upon the farm and going to school. At 
the age of fourteen he went to sea, and sailed 
l)efore tlie mast until he was twenty-one years 
old. He then became master of a vessel and 
followed the sea until 1855, then being tired of 
a seafaring life, concluded to become a farmer, 
and came to Richland county. His surround- 
ings prove his success in that business. He has 
been twice married, first in November 1857 to 
Jane E. Lawrence, a native of New York. She 
was born in August, 1838, and died in Buena 
Vista, Sept. 4,1858, leaving one son — Charles 
M. He was again married, June 19, 1867, to 
Flora A., daughter of Lucius and Polly Mc- 
Dowl Tracy. She was born March 22, 1841, in 
Erie Co., Penn. 

J. (i. Lamberson, dealer in real estate and live 
stock, came to Richland county with his parents 
when a boy. Here his younger days wt-re 
spent in acquiring an education. He enlisted 
in December, 1863, in the 6th Wisconsin Bat- 
tery, went south and served in Tennessee, Ala- 



bama and Georgia, until the close of the war. 
He was honorably discharged at Madison, in 
Jidy, 1865. He returned to Sextonville, entered 
the high school and graduated, after which he 
engaged in teaching in Sylvan, afterwards in 
Richland City and Sextonville. In 1868 lie en- 
gaged in mercantile trade in the latter place. 
He carried a general stock and did a thriving 
business, which he continued until 1878. Dur- 
ing the time he also dealt in live stock, which 
business lie still continues. He was born in 
Elkhorn, Walworth county, territory of Wis- 
consin, Aug. 27, 1846, and came from there to 
Richland county. He was married in Decem- 
ber, 1872, to Jennie Ward, a native of DeKalb 
Co., 111. They have four children — Mabel, El- 
bert, and Lelia Maud and Laura Blanche, twins. 
Mr. Lamberson is what may be called a self- 
made man. Starting in life with a good mind 
and sound body as capital, he has, by perse- 
verance and industry, accumulated a considera- 
ble property, now owning 1,000 acres of land in 
the county, mostly worked by tenants, and is 
among the best class of business men. He 
early appreciated the advantage to be derived 
from securing a good education, and bent his 
energy to obtain the same, which, having se- 
cured, he put into practical use, and his indom- 
itable energy, combined with good judgment, 
have made him a successful man in all his un- 
dertakings. Courteous and affable in his man- 
ner, he is deservedly popular among his fellow- 
men. 

William Simpson, an early settler of Ithaca, 
was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Jan. 4, 1827. 
When he was four years old, his parents removed 
to Carroll Co., Ind., where they were early set- 
tlers. His father purchased timber land which 
William assisted in clearing. He resided with 
his parents until 1848. In October of that year, 
he was married to Rachel Morrison. She was 
born Aug. 15, 1829, in Pennsylvania. They 
removed to Will Co., 111., where he rented a 
farm and lived until 1856, then taking his 
family and his household goods loaded upon a 



J 100 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



wagon, started overland for Wisconsin. After 
traveling nine days they reached their destina- 
tion in the town of Buena Vista, now the town 
of Ithaca. His father several years before had 
laid out three patents, on one of which William 
moved. It comprised eighty acres of land 
on section 30, and his brother had built a 
small frame house for him, into whicli the 
family moved. Since that time he has built a 
commodious frame house and barn. His farm, 
which is well watered by Willow creek, is well 
improved and enclosed. Mrs. Simpson died 
May 16, 1858, leaving three children — Mary 
E., Sarah R. and Robert A. March 31, 1859, 
Mr. Simj)son was again married to Lucinda Mc- 
Namar, who was born in Lewis Co., Va., March 
31, 1840. Eiglit children have blessed this 
union — William R., Joshua D., Marshall L., 
Elijah E., Frederick N., Harry E., Edward G. 
and George H. The second Mrs. Simpson died 
Jan. 6,1881. 

Abel Ragles is a native of Pennsylvania, born 
in what was formerly Mercer, but now Law- 
rence county, Jan. 28, 1824. When he was five 
years old his parents moved to what was then 
Medina, now Summit Co., Ohio. At the age of 
thirteen he went with a neighbor to Indiana to 
assist in driving cattle. He remained with this 
man in Fulton county one year, then engaged 
to work for his uncle. Dr. Sippy, with whom he 
lived until twenty-one years old. He was then 
married to Priscilla, daughter of Joseph and 
Martha (Cogswell) Sippy. His father-in-law 
gave him a tract of land in Wabash county, 
which he improved and lived upon until 1854 
In May of that year he sold his farm and 
came to Wisconsin in search of a location. On 
the 10th of June he entered a tract of land on 
section 4, town 10, range 2 east, then returned 
to Indiana, gathered his crops and remained 
until fall, when he removed his family to their 
new home. They came overland with teams, 
bringing their household goods and provisions 
and camping on the way. They were sixteen 
days on the road. They first rented a small 



shanty in which tliey lived a few days, in the 
meantime, with the assistance of the neighbors, 
he erected a rude log cabin Into which they 
moved. Daring the following winter their 
supply of provision- ran very low and it was 
necessary to do snmelhing to "keep, the wolf 
from the door," so J\[r. Ragles and his neighbor, 
Henry Short, whose stock of provisions was in 
about the same condition, started, each taking 
a load of lumber, to go to Se.xtonville, where 
they tri<'d in vain to sell or trade their lumber 
for provisions. Mr. Ragles, however, bought 
two bushels of corn and a bushel of beans, and 
Mr. Short two bushels of corii. They returned, 
arriving at Mr. Ragles' about midnight tired 
and hungry, having eaten nothing since morn- 
ing. The family had gone to bed hungry, but 
they got up and Mrs. Ragles hastily cooked 
some of the beans which they ate with a relish. 
In June, 1857, his corn crop was cut off by the 
frost and the prospect was gloomy indeed. 
jVbout that time there became a demand 
for ginseng and he and his family went 
to work with a will to gather it. At this era- 
])loyment they soon earned enough to put them 
out of the reach of want for the time being. In 
fact it proved a turning point in their fortunes, 
from which they prospered and were soon able 
to build a small frame house, and later, a frame 
barn, which was destroyed by fire a few years 
afterwards together with all its contents, hay, 
grain and some stock. He has built another 
barn and a large frame upright part to his 
liouse. He is the owner of 202 acres, eighty of 
which are well improved, and is engaged in 
raising grain and stock, also keeps a dairy. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ragles have eight children. The 
eldest three, Martha, Thomas J. and Annie J. 
were born in Indiana; Hubert S., Clarence J., 
Robert B., Emma and William are natives of 
Richland county. 

Samuel Jones came to Wisconsin in 1855 but 
did not immediately locate in this county. He 
was born in Greene Co., N. Y., July 13, 1820, 
where he was reared upon a farm, and obtained 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1101 



liis education in the common schools. He was 
married Atig. 24, 1846, to Mary A. Vantassel, 
also a native of Greene county, born Dec. 10, 
182(5. He purchased a farm in his native coun- 
ty, town of Cairo, where he lived until he came 
to \Yisconsin. He then sold his farm, and, 
accompanied by his family, made the journey 
by rail, to Madison, where he hired a team to 
take them to Dover, Iowa county. He engaged 
to work upon a railroad bridge which was then 
being built across the Wisconsin river, near 
Spring Green. He was thus employed until the 
fall of 1S56, when became to Richland county. 
He purchased 120 acres of unimproved land on 
sections 5 and 0, town of Ithaca ; erected a log 
liouse ujjon section 6 and immediately began 
improving his farm. A few years later he built 
a good frame house. In 1868 he bought his 
present farm, located on the south half of sec- 
tion 6. To this place he moved his frame house 
and built a frame barn. He has engaged in 
raising grain and stock, and, like many others, at 
(i.u- lime tried hops. He has been successful in 
his undertakings and is now the owner of 
one of the best farms on the Little Willow. His 
wife died June 11, 1882, leaving five children — 
John W., George W., Samuel Eugene, M. Eva 
and Paul II. Their eldest child died at the age 
of three years, and another in infancy. Mr. 
Jones has since been married to Elizabeth 
Schoonover, widow of Elias Tanner. She is a 
native of Ohio. 

Horace L. Burnham came to Richland county 
in 1856. He purchased the northeast of the 
southeast quarter of section .36, town 10, range 
1 east; also eighty acres adjoining in Sauk 
county. On the first was a log cabin with a sod 
roof, into which he moved, and soon after re- 
placed the sod roof by one of shingles. He 
has since erected a neat cottage liouse and 
frame barn. He has resided here since that 
time, with the exception of the four years that 
he served as county treasurer, which he spent 
in Richland Center. He is a native of the 
Green Mountain State, born in Addison county, 



July 12, 1828. He obtained his early education 
in the district school, and afterwards attended 
the academy at Bakersfield, Vt., one term, also 
one term at Knox College in Galesburg, 111. 
After completing his education he engaged in 
teaching school winters, and farming the re- 
mainder of the year. In 1850, Susan C. Lowell 
became his wife. She was born in Orange Co., 
Vt, Feb. 13, 1830. They resided in Addison 
county until 1857. Mr. Burnham has been 
prominent in administrative affairs of botb town 
and county, having been superintendent of 
schools of the town of Ithaca, a member of the 
town board, town treasurer ten years, and 
county treasurer four j-ears. Mr. and Mrs. 
Burnham have four children — Alice, Frank W., 
John W. and Herbert F. 

Benjamin Winterburn, an extensive farmer 
in the town of Ithaca, came here in 1857 and 
]iurchased the northwest quarter of section 11, 
town 9, range 2 east, upon which was a log 
cabin and some small improvement. He en- 
gaged in raising grain a few years, but of late, 
has been engaged in the dairy business. He is 
the owner of 440 acres of land, 260 of which 
are under cultivation; and has good frame 
buildings, including a commodious liouse, barn, 
granary and other farm buildings. Mr. Winter- 
burn is a native of England, born near London, 
March 1, 1830. When he was five years old, 
his parents emigrated to America and settled 
in Pittsburg, Penn. At the age of ten years, 
he left home and went into the country to live 
upon a farm, where he grew to manhood, ob- 
taining his education in the district schools. 
He was married Oct. 26, 1856, to Mary J. 
Phillips, who was a native of Alleghany Co., 
Penn., born Sept. 18, 1836. They rem-iiiied in 
Pennsylvania until they came to Richland 
county in 1857. Mrs. Winterburn died Nov. 
26, 1872, leaving six children — John JI., Eliza- 
beth J., Anna B., Benjamin F., Jennie and 
Ralph. In 1875 Mr. Winterburn was again 
married to Cynthia J. McKittrick, who was 
born in Oswego, N. Y., Feb. 22, 1838. 



1102 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Hon. J. M. Thomas came to Richland county 
in 1857. He first lived in the town of Biiena 
Vista, for three years, when he purchased 
eighty acres of his present farm, located on 
section 1, town S', range 2 east, included in the 
town of Ithaca. There was a little improve- 
ment on this land at the time, consisting of a 
lose cabin and stable, with thirty acres under 
cultivation. He has improved this place and 
added to it until his present farm contains 335 
acres. The buildings are good .substantial 
structures, and the grounds ;ire made attract- 
ive and pleasant by shade and ornamental trees. 
This farm is situated in the justly celebrated 
Bear creek valley, which has been settled to a 
great extent by men, who, like himself, wer« 
reared in the dairy districts of New York State; 
came to this county and following the same 
business, have been successful, and made this 
valley the richest part of the county. This 
section of country seems admirably adapted to 
this industry, and those engaged in it, find it a 
profitable investment, and no one branch of 
trade tends more to develop the resources of 
the county. Mr. Thomas was born in Herki- 
mer Co., N. Y., Aug. 23, 1829, and spent his 
younger days at school and on the farm. As 
soon as he had obtained sufficient education, he 
commenced teaching, and followed that occupa- 
tion during the winter season and farming in 
the summer. In 1855 he came to Wisconsin, 
traveled through the eastern and southern part 
of the State, and made his first visit to Rich- 
land county, after which he returned to his 
native county and remained until 1857, when, as 
before stated, he came to this county. He has 
been twice married, first in March, 1858, to 
Ellen J. Eaton, who bore him two children — 
Jennie and Libbie. Jennie was born April 12, 
1860, and died Dec. 10, 1870. Mrs. Thomas 
was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., April 28, 
1838, and died June 7, 1867. His second wife 
was Adelia E. Reynolds, widow of Cornelius 
Young, who was also born in Herkimer Co., N. 
Y., June 28, 1827. Mr. Thomas has been one 



of tlie prominent rejiresentative men of the 
county, has been chairman of tlie board a number 
of terms, and was chosen in 1809 to represent 
his district in the Assembly, was elected again 
in 1878 and re-elected in 1879, serving with 
honor to iiimself and satisfaction to his con- 
stituency. His father, Henry Thomas, was 
born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1795, and was 
there joined in marriage, in 1827, to Jane Mott, 
who was a native of the same county, born in 
1794. Meanwhile he moved to Herkimer 
county and settled on a farm, where his wife 
died in the fall of 1860, leaving two children — 
Joseph M. and Maria. The latter was born 
Nov. 29, 1833, married C. E. Brace, settled in 
Bear Valley and died in 1870. His second wife, 
to whom he was married in 1861, was Dorcus 
Searing. She was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., 
in 1809. They remained in Herkimer county 
until 1867, tlien came to Ricliland county and 
make their home with J. M. Thomas. They 
are both members of tiie Society of Friends, 
and at an advanced age, are in good spirits and 
in the enjoyment of good health. The subject 
of this sketch is a republican politically. 

Anthony Dederich was the first German set- 
tler in that part of Bear Creek valley lying in 
the town of Ithaca. He came here in July, 1862, 
and purchased two lots in the village of Peters- 
burg. Upon one of these lots was a frame 
shanty, in which the family lived two months 
while a frame house was being built. He 
opened a wagon shop and worked at his trade. 
Two or three years later he established a black- 
smith business, and about the same time opened 
a store with a general stock of goods adapted 
to the country trade. He also enlarged his resi- 
dence and has, for some years, entertained 
travelers. He is also quite an extensive land 
holder, owning upwards of 400 acres and is en- 
gaged in farming. Mr. Dederich is a native of 
Prussia, born Sept. 17, 1822, in the village of 
Florsheim, Rhine province. He attended 
school steadily from the age of six to sixteen. 
He then commenced to learn the wagon maker's 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1103 



tra(ie of his fattier. At the age of twenty-one 
he joined the army and served three years in 
the engineer corps, building ])ontooii bridges, 
after which he ri'sumed work at his trade until 
1848, when lie was again called upon lo serve 
his country, but at the end of a luonlh was dis- 
charged. In 1849 he came to America, landed 
in New York September 14, and came directly 
west, stopping at Milwaukee where he worked 
one ye-ir at his trade, then went to Madison 
and worked as joiuneyinan six months. He 
tlien opened a shop and established business for 
himself, continued two and a half years, then 
went to Cross I'lains and there optned a shop, 
an! remained until he came to Petersburg. His 
wife was formerly Mary Scliafer, a native of 
Rhine province, Prussia. They were married 
in 1851, and are tie parents of ten children — 
Margaret, Gertrude, Peter, Adolph, Anthony, 
Dennis, Joseph, Francis, Gerhanl and Remiz- 
ius. Dennis lias operated a shoe shop since 
18^:i witli good success. 

Joseph C. McCorkle settled in Ricli'and 
county in 1862. He purcliased a farm on sec- 
tion 0, town 9, ranges east. In 1860 he bought 
timber land on .section 12, of town 9, range 1 
east, inclinled in the town of Ithaca, erected a 
small frame liouse and immediately commenced 
clearing liis ])resent farm. He is now the owner 
of 300 acres, 150 of which are in a good state 
of cultivation. This is one of the choice farms 
of the county. He has erected a frame house 
17x32 feet, and two stories in height. Mr. Mc- 
Corkle is a native of the State of New York, 
born in the town of South Ham[)ton, Suffolk 
Co., L. I., Sept. 7, 1834, where his younger days 
were spent. When eighteen years old he start- 
ed on a whaling voyage. Ho made two voy- 
age.s and was absent from home thirty-three 
months each trip. He was married May 14, 
1802, to Letitia, daughter of Jacob and Eliza- 
beth (McCloud) Kroiiskop. Five cliildrcn 
have been born lo them — Carrie Belie, Wil- 
liam Stanley, Jacob Clark, Samuel Clyde and 
George Krouskop. 



Hon. William Dixon was an early settler in 
the town of Ithaca and a native of England, 
born in Beverly, Yorkshire, Oct. 27, 1808. In 
1817 his parents emigrated to America and 
landed at Philadelphia July 1 1th of that year, 
where they remained two years. In that city 
the subject of this sketch attended school a 
short time, and then engaged as errand boy in a 
jnap ]iublisliing house. From there he went 
with the family to Trenton, N. J. His father 
was a weaver by trade, and there William com- 
menced to learn the business of his father. In 
1827 they again moved, going to New llartlord, 
Oneida Co., N. Y., where he engaged to dress 
yarn in a cotton factory, remaining there until 
1830, wlien he went to Lockport, where he set 
up 1,000 spindles in a cotton factory and after- 
wards took charge of a weaving room until 
1840, when he worked on the Erie canal a few 
months, taking charge of *a gang of han4ls; 
thence he went to Rochester and took charge 
of a weaving room in a factory there. Mean- 
while he had purchased a farm in the town of 
Exeter, Otses;o Co., N. Y., u])oii which he set- 
tled in 1841, making that his home until 1854, 
when he started for Wisconsin, coming by rail- 
road and boat as far as Stougiiton, thence by 
stage to Signet postoffice, in the town of Buena 
Vista. He rented a farm in that town and re- 
mained there until the spring of 1855, then 
moved to land he had purchased on section 1, 
town 9, range 2 east, now included in the town 
of Ithaca. He erected a small frame iiouse and 
immediately commenced improving the land. 
Tills farm is pleasantly located in Bear Valley, 
where he now has seventy acres weil improved, 
has built a large addition to his frame house, 
erected a good barn and other convenient 
buildings. Mr. Dixon has been a man of fine 
executive ability, and as a consequence has been 
prominently identified with tliu history of this 
county. The people, having confidence in his 
ability and integrity, have kept him almost con- 
tinually in office. In 1850 he was elected jus- 
tice of the peace, an office he yet holds. In 



1104 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



185S he was elected chairman of the town 
board, and has been chosen for that position a 
number of times since. He wa.s elected to the 
Assembly in 1858 and again in 1872. He was 
appointed notary public by Gov. Randall in 
1859, and has held the position continually 
since. Thus it may be seen he has made an ac- 
ceptable public man, and being in every way 
qualified for these positions, he has given 
general satisfaction. He was married in 1830 
to Philea, daughter of Benjamin Carswell, who 
was born in the town of Argyle, Washington 
Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 1810. Two children blessed 
this union — Benjamin and Adelina. Benjamin 
was born Oct. 28, 1830, and died June 21, 1845. 
Adelina was born Feb. 11, 1833, married Jacob 
Runyan and died in the town of Ithaca Feb. 6, 
1861. Mr. Dixon was formerly a whig, but 
has been connected with the republican party 
since its organization. He went to Madison on 
foot to take part in the organization in the 
State, and has ever since been prominently 
identified with fti history in this section of the 
country. 

D. B. Ostrander opened a hardware store in 
gextonville in 1880, the first in that village. 
He keeps a general stock of hardware and agri- 
cultural implements. A tinshop, furnished with 
the necessary machinery for making all kinds 
of tinware, is connected with the store. Mr. 
Ostrander is a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., 
born Aug. 12, 1823. When he was ten years 
old his parents removed to Cattaraugus Co., N. 
Y. There he attained his majority, spending 
his time working on the farm and in attending 
school. At the age of twenty-two he went to 
Oriskany Falls and worked in a woolen-mill. 
Three years later he became a partner in the 
business, and remained there, in all, seven 
years; then sold his interest and returned to 
Cattaraugus county, where he engaged in farm- 
ing and afterwards at the" carjienter and joiner's 
trade, remaining there until 1864. In that year 
he came to Richland county and purchased a 
farm in Little Willow valley, section 18, town 



of Ithaca, which, four years later, he sold, and 
bought a farm in the town of Richland, where 
he remained two years, then went to Ithaca and 
engaged in mercantile trade two years, after 
which he pui'chased his old farm on section 18, 
of Ithaca, living there until 1878, when he re- 
moved to the village and sold his farm soon 
after. In 1880 he came to Sextonville, as be- 
fore stated, purchased land and erected a com- 
modious frame house. Mrs. Ostrander was 
formerly Margaret German, a native of Wales. 
They were married in 1848 and have three chil- 
dren — Eugene E., Edward G. and Cynthia M. 

Levi J. Lincoln (deceased) settled in the town 
of Ithaca in 1865. He purchased a farm on 
section 5, on which he at first built a small 
frame house, and afterwards a large frame 
house and frame barn. He resided here until 
the time of iiis death, July 27, 1877. He was 
an industrious man and owned 280 acres of 
land. From an obituary, written by an un- 
known friend and published in the Republican 
and Observer, we extract the following: "He 
was a man of marked individuality, active and 
positive in his undertakings. For conspicuous 
virtues, he commanded the esteem of his fel- 
lows; as a teacher in the public school of his 
district, for five consecutive winters, he won 
the approbation and grateful recollection of his 
pupils; as a testimonial of their respect and af- 
fection, the children of the neighborhood 
marched in a band to the grave. The funeral 
services were conducted by Rev. Loomis. His 
remains were consigned to their last resting 
place in Neptune cemetery, to which they were 
followed by a large concourse of people." The 
following letter appeared in the next issue of 
the same paper: "I would add this tribute to 
the memory of Mr. Lincoln, notice of whose 
death appeared in your last issue. He was one 
of the noblest of God's works, an honest man, 
and a useful one. He was always the first to 
lend a helping hand to those in distress. A 
man of first-class intellect, good heart, and 
great independence and force of character. His 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1105 



views on all subjects were freely expressed. 
He had faults, like tlie rest of mankind, but 
tliey were overbalanced by his many virtues." 
He was a native of Connecticut, born in the 
town of Windham, Windham county, IMarch 4, 
1830, Vhere he grew to inanhood, sj)ending his 
time in working upon the farm and in school. 
When he arrived at a seasonable age he began 
teaching schot)! winters, being engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits the remainder of the year. He 
was united in marriage with Fannie E. Allen 
Aug. 22, 1852. She was born in the town of 
Scotland, Windham Co , Conn., Nov. 3, 1829. 
He came to Wisconsin in 1856 in search of 
heiltli. He located at Blooming Grove, Dane 
Co., Wis., where they remained until 1865, 
then came to Richland county and settled in 
Ithaca. Tiiey have four living children — Oscar 
B., born in Connecticut, Aug. 31, 1854; Abra- 
ham, born in Blooming Grove, Dane county. 
Hi.s binh occurred Oct. 19, 18f'0, in the midst 
of tli;it exciting Presidential campaign, when 
Abraham Liticoln was first running for Presi- 
dent, and he was immediately named for the 
future President, Abraham. The news at once 
spread, and the newspaper reporter, ever on 
the alert for items, heard that Abraham Lin- 
coln had arrived in town, and that he was a 
relative of Levi J. The ne.xt issue of the Madi- 
son Democriit contained the following item: 
"Abraliam Lincoln arrived at Blooming Grove, 
this county, Thursday evening last, on a visit 
to his friend and relative, Levi ,J. Lincoln, of 
that town." The youngest son, Pearl, was bom 
in the town of Ithaca. Cora is the second 
child, and now the wife of Frank Bowen. of 
Richland Center. Abraham, although but sev- 
enteen years old when his father died, iiiidr-r- 
took the management of the farm, which he 
has since carrieil on with signal ability. Mrs. 
Lincoln is a lady of education and retinenieiit, 
social and entertaining in conversation, and well 
tilted to shine in anv circle of society. Edward 
L. was the fourth cliild, born at Ithaca, March 
29, 1867, and died iMareli 9, 1871. When Mr. 



Lincoln was twenty-one years of age he sus- 
tained a fracture of the left hip joint, which 
impaired hi.s health, and was the primary cause 
of his seeking a new location in the west. His 
death was the result of this fracture, although 
he regained his health so as to be able to labor 
most of tlie time. 

Mrs. Mathias Joseph Schmitz came to the 
town of Ithaca from Fond du Lac county, in 
1867. She bought the northwest quarter of 
section 1, town 9, range 2 east, u])on which there 
was small improvement including a log cabin 
and stable. She has, since that time, with the 
assistance of her children, improved the land, 
erected a large frame barn with a stone base- 
ment, also a commodious frame house which is 
now occujjied by the family. Mrs. Schmitz is 
a native of Prussia, and there grew to woman- 
hood. In 1846 she left her native country for 
America and located in Fond du Lac county, 
where she was married in 1848 to Mathias 
Joseph Schmitz. He also was born in Prussia 
and came to the United States in 1846. He pur- 
chased land in Fond du Lac countj-, improved a 
farm, making his home there until the time of 
his death, which occurred Oct. 16, 1864. He 
left a wife and eight children to mourn his loss. 
The names of the children are — Katie, Annie 
Mary, John E., Celia, Gertrude, Margaretta, 
Helena and Susanna Eva. John E. manages 
the farm. 

Alexander B. Grafton settled on section 6, 
town of Orion, in September, 1867. Upon this 
place was a small tract of cleared land, and a 
log cabin, in which he lived a few years and 
then erected a frame house. In 18S2 he sold 
this place and bought the farm he now owns 
and occupies. It is located on section 8, town 
of Ithaca, and iticludcs the "i?ritton" h'lmestead, 
the first place settled in the town. The farm 
contains 155 acres, ninety of which are improved 
and enclosed. He has a goo<l frame house and 
barn and other farm buildings. Mr. Grafton 
was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Jan. 2, 18.33. 
His early life was spent in his native State, 



1106 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COtTNTY. 



where he attended the common school and 
worked upon a farm. In 18(50 he engaged with 
a ])liotograplier to learn the art. He was thus 
employed until 1862, when he enlisted, Aug- 
ust 20, in company D, 126th Ohio Volunteers 
and went to Virginia and joined the Army of 
the Potomac. He served until the close of the 
war, participating in many engagements, among 
which were the following: Martinsburg, Ma- 
nassa's Gap, Kelley's Ford, Locust Grove, Win- 
ciiester. Cedar Creek and the battle of the 
Wilderness, where he received a gunshot wound 
in his arm. May 6, 1864. He was sent to the 
hospital at Washington, D. C, where he re- 
mained a few days. He was there granted a 
furlough of thirty days, at the expiration of 
which, he returned to the hospital. On August 
30th, he returned to his command and found the 
regiment in the midst of an engagement near 
Mine Run. After this he participated in sev- 
eral engagements, the most important of which 
was the battle before Petersburg, where lie was 
again wounded, on April 2, 1865. He was sent 
to McClellan Hospital, Philadelphia, from 
whence he was honorably discharged, May 31, 
of the same year, and returned to his home. lie 
first visited Richland county in 1866, and at 



that time purchased the land upon which he af- 
terwards settled, in Orion. He returned to 
Ohio and there, July 4, 1867, he was married to 
Catharine A. Morrow, a native of Jefferson 
county. The following September they came 
to Richland county and located perraai»entlj'. 
They have one son, William M.,and an adopted 
daughter, Martha May. Mr. Grafton is an earn- 
est advocate of the temperance cause and a 
member of Valley Lodge of I. O. G. T. 

Rev. Henry Koenig was born Oct. 7, 1835, 
in Ileiligenstadt, Prussia, Germany. The home 
of his birth had about 6,500 inhabitants. His 
childhood days were spent in that city, and now 
it is only with fondest recollections that he 
thinks of those early days. After absolving 
the gymnasium in his birthjilace, he went to 
Rome, Italy, to study philosophy and theology. 
Here he was ordained priest. May 9, 1859. He 
soon afterwards started for America, landing in 
New York city, Oct. 3, 1859. He labored in 
his ministerial duties in La Fayette and Mish- 
awaka, Ind., for about twelve years. Then in 
Louisville, Ky., Rochester, N. Y., Leavenworth, 
Kan., Toronto, Canada and Cumberland, Ind., 
for about five years; and since Jan. 1, 1877, at 
Keyesville, Richland Co., Wis. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1107 



CHAPTER XXVII 



TOWN OF MARSHALL. 



'J his town embraces congres.sional township 
11 north, range 1 west. It is bounded on the 
west by the town of Sylvan; on the north by 
Bloom; on the ea.st by Rockbridge; and on the 
south by D.ayton. The town is inhabited by 
a purely agricultural population, and has no 
villages of any importance. In 1880 the census 
gave Marshall a population of 991. It has 167 
farms, all in a high state of cultivation. The 
surface features here are very similar to those 
of the balance of Richland county's towns. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first permanent settlement within the 
limits now comprising the town of Marshall 
was made in 1852. During the spring of that 
year John G. and Simon Marshall, natives of 
Jefferson Co., Ohio, came here and entered 160 
acres of land on sections 3, 4, 9 and 10. In the 
fall of 1852 their mother, then a widow, came, 
accompanied by two sons, Malilon and George. 
They lived together until 1855, when Simon 
died, and soon afterward the mother was taken 
sick and went to live with her daughter, Mrs. 
John Hart, where she died Dec. 25, 1855. John 
G. went to the mountains and engaged in min- 
ing for a time; then returned and settled on the 
southwest quarter of section 6. He now lives 
in Tennessee. Mahlon died in \x','.K George 
now ocuiipies a portion of the old homestead. 

A. P. Hyde came here from the State of New 
York in 1S51, and claimed the east half of the 
northeast quarter of section 24. In 1853 lie 
sold the claim and moved to Richland Center. 
He now lives in the town of Rockbridge. 



Archibald W.-mlass, a native of West Vir- 
ginia, came here in the spring of 1852 and en- 
tered the southwest quarter of section •">. He 
settled here in the fall of 185t a?i(l has since 
made this his home. 

Robert R. Wilson came from the eastern part 
of the State in 1852 and claimed the northeast 
quarter of section 10. In 1853 he sold to Josiah 
McCaskey and removed to Vernon county, 
where he laid out the village of Kickapoo Cen- 
ter, and still lives there. 

Josiah McCasky entered the land Mr. Wilson 
had claimed, and improved the farm, remain- 
ing here until the time of his death. 

Harvey Gillinghatu, a native of Ohio, came 
hero in the spring of 1852 and entered land on 
sections 11 and 12. He erected a log cabin on 
the southwest quarter of section 12, and re- 
mained here until he died. 

Louis and Nelson Muso, Canadian French- 
men, came here in 1853. Louis located on the 
southeast quarter of section 13; and Nelson 
bought the claim of A. P. Hyde, on section 24. 
They remained here a few years, then sold out 
and moved away. 

In the fall of 1853 William Minett and John 
Graham, natives of England, came from Rock 
Co., vvis., arnl made the first settlement on 
Horse creek, in the town of Marshall. Wil- 
liam Minett e itered land on section 3.">. John 
Graham, for himself and others, entered land 
on sections T4 and 35. The two then returned 
to Rock county andremained until October, 1854, 
when they came back accompanied by Thomas 
and Charles Graham and James VVard. Mr. 



1108 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Minett settled on the land which he had en- 
tered and still lives there. John Graham settled 
on the east half of the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 34, where he improved a farm, erected a 
stone house and lived until after the close of 
the war. He now resides in the town of Hen- 
rietta. Thomas Graham settled on the south- 
west quarter of section 35 and is still a resi- 
dent. Charles Graham and James Ward both 
settled upon the farms on section 35, where 
they still live. 

'J'homas Knouse came from Ohio in 185-i, 
and located on section 4. A few months later 
he sold to Jacob Ream and moved away. Ream 
came from Indiana. He remained here several 
years, then sold out and removed to Nebraska. 

Martin Copenhefer, a native of Ohio, came 
from Indiana in 1854 and entered land on sec- 
tion 3. He improved a farm and lived here 
until 1880, when he sold his property and 
moved to Spring Valley. 

Edward Pinnick, a native of Ohio, came here 
in 1854 and settled on the northeast quarter of 
section i). Two years later he sold out and re- 
moved to the town of Henrietta, where he 
erected a saw-mill and laid out the village of 
Yuba, lie has since removed to Nebraska. 

H. Brewer, a native of Vermont, purchased 
the land which Pinnick had claimed, on section 
6, in the town of Marshall. He cleared about 
twenty-tive acres and lived here until 1866, 
when he sold out and removed to the town of 
Dayton where he still lives. 

Jonathan Totten, a native of Ohio, came 
here in 1854 and settled on section 3, where he 
lived until the time of his death. His son 
Oliver now owns the homestead. 

Arthur Cook, a native of Pennsylvania, came 
here from Ohio in the fall of 1852 and entered 
the southwest quarter of section 31, where he 
still lives. 

Benjamin VV. Queen, also a native of Penn- 
sylvania, came at about the same time and en- 
tered land on section 8. When the war broke 



out he enlisted and died in the service. The 
family still occupy the old homestead. 

John Hart, a native of Ohio, came in the fall 
of 1854 and entered land on section 11. He 
improved a farm and lived there until the time 
of his death. 

Daniel Noble, a Scotchman, came here fioin 
Ohio in 1854 and entered the northwest quiutcr 
of section 3. He still owns the land but lives 
with his son on section 24. 

Henry Merrill, a native of Ohio, in 1854 en- 
tered land on section 15. In March, 1855, lie 
settled upon the land, where he still lives. 

Joseph Benton, Sr., a native of Scotland, r:inie 
here from Ohio in 1854 and settled on seel ion 
12, where he lived until the time of his deaih. 
His son Joseph came the following year and 
located on section 14, where he still lives. 

Richard Caddell, a native of the State of 
New York, came from Ohio in 1854, and bought 
land on section 22. He settled lire in I'-'se, 
and remained until the war broke out, when he 
enlisted and died in the service. The family 
still occupy the old homestead. 

The first settlement on what is known as 
English Ridge, was made by .lames Brightnian, 
a native of England, who came here from ^^'al- 
worth county in 1854, and eiiteied land on si c- 
tions 27 and 34. He settled here in the spring 
of 1855, but a few months later sold to John 
McKy and moved to section 28. Mr. Briglit- 
man now lives in Richlard Center. 

In the fall of 1854 John Anderson, a former 
sailor, came here from Walworth county, and 
entered land on section 28. He shortly after- 
ward sold to James Brightman and removed to 
Illinois. He now lives in Iowa. 

John Donegan, an Irishman, came from Illi- 
nois in 1854 and entered a tract of land on sec- 
tion 34. After a time he was appointed post- 
master of the Buckeye postofEce, he got into 
tmiible, was coivicted of robbing the mails and 
sent to the State penitentiary at Waupun. 
Upon his release he removed to Janesville. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1109 



Among those who came in 1855 and secured 
homes were the following: Daniel Siusser, 
Henry Kepler, Alanson Clark, Joseph Kerby, 
George Davis, William Coulter, T. Knapp, 
Joseph Moon, William Richards, John and 
Abraham Harris. 

Daniel Siusser came from Indiana. He lo- 
cated on section 9, where he remained a few 
years, then sold out and removed to his former 
home. 

Henry Kepler was a native of Pennsylvania, 
but came here directly from Ohio. He entered 
land on section 30, where he still lives. His 
son, William F., came at the same time and 
entered land on section 31. His home is now 
on section 30. Joseph, another son, lives in the 
town of Marshall, and Sylvester, another, re- 
sides at Boaz. 

Alanson Clark, a native of Ohio, came here 
iir 1855 and bought lanil of John Fogo, on sec- 
tion 12. There he lived until the time of his 
death. 

Joseph Kerby was a native of the State of 
Maryland, but came here from Indiana. He 
entered land on section 30, where he still lives. 

George Davis was a native of Viiginia. He 
came from Indiana during 1855 and selected 
land on se iion 30, where he still lives. 

William Coulter, a native of Ohio, came from 
Indiana in the fall of 1855 and entered the 
northwest quarter of section 7, where he still 
lives. 

T. Knapp canie here from Ohio in 1855 and 
settled on section 18. A few years later ho sold 
that place and settled on section 31. He now 
resides in the town of Rockbridge. 

Joseph .Moon and William Richards were 
natives of England. Mr. Moon entered land 
on section -il, where he still lives. Mr. Rich- 
ards also selected land on section 27. He re- 
mained thereuntil the time of his death; and 
the family still occupy the nld homestead. 

John Harris and son, Abraham, natives of 
England, came here from Walworih county in 
November, 1855. The father entered 200 acres 



of land on section 28, and is still a resident. 
Abraham rcinained here until the time of his 
death. 

Joseph Conkel, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came in 1855 and settled on the southeast quar- 
ter of section 29. He improved the land and 
remained for a number of years; then traded 
the property for a farm in the town of Dayton, 
where he still lives. 

William Ewers, a native of Ohio, also came 
in 1855. He settled on section 31. His present 
residence is in the town of D.-»yton. 

Patrick Redington, a native of Indiana, came 
at an early day and settled on section 7, where 
he still lives. 

William Hall, a native of Virginia, came 
here in 1856 and settled on section 4. He is 
now in business at Chicago. 

Thomas G. Ewers, a native of Virginia, came 
from Ohio in 1856 and settled on tiie southwest 
quarter of section 29 He lived there until the 
lime of his death. 

Thomas Parsons, an Englishman, came here 
in 1856 and purchased land on section 28, where 
he lived until his death, which occurred in 187'-. 

Abraham Elliott was another early setter. 
He came from the southern part of the county 
in 1859 and located on section 17. A few years 
later he sold to Joseph Berkshire. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first birth in the town was that of Maria, 
daughter of Joseph and Margaret (McCanuon) 
Marshall, born April 25, 1852. The girl grew 
to womanhood and married William Russell, of 
Carroll Co., Ohio. Her husband is dead, but 
she still lives there. 

Probably the first death in the town was tliat 
of Simon Marshall, who died in the Mimmer of 
1855. On the -'Slh of December, 1855, his 
mother, Mrs. James Marshall, died. They were 
bo h buried on section 9. 

Joseph McCoy, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
the first blacksmith in the town. He opened a 
sho]i here in 1856 and did horse shoeingjgeneral 
repair work and manufactured plows. He re- 



1110 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



mained here until 185V, when he went to Ver- 
non (then Bad Ax) county. When the war 
broke out he enlisted and died in the service. 

The firjit mercantile business in the town was 
carried on by Joseph Marshall, who sold goods 
for George Krouskop, and also handled gin- 
seng. 

MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES. 

In 1855 Thomas Marshall erected a saw-mill 
on the northwest quarter of section 14. The 
power was derived from the north branch of 
Fancy creek, the water being carried to the 
mill through a race a quarter of a mile in 
length. An old fashioned "up and down" saw 
was put in. The mill could only be run during 
warm weather, and did but little business in the 
five years of its existence. 

In 1S57 William Saltsman erected a saw-mill 
on the southwest quarter of section 19, equip- 
ping it with an "up and down" saw. The 
power was derived from Mill creek. The water 
was carried through a race 130 rods in length. 
'J"he mill commenced operation in November, 
1858, and continued until ISTO, when it was de- 
stroyed by fire. Mr Saltsman rebnilt the mill 
and put in a circular saw. In 1880 he sold the 
property to William Kepler, who put in new 
machinery, built a log dam and changed the 
race so that it is now only sixty rods in length. 

In 1868 Sylvester Kepler erected a carding 
mill on the northwest quarter of section 31. 
The power is derived from Mill creek, a dam 
having been constructed of logs and stone, se- 
curing six feet head of water. The mill is 
furnished with a carding machine and picker, 
and is operated during the summer seasons. 

In 1871 [or 1872], John and J. G. Ewers 
erected a flour mill on section 31 of the town of 
Marshall. A two story frame building was 
erected, and the mill was equipped with one 
run of buhrs and the other necessary machin- 
ery for the manufacture of flour. Mill creek 
furnishing the power by which the mill is run, 
a dam of earth and lumber having been con- 



structed which secures eight feet head of water. 
It is run as a custom mill. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school in the town of Marshall was 
taught in 1855 by Susan Wanlass, now the wife 
of John Blair, in a small log building ericted 
for the purpose by the people in the neighbor- 
hood. It stood on land owned by Joseph Ben- 
ton, on the southwest quarter of section 14. 
The building was put up at a "bee." The 
floor was made of puncheons, the roof of bark 
and the building had no door. Only one term 
was taught in this building. In 1857 a hou^e 
was erected of hewn logs on the nortliwest 
quarter of section 13, in which Mary Marshall 
taught the first school. This building was 
useduiitil 1868, when a frame house was creel- 
ed on the southwest quarter of section 13. J. 
H. Ewing taught the first school in this 
building. This is a "union district." 

The first school house in district No. 2 was 
erected in 1856 on section 4. This building 
was also put up by a "neighborhood bee." The 
roof was covered with shakes. William Mc- 
Millan was the first teacher. The house « as 
moved to the northeast quarter of section 9, 
where it was in use until 188:i, when a nent 
frame building was erected on the southeast 
quarter of section 4. Robert R. Benton taught 
the first school in this building. 

Joint district No. 1 embraces territory in the 
towns of Marshall, Bloom and Rockliridge. It 
was organize<l in 1866 and a log school house 
was erected on the southeast quarter of section 
2. John Mathews taught the first term of 
school in this house. In 188-3 a large frame 
building was erected on the old site in wliich 
William E. Gillingham was tlie first teacher. 

The first school in district No. 3 was taught 
by John B. Covil in 1866 in a small building 
erected for the purpose. 'J'his building was a 
primitive affair. Posts were driven into the 
giounil and plank nailed to them; while the 
roof was covered with plank. But one term of 
school was taught in this building. The second 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



nil 



terra was taught by G. W. Putnam in his log 
house. Ill ISG" a substantial hewn log build- 
iiig was crecteil on the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 6, in which (t. W. Putnam was the first 
teacher. 

The first scliool in district No. 4 was held in 
the pioneer log cabin of William Saltsman, on 
the southwest quarter of section 19; the teacher 
being Benjamin Doudna. This was in the 
winter of 1860-1. During the following year a 
school house was erected on the southeast quar- 
ter of section 19, in which Elam Bailey taught 
the first term of school. 

The first school house in district No. 8 was 
erected in 1857, on section 27. Amanda Creed 
was the first teacher. The old school house 
was in use until IStiO, when the present school 
building was erected on the southwest quarter 
of sectit)!! 27. Cordelia Daggett was the first 
teacher in the present school house. 

The first school house in district No. 9 was 
erected in 1857. It was a hewn log building, 
located on the southwest quarter of section 29. 
Martha J. Clark was the first teacher. This 
school house was used until 1 800, when a frame 
liouse was erected on the northwest quarter of 
section 32, ih which Mary Ward taught the first 
term of school. 

RELIGIOUS. 

During the year 1S57, religious services were 
held at the house of .loseph Kerby, by llev. 
Thomas .Mason, from Woodstock. A ^Methodist 
Episcopal class was organized here with about 
seventeen members, among whom were the fol- 
lowing: Joseph Kerby and wife, and daughter 
Rachel, Lewis Huff and William Saltsman and 
wife. 'I'he class ke]>t up their organization for 
a few years only, meeting at private houses and 
at the school house on section 29. James Lake 
and Elder Walker were among the preachers 
who served the class. 

United Brethren Church of Pleasant Valley. 
Services of this denomination were held in an 
early day at I he house of J. II. llindman, on 



section 2, and also at the residence of Richard 
Hampton. Among the first members of the 
Church were Joseph Benton, Jr., and wife, J. 
II. Hindman and wife, Richard Hampton and 
wife and Harvey Gillingham and wife. In 
18")9 a log church edifice was erected on the 
northeast quarter of section 2. A few years 
later this building was moved further south, but 
on the same section. Here the congregation 
worshiped until 1881, when a neat church 
edifice was erected on the southeast quar- 
ter of the northwest quarter of section 
1.3, at a cost of |i2,000. Rev. Nathaniel 
Smith was one of the first jireachers for the 
society. Since then the following have filled 
the pulpit: Revs. Howard, Mabbitt, Sutton, 
Kite, Reed, Alderman, Pound, Bovee, Whitne}', 
Elder Nickey and J. W. Reed. The latter is 
the present pastor. In 1884 Elias Gillingham 
was class leader and the society numbered 126 
members. There is a Sabbath school in con- 
nection with this Church, which is in thiurish- 
ing condition. Thomas Gillijigham is tlie jire.s- 
enl sujicriiitendent. 

English Ridge United Brethren Church. The 
first meetings of this denomination were lield 
at the house of John McKy in the fall of |s:57. 
Jeremiah Payne was the first preacher, and un- 
der his administration a olass was organized 
with about nineteen members. Among the 
nunilicr were tli>' following: Abraham Harris 
and wife, Jlary Richards, Jacob HoflFman and 
wife, and John McKy and wife A. Harris 
was the first class-leader. The class met in 
various private houses until the school house was 
built, when services were held in tiiat. In ls79 
they erected a frame church edifice on the south- 
west quarter of section 27. Among those who 
have preached for this class are the following : 
Revs. George Kite, James Howard, G. II. Mab- 
bitt, Henry Smith. A. W. Alderman, L. Pound, 
E. Bovce, A. J. Hood, A. Whitney and G. G. 
Nickey. Rev. J. W. Reed is the present pas- 
tor and Joseph Moon is the class leader. The 
class now has a membership of about fo'riy. 



67 



Ill-; 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The Presbyterian Church of Fancy Creek was 
organized at the house of Alanson Clark, June 
11, 1859, by Rev. J. H. Mathers. The follow- 
ing is a complete history of the Church from its 
organization. It was published in the Jiepubli- 
can-Ohserver, Jan. 1*7, 1884: 

" Through the assistance of Messrs. Angus 
Smith, L. T. Janney and P. M. Smith, who have 
compiled the same from the Church records and 
gathered from those living within the bounds 
of the Church at the time of its organization, we 
are enabled to publish the following history 
and incidents of the Presbyterian Church of 
Fancy Creek, from its inception down to the 
present, embracing a period of almost twenty- 
nine years. From a letter recfived by Mr. An- 
gus Smith from Rev. J. H. Mathers, the first 
Presbyterian minister in this region, who or- 
ganized this Church and preached to it for sev- 
eral years, and who is still held in grateful re- 
membrance by the people, which was intended 
to be read on the occasion of the recent dedica- 
tion of the new church, a full account of which 
was given in this journal last week, but which 
was not received in time, we make the following 
extract. He says: 'In June, 18.55, I heard of a 
family of Presbyterians on Fancy Creek by the 
name of Noble; I started in search of tiiem. I 
went to the county seat and inquired of Israel 
Janney, register of deeds; he kue* nothing 
of the.m but directed me to Mr. Wad- 
dell, near the mouth of Fancy Creek. 
He informed me that a man of that name had 
staid with him one time when on a trip to Orion 
for supplies. He directed me to 'Squire Joe 
Marshall, of Fanc}^ Creek, for information. 
He knew the family and gave directions l)y 
which I might find them. I wandered through 
the woods by a path, and my attention was at- 
tracted by a company of men raising a house. 
I then little imagined that in that log cabin 
which this more pretentious house was to super- 
cede, the Presbyterian Church of Fancy Creek 
would afterwards be organized, but it was so. 
It was Mr. Alanson Clark's house which the 



I 



neighbors were engaged in raising.' We give 
these few extracts to show how new the country 
was at that time and the difficulties Mr. Mathers 
had to contend with. He found the family he 
was in search of, and who are now life-long 
friends. Rev. J. H. Mathers preached at Mr. 
Noble's and Alanson Clark's every three or four 
weeks until the year 1859, at which time, pre- 
vious notice having been given, those friendly 
to the organization of a Presbyterian Church 
assembled at the house of Mr. Clark on the 
nth of June, 1859, and adopted measures to se- 
cure such an organization. After a sermon 
preached by Rev. Mathers, the following per- 
sons united in the formation of a Church to be 
known as the Presbyterian Church of Fancj' 
Creek, to be in connection with tlie Presbytery 
of Dane, now Wisconsin River Presbytery: 
Alanson Clark, Mrs. Elizabeth Clark, Nan- 
cy Clark, John K. Polk, Mrs. Catharine 
Polk, Daniel Noble, Mrs. Margaret Noble, 
Mrs. Jane Fogo, Mary Wanless, Mrs. Eliza 
Merrill, T. M. Ocheltree and Mary Mc! ou- 
ald by letter; and Mrs. Ann Mar.shall and Mrs. 
Mary Caddell on profession of faith. An elec- 
tion of ruling elders was entered into, which 
resulted in the choice of Alanson Clark and 
Daniel Noble, who were set apart on the next 
day, being Sunday, June 12, 1859, to that office 
in the presence of the congregation. On July 
16, 1859, the session met at the call of the mod- 
erator. Rev. Mathers, and Daniel Noble 
was chosen clerk of session, wliich olhce he 
held for many years. Mrs. Lilly Clark was ad- 
mitted to membership by letter at this meeting. 
Of the original fourteen members at the for- 
mation of the Church there are only five living. 
Their names are: John K. Polk, who is very 
old and feeble, not able to attend Church ; 
Daniel Noble, Mary Wanless, who is now Mrs. 
Mary Clark, Mrs. Eliza Merrill and Mrs. Mary 
Caddell. 
"The first persons baptized after tlie formation 
of the Chuich, according to records, was Mrs. 
Mary Caddell and her infant children, Sydney 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1113 



and Racliel. The first communion was adminis- 
tered to the Cliurcli Sunday, July l", 1859. 

"On Mtirch 19, ISOO, there was a congrega- 
tional meeting held at the house of Alanson 
Clark for the purpose of electing trustees to 
take charge of the temporalities of the Ciiurch. 
Rev. J. H. Mathers was chosen president, and 
A. Clark was chosen clerk. The election 
resulted in the choice of Daniel Noble, T. M. 
Ocheltree and Angus Smith. The persons 
present at this, the first congregational meeting 
were: A. Clark, Elizabeth Clark, Nancy Clark, 
John Clark, Alexander Clark, John Fogo, John 
Hart, Daniel Noble, D. McDonald, Donald 
Smith, John K. Polk, Joseph Benton, Sr., Arch- 
ibald Wanless, Mrs. Susan Blair, John Blair 
and John Wanless. 

"Sometime during the spring of 1S60 the 
question of the location of a church site and 
cemetery was taken into consideration, result- 
ing in the choice of the present location. A 
meeting was held Jan. 28, 1861, at M.irshall 
scliool house, to adopt measures for er- i ting a 
clinrch. It was determined to build a uewed 
log church, SCx.iO feet, and to meet on the 7th 
day of February to cut and hew the logs. On 
the day set, the people cut and hewed the logs 
and Messrs. Angus Smith, Harvey Marshall and 
Wallace Fogo hauled them to the site. Some- 
lime in June, 1 SGl, it was raised and enclosed 
as fast as possible. Afterwards it was used for 
services during the summer and partly cdrnple- 
ted late in the fall, but was not fully c()mpli'te<l 
for one or two years. Before the erection of 
this church services were held at the private 
houses of A. Clark, Daniel Noble, John Fogo, 
Henry Merrill, John Wanless, J. K. Polk, and 
sometimes in the barns of Joseph Marshall and 
John Hart, and later in the old log schiml house 
near where the United Brethren church now 
stands, on land then owned by .loseph .M.ir- 
shall." 

The log church was located on the northeast 
(juaiier of section U. This building was used 
until tile summer of ISS:^. In July, 1SS3, the 



society commenced the erection of a large 
frame church near tlie old site, which was soon 
completed. It is 30.v50 feet in size, eighteen foot 
posts, and is valued at 12,000. 

The Church has had for its pastors since its 
organization. Revs. J. H. Mathers, who was its 
pastor for several years, J. M. Reid, Peter 
Dougherty, Lemuel Leonard, John Irwin, T. G. 
Pearce and II. G. Denison, who is now supply- 
ing the pulpit in connection with Richland 
Center. All the pastors are still living except 
the lamented Mr. Reid, who lost his life in a 
runaway accident in Ohio several years ago. 
The present elders are Angus Smith, Daniel 
Noble and L. T. Janney. L. T. Janiiey is clerk. 

At an early day a Sabbath school was organ- 
ized in connection with this Church. Carrie 
Morrow is the present superintendent. 

The Ash Ridge Regular liaptist Church was 
organized Aug. 9, 1873, by Rev. N. L. Sweet, 
with six members, 'i'he following were the 
tirst members: G. \V. Putnam and wife, Mrs. 
Mary E. Emery, Mrs. J. M. Marshall, .Mrs. A. 
X. Hutton and George II. Putnam. (■». W. 
Putnam was elected deacon, and George II. 
Putnam clerk. This took place at the school 
house in district No. 3. The society continued 
to worship at the scliool house until 1877, when 
a hewn log church, 20x2s feet in size, was 
erected on the southeast ijuarter of section 6. 
Rev. George D. Stevens was the first regular 
pastor. Succeeding him came Revs. N. H. 
Slater, E. J. Stevens, W. S. Sweet, Elder Cha- 
pin and Alfred Prouty. Tlie latter is the pres- 
ent pastor. The class has flourished, and ?iow 
has twenty-five members. 

A Sabbath school was organized in 1871, at 
the school house, with G. W. Putnam as super- 
intendent, lie has since held that position. 
The school meets every Sunday, and has an av- 
er.age attendance of twenty. 

In the fall of 1882 Rev. Elihu Bailey organ- 
ized a class at the Lowry school house, on sec- 
tion 19. There were fourteen members, as 
follows: B. H. Thomas and wife, Francis 



1114 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Han-is and wife, Mrs. Joseph Berkshire, Mar- 
tha Rohbins, W. F. Myers and wife, William 
T. 151azer and wife, Francis Lowry and wife, 
and David Reid and wife. 13. II. Thomas was 
chosen class leader, and Francis H.arris, Stewart. 
Soon after organization the class erec:ed a log 
chvircli building on section 20. Rev. Bailey 
has been pastor since the organization of the 
class. There is a Sabbath sciiool organization 
in connection with thi> class, of which Martha 
Robbins is superintendent. 

MILL CREEK POSTOFFICB. 

Mill Creek postoffice was first established in 
the town of Sylvan, with Thomas A. Merrill as 
postmaster. A few years later Henry Kepler 
was appointed postmaster, and kept the office 
at his house on section .31 in the town of Mar- 
shall. The office was on the mail route from 
Tomah to Muscoda, mail being received twice 
each week. R. H. Bond succeeded Mr. Kepler 
as postmaster ami kept the office at his residence, 
on section 25, in the town of Sylvan. The next 
postmaster was Alvin S. Bailey, and the office 
was removed to section .34, in the town of 
Marshall. John Ewers succeeded Mr. Bailey 
and kept the office on section 36, in the town of 
Sylvan, at his residence. L.D.Bailey was the 
next postmaster, and again the office was re- 
moved to the town of Marshall. John G. Ewers 
succeeded Mr. Bailey and is the present post- 
master. 

FANCY CREEK POSTOFFICE. 

This postoffice was established in 1856. Jo- 
siah McCaskey was a]ipointed the first post 
master, but was succeeded very soon after his 
appointment by Joseph Marshall. Mr. Marshall 
received his commission in September, 1856, and 
•was authorized to remove the office to "Mar- 
shall's Mill." Mail was received once a week 
from Richland Center. Since that time the fol- 
fowing have served as postmaster or deputy- 
postmaster, of tills office — Josiah McCaskey, 
Joseph Marshall, John Hart, Friend Morrison, 
Mathew R. Smith, M. C. Davis, William Gross 



and M. C. Davis. The last named was post- 
master when the office was discontinued in 188-2. 

BUCKEYE POSTOFFICE. 

This postoffice was established in 1856. Wil" 
Ham BaHey was appointed first postmaster and 
kept the office at his house on section 20, mail at 
that time being received once each week from 
Muscoda. A few years later John Donagan 
was appointed postmaster, and moved the office 
to section 34. After a time the postmaster got 
into trouble. He was indicted and convicted of 
robbing the mails and was sent to the peniten- 
tiary at Waupun, and the office was discontin- 
ued. 

GILLINGHAM POSTOFFICE. 

This postoffice was established in 1881. Hugh 
Morrow was appointed postmaster and still 
keeps the office at his store, on section 1.3. The 
office is on the mail route from Richland Center 
to Viola, mail being received tri-weekly. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Marshall assumed its present 
limits in 1856. The first town election was held 
on the 19th of April, 1856, at the house of Josiah 
McCaskey. The following were the first town 
officers elected: Supervisors, Archibald Wan- 
lass, chairman, Henry Merrill and Abraham 
HarjMs; clerk, Andrew Wentz; assessor, John 
Ewers; treasurer, .John Hart; justices of the 
peace, James Brightman, Andrew Wentz and 
John Fogo. 

At the annual election held in April, 1883, 
the following town officers were chosen for the 
ensuing year: Supervisors, P. M. Smitli, chair- 
man, William Turnipsecd and J. Truesdale; 
clerk, R. R. Benton; treasurer, J. B. Coulter; 
assessor, Isaac Doudna; justices, J. Benton, 
Elihu Bailey and G. W. Putnam; constables, E. 
Turnipseed, Frank Doudna and Joseph Jones. 

CEMETERIES. 

The cemetery in connection with the Presby- 
terian church was laid out by Rev. J H. Ma- 
thers during the war. The first burial here 
was of the remains of a daughter of William 
Smith, who died in 1862. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1115 



In 1876 Thomas Borland surveyed an addi- 
tidii to tlic cemetery. A tax of ^2 was levied 
on each lot to raise money to fence the groiuids 
and keep the same in repair. The cemetery 
contains seventy-four lots, each one rod square. 

The present officers of the cemetery organiza- 
tion are: P. M. Smith, Alexander Smith and 
and Henry Merrill, trustees ; P. M. Smith, 
clerk. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

In tlie following biographical sketches are to 
be found some of the oldest pioneers of Rich 
land county. 

William J., son of Daniel and Margaret P. 
(Ireghani) Noble, was born in Columbiana Co., 
Ohio, July 16, 1841. He came to Richland 
county with his parents, where he remained 
until November, 1862, when he enlisted in 
company F, 2d Cavalry. He was badly 
wounded at an engagement near Yazoo City, 
Miss., and was sent to Wasliintjton Hospital, at 
Memphis, where he remained four months. He 
was discharged with the regiment at Austin, 
Texas, Nov. 15, 1865, returned home and re- 
sumed farming. On Feb. 4, 1878, he was mar- 
ried to Deliah, daughter of Martin and Eliza- 
beth Copenhefer. They have one child — Ella 
A. He occupies a portion of the old homestead 
on section 3. 

Lot T. Janney, eldest son of Israel and Eliza- 
beth (Miller) Janney, was H^orn in Logan Co., 
Ohio, May 4, 1842. He came to Richland 
county with his parents, and here received his 
education in the pioneer schools. In 1864, he 
went with his father to Colorado, where he re- 
mained for three years, then returned to Rich- 
land county. He was married in April, 1869, 
to Maggie, daughter of John and Jane Fogo. 
They have three children, all of whom are now 
living — John, Mary and Wilburtie. Mr. Jan- 
ney was engaged in farming until 1881, when 
he bought a steam saw-mill, which he put in 
operation in the town of Marshall. In 1883 he 
disposed of this property and engaged in mer- 
cantile trade in the same town. 



William Janney, a pioneer of Buena Vista 
town, was born in Loudon Co., Va., Oct. 7, 1815. 
When he was but fourteen years of age his 
parents removed to Ohio. When he was seven- 
teen years old he commenced learning the 
tailor's trade at Monroe, Mich., and served four 
years, and then worked at the trade as journey- 
man, in Logan Co., Ohio. In 1847 he came to 
Richland county, and made a claim in what is 
now the town of Buena Vista, and remained 
two years, then sold and returned to Ohio. In 
185:?, he again came to Richland county and re- 
mained until 1859; four years of this time he was 
a clerk in the register's office. In 1859 he went 
to California and spent a few months, then re- 
turned to Ohio and remained three years. He 
then came to Richland Center, and opened a 
tailor shop, which he run one year, then sold 
out and went west and spent several years in 
Colorado, Iowa and Nebraska. He now makes 
his home with his nephew. Lot M. Janney, in 
the town of Marshall. 

Joseph Marshall, a prominent man of Rich- 
land county, and the pioneer of the town of 
Marshall, which territory bears his name, was 
born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, March 25, 1820. 
His father was a large owner of timber land, 
and the subject of this sketcli spent considera- 
ble of his time clearing ])ortion8 of the same, 
wliili' his br(»tliers were employed in farming. 
Me was married in April, 1851, to Margaret Mc- 
Cannon, a native of New Brunswick. The day 
following they started west to seek a- home, 
embarked on a steamboat at Wellsville and 
came to Muscoda, and the next day started 
in compuiy with Alexander Bartley to seek a 
desirable location, but the land in that vicinity 
did not suit him. The party showing him the 
country inquired what kind of land he wanted, 
to which Mr. Marshall replied, "I want land 
where there is plenty of wood and water." 
'•Well" said the man, "we will have to go back in- 
to Richland county, where }ou can not clear a 
farm in a life lime." This remark, intended to 
deter him from going thither, did not have that 



1116 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



effect; he had cleared two farms, and freely 
understood all about it. So the following day, 
with Mr. Bartley, started on foot for the wilds 
of Richland county. They wore informed that 
there were two men, Amasa Haskins and .lule 
Pieston, living in the northern part of the 
county, engiged in bear hunting. Toward 
night they chanced to find a log cabin, roofed 
on one side only, and a place cut out for a door, 
the only evidences of an intended habitation. 
Mr. Marshall suggested that the night be spent 
at this place, but Mr. Bartley said "nobody lives 
here." "Then" said Mr. Marshall, "there will not 
be anyone to put us out," and they accordingly 
took peacable possession. A few minutes after- 
ward, Mr. Preston, the owner, returned in com- 
pany with his wife. The travelers asked if they 
could stop all night, an<l found they were wel- 
come, and soon they were partaking of a supper 
of corn bread and venison, with an appetite 
and relish known only to tired and hungrjf men. 
This cabin was located on what is now sectinn 
29, town of Rockbridge. In the morning Mr. 
F^reston started out to show them land, and Mr. 
Marshall selected the north half of section 13, 
town 11, range 1 west, and the same day re- 
turned to Muscoda. Not wishing to lose any 
time, the next day he purchased a cow, and the 
day then following hired a man with a team to 
transfer his goods, while lie and his bride 
trudged along on foot, driving the cow; arriv- 
ing at Mr. Preston's cabin they remained over 
night, -and the following morning he took an ax 
and started for his land, but could not find it 
and returned. The next morning a man by the 
name of Meeks, who was stopping at Araasa 
Haskins, hitched up his horses, loaded up the 
goods and provisions, and accompanied by Mr. 
Preston, they started for the land. Arriving at 
Araasa Haskins, and, finding the team too 
heavily loaded ffir the condition of the roads 
or lack of roads, they left the goods in a fence 
corner, covered them with shakes, and pro- 
ceeded on their way, cutting a road as they 
went, and finally reached their destination. 



Here a rude shelter of brush and poles was 
hastily constructed, and pioneer life commenced 
in earnest. Mr. Meeks fed his horses some 
corn brought along for the purpose, and what 
they did !iot fully clean up, was gathered by 
Mr. Marshall and used for seed. He immedi- 
ately commenced clearing and chopped in the 
seed. He thus raised a small crop of corn, 
potatoes and garden vegetables. They con- 
tinued to live in their improvised covering, if 
covering it could be called, until fall, then 
erected a log cabin with puncheon floor and 
shake roof. That same fall lie went to Sexton- 
ville with George Hancock to ])urcliase pro- 
visions, and on their way back discovered a 
pile of lumber on the site of the present vil- 
lage of Richland Center, which Ira Ilazletine 
had left there to make good a claim to the land. 
At that time a few furrows ploughed were the 
only evidences of improvement. 

Mr. Marshall was soon after elected justice 
of the peace. Among the law cases in his 
court one is referred to as indicative of primi- 
tive methods of administering justice. German 
Tadder had shot George Hancock's dog and the 
latter thought he must be made to suffer the 
legal penalty, and came to 'Squire Marshall for 
advice and methods of redress, insisting that 
he was the proper officer and must advise him 
accordingly. Marshall was not much learned 
in law and tried to have him drop the matter, 
but all such attempts to dispose of the case 
proved unavailing, and he finally asked Han- 
cock if he was able to handle this disturber of 
the peace; receiving an affirmative reply, he 
summed up the case and gave the following 
characteristic verdict: "Then give him a 
damn good licking the next time you get a good 
chance," which disposition of the case seemed 
satisfactory, and Hancock went away. A few 
weeks after Mr. Marshall had a barn raising 
and the people for miles around came together, 
among them were Tedder and Hancock, meet- 
ing here for the first time since the advice had 
been given; they there and then settled the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



lllV 



matter with their fists, Hancock coming out 
victorious, and they were ever afterward good 
friends. In 1854 Mr. Marshall went to Galena 
witli a load of goods for a family who we remov- 
insj back to Illinois. Edward Pinnock sent by 
liim to get a barrel of whisky, and having pur- 
chased the same he started on his return. Night 
coming on he applied at the house of an Iiish- 
man for accommodations, but they ])ositively 
refused to entertain him — said they had nothing 
to eat and no place for hii7i to sleep. Pleading 
was of no avail, he must go on. "Well," says 
Mr. Marshall, "have something to take with ine," 
and he led the way to the wagon. He had 
already tapped the barrel and had a straw 
ready. The man and woman eacli mounted 
the wagon and took turns at the straw. It was 
then their hearts were softened and they asked 
him to spend the night, in fact, he was welcome 
as long as he had a mind to stop. Soon after 
tliis Mr. Marshall was called upon to marry a 
(iernian who lived in the town of Forest, but re- 
fused to tie the knot, saying he did not know 
how. "Yes, you must," says the Dulciiman, "be- 
cause you vas a shustice mit der beece." "No," 
says Marshall, "I never attended but one 
marriage in my life and that was my own." 
"Veil," replied the Dutchman, "Mr. Darnell 
has been married couple of times, you come mit 
us to liim and he tell you all about it." So 
they took supper and started on a tramp of 
nine miles. The road led them by Pinnock's 
and Mr. Marshall suggested to the Dutchman 
that he take along some whisky. "Yaw, by 
sliiminy, if I bad a schug," says the Dutchman. 
They called at Pinnock's and Marshall borrowed 
a coffee pot, wliich the Dutchman had filled 
• with wbi.sky and they proceeded on their way, 
calling at Mr. Darnell's for instruction. The 
wedding did not occur until morning, when the 
couple were made happy by being pronounced 
husband and wife. Mr. Marshall was an in- 
dustrious, hard working man, and spent but 
little time hunting. He cleared the greater 
})art of his :V20 acres of land, lived there a num- 



ber of years, and then purchased another place 
on sections 1.3 and 14, where he erected a frame 
house, and lived in it until 1882, when le 
built another near by, wliich he now occupies. 
He has lived in Marshall continuously since his 
first settlement, exct-pt nine months spent in 
Colorado in 1860. Mrs. Marshall died in Aug- 
ust, 1805, leaving five children — Maria, Eliza- 
beth, Lydia, Tlujuias and Josie. His second 
wife, to «liom he was niairied in 1867, was 
Nettie Slarreti; she was born in Washington 
Co., Vt. In Febru:iiy, 1865, he was drafted 
into the service, went to Madison, and performed 
guard duty until the close of the war. 

George L., sou of James and Maria (Gilling- 
ham) Marshall, was born in Columbiana Co., 
Chio, Oct. 28, 1839. At the age of thirteen, be 
came to Richland county with liis mother and 
settled in town 11, range 1 west, now known as 
Marshall. Three years later, his mother died, 
and the home circle was broken. He continued 
to li>'e in the neighborhood, and was employed 
in farming summers, and attending school, win- 
ters. In May, 1801, at the first call for "three 
years" men, he responded by enlisting in com- 
pany H, of the 5th Wisconsin Volunteer In- 
fantry, and with the regiment, joined the Army 
of the Potomac, serving until August, 1864, 
when he was honorably discharged. He took 
part in the following engagements: Williams- 
burg, seven days before Richmond, Chancel- 
orsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, 
Fredricksburg, battle of the Wilderness and be- 
fore Petersburg. When discharged he returned 
to Marshall and resumed farming. He was 
joined in marriage in 1805 with Elizabeth, 
daughter of Daniel and Margret (Dreghorn) 
Noble, and settled upon the homestead on sec- 
tion 4. Mrs. Marshall died in 1869, leaving one 
child — Allen. In 1874 he was again married 
to Harriet, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth 
Copenhefer. They have two children — Clara 
and Ella. 

John Fogo, Esq., one of the pioneer settlers, 
was born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, 



1118 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



in 1799. He received the elements of a good 
education, in the parish school, which he at- 
tended until twelve years of age. He was then 
apprenticed as a weaver, and while learning his 
trade he enjoyed, among other means of im- 
provement, free access to the parish library, of 
which he made good use storing up its contents 
.in a memory wonderfully retentive. Gifted 
with a mind of extraordinary capacity, which 
was thus cultivated to the liighest degree, and 
in the broadest sense of education. At that 
period he laid the foundation of his great 
knowledge of history, both ancient and modern, 
which remained with him until the day of his 
death. He came with liis parents to America, 
in 1820, and settled in Columbiana Co., Ohio, 
and was among the early pioneers in that sec- 
tion. At the time of his settlement in Ohio, it 
was a new and wild country — tlie foot-prints of 
the savage were barely cold. He removed to 
Wisconsin in 1853, bringing with him a large 
family of young children, and settled on Fancy 
creek, where he again passed through the labors 
and struggles incident to opening up a new 
country. He was preceded in his settlement on 
Fancy creek by only three or four families. 
From that time he was well known in the county. 
By his neighbors, he was honored and beloved, 
and was held in great esteem by all who knew 
him. He was repeatedly honored by his fel- 
low-townsmen with many offices of honor and 
trust. He aided in the organization of the 
town of Marshall; was chairman, which office 
he held for sixteen years, conseutively, al 
ways being elected without opposition. During 
his whole life he was a constant attendant upon 
the preaching of the Gospel, in the Presbyterian 
church, in which he was baptized. In this 
Church lie was a member in full communion for 
a number of years. He always had a firm con- 
viction in tlie divine inspirati<m and truth of 
the Scriptures, and believed in their inculcations, 
in order to sustain pure society and a prosper- 
ous government. At the close of life, by faith 
in God, through the Scriptures, he found sub- 



mission to the divine will, with peace and joy. 
Mr. Fogo was remarkably genial in his disposi- 
tion, and his society was highly prized by those 
who delight in conversation that is intelligent 
and full of information. Many persons enjoyed 
his company for an hour or hours, in a very 
pleasant and profitable manner. His death took 
place on Friday, Sept. 1, 1876, leaving to 
mourn his loss, a companion, with whom he 
lived nearly half a century. Also eight sons 
and daughters, all of whom, except one, resid- 
ing in Minnesota, were around the dj'ing bed. 
Mr. Fogo was a great sufferer for several years, 
but his final end was free from pain. 

Thomas Graham, one of the pioneer settlers 
of Horse creek valley, is a native of England, 
born in Cambridgeshire, Dec. 8, 1831, and where 
his younger days were spent. In 1851 he was 
married to Elizabeth Martin, whose maiden 
name was Elizabeth Malpress. She had previ- 
ously been married to William Martin, who 
died in 1850. 'i'wo children were born to them 
^Sarah and Mary J. Sarah died Dee. 24, 1854; 
Mary J. died Dec. 4, 1883. Thomas and Eliza- 
beth Graham started in 1851 to America, in 
company with his parents. They landed in 
New York and immediately pioceeded west. 
At the city of Buffalo they were obliged to 
stop, on account of the illness of his mother, 
who had been taken sick on board ship. She 
continued to grow worse and died in a few 
days. The bereaved family continued their 
journey to the west, until reaching Wisconsin, 
they stopped at East Troy, and remained a short 
time, and the subject of this sketch obtained 
work on the Chicago & Milwaukee railroad, then 
moved to Palmyra, and remained one year, 
and next to Rock county, living there till 1854. 
In that year they came to Richland county. 
He and those that came with him were obliged 
to cut three miles of road before they got to 
the farms which they now own. Mr. Graham 
entered land on section 35. He first liuilt a log 
cabin, then set to work to clear the land. This 
part of the country at that time was a " howling 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1119 



wilderness," but soon other settlers came in who 
like him set to work to clear the land and make 
for themselves homes. He haslived to see a well 
developed countrj\ supplied with good schools 
and churches. Five children have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Graham — Maria S., Celina S., Al- 
zena E., John T. and Alice L. All of whom 
have been well educated, some receiving their 
education in a district school, and some at col- 
lege. Alzena was born May 13, 1856, and died at 
tlie home of her ])arents Juiie 7, 1B83. Mr. Gra- 
ham has been an industrious, hard-working man, 
has cleared quite a large farm. His pioneer cab- 
in is replaced by a two-story hewed log house, 
which is located on sections 34 and 35. His 
soiu-Iohn T , was born in the town of Marshall, 
April, KS.59, and has always made this his home. 
He was married in 1880 to Martha Bannister, 
a native of Milwaukee. They iiave one child — 
Oscar G. His farm joins his father's on sec- 
tion 35. On June 11, 18t<3, a cyclone passed 
through the farms of 'I'honias and John tJraham, 
Jr., destroying a large amount of timber. Large 
trees were u))rooted and torn to pieces by the 
storm. 

Charles, son of John and Susanna (Poole) 
Graham, was born in ('ambridgeshire, England, 
Jan. 10, ls:i4, and came to America with his 
parents. 'Itiey at first located at East Troy, 
but remained there only a short time, g"ing 
from there to Palmyra, Jefferson county, where 
he engaged in railroading for one year. They 
then removed to the town of Milton in Hock 
county, where his father rented a farm. In is5i' 
his father die<l, and in November, 1855, lie came 
to Richland county and located on section 35. 
He was unmarried at the time, and boanlwd 
with his brother-in-law, James Ward, until 1858. 
He was married in ihat year, to Sarah E. Stan- 
baii<_'h, who was born in York Co., Perm. He 
built a hewed log house, which four years later 
was consumed by tire with all of its contents. 
The neighbors generously turned out, and two 
days later, another hewed log house was erected, 
in which the family resided until 1SS2, when he 



built the neat frame house which they now oc- 
cupy. Mrs. and Mrs. Graham have six children 
— James C, Charles W., Lydia F., Arthur E., 
Lucy E. and Sarah E. 

William Minett was born in Cambridgeshire, 
England, April 11, 1828. Here lie grew to 
manhood and was reared to agricultural pur- 
suits. At the age of twenty-one lie left his. 
native land and came to America. He went to 
Onondaga county in the State of New York, 
and there remained for ten months employed 
in teaming. He then came to Wisconsin and 
located in Walworth county, and was married 
in 1852 to Mary A., daughter of John and Su- 
sanna (Poole) Graham. lie came to Richland 
county in 1853 and entered land in town 11, 
range 1 west, in the present town of Marshall, 
and then in the following year settled here. He 
at first built a cabin of round logs, which in 
1869 was replaced by the neat dwelling which 
he now occupies. He also built a frame barn 
30x45 feet, a granary 20x30 feet, with a stone 
basement and a sheep shed 18x72 feet. June 
11, 1883, a cj'clone visited this place and de- 
molished the barn, granary and sheep siied, 
leveling them to the ground. 'Mv. Minett, with 
his accustomed energy, immediately set to work 
and rebuilt them. He has been a successful 
fanner. He has purchased land adjoining his 
farm until it now contains 300 acres, nearly 200 
of which are cleared. Mrs. Minett died in 1803 
leaving six children —Eliza, George, Charles, 
Sarah, Emma and Frank. Mr. Minett was 
again married in 1S04 to Maria A., daughter of 
Joseph and Sarah (Richards) Moon, and widow 
of Albert Carlton. Six children have blessed 
this union — Joseph C, Josie, Irving J , Walter 
A., .Minnie L. an<l Robert W. Mrs. Minett 
has one son by her former marriage — Albert V. 
He is now a student at Western College, Tole- 
da, Iowa, where he is ](repariiig for the minis- 
try. 

Benjamin W. Queen (<ieceased) was born in 
Luzerne township, Fayette Co., Penn., Sept. 11, 
1823, and was one of the pioneers of Richland 



1120 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



county. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
receiving a liberal education in the public 
schools. The account book which he used in 
school, such as was common in those days, is 
now in possession of his family, and is prized 
highly as a memento of the past. He was 
married in 1850 to Mena A. Barclay, who was 
born in Fox township, Carroll Co., Ohio, March 
26, 18:^4. They settled in Fayette Co., Penu., 
where they remained until 1854. They then 
started to seek a home in the west, traveling by 
steamboat as far as Galena, 111. They accom- 
plished the remainder of the journey to Richland 
county by team. He had previously entered 
land on section &, town 11, range 1 west, now 
the town of Marshall, and had a log cabin built 
into which the family moved immediately upon 
their arrival in the month of May. He com- 
menced clearing at once, and that year raised a 
small crop of corn, potatoes and garden vege- 
tables. He remained here and continued clear- 
ing and farming until 1865. In March of that 
year he joined the 11th regiment, company G, 
Wisconsin Volunteers, and died in the Marine 
Hospital at Mobile, Sept. 2, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. 
Queen were the parents of eight children — 
Elizabeth G. and Mary S., born in Pennsylvania; 
Phebe C, James B., Sarah E. and Joseph B.; 
Virginia A. and Benina died in infancy. The 
four daughters now living are well educated, 
three of whom have been teachers in the pub- 
lic schools. The farm contains 240 acres and 
is carried on by the sons, who make their home 
with their mother and are encased in raisincr 
grain and stock. Mr. Queen was a member of 
the democratic party, and up to the time of his 
death adhered firmly to its principles. 

Archibald Wanlass, one of the pioneers of 
Richland county, was born in Wood Co., V;i., 
May 12, 1823. When he was two years of 
age his jjarents moved to Wheeling where his 
father, who was a quarryman, worked at his 
trade, remaining there six or eight montlis, 
then removing to Guernsey Co., Ohio, where he 
worked for one year, and thence to Harrison 



county, where his motlier died. He was then 
seven years old. His father next removed to 
Carroll county, where he grew to manhood, ob- 
taining his education in the district scliools. 
When he was twenty-three years of age he 
went to Jefferson county, and was there em- 
ployed in farming for two years, then went to 
Belmont county, thence to Richland county in 
1851. After a short visit he went to Illinois, 
where lie spent the winter. In the spring of 
1852 he again visited Richland county and en- 
tered land on section 5, town 11, range 1 west, 
now known as Marshall. He was a single man 
at the time, and did not immediately settle 
here, but returned to Ohio, where he remained 
until fall, then, returning to his land, com- 
menced clearing. In the spring of 1853 he 
put in his first crop of corn and potatoes. After 
planting he returned to Ohio. It was in the 
fall of 1854 that he came to Richland county 
and settled permanentl3\ He was married in 
October, 1855, to Ruth A. Totten, who was 
born in Carroll Co., Ohio, June 13, 1836. Ten 
children have been born to them — George, Wil- 
liam, John, Jonathan E., James, Archibald, 
Lona Belle, Nora Maud, Christina Mary and 
Winnie K. Mr. Wanlass has taken an interest 
in town and county affairs. He has filled offices 
of honor and trust in the town and county, and 
was chairman of the first board of the town of 
Marshall. 

John Hart, deceased, one of the pioneers and 
representative men of Richland county, was 
born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, March 17, 1826. 
Here his childhood and youth were spent, his 
time being occupied in going to school and 
working upon the farm. He was married in 
1844 to Eleanor Marshall, who was also born in 
Columbiana Co., July 2, 18;-'4. They remained 
in Ohio until 1854, when they came to Richland 
county. He entered timber land on section 11, 
town 11, range 1 west, in the present town of 
Marshall. The first tree cut on the place was 
for the pioneer log cabin, afterwards replaced 
by a neat frame house. He also cleared a large 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1 121 



fai'iii :iiul erected a large frame barn. Here he 
lived until the time of his death, April 14, 1876. 
He had lived to see the wilderness in which lie 
settled transformed into a finely improved and 
cultivated conntry, with good schools and 
churches. Mr. and Mrs. Hart were the parents 
of te?i children, live of whom are now living — 
Maria, Thomas, Millard Fillmore, Caroline and 
Georgia. Maria is now the wife of James 
Truesdale. Georgia is marrie<l to Fr..nk Doud- 
na. Millard Fillmore occupies the home- 
stead with his mother. He was born in lf^o5, 
July 15, and was married in ISV7 to Olive, 
daughter of John and Elvina (Steele) Trues- 
dale. Tliey have one child -Julian G. Mr. 
Hart while living had the respect and confidence 
of his fellow men to a remarkable degree, and 
his death was a loss not only to his family but 
to the community and county in which he 
lived. 

Daniel Noble is one of the pioneers of Rich- 
land county. He is a native of Scotland and 
was but ten months old when his parents left 
their ;iative home and came to America, set- 
tling in Columl)iana Co., Ohio. Here his cliild- 
liood and youth were spent. His education was 
obtained in a subscription school, that being 
the only opporttinity at that time. He was 
married in 1838 to Margaret Dreghorn, also a 
native of Scotland, born in Kelmarnich, Mardi 
•21, 1S14. 'J'hey remained in Columbiana county 
until lt<54, then came to Richland county and 
entered land in town II, range 1 west, now 
tlie town of Marshall. Tliey came by water as 
far as Galena, taking passage at Wellsville, 
Ohio, on the steamer Minnesota JicUe. 'J'hey 
were twenty-one days in reaching Galena, where 
they embarked with teams, for Fancy ci'eek. 
On their arrival they stopped with a neigiibor 
for a sliort time, while he selected his claim and 
built a log cabin. 'I'he lirst year he rented a 
small piece of cleared land and raised a crop of 
corn and vegetables. He raised llie first crop 
on his own land in 1855, and sowed the tirsfr 
wheat in the fall of that year. He lived upon 



the farm until 1878. In the montli of Septem- 
ber of that year, he met witli an irreparable loss 
in the deatli of his wife. Since that time he 
has made his home with his son, Daniel L. He 
still owns his farm, wliich contains 320 acres. 
Mr. and Mrs. Noble were the parents of six 
ciiildren, two now living — William and Daniel 
L. His son Daniel L. was born Oct. 20, 1848, 
and was married Dec. 29, 1 87u, to Annie, da\igh- 
ter of Alexander and Klizabeth (McDonald) 
Smith. Three children li.ive blessed their 
union— Daniel Alexander, Margaret E.and Mary 
L. After his mairiage, he lived on section 3, 
for three years, then located upon his present 
farm on section 24, and lived in the pioneer log 
cabin until 1883, except two years, 1879 and 
1880, when he was elected sherifT and removed 
to Richland Center, when he built a large frame 
house. He is an enterprising man and is engaged, 
not only in farming, but is dealing in stock. 
He has taken a lively interest in jiublic aflfairs 
and has served as town clerk, and in 1878 was 
elected sheriff of Richland counXy, discharging 
his duties in a manner satisfactory to his con- 
stituents. William J., the older brother, now 
lives on the old homestead. He wasmarriedto 
Delilah Copenhefer, during the winter of 1879. 
They have had three children, one now living — 
Emma Alice. 

William Richards, (deceased) one of the ear- 
liest settlers of English Ridge, was born in 
Cambridgeshire, England, Sept. 6, 1816. He 
was married Jan. 19, 1846, to Mary Minelt, who 
was born in Cambridgeshire, July 11, 1823. 
In 1850 they came to America, landed at New 
York and came directly to Wisconsin and lo 
cated in Walworth county, remaining tlicre 
until 1855, when tliey came to Richland county 
and settled on section 27, of the town of Mar- 
shall. Here he cleared a farm and built a log 
cabin, which, a few years later, was replaced by 
a frame house, in which he lived until the time 
of his death. He was an enterprising and in- 
dustrious man, respected by all who knew him. 
Mr. and Mrs. Richards are the parents of seven 



1122 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



children — William, John, Sarah, James, Ella, 
Harriet and Lucy. Ella died March 13, 1881, 
aged twenty-three years and live months. The 
family still live at the homestead. 

Hon. J. B. McGrew, one of the prominent 
rejaesentative men of Richland county, was 
born near Smithfield, Jefferson Co., Ohio, Jan. 
28, 1829. His education was such as could be 
obtained at that lime in the district school, 
which lie attended as opportunity offered until 
he was fifteen years old. Meanwhile his fatlier 
had leased a flouring mill on Yellow creek, and 
Joseph at the age of fifteen years, was engaged 
therein, and, giving strict attention to business, 
soon learned the milling trade. Here he re- 
mained about four years; continued milling 
business until after twenty-one years old, when 
he rented a farm on Cross creek, in Jefferson 
county, and ren)ained two years. During the 
time he formed the acquaintance of Maria E. 
Brown, a very estimable lady, and a 7iative of 
Wayne town, to whom he was united in mar- 
riage on Dec. 21, 1854. Miss Brown wasalady 
of refinement and education, and was a teacher 
in the public schools. During the spring of 
1855 they removed to Wisconsin and pre-empted 
land on section 30, town of Richland, Richland 
county, where they commenced pioneer life by 
building a log house and making preparations 
to "open up" a farm. In a short time he re- 
moved to Sextonville, where he was taken sick 
with ague. This had a discouraging efl'eut, and 
after about four weeks of "chilling and shaking," 
a sensation known only to those who have had 
actual, personal experience with this disease, he 
sold his claim and returned to Jefferson Co., 
Ohio. Here his experience in his father's niill 
proved an available resource, and he rented 
Wood's flouring mill, on Mclntire creek. This 
business was continued here until the spring of 
1857, wlien he removed to Mercer Co., III. 
Meanwhile he was not altogether satisfied, a 
tasle of the western country having given him 
an appetite for a larger experience. His thoughts 
continually wandered to the State he had vis- 



ited, and consequently, in about a year, he re- 
turned to Richland county and bought eighty 
acres of the same land he had previously pre- 
empted, erected a house, and went to work put- 
ting the land in preparation for a farm. In the 
spring of 1861 he again removed to Sextonville, 
and was engaged in George Ki'ouskop's mill 
for four years, then returned to his farm, having 
purchased an additional eighty joining. In 
1880, having a good opportunity, lie sold out 
and again returned to Ohio, with the intention 
of purcliasing a flour mill, but, for some reason, 
the owner concluding not to sell, he immediate- 
ly became a permanent resident of Richland 
county, and purchased a farm on section 8, town 
of Richland, which he sold in 1882 and bought 
the McKy farm, consisting of 200 acres, and 
has since added forty acres, all of which is lo- 
cated in the town of Marshall, where he now 
resides. Mr. McGrew has been a man of intel- 
ligence and sterling qualities, which could not 
but be appreciated in any community where he 
resided. He was not an office seeker, but on 
account of intrinsic merit and personal popu- 
larity, he was, in 1873, elected to the Legisla- 
ture, and in 1879 was a member of the Senate. 
He has filled those places, and minor offices 
from time to time, with honor to himself and 
credit to his constituency. He was chairman 
of the town board nine years, was sheriff in 
1868, was chairman of the county board in 1872, 
was under-sheriff in 1870, and assessor in 1866. 
Thus it may be seen he was eminently popular 
and successful as a public man. The people 
were unanimous in their wish to be represented 
by him in the Assembly, and so expressed 
themselves at the polls. Being careful and 
painstaking in all matters of interest to the 
public, perfectly free from egotism, and deter- 
mined in his opposition to any measure calcu- 
lated to abridge the rights of the people, his 
participation in public matters, earned for him- 
self an enviable reputation, and, indeed, liis en- 
-tire action proved eminently satisfactory. Mr. 
and Mrs. McGrew have reared six children, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1123 



four now living- — Ella S., Mary B., Lizzie K. 
and Jay B. Eva F., a twin sister of Ella, was 
born Sept. .5, 1857, and died Sept. 10, 1878. 
Maggie H. was born July 16, 18.i9, and died 
April 24, 1879. 

Joseph Moon was one of the first settlers on 
English Ridge, having come there in the fall of 
IS,")"). lie had previously entered land on sec- 
tion 27. He has cleared a good farm and erected 
a neat frame house, in which he is now living. 
He is a native of England, born in Cambridge- 
shire, in May, 1312. He was reared to .agricul- 
tural pursuits, and in 1835 was married to Sarah 
Richards, also a native of Cambridgeshire, born 
in June, 1815. In 1851 they left their native 
land for America, taking passage in a sailing 
vessel. 'I'hcy were six weeks in crossing the 
ocean, and landed in New York in December of 
that year. They spent the winter in Buffalo; 
and removed to Wisconsin in the spring. He 
rented a farm in Walworth county, where they 
remained until 1855, then came to Richland 
county. Nine children have been born to them, 
four of whom are now living — Maria, (now the 
wife of William Minett), John R., William and 
Arthur. Mrs. Moon died June 18, 1880. Their 
son, William, was born in Cambridgeshire, Eng- 
land, Aug. 7, 1845, and came to Richland county 
with his parents and lived with them until the 
time of his marriage in 1874 to Sarah McKy, 
who was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind. They 
have three children — Nellie Z., Jay W. and 
Louie C. 

William Coulter, one of the early settlers of 
the town of Marshall, is a native of Ohio. He 
was born in Clinton county, Sept. 27, 1815. His 
father was ,i soldier in the War of 1812 and die<l 
while in the United States servier, in lsi5, four 
months previous to the birth of the suliject of 
this >keti'h. When he was two years of age his 
mother was m.irried to Amos Wilson, and con- 
tinued to reside in Clinton eoiinty where he 
grew to manhooil, obtaining his education in 
the district school. At twenty-two years of age 
he left home and went to Indiana and located 



in Delaware county. He was married there to 
Barbara Babb, who was born in Clinton county, 
March 4, 1817. He purchased land in Dela- 
ware county and improved a farm. In 1855 he 
came to Richland county and entered land on 
section 7, town of Marshall. He then returned 
to Indiana and remained until August, 1856, 
then, in company with his family, started with a 
pair of oxen and a span of horses for their new 
home, taking their household goods and cook- 
ing utensils with them. They camped out upon 
the way and arrived at their destination after 
three weeks of travel. They first moved into 
a log cabin in Sylvan, while he could erect one 
on his land. The following winter, while Mr. 
Coulter was absent from home, one of tlie chil- 
dren informed Mrs. Coulter that tlicre was a 
deer near by. She armed herself with the rifle 
and went out and shot it. When her husband 
returned lie found her and the children engaged 
in skinning the animal. Mr. Coulter has since 
cleared a large farm and the log cabin has been 
replaced by the neat frame dwelling, which 
they now occupy. Mr. and Mrs. Coulter have 
four children — Calvin W., John B., Smith G. 
and Eli S. John !?. is still living at home with 
his parents and he is the present town treasurer. 

Joseph Benton, Sr., (deceased) one of the 
early settlers of Marshall, was a native of Scot- 
land, born in Aberdeenshire, April 2ti, 1803. 
His wife, whose maiden name was Janet David- 
son, was a native of Banffshire, born in 1806. 
In 1834 they emigrated to America and settled 
in Jefferson Co., Ohio, where they bought and 
improved a farm, living there until l>J54. They 
then came to Richland county and purchased 
timber land on section 13, town 11, range 1 
west, now known as Marshall. Here he im- 
proved a farm and lived until the time of his 
death, which ofourred July 14,1880. He left 
four i-hildren — Jose|)h, George, Robert and 
Margaret, now the wife of Olncy Hoskiiis. His 
widow still oc<nipie8 the homeste.ad. 

Joseph Benton, Jr., was born in Elginshire, 
Scotland, Nov. 19, 1826, and came to xVmerica 



1124 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



with his parents when in his eighth year. He 
grew to manhood in Jefferson Co., Ohio^obtain- 
ing his education in the public schools. In 1852 
he came to Richland county and entered land 
on section 14, town 1 !, range 1 west, now known 
as Marshall. After entering this land he re- 
turned to Ohio, where he was married in 1854 
to Jane Russell, a native of Jefferson county. 
In 1855 they started for their new home in the 
far west, traveling;by rail as far as Warren, 111., 
tlie nearo-t railroad station. The remainder of 
the journey was accomplished by team. He 
first built a log cabin, which by mistake was 
located on land that did not belong to him. 
Soon after he built a hewed log house upon his 
own land. In 1875 he erected the neat frame 
house in which lie now lives. They have three 
children — Robert K., Rebecca J. (now the wife 
of Arthur Moon) and James, Mr. Benton is a 
man of sound judgment and lias the respect and 
contidence of his fellowmen to a remarkable 
dea;ree. He has been successful as a farmer, 
and now owns a ,<^ood place in the fertile valley 
of Fancy creek. 

Levi Peckham (deceased,) was born in Jeffer- 
son Co., Ohio, Sept. 12, 1829. Here his younger 
days were spent upon a farm. In 184g he was 
united in marriage with Mary Clark, who was 
born in Jefferson county, Nov. 12; 18.30. They 
continued living in Ohio until 1855, at which 
time they came to Richland county, locating in 
town 12, range 1 west, now the town of Bloom, 
and living there until 1861 when he purchased 
a tract of land on section 2, town of Marshall, 
and immediately commenced clearing his pres- 
ent farm. March 17, 1865, he was drafted into 
the service, and went to Madison where he was 
taken sick and died jMay 16 of the same year, 
leaving a wife and seven children — Caroline D., 
Hugh C, William S., Orrin S., Matthew, John 
W. and Levi R. Orrin died at the age of 
eleven. Since the death of her husband Mrs. 
Peckham has carried on the farm successfully, 
and with the aid of her children cleared a largo 
tract. 



George Davis, one the early settlers of the 
town of Marshall, was born in Loudoun Co., Va., 
in August, 1823. When he was twelve years of 
age his parents moved to Ohio and setth-d in 
Knox county. Here he grew to manliood and 
was married in 1850 to Margaret Kerby, born 
in Knox Co., Oct. 25, 1827. In 1855 they start- 
ed west to seek a home and came to Richland 
county, making the journey overland with four 
horses and a pair of oxen, bringing their house- 
liold goods with them. They worked and 
camped on the way, and after four weeks travel 
reached their destination. He entered land on 
section 30 of the town of Marshall as before 
stated. Here he first erected a log cabin cover- 
ing it with shakes, and split puncheon for the 
floor. He lived in this humble abode for sev- 
eral years, then erected a frame house in which 
he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are now the 
parents of two children — Joseph E. and 
Harrison O. Josepli E. was born Jan. 7, 1862, 
went to Richland county and grew to manhood 
in the town of Marshall, receiving his educa- 
tion in the district school. He was married in 
1877 to Mary L. Queen. He built a hewed log 
house on liis father's farm and lived there until 
1883, when he bought a farm on the northeast 
quarter of section 29. He has three children 
— ^Grace L., Myron C. and Minnie M. "^ 

Henry Merrill, a pioneer settler of Fancy 
creek valley, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, 
March 5, 1826. When he was five year.i old. 
Ids parents moved to Carroll county. His 
father, there purchased timber land and cleared 
a farm, in which the subject of this sketch as- 
sisted him. Taking advantage of the oppor- 
tunities then offered, he receivnl a fair c ihica- 
tion. He was married Aug. 25, 1847, to Eliza 
McNelly. She was born in Lancaster Co., 
Penn., Feb. 23, 1824. He bought land in Car- 
roll county and remained there until 1855, when 
lie settled on his present farm in Richland 
county. In coming here he traveled by rail as 
far as Warren, 111., which was then the nearest 
railroad station. There he hired a horse and 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1125 



sled and completed the journey. He first built 
a rude cabin of round logs, covered it with 
"shakes'' and made puncheon for the floor. This 
humble abode was his home until 1866, when 
he erected the frame house he now occupies. 
Mrs. Merrill was one of the first member.s of 
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Merrill, though 
not a member of the Church, lends willing aid, 
and was one of the committee in charge of 
building the new church. Henry McNelly, a 
nephew of Mrs. Merrill, wa.s reared by her, 
she having had charge of him froin the ten- 
der age of eleven months. He was married 
in 1875 to Salina, daughter of William and 
Mary (Thompson) Francis. They have two 
children — Lester Everett and Francis Clark. 

Henry Kepler, one of the pioneers of Mar- 
shall, was born in Greene Co., Penn., in February, 
1811. When he was ten years old, his parents 
emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Columbiana 
county, where he grew to manhood. While a 
yi)Uiig man he was engaged in a mill, and 
learned the trade of carding and cloth making. 
In Apiil, 1831, he was married to Jane Patten. 
She was born in Beaver Co., Penn., Jan. 27, 
isU. They lived in Pennsylvania until IS.^S, 
then moved to Ohio and settled in Columbiana 
county. They remained there three and a half 
years, then removed to Meigs comity, remaining 
tiiere until 1S.5,t, when they started west to seek 
a home, taking with them a yoke of oxen, a span 
of horses and two wagons ; also household 
goods and cooking utensils. They camped by 
the way. After traveling forty days, they ar- 
rived at Mill creek, and settled on land that he 
liacl entered a few months previously. lie at 
first built a round log house, and later one of 
hewed logs, which in a few years gave way to 
the frame house which he now occupies. Mr. 
ami Mrs. Kepler have had three soils born to 
them — WilliaTu F., Joseph and Sylvester. The 
oldest son, Wiliam F., came to Richland county 
with his parents and has always lived at the 
homestead, and is one of the most extensive 
farmers in the town. He built on this farm the 



second frame barn erected in the town, which 
is still standing, and in good repair. He has 
since erecte<l another fiame barn, also a large 
frame house which is one of the finest resi- 
dences in the county. He was born in Heaver 
Co., Penn., Dec. 18, 18.34, ami was three and a 
half years old when his parents moved to Ohio, 
where he received a liberal education in the 
district schools. When he was fourteen years 
of age he was engaged in a shop and learned 
to make spinning wheels. lie continued to 
work there three or four years, then engaged in 
carpentering. In 1854 he »ent to MLssissippi, 
where he spentthe winter, working at building 
a cotton-gin and feed mill, reiurning in the 
spring, and in company with his father, came 
to llichland county and selected the site of 
their present farm. For a few years after com- 
ing to Marshall, he worked at his tra<ie as car- 
penter. In the year 1860 he erected a barn 
and tannery for Judge Fries at Richland Cen- 
ter. Many of the spinning wheels in the county 
were made by him. In I^so he puichased the 
saw-mill on Mill creek, of Mr. Saltsman, j)ut in 
new machinery, aiul now operates the same as 
a l)iisiness. He has been twice married. His 
first wife was Rachel Keiby, who bore him two 
ciiildren — Elmer and Almond. Hissecond wife 
was Mariam Bailey, daughter of Isaac and 
.Martha Doudiia, wiio died in 1 881, leaving one 
child — Isolla. 

Tiiomas Parsons, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in London, England, May 12, 1812. 
His father died when he was but eight years 
old, and he was sent into the country to live, 
where he grew to man's estate. He came to 
America in 1841 and located in Canad.-), where 
he made the acquaintance of ]\Iary Harris, who 
was the daughter of John and Mary Harris, and 
to ulioni lie was married in the year IS4.i. In 
IS44 they moved to the State of New York and 
purchased a home in Onondag.i town, Ononda- 
ga county. There he was emi>loye<l on ]>ublic 
works, remaining there until lf>56, and then 
cominglo Ricliland county. Here he purciiased 



1126 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



a tract of timber land on section 28, built a 
house and continued to reside there until the 
time of his death, -whieh occurred Jan. 25, 1816. 
He was a very industrious man, and had the 
satisfaction of leaving his family provided with 
a good home. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons have had 
nine children born to them, five of whom are 
now living — William, David, George, Jane and 
John. Mrs. Parsons was again married in 1876 
to James Ward, who is also a native of Eng- 
land, born in Cambridgeshire in 1820. He had 
come to America in 1851 and located in Wiscon- 
sin, living in Walworth and Rock counties until 
the fall of 1854, when he came to Richland 
county and settled on section 35, town 11, range 
1 west, in the present town of Marshall, where 
he still resides. He has been three times mar- 
ried. The first time, in 1841, to Maria Graham 
who died a few years after his settlement in 
Richland county. Three of her children are 
living — Edward, Alfred and Angeline. His 
second wife was Annie Dunford. She died in 
187!, leaving five children — Alice, Rose, Carrie, 
Annie M. and Ellie. 

William Saltsman was born in Knox town, 
Jefferson Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1810. He was 
among the' pioneers of the town of Marshal), 
coming there in 1856. His early life, until he 
was seventeen years of age, was spent upon a 
farm, and lie improved such opjortunities as of- 
fered to gain an education. At that age he was 
apprenticed to a shoemaker to learn the trade, 
served three years, then worked as journeyman 
two years. He then engaged with an uncle, 
farming during the summer season, and in a 
saw-mill winters, which he continued eight 
years. In the month of March, 1835, he was 
married to Kesiah Maple, who was born in Jef- 
ferson Co.,- Ohio. He went to Iowa in 1842, 
and remained for a short time; returned to Jef- 
ferson county and purchased a farm in Salina 
town, which lie sold in 1852 and went to Ham- 
miindsviile, where he was employed in a ware- 
liDUse until 1856, at which date he came to 
Richland county, as before stated, and settled 



upon land on section 19, in the town of Mar- 
shall. He made the journey as far as Daven- 
port by rail, thence by boat to Prairie du Chien, 
and from there in a wagon to Muscoda; at that 
place they hired a conveyance to take, them to 
their new home. They stayed at the house of 
Samuel Groves, in the town of Sylvan, until a 
round log cabin could be built. The same year 
he commenced building a saw-mill on Mill 
creek, which he completed the following year. 
He continued to operate this mill in connection 
with farming until 1880, when he sold out 
there and bought his present home, an im- 
proved farm, and good frame house and barn, 
located on section 10. 

Lyipan Hart, a pioneer of the town of Mar- 
shall, came here in 1856 and purchased 160 
acres of heavily timbered land on section 1. He 
first built a log cabin in the valley, and com- 
menced with his ax to "hew out" a farm. In 
1862 he erected a comfortable finnip house,' at 
that time considered quite elegant, frame 
houses being then the exception. It is pleas- 
antly located on a ridge near the center of his 
farm. He has engaged in the raising of stot^k 
as well as grain, and been (jiiite successful as a 
fruit grower. Mr. Hart is a native of Columlii- 
ana Co., Ohio, born July 24, 1824. He was 
brought up on a farm, and obtained his edu- 
cation in the common schools. In Novembei-, 
1851, he was married to Sarah Clark, a native 
of Jefferson county. They resided in Columbi- 
ana county three years, when they removed to 
Jefferson county and lived there until 1856. 
They then came to Richland county, traveling 
by rail as far as Mazomanie, then the nearest 
railway station, where he hired a conveyance to 
take them to Richland Center '1 ho remainder 
of the journey was performed with an ox team. 
They remained with the lamily <>f Alanson 
Clark until the cabin was completed. Mr. 
Hart is, and always has been, a republican. 

Isaac Dondna, the present assessor of the 
town of Marshall, first .settled there in 186), 
having purchased land on section 28. Iti 1864 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1127 



he rented his farm and went to Missouri, with 
tlic intention of locating there. His family 
were not satisfit-d, and consequently they re- 
turned in the fall of the same year. In the 
spring of 1865 he purchased land on section 21, 
which place has since been his home. He is a 
native of Ohio, born in Belmont county, Aug. 
31, 1810, where he was reared to agricultural 
pursuits, receiving his education in the sub- 
scription scjbools. He made his home with his 
parents until twenty-two years old, when he 
was married to Martha Peebless. She was born in 
Prince George Co., Va., Nov. 19, 1814. He then 
purchased a farm in the town of Warren, where 
he made his home until 1861, when he came to 
Richland county and settled in the town of 
Marshall. They have eight children living — 
Deborah, John, Thomas, Euphimia, Isaac, Wil- 
liam, Frank and Edgar. The eldest son, named 
Benjamin, was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Nov. 
20, 1840. He enlisted in the army in June, 
1 862, in the 20th Wisconsin, company K. lie was 
transferred to company G, and was killed at 
the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., Dec. 7, 1862. 
Their son, John, who now has a farm on section 
19, also did valiant service in the Union army. 
Their son Frank lives on the old homestead 
and carries on the farm. lie was born in IJcl- 
niont Co., Ohio, in July, 1856; was married 
Oct. 29, 1882, to Georgia, daughter of John and 
Elanora (Marshall) Hart. They have one 
child — Leon Hart. The youngest son, Edgar, 
was born in Missouri. Mr. Doudna had filled 
the office of assessor in Ohio, so the duties were 
familiar to him when called upon here. This 
office he has filled with credit to himself 
and satisfaction to the people for many terms. 
He also has held the office of justice of the 
peace. Politically he is a democrat. Relig- 
iously ho may be called a Liberal, and has no 
connection with any Church. 

John Truesdale was one of the early exjilor- 
ers of Richland county. He first visited here 
in 1852 and entered land on section 25, towp 
11, range 1 west, now known as Marshall. He 



tarried but a short time and returned to Ma- 
honing Co., Ohio. Two years later he moved 
to Pennsylvania and lived until 1858, when he 
returned to Ohio, and remained until l^es. He 
then came to Marshall and settled on his land. 
He was born in Beaver Co., Penn., Dec. 2, 
1814. While he was quite young his parents 
removed to Mahoning Co., Ohio, where he was 
reared to agricultural pursuits. He at first at- 
tended a subscription and afterward the public 
school, and acquired a fair education. He was 
married in 1842 to Elvina Steele, also a native 
of Beaver Co., Penn. She died in 1858, leaving 
five children — Joseph C, James R., and twins 
John O. and Olive, arKl Charles C. Olive is now 
the wife of Millard F. Hart. His present wife, 
to whom he was marwed in 186.3, was Adeline 
Young, who was born in Ohio. They have 
two children — Emma Rena and William C. 

W. O. Allison settled in Richland county in 
1865. He first purchased land on section 10, 
where he lived until 1872. -He then bought 
land on section 16. In 1880 he purchased his 
])rescnt farm, which contains 240 acres, located 
on section 4. It is watered by Fancy creek. 
He was born in Belmont Co., Ohio. His father 
wa^; a carpenter and lived in diflferent places, 
working at his trade, until 1850, when he went 
to California and spent two years, then returned 
and purchased a farm in Belmont county. In 
1800 he disposed of this property and removed 
to the village of Fair\'iew, where he resumed 
work at his trade. The subject of this sketch 
made his home with his parents until 1861, 
when, at the first call for troops, he became in- 
spired with patriotism, and, his p.irents being 
unwilling, he ran away from home and enlisted 
in company K, I7th Ohio Volunteers. After 
serving four months and five days he was dis- 
charged with the regiment and returned home. 
The 4th of October, of the same year, he .again 
enlisted in the 74th Ohio, company K, and im- 
mediately went to the front with the regiment 
and served until the close of the war. Among 
the many engagements in which he participated 



68 



1128 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



are the following: Fort Henry, Nealy's Bend, 
Stone River, Tullahoma, Hoover's GapandMis- 
sionary Ridge, all in Tennessee. He was with 
Sherman on his ever memorable march through 
Georgia to the sea, thence through the Caro- 
linas to Washington, participating in the many 
hard-fought battles of that exciting campaign. 
He had veteranized Feb. 4, J 864 and was soon 
after appointed corporal, serving until the close 
of the war. He was not sick a day of the time 
and was discharged July 10, 186.5. On his way 
home an accident occurred on the railroad, he 
was caught between two cars and held there for 
one and a half hours. His leg was broken and 
he was otherwise badly bruised, and in conse- 
quence was laid up for several months. Mr. 
Allison has been twice married. His first wife 
was Sarah Penter, who was born in Jefferson 
Co., Ohio, and died in 18'72, leaving two chil- 
dren — Ida and James. His second wife was 
Agnes Pippin, who was born in Tippecanoe Co., 
Ind. His parents were early settlers of the 
town of Bloom. 

Hon. Philip Smith settled on his present farm 
in 1867. It is located on sections 13 and 24, in 
the Fancy creek valley. He was the son of 
Alexander and Elizabeth (McDonald) Smith, 
was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Sept. 2.S, 
1836, where he was brought up to agricultural 
pursuits, obtaining what education he could as 
opportunity offered in the public schools. In 
1855 he visited Richland county, remained a 
short time, and returned to his former home 
where he remained a number of years and then 
started for the mountains. He visited Colorado, 
Utah, California, Oregon, Washington, Id.aho 
and Montana. After this extended trip, and con- 
siderable experience with much travel, in 1865 
he returned to Ohio. The following year Janet 
N. Smith became his wife, she was also a na- 
tive of Columbiana county. After this impor- 
tant event of his life he moved to Pennsylvania 
and engaged in mercantile business in the oil 
regions. Here he remained but a few months 
when he came to Marshall as before stated. 



Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had seven children 
— Emma A., Eliza M., Elizabeth J., Mag- 
gie B., Edson A., Anna B. and Burkie Mabel. 
The first child, Emma A., was born Feb. 8, 1867, 
and died July 5, 1882. Mr. Smith is a public 
spirited man and has filled many positions of 
trust and honor in the county, and is at this 
time chairman of the town board. He has 
twice represented his district in the Legislature, 
being elected to that position in November, 1 873, 
and in 1877. His second election was a public 
endorsement of his course and position, and 
was a well deserved compliment to a worthy 
man. 

Wm. A. Balsley was born March 4, 1847, in 
Washington Co., Penn. When six months old 
his parents, John S. and Julian Balsley, removed 
to Fox township, Carroll Co., Ohio, in the year 
1865. Mr. Balsley joined the Presbyterian 
Church of Mechanicstown and Jan. 3, 1872, was 
married to Annie K. Twaddle, by the Rev. H. 
Y. Seepeier, at the residence of Wm. Kelly, Jr., 
a resident of Jefferson Co., Ohio. His wife was 
a member of United Presbyterian Church, of 
Yellow Creek, Ohio, with which she united 
when fifteen years old. On March 24, 1872, they 
boarded the cars at Salineville, Ohio, and on 
March 28, 1872, arrived at Lone Rock, Wis. 
On the 26th they took the stage to Richland 
Center, and in April, 1872, both united by letter 
with the Presbyterian Church of Fancy Creek. 
They removed to an old house on H. Marshall's 
land and lived there till June 17, 1872, and then 
moved into a cabin on land which Mr. Balsley 
had purchased. It was located on section 21. 
They lived there till May 18, 1883, then removed 
to their present residence. They are the par- 
ents of five sons, four living — John K., W. L., 
Addie J., and C. B. The second son, J. M., 
died at the age of two months, and is buried in 
the Fancy Creek grave yard. 

Edmund B. Looker came to Richlaud county 
in 1872, and settled in the town of Marshall. 
He purchased the northeast quarter of section 
6, about twenty-five acres of which was cleared. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1129 



He lias now seventy acres cleared. The 
farm has been rented the greater part of the 
lime, while he has lived at ease. He is a na- 
tive of New York city, born Feb. l-S, 1811. 
When but an infant, he was taken in charge by 
his grandparents, who lived in the town of 
Orange, Essex Co., N. J., gaining his education in 
a .subscription school. When be was eleven 
years of age his grandfather died, and he found 
a liome among strangers. At the age of twelve 
he was apprenticed to a shoemaker to learn the 
trade. After serving six years, he worked as a 
journeyman until the age of twenty-one, when 
lie went to Cumberland Co., Penn., and opened 
a shoemaker's shop and continued the business 
for twenty years. He then moved to Ohio and 
settled in Fulton county, upon land having 



water power upon it, in the town of Gorham. 
Here he built a saw-mill which he operated. He 
also cleared a farm. At the end of eight years 
he sold out, removed to Indiana, and purchased 
a farm in Union township, Adams county, also 
a sorghum mill, and engaged in making syrup, 
living there until 1872, at which date he came 
to Richland county. In 1835 Mr. Looker went 
to New York city on a combined business and 
social trip, making the journey the greater por- 
tion of the way on foot. He returned by steam- 
boat and rail, traveling on the only railroads in 
the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 
the fall of ISS.T, he made a trip to northwestern 
Ohio by his own conveyance, being twenty days 
on the journey. 




1130 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXVIII 



TOWN OF ORION. 



The town of Orion lies in the southeni tier 
of towns the second from the east line of the 
county, and is bounded on the north by Rich- 
land; on the east by Buena Vista; on the south 
by Iowa county, from which it is separated by 
the Wisconsin river, and on the west by Eagle. 
It embraces the territory of congressional town- 
ship 9 north, range 1 east, except the eastern 
tier of sections ; and also that portion of town- 
ship 8 north, range 1 east, which lies north of the 
Wisconsin river. The surface of the town is 
rather broken and inclined to be hilly; yet 
there are many fine farms here and an abund- 
ance of natural timber. A large part of the 
town is upon the rich bottom lands of the Wis- 
consin river, and no finer scenery, nor more 
fertile, fruitful land can be found. The census 
of 1880 gave the town a population of 733. 
There are 102 farms here in a good state of 
cultivation. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlers within the limits now com- 
prising the town of Orion were: John R. 
Smith and his son-in-law, Thomas Mathews, the 
former a native of Kentucky, the later of Ten- 
nessee. They came from Grant county, in 
October, 1842, and claimed fraction No. 6, town 
8, range 1 west, and fraction No. 5, town 8, 
range 1 east, entering the land two or three 
years later. After they had entered the land, 
they sold a half interest to Orrin E. Barber, 
and laid out the village plat of the present vil- 
lage of Orion. The plat then laid upon frac- 
tion No. 5, town 8, range 1 east, and contained 
fourteen blocks of eight lots each. This was 



the initial step of founding the village. Its 
history is treated at length in the proper place. 

R. J. Darnall, a native of Kentucky, came in 
1843, and located in Orion, entering land on 
section 19. He engaged in mercantile trade 
and also improved his farm. In 1856 he re- 
moved to the town of Forest, and for some 
years kept a hotel. He now lives in Illinois. 

William Thompson, a native of Kentucky, 
came here from Missouri, in 1846, and made a 
claim on sections 14 and 15. He did not prove 
up on this place, but entered land on section 2, 
where he erected a saw-mill. In 1858 he sold 
out and removed to Kansas. He now lives at 
Blue Rapids, Marshall Co., Kan., where he is 
engaged at farming. 

William Mathews, a native of Illinois, came 
at about the same time as did Mr. Thompson. 
He entered land on section 32, where he lived 
for several years. He now lives in Missouri. 

Green Mayfield, a native of Tennessee, came 
here from Iowa county in 1847, and made a 
claim on section 4, entering the land a few years 
later. He settled there in March, 1848, and 
still occupies the place. 

David Mayfield, also a native of Tennessee, 
came from Grant county in June, 1847, and en- 
tered land on sections 3 and 10. He improved 
the farm and made this his home until 1883i 
when he sold out; he now lives at Richland 
Center. 

Carlos Joslyn, a native of Vermont, came 
here from Mineral Point in 1847 and settled on 
the southeast quarter of section 9. In 1848 he 
sold this place and removed to the southwest 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1131 



quarter of section 10, remaining a resident of 
the town until 1853. He now lives with his 
son-in-law, L. Renick, in the town of Henrietta. 

W. II. Joslyn, a son of Carlos Joslyn, came 
here in 1848, and was a resident of the town 
until 1852. He now lives in Richland Center. 
He has held many positions of public trust and 
responsibility, and is a prominent man in county 
affairs. 

In July, 1848, a party of Germans, consisting 
of Henry Sigrist and Henry and Frederick 
Scherman, came prospecting for land. After 
selecting land they returned and brought their 
families in August, of the same year. Henry 
Sigrist entered the south half of the southwest 
quarter of section 3. Henry Scherman selected 
land on sections 2 and 3, where he cleared a 
farm and lived until the time of his death. 
Frederick Scherman purchased land of Carlos 
Joslyn, on section 9, where he remained until 
the time of his death. 

Walter Gage, a native of the State of New 
York, came here in 1849 and entered fraction 
No. 2, on section 34. He started a ferry there 
which, in 1850, he traded to James Law. Mr. 
Law erected a large frame house upon the land, 
which at tlial time was the largest house in the 
county. The place took the name of "Law's 
Ferry," and for years this was a land-mark to 
all settlers in this region. 

Levi Mouts, a native of Indiana, came heie in 
1849 from Muscoda, ami entered land on sec- 
tions 3 and 10, town 9, range 1 west. He 
now lives on section 31, town 9, range 1 
east. 

John Mainwaring, a native of Wales, in com- 
pany with his two sons, Daniel and John, came 
here from England, in 1849. Daniel died in 
April, 1850. The son, John, bought a claim 
from John Mathews on the southeast quarter of 
section 33, and entered the land. He lived 
there two years, then returned to England. In 
1865 he came back and bought land on section 
27, where he now lives. The father settled on 
John's land, on section 33, where he lived until 



1865 when he wt'nt to live with his soli, where 
he died in 1876. 

Charles N. Kneefe, a native of Germany, 
came here in 1849 and settled on sections 14 
and 15, having entered the land previous to this 
time. He lived there for several years and is 
now a resident of Dane county. 

Alanson Hurd, a native of the State of New 
York, came at about the same time and set- 
tled on the novtliwest quarter of section 3. He 
lived there a .short time and then removed to 
the southeast (pniriir of section 10. He now 
lives in Vernon county. 

Reason Barnes, a carpenter, by trade, came 
here in 1849, but in a short time removed to 
Boaz. 

Dr. Jacob Brimer, a native of the State of 
New York, came here is 1851 and located on 
section 21. His home is now on section 2. 

John Henry Demmer, a native of Germany, 
came here from Milwaukee in 1853 and pur- 
chased a claim of Alanson Hurd on section 3. 
He entered the land from the government and 
still makes it his home. 

Peter Bobb, a native of Maryland, came here 
from Pennsylvania in 1854 and purchased land 
on section 32, where he still lives. 

Hezekiah Jones, a native of Kentucky, came 
here from Indiana, in 1854. He selected land on 
section ]0, where he still resides. 

In the spring of 1854 Abram Miller, a native 
of Kentucky, came from Indiana and bought 
land of the Joslyns, on section 10. He still oc 
cupies the place. 

Henry Wilson, a native of Butler Co., Ohio, 
came from Indiana in the spring of 1854 and 
bought land on section 9, where he still resides. 

Frederick Schmidt came from Germany in 
1854 and bought land on section 16, where he 
lived until the time of his death. 

Simon S. Blake, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came at about the same time and entered 120 
acres of land on sections 17 and 18. He erected 
a log house on the latter section, improved a 
farm and still lives here. 



1132 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



James Lewis, a native of Ohio, came in 1854 
and located on section 7, where he still resides. 

John Bobb, a native of Pennsylvania, came 
here in the spring of 1855 and bought land on 
section S'2, where he cleared a farm and erected a 
neat house and barn. When the war broke out, 
he enlisted, and died in the service. The only 
child he left, a son, now lives in Nebraska. 

John Hamilton, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came from there in the spring of 1855 and lo- 
cated in the village of Orion, where he still 
lives. 

After this time the settlement became more 
rapid, and the vacant land in the town was soon 
taken by an enterprising class of pioneers who 
have all done their share toward developing the 
natural resources of the town. Many of these 
are noticed elsewhere, so it will be unnecessary 
to make further reference to them in this con- 
nection. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first birth in the town of Orion, as well 
as the first in the eastern portion of the county, 
was that of Mary Mathews. She was born 
Nov. 13, 1843, and was a daughter of Thomas 
and Catharine Mathews. She married Sanford 
Miller, and remained in Orion for a number of 
years, then removed to the town of Forest, 
where she died in 1870. She left three chil- 
dren, two of whom are now living at Reeds- 
burg. 

The first child of German parentage born in 
the town, was Henry, a son of Henry and Caro- 
line Sigrist, born April 24, 1849. He is now 
married, and is still a resident of the town. 

The first marriage in the town was that of 
Joseph Parrish to Catharine McClellan, the 
ceremony being per-formed by J. R. Smith, a 
justice of the peace. They were a runaway 
couple from Muscoda. They lived in Orion for 
a lime, then moved to Muscoda. The husband 
finally died in the town of Eagle, where he 
had been keeping a saloon. 



One of the first deaths in the town was that 
of John Nipple, who died in about 1850. The 
remains were buried in the cemetery at Orion. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school in district No. 1 was taught 
by Mrs. David Mayfield, at her house, in 1851. 
Mrs. Alanson Hurd taught the next term of 
school. In 1853 a log house was erected on 
section 10. This school house was in use for 
several years, and was then replaced by a neat 
frame building. 

The school house in district No. 4, which is 
located on section 8, was erected in 1858. Da- 
vid Wacker was one of the first teachers in this 
building. 

The first school in district No. 5 was taught 
in 1858 by Simon S.Blake, in a frame building 
erected during the same year on tlie eastern 
part of section 19. During the war the organi- 
zation of the district was abandoned and the 
territory was attached to other districts. In 
1865 the district was re-organized and a hewn log 
school house was erected, in which Sarah Gaston 
was the first teacher. In the winter of 1881-2 
a new building was erected in which Julia 
Thompson taught the first school. 

The first school in district No. 7 was taught 
by Lucita Law during the war. .Tlie district 
had purchased a building that had been erected 
for school purposes on section 34, but there 
were then but few settlers in the neighborhood, 
and th'ey could not support a school, so the 
building was sold to district No. 7 to raise 
money to pay the teacher. The building was 
moved to the southwest quarter of section 32, 
where it was used for school purposes until 
1880, when a neat frame building was erected a 
quarter of a mile east of the old site. Ada 
Bobb was the first teacher in the present house. 
Minnie Lawrence is the present teacher. 

KBLIGIOUS. 

The first religious services in the northern 
part of the town were held in the old log school 
house on section 10, by Rev. Mr. Pryor, but no 
organization was effected at that time. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



H33 



Rev. Josiah Burlingame preached in the same 
buikUug and held protracted meetings in an 
early day. He organized a Methodist Episco- 
pal class, among the first members of which 
were: Green Mayfield and wife; Alanson Hiird 
and wife; Charles Frye and wife and David 
Mayfield and wife. Charles Frye was chosen 
class leader. For a time the class met for wor- 
sliip in a building on section 4, which belonged 
to Green Mayfield, and later in the school 
house on section 8. Revs. Hall, Cook and 
Chase were among the pastors who served the 
class. During the war some of the members 
went into the service, while others moved away 
and, for a time, meetings were discontinued. 
Some years later Rev. Brakeman re-organ izcd 
the class at a meeting held at the school house 
on section 8. The following were among the 
members who joined at that time: Simon S. 
Blake and wife, Charles Bobb, Charles Frye and 
wife, R.andolph Sandlin and wife, Andrew 
(,'rawl'ord and wife and Andrew Shane and 
wife. (Charles Bobb was chosen class leader. The 
class met for worship in the school iionse until 
1871, when they erected a hewn log church edi- 
lice on the southeast quarter of section 7. 
Among the pastors who have filled the pulpit 
for the class are: Revs. Jackson, Smith, Crouch, 
Waldron, McGinley, Sackett, Burnett, Clifton 
.and iled. The last named is the present jjastor. 

At an early day a Sabbath school of this de- 
nomination was organized at the school house 
on section 8, of which Charles Frye was the 
first superintendent. J. \V. Shane is the pres- 
ent superintendent. 

The first meetings of members of the Ger- 
man Evangelical Church were held at the house 
of Henry Sigrist, in about 1852. Rev. Riegel, 
from Sauk county, was the preacher. Rev. 
Schnake organized a class in the log school 
house, soon after it was built. Among the first 
members of the class were: Henry Sigrist and 
wife, Henry Scherman and wife, Charles Kneefe 
and wife, Fred Scherman and wife and Wil- 
liam Scherman and wife. Henry Scherman 



was the first class leader. Meetings were after- 
ward held in a vacant log house on section 3, 
which was purchased. In 1869 the frame build- 
ing which they now occupy was erected on the 
old site. Rev. Nesh is the present pastor. 

A Sabbath school was organized at an early 
day, of which Henry Scherman was the first 
superintendent and held the position for many 
years. Henry Flemme is the present superin- 
tendent. The school meets every Sunday, and 
has a large attendance. 

There is also a cemetery under the manage- 
ment of this society, which is located near the 
church. 

The German Lutheran Church was organized 
in 1857, at the Ash creek log school house, by 
Rev. Rolock. Among the first members were : 
Philip Daniel Berger and wife, Henry Demmer 
and wife, and Frederick Smith and wife. Sev- 
eral others joined soon after the organization 
vva.s eflFected, and services were held in the 
school house for a number of years. A sub- 
stantial log church, however, has been erected, 
in which services are now held. 

MILL. 

In 1848 William Thompson erected a saw- 
mill on section 2. The power was derived from 
Ash creek, and the mill was equipped with an 
old fashioned "up and down saw." Machinery 
for grinding corn was soon added. It was a 
small affair, but was a great convenience to the 
settlers in tliose days. Caleb Merris, a resident 
of (he town of Ithaca, once came to the mill to 
have some corn gruuiid, and, on his return, he 
told the neighbors that it was the "smartest" 
mill he had ever seen. He said that "as soon 
as it got through with one kernel, it would go 
right to work on another." Mr. Thompson sold 
out in 1858 to Jacob Krousko]), who erected a 
carding mill, and in 1864^ Jacob Brimer pur- 
chased the property. 

OFKirlAL MATTERS. 

The town of Orion was first called Richmond, 
the name being suggested by Thomas Mathews. 
In 1856 the name was changed to Orion. 



1134 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The first election in the town of Richmond 
was held at the house of Mathew Alexander in 
the fall of 1848. 

The town of Richmond was organized at a 
town meeting held at the house of Thomas 
Mathews in April, 1849, at which time the first 
officers of the town were elected. John R. 
Smith, Myron Whitcomb and R. J. Darnall 
were chosen inspectors of the election. The 
following officers were elected: Supervisors, 
John R. Smith, chairman, Adam Byrd and Wil- 
liam Kincaniion; clerk, John Nipple; collector, 
Stephen Finnell ; assessor, Walter B. Gage; 
superintendent of schools, Marvin White; jus- 
tices of the peace, William Thompson, E. 11. 
Dyer, B. B. Sutton and Mathew Alexander; 
constables, Nathaniel Green, William White 
and Daniel H. Byrd; overseers of the highway, 
L. B. Palmer and William White. 

At the annual town meeting held at the 
school house in district No. 1, on the 3d of 
April, 1883, W. M. Briraer, Abram Miller and 
Christopher Ford were chosen inspectors, and 
Levi Houts and William H. Dooley clerks of 
the election. The following officers were 
elected for the ensuing year: Supervisors, W. 
M. Brimer, chairman, Herman Bremmer and 
Henry Emshoff; clerk, Levi Houts; treasurer, 
W. H. Dooley; assessor, John Emshoff; jus- 
tices, W. H. Palmer and John Flamme; con- 
stables, Chris Berger, Lewis Miller and Thomas 
Owens; sealer, W. H. Palmer. At this meet- 
ing it was voted that a town house be erected, 
but no money was appropriated for the purpose. 

VILLAGE OF OBION. 

The first settlers on the plat of the village 
were John R. Smith and his son-in-law, Thomas 
Mathews; the former a native of Kentucky, 
the latter, of Tennessee. They came from 
Grant county in October, 1842, and claimed 
fraction No. 6, town 8, range 1 west; and frac- 
tion No. 5, town 8, range 1 east, entering the 
land a few years later. After they had entered 
the land they sold a half interest to Onin E. 
Barber, and they laid out the plat of the village 



of Richmond, now Orion. It was then located 
on fraction No. 5, town 8, range 1 east, and 
contained fourteen blocks of eight lots each. 
About one year later Mr. Barber sold his in- 
terest to Smith & Mathews, and shortly after- 
wards Thomas Mathews purchased his partner's 
interest and became sole proprietor. In the 
fall of 1842, Smith & Mathews started a ferry. 
The first boat was a platform on two canoes, 
and for some time the only business the ferry 
had was the transportation of hunters. When 
it was necessary to convey a team across the 
river, the horses were made to swim and the 
wagon was loaded on the boat. 

In 1843 they built a flat boat, and a nuuiber 
of years later, when travel increased, a more 
expensive boat was built by Mr. Mathews, 
which was run by horse power. He continued 
to operate the ferry until the bridge was built, 
in 1870. 

The first man to sell goods on the site of the 
village was Ephraim Dyer, who kept a small 
stock of groceries, notions and whisky; the lat- 
ter being a staple article in those days. Mr. 
Dyer had in 1849 erected a one story frame 
building for the purpose — the first store build- 
ing in the village. He remained in trade about 
one year, when he sold his building and moved 
a small portion of his goods to Highland, Iowa 
county. 

Molbry Ripley and Dr. D. L. Downs pur- 
chased the Dyer building. They made an ad- 
dition to it and put in a large stock of general 
merchandise, including groceries, dry-goods, 
hardware, crockery, glassware, drugs, and, in 
fact, everything in general use in this region at 
that time. They continued in business for a 
number of years. Dr. Downs now resides in 
Richland Center, and is probate judge of Rich- 
land county. Mr. Ripley after leaving Orion 
engaged in trade at Boaz and died there. 

The first building erected on the village plat 
was put up by Smith & Mathews in October, 
1842. It was a log building about 16x18 feet 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1135 



in size and stood on fraction No. 6. Main 
street is now located over the site. 

Tlie first frame 'dwelling lioiise in the village 
was erected by Thomas J. Dayton in 1847-8. 
He opened the first hotel in the village and 
kept it for a number of years. The building 
is still standing, having been greatly improved 
by additions, and has been run as a hotel the 
most of the time since its erection. Jefferson 
Miller is the present proprietor. 

The first blacksmith was John Nipple, who 
opened a shop in 1844. Thomas Mathews 
furnished him with a shop and the necessary 
tools. A few years later Nipple died and was 
succeeded by Thomas Palmer, who continued 
in business about two years, then sold out. 
Since that time there have been various parties 
here in this line, but at present the village is 
without a blacksmith. 

About 18.54 William Roush started a tin 
shop. He remained in business until the war 
broke out, when be enlisted, and later settled 
in Iowa. 

The first school in the village was taught by 
Mary Mclanthon (now Mrs. Joseph Elliott) in a 
log building erected for the purpose. The sec- 
ond school was taught by Levi Ilouts in the 
same building. 

The first religious services in the village 
were held at the house of Thomas Mathews, as 
early as 1845. The first preacher was Moses 
Darnell, a Baptist clergyman from Gi'ant 
county. IIo preached here but a few times and 
was followed by a Methodist preacher from 
Pedlar's Creek. The first organization was 
effected by the Methodists. 

The inhabitants of Orion wci-e at first sup- 
plied with mail from Muscoda until 1851, a 
messenger being employed to carry the mail 
au<l leave the same at Downs' it Ripley's store. 
In 1851 the postoffice was established with M. 
Ripley as postmaster. The following have 
served as postmaster since tiiat lime: Messrs. 
Roush, Byrd, Sims, Miller, Clinginsmith and 
Dawson. The latter is the present postmaster. 



The village was first named Richmond, but 
when application for the establishment of a 
postoffice was made it was found that there was 
another postoffice of that name in the State, and 
the name of Orion, which was suggested by 
Judge A. B. Slaughter, was adopted. 

PERSONAL. 

While the following personal sketches are 
not made up entirely of pioneers of this county, 
you will find among .them some of the oldest 
settlers in the county. 

Capt. John Smith was born in Kentucky, 
about 1790, and there grew to man's estate. 
While yet a young man he moved to Illinois. 
He there enlisted in the Black Hawk War and 
served as captain. He was married to Eliza- 
beth Hollidaj', who was also a native of Ken- 
tucky. He worked at his trade, which was that 
of millwright, in Illinois until 1838, when he 
moved to Wisconsin and located in Iowa coun- 
ty, and there engaged in the lead mines, re- 
maining there until 1841, then removed to 
Grant county, and settled in Muscoda, where he 
worked at his trade. He was employed on the 
first mill ever erected in Richland county, on 
Mill creek, to which county he came in 1842, 
remaining here till the time of his death, which 
occurred in 1851. He left a wife and two chil- 
dren — Catharine, the wife of Thomas Mathews, 
and Benjamin M., who now lives in the town 
of Forest. Mrs. Smith afterwards married K. 
J. Darnall, and died in the town of Forest. 

Thomas Mathews, son-in-law of J. R. Smith, 
and with him the pioneer settler of Orion, was 
born in Tennessee May 7, isu. When he was 
three years of age, his parents moved to Illinois 
and settled in Montgomery county, where 
they remained but a short time, tiien removed 
to Morgan county, and thence to McDon- 
ough county. Thus, as will i)e seen, his 
younger days were spent in a new country, 
where tiie opportunities for ac([uiring an educa- 
tion were very limited, yet such as there were 
he improved, and, being naturally studious, 
improved his evenings, which he spent at home, 



1136 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



and in that way acquired sufficient knowledge 
for practical purposes. He lived with his 
parents until 1836, then came to Wisconsin and 
worked in the lead mines in that part of Iowa 
now known as La Fayette county. He remained 
there two years, then to Platteville, Grant coun- 
ty, and engaged in mining one year, and from 
there to the Pickatonica diggings, Iowa county. 
In the year 1840 he was married to Catharine 
Smitli, and moved to Myscoda. In company 
with J. R. Smith he took a contract to build a 
dam across Mill creek for Parish Mill. They 
continued to live at Muscoda till 1842, moving 
from tiiere to Richland county, settling on the 
site of the present village of Orion, and built 
the first log cabin in the town. Their cabin, 
though an humble one, was where strangers 
ever found the ' latch string out," and many pro- 
cured food and shelter there. Mr. Mathews 
has been engaged in various enterprises. 
Among others he lias kept a hotel for several 
years. He was the first white man to go up 
Pine river in a canoe as far as the natural 
bridge. He also, in company with J. R. Smith, 
cut the first road from the Wisconsin river to 
that j)lace. 

William Dooley was one of the first explorers 
of the Pine river valley. This was in the 
sjning of 1845 and he was engaged at Galena 
by one Coles, to come to Richland county and 
assist in building a mill. At this time he was 
but eighteen years old, and was thus starting out 
in life, full of vim and energy and bout on se- 
curing if possible a fortune, or at least a com- 
petence. He was promised §18 per month for 
his services, and faithfully performed his part 
for one year, when to his dismay he found him- 
self cheated out of every dollar so lioiiestly 
earned. This was discouraging for a beginning, 
but with characteristic pluck he commenced 
work in the woods getting out lumber and raft- 
ing down the river. By this sort of persever- 
ance and with commendable economy under 
adverse circumstances, he succeeded in accu- 
mulating enough money, so that in 1848 he was 



able financially to enter some land, and at 
once sought a location, making selection on sec- 
tion 32, town 9, range 1 east, now known as 
town of Orion. He continued at work in the 
lumber regions until 1852. When Mr. Dooley 
first landed in this section of country, it was in- 
deed a wilderness, inhabited by Indians and 
wild beasts of the forest. A man's life was 
not always considered safe, particularly when 
offense had been given the "noble red man." 
On one occasion the Indians concluded to go to 
Muscoda, and stealing a "dugout" at Orion, 
crossed the river. The whites followed to the 
town and got into a quarrel with them which 
resulted in the killing of two Indians and 
wounding three others. The shooting was done 
by the McLoud boys from Richland Center. Mr. 
Dooley received information immediately con- 
cerning this unfortunate occurrence, and well 
knowing the nature of the Indian, was troubled 
as to the best course to pursue. Every settler 
except Dooley and Petty left their homes and 
went to Muscoda, remaining four or five days. 
These two parties, not knowing what moment a 
return might be made, or what time the In- 
dians might proceed to wreak vengeance by de- 
stroying life and burning property, bringing 
desolation and disaster to the settlement, were 
not in a desirable situation, yet they "held the 
fort," and came out all right. In 1849 the 
Swinehart's, Hazeltine's, Ilesler's, Hawkins and 
Waters brothers came, which made quite an 
addition to the settlement, making life more 
safe and pleasant. Mr. Dooley was married 
June 9, 1852, to Sarah, daughter of James and 
Lucinda (Calhoun) Laws, and settling on his 
land, devoted his time to clearing and faiming. 
The same season he purchased more land ad- 
joining, located on section 5, town 8, range 1 
east, which had been previously entered by 
John Nipple. He now has a large, well improved 
farm, a commodious frame house, a large frame 
barn, and is in the full enjoyment of a nice 
Lome, honestly and fairly gained. He was born 
in Madison Co., Ky., May 9, 1827. When he 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



lial 



was six years old his parents removed to Mis- 
souri, where he remained until liis eigliteenth 
year, when he went to Galena and spent two 
mouths in mining, then came to this county as 
hefore stated. Mr. Dooley is a man much re- 
spected by the communily, and liis reputation 
for honesty and integrity is second to none. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dooley are the i)arents of eight 
children — William Henry, Lucinda, Mary Ella, 
Adella A., EldredS., Ida A., Lu Etta and Gil- 
bert E. Mary Ella is now the wife of Patrick 
Fay, a teacher in the schools at Richland Center. 
All the other children are still living at home. 

David Mayfield and wife, on the 20lh day of 
June, 1845, located on the southeast quarter of 
the southeast quarter of section .3, town 9 
north, range 1 east. They had just removed from 
Platteville. The only neighbors they had on 
Ash creek at this time were William Thomp- 
son and family, but they had chosen this as their 
future home, and concluded to make the best of 
it. It being late in the season when they ar- 
rived in the county, they could not raise any 
crop but potatoes, but this was a very important 
crop to the pioneers, as it furnished them a 
goodly portion of their winter supply of food. 
In the fall of 1S45 Green Mayfield and family, 
a brother of David Mayfield, arrived frciin 
Platteville and settled wliere he now resides but 
there was no further increase in tlie settlement 
until 1S4T when the Joslin family arrived. Mr. 
Mayfield continued farming until 1883, wliei. as 
he found himself advancing into old age he sold 
liis farm of 1 64 acres for $2,500, removed to Ricii- 
land Center and retired from active life. David 
Mayfield wasbiirn near Naslivi!le,Tenn, in August 
1807. In IS] I the family removed to Indiana 
and one year later to Illinois where the motlier 
died in 1818. The subject of this sketch then 
came to Wisconsin, and Allowed mining until 
18:i4 then engageil in farmingat Platteville. In 
Is.'iV he married Martha Arterbury, she died in 
1841. lie subsequently married Almira Woods 
and bv this union five children have been born, 



two now living — Rosa, now the wife of August 
Larson and Delia Mayfield, now in Nevada. 

Green Mayfield a representative man and 
early settler of Richland county began his 
pioneer life in infancy, his parents having emi- 
grated to Illinois while he was quite young and 
when that was a new country. Here they re- 
mained but five years when they again took 
a journey westward locating in that part of the 
territory of Michigan since embraced in tlie 
State of Wis(!()nsin and in Grant county, where- 
he grew to manhood. In 1832 when he was four- 
teen years old lie enlisted in the service of the 
United States and served through the Black 
Hawk War, returned to his home at the close of 
that conflict and engaged in mining. He was 
joined in marriage with Maria Keister Aug. 0, 
1841. She was born in Posey Co., Ind., Nov. 9, 
1823. They settled near Pedlar's creek and 
engaged in mining a few months, then moved 
to Bee town at which point he followed the 
same business, his wife assisting. Mining here 
not proving a remunerative enterprise they 
soon moved and settled on a claim he had pre- 
viously made near Platteville. Here they were 
unfortunate in that both were attacked with 
fever and ague, and it took all their earnings to 
pay the doctor's bills, and lie at last sold out to 
close up. In July, 1846, he came to Richland 
county in company with his brother David, be- 
ing pleased with tiiis section of the country he 
concluded to make a settlement and returned 
for his wife. The great trouble with him was 
a lack of money, and he hardly knew which 
way to turn to make necessary arrangments, 
finally he went to a merchant with whom he was 
acquainted in Platteville told him he was going 
to Richland county and wanted enough sup- 
])lies to last him until fall when he would pay 
him with venison and honey. The merchant 
knowing him to be an honest man provided him 
with the neces.<aries of life and they started for 
a new home in Richland county, using his 
brother's team to move a few household goods, 
their only possessions. Arriving at the 



1138 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ferry kept by Mr. Mathews lie told him he 
did not have any money to pay his way 
over, "Never mind" said Mathews, " I 
will put emigrants across for nothing for we 
want this country settled." They then made 
their way to his brother David's where they 
spent the summer. He made a claim on sec- 
tion 4, did not immediately move to it; but 
made their home with this brother until the fol- 
lowing March, when having erected a small log 
cabin they moved into it on their own place. 
Meanwliile he liad been successful in his hunt- 
ing expeditions, and liad paid up his store bill, 
but as yet had no money with which to enter 
his laud; therefore he continued luinting, killed 
large numbers of deer and bear, and for them 
found a ready market at Platteville, the saddles 
of venison bringing two dollars and a half and 
the pelts from fifty cents to one dollar. He 
tanned and dressed deer skins with whicli he 
made clothing througiiout — coat, pants, cap and 
moccasins. Many incidents of thrilling inter- 
est are remembered in connection with the early 
experience here of Mr. and Mrs. Mayfield. 
Stai'ting out one day for the purpose of killing 
a deer, his dogs started a large bear which ran 
up a hill the canines in close pursuit. When on 
the summit the dogs caught and furiously at- 
tacked "old bruin," and in the ight both bear 
and dogs came rolling down the hill together. 
At the bottom foothold was again secured and 
the bear and dogs seemed bent on getting 
away. Finally they drew near where Mayfield 
was standing, and one of the dogs caught the 
bear by the ear, when lie raised up embraced the 
dog and began to hug as only a bear can. Fi- 
nally they fell to the ground, when Mr. May- 
field approached and with a knife, having 
a blade twelve inches long, stabbed the bear on 
the opposite side, when he released his hold 
and started away with the knife in his side. 
The gun was empty and there was no other 
way than to use a club, which weapon was used 
with good effect, and securing the knife cut his 
throat putting an end to his existence. This is 



one among the many similar adventures of this 
pioneer. In the course of a few years he had 
accumulated money enough to enter his land, 
when he devoted more time to clearing a farm. 
In August, 1862, he enlisted and joined com- 
pany B, 25th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 
and served until the close of the war. The 
principal battle in which he was engaged was 
at Kinston, North Carolina. While he was in 
the service of his country, his wife, assisted by 
her two daughters and a small son carried on 
the farm raising good crops. He was discharged 
with the regiment in June, 1865, and returned 
home. His industrious family, had already 
planted the farm in corn, and in the fall he 
gathered 1,500 bushels. For some years he did 
not have a team of his own and used his 
brother's. At the present time we find him 
with a well stocked farm, comfortable frame 
house, large frame barn and 4-15 acres of land, 
besides other claims. He has always been en- 
terprising, and among the first and most influ- 
ential in establishing schools and Churches. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mayfield both joined the M. E. 
Church at the time of its organization in Orion. - 
They are the parents of three children — Sarah ' 
M., now the wife of Jeff. Wilson, who lives in 
Crawford county; Maria A., now the wife of 
Joseph McMillen and Elijah (4. The latter 
was born in the town of Orion, Jan. 16, 1853, 
and was married in 18*75 to Dreatz Powells, and 
two years later settled on his present farm on 
section 9. They have three children — Cyrus L., 
Miles and one not named at this date. 

Frederick Sherman (deceased) a pioneer of 
Richland county, is a native of Germany, and 
was born upon the banks of the Rhine, May 11, 
1812. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
spending his younger days in school. On at- 
taining his majority he joined the army and 
served in the cavalry ^^our years. He came to 
America in 1848; landed in New York and 
came directly to Milwaukee and was there mar- 
ried to Carolina Banner, who was also a native 
of Germany. He immediately started with his 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1189 



bride for their new home. He purchased 
eighty acres of land and entered another eighty 
on section 9, town 9, range 1 east, now known 
as Orion. Here they endured the hardships of 
pioneer life, and lived to clear a good farm and 
build a comfortable frame house. His death 
occurred in March, 1879. Mrs. Sherman died 
in 1856, leaving three children, two of whom 
are now living— Louisa and Herman. He after- 
wards married Maria Rilling. She has one 
son — August. Herman was born in the town 
of Orion, April .30, 1852. He received a com- 
mon school education, and lived with his par- 
ents until 1870, when he enlisted in the ITth 
regiment, United States Infantry, and served 
on the frontier five years. He was in the cam- 
paign on the Big Horn river, in 1873. After his 
discharge from the service he returned home 
and resumed farming, and in 1876 was married 
to Leah Lewis, who was born in the town of 
Richland. He then settled upon his present 
farm, which is a portion of the old homestead. 
He has improved the place and built the frame 
house which tliey now occupy. Tliey have one 
child — .Jennie. 

Henry Schuerman was born in Germany, 
upon tlie banks of the Rhine, March 22, 1818. 
His younger days were spent in school, where 
he acquired a liberal education, after which he 
engaged in farming. Be came to America in 
1848, landed at New York and came directly to 
Richland county, thus becoming one of its 
pioneers. He entered a large tract of land 
there on sections 2 and 3, town 9, range l,town 
of Orion. In the spring of 1849 he went to 
Watertown and was there married to Sabilla 
Jorris, also a native of Germany, and started 
immediately with iiis bride for his new home 
in the wilderness, where he had already com- 
menced clearing. The nearest point at which 
they could obtain provisions was in Iowa 
county, and alwo the nearest mill. He was 
obliged to cross the river in going there, and 
sometimes the water would rise while he was 
upon the other side, and he would be obliged to 



wait several days before he could cross to re- 
turn home. At times the neighborhood would 
become short of breadstuff and they were 
obliged to grate corn to make it into meal. Mr. 
Schuerman was an industrious man, and cleared 
a large farm. His pioneer log cabin, which was 
sixteen feet square, he remodeled by building 
an addition to it, and weather-boarding and 
painting it, so that it has the appearance of a 
frame house. It is probably the oldest build- 
ing used for a dwelling, in the county. He 
built a frame barn, 40x60 feet, with a stone 
basement, and planted an orchard, and was one 
of the few successful fruit growers in the 
county. His death occurre'd April 26, 1877. 
Mr. and Mrs. Schuerman were the parents of 
si.x children — Katie, Annie, Eliza, Emma, 
George and Henry. Mrs. Schuerman and her 
two sons now live at the homestead. 

Henry Sigrist was a pioneer of Richland 
county, coming here in 1848. lie entered land 
on section 3, town 9, range 1 east, in what 
is now the town of Orion. He built a log cabin 
16x32 feet in which he lived till 1862, 
when he built tlie frame house in which he lives 
at present. He is a Prussian by biith, born 
Oct. 12, 1823. He attended school until fifteen 
years of age, when he engaged in a wholesale 
house to learn the business, serving two and a 
half years, at the end <if which he received a 
certificate, showing him to be a proficient clerk. 
He then secured a situation in that capacity 
at a town 200 miles distant, where he 
was employed two years, then was employed 
upon a farm two years after which he entered 
an agricultural school, which was under control 
of the government. He studied there for two 
years. In 1848 he was married to Caroline 
Sliulte, a native of Prussia, and immediately 
sailed for America, landed in New York anil 
came directly to Milwaukee. Here Mrs. Sigrist 
was taken ill. He took care of her until slie 
was convalescent and then started forth in 
search of a suitable place to locate. On reach- 
I ing Richland county, he made a selection nf land 



1140 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



and returned to Milwaukee for his wife who 
was sufficiently recovered to bear the journey, 
and they started for their new home in a wagon, 
and reached their destination at the end of five 
days. They have lived to witness a great change 
in the country. What was then i wilderness, is 
now a cultivated and prosperous neighborhood, 
occupied by an industrious and thrifty class of 
people. A good school house and church are 
close at hand. He at first built a log cab- 
in, 16x32 feet. Sept. 28, 1861, he en 
listed in the 6th Wisconsin Battery and the 
spring of 1862 went to the front. He took part 
in many of the most important engagements of 
the war. Among them were: Jackson, Cham- 
])ion Hills, Port Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, 
Missionary Ridge, and Corinth. lie was honor 
ably discharged at the expiration of the time for 
which he enlisted. During his absence his wife 
had the frame bouse, in which they now live, 
built. Mr. and Mrs. Sigrist are the parents of 
six children —Henry, Eugene, Emma, William, 
Ida and Bertha. Since coming to America 
Mr. Sigrist has learned the English language and 
by extensive reading in that, as well as his own 
language, is enabled to keep posted upon all 
subjects. 

James Laws, for many years proprietor of the 
well known Laws' ferry, was born in North 
Carolina in 1801. When he was seventeen 
years old his parents removed to Illinois, and 
were early settlers in Richland Co., III. He 
was there married to Lucinda Calhoun, who 
was born in South Carolina and was a relative 
of John C. Calhoun. Her parents moved to 
Kentucky when she was about one year old, 
and a few years later to Indiana, thence to Illi- 
nois. In 1845 Mr. Laws moved to Wisconsin 
and located in Iowa county, where he entered 
and improved land until 1849, when he traded 
it for tlie ferry he managed so long. His death 
occurred in April, 186.5, while in Illinois on a 
visit. His wife died three years later at the 
home of her daughter, Mrs. William Doo- 
ley. They were the parents of eleven children. 



six now living — Sarah, Henrietta, Ida, Gilbert 
L., Lucetta and Caroline. 

John Main waring, one of the pioneers of 
Richland county, was born in the town of Swan- 
sea, Glamorganshire, South Wales, May 28, 
1821. Here he attended the public schools un- 
til he was fourteen years of age, when his 
parents moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, where 
he was sent to an advanced school for some 
time. His father, who was a stone mason by 
trade, and master of the art, was engaged upon 
the Edinburgh, New Haven and Leith railroad, 
then in process of construction, as superintend- 
ent of the mason work, and the subject of this 
sketch was called from school to assist his fa- 
ther in his work. He was employed there for 
two years, when his parents moved to Caermar- 
tlien. South Wales, where his father, by the 
death of an uncle, had fallen heir to property, 
consisting of a stock of marble, a shop and 
tools, his uncle having been a marble engraver. 
The father carried on the marble business for 
a while, then, having a call from a railroad 
company, left the business in charge of his son, 
who continued it till he was twenty-five years 
of age. He then joined his father, who had 
taken a contract to construct a piece of rail- 
road, which they completed in 1848. In the 
spring of 1849, in company with his father and 
brother Daniel, he left hi.s native land and 
came to America, coming directly to Wiscon- 
sin and entering land on section 33, town 9, 
range 1 east, now the town of Orion. After 
remaining here two years, he returned to his 
native land and remained till 1861, being there 
employed as road master on the railroad that he 
helped to construct. In 1861 he started on his re- 
turn to his western home, crossing the Atlantic in 
the noted steamer. Great Eastern, and making 
the trip in nine days. He left England May 
1 and arrived in Orion on the 15th. He lived 
upon his land on section 33 until 1865, when he 
sold it and purchased 160 acres on section 27, 
upon which were about twenty acres of cleared 
land and a log cabin. He immediately began 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1141 



clearing and putting out fruit trees, and other- 
wise inijiroviiig. He lias heen suecessful as a 
fanner, has purchased adjoining land, and now 
has 320 acres, of which 125 are cleared. He 
has erected a frame barn and a commodious 
stone house. lie was married June 4, 1854, to 
Eliza Rees, who was born in Caermarthen, South 
Wales, Dec. 13, 1831. Nine children have been 
born to them — John, Lillian, Edward, Mary,Wil- 
liam, Thomas.Frank, George and Laura Eva. The 
older four children were born in England. Mr. 
Mainwaring is a man of intelligence, well edu- 
cated, and well informed upon all subjects. 

William Henry Dawson, the present post- 
master of Orion, was a pioneer of the town of 
Eagle, where he settled in the woods in Sep- 
tember, 1849, entering the northeast quarter of 
section 26. He was born in Switzerland Co., 
Ind., June 19, 1825. When he was four years 
of age his parents emigrated to Indiana and set- 
tled in Clinton county, where they were among 
the pioneers. Hei'e his father purchased a tract 
of heavy timber land from the Government, 
with the intention of clearing a farm, but in 
one month after his arrival there he sickened 
and died, leaving a widow with five small chil- 
dren to maintain. She proved equal to the 
emergency, and, with the aid of her children, 
raised corn, wheat, oats and flax. The latter 
she spun and wove into cloth, selling what she 
did not need in her family. The subject of 
this sketch, as soon as he became old enough, 
assisted his mother in her laborious task. He 
took advantage of the time in winter by attend- 
ing a subscription school, and acquired an edu- 
cation sufficient for the duties that have fol- 
lowed. His mother died when he was eighteen 
years of age. After that time he was engaged 
in the manufacture and sale of tobacco until 
the fall of 1849, when he was married to Sarah, 
daughter of William and Charlotte Miller. 
One week after marriage they started for their 
new home in Wisconsin with a pair of horses 
and wagon, taking with them household goods 
and provisions. They camped out by the way, 



and after arriving at their destination, lived in 
their wagon until a log cabin could be built. 
That being completed, he immediately com- 
menced clearing a farm. The following winter, 
provisions being scarce, he took a job of chop- 
ping and splitting rails, and split 2,000 for 
$10 and paid the whole sum for one-half of 
a hog, the whole hog weighing 200 pounds, 
obtained at Avoca, or the site where Avoca 
now stands. In July, 1861, be enlisted in the 
1 1th regiment, \Visconsin Volunteers, com])any 
D, and was mustered into the service as second 
lieutenant; went south and served nine months, 
-then, on account of disability caused by an at- 
tack of pleurisy, he resigned and returned 
home and resumed farming. In 1865 he came 
to Orion, bought a small stock of drugs and 
commenced mercantile business. The follow- 
ing year he was appointed postmaster, and has 
held the oflice since that time. In 1873 he 
bought a store building 24x40 feet and two 
stories high, and having an ell 18x24 feet. 
The ell is used for a dwelling. He has greatly 
increased his slock of goods, and now keeps a 
stock of general merchandise. He still owns 
his farm in Eagle, which he rents. Mrs. Sarah 
Dawson was born in Kentucky, March 24, 1823, 
and died Jan. 13, 1880. He was again married 
in June, 1881, to Sarah Rebecca, daughter of 
Peter and Margaret Bobb. 

Henry Enishoff, an early settler of Richland 
county, is a native of Germany, born in Hano- 
ver, June 26, 1826. He was sent to school until 
he was fourteen years old, then was engaged in 
tilling the soil of his native land until the year 
1852. when he emigrated to America, coming 
directly to Waukesha Co., Wis. Here he hired 
out to work upon a farm, and remained till 
1854. In August of that year he started with 
his hard earned money to seek a home for him- 
self, and coming to Richland county, purchased 
timber land on section 14, in that part of the 
town of Huena Vista now known as Ithaca. 
He then returned to Waukesha county, and was 
married on the 19th of August to Mary Handel, 



1142 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born Dec. 
7, 18.36. They started for Richland county im- 
mediately, traveling by rail to Hanover, 111., 
where they procured a team and finished their 
journey. He moved into a vacant log house, in 
which they lived till spring, then upon his own 
laud lie erected a booth, in which they lived 
while he built a log babin. He cleared a por- 
tion of his land and lived there until 1865, 
when he sold out and purchased land on sections 
14 and 15, town of Orion, where he has since 
lived. As a farmer lie has been very successful. 
On his arrival here, his sole capital consisted of 
good health and willing hands. He now owns 
400 acres of land, 150 acres of which are under 
cultivation, also a large stock of cattle, horses, 
sheep and hogs. He has built two frame barns 
and a neat frame house, and made otlier im- 
provements, and is one of the most extensive 
farmers in the town of Orion. Mr. and Mrs. 
Enishoff have six children— John H., William 
C, Emily L., Charles G., Henry A. and Matilda 
M. Mr. Emshoff is a member of the town 
bo.ard, and has been twice re-elected. Their 
son, John H., is the present town assessor. He 
was born in the town of Ithaca Dec. 11, 1857. 
His younger days were spent in assisting his 
father upon the farm and in attending school. 
He wag married in 1880 to Etta, daugliter of 
Ilezekiah and Sallie (Marsh) Jones, and settled 
at that time on his present farm on section 11. 
He has built a good frame house and has a 
pleasant home. They liave one child. 

William A. Hitchcock, son of Jason and Polly 
(Hurd) Hitchcockj was born in Boone Co., Ind., 
July 14, 1844. Wiien he was but six years old 
his father died. He came to Richland county, 
with his mother, in 1853, and here grew to man- 
hood. He lived with his grandparents, with the 
exception of one year, until 1860, when he vven-t 
to Texas and was there engaged in railroadins; 
and blacksmithing till 1866. In that year he 
was married to Zizina Edwards, who was born 
on Galveston island Oct. 3, 1846, and returned 
to Orion with his bride. They lived upon his 



grandfather's place one year, then removed to 
his mother's farm on section 8, where he built a 
blacksmith shop and worked at the trade, and 
helped to carry on the farm. In 1874 he set- 
tled on his grandfather's place and has since 
made that his home. His farm is well improved 
and he has a good frame house and barn. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hitchcock are the parents of four 
children — Nellie M., Myron L., Georgia E. and 
Jason W. 

James Lewis, an early settler of Orion, was 
born in Preble Co., *Ohio, May 9, 1820. His 
father was a native of Delaware and his mother 
of Kentucky. They were pioneers in Preble 
county. Here the subject of our sketch grew to 
manhood taking advantage of such opportunity 
as afforded in those days to acquire an education. 
His mother died when he was but fourteen years 
of age. Four years later his father married 
again and removed to Indiana, but he still re- 
mained in Preble county and was their joined in 
marriage to Anna E. Nelson. She was born in 
t^alem Co., N. J., March 14, 1824, but for sev- 
eral years lived in Philadelphia. They removed 
to Illinois and settled in Mason county where 
they remained until 1854, then came to Richland 
county and bought land on section 7, town 9, 
range 1 east, now known as the town of Orion. 
Game was at that time quiteplenty and included 
deer and bear. He was quite a hunter and 
killed many deer. One morning his two sons, 
Jolin and Joseph, went out to look for the oxen 
and run across seven bears, one of which took 
after them. Their father had told them 
that a bear could not climb a small tree and so 
they made for a sapling and both made quick 
time in climbing it. The bear came to the tree 
and gnawed the bark. The children called 
aloud for assistance but did not attract attention 
for some time as danger was not apprehended; 
but as their cries continued their mother called 
the dogs and started. At the approach of the 
dogs the bears left, the mother running up in 
season to see them in their retreat. The chil- 
dren then came down from their lofty retreat 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1143 



more scared than hurt. Mr. Lewis has since 
cleared a good farm, erected a good .set of 
hiiiliiingsaMd now lias a comfortable home. Mr. 
and Mrs. Lewis are the parents of three children 
—John M., Joseph W. and Sarah E. 

Hezekiah Jones, one of the well known early 
settlers of the town of Orion, came here in the 
fall of 1854 and purchased land on section 10 
of Carlos Joslin and his son William H. At 
this time there were two log cabins and a small 
clearing, which constituted the entire improve- 
ment. Since that time a great change has been 
wrought, a large farm has been cleared, a com- 
modious frame liouse erected, a large frame barn 
liiiilt, and at this time Mr. Jones has one of the 
best imjiroved farms in the town. He is a na- 
tive of Kentucky, born in Harrison county, 
Sept. 26, 181.5. When he was eighteen years 
old his parents emigrated to Indiana and loca- 
ted ill Boone county, where in fact his ))ioneer 
life began. His father had purchased eighty 
acres of timber land on which the}' settled, 
but only loniained there a slioit time when he 
purchased 1 tiO acres nearby and nioxcd on to it. 
He made his Imme with his jiarents until of 
age, when he was married to Sallic INIarsli, a 
native of H.inison Co., Ky. Herpaients were 
also early settlers in Boone county. They set- 
tlf<l on the land his father had first purchased. 
In ls-1'.' he sold this farm and ])urchased im- 
proved land, consisting of eighty acres, upon 
which they made tlieir home until l.S,")4, when 
he sold out and started west with five horses 
and two wagons containing their household 
goods. They camped out on the way, and after 
three weeks on the road arrived in Richland 
county. They stopped with Robert Ilurd a few 
days and then moverl into a log cabin which 
was tlieir home for a number of years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Jones are the parents of thirteen chil- 
dren, eight of wliom are now living — Eliza J., 
Louisa A., Lorinda M., Martha E., Mary E., Me- 
lissa A., William Jasper and Jonathan P. Mr. 
Jones is not a politician in any sense, but votes 



the republican ticket when, in his judgment, 
good men are nominated. 

Abram Miller, an early settler of Orion, be- 
gan his pioneer life in infancy. When he was 
but one year old his parents moved to Marion 
Co., Ind., where they were among the pioneers. 
Here his early life was spent, and as soon as 
large enough, he assisted his father in clearing 
a farm. He lived with his parents until 1854 
when he came to Wisconsin to seek a home, 
and purchased land on section 10, town 0, range 
1 east, now in the town of Orion. He com- 
menced immediately to fell timber preparatory 
to clearing a farm. He was unmarried at the 
time, but in 1856 he was married to Louisa A., 
daughter of Hezekiah and Sallie (Marsh) Jones. 
He enlisted in 1862 in the 25th Wisconsin, 
company B, and went to tlie front, participating 
in many important battles. He was with Sher- 
man in his "march to the sea," and through the 
the Carolinas to Washington. lie was twice 
wounded at the battle of Atlanta, on the 22d 
of July, lS64,and was honorably discharged with 
the ngiment, June 7, 1865, when he returned 
to liis home and resumed his work at farming. 
An humble log cabin was their homo until 1871, 
when he built the commodious frame house 
now occupied by the family. He has been 
largely engaged in raising grain and stock. In 
1883 he engaged largely in raising poultry, 
building a henery at a cost of $500 and 
cnc'osing a yard of four acres. Mr. and 
l\[rs Miller have four children — Martha J., 
Mary E., Elizabeth A. and Emma L. Mr. 
Miller always has been identified with the re- 
publican party. 

Simon S. Blake, an early settler in the town 
of Orion, is a native of the Keystone State, hav- 
ing been born in that part of Bedford now 
known as Blair county. Until he was fourteen 
years old, his time was spent in school and on 
the farm. He then engaged with a merchant 
tailor to learn the trade, here he served three 
months, then part of the time went to school 
and part of the time worked with his brother at 



69 



1144 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



the blacksmith business until about seventeen, 
then enlisted in the service of the United States 
for the Mexican war. His parents was opposed to 
this and as their consent could not be obtained 
he was sent back. He then engaged with his 
cousin to learn the trade of ax-raaking and was 
thus enployed until twenty-one years old, when 
he engaged in teaching. In the fall of 1852 he 
went to Ohio and spent the winter in Irotilon 
and vicinity, then went to Arkansas and engaged 
in the lumbering business for seven months, 
and then returned to Pennsylvania, and taught a 
four months term of school during the winter. 
In the spring of 1854 he came to Richland 
county and entered 120 acres of land on sections 
17 and 18 of the town of Orion, and went to 
the village of Orion where he engaged as clerk 
in a store. He was married Jan. 18, 1855, to 
Mary Ambrose. She was born in Westmoreland 
Co., Penn. He left the store in the fall of 1855, 
teaching a three months school at Pleasant Hill, 
town of Eagle. The following spring they set- 
tled on his land and commenced to clear a farm. 
He early paid attention to fruit culture and 
now has a fine apple orchard, consisting of 
Tolman sweets, Golden russetts, Snow a]>plcs 
and Red Astrachan. His farm is pleasantly lo- 
cated on Oak Ridge, and is will improved. He 
was a soldier in the Union army, having enlisted 
Aug. 20, 1862, in the 25th Wisconsin, company 
B, atid going south spent his time in different 
places until May, 1864, when they joined Sher- 
man at Resaca, Ga., and fought their way 
on to Atlanta. He was severely wounded at 
Decatur, Ga., the 22d of July 1864, was 
sent to the field hospital and later to the Har- 
vey hospital at Madison. He was discharged 
March 20, 1865, and returned home. He has been 
elected to offices of trust and honor, at different 
times; has been chairman of the board, justice 
of the peace and was once elected assessor but 
refused to serve. He was United States census 
enumerator for the town of Orion in 1880. 

John Miller settled in Ric-hland county in 
1854. He took a homestead on section 31, town 



10, range 1 east, in the present town of Rich- 
land. Here he cleared a farm and resided till 
1874, when he sold out and moved to section 5, 
now Orion. He is a native of Germany, born 
in Mecklenburg Swerin, and was reared to agri- 
cultural pursuits. He came to America in 1847 
and located in Waukesha county, where he re- 
mained till 1854, when he came to Richland 
county, as before stated. He has been twice 
married. His first wife was Helena Bonsash, 
who died in 1874 leaving three children — Mary, 
Lewis and Sarah. Their son, Lewis, now owns 
and occupies a farm in Ash creek valley, sec- 
tion 6, town of Orion. He purchased the land 
in 1866. It was then heavily timbered, but he 
has now the greater part of it cleared and in a 
good state of cultivation. He built a large 
frame house which, with all its contents was 
burned in 1877. He then built amitlier, two 
and a half story frame house, which is probably 
the largest house in the town. The family 
moved into this house July 4, 1878, and dedi- 
cated it with a party on that day. He was born 
in Mecklenburg Swein, April 18, 1841, and came 
to America with liis parents, with whom he made 
his home until 1861. In August of that year he 
enlisted in the 6th Wisconsin Battery, and went 
south. He participated in the following en- 
gagements: Corinth, Jackson, Champion Hills, 
Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Jloun- 
tain. After serving three years and one month 
he returned home and resumed farming. He 
was joined in marri.age in 1867 to Catharine, 
only daughter of John Henry and Eva Dem- 
mer. He first purchased land on section .31, of 
the town of Richland, but did not improve it as 
he soon sold it and bought his present farm, 
which is one of tlie best on Ash creek. Mr. and 
Mrs. Miller are the parents of seven living 
children— Mary A. E., George F., Dora E., Clara 
H., William H., Ella M. and Jacob W. 

Frederick C. Schmidt (deceased), was one of 
the pioneer settlers of Orion. He came here 
in 1S54 and purchased land on section 16, and 
commenced clearing a farm, but his life was 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1U5 



spared only a few years and he died on the 19tli 
of April, 1860. He was a German by birtli 
and was i-eared to agricultural pursuits. In bis 
youth be learned the milling trade, which he 
followed for some years. He was married Feb. 
13, 1835, to Chri.stina Kruger. Four children 
have blessed this union — Frederick C, August, 
Annie and Emily. Mrs. Schmidt occupied the 
homestead a few years, then moved to Rich- 
land Center where she bought property, and 
lived till the time of her death, May 28, 1883. 

John Henry Denimer, a pioneer of Ohio, was 
born in^Germany in May, 1808. When a young 
man he learned the trade of ship builder, in 
which business he was engaged until 184S, 
when he left his native country and came to the 
United States. He first located in Milwaukee 
where he was employed as carpenter and joiner. 
In 1853 he came to Richland county and pur- 
chased a claim of Alanson Hurd on section 3, 
entered the land and immediately began clear- 
ing. He has since devoted the greater part ol 
his time to iiis farm, working occasionally al 
his trade. He was married in 1833 to Eva Kn- 
gleman. Slio died m 1870 leaving fivechildreii 
— Herman, Frederick, Catharine, Jolm and 
Jacob. Their oldest son, Herman, was boin 
Nov. 14, IS35, and came t© America with his 
parents and continued to live with them till 
1861. That year he was joined in marriage to 
Annie, daughter of Frederick and Christiana 
Schmidt. He enlisted in September, 1861, in the 
6th Wisconsin Battery, and served three years 
and one month. He participated in the following 
engagements: Corinth, Raymond, Jackson, 
Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge 
and Lookout Mnuntain. After liis discharge he 
returned iionie ami settled on section 1 7, w here 
he had purchased a tract of timber land. He 
cleared a farm and built a log house, which he 
weather-boarded and painted, giving it the ap- 
pearance of a frame lii>use. In 1882 he rented 
this farm and moved to his wife's parent's home 
on section IG, the place formerly owned by 
Frederick C. Schmidt. Here he erected a fine ! 



frame house. Mr. and Mrs. Demraer are the 
parents of five children — Emma, Henry, Frank 
A., Mary and Ada. Mr. Demmer has held the 
office of treasurer in his school district since 
J 867. 

Pliilip Daniel Bergcr, one of the early set- 
tlers of Orion, was born in West Baden, Ger- 
many, Aug. 24, 1815. He was united in mar- 
riage with Catharine Elizabeth Miller, in the 
year 1828. In 1848 they emigrated to 'America, 
and first settled in Wyoming Co., N. Y., and 
bought a farm in the town of Bennington, 
where they remained two years and then de- 
cided to remove farther west, so he sold his 
farm and came to Wisconsin, locating on Rock 
prairie, in Rock county. In 1855 he decided to 
make another change, and coming to Orion 
purchased land on section 10. On this place 
there was a log cabin, constructed after the most 
approved back woods fashion. The roof was 
covered with "shakes" fasteneil on with poles 
and withes, no nails being used. He cleared a 
farm and built a more substantial dwelling, and 
ni.ade this his home until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1871. Mrs. Berger died in 1867. 
They left seven children — William, Phebe, 
Christian, Sopliia, Henry, Mary and Margaret. 
William was born in West Baden, June 14, 1829. 
He came to America with his parents and made 
his home with them until 1860. In that year 
he was married to Euphemia Laing, a native of 
Scotland, and settled on land that he had pre- 
viously purchased and where he has since re- 
sided. He has good frame buildings, including 
house, barn and granary. Christian also was 
born in West Baden, May 22, IS'^O. He was sent 
to school in Germany four years, and at nine 
years of age came to America with his parents, 
with whom he lived till 1861, when he enlisted 
September 9th, in the 6th Wisconsin Battery, 
which was stationed at Racine until February, 
1862, when it moved south. Among the more im- 
portant engagements in which he participated are 
the following: Riddle's Shop, Champion Hills, 
siege of Corinth and Vicksburg. At the siege 



1146 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



of Corinth lie was severely wounded in the 
knee and spent nearly six months in the hos- 
pital. He rejoined the regiment at Memphis. 
He was again wounded at Vicksburg, and in 
consequence suffered the amputation of his left 
arm and the thumb of his right hand. He was 
honorably discharged on the 29th of August, 
1863, and returned home. In 1865 he was 
married to Elizabeth Brewer, a native of High- 
gate, Vt. Although unable to perform any 
manual labor, Mr. Berger has carefully and 
successfully managed the farm, and now has 
one of the finest improved places in the county. 
It is the homestead where his father first set- 
tled. He has built a nice frame house and a 
large frame barn. They have one child — Letha 
Annie. Christian Berger politically belongs to 
the democratic party. 

John Flamme came to Orion in ISoV. He 
purchased a tract of land on section 3, upon 
which there was a small clearing and a rude 
log cabin. Since that time he has cleared a 
large farm and erected a neat stone house and 
now has a comfortable home, lie is a native 
of Prussia, born Feb. 3, 1SJ3. He attended 
school until he was twelve years old, and w,as 
then apprenticed to a blacksmith to learn the 
trade; after serving three years he worked as 
journeyman till 18^2, when he left the old 
country and came to America, and first located 
in Naperville, Hi., where he worked at his trade 
till 1857, when became to Ricliland county. He 
was married in 1844 to Elizabeth Rassmiller. 
They have five children living — Henry, Gertie, 
Daniel, Mary and Eliza. Henry was born in 
Prussia, March 4, 1849. While a boy he at- 
tended the district school and assisted his 



father in clearing his farm. When a young 
man he learned the carpenter trade, living with 
his parents until 1872, when he went to Ne- 
braska, and worked at his trade for two years, 
then returned to Richland county. He was 
joined in marriage June 12, 1878, to Bertha 
Groth, and settled on the farm where he still 
resides, on section 2. From that time until 
1883 he divided his time between the farm and 
his trade. Since that date he has devoted 
his whole time to the farm. Mr. and Mrs. 
Flamme have two children — Charles and Lydia 
Amelia. 

Christian Burwitz is a native of Germany, 
born in Mecklenburg Swerin, May 20, 1829. He 
spent the time until the age of fourteen in at- 
tending school, and then assisted his father in 
herding his large flocks of cattle and sheep, 
which he continued to do until the year 1857, 
when he left his native home and came to 
America, landed at New York and came 
directly to Wisconsin and engaged in farming 
in Waukesha county for two years. He then 
moved to Milwaukee and bought stock two 
years, then returned to Waukesha and resumed 
farming. In March, 1865, he enlisted in com- 
pany I, 48th Wisconsin Volunteers and went 
south. He was discharged in February, 1866, 
returned home and remained in Wau- 
kesha until the following April, when lie 
came to Richland county. He was married in 
1858 to Mary Niles, also a native of Mecklen- 
burg. They have one child — Richard. Mr. 
Burwitz's farm is pleasantly located in Ash 
creek valley. He has comfortable buildings 
and altogether a pleasant home, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1147 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



TOWN OF RICHLAND. 



The town of Riohlaiid is all of that territory 
comprised within the limits of congressional 
township 10 north, of range 1 east, and is the 
second from the east line of the county, in the 
second tier from the south. Like the greater 
part of the county, the general physical features 
are high bluffs and wide valleys; the central 
part of the town being a beautiful long flit 
vale, lying on both sides of the Pine river. 
Tiie extreme fertility of this and the contigu- 
ous valleys, early induced settlers to locate 
within its limits. The first man who made a 
settlement within its boundaries was a Mr. 
Bacon, who located his farm on the northeast 
quarter of section 20. Here he erected his 
primitive cabin, built of logs from the giants of 
the forest, who had waved their leafy arms in 
the face of the storms of centuries, and that 
had stood in serried v^inks aroiin<l the site of 
bis humble abode. This cabin stood on the 
west side of the Pine river, near a spring of 
water, about a half mile southwest of the pres- 
etit court house. This was jn the summer of 
1848. 

Mr. Bacon and his wife were from Massa- 
chusetts or New HampshiVc, and were seem- 
ingly out of their element in the new country, 
among the hills and forests of Richland county. 
During their stay, some four years, their cabin 
was the stopping place of those hardy pioneers 
and emigrants passing up and down the river, 
then the only highway to the settlements on 
the Wisconsin river. They were the only .set- 
tlers between the Rockbridge mills and Ash 
creek, and they seemed always glad to enter- 



tain their visitors and guests. They were peo^ 
pie of considerably higii culture, and their good 
cheer, together with the violin, which Mr. 
Bacon handled with some skill, made their 
cabin a pleasant resting place for the weary 
traveler upon the way from the mill to the 
river. The Pine river men of that day will 
bear them in remembrance with much pleasure, 
and no doubt often think of tliem, when tak- 
ing a retrospect of their lives. Mr. Bacon and 
his wife, however, being unaccustoned to front- 
ier life, became restless, and finally after a stay 
of about four years he sold out their claim to 
Robert Akan, and returned to their native State 
and Richland county knew them no more. 

Elisha Bovee was the second settler in the 
town. A sketch of his life appears elsewhere 
in this volume. 

A Mr. IVIuderis was apparently the next set- 
tler in the town, he having located on section 
8, near the spring on the west side of Pine 
river, about 184!). His cabin stood about a 
mile and a half north of what is now the busi- 
ness portion of the village of Richland Onter. 
He had a wife and several children, and here he 
resided with them for about two years, when 
he, too, became dissatisfied and moved on west- 
ward. 

In 1850 William Farlin and his wife made a 
settlement in the town of Richland, but in what 
part is not now accessible. 

In 1850 James Blundell, Richard McMahan 
and Luman Thompson also located claims in 
the town, and in May, 1851, John Waddell set- 
tled upon the northeast quarter of section 5. 



1148 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The latter gentlemen hail come into the county 
the previous year, J 850, in October, but had 
stopped temporarily, at or near the site of the 
present village of Richland City. He relates 
that his only earthly pos.sessions when he landed 
in this "neck of woods" was "seven children, 
a cow and calf, two pigs, a dog and twenty-five 
cents in silver." However he settled himself 
down and proceeded to hew out for liimself an 
abiding place. He was a native of West Vir- 
ginia, where he was born Feb. 23, 1811, but 
from a child of three years of age was raised 
in the State of Ohio. His endeavors toward 
providing himself and family with a home 
were crowned with success, and he yet lives 
upon the land on which he first located on his 
entrance into the town, a monument of the 
sturdy avant coureur of civilization, the western 
pioneer, who, with his ax in his hand and 
backed with no wealth but royal good health 
and indomitable courage, plunges into the 
western wilds and there conquers out the 
family roof tree and form the refuge and stay 
of his old age. After Mr. Waddell, the settle- 
ments were so numerous that it would be im- 
possible to individualize. 

During the fall of 1861 James Cass built a 
saw-mill on the site of the present one owned 
by W. J. Bowen, on section 4. A little settle- 
ment sprung up around, and in the early part 
of the year 1854 a postoffice was established 
here, the first within the limits of the town, 
and called Florence, and of which Mr. Cass 
was the first postmaster. 

The population having by this time increased 
to such a number as to warrant such action, the 
board of supervisors of the county, by a reso- 
lution passed Nov. 15, 1852, ordered that the 
town of Richland be set off and organized as a 
separate township and election precinct. In 
accordance with this, the first election for town- 
ship officers was lield April 22, 1853, from which 
date may be dated the organization of the town. 
The officers elected at this time were : Asa G. 
Slieldon, chairman, David Bovee and Ira An- 



drews, supervisors; John McManus, town clerk; 
Cornelius McCarthy, town treasurer ; Hascal 
Haseltine, town superintendent of schools. 

The election board was composed of the fol- 
lowing gentlemen: Ira Andrews, John Wad- 
dell and Durfee Bovee. 

After the announcement of the result of the 
election and the people had had time to settle 
after the arduous duties of election day, the new 
town officers came together, and among other 
ordinances passed, was one on ways and means, 
levying a tax of seven mills on the dollar, to 
be devoted to road purposes ; this was the first 
act of the new board and was passed by them 
at their very first meeting. In May, 1853, the 
town board, feeling the need of controlling the 
sale of intoxicating liquors, granted a license 
to S. II. Austin, of Richland Center, allowing 
him to deal in the ardent spirts, but not permit- 
ting any other to do so williin the town limits. 

The first saw-mill erected in the town is 
believed to be that one erected by James Cass, 
in 1851, as no record exists of any prior to 
that date. 

Among the first thing to be established by 
our forefathers, when planting their infant 
colonies in these western wilds, was the scliool 
house, and, as early astlie summei- of 185 1, an 
institution of learning was opeiied in a room in 
the dwelling house of Mr. BluiKlell,on what is 
now known as the Elisha Bovee farm. This 
school was taught by Margaret Gillam, now 
Mrs. William II. Joslin, of Richland Center, 
and was the first in. the town. 

The present officers of the town weie elected 
April 3, 1883, and are as follows: B. C. Hallin, 
R. A. Ross and W. B. Brown, supervisors; 
Kirk W. Eastland, clerk; Samuel C. Hyatt, 
treasurer; J. L. McKee, assessor; John Wal- 
worth and Richard Davis, justices of the peace; 
J. W. Liek, W. F. Fogo and Charles Hole, con- 
stables; Jesse G. Bunell, sealer of weights and 
measures. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1149 



DISCirLE CIIURCU. 

In about 1855 Elder Searholt, of Reedsburg, 
Sauk county, organized a society at what was 
then known as the log school house, near Wil- 
liam II. Miller's residence. The first regular 
])astor of tills society was Rev. Gray, and the 
following named were among the first mem- 
bers: James Snyder and family, W. II. Miller 
and family, Mrs. Marks and family, Campbell 
Miller and family and Thomas Snyder and 
wife. Rev. Gray was in turn succeeded by 
Revs. Martin, Colton, Hamilton, Ilurd and 
Kid<l, who is the ])resent pastor. The society 
held its meetings at school houses until they 
erected their present church edifice, located on 
section 27. It is a wooden structure, 30x45 feet 
in size, and cost §1,200. The society has been 
prosperous, and at one time its membership was 
nearly 100. The present membership is about 
seventy-five. There is also a good Sabbath 
school kept up by the society. 

There is a cemetery located near the church. 
The ground occupied by it was donated for 
burial purposes by Hiram Welton. The first 
body interred here was Hiram Welton, who do- 
nated the land. 

BOWES'.S MILLS. 

These mills comprise one of the most impor- 
tant of Richland county's industrial enterprises. 
The mills are located on section 4, the power 
being derived from Pine river. The projjcrty 
was first purchased by R. C. Field, but a man 
named Dart had a claim on tlie same. Neither 
of tljese men, however, made any improvements. 
In the fall of 1851 the property was purcliased 
by James M. Casa and George Pound. They 
improved the water power and in iss:) had a 
saw-mill in operation. Mr. Cass then became 
sole ])roprietor, and in 1854 sold to William J. 
Bowcn for #.•3,100, which amount was paid in 
gold. Mr. Howen soon associated himself with 
his brother, F. P. Bowen, and in 1855 the sash 
saw was taken out and a rotary saw put in. 
This was the first saw of this kind in the 
county. They also added a feed mill. In 1858 



F. P. Bowen withdrew from the business, but 
in 1807 re-purchased a half interest, and they 
then erected the flour mill. It is a wooden 
structure, 30x50 feet in size, two and a half 
stories high, and basement. Three run of stone 
have been placed in the mill, and it does cus- 
tom work. In 1872 W. J. Bowun again became 
sole proprietor, and has since operated the mill 
alone. 

RICHLAND CE.»JTEK. 

This is the shire town of Richland county. 
It is situated not far from the center of the 
county, on sections 10 and 21, in the town of 
Richlaiul, on the east bank of Pine river. The 
Richland center branch of the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee & St. Paul railway connects the village 
with centers of commerce and aflFords excellent 
ni.irketing facilities. The town is surrounded 
by some of the finest and most productive agri- 
cultural and stock raising lauds in the southern 
part of the State, which is a guarantee of a perma- 
nent and ever-increasing trade. By all who have 
ever visited the i>lace it is remarked as being an 
extraordinary business ]>oint, the streets being 
always crowded and the merchants ever busy. 
Besides other advantages, the Pine river, on 
the banks of which the town rests, furnishes a 
most excellent water power, which although 
improved to a considerable extent, has not been 
fnUv utilized. There are many substantial 
brick buildings to be seen u|)on the main thor- 
oughfares, and tlic village site is dotted with 
many elegant dwellings, many of them costly 
.and of considerable .architectural pretensions. 
'I'here are several neat church edifices, and a 
sufficient number of buildings for educational 
])urposcs, an<l county business. An "abundnnce 
of shade trees adorn the streets and with the 
natural groves, in which each residence is em- 
bf)wered, add greatly to the beauty of the pl.ace. 
The location is exceedingly healthy, and the 
society is of the most refined and desirable 
character. 

THE BEOINNING. 

During the month of July, 18-19, Ira S. Ila- 
zeltine and his father, Orrin Hazeltine, arrived 



1150 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



at Sextonville,and on horseback continued their 
journey to Rockbridge. The country was then 
unsettled and entirely roadless ; but by the use 
of a small pocket compass they found their 
destination. Here they found a saw-mill which 
had been erected on the northwest quarter of 
section 10. This quarter section was the only 
land that had been entered within the limits 
now comprisina; the town of Rockbridge. The 
Hazeltines purchased the saw-mill, and then 
leaving their horses at the mill, by means of a 
slab raft they floated down Pine river in search 
of water powers. They soon arrived at the 
point just west of the present site of Richland 
Center. They were well pleased with tlie 
water privilege at this place, and also the 
prairie near by, and decided that this would be 
an excellent place for the site of a future city. 
In October, 1849, Orrin Hazeltine brought his 
family from Black Earth, and Ira S. brought 
his family from Waukesha ; both families set- 
tling at Rockbridge. They were accompanied 
by Luman Thompson and Henry Smith, with 
their families ; the "men folks" intending to 
work at the mill. In the spring of 1850 Ira S. 
Hazeltine, leaving his father at the mill, took 
his wife and babe and visited friends in the 
eastern part of the State. Sometime during the 
same year Ira, in company with two brothers, 
went to view the water power they had discov- 
ered in the present town of Richland. Tliey 
viewed the place from the hill side west of the 
present mills, and after Ira had portrayed the 
beauties of the small prairie, the value of the 
water power, and other natural advantages, and 
the probability that at no far distant day a flour- 
ishing village could here be built, which, from 
the fact that it was near the geographical center 
of the county, would become the county seat, 
he requested his brothers to purchase the land 
from the government. But his brothers re- 
plied : "Ira, you are so fanatical; this country 
is so rough that it cannot be settled, and there 
can never be a town at this point." "Well," 
answered Ira, "If you are afraid, I will take it 



up and play it alone." Accordingly I. S. Hazel- 
tine soon afterward purchased of the govern- 
ment a quarter section of land at this point. In 
June, 185], he employed R. C. Field to survey 
the land into lots and blocks. 

Thus were the initial steps toward the found- 
ing of Richland Center made. In 185-3, School- 
craft's addition to the village was laid out, em- 
bracing all of section 16. Ira S. Hazeltine 
made an addition in 1856. Orrin Hazeltine 
made an addition later, embracing all that por- 
tion of the village lying south of the court 
house square. 

Prior to the platting of the village a "session 
law" had been passed defining the boundaries 
and authorizing the organization of Richland 
county, and providing further that at the gen- 
eral election held in November, 1851, the votes 
of the people should determine the location of 
the county seat. At this time the county busi- 
ness was being transacted at Richmond, now 
Orion. There were four voting precincts in 
the county — Richmond, Richland City, Rich- 
wood and Rockbridge. The number of votes 
polled at Ricliland City on the county seat 
question was 108; of which 103 were in favor 
of Richland Center and five scattering. At 
Richwood there were forty-eight votes polled, 
twenty-four being for Richland Center and 
twenty-four for Richmond; at Rockbridge six- 
teen votes were polled, all being in favor of 
Richland Center. The number of votes cast at 
Richmond is unknown; but it is claimed that 
in the whole county Richland Center received 
a majority of forty-eight votes. But here arose 
a difficulty. The session law provided that the 
place receiving a majority of the votes should 
be declared the county seat; but it did not state 
who should canvass the votes. However, John 
Rutan, clerk of tlie board of supervisors, by 
virtue of his oflice, called to his assistance two 
justices of the peace as canvassers, choosing A. 
B. Slaughter, of Richmond and O. L. Britton, 
who resided near Sextonville. These gentle- 
men met, and after receiving the returns from 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1151 



the various precincts, canvassed the vote and 
made the following report : 

" We have received the election returns of 
the different precincts — Ricliinond, Richland 
City, Rich wood and Rockbridge — and they are 
so informal, both in form and substance, that 
we cannot ascertain the true will of the peojile, 
and we hereby declare that there was no elec- 
tion hold pursuant to law." 

Such a report as tliis. as will be readily seen, 
did not please Mr. Hazeltine, so he requested 
John Rutan to get the returns from A. 13 
Slaughter and bring them to his residence, 
wliich he did. Mr. Ilazeitino copied the re- 
turns and report of the board of canvassers in 
full, and had John Price, chairman, and John 
Rutan, clerk of the board of supervisors, certi- 
fy that his copies were true and correct 
copies of the originals. Mr. Hazeltine then 
went to Madison and left his certified copies 
with William A. Barstow, secretary of State. 
These were presented to the State board of can- 
vassers, with a request that they make a state- 
ment of the result, whicii they did. This state- 
ment was presented to the Legislature, and an 
act was passed, entitled "An act to declare the 
county seat of Richland county." That became 
a law and Richland Center became the county 
seat. But the county supervisors, four in num- 
ber, were divided in their opinion and only two 
could be persuaded to meet at Richland Center. 
As three was necessary for a (pioruni, no busi- 
ness could be transacted until a constable was 
sent after a third supervisor. After some delay, 
however, they all met and after viewing tiie lo- 
cation expressed themselves as highly pleased, 
and said the place liad heen misrepresented to 
them as a frog pond. 

Before going to Madison, Mr. Hazeltine had 
made the jjrojjosition to the people that on con- 
dition that the county seat was located at Rich- 
land Center, he would deed to the county twen- 
ty-four village lots; twelve to be selected by the 
county and the remainder by himself. The 
county selected block 14, and the east half 



of block 1'5. Mr. Hazeltine selected for the 
county twelve lots west of the mill pond. 
He also agreed to furnish a building for a 
court house for five years, and let the county 
have the use of the hotel, in compliance with 
his proposition. 

Thus the county seat question was settled, 
and, although for a time some sliow of bitter 
feeling and envy was apjiarent, this lias all 
died out long, long years ago, and to-day, all 
concede that the location could not liave been 
better. 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. 

The first store opened on the village plat was 
by S. II. Austin. He opened a stock of general 
merchandise in 1854 and remained in the trade 
about ton years. He was a good business man 
and was very successful. 

In the fall of 1854 Charles Nelson started the 
second general store in the village, and remained 
in trade about two years. 

The third store was started by A. II. Ilolden 
in the summer of 1855. 

In the fall of 1855 G. H. James opened a gen- 
eral store which he ran for several years. 

In 1856 Short <fc Downs opened a general 
store. They soon dissolved partnership and 
Short carried on the business for a time ; then 
sold to August Smith. Mr. Short died shortly 
afterward. 

The first business of any magnitude at Rich- 
lad Center was established by J. W. Lybrand 
and J. L. McKee. They opened up in May, 
1857, with a stock of general merchandise val- 
ued at §4,500, which was soon increased to 
-$0,000. In 1859 tbey commenced dealing in 
ginseng, paying for the same with cash and 
goods. During the year 1850 they purchased 
upwards of 30,000 pounds. In 1800 Mr. McKee 
withdrew from the firm and Mr. Lybrand was 
joined in trade by his sou, G. D. Lybrand. In 
1801 G. D. Lybrand withdrew and J. W. Ly- 
brand became sole proprietor. His stock of 
goods was increased to upwards of ?!40,0(i0, and 
he did quite a wholesale business, su]. plying 



1152 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



most of the country stores in the northern part 
of the county. Late in 18G3 he sold to George 
and A. H. Krouskop. Tliis firm carried on the 
business a few years when A. H. Krousko]) sold 
to George Krouskop, but soon afterward pur- 
chased tlie business and carried it on alone for a 
number of years. Charles Craig is his present 
partner. 

J. J. Shumaker started a mammoth store in 
18.57. He had purchased the goods on credit 
and after remainitig to take charge of consider- 
able money lie fled to Kansas. 

The first hardware store was established in 
1850. The business was carried on until 1868 
when it was closed out. 

The second hardware store was opened in 
1862 by G. H. James & Co. The firm after- 
ward became James Brothers, and in Novem- 
ber, 1881, D. G. James became sole ftroprietor 
and still continues the business. 

D. O. Chandler established business in 1867- 
and Strang & Doudna have been in the hard, 
ware business since 1878. 

The first drug store in Richland Center was 
opened by L. D. Gage. In 1858 he was suc- 
ceeded by Dr. H. C. Priest who sold to Caleb 
Waggoner. In 1859 F. P. Bowen purchased the 
business and sold to D. L. Downs in 1861. In 
1805 Mr. Bowen re-purchased a half interest 
and the business was carried on under the firm 
name of D. L. Downs & Co., until 1879 when F. 
P. Bowen became sole proprietor. In October, 
1879, Mr. Bowen became associated with H. B. 
Allen, as partner, and in March, 1883, Mr. Allen 
became.sole proprietor. 

The drug business of Burnbam & Burn ham 
was established in 1874 by O. J. and W. A. 
Burnl)am. In October, 1881, W. A. Burn ham 
withdrew from the business and in March, 1883, 
J. W. Burnham became a partner, since which 
time tlie firm has been Curnham & Burnham. 

Tlie drug business of I. A. Cleveland was es- 
tablished by him in May, 1881. 

Dr. J. Brimer tfc Sons have been engaged in 
the drug business since 1873. 



The first millinery business was established 
by Mrs. D. Rice in 1850. The receipts for the 
first two weeks were just ten cents. But Mrs. 
Rice did not despair and her trade soon increased 
to such an extent that in 1867 her jiurchases 
amounted to $5,000. She continued in business 
until 1882. 

Tlie first wagon shop was opened in 1856 by 
O. H. Northrup, who put up tlie first wagon 
made at Richland Center. 

Daniel Rice was the first man to export live 
stock from Richland Center. He commenced 
dealing in live stock in 1856, and continued for 
about four years. 

The abstract books of Richland county were 
commenced in 1858 by L. D. Gage and A. 
Nudd. Mr. Gage afterward owned them alone 
until 1864 when he sold to Smith & Laws. In 
1873 they were purchased by W. H. Pier, who 
still owns them. 

The first tannery was built in 1857 by Jedu- 
than Jones. Mr. Jones sold to other parties 
and it was operated about six years when it was 
destroyed by fire. 

The second tannery at Richland Center was 
erected in 1860 by D. L. Downs and H. W. 
Fries. In 1862 Mr. Downs sold his interest to 
F. P. Bowen and subsequently H. W. Fries be- 
came sole proprietor. In about 1867 Mr. Fries 
sold to his sons, A. S. and J. C. Fries, 
who operated the tannery until 1876, when it 
was destroyed by fire. In 1877 J. C. Fries re- 
built, and in 1 882 he became associated with L. 
E. Brewer as partner. The firm is now Fries & 
Brewer, and their business is the largest of the 
kind in the county. 

The first cabinet shop at Richland Center was 
opened in 1858, by William Wilson. After a 
time A. L. Wilson purchased an interest, and 
the firm was finally succeeded by William 
Hill and A. L. Wilson. In 1884 there were 
three furniture stores and cabinet shops in Rich- 
land Center. Henry Toms established his busi- 
ness in 1865; August Larson in 1880; and the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1153 



business of Dove Brolliers was started in 18S1 
by E. A. Dove and J. A. Logan. 

Pratt Brothers, in 1878, established their busi- 
ness of house, sign and carri.age painting, paper 
hanging, etc. Tliej' also keep for sale, paints, 
oils, glass and wall paper. 

William H. Downs established an ashery in 
1857-8, and operated it successfully for several 
years, manufacturing potasli, etc. 

D. E. and D. G. Pease established an ashery 
the following year, which they ran for several 
years. 

The first brick made at Richland Center 
was from a kiln burned by D. Rice, Sept. 20, 
1856, at Richland Center, and from tliis small 
beginning has grown quite a large industry. 
John Waddell burned the first kiln of brick in 
the town. 

The first brick edifice erected in the village 
was likewise a production of Richland Center 
hands, having been built in that interesting 
village by Samuel Wright, for his own use and 
occupancy, in the fall of l!^57. He and a party 
by the name of W. A. Mason, laid up the walls 
themselves, and otherwise furnished the house, 
which was a small tenement. In the following 
year another house was erected by I\Ir. White. 

The first celebration of the national .-uuii- 
versary, in Richland Center, was held July 4, 
1854. Tiie first vinfurling to the breeze, in the 
valley, of our glorious "meteor flag," was at 
that date, and the first liberty pole erected in 
the Pine river valley was erected then that it 
could uphold the "banner of the free." 

It has been said by one wIkj helped to make 
that day's rejoicinga success, that "no fourth 
Las seemed more grand since. A han<lful of 
peojjle, comparatively, participated in the ob- 
servances u{ the day; but they were marer to 
each other, than now." 

Among others who have been prominently 
identified with the business interests of Rich- 
land Center are the following: Dr. I). L. 
Downs, D. E. Pease, J. W. Lybrand, 1). G. 
Pease, G. H. James, M. C. Pease, W. H. Downs, 



William Short, William Nelson, S. II. Austin, 
William Baker, N. II. Langdon, James Ilolden, 
A. II. Floten, J. Jone-s, N. W. Bailey, G. Hill, 
George Mattesoii, Mr. Spooner, A. L. and W. 
II. Wilson, Daniel Rice, Dr. H. C. Priest, A. 
L. Dillingham, C. W. Huntington, A. G.James, 
J. J. Shumaker, Caleb Waggoner, James H. 
Waggoner, S. B. Patton, II. and J. C. McFar- 
land, James My res, August Smith, F. G. Rodolf, 
Charles Lawrence, J. M. Waggoner, W. A. 
Frank and W. S. Burnham. 

liUSlNKSS DIKECTOUY. 

In 1884 the business interests of Richland 
Center were represented as follows: 

General merchandise. — A. H. Krouskop & 
Co., Henry T. Bailey, Eichelberger<fc Lybrand, 
and M. C. Smith's, "Tom and Jerry store." 

Dry goods and notions. — Mrs. V. L. Baker 
and A. B. Weigley. 

Groceries.— R. N. McKay, II. W. Eastland & 
Co., and Warren Handy. 

Hardware. — D. G. James, D. O. Chandler 
and Strang & Doudna. 

Drugs. — H. B. Allen, Dr. liiiiner & Sons, 
Burnham & Burnham and I. A. Cleveland. 

Jewelers. — Charles Speidel and A. HuUard. 

Furniture. — Henry Toms, Dove Brothers and 
Auy;ust Larson. 

Newspapers. — KepuhUrun Olmercer, Fogo & 
Munson; Jiustic, J. A. Smith; Union JJeniocrat, 
Flickner & Cook. 

Bankers. — George Krouskop and W. II. Pier. 

Abstracts. — W. II. Pier. 

Boots and shoes. — J. L. I*'og'>, James Ban- 
nister and E J. Stiles. 

Meat markets. — F. P. Bowen and Hare «fc 
Farkall. 

Livery. — Frank Sanford and Ob.adiali Dris- 
call. 

Harness. — D. G. James, John .M. Shireman 
anil Walworth & Sherman. 

Bakery and restaurant. — Albert Ilerpel and 
John Boggs. 

Marble dealers. — John Hecran and B. C. 
Haliin. 



1154 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COtJNTY, 



Tailor. — Thomas Breiiden. 

Photographer. — W. J. Hillman. 

Millinery.— Mrs F. C. Peunell & Co., Mrs. A. 
L. Wilson, Mrs. W. H. Dosch and Mrs. James 
Martin. 

Hotels. — Park House, S. J. Smith & Son; 
Central House, O. P. Peck. 

Physicians. — Drs. Jacob Brimer, George 
Mitchell, H. J. Wall, F. P. Casey, B. F. Brim- 
mer, Moses Lovering and R. L. Telfair. 

Lawyers. — James H. Miner, J. H. Berryman, 
T. A. Johnston, H. A. & K. W. Eastland, 
O. F. Black, F. W. Burnham and Michael Mur- 

pi'y- 

Grain dealers. — D. O. Chandler and A. H. 
Krouskop. 

Lumber dealers. — N. L. James, A. H. Krous- 
kop and D. 0. Chandler. 

Draymen.— V. G. Hyatt and H. M. Taylor. 

Brick makers. — V. G. Hyatt and J. A. Fer- 
guson. 

Live stock dealers. — Isaac McCann, James 
Martin, F. P. Bowen, A. D. Lane, W. H. Dosch, 
G. W. Collins and W. J. Pickard. 

Blacksmiths. — James Dove, Wertz & Vree- 
land. Storms & Leach, B. N. Smith and B. W. 
Clarke. 

Wagon factory.- — N. ^i. James. 

Wagon makers. — James Dove, Storms & 
Leach and B. W. Clarke. 

Tannery. — Fries & Brewer. 

Flour mill. — A. C. Parfrey. 

Saw mills. — N. L. James and A. H. Kiouskop. 

Dealer in farm products. — H. D. Millard. 

HOTELS. 

The second building erected on the site of the 
future metropolis of the county was built by 
the proprietor of the town, Ira S HazeUine, and 
became perforce of circumstances the tavern of 
the district, and was christened by its landlord, 
Mr. Hazeltine, tlie American House; it became 
a general resort for citizens and travelers alike, 
and, for a long time, was the only house be- 
neath whose roof the weary could find rest. 
Mr. Hazeltine continued the popular landlord 



of this hostelry until he was succeeded in a 
couple of years by A. S. Neil. In November, 
1862, after raising the general tone of the 
house, and and after building large additions to 
the primal building, Mr. Neff sold out his in- 
terest to William H. Hook, of whom it is said 
that his vigilant watchfulness earned for the 
hotel and village a good name far and wide. 
Sept. 29, 1857, Mr. Hook was succeeded by G. 
H. Dyke and afterward by J. W. Smith, who 
removed to the newly built Park Hotel. Several 
changes now followed in quick succession, 
for, in consequence of tlie change in the 
location of the business center, and the 
erection of new hotels, the house ceased to be 
so lucrative as formerly'. The name had been 
changed from the more pretentious American 
House to the more local one of Richland House. 
Around its hallowed walls clung many of the 
memories of pioneer days, and, lo very many 
people in the county, it was the first resting 
place for their weary heads, the first shelter 
they knew, when they had newly arrived in 
Richland county. On the 22d of February, 
1877, it was consumed by fire and then passed 
away one of the old landmarks of pioneer days. 
Mrs. Haskell was the last landlady. 

In 1854 was built the Union House by Has- 
cal Haseltine, who was its landlord for some- 
time. Other landlords were: Amasa Haskins, 
Messrs. Greene, Ingalls and Ingram Rolf. In 
18C7 it was kept by T. C. McNelly. After 
many vicissitudes this hotel passed into the 
hands of Luckey & Co., who changed the name 
to the Center House. In 1877 Mr. E. Rolfe, 
the owner, repaired the building, made addi- 
tions, transforming it into the building now 
known as the Central House. For three years 
after its transformation Mr. Rolfe played the 
part of the jolly host of this first-class hotel, 
and was well known throughout this and the 
adjoining counties. The building is large and 
commodious and is well fitted up for the benefit 
of the traveling public. In March, 1881, the 
present landlord, O. P. Peck, purchased the en- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1155 



tire property, and is now (1S84) making large 
additions. and repairs preparatory to a tliorousrh 
refitting of tlie wliole establisliineut, and a 
stronger eflFort for the patronage of the com- 
mercial travelers. 

Ill 1873 the society of the Independent Or- 
der of Odd Fellows commenced the erection of 
a three story building on the southeast corner 
of block 5. The size of the building was to be 
24x50 feet. The ground floor was to be used 
as a store, and the upper story to be used 
as a lodge room. Before the building was 
completed it was badly damaged by a heavy 
wind storm and as the society was not in finan- 
cial shape to refit it, the property passed into 
the hands of D. O. Chandler and W. D. S. 
Ross. These gentlemen at once refitted the 
building, enlarged it to the size of 50x65 feet, 
and built it three stories high. In December, 
1874, the spacious building was opened to the 
public for hotel purposes and christened the 
Park Hotel, on account of its close proximity to 
the court house park. The first landlord was 
J. W. Smith, who furnished the liouse and ran 
it about three years. He was succeeded by C. 
Tryon and in May, 1883, C. VV. Slocuin became 
landlord. In November, 1883, S. J. Smith & 
Son took cliarge and are the present landlords. 
The property is still owned by Chandler & 
Ross. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The inhabitants, wishing to have proper mail 
facilities, petitioned the general government to 
that effect, and instead of the postal deiiartment 
sending the commission to some party then a 
resident of the village, Leroy D. Gage, of Aii- 
tioch. 111., was appointed to the office, wliich 
was established during that year, 1854, 
literally "bringing the office on his back," as it 
has been expressed by some of the early pio- 
neers. Mr. Gage held this position as post- 
master until in the spring of 1861, when, upon 
the change of administration consequent u]iiiii 
the elevation of Abraham Lincoln to the chief 
magistracy, W. H. Downs was appointed his 



successor. The latter gentleman held the com- 
mission for the transaction of the j)Ostal busi- 
ness of the town until ]h66, when G. L. Laws 
was inducted into the office and held the posi- 
tion until 1S76. He had for his immediate suc- 
cessor, J. H. Miner, so long identified with the 
interests of the village, and in fact,of the county. 
In 1881 the present postmaster, D. G. James, 
was appointed to fill the office. The latter 
gentleman has now for his deputies J. G. Bun- 
nell and Carrie Sherman. 

During the first few years after the estab- 
niciit of the village, the growth was quite slow, 
owing, in some respects, to the mistaken policy 
of the proprietor, Mr. Ilazeltine. 

PUBLIC HALLS. 

Cliandler's hall is a fine large room 24x100 
feet in dimension, and fitted with stage acces- 
sories and good scenery. The building was 
erected by D. O. Chandler, finished and ready 
for business in November, 1866. It is kept in 
good repair by that progressive citizen. 

Bailey's Opera House was commenced in 
1883, the first brick being laid on the loth of 
August. It was dedicated on the 27th of De- 
cember, 1883, bj' the Masonic fraternity, witli a 
festival and dance. The building is 32x126 
feet in size, and the opera room is fitted with a 
commodious stage and convenient drawing and 
side rooms. Much credit is due to the proprie- 
tor, Henry T. Bailey, for his energy and enter- 
prise in carrying througli the project, and giv- 
ing to Richland Center an opera liouse second 
to but few in this part of the State; and the 
hall is justly the pride of the citizens as well as 
the owner. 

BANKS. 

The story of the banking institutions of 
Richland Center is but a short one and soon 
t(^ld, and commences in this wise: 

The want of sufficient money in all commuui- 
ties has had a tendency to retard the develop- 
ment and growth of the country, and hamper 
many commercial transactions that would other- 
wise benefit the individual and society at large. 



1156 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Therefore, very early in its history the business 
men of the incipient city attempted to initiate 
a bank. ■ Dec. 16, 1856, witnessed the organiza- 
tion of such an institution, with the title of the 
Pine River Valley Bank, and the following offi- 
cers elected to effect and perfect the organiza- 
tion and opening of the same for business: 
Israel Janney, president; D. B. Priest, cashier; 
Caleb Waggoner, J. J. Shumaker, Leroy D. 
Gage, Jacob Brimer, W. H. Downs, James H. 
Miner and A. J. Straight, directors. The bank 
was instituted under the State laws of that 
date, and was to be based on real estate as se- 
curity. The books for subscription were opened 
at the office of the cashier, who was to receive 
the same and issue certificates of stock, and at 
whose office the constitution and by-laws of the 
association could be seen, and information in 
regard to it given. The financial panic of 1857, 
that followed so soon after its inception, how- 
ever, blighted its prospects and the whole 
thing was allowed to collapse, and the bank never 
opened its doors for business. After this no 
regular banking house was opened in the county 
seat, or, in fact, in the county, although many 
of the merchants and others transacted in a 
small degree the business usually done by 
banks. Thus the town was without a monetary 
institution until the initiation of the banking 
house of George Krouskop. Krouskop's bank 
is one of the solid institutions of the county. 
It is the oldest bank at Richland Center, hav- 
ing been established by George Krouskop in 
ISIO. The bank is a |)rivate enterprise, being 
owned and operated solely by Mr. Krouskop, 
and has a capital of over $50,000. Its corres- 
ponding banks are: Milwaukee National Bank, 
of Milwaukee, and Merchants' National Bank, 
of Chicago. 

The Richland County Bank is the outgrowth 
of the abstract and collection business of W. H. 
Pier, and bi-came a fixed fact in 1883, in which 
year Mr. Pier erected his present bank building. 
This building is of brick, 28x60 feet, two stories 
high, and is one of the best constructed build- 



ings in the county. The bank is still in its in- 
fancy but has good prospects. Its correspond- 
ing banks are — Merchants National, New York; 
Preston, King & Co., Chicago; and Houghton 
Bros., Milwaukee. 

INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES. 

In 1855 Ira S. Hazeltine, who then owned the 
water power, built a saw mill at the point 
where the present mill now stands, and the same 
fall erected a mill to grind corn and feed and 
some grist, but it was but a poor affair at best. 
He continued the proprietor of these mills until 
July, 18f>0, when the elder Parfrey rented them 
of him, together with the water power, and run 
them until in 1863. A. C. Parfrey and J. C 
Nichols purchased the property and rebuilt the 
grist mill and built a new saw mill. In 1870 
Parfrey and his partner. Pease, who had bought 
out Nichols' interest, commenced the erection of 
a new dam, and the present tine merchant and 
grist mill. This is a large structure, substan- 
tially built, 50x60 feet in dimension, four sto- 
ries high, with a warehouse addition of 24x50 
feet, having a storage capacity of some 18,000 
bushels of wheat The mill has nine run of 
buhrs and three sets of rollers, and all the most 
modern improved machinery and has a capac- 
ity of making 1,000 barrels of flour per 
week. This mill cost some $26,000 to build and 
equip. They have also a fine saw and planing 
mill, which is in constant operation, and capable 
of making 10,000 feet of good hard wood lumber 
per day. The interests represented by this gen- 
tleman — for it is entirely owned and operated 
by A. C. Parfrey, at present^is one of the most 
important in the county. The flour from this 
mill enjoys a high reputation and the brand of 
"Parfrey's Choice" needs no recommemlation 
to the careful housewife. 

The first steam mill at Richland Center was 
that known as the Shumaker mill. It was 
formerly located in the town of Rockbridge. It 
was purchased by John Walworth and moved 
here in 1860. He sold an interest to Amasa 
Haskins, and a few years later the mill was 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1157 



burned to the grouml. Upon the same site an- 
other mill was erected by Smith, Laws & Wal- 
worth. Hattleberg & Johnson soon afterward 
jmrchased Mr. Walworth's interest and the busi- 
ness was conducted under the tirin name of 
Smith, Laws & Co. They engaged extensively 
in the manufacture of lumber and furniture — 
principally bedsteads. They built flat boats 
and sent their goods to St. Louis by water. On 
one of these trips Mr. Laws purchased a steam- 
boat and came back with it. Upon his arrival 
at Richland Center he met with a grand ova- 
ti(>n, the citizens presenting him with a gold- 
headed cane, in honor of the occasion. The saw 
mill continued in successful operation until 1S71, 
when- it was destroyed by fire. 

The saw mill on the west side of the river is 
now operated by Xorman L. James. In con- 
nection with the mill Mr. James runs an exten- 
sive wagon factory, having furnished the mill 
with all the necessary machinery. The estalj- 
lishraent furnishes steady employment for about 
thirty hands. 

In 1865 A. C. Parfrey erected a bedstead 
factory. In 1SG8 be associated D. E. Pease as 
])artner and operated the business until 1871, 
when it was discontinued. The factory, while 
it was in operation, furnished employment to 
from sixteen to thirty-five hands, and was an 
important industry in Richland Center. 

In 1873 Parfrey & Pease established a stave 
factory, which was operated with good success 
by them for about four years, when the business 
was discontinued. 

In 1876 William Hill erected a small planing 
mill near his residence. This )>roved to be too 
small, and in 1880 he erected his p.resent mill, 
which is 30x50 feet in size, besides engine and 
boiler rooms. The mill does an extensive busi- 
ness in planing, turning, scroll sawing and join- 
ing work 

In 1883 A. H. Krouskop ere(!ted a large 
steam saw-mill near the Parfrey mill. It is 
equi|)])ed with all the latest patterns of machin- 
ery, iirst-class engine and other acceasoriea. 



ARTESIAN WELL. 

The village board, as early as 1875, agitated 
the question of boring an artesian well for the 
purpose of increasing the facilities for extin- 
guishing fires and for the supplying of good 
water generally. But nothing definite was 
reached until February, 1876, when a contract 
was entered into by them with Maurice O'Con- 
nor and Daniel Canfield, of Venango, Penn., who 
engaged to drill a well on lot 3, in block 8; 
the said well to he tubed its entire length, 
which was not to exceed 1,000 feet; and the 
price agreed on and put into the contract was 
$3 per foot. 

These gentlemen at once set to work and 
soon liad a hole in the ground, but when tliey 
had reached the di']ith of 744 feet the drill en- 
countered igneous rock, in the form of granite, 
and knowing that no water veins exist in that 
the matter was given up for the time. Water 
was reached long before that depth had been 
attained, but no flow. The well now stands 
«ith the water in it up to within a few feet of 
the surface, and a project is on foot to put up a 
system of waterworks, having for a base of sup- 
ply this artesian well, as the supply of water is 
inexhaustible. One or two other attemi)ts have 
been made in the county to get a flowing well, 
with like results. 

VILLAGE GOVERNMENT. 

In September, 1866, a movement was put on 
foot to secure the incorporation of Richland 
Center, as a village, under the statutes of the 
State. And was so incorporateil in October of 
the same year. The first meeting of the trus- 
tees of the newly organized village was held Feb. 

I, 1807, in the room over D. L. Dawns' store. The 
oflicers who were present were as follows: D.L. 

Downs, president; D. E. Pease. G. II. James, 
C. Waggoner, John Fitzgerald, C. H. Smith 
aud L. D. Gage, trustees; after the organiza- 
tion of the board, they proceeded to elect Fred. 

II. luttle, clerk; J. L. McKee, treasurer and 
Thomas Cholerton, marshal. The board then 
appointed a committee consisting ol D. I.. 



1158 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Downs, L. D. Gage and C. H. Smith to draft 
by-laws and to make a design for tlie village 
seal. The first 'Ordinance passed by thisaiigtist 
body was one for the prevention and extin- 
guishment of conflagrations in the village. 

1867 — -The officers elected were: D. L. 
Downs, president; G. H. James, C Waggoner, 
John Fitzgerald, C. H. Smith and L. D. Gage, 
trustees; Fred H. Tuttle was re-appointed clerk 
and J. L. McKee, treasurer. Joseph MclNIurlrey 
was also appointed marshal and R. R. Hamil- 
ton, street commissioner. In October, however, 
Fred. H. Tuttle resigning his position as clerk, 
and McMurtrey that of marshal, Gilbert L. 
Laws was appointed to the former, and Peter 
E. Brewer to the latter office. We have a re- 
port of the village finances for the year as filed 
by the treasurer March 23, 1868, by which we 
may find the following. 

Cash received from various parties S233 80 

*' paid out on orders 102 80 

" balance in treasury $13100 

1868 — James H. Miner, president; D. E. 
Pease, Caleb Waggoner, A. B. Weigley, W. H. 
Downs, James Tuttle and Gilbert L. Laws, 
trustees; James H. Waggoner was appointed 
clerk; James L. McKee, treasurer; Peter E. 
Brewer, marshal; G. I. Morton, street commis- 
sioner, and W. H. Hook, pound-master. 

1869 — Gilbert L. Laws, president; Dr. A. W. 
Bickford, James Tuttle, G. N. Matte.son, G. N. 
Mickle, M. V. Dustan and G. H. James, trus- 
tees; Samuel C. Hyatt was appointed clerk; J. 
L. McKee, treasurer; J. W. Leik, marshal and 
pound-master; Setli Bayse, street commissioner. 
In November the village board, by resolution, 
declared the office of marshal vacant, and ap- 
pointed Erastus Rolfe to fill the vacancy. It 
was this board that succeeded in instituting the 
present fire department, and purchased the ap- 
paratus therefore. 

1870 Dr. A. W. Bickford, president; W. H. 
Downs, G. N. Micklo, C. H. Smith, James Tut- 
tle, A. Durnford and H. T. Bailey, trustees, 
who proceeded to appoint the following ofhcers: 



James Fogo, marshal; W. H. Downs, clerk; J. 
L. McKee, treasurer; E. Rolfe, pound-master. 

1871 — J. L. McKee, president; Norman L. 
James, W. H. Pier, G. N. Mickle, A. S. Fries, 
W. F. Tuttle and H. Freeman, trustees; who 
appointed W. H. Downs, clerk; N. L. James, 
treasurer; E. H. Liscum, marshal and G. N. 
Dyke, pound-master. During the administra- 
tion of this board, a ballot was taken at the fall 
election whether the village should surrender 
its charter as an incorporated village, which 
was defeated by the vote of the qualified elec- 
tors, there being 109 against such surrender, 
and sixty in favor of it. 

1872— D. G. James, president; D. H. Burn- 
ham, H. Freeman, Henry Toms, G. N. Mickle, 
George N. Matteson, and A B. Weigley, trus- 
tees; W. H. Downs was appointed clerk; Henry 
Toms, treasurer; A. Crosby, marshal and N. G. 
Leonard, street commissioner. 

1873 — D. G. James, president; Henry Toms, 
G. N. Matteson, James Tuttle, Samuel C. Hyatt, 
William F. Tuttle and James Lewis, trustees; 
W. H. Downs was appointed clerk, Henry 
Toms, treasurer; John Boyle, marshal; Seth 
Bayse, street commissioner. 

1874— D. O. Chandler, president; A. C. Par- 
frey, Seth Bayse, Elihu Pease, John Wertz, 
James Tuttle and Thomas Cholerton, trus- 
tees; Gaylord Freeman, police justice and J. L. 
Fogo, village constable. Alice Pease was ap- 
pointed clerk, (this being the first instance on 
record of a lady holding that position); Elihu 
Pease made treasurer; J. L. Fogo, marshal, 
and Seth Bayse, i^treet commissioner. 

1875 — H. W. Fries, president; George Krous- 
kop, J. L. McKee, N. W. Bailey, John Wal- 
worth, George N. Matteson and Warren C. S. 
Barron, trustees; E. H. Liscum, village consta- 
ble; Kate G. Downs was appointed clerk; 
George Krouskop, treasurer; E. H. Liscum, 
marshal and J. L. Sweet, street commissioner. 
This board, in the interests of temperance, fixed 
the license for saloons at $125 and for drug 
stores $40. Permission was also given by the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1161 



board this year to the railroad company to use 
certain streets of the village for their tracks. 

1876 — II. W. Fries, president; George Krous- 
kop, John Walworili, J. L. McKee, N. W. Bai- 
ley, George N. Matieson and Warren C'. S.Bar- 
ron, trustees; .lames Tuttle, police justice; R. D. 
Rubinson, constable. Kate G. Downs was 
appointed clerk; George Krouskop, treasurer; 
E. H. Liscum, marshal; S. C. Carpenter was 
appointed to the office of street commissioner, 
but not qualifying, John Walworth was ap- 
pointed in liis stead. 

1877 — A. G. James, president; T. Hart, J. W. 
Lybran.l, .Tohn Wertz, A. S. Fries, J. F. Walker 
and James 'I'utlle, trustees; W. H. Downs, j)0- 
lice justice; R. R. Hamilton, village constable. 
Kate G, Downs was re-appointed clerk; F. 
Walker made treasurer; E. Stevens, marshal 
and street commissioner. During the adminis- 
tration of this board there was a second move- 
ment to vacate the incorporation of the village, 
and a resolution to submit the matter at a s])e- 
cial election « as passed by the board. In July, 
1877, the election was held, in accordance with 
the above ordinance, and again defeated, the 
vote standing: For dissohilion, 4(1; against dis- 
solution, I 37. 

1878 — Warren C. S. Barron, president; Jacob 
AV. LyVirand, John Brimer.D. O. Cliamller, Aug 
Schmidt, N. W. Bailey and John Walwonh, trus 
tees; Seth Penncll. police justice; A. D. Laws, 
village constal)le. William Wulfing was ap- 
pointed clerk; Aug. Schmidt, treasurer; N. W. 
Bailey, street commissioner and S. C. Carpen- 
ter, marshal. 

1879 — D. O. Chandler, president; Daniel 
Storms, A. B. Weigley, J. L. McKee, L. B. 
Smith, J. W. Lybrand and M. C. Pease, trustees; 
Caleb Waggoner, jiolice justice; Oliver G. 
Munson, clerk; W. II. Pier, treasurer; G. E. 
Moody, marshal; W. G. Hyatt, constable. 

1880— A. G. James, president; D. E. Pease, 
H. L. Burnham, G. R. Mitchell, H. St. John, 
Daniel Storms and A. G. Saltsman, trustees; 
W. H. Pier, treasurer; Oliver G. Munson, clerk; 



Wiley H. Waters, marshal; G. M. Clark, con- 
stable. 

1881— Henry Toms, president; W. C. S. Bar- 
ron, Norman L. James, H. T. Bailey, A. H. 
Krouskop, G. H. Strang and Frank Sanford, 
trustees; William Wulfing, clerk; T. M. Hart, 
treasurer; W. H. Waters, marshal; George 
Jarvis, police justice; George Spangler, consta- 
ble. 

1882 — Henry Toms, president; Warren C. S. 
Barron, Norman L. James, G. H. Strang, Frank 
Sanford, George Krouskop and H. B. Allen, 
trustees; C. C. Fries, clerk; T. M. Hart, treasurer; 
George L. Spangler, marshal; George Bennett, 
police justice; John Houston, constable. Mr. 
Fries not qualifying, William Wulfing was ap- 
pointed in his place. 

1883 — J. L. McKee, president; A II. Krous- 
kop, K. C. Lybrand, E. A. Dove, James H. 
Miner, D. O Chandler and B. N. McKay, trus- 
tees; J. H. Yeaman, clerk; T. M. Hart, treas- 
urer; L. Leonard, police justice; G. L. Spangler, 
marshal; W. F. Fogo, village constable. 

The contest this year was one of the most 
exciting that lias occurred for a number of 
years past, on account of the element of tem- 
perance in the matter. For the past two years 
it seems that there has been license granted to 
several saloons to deal ont intoxicating liquors, 
and the friends of temjterance determined to 
make a strong effort and turn the scale and have 
no licenses" granted. A strong prohibition 
ticket was placed in the field and elected, as 
given above. 

The ladies were out in force, and worked 
from early in the morning till the i)olls were 
closed, distributing tickets and soliciting votes 
for the no-license ticket. The effect of their 
labors was manifested in the result, and they felt 
highly elated over the success which crowned 
their efforts, as victors naturally do. 

The majorities for the no-license ticket ranged 
from sixty-seven to eighty-nine, and were by 
far the largest given on either side of the issue 
in many years. Several of the gentlemen 



70 



I]«i2 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



whose names were on what was known as the 
license ticket, declared that they had not given 
consent to the use of their names, and would 
neither qualify nor serve if elected, and they 
voted the other ticket, thus swelling the majori- 
ties. 

The first regular meeting of the new council 
was held May 14, 1883. 

A petition was presented to the board, signed 
by a number of young men, requesting that no 
license be granted for the running of billiard 
tables, which, being read in full, was referred 
to the committee on judiciary, who, after a short 
deliberation, submitted the following report, 
which was adopted: 

"We, the committee to whom was referred the 
petition and remonstrance requesting that no 
license be granted for keeping billiard tables, 
and remonstrating against such license and 
against the sale of intoxicating liquors, have 
had the same under consideration, and most 
respectfully report the following and recom- 
mend its adoption: 

"Whereas, Considering the large majority of 
votes giving expression of their views at the 
recent election upon the issue well undeistood, 
whether license or no license slioiild be granted, 
and in compliance with ili.it expression and the 
large and respectable petition signed by the 
young men and others of the village, against 
the granting of license, therefore: 

^'Resolved, Tliat the board grant the petitioners 
their request, and it is further 

^^ Resolved, That no license be granted to any 
person for the keeping of billiard tables, pigeon- 
hole alleys or bowling saloons within this vil- 
lage." 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

At a meeting of the village board, held Aug. 
16, 1869, a bill was brought up appropriating 
the sum of $300 for the purpose of purchasing 
a Babcock chemical engine for the extinguish- 
ment of fires. Although this bill was then laid 
upon the table, from it may be traced the pres- 
ent efficient fire brigade that is always on hand 



when the demon of destruction sweeps with 
fiery besom through this beautiful village. 

Although the first attempt had failed, how- 
ever, its friends did not falter but pressed the 
matter and on Nov. 23, 1869, succeeded in hav- 
ing the trustees pass the bill to purchase a 
United States chemical engine. At the next 
meeting thereafter held Dec. 13, 1869, the trus- 
tees, by ballot, elected Henry St. John, foreman, 
and William Tuttle, assistant foreman, with full 
power to raise and organize a fire company. At 
the same meeting measures were also taken iliat 
all the necessary fixtures should be purchased 
to run the engine and help the company in the 
discharge of their dut}^ It would seem from 
the records that the chemical engine was pur- 
chased and arrived, but for some reason it did 
not meet the wants of the community nor the 
wishes of the board, and it was returned. 

Jan. 10, 1870, however, the village board 
passed a resolution to purchase as a substitute 
for it a second-hand Button & Blake's hand en- 
gine, in good repair, at a cost of $750, and 300 
feet of hose suitable for the use of the same and 
also a resolution to purchase of Richards & Her- 
bert a hook and ladder truck, at a cost of $120, 
and a hose reel to carry the hose to the seat of 
conflagration. Thisbeingdone,in February,lS70, 
there was duly organized the Richland Center 
Engine Company and the Richland Center Hook 
and Ladder Company, and all the implements 
for the extinguishment of fires were placed in 
their hand, and for the safe keeping of which 
they pledged themselves and also agreed to drill 
in the use of the same. The town board there- 
upon appointed A. W. Bickford as chief engi- 
neer of the department and that gentleman has 
the honor of being the first to enjoy that dignity. 

To the honor of the village board be it spoken 
that they took all measures to make this a most 
efficient department, and in furtherance of this 
in May, 1S70, they signed a contract with M. 
D. Hankins, by which he agreed to build sev- 
eral cisterns at the intersection of' such streets 
as were thought most advisable^ Three were 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1103 



Imilt uiidor tliis contract, but it seems from 
some later remarks upon the records that they 
had not prove! ipiite as satisfactory as was de- 
sirable, as several more were afterwards built 
of brick or stone, one near D. O. Chandler's 
store beinw let under contract to G. A. Tuttle 
for §225. This was in the summer of 1S7.3. 

In the early days of the new fire brigade the 
engine, truck.^ and reel were kept in various 
barns and buildings rented for that purpose but 
in December, IsTO, and January, 1871, an en- 
gine house was built by tlie board for the use of 
the department at a cost of some $300. In 1871 
and IS72, A. VV. Bickford was re-elected to the 
office of chief engineer. During this latter 
year some more hose was purchased and the 
engine house was removed to lot 3 in block 
8, which had been purchased for the pur- 
pose by the village board of J. W. Lybrand 
for the sum of $175. 

The engine com]>any by this time numbered 
some thirty members and the hook and ladder 
company fifteen. These wereall,inconsiderali(in 
of their services in the fire brigade, cxenipi 
from paying poll tax or doing jury duty. 

In April, 1873, the mode of choosing the ofii- 
cers of the department was changed, passing 
from the hands of the village board to that of 
the companies themselves, subject, however, to 
the corifirn-ation of the trustees of the village. 
Under this rule the oflicers chosen were as fol- 
lows: W. F. Tiitlle, chief engineer; F. M Ott, 
assistant engineer ; H. Toms, treasurer ; (i. N. 
Malteson, secretary. 

In 1877 J. M. Adams was the head of the fire 
department. 

In the year 1878 the officers of the depart- 
ment were as follows : David G. James, chief 
engineer; Benjamin Brimer, assistant; Henry 
Toms, treasurer; \V. II. Pier, secretary; George 
Jarvis, fire warden. 

The year 1H70 witnessed the re-election of 
the entire board. The officers above mentioned 
seemed to give such satisfaction that no change 
was made until issi, when we find the follow- 



ing ns the list of officers of the department : D. 
G. James, chief engineer; George N. Matteson, 
assistant; F. P. Lawrence, secretary; H. Toms, 
treasurer; George Jarvis, fire warden. 

At the annual election in May, 1 882, the follow- 
ing officers were elected : W. H. Pier, chief .en- 
gineer ; II. T. Bailey, assistant engineer ; H. 
Toms, treasurer; D. G. James, secretary; O. G. 
Munson, fire warden. 

The department is a very eflieient one and is 
well equipped with good apparatus and the 
"boys" are the pride of the village. The pres- 
ent officers were elected in May, 18^3, and are 
as follows: 

W. Harry Pier, chief engineer; David G. 
James, first assistant engineer ; H. R. Brewer, 
second assistant engineer ; George Jarvis, fire 
warden ; I. A. Cleveland, secretary ; Henry 
Toms, treasurer. 

FIBE RECORD. 

The village has but little cause to lament the 
usual large pro])ortion of fires that occur in most 
cnminuiiities, none that have occurred within it« 
limits assumed any magnitude. 

The first buildings burned in Richland Center 
were the dwelling houses belonging to Phineas 
Janneyand Samuel Fries. They were both occu- 
oied by their families. The first fire of any 
importance was the burning of the court house, 
which occurred in April, 1859. Among other 
distressing fires that have occurred were the 
following: Burning of J. Thompson's house, 
Jones' tannery, Walworth's steam saw-mill. 
Smith, Laws & Co.'s saw-mill and furniture 
factory. Fries' tannery, American Hotel, Jones' 
shoe shop, Bayles' blacksmith shop, John 
Heeran's marble works, engine house, the Aus- 
tin building, Dan'el Rice's store, the railway de- 
pot and A. H. Krouskop'e block. 

The following is an acc.ount of the two most 
important fires that have occurred in Richland 
Center, as gleaned from the newspaper accounts 
published at the time. The first on the list was 
the 



1164 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



BURNING OF THE DEPOT. 

About 2 o'clock in the morning of Sunday, Oct. 
8, 1882, two quick reports in succession, or as 
nearly together as to almost seem one, and loud 
as a cannon's roar, awakened every sleeper and 
shook every building in Richland Center. The 
startled citizens on being so rudely torn from 
their peaceful slumbers, in quick haste donned 
their clothing and sallied forth in hot haste to 
inquire the cause. Ere many of them had 
gathered and with pallid cheek and quivering 
lip had asked the momentous question, the 
sonorous peal of the great fire bell resounding 
through the trembling air, told the fast gather- 
ing throng that the red fire fiend danced in 
their midst, and his infernal altar smoked with 
the incense he delights in. 

Excited crowds soon filled the streets, all 
hastening in the direction from which the lurid 
flames lit up the village, and made the sur- 
rounding bluffs look like the mythical hills of 
brass. 

It took but a short time to make the discovery 
that the depot of the Pine River branch of the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad was 
a prey to the devouring element. In the short 
space of time which elapsed between the re- 
ports and the arrival of the fire brigade the 
flames had got under such headway, that it was 
impossible to arrest their mad progress and 
save the building or any of its contents. The 
safe belonging to the express company was 
indeed pulled from the fire, owing to the exer- 
tions of the firemen, and its contents saved, but 
this was about all. 

Investigation showed that the reports were 
caused by the ignition of two kegs of gun- 
powder that were in the depot at the- time. The 
roof of the building was blown off by the force 
of the explosion and fire thrown in all direc- 
tions. 

The work of the flames was swift and sure, 
and in an incredibly short space of time the 
spot where the building stood was marked only 
by a mass of smouldering ruins. In addition 



to the loss of the depot and its contents, the 
baggage car and one or two freight cars that 
stood near on the track were badly scorched 
and damaged before they could be removed. 
The passenger coach, however, escaped with 
but slight damage. 

CONFLAGRATION OF KROUSKOP'S PALACE DRY 
GOODS STORE. 

Between the hours of four and five o'clock in 
the morning of Friday, Jan. 28, 1883, the vil- 
lage of Richland Center was again visited by 
the demon of fire, which with a flaming besom 
swept out of existance one of the chief orna- 
ments of the city nestled among the hills. 

At the hour mentioned above, the loud clan- 
gor of the fire bell broke upon the affrighted 
ears of the sleeping inhabitants of the village dis- 
sipating their. little remaining slumbers. The 
wild alarm soon brought the whole town npon 
the streets. It was found, on inquiry, that a 
fire had been discovered, shortly before, in the 
frame grocery store of A. H. Floaten, on Cen- 
ter street, in close proximity to A. H. Krous- 
kop's mammoth brick block, and by the time 
the fire department had arrived on the ground 
the fiery element had gathered such headway 
that it was plainly evident to all that all effort 
to subdue it was in vain, and that the edifice 
was doomed to destruction. 

The extreme cold weather had frozen the 
valves of the engine and some valuable time 
was wasted by that unfortunate circumstance, 
upou their arrival upon the scene of action. 
While the firemen were making strenuous 
efforts to remedy this, and straining every nerve 
to get the apparatus to work, the flames spread 
to the frame building north of the one where 
the fire originated, also occupied by Mr. Foaten, 
and thence north to the building tenanted by 
W. H. Pier, as an abstract office. The main 
efforts of the hook and ladder company was 
directed toward pulling down the Pier building 
that endangered the remaining portion of the 
row. For some time it was feared that all 
their efforts were unavailing, and that the flames 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1165 



would leap the narrow distance, to the next 
building, and the whole business portion of the 
town would be devoured by the insatiable mon- 
ster. 

But fortunately there was no wind to fan the 
fire and help it spread and this fact, added to tiie 
almost superhuman efforts of the firemen, and it 
might be said, the whole number of the inhabi- 
tants as well, and that the roofs of all the build- 
ings were deeply covered with snow, kept the 
fire in due limits, and its further progress was 
arrested in that direction. All this lime great 
volumes of flames, fed by the combustable na- 
ture of Floaten's store and stock, of which a 
considerable quantity of coal oil formed a part, 
rolled up against the side of Krouskup's l)lock, 
heating the iron cornice and setting fire to the 
rafters underneath the roof, and joists of tim- 
bers running around back of the cornice. The 
engine, having by this time been putinto good 
working order, .stream after stream of water 
was poured directly upon the devouring ele- 
ment, but with very liitle visible effect. 

Owing to the height of the building, the 
engine could not throw a stream up to the cor- 
nice with force enough to l)e effective. The 
fire still kept creeping insidiously onward at 
this point in under the roof. A number of men 
were inside fighting the flames with pails of 
water, and after the efforts of the firemen were 
found to be useless outside, the hose was taken 
up through a window in Black & Huriiham's 
law office, and an attempt was made to reach 
the attic with it and turn a stream of water 
against the flames, but the attem[>t miscarried 
and the whole scheme abandoned. 

Still being unwilling to give the matter up, 
the firemen went along the hall on tlie second 
story and extinguished the fire that had caught 
in the windows and casings, on the north side 
of the building. The fire in these rooms had 
been previously put out several times, but the 
heat was so intense that the wood-work rekin- 
dled almost as soon as they were cleared of the 
fire. Those inside finding how futile were 



their puny efforts against this hydra-headed. 
giant, and seeing no possible chance of saving 
the building, reluctantly retired, and left the 
magnificent ^tlucture to its fate. 

Hu-liL-d now was the clamor, and all stood 
spell-bound, like the sailor as he watches the 
fast sinking vessel he has just left, watching 
the gradual triumph of the element over the 
boasted work of man. The flames now had an 
unmolested chance and their progress was swift, 
sure and deadly. With terrible steps the in- 
vader stole downward from the attic to the sec- 
ond floor, stair by stair, then onward to the first 
floor, devouring all on its way, and then as if 
deeming it still not enough went still down- 
ward in its irresistable march even into the cellar. 
As each floor, with its timbers and contents 
gave way and fell crashing to the one below, 
the flames rolled higher and higher and danced 
in infernal glee over the wreck and ruin below. 

By seven o'clock the element had exhausted 
its force, and what was a few hours before a 
sui)erb building was a hcaj) of smouldering 
ruins and tottering, ragged, smoke scorched 
walls. Parts of the latter had to be battered 
down as their wrecked state imperiled the 
passers-by and some have since blown down, 
leaving an unsightly wreck, a blot upon the 
face of the fair village. 

During the progress of the conflagration, the 
explosion of a keg of powder in the store of 
A. H. Floaten created a lively sensation, as 
there were people in the building at the time 
engaged in carrying out goods, and the proprie- 
tor was, even then, engaged in a search for the 
powder and was within a few feet of it when it 
exploded. The glass in the windows of the 
buildings opposite was nearly all shattered by 
the concussion. Much of the goods in both 
buildings were saved, but in a damaged condi- 
tion. 

Various conjectures as to the origin of the 
fire were rife, at tlie time, but it seems to be 
the general opinion that it caught from a defec- 
tive flue in the Floaten store. The loss can 



1160 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



safely be put down as fully $75,000, on wliich 
there was an insurance of $48,700. 

An account of this Krouskop block will not 
be out of place in this connection, as the 
structure was the pride of the citizens of the 
village and of the county getierally, as well as 
of the owner, and was said to be the finest 
building of the kind in the State, west of Mil- 
waukee. The block was 44x125 feet, with a 
wing 34x74 feet in dimension, all two stories 
high, and was built of pressed brick, with cut 
stone trimmings and handsome iron cornice. 
Large plate glass windows adorned and illumi- 
nated the front, and all the interior wood work 
was executed in hard wood, principally wal- 
nut. Mr. Krouskop commenced theerection of 
the edifice in 1876 ; the material he had been 
collecting for ten years previously. It was 
finished during the year 1877, and he moved 
into it in January, 1878, and occupied it at the 
time of its destruction. 

THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT. 

In May, 1857, Michael Carraichael opened 
the first saloon in the village of Richland Cen- 
ter, and which was known as the "Bowling 
' Saloon," and shortly afterwards was followed 
by Patrick Meehan, who opened a rum shop in 
the midst of the town. At the time no licenses 
could be or were granted to these parties, who 
thus commenced their business in open defiance 
of the law. The wildest excitement now 
seized upon the law abiding portion of the 
community. The following call for a temper- 
ance meeting was conspicuously displayed all 
over town on small posters, early in July: 

TEMPBEANCE MEETING. 

Those ladies and gentlemen of Richland 
Center and vicinity, who are in favor of using 
all legal means to suppress the liquor traffic in 
said village, will meet at the court house, this 
(Tuesday) evening, July 14, at 7 o'clock. 

We quote an account of the affair from the 
columns of the Richland County Observer, of 
that date, as better reflecting the feelings of the 



community, than can be shown from anything 
written at this distant day. Says the reporter to 
that paper: 

"There was considerable excitement in this 
village on Wednesday and Thursday, of last 
week, on account of the continued unlicensed 
sales of spirituous liquors, which are constantly 
occurring in the Howling Saloon, and in the 
house of Patrick Meehan. 

"Notice had been given on Tuesday evening 
that there would be a meeting on Wednesday 
morning, for the purpose of considering what 
further jiolicy should be pursued to suppress the 
traftic. This meeting was attended principally 
by women, and there was manifested by some 
of them a determination to do something rash, 
if no other means could be suggested whereby 
the curse could be stayed. Several gentlemen 
having been called to speak, and they having 
spoken, aTid contended that law only should be 
employed to abate the nuisance, the project of 
doing violence was put to rest, as in the exer- 
cise of good sense, every such notion ought to 
be. 

"Why any body here has over thought of mob 
violence, to suppress the UTilawful sales of ar- 
dent spirits, is because our statute requires that 
the quantity and quality of the liquor sold, shall 
be set forth in the complaint; and the difficulty 
of obtaining this evidence here for the com- 
mencement of a suit is so great, that these 
grogeries have sold their drinks with ini]ninity, 
until they have become "public nuisances, 
sources of filth, and causes of sickness," with- 
out exaggeration. This matter being perfectly 
plain to the observing mind, A. C. East- 
land suggested that a complaint might be made 
to the board of health of this town, and that 
he thought they possessed sufficient power, by 
law, to remove all nuisances, which are sources 
of filth, or causes of sickness. This idea being 
perfectly reasonable to those assembled, it was 
determined to call a meeting of the members of 
the board of health and let them examine into 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1167 



the matter, if one other movement would not 
effect the desired end. And tliat was to ad- 
journ until four o'clock, p. m., and then meet in 
the court house, from which place, it was voted, 
that the citizens should proceed, in procession, 
to the whisky shops under the direction of a 
marshal and assistant, headed by a lady and 
gentleman, who were selected to speak in be- 
half of the citizens. The meeting then ad- 
journed. As a committee had been appointed 
to go to every house in the village to notify the 
inhabitants of the design of the meeting, at four 
o'clock, and invite them to be present, almost 
every body turned out, though the thermometer 
indicated nearly 90 degrees, Falirt'iiheil. After 
the meeting had come to order, and the object 
of it stated, the procession was formed and it 
proceeded at once to the Bowling Saloon, under 
the charge of W. II. Downs as marshal and 
George H. James as assistant. On arriving at 
the saloon, Michael Carmichael, who asked them 
in to take something, was addressed by Mrs. 
Eunice Holden, and was followed by Alfred II. 
Bush. They remonstrated against the unlaw- 
ful traffic and plead in behalf of humanity, 
amidst constant interrujition. Without effect- 
ing any tiling by persuasion, the ]jroce.ssion left, 
well satisfied that kind words and good rea- 
soning were of no avail. Arriving at the house 
of Patrick Meelian they addressed him, and 
found him but little or no more susceptible to 
the influence than Carmiciiael. 

"As a meeting of the board of health had 
been called, on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock, 
a great number of citizens presented a com- 
plaint against these houses as nuisances, and 
asked their action upon the same, 'i'luse liquor 
shops being unlicensed, and it having been 
shown that the liquor dealt out was a cause of 
sickness and a source of filth, and that its effect 
produced both annoyance and damage to the 
citizens of the town, it was adjudged by the 
board, after a thorough examination, that the 
complaint was well grounded, and they have 
issued the following notice for its removal: 



State op Wisconsin, 

Richland County, > ss. 
Town of Richland. 

At a meeting of the undersigned, members 
of the board of health in and for said town, 
began and holden at the court honse therein, a 
quorum being present, and it appearing to said 
board tliat the sa'e and use of intoxicating 
liquors to be used as a beverage, within said 
town, is a public nuisance, source of filth and 
cause of sickness, therefore, it is ordered by 
said board, that no person hereafter sell, or in 
any waj dispose of intcxicating liquor, within 
said town, to be used as a beverage; and that 
all intoxicating liquiirs now in said town, kept 
for sale as a bi'veiage, be removed therefrom, 
under the pains and penalties of the statute in 
such case made and provided. 

Given under our hands this 9th day of July, 

A. D. 1857. B. R. IIOWLAND, 

S. W. PiCKAKD, 

E. P. Young, 
B. L. Jackson, 
Board of Health in and for the 
town of Richland. 
"This movement may be considered as some- 
thing new under the sun — may be considered as 
a wrong construction of the intention of the 
statute; but so far as the letter of the law is 
concerned, it is fully in accordance with it; 
and, the law ought to be, henceforth, inter- 
preted as our board of health have seen fit so 
to interpret it. It would then be better than 
the Maine law; and, on this subject the State 
would not soon need to have legislation for the 
further regulation or suppression of the traflic." 

As has been said, these men were eng.aged in 
a nefarious business, without any license, and 
they paid no attention to the notification of the 
board of health. After wailing twenty-four 
hours for them to remove the offending liquors, 
the members of the board made a personal call 
upon the men, and made a request of them to 
remove them or cause them to be removed, to 
neither of which requests would they listen, 



1168 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



and showed an ugly spirit of resistance. Allow- 
ing the matter to rest over night, that it might 
sink into their minds, and finding in the morn- 
ing no signs that they were making any prepa- 
rations to obey the mandates of the law, a 
warrant was placed in the hands of the sheriff, 
and on Wednesday, July 15, the town board ac- 
companied that officer and his posse to the 
saloon of Carmichael, and all the liquor found 
therein was taken out and poured upon the 
ground, which soon drank it up. No riot or re- 
sistance seems to have been met at this place, 
but all submitted with the best grace possible 
to the visit of the officer of the law, who but 
did his duty in executing the warrant. The 
nuisance being abated at this place, the proces- 
sion, for it had swelled to that degree, pro- 
ceeded to the saloon of Patrick Meehan, but 
did not find the man with any peaceable inten- 
tions. On perceiving them he ran up stairs, 
where he had conveyed the bulk of his stock of 
liquor, and, standing behind a barricade at the 
head of the stairs with his wife, jjresented at 
the approaching officer a gun, a revolver and a 
single-barreled pistol, and swore with terrible 
oaths that he would blow out the brains of, or 
do other deadly injury to, the sheriff or any 
other man who dared to attempt to storm his 
castle. The sheriff, finding that it might prove 
a dangerous job, evidently thinking discretion 
the better part of valor, incontinently left with 
all his piosse, and Meehan was left victor of 
this bloodlessfieldfor the time being. Awarrant 
was now issued for the arrest of the man for re- 
sisting an officer, and put into the hands of 
Constable Matteson, who, watching his oppor- 
tunity, found him away from his house and 
brought him before Justice Young. William 
F. Crawford, who had been appointed court 
commissioner at the previous term of the cir- 
cuit court by Judge Cothren, acted as Meehan's 
counsel. He demanded that his client should 
not be tried or examined before Justice Young, 
but at once offered to give a recognizance for 
his appearance at the next term of the circuit 



court. This demand being denied by 'Squire 
Young, who betrayed no great willingness to be 
ousted of his jurisdiction, Crawford repaired 
to his office and issued the following summons: 
State of Wisconsin, ) 
Richland County. \ 
To E. P. Young, Justice of the Peace of 
Richland County, Wisconsin: 

Sir: -You are hereby notified that I have 
this day liberated Patrick Meehan, who was 
brought before you on the 16th day of July, 
A D. 1857, on a charge preferred against him 
for resisting an officer while in the execution of 
serving legal process. 

You are further notified to send, without un- 
necessary delay, the recognizance, and all the 
papers in the case, to the Clerk of the Circuit 
Court of Richland County, Wisconsin. 

Given under my hand, this the 16th day of 
July, A. D. 18-t7. Wm. F. Crawford, 

Court Commissioner Richland 
County, Wisconsin. 
But E. P. Young, on receiving this notice, 
could not find the authority for it, and there- 
fore refused to deliver up the prisoner, and pro- 
ceeded with the examination. After a hearing 
of the case, Meehan was required to give bail 
for his appearance at the next term of the cir- 
cuit court. This he refused to do, and was 
committed to jail. 

His attorney, Crawford, then sued out a writ 
of habeas corjnis, before himself as court com- 
missioner, for the liberation of his client, but 
the sheriff questioning Crawford's power or au- 
thority under the circumstances, refused to 
serve the writ. Crawford finding himself de- 
feated in every move went to work writing out 
other mandatory documents, but met with no 
better success and finally seeing no better plan 
to liberate his friend and client, went security 
for his appearance himself, on which Meehan 
was liberated. 

In the meantime it seems that the sheriff 
and town board, taking advantage of Meehan's 
absence, sent the deputy sheriff, Elmore, with 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1169 



& posse, some of the board going with them, to 
his liouse, to destroy the obnoxious li(juorK. 
They proceeded to the place, but on entering 
tlie premises were met by the determined oppo- 
sition of Meehan's wife, who stood at the head 
of the stairway with a gun in her liands, de- 
claring that shewould shoot any man who had the 
temerity to attempt to come any further, or try to 
ascend tiie stair. Elmore commenced to parley 
with her, while she stood, like Helen McGregor 
in her fortress, defying them. Finding remon- 
strance and entreaties were fruitless, and goaded 
on by the bystanders, he nia<le a movement 
forward with the intention of storming the 
stronghold, thinking that tliere was more blus- 
ter on her part than that she would reallj' shoot. 
But he liad "reckoned without his host," for 
scarcely had he taken a few steps than the ama- 
zon presented her weapon and discliarged it, 
causing considerable confusion and a masterly 
retreat on the part of all the lookers-on. 

Her intention to hurt was good, but in the 
excitement and anger of the moment, her liand 
trembled and she liad missed hitting the officer 
or any one else. As soon as she saw that her 
aim had been futile, she snatclied up another 
gun, ♦seeing which Mr. Howland, one of the 
members of the board, called for weapons, and 
a rifle anil revolver were lianded to him. Cook- 
ing the ritlc, he told her to lay down her arms 
and surrender or he would shoot. The woman 
weakened and surrendered and the officers 
marche<I in and took |)ossession. A w.igon was 
procured and all the liquor found in the house 
was taken out and placed upon it and driven to 
the banks of the Pine river. Here had congre- 
gated quite a numl)er of peo]il(>, of both sexes, 
to witness the destruction of the stuff. Barrel, 
keg and bottle were taken from the wagon and 
emptied into the swift current of the river, 
minglitig with its waters the tiery liquid. After 
this had been completed. Median's wife was 
also arrested and placed under bonds to appear 
by the side of her hu.'iband, at tlie bar of the 
circuit court. 



As soon as Meehan had recovered his liberty, 
he laid in a fresh supply of liquor, but was ar- 
rested and fined some §40, and the next day ar- 
rested and fined the same amount, and finding 
that it was likely to prove an expensive matter, 
he deserted the town, leaving Ricliland Center 
to enjoy the proud consciousness of having no 
saloon in its midst, as Carmichael had surren- 
dered and given up his business. 

EDUCATIOXAL. 

In the summer of 1853 the first school in tlie 
village was taught in the court house building 
by Sylvia Hazelline. Calisia Ilazelline taught 
a term of school in the same jdace during the 
summer of 1854. In 1855 Sarah 'J'homas taught 
in a building owned by Ira S. Ilazeltiiie. 

The first gentleman to teacli in the village 
was James H. Miner, who began teaching a 
term in December, 1855, in the same building 
that had been occupied by tlie school taught by 
Sarah Thomas. The building was small and 
inconvenient, and without any lath and plaster 
on its walls, and as the winter was an unusually 
severe one, the scholars suffered from the in- 
clemency of the weather. Mr. Miner informs 
us that in the middle of the winter, the supply 
of wood, for the stove, gave out, and rather 
than abandon the school, he with liis own hands 
chopped up the pole fence that surrounded the 
lot on which the school liouse was built, ami 
kejil up the fire in that way. And even with 
this the stove was always surrounded by sliiv- 
ering urchins, who complained, that while their 
face was warm their backs were freezing. In 
the fall of 1857 the question of building a 
more comfortable and commodious school house 
came to the front, an<l the contest between the 
hich tax and low tax parties liisjilayed more 
acrimony than is usual in coinmunilies over the 
educational inatters. However, owing to the 
personal exertions of D. H. Priest, Israel .lanney, 
J. H. Miner and other well-known friends of 
education, the town voted a tax of |i3,000 
to erect a suitable building. This tax was 
assessed by the regular assessor and placed 



1170. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



upon the tax roll, but, as it was well nigh 
impossible for many to raise the money to 
pay this tax, the building committee made 
arrangements to receive it in material or 
labor at a fixed price and their receipts were 
taken by the town treasurer on such tax at their 
face value. Under these conditions the prei-ent 
frame structure was erected during the year 
1858. It is 36x5^ feet in dimension and two 
stories high, and is a good substantial building, 
with three apartments, in which the three 
lower grades are taught. 

Ira S. Hazeltine, one of the most prominent 
antagonists of the measure of voting the tax, 
refused for a long time to pay his assessment, 
but finding that he would have to, came to the 
committee after the building was all finished, 
and wanted to supply lumber, this, having no 
further use for, they declined and the matter 
rested for a time, when he went before the 
county board, and witii the assistance of the 
then district attorney, persuaded that body to 
cancel the tax certificates and charge the tax 
back to the school district. 

In 1868, this school having been outgrown by 
the wants of the district, a movement was put 
on foot to built a larger and more commodious 
one. Several meetings were held and at one of 
these town meetings the citizens voted to levy 
a tai of $2,000 toward building the school house, 
and work was at once commenced on the struc- 
ture. Tlie edifice was finished during 1869, and 
is a large roomy building and complete in every- 
thing except room, for the ever-increasing pop- 
ulation make it quite necessary to have more 
room, although both school houses are kept 
running. This building cost $4,500, and is in 
two a])artinents, and is under the personal su- 
pervision of II. R. Smith, who is the principal 
of all the village schools. The roll of teachers 
in 1883 were : H. R. Smith, high school ; 
P. II. Fay, grammar; Mary McKay, Mary Spy- 
ker, M. Lawrence and Miss Vedder. There are 
at present 362 children enrolled and the average 
attendance reaches 289, which is quite a re- 



spectable figure when we take into considera- 
tion that 152 of the scholars are quite small, 
being in the two lower grades. 

In 1879 Miss Peck, from Milwaukee, started 
a kindergarten under the supervision of the 
school board. 

In this connection it would be well to say 
that the schools are of a high grade and a com- 
plete course through the high school prepares 
the pupil for entry into the State University at 
Madison without any further studies. 

The high school was established by vote of 
the qualified electors of the district, in 1875, 
and the first pupils to graduate therefrom were 
Miss B. D. Miner and L. C. Thorpe. The for- 
mer was a daughter of Judge Miner, and now 
the wife of J. II. Berryman, a lawyer of Rich- 
land Center. The present board of school con- 
trol is composed of I). L. Downs, J. D. McKee 
and O. J. Burnham, clerk. At a meeting held 
in July, 1883, it was voted that 115,000 be 
raised for the purpose of erecting a new school 
building, and a site containing five acres, lo- 
cated in the Schoolcraft addition, was secured. 

RELIGIOUS. 

For some years after the settlement of the 
village, adverse circumstances kept the erection 
of any church edifice from being consummated. 
But as early as March 27, 1857, some stir was 
made in the matter toward the building of a 
union meeting-house, where all could worship. 
Committees were appointed, but, for various 
reasons, the scheme was abandoned. In May, 
1857, the Presbyterians, who had organized a 
society that month in the village, determined to 
take the matter in hand and put up a place of 
worship for themselves. But means were 
scarce, and some time was necessarily spent be- 
fore the matter assumed a shape justifying the 
letting of the contract. But that day did at 
last dawn when the committee, of which Caleb 
Waggoner was chairman, we believe, that they 
could see their way clear to the end. William 
and A. L. Wilson took the contract of building 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



.1171 



the structure, which was finislied during the 
same year, 1857. 

Services were held during the fall, under the 
ministrations of Rev. J. H. Mathers, the first 
pastor of tliis little flock. At the opening of 
tlie cluirch there were but nine members of the 
society, but the attendance from the first was 
very fair and favorable. Mr. Mathers was suc- 
ceeded liy Rev. J. M. Reid, a faithful laborer 
in the "vineyard of the Lord," but whose 
health at last broke down and he was forced to 
retire in 1866. For some little time .-ifter his re- 
moval the fold was without a she[)herd, but a 
Rev. Mr. Wliite came and took temporary 
cliarge of them for about six months. Rev. G. 
J. E. Richards was installed as pastor in the 
summer of 1 876, and remained in charge only 
about a year, when he, too, on account of poor 
health, was obliged to leave, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Mr. ^Yinn for a short time. Since that 
time Rev. Mr. Benson has spent two years as a 
faithful laborer in this field, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Thomas Pierce, who took charge in 
January, 1880, and remained until .January, 
1883, when he terminated his connection with 
the society, and Rev. Mr. Winn, from Madison, 
supplied the pulpit until the summer 188.3, 
when Rev. Dennison, the present pastor, took 
charge. 

Possibly we may liave made some omis- 
sions in the list of the pastors, or some little 
inaccuracies may have crept in, but the fault 
has been occasioned by the great difficulty en- 
countered by us in our efforts in collecting the 
material for our facts, having mainly to rely 
upon the memories of those to whom we looked 
for the proper data. The church edifice is a 
neat frame structure and cost $1,100, and is yet 
in use, and answers very well the i)urpose for 
which it was erected. When tlie building was 
erected a bell was secured through the exertions 
of J. VV. Lybraud. He solicited aid from his 
merchant friends in the city of New York, and 
after raising the money, placed it in the hands 
of Rev. J. H. Mathers, who purch.ased the bell. 



It weighs 402 pounds and cost twenty-nine 
cents per pound. 

METHODIST CIIURCn. 

Although the Presbyterian society were the 
first to erect a church edifice, still they were 
not the first to be organized into a s-ociety. As 
early as 1855 the Method'Sts had organized a 
class, and had held regular meetings, thus being 
the pioneer Church of the town. The first pas- 
tors were not regularly stationed ones, but were 
of that itinerant class, called circuit preachers, 
and a Mr. Wheeler is believed to be the first to 
exhort this little iiand of Christian mm and 
women who had determined to raise a Church 
in the wilderness. In 1859 the first regular 
pastor assumed charge, the Church being then 
made a station of the Methodist Church, liav- 
ingbeen heretofore only supplied by circuit 
preachers. Among those wlio have preached 
here since are: Revs. Brainerd, Walker, Nu- 
zum, De Lap, Cook, Hill, Ch.ase, Brooks, 
Manuel, Irish, McKay, Sturgis, Burni]) and J. 
D. Tull. Kev. A. L. Tull is the [)resent pastor. 
The church edifice was commenced in 1872, 
and was completed early in 1873, being dedi- 
cated on the 2d of March, by the Rev. Mr. Fal- 
low. W. H. Downs was the first class leader, 
A. B. Weigley is the present one. 

THE BAPTIST CIUKCII. 

This society was organized in I860, and for a 
few years worshiped in the court house under 
the ministrations of the Rev. W. C. Wright, 
who was the first pastor, to whom the society 
owed its inception. He was an able, energetic 
worker in the ripe fields of tlie Master, and 
was not afraid to put his hands to the jilough. 
This little band of Christians determined to 
erect a building in whieli to worship and in the 
same year set about the task, digging the exca- 
vation for the foundation walls. There were 
not many moneyed men in the congregation 
and contributions came in slowly and jhc work 
on the church was suspended from lime to time 
for want of funds, so that it was not until tha 
summer of 1870, that it was finished. Sunday, 



1172 



[HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Nov. 1, 1870, the church was dedicated by W. 
C. Wright, formerly pastor, assisted by Revs. 
J.'W. Fish, of Fox Lake, Rockwell and Phil- 
lips. Rev. a. D. Stevens was the pastor of this 
Church for some years and was instrumental in 
the completion of the church. The church 
edifice is a fine large structure, 36x60 feet in 
dimension, and built of brick on a foundation 
of stone, with a high, light and roomy base- 
ment, which is used for school purposes. In- 
stead of having the building ])Ut up by contract, 
the board of trustees, the first the Church had, 
consisting of the following gentlemen: O. W. 
Gibbs, S. B. Pennell, J. S. Wilson, G. D. 
Stevens and G. L. Laws, determined to erect it 
themselves, which they did. The cost of the 
edifice was about $6,000, and is the finest build- 
ing of the kind in the county. The Church has 
been without a pastor for some time, but W. S. 
Sweet supplies the pulpit occasionally. 

ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The first mass was said to be held at the house 
of Patrick Meehan, in 1858, by Father Mande- 
ger, from Linden. Services were not held regu- 
larly, and sometimes three months passed with- 
out meetings. Father Francis Stokes, from 
Mazomanie, Father Murphy, from Crawford 
county, and Fathers Corney, Walsh and Ber- 
nard, held services at different times in private 
houses. In 1866 L. D. Gage donated ground 
for a church and cemetery, and soon afterward 
Father Bean, then pastor at Keyesville, erected a 
small church. In 1872 Father Francis Heller 
had the building enlarged to its present size. 
Father Heller was succeeded by Father A. 
Mendl, Aug. 10, 1874. In November, 1874, 
Father Heiss became pastor, and on the 16th of 
January, 1878, Father Henry Koenig, the pres- 
ent pastor, took charge. The Church has flour- 
ished and is now in excellent condition. 

CEMBTERY. 

In 1854 a committee, consisting of C. W. 
Huntingdon, Charles Nelson and others, was 
appointed to lay out a cemetery ground, and 



they, for some unaccountable reason, selected a 
piece of ground on a rocky knoll, section 16, in 
Schoolcraft, which was seemingly the most un- 
suitable place in the whole valley for that pur- 
pose. A rocky, stony soil, into which the spade 
could only go for some three or four feet, and 
that only by the severest labor; exposed to all 
the elements in the worst shape imaginable. 
The site selected did not meet the views of the 
people of the village, who naturally wanted a 
more beautiful and convenient ground. In 
the spring of 1856 a meeting of the citizens 
was called to devise means to change the 
location of the burial ground. This sub- 
ject for a while engrossed the whole popu- 
lation, and much deliberaticn and wrangling 
ensued. Some half a dozen public meetings 
were held, and at last an organization was ef- 
fected and a committee was appointed to select 
the spot for the future cemetery. The commit- 
tee reported that they had selected block '29, in 
the addition to the village known as School- 
craft's, which was adopted and the necessary 
improvements made to secure the grounds and 
beautify the last resting place. The cemetery 
lies on the slope of a gentle acclivity facing the 
west, and is most beautifully laid out, dotted 
with evergreen and deciduous trees, and beds 
of lovely plants and flowers. The first ofticers 
of the association were: Caleb Waggoner, presi- 
dent, and James H. Miner, secretary and treas- 
urer. The sale of lots and all business con- 
nected with the cemetery now lies in the hands 
of W. Harry Pier, who is the present secretary 
and treasurer. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY. 

When in February, 1859, L. D. Gage gave to 
the Church of this communion the ground for a 
church, he donated suflicient land for the ceme- 
tery, which is attached and lies just north of 
the grounds owned by the Richland Center 
Cemetery Association, and is also beautifully 
laid out and well kept. Here in consecrated 
ground lie the bodies of those who have died in 
full accord with the Church. The cemetery is, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1173 



as usual, under the control of the priest of the 
parish. 

INDEPEXDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 

Richland Lodge, No. 118, was instituted at 
the village of Richland Center, Jan. 17, 1861, 
with eleven charter members, as follows: 
George Krouskop, D. S. Hamilton, F. P. Bow- 
en, J. H. Waggoner, James H. Haskins, W. M. 
Fogo, J. H. Harrington, Joseph B. MeGrew, 
Henry T. Bailey, Oscar F. Black and A. II. 
Krouskop. George Krouskop was the first 
noble grand of the lodge. 

The lodge now numbers fifty-two members, 
and is in a fine, flourishing condition. Tlicy 
have a hall, which is fitted up with the para- 
phernalia of the order, and holds a fine library 
belonging to the lodge. This latter is a pet 
hobby of W. C. S. Barron's, the grand patri- 
arch of ihe State, who is a member of tlii.s 
lodge, who instituted the same by soliciting the 
members to each donate what books they could. 
They all entered into ihe scheme and a nucleus 
was formed; doiialions were also siilicited from 
other grand oflirers, who all responded freely, 
notably J. B. Ostrander and John G. (Jlark; 
Hon. George C. Hazleton, the ex-member of 
Congress from the district, has also placed the 
lodge under obligations for donations of books. 
The present officers are: George Clark, N. G ; 
A. W. Maly, V. G.; John Brimer, secretary: 
Seth Butler, treasurer. 

Richland Encampment, No. 40, was instituted 
Jan. 8, 1871, with the following charter mem- 
bers: J. M. Adams, D. G. James, J. B. McGrew, 
G. W. Jarvis, N. L. James, W. C. S. Barron 
and John Hazel. The first officers were: Nor- 
man L. James, C. P.; J. M. Adams, H. P.; 
George Jarvis, S. W.; W. C. S. Barron, J. W.; 
D. G. James, T., and J. A. Hazel, scribe. Tlie 
encampment meets in the same hall as the 
lodge, as do all the lodges of the order in the 
village. A large average attendance and the in- 
terest betrayed in the work show a healthy state 
of the organization. The present officers are: 
A. W. Maly, C. P.; Seth Butler, II. P.; W. 



Collins, S. W.; Monroe Vreeland, J. W.; J. 
Bass, scribe; J. II. Van Riper, treasurer. 

Brasted Uniformed Degree Camp, No. 6, 
was instituted Feb. 7, 1R8:?, with the following 
charter members: William Collins, Seth But- 
ler, M. Vreeland, F. H. Tuttle, G. J. II. Van 
Riper, M. Brodwright, John Brimer, A. G. Tut- 
tle, A. W. Maly, W. C. S. Barron and J. Bass. 
The officers are: W. C. S. Barron, commander; 
G. J. II. Van Riper, vice commander; John 
Brimer, officer of the guard; W. Collins, secre- 
tary; Seth Butler, treasurer. 

Amanda Lodge, No. 75, Rebecca degree, was 
organized and instituted Dec. 1, 1882. The 
following are the charter members; Brothers, 
W. ('. S. Barron, John M. Ilennon, George M. 
Clark, William Collins, F. C. Pennell, Seth 
Butler, S. Penoyer, J. M. Brimer, M. Brodwright, 
\V. F. Doudna and A. S. Hayes. Sisters, 
Amanda Barron, Josie Clark, Alice Collins, R. 
Pennell, Margaret Butler, Fannie Penoyer, 
Nancy Brimer, Mary Doudna, Sarah Hayes and 
Dulphinia Ilennon. The officerf are George 
(lark, N. G.; Fannie Penoyer, V. G.; Seth But- 
ler, treasurer; Josie Clark, P. secretary; S. Pen- 
oyer, recording secretary. 

ANCIENT OKDEK OF tT.VITED WORKMEN. 

As this is a compaiatively new order, a brief 
account of its origin and object may not 
be inappropriate in this connection. On the 
5th day of November, I^es, some fourteen 
genii' nuMi assembled at Meadville, Penn., 
and organized the first lodge of the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen. The motive that 
prompted them was a pure and unselfish one, 
and their plan of operations is the very best 
to carry out the jjurpose for which the order is 
intended — that of "charity, hope and protec- 
tion." From the date of organization the or- 
der grew slowly, until July 4, 1870, wlien the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was instituted at 
.Meadville, in that Slate. The order then be- 
gan to extend into all the diffierent States and 
now is fully recognized in nearly every State 
' and territory. 



l\U 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



It is a benevolent order, not unlike the Odd 
Fellows, helping the widow and orphan and 
helping the sick. A distinguishing feature is 
the insurance, a payment of $2,000 to the heirs 
of a deceased member at his demi.se. The 
money is raised by asses.sment on the members 
and the life insurance is thus furnished at the 
actual cost. 

Center Lodge, No. 70, of this order, was in- 
stituted at Richland Center, in July, 1879, by 
A. H. Taisey, with the following charter mem- 
bers: Seth Butler, I. S. Hazeltine, A. S. Hayes, 
Cyrus Tryon, John Winn, Charles Speidel, B. 
Dodge Bailey, Robert Bailey, Jr., James Jones, 
Arthur D. Lane, James Kinney, Albert Schmidt, 
D. B. Sommers, James S. Smith, M. B. Burtch, 
W. C. S. Barron, A. W. Maly, Samuel C. Hyatt, 
A. G. Tuttle, Homer J. Clark, D. L. Noble, A. 
M. Stratton, A. P. Clayton, P. S. Brewer, S. St. 
John, Albert Ilerple, Arthur Culver, D. E. O. 
Bird, John Huston and W. H. Waters. 

The following were elected the initial officers 
of the lodge: Warren C. S. Barron, W. M.; 
D. L. Noble, financier; Homer J. Clark, receiv- 
er; S. St. John, overseer. The present officers 
are: W. C. S. Barron, P. M. W.; A. S. Hayes, 
M. W.; Seth Butler, overseer; Samuel C. Hyatt, 
financier; .John Winn, receiver. Meetings are 
held every second and fourth Friday's of each 
month, and a large attendance is noted. This 
lodge is in a fine flourishing condition, and is 
growing rapidly in the estimation of the gen- 
eral community and already numbers among its 
members, many of the very best citizens of the 
town. 

TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. 

The first temperance society in Richland 
Center was organized in the fall of 1856, and of 
its institution the following has been gathered: 

At a gathering of the ladies belonging to the 
sewing circle of that village, Mrs. Israel San- 
derson, the wife of the editor of the newspa- 
per, introduced the subject of temperance and 
it wa.s discussed in all its bearings, and it was 
determined to form an association for the pro- 



mulgation of the doctrine of total abstinence. 
A meeting being soon after held, a large number 
were present and the organization was perfected 
and the following officers chosen: Mrs. Israel 
Sanderson, president; Mrs. James H. Miner, 
secretary. On the 26th of December the fol- 
lowing preamble and resolutions were adopted 
in lieu of a constitution, which were signed by 
the parties whose n.ames are appended below, 
as evidence of their membership: 

LADIES TEMPERANCE LEAGUE. 

"Whereas, We, the ladies of Hichland Cen- 
ter, knowing well the evils that result from the 
sale and use of spirituous liquors, and as this de- 
moralizing traffic is becoming so very common 
in our midst, and as the temperance men of 
this community have so far found it impossible 
to sustain a prosecution against tlie sale of 
liquors, without license, we consider ourselves 
and families in personal danger, and as we feel 
that something must be done, for the present 
and future welfare of this community; there- 
fore, we do hereby pledge ourselves to the fol- 
lowing resolutions, to wit: 

^^ Resolved, That we will not, from this date, 
trade at any establishment which is known to be 
directly or indirectly engaged in the traffic of 
spirituous liquors, as a beverage. 

^'■Resolved, That a committee of three be ap- 
pointed, whose duty it shall be to immediately 
call on the town board of supervisors and the 
district attorney and request them to prose- 
cute every individual, to them known, who sells 
intoxicating liquors in violation of law. 

"Resolved, That every female of the age of 
fourteen and upwards, in the village,be requested 
to join our league and sign these resolutions. 

"Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, 
with our names, be published in the Richland 
County Observer.^'' 

Mrs. N. A. Hawkins, Mrs. M. Sanderson, 
Mrs. S. A. Price, Mrs. E. A. Wilson, Mrs. M. 
Statser, Mrs. J. L. McKee, Mrs. E. P. Young, 
Mrs. Sarah Straight, Mrs. Amelia Kifer, Mrs. 
JaneNawthrop, Mrs. Mary Wilson, Mrs. Harriet 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1175 



N. Pelton, Mrs. Jane Mears, Mrs. L. A. NuiM. 
Mrs. Eliza A. James, Mrs. Sarah A.Nortbrop, Mrs. 
B. A. Downs, Miss Josephine Price, Miss So- 
phia Garwood, Miss E. M Strickland, Miss 
Sarah Short, Miss C. Fries, Miss Margaret J. 
Davis, Miss Emma C. Wilson, Miss Cassa Far- 
row, Miss E. J. Kinney, Miss M. N. Letson, 
Miss Maria Norman, Miss M. Ann Clagg, Miss 
Dorcas E Edson, Miss Maria Short, Miss 
Marian Fries, Miss Eliza E. Meehan, Mrs. 
Laura A. Bright, Mrs. Marian Thompson, Mrs. 
Laura Royce, Mrs. Augusta Hazeltine, Mrs. 
Anna M. Hamilton, Mrs. M. D. Clagg, Mrs. L. 
Morton, Mrs. Caroline Rose, Mrs. Phebe Hayes, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Fries, Mrs. Jane N. Wilson, Mrs. 
Eliza Marshall, Mrs. Margaret Adair, Mrs. 
Margaret Hankins, Mrs. L. E. James, Mrs. S 
A. Miner, Mrs. Barbara Davis, Mrs. Cholerton, 
Mrs. L. Priest, Mrs. Mary J. Huston, Mrs. 
Nancy Waggoner, Mrs. Sarah Hoge, Mrs. Mary 
Neff, Mrs. Eliza Huntington, Mrs L. Wright, 
Mrs. E. C. Arey, Mrs E. Janney, Mrs. H. S. 
Wood, Mrs. C. D. Rank, Mrs. Mary B. Haw- 
land, Mrs. Sar;ih A. Gaston, Mrs. R. Hamilton, 
Miss M S. Kinney, Miss S. Jane Clagg, Miss 
Nancy H. Drewet, Miss Mary J. Brees, Miss 
Pleasant J. Janney and jSIrs. Sarah Hamilton. 

GOOD TEMPLARS. 

A lodge of tliis order was instituted at Rich- 
land Center, in February, 1857, by George Jar- 
vis, of Richland City, acting as deputy for the 
district, assisted by I^Ir. Hawley of Madison. 
Dr. O. H. AVood was installed as worthy chief 
templar, and Mrs. Wood as worthy vice 
templar. The names of the charter members, 
so far as we have been able to obtain, are as fol- 
lows: Mrs. Eliza James, Alonzo G. James, Mrs. 
Sarah A. Miner, Amos Nudd, Mrs. L. A. Nudd, 
Caleb Waggoner, G. II. James, Mrn. Eliza 
James, C. W. Huntington, B. R. Howland, Wil- 
liam Wilson, Ira S. Hazeltine, Augusta Hazel- 
tine, George Young, Mrs. Nancy Waggoner and 
A. H. Bush. This lodge ran until in 1862 or 180.3 
and was known as Excelsior Lodge, No. 36, I. 
O. G. T., it then gently expired and the town 



was without an organization of the order until 
the organization of the present one, known as 
Fidelity Lodge, No. 237, I. O. G. T., and which 
was instituted in accordance with a charter, 
dated Jan. i'Z, 1877, with the following charter 
members: George Jarvis, Susan Smith, Eliza 
A. James, Josie C. Downs, Mrs. M. H. Shurt- 
leff, Frank E. Smith, Maggie W. Lybrand, 
Emma Lick, Stephen J. Smith, Kate G. Downs, 

0. W. Gibbs, G. N. Mickel, Emma Tuttle, 
Charles F. James, Mary L. Bundy, F. H. Tuttle, 
Sarali Jarvis, A. G. James, Michael ]Murphy, W. 
S. Sweet, C. Waggoner, C. F. Walker, L. E. 
James, Rosa E. James, Jane Weigley, A. B. 
Weigley, Rosa E. Rouse, E. II. Burnham, Ella 
L. Pease, R. C. Lybrand, Fannie Jarvis, Ed- 
ward Gibbs an I W. J. McKay. The first officers 
chosen were: George .Jarvis, W. C.T.; Maggie 
W. Lybrand, W. V. T.; O. W. Gibbs, P. W. C. 
T.; F. H. Tuttle, W. F. S.; Kate G. Downs, W. 
S.; Michael Murphy, W. A. S.; Eliza .James, W. 
T.; W. J. McKay, W. C; G. W. Mickel, W. 
M.; Mary L. Bundy, W. D. M.; Emma Liek, W. 

1. G ; Charles F. James, W. O. G.; Susan E. 
Smith, W. R. H. S.; Emma Tuttle, W. L. H. S. 
The lodge holds its meeting each week, in 
what is known as 'ri'm])lars' Hall, which is oc- 
cupied, in common, by all the temperance or- 
ganizations. There is a large membership and 
good attendance, and no doubt helps materi.illy 
in the good temperance work done in the town. 

There is also a juvenile lodge of temperance 
known as Star of Hope Temple, No. 71, which 
was organized .March 15, is7s, and meets in the 
same hall as the other temperance organiza- 
tions. P. H. Fay was instrumental in its insti- 
tution, and remains at i)resent the superintend- 
ent. Quite a lively interest is taken by the 
children, in the work, and uniler the head of 
"good of the order," much pleasant .aniusi'ment 
is brought out. 

A new lodge of goo<I templars wa.s organized 
early in May, 1883, at the Fine River cliureh, 
which, although not in the town of Richland 
Center, lies but about two miles from it, and 



1176 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



in this township. It was named Pacific Lodge, 
No. 256. Meetings are held every Saturday eve- 
ning and a pleasant time had. The following is 
a list of the officers: Edwin Glasier, VV. C. T.; 
Mrs. William Starkey, W. V. T.; John Glasier, 
W. S.; Arthur Glasier, W. F. S.; Robert Clem- 
ents, W. T.; R. Davis, W. C; Ella Davis, W. 
M.; Elmer Davis, W. G.; Maud Miller, W. S.; 
Mrs. Phil Miller, W. A. S.; Mrs. R. Clements, 
W. D. M.; Ellen Cook, W. R. H. S.; Libbie 
Wilkins, W. L. H. S.; James Davis, lodge 
deputy. 

Richland Temple of Honor, No. 192, was or- 
ganized Aug. 3, 1878, witli the following char- 
ter members: H. St. John, S. Sherman, F. E. 
Smith, M. L. Sherman, W. H. Waters, R. J. 
Wilson, C. Waggoner, J. M. Waggoner, Frank 
Walworth, W. W. Welton, A. B. Weigley, J. 
H. Weigley, E. A. Weigley, C. Weigley, Sidney 
Arnold, Samuel Arnold, Seth Butler, George W. 
Barry, Daniel Barry, F. W. Burnliam, A. A. 
Bulard, George Clark, D. O. Chandler, C. Cul- 
ver, E. M. Chandler, W. H. Cholerton, Victor 
Clark. H. A. Culver, H. W. Eastland, W. M. 
Fogo, O. W. Gibbs, E. T. Gibbs, J. W. Gibbons, 
II. Gaston, M. Healy, A. S. Hayes, S. C. Hyatt, 
A. Hyatt J. H. Houghton, M. D. Hankins, R. 
R. Hamilton, Henry Lewis, George Jarvis, R. 

C. Lybrand, M. Lovering, F. P. Lawrence, J. 
W. Lybrand, J. W. Liek, E. H. Liscum, G. R. 
Mitchell, J. L. McKee, Oliver G. Munson, A. 
W. Maly, Fred McCormick, D. G. Pease, 
Philip Rolfe, E. Rolfe, W. Rouse, L. B. Smith, 
S. J. Smith, J. W. Smith and C. Speidel. This 
organization is in quite a flourishing condition, 
and it is but just to say, that, to the work of the 
order is due the present state of prohibition of 
the sale of iiito.'cicating liquors in the village. 
A large membership gathers in the hall of meet- 
ing. The present officers are: Oliver G. Mun- 
son, W. C. T.; A. J. Kinney, W. V. T.; O. W. 
Gibbs, W. R.; George M. Clark, W. A. S.; N_ 
H. Dillingham, W. F. R.; Charles Speidel, w'. 
T.; Aaron Sliarp, W. U.; O. H. Northrup, W. 

D. U.; M. Lovering, W. G.; S. Porter, W. S. 



MILITIA. 

During the latter days of the great civil war 
between the States, a strong effort was made to 
organize a company of what was then termed 
"home guards," probably because they stayed 
at home, and Aug. 26, 1864, a company was 
formed and organized, under the high-sounding 
and euphonious name of " Rlcliland County 
Union Badgers." About sixty-four were en- 
rolled in the organization. E. H. Liscum was 
elected captain, and George Jarvis and J. M. 
MoMurtrey first and second lieutenants. From 
all that we can gather this company did not 
prosper very well, and Capt. Liscum resigning, 
Elam Bailey was elected in his stead. After 
a little time, however, the organization gave 
up the ghost and there has been no attempt to 
rtvive it as yet 

women's club. 

This association was organized in June, 1882, 
by the ladies of Richland Center. The object 
of the society is, as laid down by the constitu- 
tution, "to suggest and develop plans for social, 
intellectual, industrial, educational and philan- 
thropic interests, to the end that we may have 
better homes, better health, better charities, 
better laws, better service for humanity and 
God." At the date of the organization the fol- 
lowing officers were elected : Mrs. Julia A. 
Bowen, president ; Mrs. G. N. Matteson, Mrs. 
M. McMurtrey and Mrs. Georgia James, vice 
presidents ; Mrs. Laura James, corresponding 
secretary; Mrs. Victoria Layton, recording sec- 
retary. Saturday June 2, 1883, the first annual 
anniversary meeting and appropriate exer- 
cises were held in the 15aptist church. The pro- 
gramme for the occasion was as follows : 

Prayer— Rev. J. D. TuU. 
Address of Welcome -Julia A. Bowen. 
Letters of Greeting— Read bj' Members. 
Essay, Woman in the Home— Lucy Pier. 
Select Heading. "How the Women went from Dover"— 
Mrs. H. B. Allen. 
Woman in Journalism- JennieLamberson. 
Song— "New America." 

Select Reading, Hagar in the Wilderness"- Mary Vedder. 
Hygiene— Amelia Smith. 
Woman's Work for Woman— Ada Lamaon. 




c/i)l(^ 





HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



11V9 



Recitation, "Saving Mother"— Vira Pease. 

Woman in Politics— P H. Fay. 

Woman in Temperance— Emma Pilling. 

Song-. 

"Woman before tbe Law— H. A. Eastland. 

Jnstice— Laura .Innios. 

Queries and Answers— Eva James. 

Woman in the Pulpit— S. B. Loomis. 

Comparative Merits of Collegiate and Business Education- 
Maria Fowler, Victoria Lnj'ton, Profs. Smith and Sweet. 

Going to 'Lection- Lillie Wood. 

Song-. 

The interest in the club has continually in- 
creased and many members say that they 
" sliould not know what to do without the 
club." 

SOCIETY OK THE SI.XTH WISCONSIN BATTEKT. 

Among the associations of the county, that of 
the 6th Wisconsin Battery must not be forgot- 
ten, 'i'liis society was organized in its present 
shape Oct. -S, 18TG, when the "boys of the bat- 
tery held a re-union at Spring Green. 

GKAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 

The W. II. Bennett Post of the Grand Army 
of the Republic was organized on the 26th of 
May, 1882, N. B. Hood, of Henry Dillon I'usi 
No. 24, assisted by comrades of the same po-'t 
officiating. The following named were the first 
officers an<l charter members: D. (4. J.imes. 
commander; Irvin Gribble, senior vice coni 
mander; B. C. Ilallin, junior vice commander; 
George Jarvis, O. D.; Christian Bcrger, quar- 
termaster; A. J. Kinney, O. G.; H. J. Wall, 
surgeon; John Walworth, chaplain; J. O. Bun- 
nell, adjutant; M. L. Sherman, sergeant major; 
Lewis Henry, Q. M. S.; Thomas B. Adams, 
Frank Ilapgood, N. L. James, A. Lillybridge, 
J. W. Lcik, Ira Monroe, O. II. Northrup,G. W. 
Putnam, A. S. Ripley, D. L. Downs and A. 
Hyatt. The following named have been mus- 
tered in since the organization: John Cassady, 
A. W. RobinM>n, Edwin Berry, M. Gorman, 
Henry Pauls, Lee McMurtrey, Hiram Freeman, 
Chris. Burwitz, Jose])h Miller, E. Morris, 
John Akan, John Ki.amme, Lewis Miller, W H. 
Waters, E. Dunston, D. Chismore, J. W. Web- 
ley, Anthony Kranenian, Abram Miller, Jacob 
Marsb, S. C. Hyatt, Henry Sigrist, Isaac B. 
Reeve, J. W. Smith, Henry A. Culver, George 



W. Miller, T. M. McCarthy, W. H. Joslin, Frank 
Patch and 0. Klingler. In 1883 the officers of 
the post were: D. G. James, commander; 
Chis. Berger, senior vice commander; B. C. 
Ilallin, junior vice commander; George Jarvis, 
O. D.; John Walworth, chai>lain; H. J. Wall, 
surgeon; Irvin Gribble, Q. M.; M. L. Sherman, 
adjutant; T. B. Adams, O. G.; J. W. Smith, S. 
M.; Lewis Henry, Q. M. S. The post now has 
a membership of fifty-four and is in good con- 
dition. Meetings are held on the second and 
fourth Thursdays of each month. 

Henry Bennett was born Oct. 25, 18.37, in the 
town and county of Medina, Ohio. He came 
with his parents in 1846 to the territory of 
Wisconsin, and settled in Dane county. He 
removed to Jefferson county in 1852 and to 
Kichland county in 1855. In 1861 he enlisted 
in company II, oth Wisconsin, as a ))rivate, 
from which he was promoted to the 25th for 
irallantry in nction at the battle of Williams- 
burn', Va„ and in McClellan'scalamitous engage- 
ments in front of Richmond in 1S62. His 
frankness, geniality and companionable quali- 
ties arc well known by all his comrades and 
the citizens of Richland county. Mr. Bennett 
was one among many others who gave up his 
life in a southern prison that his country might 
be saved. It was in honor of this brave man 
anil the kindly recoiled ion of days gone by, 
thiit the G. A. R. Post of Richland Center was 
named. The name of no comrade will be long- 
er remembered by the boys of the post than 
that of W. H. Bennett. 

MASONIC. 

Richland Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M., was 
organized under a dispensation ; and the first 
lodge met at the house of D. B. Priest on the 
27lh of March, 1856. 'i'here were present : D. 
B. Priest, W. M.; James H. Miner, S. W.; L. 
D. Gage, J. W.; Pliineas Janney, S. D.; John 
Hazle, J.D.; William Short, treasurer; William 
Akan, secretary and Daviil Barrett, tyler. The 
lodge was gratited a charter on the 12tb of June, 
18.56, and on the 1st of July, tbe first officers 
were installed by D. L. Downs, D. D. G M.; as 



71 



1180 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



follows: D. B. Priest, W. M.; James H. Mi- 
ner, S. W., and L. D. Gage, J. W. On the Utb 
of August, 1856, the lodge elected the following 
officers : William Short, treasurer ; G. W. 
Hawkins, secretary ; John Hazle, S. D.; Wil- 
liam Akan, J. D.; George Young, tj'ler, and W. 
F. Crawford and John Lawrence, stewards. 
Since the organization of the lodge the follow- 
ing named have served as master. D. B. 
Priest, L. D. Gage, James H. Miner, R. C. 
Hawkins, D. B. Priest, D. L. Downs, James H. 
Miner, D. L. Downs, W. J. Bowen, D. L. 
Downs, James II. Miner, G. L. Laws, D. L. 
Downs, G. L. Laws, D. L. Downs, W. C. S. 
Bickford, N. L. James, W. C. S. Barron and 
Jesse G. Bunnell. The lodge now has a mem- 
bership of about sixty-five, and meets on the first 
and third Thursdays in each month. In 188.3 the 
officers were : Jesse G. Bunnell, W. M.; H. B. 
Allen, S.W.; F. W. Burnham, J. W., W. H. 
Pier, treasurer; R. Sutton, secretary ; W. C. S. 
Barron, S.D.; B. F. Brimer, J. D.; John Wal- 
worth, chaplain, and Ira Monroe, lyler. 

HAY SCALKS COMPANY. 

The following report of a iiicetiiig explains 
itself, and will be an interesiiig ariicle to all 
who participated, as the fact of the existence of 
the Hay Scales company has aluiost been for- 
gotten : 

" Richland Centku, July 28, 1860. 

"The following stockholiiers of the hay scales 
met at W. H. Downs' stoic, according to the no- 
tice which had been givni. R. C. Hawkins, F. 
P. Bowen, D. G. Pease, W. II. Downs, J. L. 
McKee, H. C. Priest, S. H. Austin, W. Hill, A. 
B. Weigley, John Fitzgerald and J. W. and G. 
D. Lybrand. The meeting organized by the 
election of R. C. Hawkins as chairman, and W. 
H. Downs, secretary, pro. tem. It was voted 
that this association be called the 'Richland 
Center Scale Association." On motion it was 
voted that the officers of this association con- 
sist of one pi'esident, one secretary, one treas- 
urer, one weighmaster, and a board of directors 
composed of three members of the association. 



Voted that we proceed to the election of offi- 
cers for the ensuing year, and after balloting, 
the following officers were declared elected : 
J. L. McKee, president ; George D. Lybrand, 
secretary; William Hill treasurer and weigh- 
master; II. C. Priest, John Fitzgerald and F. 
P. Bowen, directors. 

"Voted that the scales be located on the north- 
west corner of William Hill's lot, with the beam 
facing the south, and the scales be placed far 
enough back from the sidewalk to place a gut- 
ter or sluice-way between the scales and side- 
walk. Mr. Ilill made a proposition to act as 
weighmaster as long as the scales remained 
where located, in consideration of one equal 
share. He to have an equal share of the divi- 
dends, if any, and share the losses if any. The 
proposition was accepted. Voted that the pres- 
ident appoint a committee of three to draft a 
constitution and by-laws. The president ap- 
pointed W. H. Downs, John Fitzgerald and G. 
D. Lybrand. Voted that the weighmaster be 
authorized to charge twelve and a half cents 
for each draft. Voted to adjourn to meet at 
William Hill's shop, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 1860." 

R. C. Hawkins, 
President, pro. tern. 

W. H. Downs, Sec'y, pro tem." 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

The subjects of the following personal 
sketches, are, for the larger portion, of those 
who came to the town and city of Richland at 
an early day, and have watched with tender 
care for many years the grovvth of their favor- 
ite town and city. 

James J. Soule came to the county in June, 
1848, and first stopped at Rockbridge, where he 
worked in a saw-mill. He also run lumber oa 
the Pine river. About two years after settling 
in the county, in partTiership with W. II. Jos- 
lin, he purchased of James Baxter a claim in 
town of Henrietta, and engaged in making 
shingles. Nov. 2, 18.51, he married Fannie M. 
Thompson, daughter of Aaron B. and Lydia 
Thompson. On the 22d of the same month, 



HISTORY OP RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1181 



they wpiit to Ileiiviotta and made a setllomeiil 
will) the nearest iieii,'lil)or tliiee miles distant. 
Two weeks later, the}- were driven away hy the 
Indians, and rcnuA ed to Rockbridge, where 
they lived unlil the following spring. Then in 
conipanv with another family, tlie}' moved hack 
to Henrietta, ami resided there till the fall of 
of 1852, then moved down Pine river. In 185.5 
they settled on Little Willow, and there lived 
for one year. Then removed to Yellow river, 
and a year later to Pine river valley, where the 
family has .since resided. Tlie farm is located 
on section Id, and consists of eighty acres. Jlr. 
and Mrs. ^'onle are the parents of eight chil- 
dren — Harriet E , David F., Emma A., Louisa 
E., George W., Mary E., Luella and William F. 
Mr. Soule was born in La Fayette Co., Wis., 
Feb. 1, 1828. His parents were John L. and 
Hannah Sonle. He resided in his native county 
and in Jo Daviess Co., 111., previous to coming 
to Riciiland. Politically he is a democrat. Mrs. 
Soule was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and 
accompanied htr father to Richland county in 
May, 1851. 

Major W. II. Joslin was born in Y]isilanti, 
Mich., on the 5th day of September, I8i9. He 
came with his parents to Wisconsin, but did 
not come to Richland county until 1848, which 
was one year after the family had settled on 
Ash creek. In 1852 he married Margaret M. 
Gillan. She is a daughter of Charles and Cla- 
rinda Gillan, and was born in Illinois, but came 
with her parents to Wisconsin when two years 
of age. One year after marriage Mr. Joslin 
settled in the town of Henrietta, and engaged 
in farming until 1858, in which year he was 
elected county sheriff. He then removed to 
Richland Center and served the people one terra, 
when he again resumed farming. He subse- 
quently spent one year in Colorado, but his 
family did not leave the county. In August, 
1862, enthused with the patriotism for his coun- 
try, he raised a company of men of which he 
■was chosen ca])tnin, and in September follow- 
ing, mustered into service as company B, of the 



25th \Visconsin Volunteer Infantry. One year 
later ('apt. Joslin was promoted to major, 
which rank he held until June, 18C5, when Tie 
was mustered out of service and by brevet was 
given the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Return- 
ing from service he again engaged in farming, 
and in 1868 was elected county treasurer and 
served as such for two consecutive terms, then 
again returned to the farm, also followed mill- 
ing at Bowen's mills. In 1880 he represented 
his district in the Assembly, and since Jaiiuar}^ 
1882, has been assistant superintendent of public 
jiroperty at Madison. But his family reRides at 
Richland Center. Thus it can be seen that 
Major Joslin has been prominently connected 
with the interests of the county for a quarter 
of a century. He was a brave soldier, an effi- 
cient officer, a good citizen and has a liost of 
friends. In politics he has acted with the re- 
publican party since its organization. He is a 
Rnyal Arch Mason, and a member of the G. A. 
K. and a Knight Templar. The children are — 
Marv A., now the wife of John W. Bowen; 
Iiank W., James G., Henry C. and Ilattie C, 
twins, Susie B. and May. 

Klisha Bovee, a minister in the United Breth- 
ren Church, was born in Boone Co., Ind., March 
13, 1840, and was but nine years of age when 
his parents emigrated to Richland county. 
Here lie grew to manhood, receiving his early 
education in the pioneer schools. At six- 
teen years of age he united with the United 
Brethren Church, and when eighteen years of 
age, commenced preaching. He remained at 
home with his parents until twenty years of 
age, assisting his father on the farm. In tlie 
meantime he was diligently pursuing his studies. 
When twenty-three years of age he was mar- 
ried to Victoria Potter. She was born near 
Toronto, Canada. When twenty years of age, 
with Elder Potts as his assistant, he associated 
on Rutlanil circuit in Dane, Green and Rock 
counties. In 1867 he and his wife entered Mil- 
ton College where they studied three years. He 
then went to Elroy as missionary to build up a 



1182 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



cause which was tlion in its infniio}-. His work 
there was in MDiiroe, .Juneau ami Vernon 
counties. He labored there lliri-e 3'ears; during 
that time the EIroy Seminary was established 
and Millard's Praiiie cliiirch was also built. 
From EIroy Mr. and Mrs. Bovee entered West- 
ern College, in Iowa, and studied, there one 
year. They returned to Richland county and 
he was api)i)iuted in charge of Richland Cir- 
cuit for three years. During this time there 
were about 500 conversions made and about 300 
of this number joined the United Brethren 
Churches of this circuit. He was then elected 
presiding elder of the east district Wisconsin 
Conference. He had charge of Bird's Creek 
circuit one year. Since that time he has been 
engaged as an evangelist with marked success ; 
laboring in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. 
In his work he has been ably assisted by his 
wife. She is a lady of great natural endowment 
and refinement, well educated, is a graduate of 
Western College and of the Northwestern 
Business College. She is well known as an 
expert in penmanship and can show some of the 
finest specimens of ornamental flourishes and 
pen portraits ever produced in Richland county. 
While at EIroy she was, for one year, in charge 
of the commercial department of that school, 
and has served as a private tutor a great deal 
of the time. She is at present president of the 
Woman's Missionary Society for the United 
Brethren Church for the State of Wisconsin. 

William Schurman resides on section :J6, and 
his real estate comprises 400 acres, with 
as good improvements as can be found in 
the county. He is engaged in dairying, and 
keeps about sixty cows. He manufactures 
creamery butter and Sap Sago. Mr. Schurman 
is a native of Germany, born in Duisburg on 
the river Rhine. In 1849 he married Caroline 
Weegmann, soon after emigrating to the 
United States and became one of the pio- 
neers of Richland county. He first resided 
on Ash creek, but his brother had entered a 
part of section 36, town of Richland, sometime 



previous. Mr. Schurman also owns the only one-_ 
half share of Sextonville mills. It can lrn!y be 
said that his life has been a success. Mr. and Mrs. 
Schurman have reared six children, five of whom 
are now living. Their eldest son, Henry, was 
killed in the Sextonville mill when about twenty- 
five years old. The family are members of the 
Evangelical Association. Two daughters have 
married clergymen, and one son is preaching 
the gospel. 

William Wulfing arrived in Richland county 
on the 25th day of May, 1849, and soon pur- 
chased the west half of the northwest quarter 
of section 16, town 9, range 1 east, of the 4th 
principal meridian. Here he erected a log cab- 
in and commenced pioneer life and continued 
tilling the soil with considerable success until 
1876, when he rented his farm to his son, re- 
moved to Richland Center and has since given 
his attention to the office of justice of the peace. 
He is a democrat in politics, and while a resi- 
dent of Orion served as town treasurer nine 
years and several terms as justice of the peace. 
Mr. Wulfing was born near the river Rhine in 
Prussia, was bred to mercantile life, and April 
16, 1844, married Constance Sigrist. In 1849 
he emigrated to the United States and settled 
as above stated. Mr. and Mrs. Wulfing have 
reared twelve children, ten now living — Wil- 
liam, Eugene, Frank, Richard, George, Con- 
stance, now the wife of Charles Iloole; Mary, 
now the wife of M L. Babb; Henrietta, now the 
wife of Clark Brown; Emily, now the wife of 
Norman Bennett, and Theodora. 

Durfee Bovee, to whom belongs the honor 
of being the first settler in the territory which 
now comprises the town of Richland, made his 
first visit here in lf-48, and at that time entered 
eighty acres on the southeast quarter of section 
34. He then returned to Boone Co., Ind., and 
in June, 1849, removed his family, wife and 
three children, to Wisconsin and took up their 
abode on the land which he had previously en- 
tered. It was covered with tliick brush and 
timber and they had an extensive experience of 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1183 



pioneer life, before it was brought under culli- 
vatioD, but Mr.' Bovee was equal to tiie emer- 
gency, and persevered, until he now owns 240 
acres, and a comfortable residence with good 
surroundings. Mr. IJovee was born in Rensse- 
laer Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 1812, and resided in his 
native State until 1836, when he emigrated to 
Indiana, when in 1837 he married Anna Duncan. 
He then followed farming in Boone county, un- 
til he came to this State. Mr. and Mrs. Bovee 
have reared five children, fuur of whom are 
now living — Elisha, Mary, now the wife of D. 
C. Wood; Samuel and Davi.l W. Their relig- 
ious connections are with the United Brethren 
Church. 

Hon. Ira S. Haseltine was born July 13, IS'il, 
at Andover, Windsor Co., Vt. His ancestors 
were of English origin. He received a com- 
mon school and academic education. At the 
age of sixteen he removed wiiii his parents to 
Waukesha Co., Wis. After one year upon his 
father's farm he taught school three years, then 
studied law in Milwaukee with D. J. A. Up- 
hara. He t;iught school in Natchez, Miss., be- 
came a public lecturer uj)on scientific and re- 
formatory subjects, and spent about ten years 
in this field of labor. He was married Jan. 1, 
1840, to Augusta Tliouns, in Waukesha Co., 
Wis. In 1850 he |)urchased land in Richland 
county where he surveyed and ])'atted the vil- 
lage of Richland Center. In July, 1854, Mr. 
Haseltine was a delegate from Richland county 
to the first republican State convention held in 
the United States at Madison, Wis. In 1867 
lie was elected by tlie republican i)arty to rep- 
resent the county in the assembly. In tlic win- 
ter of 1870 he went south and located upon a 
farm near Springfield, Greene Co., Mo. His 
home is now at Dorchester, Mo. In 1870 Mr. 
Haseltine was a candidate for Congress on the 
Peter Cooper ticket and made the first canvass 
of the si.\th congressional convention as a 
greenbaeker. In 1880 he was made the nomi- 
nee of the greenback convention at Carthage 
on the 27th of May, and was elected to the 47th 



Congress. In 1882 Mr. Haseltine was again 
a candidate Tor Congress and was defeated 
by Robert W. Fyan, democrat. 

John Waddell was one of the first settlers in 
the northern part of Richland county, coming 
in 1850 to Richmond City, where he bought a 
lot and erecteil a small house and spent the first 
winter. In the spring of 1852 he moved to the 
site of his |)resent farm on section 5, town of 
Richland, at that time an unbroken wilderness, 
built a log shanty, which he covered with baric, 
split puncheons for the floor, and furnished 
with homemade furniture. The bedstead was 
made of poles and a bed-cord manufactured 
out of bark. The first season he cleared a 
small tract of land and chopped in garden seeds, 
thus preparing for the winter. The first three 
or four years he had no team and his breaking 
was all done with a hoe, and the must of it by 
his wife and children, while he was away at 
work, earning money with which to pay for his 
land. His industry has been rewarded and he 
now has a good farm and a comfortable, well 
furnished frame house, and can spend the re- 
mainder of his life in ease and comfort. Mr. 
Waddell is a native of West Virginia, born in 
Pocahontas county, Feb. 20,1811. When he 
was two years old his parents moved to Ohio 
and settled in Gallia county, which was at that 
time a new country. Thus the subject of this 
sketch became a pioneer in his infancy. He 
grew to manhood there and Sept. 20, 1833, was 
married to Sarah Hughes. She was born in 
Gallia Co., Ohio. I)>c. 15.1810. lie had pre- 
viously ]iiirihascd land in Perry townsliip, of 
that county, and llii-ie lie settled at the lime of 
his marriage, where he remained three years, 
then traded for a farm in Raccoon township. 
In 1848 he sold his property in Ohio, came to 
Wisconsin and claimed government land on 
Sauk prairie, Sauk county, where he lived one 
year, then went to Baraboo woods and made a 
claim and erected a house. One year later he 
traded this property for a small tract of land 
on Sauk prairie, built a house, which was 



1184 



HISTORY OF RICHL AND J^ COUNT Y.l 



burned a few weeks later with most of its con- 
tents. He then rented a house in which he 
lived until the fall of that jear, 1850, when, as 
before stated, he came to Richland county. Mr. 
aiul Mrs. Waddell reared eleven children — 
Myron, Jane, William A., Margaret, Virginia, 
George A., John H., Thomas, Charles H., Mary 
and Nathan. John H. was born in Gallia Co., 
Ohio, in 184(5. He enlisted in January, 1862, in 
the 19th Wisconsin and went south. At the 
battle of Fair Oaks he was taken prisoner and 
confined in Libby prison a while, then triiis- 
ferred to Salisbury, N. C, was taken sick while 
in prison, and died at the Marine hospital, at 
Annapolis, soon after being exchanged. George 
was born in May, 1844. He enlisted in the 
fall of 1861 in the 11th Wisconsin, company B, 
and participated in seventeen engagements. He 
contracted disease Axliile in the service from 
which he died in 1868. Sept. 26, 1883, wr-s the 
fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Waddell. That day they were surprised by 
a large number of their friends, who assembled 
to celebrate their golden wedding, and congratu- 
late them on account of such an extended and 
happy union, and wish them still a happy con- 
tinued experience so much enjoyed. A cele- 
bration of their diamond wedding was a consum- 
mation devoutly to be wished. On this festive 
occasion were present forty children, grand- 
children and great-grandchildren. The aged 
couple were the recipients of many valuable 
and useful gifts. A supper was served to 
which all did ample justice and the day will be 
long remembered by all present. 

Henry Collins, a native of Ohio, was born 
April 27, 1827. When five years old he re- 
moved with his parents to Tippecanoe Co., Ind. 
He served as a soldier in the Mexican War. 
He afterwards resided in Clinton Co., Ind., 
where he became acquainted with Mary Daw- 
son who. May 6, 1846, became his wife. In 
December, 1851, he came to Richland county 
and became a resident, living near Orion two 
years, then moved to the town of Dayton. In 



April, 18G0, he went to Pike's Peak and re- 
mained until December, 1861, when he returned 
to his family. In the spring of 1862 he re- 
sponded to the call of his country by enlisting, 
and was assigned to the 1st Missouri Light 
Ai-tillery. At the battle of Corinth he was so 
injured as to be discharged, in October, 1862. 
He returned iionie and remained long enough 
to regain his health, then re-»-nlisted in com- 
pany F, of the 43d Wisconsin regiment, 
and served till the close of the war, after 
which he lived upon his farm, but was unable 
to perform hard labor. He died Feb. 7, 1875. 
He was politically republican, and held the offi- 
ces of justice of the peace and assessor. Mrs. 
Collins was born in Clinton Co., Ind. Her 
parents were Charles and Mary (Miller) Daw- 
son She married Mr. Collins, as before stated, 
and was his faithful companion through life. 
They were the parents of thirteen children, 
five of whom arrived at adult years. William 
F., John D., Calvin L. and Mary May are now 
living. Charles M., the eldest, enlisted with 
his fathei-, Sept. 4, 1864, being at the time only 
seventeen years old. He served as drummer, 
and died at Clarksville, Tenn., Jan. 6, 1865. 

Hon. George Krouskop, one of the pioneer 
settlers of Richland county, was born in Belle- 
fontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, May 12, 1832. His 
jjarents were Jacob and Elizabeth (McCloud) 
Krouskop. He spent the early part of his life 
in Ohio, his father's family removing to Rich- 
land Co., Wis., in 1851. They located near the 
village of Sextonville, wliere his father built a 
grist and saw-mill, the grist-mill being the first 
one erected in the county. George Krouskop 
received a good etlucation in tlie common 
schools of his native State, and supplemented 
this by a thorough academic course at the 
Geneva College in northern Ohio. His first 
trip to Richland county was in 1850, when only 
eighteen years of age. He spent the summer 
of that year prospecting in this region, but re- 
turning to his old home in Ohio in the fall, 
he became so favorably impressed with the ap- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1186 



parent natural advantages and then undeveloped 
resources of Richland county, which was at 
that early date in its wild and uncultivated 
state, that he resolved to make it his future 
home. When the family came licre in ls.51 lie 
returned with them. For a year or two he was 
engaged alternately in teaching scliool and run- 
ning his father's saw-mill. In 1854 he cm- 
barked in the mercantile business, and laid the 
foundation for a successful business career b}' 
establishing a store on a small scale near the 
Sextonville mills. Shortly afterwards he pur- 
chased the mills, and continued these enterprises 
until 1865, when he removed to Richland Cen- 
ter, where he also engaged in the mercantile 
business for a number of years. In 1870 he 
opened a bank. Mr. Krouskop has always 
taken a leading part in all public enterprises 
and improvements which would advance or de- 
velop the material resources of the town and 
county, and has aided them liberally both by 
Ills influence and ample means. He was one of 
the originators and projectors, as well as one of 
the principal stockholders in the Pine River 
Valley & Stevens Point railroad, an enterprise 
that was built wholly by home capital. He was 
president of the company for several years. 
Politically, Mr. Krouskop is a democrat. He 
, has served two terms as State Senator in the 
Wisconsin Legislature, representing the district 
cemposed of Richland and Crawford counties, 
and was each time elected by a handsome ma- 
jority over his op])onent, and in a district that 
usually gave a large rejuiblican majority. Mr. 
Kronsko[) was married Nov. 25, 1855, to Eliza- 
beth Black. They have two children— William 
E., unmarried, and Eliza A., who married J. 
Robert Coumbe, of E.xcelsior, Richland Co., 
Wis. 

John Klingler, a native of Kentucky, born 
Nov. 28, 1810, came from Marion Co., Ind., and 
on the 2.3d day of June, 1S52, settled on the 
southwest quarter of section 27, Richland, and 
there engaged in farming until his death, which 



occurred May 0, 1874. He left a wife and five 
children — Orlow, Martha, now the wife of 
George W. Miller ; Rachel, Frank and John. 
Mrs. Klingler and lier son Frank still reside at 
the liomcstead. Orlow Klingler, oldest son of 
the above, was horn in Marion Co., Ind., Aug. 
10, 1833. He came with his parents to Wiscon- 
sin, and on the (1th of September, 1855, was 
married to Rach.-I J Miller. Au,'. 13, 1862, he 
eiili.sted in coinpmy 15, 25th Wi,->cousiu, and 
served until ili<- iruiincnt was mustered out of 
service, f'iiice llic » ar hi- has been engaged in 
general fanuing .ml now owns 235 acres, with 
first cla s iiuiTovi'iiieiits. Mr. Klingler votes 
the npuhlicm t.cket. but takes little interest 
in poliiieal allairs. Tlie only civic society of 
which he is a member, is the Grand Army of 
trie Republic. Mr. and Mr>. Klingler have one 
daughter — Sarah I. 

John Fay is a native of Ireland, born in the 
town of Gort, county Gal way, June 1, 1818, 
where his childhood and youth were spent. He 
came to America March 17, 1849, and first set- 
tled at Wj-oniing, Wyoming Co., N. Y. Then 
on the 16th day of February, 18^1, be was 
united in niarri.ige with Johanna Quinlin, born 
in Roscrea, county Tipperary, Ireland, June 
21,1823. On the 18th day of October, 1852, 
they emigratt'il to Wisconsin, and after living 
one year at Mineral Point, came to Richland 
county. On Feb. 16, 1854, Mr. Fay purchased 
the farm of John T. Higgins, wliicli contained 
eighty acres, and is located on section 22, Rich- 
land town, where he now resides. His farm 
now contains 120 acres. He is in eomforUble 
circumstance and free from debt. ]\Ir. Fay lias 
spent his life in tilling the soil. He takes a 
threat interest in the education of his children, 
and is known as an honorable citizen. There 
are five children living — Thomas J., Francis, 
Mary B., Emma L. and Josie M. 

Sidney Rose came to Richland Center in tlie 
fall of 1854, and purchased one-half of block 
50, and one-half of block 51. There was a 
house upon this property, which was built by a 



1186 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Mr. Hyde, of whom he ]nirehasecl it. Mr. 
Rose was a mason by trade, and did the mason 
work upon the first court house of Richland 
county. In 1861 he enlisted and served in the 
regimental band of the 6th Wisconsin regi- 
ment eleven months, when that organization 
disbanded. He has since followed his trade. 
He was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 
1818, where he learned his trade, and in 1842 
was married to Caroline S. Hamilton, daughter 
of Fillery Hamilton. In 1844 they came to 
Wisconsin and lived in Rock county, from 
whence he came to this county. Ke now re- 
sides in Henrietta, where he owns a farm of 
140 acres. 

D. O. Chandler, a prominent and representa- 
tive man of Richland county, settled in the 
town of Willow in March, 185.3, and was there 
engaged in farming until 1858. He then estab- 
lished a general mercantile business at Loyd, 
and carried on the same with marked success. 
In 1865 Mr. Chandler in order to increase his 
business removed to Richland Center, erected 
his present store building, and since 1867 has 
been engaged in the hardware trade. He also 
owns a one-half interest in the Park Hotel prop- 
erty, and considerable real estate in town lots 
and farming land. As a business man he has 
been energetic and enterprising, and these 
characteristics, coupled with good judgment, 
have caused him to make good investments, and 
thus his business career has proved successful. 
As a gentleman although blunt, and speaking 
his mind freely when occasion requires, he is 
pleasant, affable and agreeable, and has many 
friends. He is a native of the State of New 
York, born in Hamburg, Erie county, on the 
10th day of April, 1828. He was educated to 
mercantile business, and in 1852 married 
Hannali Van Vlack of Cattaraugus county, and 
the year following emigrated to Wisconsin and 
settled in Richland county as before stated. 
Mr. and Mrs. Chandler have eight children — 
Austin J., Eurotus M., Alice J., now Mrs. Wil- 
liam Collins; Grace, now Mrs. F. P. Lawrence; 



Grant, Lola, May and Gay. Politically Mr. 
Chandler is a republican, with radical temper- 
ance principles. He has often been elected to 
local offices and always discharged his public 
duties with honor to himself and satisfaction 
to the people He has always been a public 
spirited man, and a citizen sucli as benefits a 
town and county in -which he resides. The only 
society of which he is a member is the Temple 
of Honor. 

Daniel Rice purchased property at Richland 
Center during the month of August, 1853, and 
the spring following removed his family from 
Logan Co., Ohio. For two years he was 
engaged in the manufacture of brick, then he 
dealt in live stock, making the first shipment 
from the county. He remained in this business 
until 1860, when he engaged in general mer- 
cantile trade, and pursued this avocation for 
twelve years, when he retired from active busi- 
ness life. Mr. Rice was born in France in 1822, 
but was brought to the United States by his 
parents when an infant. His early life was 
spent in Pennsylvania. In 1838 he went to 
Ohio and followed railroading, learning during 
his sojourn in that State the trade of machin- 
ist. In 1849 he was mairied to Delia La- 
den. They have one daughter — Mollie, now 
the wife of F. G. Rodolf. Mrs. Rice was the 
first person to engage in the millinery business 
in Richland Center, an account of which ap- 
pears in this volume elsewhere. 

William F. Collins, son of Henry Collins, was 
born in the town of Dayton, Richland Co., July 
13, 1854. He received a common school educa- 
tion. Octobei' 8, 1877, he married Lottie J. 
Bryant. She died, leaving one child — W. H. 
lie was again married, Nov. 29, 1882, to 
Alice J. Chandler. His residence is just outside 
the vill.ige, on section 16, where he owns sev- 
enty acres. He is engaged in dairying and sell- 
ing milk in the village. Mr. Collins is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. 

J. L. McKee is numbered among the pioneers 
of 1854, having arrived in April of thatyear, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



IISI 



at Richland City. He was then an unmarried 
man, and worked the first season for $14 per 
montli. The next season he taught school for 
$25 per month. In IS.io he was married to Mary 
Simons, daughter of Col. Royal Simons. He 
then removed to Orion, and in February, 1856, 
came to Richlanrl Center. In 1857 he engaged 
in general merchandising with J. W. Lybrand, 
sold out in 1859, and in ]860 was elected clerk 
of the circuit court and served two years, then 
as county treasurer two years. In 1805 he es- 
tablished a general mercantile trade and con- 
tinued the same until 1878, when he closed out 
to A. B. Weiglcy, since which he has lived a re- 
tired life. Mr. McKee was born in Beaver Co., 
Penn., Sept. 3, 1829, and resided in his native 
State until he came to Wisconsin. His wife died 
Dec. 1.3, 1861. Nov. 19, 18G3, he married Mrs. 
Kate Casebeer nee Laden, and they have had 
four children born to them, but one of whom 
is now living — Frank W. ]\Ir. McKee has been 
a member of the republican party since its or- 
ganization. He is a Mason, and served as treas- 
urer of Richland Lodge, No. 60, fifteen years. 
He was also treasurer of the company which 
owned the railroad before it was jpurchased by 
the Chicago, jVIihvaukee & St. Paul Railroad 
Company. He is a man of ability, and a good 
citizen. 

B. C. Il.iUin made his first visit to the county 
in the summer of 185-2, and purchased 160 acres, 
located on sections 17 and is, in what is now 
the town of Akan. He built a log cabin and re- 
turned to Millville, Jo Uaviess Co., III., and 
followed his trade, stone cutter, until 1854. He 
then removed with his wife to this county and 
thus became tiie first permanent settler of the 
town of Akan. They experienced many of the 
hardships of pioneer life. Their log cabin was 
without a fioor for eighteen months, ai.d Mrs. 
Ilallin did not see a white woman for the same 
period. Their principal food was game, of which 
there was an abundance. This state of affairs 
did not long continue, however, for they soon 
raised vegetables and grain. Mr. Hallin would 



go a^ay from home and work at his trade, thus 
earning money to buy clothing for his wife and 
babies. In 1864 he enlisted in company A, 30th 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at 
the battle of Petersburg, June 18, 1864, and in 
consequence, had to suffer the amputation of his 
left arm at the shoulder. While still in the hos- 
pital he was nominated by the democratic party 
for the office of register of deeds, but was defeat- 
ed with the remainder of the ticket. Returning 
iiome he was, however, elected to several town 
offices at one time, and thus did about all the 
public business of his town. In lso.> he 
sold his proijerty and purchased 160 acres of 
land on section 18, Richland town, where he 
erected a neat stone residence and has good im- 
provements. He spends most of his time in 
working at his trade. In 1880 he established a 
marble business at Richland Center. He is a 
famous joker, and on being asked how he could 
cut stone with but one arm, he replied, "I take 
the chisel in my teeth and strike my head with 
the mallet." Mr. Hallin was born July 15,1826, 
in the county of Kerry, Ireland, on the same 
street on which the father of J. L. Sullivan 
was born. His father was a marble cutter. 
He was educaleil at Killarney, and at the age of 
seventeen emigrated to the United States and 
first followed his trade in the city of New York, 
for about five years. He subsecjuently went to 
Carrollton, Ind., where he assisted in building 
some large faeloi'ies, and was married to Gwenny 
Davis, who was born in Wales, but came with 
her parents to America when only four years 
old. She is a woman of great courage and, well 
adapted to the pioneer life which she has passed 
through. One example of her heroism is suf- 
ficient to illustrate her disposition. One day, 
while sitting in the door of the cabin, with her 
babe playing at her feet, she noticed a large 
bear drinking at the s]>ring near the house. She 
at once bade her large New Foundland dog to 
"seek him," which I.e proceeded to do without 
delay, but the bear, being very j)owerful, was 
about to overcome the dog, when Mrs. Hallin 



1188 



FHISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



seized an ax and buried its edge deep in the 
flesh of the ferocious creatnve, killing it in- 
stantly. Just Ht that moment, W. H. Joslin, 
the county sheriff, drove \)\>, and skinned the 
bear and Mr.<. Ilallin soou had a nice piece of 
the meat over the fire to cook for their dinner. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hallin have re.ired a family of 
twelve children, all of whrnn are living — Tlionias 
J., Kate, Owen E , Oscar, Harry, Alice, John, 
Lucy, Bertha, Irene, Arthur and Emmett. Mr. 
Ilallin is at preseut chairman of the town board 
and a member of the G. A. R. 

J. C Stockton settled in Richland county in 
1854 and engaged in farming on Willow creek. 
In 185V he removed to suction 26, Richland 
town, and continued farming until 1881, when 
he sold out, moved to Richland Center and is 
now living a retired life. Mr. Stockton is a 
native of Ross Co., Ohio, born Feb. 24, 1815. 
His father died when he was six years old, and 
his mother, with her children, removed to Tip- 
pecanoe Co., Ind. The subject of this sketch 
was married in 1840 to Martha Sippy, and in 
1854 came to Wisconsin. . Mr, and Mrs. Stock- 
ton are the parents of six children, three of 
whom are living — A. W., Lydia A. and J. W. 

F. P. Bowen came to this county ivith his 
brotlier, W. J. Bowen, in September, 1854. 
They purchased the saw mill and water power, 
which is now known as"Boweu's mill." In the 
fall of 1855 they rebuilt the mill, put in a circu- 
lar saw, the first in Richland county, and oper- 
ated the same until 1858, when F. P. Bowen sold 
his interest to his brother, and in 1 859 succeeded 
Dr. H. C. Priest in the drug business. In 1861 
he traded the drug business to D. L. Downs for 
his interest in the Richland CenteT Tannery. 
This property he sold about two years after- 
wards, and in 1865 purchased a half interest in 
the drug business of D. L. Downs, and owned 
the same until March, 1883. In 1867 Mr. Bowen 
re-purchased a half interest in the mill property 
and, with his brother, built the flouring and 
grist mill, known as "Bowen's mill," with which 
he was connected for five or six years. In 1871 



he commenced dealing in live stock, in which 
business he is now extensively engaged. F. P. 
Bowen was born in Vermillion Co., 111., April 
5, 1885. In 18-36 the family removed to Green 
Co., W^is. The parents, William and Electa 
(Phelps) Bowen, came to Richland county in 
1855. The father died in 1858, and the mother 
in 1871. Mr. Bowen, in 1860, was married to 
Margaret Turner. She died in 1866, leaving 
two children — Hellen and Mattie. In 1868 he 
was married to Mrs. J. A. AVait, nee Busby, and 
by this union there are six children, four of 
whom are living — Charles F., Alice, D wight and 
F. P. Mr. Bowen took an active interest in 
building the railroad, as he does in all ))ublic 
enterprises. He is a republican in his politics, 
and a member of the A F & A. M. 

W. J. Bowen, one of the prominent and rep- 
resentative men of Richland county, was born 
in Vermillion Co., 111., July 8, 1825. He came 
with his parents to Wisconsin in 1836. In 
December, ] 854, he was married to Mary Thorp, 
then of Green county, but a native of Pennsyl- 
vania. He then came to Richland county and 
purchased the property since known as Bowen's 
mills, and of which he is still the owner. A 
history of this mill and his connection with it 
appears elsewhere. Mr. Bowen has been an en- 
terprising, successful business man, and now 
owns over 500 acres of land in one body, has a 
comfortable home and good improvements. He 
also has other property, among which are five 
dwelling houses occupied by tenants. Mr. 
Bowen is in politics a republican, and has held 
several local offices of trust, is a memberof the A. 
F.&A.M. Thechildren nowlivingare — John 
W. and Frank. Edward H. died at the age of 
five months, in 1872. Mr. Bowen lived with 
his parents in Green county until 1850. In April 
of that year he started for California overland, 
and there remained until September, 1852, en- 
gaged in mining. Thence he went to Australia, 
where he landed in December, and remained 
about thirteen months, thence to Peru, South 
America, landing in the month of April, where 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1189 



he remained until tlie following August, eiijlor- 
ing for goKl, but did not find it. Ho then came 
to New York by way of Panama, and thence in 
fall of 1854 to the farm where he now lives. 

Jidiithan Jones is one of the early pioneers 
of Richland county. He settled at Richland 
Center in October, 1854, coming from the 
Western Reserve, Ohio, and was accompanied 
by his wife. He at once purchased 200 acres 
of land and commenced making improvements. 
He also worked at his trade, that of shoemaker. 
In 1857 he erected a small tannery, which he sold 
a few years later, and it was subsequently de- 
stri>yecl Iiy fire. He continiiecl wnrk at his 
trade and resided in the village until liS(j.5, 
when he removed to his farm, which is located 
on section 28, and has since given his undivided 
attention to farming. He now owns 120 acres, 
which are well improved. .ledulhan Jones is 
a native of Ohio, born Sept. 10, 1818. His 
parents resided on a farm. He was united in 
marriage in 1S44 with Laura Graham, who was 
born in Onondaga Co., N. Y. They have 
reared two children — Ilattie and Fred. Hattie 
died at the age of twenty. Fred resides with 
his parents. 

Caleb Waggoner first became identified with 
the interests of Richland county in 18.54. In 
the spiing of that year he came from Ohio to 
Richland Center, and located on the corner 
now owned and occupied by H. T. Bailey. He 
brought with him a small stock of goods, which 
he soon closed out, and tlien ])nrchased tlie 
drug business of Dr. H. C. Priest, which he 
sold several years subsequently to D. L. Downs. 
He was then eng.aged in general meichanilise 
with liis sons as partners m.-itiy years, and then 
dealt to a considerable extent in real estate. 
He was the fifth son of William and Sarah 
Waggoner, who were (jioneers in eastern Ohio, 
«nd was born near the village of Richmond, in 
Jefferson county, Sept. 18, 1813. He had seven 
brothers and four sisters, nine of whom are yet 
living, four of them ohier than he was. He 
died Oct. 16, 1883, at the residence of his 



brother. Dr. Joseph Waggoner, in Ravenna, 
Ohio. He was among the best class of Rich- 
land county citizens, and the following, clipped 
from the Repuhlican and Observer, is a brief ac- 
count of his last days and death: 

"The ten children had ])articipated in a fam- 
ily reunion at the old home farm on the 19th of 
September, and the deceased was extending 
his visit among his numerous relatives and 
friends at the time of his death — reveling in 
the atmosphere of pure affection and pure 
friendships, from which he well knew he would 
soon be severed. He had not been in vigorous 
health for many years, and his friends oli.served 
with alarm his rapid decline the past two or 
three years. Oidy a short lime before hi.s de- 
parture for Ohio he suffered a severe aud 
threatening illness, resulting from over ajixiety 
and care for his unfortunate son, Joseph; but 
under the inspiration of once more greeting his 
brothers and sisters and other relatives at the 
old fireside and under the parental roof, he 
seemed to acquire a new lease of life, and none 
of the participants in that memorable occasion 
were more active or buoyant than he. Ninety- 
two of his kindled were there ])resent, among 
whom were his son William J., and grand child 
Rena, of Viola, in this county, and ids son 
James H., with his wife and two children, of 
Eau Claire. The latter had returned to their 
home, l)ut the former were yet with iheir 
father, and William wa.s at his bedside when 
he passed away. He complained first of distress 
about the heart and of being cold, but was soon 
relieved of uneasiness, slept well during the 
night, and was about as usual the following 
morning, but toward evening the messenger of 
death returned, and a little after midnight he 
breathed his last, among loving friends who 
did everything that coulil be done to prolong 
his earthly life. The immediate cause of his 
death was paralysis of the heart; but the rav- 
ages of time had prepared the frail body for 
the final summons, and his life went out calmly 
and peacefully as the sun recedes from sight. 



1190 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



His mind was clear to the last moment, and his 
last words were characteristic of the earnest, 
honest and thoughtful n'aii he was: 'I liave no 
regrets or censures. The end must soon come, 
and I am ready. Let all live so that we may 
meet above.' 

"In the morning following his death bis son 
at Eau Claire was telegraphed to meet friends 
who would accompany the remains to Chicago. 
This he (lid, and conveyed them home. A large 
number of the old friends and lieiglibors of the 
deceased had assembled at the depot, with car- 
riages and hearse, to receive the body and con- 
vey it to the home on the hill side, in which he 
had spent the three last decades of his life. His 
fuueral obsequies were in harmony with the 
tenor of his life — -void of ostentation or display, 
and remarked for their singular appropriate- 
ness. The services were conducted at his late 
residence by the Rev. H. G. Dennison, pastor 
of the Presbyterian Church of this village, of 
which Mr. Waggoner was a ruling elder, and 
with which he was closely identified from the 
hour of its organization to the time of his death. 
By request of his friends the services were 
brief, but deeply impressive, and his remains 
were as quietly followed to the grave by many 
who had loved and esteemed him in life, and 
who would cherisli his memory in death. From 
the moment of the announcement of his death 
to the hour of the performance of the last sad 
rites, his bereaved family were touchingly as- 
sured of the profound and almost sacred regard 
in which the husband and father had been held. 
Sympathy for the widowed was never more 
generously, yet delicately expressed, nor was it 
ever more sensibly appreciated. The survivors 
of the family of the deceased are the widow, to 
whom he was married on the 9th of February, 
1839, and four sons — William J., James H., 
Edwin B., and J<)seph M. all of whom are well 
known here, but are now residents of other 
parts of the State. 

"The life of the deceased, as a citizen of Rich- 
land Center, was like an open book, and he was 



personally known to nearly every citizen of the 
county. He came here when there were but a 
half dozen houses in the village, and when the 
population of the county was correspondingly 
small. Being a reticent, unassuming man, he 
was not always accorded the credit due him for 
promoting enterprises in which the public was 
interested, for he was ever generous and zeal- 
ous in behalf of all of those interests which 
mark communities for moral worth and mate- 
rial prosperity. He was positive in his convic- 
tions, radical in his support or defense of them, 
and uncompromising with what he believed to 
be wrong. In all his relations with his fellow 
men he sustained the Christian character he 
professed, and left an example which will assert 
its influence for good upon the conduct of those 
who witnessed it, even to succeeding genera- 
tions. Ths simplicity of his character was its 
grandeur. No epita|)h could do mortal man 
greater honor than that. Truly a good man 
has gone from our midst, whose loss is rever- 
ently deplored, and who will not be forgotten 
so Ions as the sons and daughters af his friends 
and neighbors inhabit the earth. His rest in 
his eternal home should be all that his faith and 
hope had pictured — the joy? and peace of one 
whose greatest aim was to do" right and win the 
crown. The loved ones he left behind do not 
doubt that a blessed rest awaited him." 

Thomas J. Whitcraft was born in Stark Co., 
Ohio, March 26, 1828. He received a common 
school education, and resided with his parents 
on the farm until seventeen years of age. He 
then formed a partnership with Frank Paul, 
purchased 600 head of sheep, took them to 
Kane Co., 111., where they sold, making a good 
profit out of the transaction. Mr. Whitcraft 
then returned to Ohio and dealt in live stock 
for a period of seven years, and accumulated 
several thousand dollars; but he also entered 
into a contract to furnish a large number of 
hogs, and in fulfilling his contract lost the for- 
tune he had saved. He therefore came to Wis- 
consin and in 1854 purchased eighty acres of land 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



n»l 



in this county, located on section 27, town of 
Richland. He purchased the land on time, 
agreeint; to pay 8240 with twelve per cent, in- 
terest, and thus commenced life anew. The 
land was unimproved, but ho at once erected a 
log cabin and soon had his farm well under cul- 
tivation. Besides farming:, he also dealt in 
horses, buying in this county and selling them 
in Minnesota. He now owns 200 acres and is 
in moderate circumstances. May 5, 18.53, Mr. 
Whitcraft married Emma S. Miller. She died 
Sept. 24, 1881, leaving four children — Evange- 
line Edward, Jasper B. and Durell. Mr. Whit- 
craft is a republican, has held the office of town 
assessor, and is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. 

Ammi Shireman was born in Virginia, in Sep- 
tember, 1825. When a young man he went lo 
Indiana and engaged in farming. In Decem- 
ber, 1847, he married Jane Jones, daughter of 
John B. Jones, Sr. In 1854 he came to Wis- 
consin and was engaged in farming until 1861, 
when lie enlisted in company II, 5th Wisconsin, 
and se'ved thirteen months, when he was dis- 
charged on account of physical disal)ility, since 
which he has been a resident of Richland Cen- 
ter, and is at present engaged in the restaurant 
business. Mr. and Mrs. Shireman have five 
children — John M., James M., Thomas A., Em- 
ma and Ella. J. M. Shireman, son of the 
above, was liorn in Indiana April 22, 1849, and 
came with his parents to Wisconsin. He 
learned the harness trade, and in 187.3 estab- 
lished himself in business. In September, 1874, 
he was married to Harriet Durnford, daughter 
of Alfred Durnford, and they now have five 
children — Minnie L., William H., Charles, Rol- 
lin and Percy. 

I. J. Wright settled in Ricbwood, town of 
Richwood, in J 855. He purchased about 300 
acres of land and engaged in farming. When 
the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the ser- 
vice and served as second lieutenant until mus- 
tered out. In about 1873 he sold his farm and 
removed to Muscoda. He afterwards spent 



three years in the State of Tennessee, when he 
again settled at Muscoda. Mr. Wright was or- 
dained as a preacher of the Gospel in the United 
Brethren Church, and for some time served as a 
circuit preacher, but later in life he only 
preached on s))ecial occasions. He was an in- 
fluential citizen and served as chairman of the 
town board for several years. He had consid- 
erable knowledge of law and often serve<l his 
neighbors as a valuable counselor. Mr. Wright 
was married three times. First, to Miss Toney; 
she died, leaving three children. He next mar- 
ried Mrs. Catharine David iice Miller; she died, 
leaving two children — Martha and J. C. His 
third wife was Mrs Martha Ilamii nee Sliller, 
she being a sister of his former wife. 

T. M. Hart was born in Columbiana Co., Oliio, 
A[)ril 12 1851. lie is a son of John and Elea- 
nor (Marshall) Hart. In 1854 the family came 
to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Jlar- 
shall, Richland Co., Wis., and engaged in farm- 
ing. Here the father died in 187G. The 
mother still lives on the homestead. Of the 
seven children, five are living — Maria, now 
Mrs. .Jame> Truesdale, M. Caroline, Georgiana, 
now Mrs. Frank Doudna, T. M. and M. F. T. 
^[. was educated in the common schools, also 
taught school. In April, 1874, he commenced 
keeping books for James Bros, and continued 
with them until the firm dissolved ])artiiership, 
since which he has acted in a like capacity for 
N. L. Jame«. .Mr. Hart was married in 1875 
to .Abbie Draper, daughter of James Draper. 
She died in June, 1882, leaving one child — 
Mi rah. 

N. Ij. James, son of George D. James, was 
born in Rockingham Co , N. II , Nov. 20, 1840. 
He came with his parents to Richland county 
in 1855, since which he has been a resider;t. 
In 1861 he enli^ted in company F, of the 
16th Wisconsin. He assisted at the battle of 
Pittsburg Landing in carrying Col. Mes.s- 
more from the field. The coloiul then caused 
him to be del.oiled to go down liie riv< r « here 
he was taken sick, and in the fall of i862 was 



1192 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



discharged on account of disability. Return- 
ing liorae, he entered partnership with his fa- 
ther and engaged in the hardware hiisiness, 
which he continued until November, 18S1, when 
he sold to his brotlier, D. G. Jaraes. When 
the railroad was projected Mr. James was called 
upon to lend a helping liand, and in 1872 was 
elected to represent the district in the Assembly. 
Not being successful in getting the necessary 
legislation, lie employed a civil engineer to 
make the survey for the road, and assisted in 
organizing a stock company and, as general 
manager, proceeded to build the load. He had 
charge of the enterprise until 1878, when he 
sold out his interest. In 1879 he so'd 
the road, for the stockholders, to the Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Com- 
pany. In 1879 he put in a side tiack and has 
since been engaged in furnishing the railroad 
company with lumber, wood and tics. He is 
also engaged in the manufacture of wagons. 
Mr. Jaraes is the owner of the best herd 'of 
Shorthorn cattle in the county, and of a 
creamery on Bear creek. He was married in 
1865 to Georgina Lane, daughter of David Lane. 
They have four children — E. L., 11. L., N. L. 
and Mabel L. Mr. James has served two terms 
in the Assembly. He is politically a republi- 
can and a Knight Templar. He is one of the 
most active and successful of the business men 
of the county, is enterprising and public spirited 
and generally liked throughout the county. 

John Winn, one of Richland's prosperous 
farmers, resides just west of the village limits 
of Richland Center, where he owns a farm of 
160 acres. He purchased iiis farm in 1865, at 
which date it was but little improved, but he 
has now an excellent farm on which is a neat 
frame house and good barns. He is engaged in 
dairying and manufacturing creamery butter. 
His cows are all full blood, or high grade Short- 
horns. Mr. Winn was born in York Co., 
Maine, and resided in his native State until 
nineteen vears old. He then went to Massa- 
chusetts and worked in cotton mills, and for ten 



years was overseer in the weaving department 
of the Essex Corporation mills. At Newbury- 
port, in 1848, he was married to Elizabeth J. 
McNeal, and it was on account of his wife's 
failing health that he came to Wisconsin. She 
died in 1856, leaving two children — John S. and 
Elizabeth J., now the wife of J. W. Houston. 
Mr. Winn after the death of his wife returned 
to New Hampshire, and there married Eliza- 
beth J. Fiiield, and by this union there is one 
daughter — Hattie A. Mr. Winn is one of the 
pioneers of the county as his residence dates 
from 1855, in fall the of whicli year he located 
on section 33, of Buena Vista, where he was en- 
gaged in farming until he settled on his present 
farm. He opened a fine stone quarry on his 
farm in 1866, from which large quantities of 
the best building stone are obtained. Mr. 
Winn is not a member of any civic society. 

David Goodrich Jaraes, son of George H. 
and Louis E. (Hurd) Jaraes, was born in Deer- 
field. Rockingham Co., N. H., Aug. 3, 
1843. He carae with his parents to Rich- 
land county in 1855, where he helped to 
till the soil. When the Civil War broke out he 
enlisted as a private in company F, 16th Wiscon- 
sin Volunteers. In 1862 this regiment was consol- 
idated into five companies and D. G. James was 
put into company C. July 22, 1864, at the bat- 
tle of Bald Hill, near Atlanta, he was taken 
prisoner and kept as such at Andersonville and 
other prisons until the close of the war. He 
then again joined his regiment on their return 
in 1865, when he was mustered out of service 
with the rank of captain from date of capture 
by the rebels. Mr. James' weight was 168 
pounds, and when mustered out of service, 
seventy-nine pounds. After the war he learned 
the tinners trade, and in 1866 became a partner 
in the firm of G. H. & N. L. James, and the 
name of the firm was changed to G. H. & N. 
L. James & Co. In November, 1881, he became 
sole proprietor, and now does the leading hard- 
ward business of Richland Center. He also 
deals in agricultural implements, machinery, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1193 



wagons, harness, etc. In politics Mr. James is 
a republican. He has held various local offices, 
and since May, 1881, has been postmaster. lie 
has been twice married; in 1868 to AdaBriggs, 
who died in November, 1869, leaving one son — 
Oscar B.; and again in 1872, to Laura Briggs, a 
sister of his former wife. By this union there 
are two daughters — Ada and Beulah. Mr. 
James is an active and able business man. He 
was chief contractor in building the railroad to 
Richland Center, and has usually been identi- 
fied with every public enterprise. He is a 
Royal Arch Mason, and commander of the W. 
H. Bennett Post of the G. A. R. 

George II. James and his family were among 
the early settlers of Richland Center, having 
located here in 18.5">. In that year he purchased 
a large quantity of land in Richland and ^'er- 
non counties. He also purchased' a large quan- 
tity of flour, and for several years supplied a 
large portion of the county with that necessary 
article. In 1862 Ik! engaged in the hanhvare 
business, which he contiiinrd till i881. He 
then withdrew from trade and followed farm- 
ing until 1883, when he ailinil ted N. L. James 
as a partner, and subsequently retired from ac- 
tive life. Mr. James was horn in Deertield, X. 
H., Sept. 6, 1815, and in his youth It-arned the 
carpenter and joiner's trade, also worked a-i a 
wheel and raill-wright. He was married at 
Lowell, Mass., June 20, 18:i8, to Louis E. Hurd, 
a native of Canada, born July II, 181.'>. Thuy 
have four children living and two dead. The 
living are — Norman L., David G., William G. 
and Lizzie, wife of George Strang. Mr. James 
is an energetic and industrious citizen, who does 
with all his might whatever he untertakes. 

VV. J. Pickard was born in Queen's Landing, 
N. Y., July 24, 1847. Ilis parents were Luke 
and Margaret (Gray) McGay. The family 
came to Wisconsin and settle i near the the Fox 
river, where, in 1849, the father was killed by a 
fall on the ice in crossing the river. This was 
in the pioneer days at that place, and the near- 
est white neighbor lived seven miles distant, 



but the Winnebago Indians, being friendly to 
the family, took the body and carried it upon 
poles to the white settlement, where it was 
buried. In 1853, as stated elsewhere in this 
book, Mrs. AIcGay became the wife of S. W. 
Pickard, und her son, the subject of this sketch, 
assumed the name he now bears. He came 
with the family to Richland county, and March 
20, 1873, was united in marriage with Sarah E. 
Richards, daughter of William and Mary 
Richards. They now have one daughter — Ada 
L. Mr. Pickard still resides on the homestead, 
and his real estate now comprises 285 acres, 
lie is a good farmer and his land is well im- 
proved. In politics he is a republican, and has 
been a member of the town board several years. 
He is a member of the M. E. Church and of the 
I. O. O. F. 

Nathan Ford, a pioneer preacher of the town 
of l>loom, was born Jan. 0, 1823, in the State 
of New Jersey. When he was three years old 
his parents moved to Allen Co., Ohio. In 1837 
they went to Montgomery county and remained 
three years, then went to Clinton Co., Ind., 
where the subject of (his sketch attended the 
common school and eng.aged in farming until 
1855. In that year he came to Richland county 
and settled in the town of Bloom, on section' 
18, where he purcliased ItJO acres of land, which 
he has lately sold. Since ct)iniiig to this county 
Mr. Ford has been constantly engaged in farm- 
ing, preaching and working at the joiner's 
trade. He was married in 1851 to Catharine 
Rodgers, who died in 1872, leaving seven chil- 
dren — Almon, Sarah, Truman, John, George, 
Permelia and Charles. Mr. Ford again married, 
in 1874, Mrs. Sarah Scoles. Charles is now 
married to Harriet Kimble; John, to Margaret 
Shoemaker; George, to Mary Cook, and Sar.ili, 
to James Conar. Mr. F'ord has held the office 
of chairman of the town board eight years, mem- 
ber of the side board four yrars. and justice of 
the peace twelve years. 

L. E. Brewer, of the firm of Fries & Brewer, 
tanners, was born in Franklin Co., Vt., April 



1194 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



16, 1849. He carae with his parents to this 
county in 1855, and since 1856 has resided at 
Richland Center. He learned the tannery 
business and afterwards the harness maker's 
trade. In 1877 he helped rebuild the tannery 
at Richland Center, and is now owner of the 
manufactured stock. In 1874 he was united in 
marriage with Hannah Dorgan. They have 
one child — Katie. 

P. S. Brewer, son of Peter E. and Lucy 
Brewer, was born in Franklin Co., Vt., Jan. 28, 
1847, and came with his parents to Richland 
Center in 1S55. At the age of seventeen he 
learned the harness maker's trade, at which he 
worked thirteen years, since which he has been 
in business for himself. In 1869 he was mar- 
ried to Anna Rodefer, and they now have five 
sons — Harry M., Earl J., Frank P., Jay and 
Buford. Mr. Brewer casts his vote with the 
democratic party, and is a member of the I. O. 

0. F. also of A. O. U. W. 

A. D. Lane, the present sheriff of Richland 
county, is a son of David and Ann M. Lane. 
He was born in the city of New York, June 6, 
1853, and brought to this county by his parents 
at the age of two years. He helped till the 
soil until 1870, when he came to Richland Cen- 
ter and served in the employ of James Bros., 
until 1879. He then established a meat market, 
which he sold in 1SS3 to F. P. Bovven. He 
was elected to the office he now holds in the 
fall of 1882, and entered upon its duties Jan. 

1, 1883. Sheriff Lane is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, the I. O. O. F. and A. 0. 
U- W. His wife was formerh' Flora Crum- 
backer. They have one daughter — Minnie. 

H. R. Brewer is a son of Peter and Lucy 
Brewer. He was born in Franklin Co., Vt., 
Aug. 8, 1851, and came with liis parents to Wis- 
consin, in 1855, since which he has been a resi- 
dent of Richland county. At the age of eigh- 
teen he commenced work at harness making, 
which he followed about ten years. He is now 
in the emjiloy of D. G. James, as clerk. He 



was married in 1875 to Maria Dorgan, and they 
have two children — Josie and Lucy. 

Alfred Hyatt was born in Franklin Co., Va. 
His father died when he was five years old, 
when his grandfather took him to raise and re- 
moved to Madison Co., Ky., where he lived 
until twelve years old. His mother then mar- 
ried William Foster, and he accompanied them 
to Butler Co., Ohio, where his step-father died 
shortly after; he then moved with some friends 
to Henry Co., Ind., and lived two years with 
Samuel Turgerson. He then went to Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, where he learned the brick maker's 
trade, and in 1836 went to Carroll Co., Ind., 
and carried on the brick making business until 
1838. He there met Christiana Clark, who 
afterwards became his wife. After marriage 
he resided in Indiana, from whence, in 1855, he 
came to Wisc6nsin and became a resident of 
Richland county. He first engaged in farming 
in the town of Bloom, where he also kept a 
small store. In 1858 he removed to Richland 
Center and manufactured brick. In 1801 he en- 
listed in company H, of the 5th Wisconsin, and 
served until discharged on account of physical 
disability. After regaining his health, he re- 
enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, 
Battery v.', where he remained until the end 
of the war. Since the war he has not engaged 
in any particular business. Mr. and Mrs Hyatt 
reared five children, two of whom are now liv- 
ing— S. C. and V. G. 

S. C. Hyatt, son of Alfred Hyatt, was born 
in Carroll Co., Ind., Aug. 11, 1839, and came 
with his parents to Richland county in 1855, 
where he has since been a resident. In IStJl he 
enlisted in the United States service and served 
with a regimental band one year, when lie was 
discharged. Returning home he commenced 
work at the printer's trade and afterward be- 
came part owner of the Richland County Ob- 
server. In 1864 he assisted Capt. Bailey to re- 
cruit company F, 41st Wisconsin regiment, and 
was commissioned orderly-sergeant and served 
as such until mustered out of service. Re- 






'AUjd 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



noY 



turning lionu' he worked for a short time at 
printing, then took a course at the Chicago 
Commercial ('ollege and after >vards assisted his 
father in nianufacluring brick. In IHGT he 
began keeping books for G. & A. H. Krous- 
ko|), and continued until 1871, wlien he 
engaged in mercantile trade for two years, 
since which he has clerked for others. He was 
married in 18fiG to Sarah C. Carjjcnter, daugh- 
ter of n. C. Carpenter. They liave four chil- 
dren — CbaHes H., Emory, Nealie and Jose- 
phine. 

J. F. Walker first came to the county in 
March, IS.5.5, and purchased land in the town of 
Rockbridge, but did not become a permanent 
resident until the spring of 1B5G, when he set- 
tled (in section 14, of tiie town of Rockbridge, 
and engaged in farming until ISTa. In the fall 
of 1872 he was elected county treasurer and 
served one term, since then he has dealt, to a 
certain cxtcTit, in real estate. Mr. Walker was 
born in Erie Co., Penn., Nov. 15, 1831. lie wa^ 
educated in llic common schools ■■md resided in 
his native State until lS5-t, when he came to 
Wisconsin and first reside<l in Dane county. 
Dec. 24, 18r)(i, he was married to Harriet F. 
Austin, a niitive of Vermont. 'J'wo children 
have been born to them, but only one is now 
living— Charles F. Mr. Walker is a member 
of the A. F. & A. M. 

Daniel Storms in 18.5" settled .U Woodstock, 
where he opened the first l)lacksmith shop in 
that town. He also purchased land, which he 
changed from a wilderness to cultivated fields, 
and resi(Ie<l in that vicinity until 1874, when lie 
removed to Richland Center. He is now a 
member of the firm of Storms, Son & Leasch. 
Mr Storms was born in V^ermont, .I.tn. 2.5, 1825. 
Hisparents, .fob n ami Olive (Whitcomb) Storms, 
were natives of New England. About the year 
1836 the family removed to Orleans Co., N. Y., 
where the subject of this sketch learned his 
trade, and in 1851 married Charlotte Angus. 
He then came to Wisconsin, first residing in 
Rock county, in 1850 coming from thence to 



Richland. Mr. and Mrs. Storms have two chil- 
dren — Fred and Edd. 

S. W. Pickard was a native of the State of 
New York, born Sept. 24, 1795. On the 2 1st 
day of November, 1810, he was married to Eflfa 
Skeel, who was born Jan. 1, 1798, and reared a 
family of eleven children. Tliey emigrated to 
Michigan, and thence to Stephenson Co.. III. 
In 1853 he came to Wisconsin, ajid at Appleton, 
in 1854, married Mrs. Margaret C. McGay, 7tee 
Gray. She had one son by her former marri.age 
— W. J., who after her marri.age to Air. Pick- 
ard, assumc<l the name of W. J. Pickard, by 
which he is now known. Mr. and Mrs. Pick- 
ard had one son, born Dec. 17, 1855, who in the 
third year of his age was accidentally killed by 
the fall of a tree, cut by his father. The subject 
of this sketch came to Richland county in Au- 
gust, 1855, and settled on section 29, Richland 
town, wiierc he had entered land a few 
3'ears ]>reviously. He was engaged in farming 
until his death, which occurred Oct. 18, 1874, 
while he was attending services at the Presby- 
terian church at Richland Center. It was occa- 
sioned by a])ople.\y. Mrs. Pickard died of the 
the same disease, Oct. 2, 1875, dropping dead 
while standing in the door-way of her home. 
Mr. Pickard, in ])olitics, was an active republi- 
can, :ind an ardent admirer of Abi'aham Lincoln. 
He ha'd held the office fif justice of the peace. 
He was a believer in the Christian religion, and 
at the lime of his death a member of the 
United brethren Church. 

A. G. James came to Wisconsin in 1855 and 
located land in Vernon county. He then re- 
turned to New Hampshire and in 1850 removed 
his family, consisting of a wife and three chil- 
dren, to Richland Center, and settled whore he 
now resides. He followed liis trade, shoemak- 
in", and also dealt in boots and shoes until 
1870, when he purchased a farm and has since 
devoted his attention to tilling the soil. Mr. 
James was born in Kockingh.'iin Co. N. H., 
July 9, 1823. He learned his trade and in IH48 
was married to Eliza Knowlton. They are the 



72 



1198 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



parents of six children — A. K., Emma, now the 
wile F. H. Tattle; Lewis, Charles F., Minnie 
and Anna Belle. Politically, Mr. James was 
at first a free soiler and since 1856 has voted 
with the republicans. On the temperance ques- 
tion he is a prohibitionist. He has been a 
member of the town board five years, and pres- 
ident of the village board two years. 

A large portion of the insurance business in 
and about Richland Center is transacted by Capt. 
W.C. S. Barron, who took his first agency herein 
1866, and now represents a number of compa- 
nies, giving his entire attention to the business. 
He was born in Troy, N. Y., on the 3d day of 
August, 1830, his parents being Warren and 
Ruth (Purington) Barron. The family removed 
to Providence, R. I., where the father died in 
1834. The mother subsequently married Thad- 
deus Cook; she.died in Massachusetts about 1869. 
The early life of Warren Clark Sherman Bar- 
ron was spent on a farm, but he also learned 
both the trade of shoemaker and tailor. In 
1850 at Billingham, Mass., he was married to 
Amanda Thayer, and was engaged in livery 
business until 1855, when he left the city and 
started for the western frontier, and soon ar- 
rived in Waukesha Co., Wis. In 1856 he came 
alone to Richland county, and in November of 
that year purchased the south half of the north- 
west quarter of section 35, in the town of 
Westford. Here during the summer of 1857 
he had erected a log cabin, 18x20 feet, with a 
shake roof, removed his wife and child from 
W^aukesha county, and on the 2d day of De- 
cember commenced pioneer life in earnest in 
their new home. This was a disagreeable time 
of year to commence "roughing it." The house 
was com[)aratively not by any means a palace, 
and to one not accustomed to such surround- 
ings, considerable pluck was necessary, an in- 
gredient not lacking in the character of the 
subject of this sketch, and by dint of much 
stamping of feet and rubbing of hands he 
kept from freezing and came tiirough all riglit. 
On the 12th day of August, 186-i, he enlisted 



as a private in company B, 25th Wisconsin Vol- 
unteer Infantry. Soon afterward he was ap- 
pointed orderly, and on the 25tlidayof August, 
1863, was commissioned second lieutenant, was 
promoted to the position of first lieutenant,and on 
the 20th day of December, 1864, became ca[)iain 
of the company, with wliich rank he was mus- 
tered out of the service on the 15th day of June, 
1865. Capt. Barron participated in all the en- 
gagements of his regiment, was a brave soldier 
and always had the respect and confidence of 
his command. After these series of events he 
returned to Richland county, and since 1868 has 
resided at Richland Center. Politically he is a 
staunch republican, having voted with that 
party ever since its organization. In 1858 lie 
was elected town superintendent of schools, 
which position he held until the office was abol- 
ished. In 1868 he represented his district in 
the Assembly, and from that date until January, 
1883, was connected with the ofiice of sheriff, 
having twice been elected, once appointed to 
fill a vacancy, and at different intervals acting as 
deputy; he lias also been president of the vil- 
lage board. The subject of tliis sketch is a 
large, well built man of comnianding appear- 
ance, courteous and afi^able to all, lias a large 
acquaintance and many warm friends. He is a 
Royal Arch Mason and was master of Richland 
Lodge, No. 66, four years. He is chief patriarch 
of the I. O. O. F. in the State of Wisconsin; 
past-master in the A. O. U. W. and a member 
of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Barron have one 
son — Frank O. 

H. T. Bailey, a prominent business man of 
Richland Center, had a good situation in the 
city of New York, which lie left in 1857, and 
agreeable to the advice of Horace Greeley 
started west to seek his fortune and grow up 
with the country, and in a short time, made a 
pause at Richland Center; here he found that 
money did not grow on the bushes, and desira- 
ble situations were not found every day. He was 
not of that sort, however, to sit down and com- 
plain, but determined to do something, even if 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1199 



not so congenial to liis tastes or advantageous 
to liiii ]>ocket-l)ook, lie was bound to do some- 
tliiiig, even if it would pay nothing more than 
his l)()ard. Such persons are not long without 
eniployinciit of some kind, and his first posi- 
tion was that of "hostler" for Albert Neff. 
Having graduated here with honor to himself, 
he engaged in "sawing wood." In 1858 he 
concluded to return to his eastern home, and 
cousequetitly started in that direction, but Mil- 
waukee was the extent of his journey thither, 
for here he turned about and came again to 
Richland Center, and entered the enii>luy of A. 
B. Weigley as clerk. Subsequently he held simi- 
lar positions for different persons u!itil IHG9, 
when he formed a partnership with his brother, 
N. W. Bailey, purchased a small slock of goods 
of J. L Brown aiul engaged in business. He 
became sole proprietor in 1878, and has since 
increased his trade to such an extent that he 
now carries one of the largest stock of good> 
in this part of the State. His present stort 
building, erected in 1883, at a cost of $15,0(1(1. 
is one of the best in the county. 'I'he subj<-ct 
of this sketcli, Henry Thompsmi Bailey, wa^ 
born in ("onnecticul, Jan. 27, is:!s, liis (jarents 
being Alvin and Lury (Neff) ISailey. They were 
also natives of the same State. His early life 
was spent on the farm, but when sixteen years 
old, he went to tlic city of New A'ork, and 
commenced mercantile life as clerk in a gro- 
cery and provision store, from whence he came 
westward as before .stated. Mr. Bailey is very 
much of a gentleman, affable, courteous and 
l>leasing to all, and one of the best business 
men in the State, as his record .abundantly testi- 
fies. Politically he is a democrat. He is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging 
to Richland Lodge No. C6, the chapter and cora- 
niandary at ISoscubel, and consistory at Mil wau- 
kee; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. 
July 31, I86I, Mr. Bailey was married to Me- 
dora Huntington. She died Sept. \b, 1882, 
leaving two children— Henry T. and Milo H. 
MiloH. died Feb. 18, 1883. 



James Martin, an early settler in the town of 
Buena Vista, was born in Guernsey C"o., Ohio, 
Nov. 29, 1827. Here he grew to manhood, be- 
ing reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1850 he 
went to California overland, with a party con- 
sisting of thirty-seven people and six teams. 
When about half way across the plains, the 
party divided in six squads. He remained with' 
the i>arty three days, when he, with two 
oth(M-s, took a mule from the team, loaded their 
baggage on him, and thus finished their jour- 
ney; having been on the road five montlis, and 
maki ng the greater ])art of the way on foot. He en- 
gaged in raining until the following December, 
when lie started on liis return, this time by 
water and across the isthmus. After returning^ 
home he ran his father's farm for one year, 
then took a contra(!t of (piarrying stone for the 
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. He was 
thus engaged about one year, when he took a 
contract to construct a portion of the road, 
whit^h took about one and one-half years. He 
then went to Barncsville, in Belmont county, 
wlieie he purchased a flouring and saw mill, 
which he o[)erated until 1850, when he removed 
to Richland county and bought land of Nathan- 
iel Wheeler, on section 28, town of liuena 
Vista. He occupietl this farm twelve years, 
when he pinchased land on section 29, same 
town, and made that his home until 1883, when 
he removed to Richlanil Center. He still owns 
and manages his large farm of 600 acres, and 
which is well stocked ami equipped with a good 
set of buildings, including, besides a large 
frame house, a barn 30x80 feet, with a stone 
basement. Mr. Martin has for several years 
been extensively engaged in dealing in live 
stock as well as farming. He was married in 
1854 to Ilulda A. Henderson, wlio was born in 
Belmont Co., Ohio. They have had four chil- 
dren — James W., Nellie, M.ack and Hattie, the 
latter now dead. 

H. W. Eastlaml is a son of H. A. and Isabelle 
A. Eastland. He was born at Sextonville, this 
county, Oct. 5, 1850. He was educated at Rich- 



1200 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



land Center. He spent one year in Dakota. In 
Mny, 1882, in partnership with F. S. Pennell, 
he established a grocery, provision and crock- 
ery business, in which he is engaged at the 
present time. In May, 1881, Katie Speidell 
became his wife. 

William Hice located at Richland Center in 
1857, and followed his trade, cabinet maker, 
until 1861. He then enlisted in company D, 
11th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, was com- 
missioned first lieutenant, and served as such 
eighteen months, when he resigned on account 
of disability, returned to Richland Center and 
worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade until 
1876. He then built a planing mill and ma- 
chine shop, which he has since operated. Mr. 
Hice was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 
1827. He learned his trade and followed the 
same in his native State until 1854. He then 
went to Milwaukee, from whence he came to 
Richland Center. He was married in 1850 to 
Margaret Schoonover, who died in October, 
1861, leaving three children — Mary (deceased), 
Maggie, now the wife of Charles Green, and 
Joseph W. In 1865 he was again married to 
Mrs. Sarah Williams, and they have one son — 
Junius. Mr. Hice in politics is a republican. 

J. W. Lybrand is a native of Philadel))hia, 
Peun., born Feb. 4, 1813. He removed with his 
parents to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, in 182-3, spent his 
early life on a farm and in 183.3 was married to 
Levina E. Simons, a daughter of Col.' Royal D. 
Simons, who was in active service during the 
War of 1812. They h.ad two sons — George D. 
and Franklin G., both now deceased. After his 
marriage, Mr. Lybrand engaged in general mer- 
chandising. In 1842 he changed to hotel busi- 
ness, continuing the same until 1848. He also 
served as county treasurer, four years. In May, 
1857, he came to Richland Center, for the pur- 
pose of establishing his son in business, when 
he associated J. L. McKee as partner and es- 
tablished a general mercantile business. Mr. 
Lybrand did not intend to become a resident of 



the place, and for three years claimed Ohio as 
his home, but he soon became attached to the 
country, and in 1859 purchased his partner's in- 
terest, took in his son as partner, and the firm be- 
came J. W. & G. D. Lybrand. This firm car- 
ried on a large jobbing trade, thereby supplying 
most of the stores in the northern part of the 
county. Mr. Lybrand also dealt largely in real 
estate. His son, George, acoomjianied him to 
Richland Center, in 1857. He was married to 
Maggie W. Lybrand of Philadelphia. They 
had born to them, two children, a son and 
daughter — Rollin C. and Cornelia D. Lybrand, 
both of whom are married and living in 
Richland Center. Rollin C, is engaged in 
the mercantile business and with John Echel- 
berger (the present husband of Mrs. M. W. 
Lybrand), compose the firm of Echelberger 
<fc Lybrand. When the Civil War broke out 
G. D. Lybrand enlisted in the 5th Wiscon- 
sin, and J. W. Lybrand continued the busi- 
ness alone until 1866, when he sold out to 
George A. and A. H. Krouskop, went to Chicago 
and engaged in commission business, and for a 
number of years his trade amounted to $1,000,000 
annually. After the Chicago fire in 1871, his 
family returned to Richland Center, and in 1S73 
Mr. Lybrand sold out and also returned. In 
1878 he again engaged in general merchandise, 
and continued in the business until January, 
1883, when he retired from active business life. 
When the railroad was built here Mr. Lyl)rand 
took stock to the amount of §1,000, and after- 
wards became the principal stockholder. He 
was then chosen jiresident and general manager, 
which position he held until the road was sold 
to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company. 
Mr. Lybrand was formerly a democrat, but wiien 
the Civil War broke out he joined the republi- 
can ranks, and has since voted with that party. 
He has, however, taken but little interest in pol- 
itics since coming to Wisconsin. He is an ac- 
tive temperance worker, and a member of the 
Temple of Honor.. He has been successful as 
a business man, and is a gentleman of many 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1201 



good qualities. lie is a member of the Chicago 
Board of Trade. 

W. E. Pratt was born in Jericho, Vt., July 
31, 1848, and is the son of Edwin and Hannah 
(Hapgood) Pratt. About 1855 the family came 
to Wisconsin and resided two years at Beloit, 
then came to Richland county and engaged in 
farming in the town of Willow. The parents 
now reside at Sextonville. The subject of this 
sketch, at the age of eighteen, commenced work 
at the painters trade, and has since given liis 
attention to the same, and is now a member of 
the firm of Pratt Bros. In March, 1878, he was 
married to Fannie Goodrich, daughter of Lo- 
renzo Goodrich. They have two children — 
Fred and Roy E. 

W. D. S. Ross made a visit to this county in 
1854, and selected his present farm, which was 
then owned by a man in Indiana. Mr. Ross 
seen returned to Marion Co., Ind., and after 
some correspoi\dence succeeded in purchasing 
the land, which was the southwest quarter of 
section L'f^. In the si)ring of 1857 he removed 
his family to Wisconsin and commenced im- 
proving his property. He has since been en- 
gaged in general farming. He now owns 200 
acres, a good frame house, and excellent barns. 
He also owns a half interest in the Park Hotel, 
at Richland Center, of which mention is made 
elsewhere in this work. Mr. Rossis a native of 
Fleming Co., Ky., born May 19, 1828. His 
parents were Alexander and Nancy (Arnold) 
Ross. In 1844 tlie family removed to Marion 
Co., Ind., where tlie parents died. April 25, 
185tt, the subject of this sketch was married to 
Rachel Jones. She died Jan. 4, 1877. They 
had reared eight children — Samuel T., Robert 
A., James A.,Alilia Jane, Elmer E. (deceased), 
Virgil M., Ulysses Grant and Nora Ann. Aug. 
28, 1878, Mr. Ross was married to Mrs. Indiana 
Wilson, wee McClelland, and by this union one son 
lias been born — John M. Mr. Ross is a repub- 
lican in politics, and has been a member of the 
town board several terms. 



Joseph Knight was a native of England, born 
Sept. 29, 1828. April 11, 1851, he was married 
to Rose Anna Horan. They soon emigrated to 
the United States, and first settled in Altoona, 
Penn. He was there engaged in the construc- 
tion of railroads. His faithful -wife boarded 
men who worked with him. He continued this 
occupation at Altoona one year, then at Mariet- 
ta, Ohio, three years, and at Roseville a short 
time. He came to Wisconsin in 1855, spent 
one summer at Elkhorn, the following winter 
at ^[adison, two years at Monroe, then went 
to Rosemount, Minn., from whence he re- 
turned to Wisconsin and settled on section 
10, Richland, where he had previously pur- 
chased eighty acres of laud. Here he spent 
the remainder of his life. He died Dec. 23, 
1874. Mr. Knight was a firm believer in the 
Christian religion, and read his Bible daily. 
He took an active interest during the Civil 
War, and did all that was in his power to do 
by furnishing money to aid the cause, but did 
not enlist on account of his family of small 
children. He never sought worldly honor, and 
often refused to become a candidate for public 
oflices. Mrs. Knight still resides at the home- 
stead, and now owns 120 acres with good im- 
provements. She reared eight children — Fran- 
ces (deceased), Mary Ann, Sarah Ann, Johanna, 
Susan, Rose Ann, George E. (deceased) and 
Dora. 

Rev. John Walworth was born at Big SoduB 
Bay, Wayne Co., N. Y., on the 28th day of 
.luly, 1804. His ancestors emigrated from Lon- 
don, England, about the year 1 705, some of whom 
located in Virginia and others in Herkimer Co., 
N. Y. From these latter originated all of the 
name in the State of New York. His father 
was a j)ioncer in the early settlement of western 
New York, and took a very active part in the 
military operations of the time with the In- 
dians and commanded a regiment of volunteers 
at the battle of Fort Erie, in the War of 1812. 
At the age of seventeen John was sent to Nor- 
wich, in Chenango county, for the purpose of 



1203 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



obtaining an education, where he remained 
about six years, and then I'eturned to western 
New York, where he was for several years en- 
gaged in sclioT)! teaching and other literary pur- 
suits. During this time he was married to 
Sylvia Lambson, of Hampden Co., Mass. Soon 
after this, in company with a number of others, 
lie emigrated to the then territory of Michigan, 
arriving there in time to take part in that ludi- 
crous appeal to arms by the young Gov. Mason 
in calling out the militia of the territory to pre- 
vent the governor of Ohio from taking posses- 
sion of a certain strip or piece of land lying 
along the Maumee river, which was subsequently 
named Lucas county, in honor of the governor 
of Ohio. Mr. Walworth chose the ministry as 
his profession. But in looking over the creeds 
and confessions of faitli of the several denomi- 
nations with a view of Church membership, he 
found it very difficult to reconcile them with 
each other, and still more difficult to reconcile 
them to the teachings of the Scriptures. His 
next effort was to find which of the creeds was 
the nearest or most like the Bible in its teach- 
ings. This earnest research for truth continued 
for several months and was quite perplexing 
for a while, but the question occurred. Upon 
what authority do these many confessions of 
faith stand? The answer was plain — they are 
but the opinions of uninspired men, a mixture 
of truth and ei'ror, and claim the credence of 
the world only by virtue of the votes of synods 
or the decrees of councils. These votes can 
not change error into truth, nor truth into error. 
With the confessions and creeds of ten or more 
of the largest and leading denominations in this 
country, and in Euro])e, before him, the thought 
occurred, why not leave all these formulas of 
human opinion and take the Bible alone for 
your guide? There was something satisfying in 
the thought, which soon culminated in a resolu- 
tion to take the Bible as tiie inspired word of 
God, as man's best and only safe rule of faith 
and jiractice, which teaches us that in every 
Nation, and every age, he that fears God and 



works righteousness is accepted by him. On 
this broad religious platform he commenced his 
ministerial labors and has continued tliem as 
health would permit for near fifty years. Mr. 
Walworth has never labored in the interest of 
any sectarian organization, but rather to lead 
and help men to lead an upright and pious life, 
and all true Christians to unite in charity and 
every good work. He has mostly lived aind 
labored upon the frontiers, and endured the 
hardships of a pioneer life. As to the success 
or efficiency of his labors, the communities that 
have seen, and the thousands that have partici- 
pated in them can best judge. In 1840 Mr. 
Walworth came to Illinois and traveled four 
years as a missionary, but the unavoidable ex- 
posure to cold and storm had so impaired his 
health that at the end of that service he 
was compelled to relinquish this arduous la- 
bor, and in 1840 he removed to Monroe, 
Green Co., Wis., when he subsequently be- 
came proprietor and editor of the Monroe 
Sentinel, a weekly county paper, of the demo- 
cratic persuasion. By constant labor the Senti- 
iiel soon gained a large circulation, for that day 
of newspapers, in Green and the adjoining coun- 
ties. At this lime the encroachments of the slave 
power upon the courts of justice upon free ter- 
ritory, and the capture of both political parties 
in the enactment of the fugitive slave law, and 
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, had 
thrust upon the people very grave questions in 
regard to the fate of freedom in this country, 
or under our government in the near future. 
The Sentinel was the first democratic paper 
in the State that came (uit emphatically against 
the aggressions of the slave power, and the leg- 
islation of both democrats and whigs in the in- 
terest of slavery. After consultation with 
many persons of all political parties it was 
agreed to publish a call for a people's convention, 
without respect to j)reviou8 affiliation, to be held 
at the capitol in Madison, July 1-3, 1854. This 
call was published in the Sentinel and a good 
number of other papers, and was much more 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1203 



largely atlcnrled by leafliiisj men from nearly 
all i)art8 of the State than had been anticipated. 
Mr. Walworth was chosen president of the con- 
vention, and though there was perfect freedom 
of speech and expression of individual opinion, 
it was orderly and for the most harmonious. 
The convention proceeded to the full organiza- 
tion of the republican party by the adoption of 
a platform of freedom, and appointment of a 
State central committee and other officers. 
About two years after this Mr. Walworth had 
so far regained his health that be accepted a 
call to a pastorate in the cities of Lewisburg and 
Northumberland, Penn., but a, few months of 
pastoral labor brought on the former complaint, 
the bronchitis, which prevented his continued 
labor, and though very pleasantly situated, he 
found it necessary to relin<|uisli his charge. 
In 1858 Mr. Walworth located at Richland 
Center, having purchased the office of the Rich- 
land County O/jgerrer, which brought him again 
into jiojiiics, ill which he advocated the princi- 
ples of the republican party with fidelity. He 
took a deep interest in the cause of tem- 
perance, frequently lecturing on the subject, 
and in 1800 he was elected G. W. Chaplain of 
the order of Good Tcmplers of the State. In 
18C'2 he was elected to the Legislature, also 
again elected in 1803. As the repeated 
calls came from the President for volunteers, 
many of our citizens left their lionies and 
families to defend the Union, and it was not 
stranger that one who had so long, and so suc- 
cessfully advocated the principles of human 
freedom should, though somewhat advanced 
in age, be willing to go to the field of contest, 
to help his fellow patriots in the defense of 
freedom, and our national existence, ami at the 
organizalion of the 43d regiment of Wisconsin 
Volunteers, in the fall of 1HC4, Mr. Walworth 
was elected chajilain of the regiment, and soon 
left the State for active service in the State 
of 'i\>nnessee. This regiment was first or- 
dered on to Johnsonville on the Tennessee 
river, then to Clarksville ou the Cumberland 



river, then after the battle of Nashville to Elk 
river and Deehard near the city of Winchester, 
at the foot of the Cumberland mountains, on 
the Chattanooga railroad. At this place they re- 
ceived the intelligence of the surrender of Gen. 
Lee, which caused great joy, but it was soon 
changed to sorrow by the news of the assassi- 
nation of President Lincoln. The mingled emo- 
tions of the deep sorrow, and dett'rmination to 
avenge his death, though visible upon the 
countenances of both officers and soldiers, 
could not be exjjressed in words. Orders 
were received that at every regular post 
a funeral service should be held on the 
day of the President's burial. Arrangements 
were accordingly made, and at the ap]>ointed 
hour the regiment, with many other soldiers 
and citizens, marched to a convenient jilace pre- 
pared for the purpose, led by the band ren- 
dering a most i)athetic funeral dirge, wlien the 
cha])lain, Mr. Walworth, made a very apjjro- 
priate address founded on 1st Samuel 20, 3. A 
most reverent solemnity prevailed in the large 
assemblage. This discourse was, by request of 
the citizens, repeated on the following Sabbath, 
to a large congregation of citizens and soldiers 
at the Presbyterian church in the city of Win- 
chester. There were perhaps 1,000 colored peo- 
ple, freed slaves, within the lines for jirotec- 
tion. These people requested of the command- 
ing officer to have this discourse repeated to 
them, to which he kindly assented, and arrange- 
ments were made. The hand gave good music> 
but they requested to sing one of their own 
funeral songs, whidi was sung in tlieir own 
peculiar style, to the great gratification of the 
soldiers. As the discourse drew near llie con- 
clusion, these poor homeless creatures gave un- 
restrained utterance to their grief, which, though 
somewhat ludicrous in form, still showed evi- 
dence of being most sincere and hearl-felt. 
Fre<iuent e.vclamations of sorrow, such as 
"Massa Lincum is dead, yes Massa Lincum is 
ilead, he is our friend, de Lor sent him to free 
us," swinging their hands, and weeping like 



1204 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



children. Since the close of the war Mr. Wal- 
worth has resided at Richland Center, except a 
few months devoted to a southern tour to Texas 
and the Gulf of Mexico. He has regularly 
supplied the pulpit of a congregation on tlie 
Sabbath, besides other frequent calls for his 
professional services. And now far advanced 
in age, and suffering from the effects of expos- 
ures and injuries received while in the army, 
is quietly endeavoring to till up the remnant 
of a laborious and useful life, in hope of 
an honorable discharge, and the unfailing 
reward of fidelity to duty to God ajid his fel- 
low man. 

J. C. Fries, of the firm of Fries cfc Brewer, 
tanners, is a son of Judge II. ' W . Fries, and 
was born in Union Co., Penn., Oct. 2, 1H49, 
and came with his parents to Richland county 
in 1858, and soon commenced work in his 
father's tannery, and has since been connected 
with tbe same. In 1874 he was married to 
Helen Buchanan, who died in March, 1881, 
leaving two children — Gerge A. and Henry \V. 
He was again married in April, 1882, to Amelia 
Zimmerman. Mr. Fries, in politics, is a demo- 
crat, and in religion, a believer in the Bapti.>it 
faith. 

A. S. Fries, son of H. W. Fries, was born in 
with Union Co., Penn., June 30, 1844. He came 
his parents to Richland county, and has since 
been a resident. He learned the tanning busi- 
ness, and for several years was a member of 
the firm of Fries Bros. Since 1870 he has been 
farming. He was married to Flora Schneider 
in 1867. They are the parents of eight living 
children — William, Nellie, Carrie, Eddie, Mary, 
Mark, Scott and Jennie. Emma is deceased. 
Mr. Fries, in politics, is a democrat, and a Pres- 
byterian in his religion. He is a member of 
the A.F. &A.M. 

J. W. Burnham, druggist, is a son of H. L. 
Burnham, and was born in Richland county, 
Nov. 7, 1858. He helped till the soil until he 
attained his majority, then engaged as clerk for 
Burnham Bros., with whom he served in that 



capacity for three years. He then engaged 
himself with Bowen & Allen until March, 1883, 
since which date he has been a member of the 
firm of Burnham & Burnham. 

C. C. Fries, sou of Judge H. W. Fries, was 
born in Union Co., Penn., Dec. 14, 1852, and 
came with his parents to this county in 1S58. 
He obtained his education in the schools at 
Richland Center, and in 1872 entered the employ 
of Parfrey & Pease as bookkeeper, with whom 
he remained four years, after which he served 
A. H. Kronskop in a like capacity, for two 
years. He is now bookkeeper and head clerk 
for H. T. Bailey; July 4, 1874, lie was married 
to Miss G. J. Buchanan. They have two chil- 
dren living — Jay C. and Isoline. 

Capt. Henry Toms is a native of England, 
born Aug. 6, 1&29. He resided in his native 
country till 1853, then emigrated to the United 
States and first stoj)ped at Lyons, N. Y., 
where he worked at the cabinet trade. He 
subsequently removed toSt. John's, Mich., from 
whence, in 1859, he came to Wisconsin and lo- 
cated at Richland Center. He was engaged in 
the manufacture of fanning mills until 1861, 
then enlisted in company D, of the 1 1th Wis- 
consin. He was at first commissioned corporal, 
but was soon promoted to the rank of captain, 
and served as such until the regiment was mus- 
tered out of service. Returning to Richland 
Center, »Japt. Toms established the furniture 
business, which he has since conducted. He is 
the oldest cabinet maker and furniture dealer 
in the village. He is a member of the A. F. 
& A. M., and a man who attends .-strictly to his 
own business, prompt in the fulfillment of his 
obligations and highly respected as a citizen. 
He was married in 1864 to Mary A. Parfrey, 
and they have seven children — Clara, Ada, 
Henry, Edwin, Josie, Emma and Arthur. 

II. W. Glasier, principal of the Sextonville 
High School, has been a resident of Richland 
county since 1859. He was born at Factory 
Point, Bennington Co., Vt., May 25, 1828. 
When but five years of age his parents removed 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1205 



to the town of Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., 
and there resided for three years. They then 
removed to Oliio, making tlie trip overland. 
After three weeks' travel Ihey arrived at Twins- 
burg, Summit county, where they located for 
one year, then removed to Franklin Mills, now 
called Kent, in Portage Co., Ohio. When fif- 
teen years of age lie aeconijiaiiied his father 
and another man on a fruit tree grafting expe- 
dition to the south. They embarked on an 
Ohio river steamboat, and at Cincinnati took 
on l)oard their scions, and then shipped for 
Mill's Point, 'I'eiin., where thoy disembarked, 
and with a team that had been taken along, 
commenceil the business ))art of their jouiney. 
They traveled through Nashville and Lexing- 
ton; thence to Covington and Maysville (all in 
Kentucky), and from tlie latter point followed 
the Ohio river up to Wheeling, W. Va., where 
they crossed the river and drove toward Cleve- 
land, ending their journey in .Tune, after a 
profitable and pleasant trip. The following 
season the three du])licatfd the journey. In the 
fall after he was seventeen years of age, Mr. 
Glasier resolved to teach school, and started on 
foot in search of a situation. He walked twen- 
ty-three miles and made an engagement to 
teach in the town of Solon, Cuyahoga county, 
at ^\'2 per monlli and "board around." He 
continued teaching until 1^50, with the excep- 
tion of one year in the marble business. In 
1853 he was engaged as principal of the Hed- 
ford (Cuyahoga county) school. In the spring 
of 1S59, after coming to Richland county at 
the solicitation of the citizens oi Richlaiul Cen- 
ter, he rented a room in that village, furni.shed 
it witli the necessary ap])aratus, and opened a 
select scliool. 'I'liis movement proved a com- 
plete success, and tlie school was continued until 
the fall of 1800. At that time he was visited 
by the scliool board from Sextonville, ami en- 
gaged by them to teach in that village, and im- 
mediately transferred his school to tliat point. 
Since his removal he has taught twelve and a 
half years' school in Sextonville, and has also 



been professionally engaged at Lone Rock, 
Boscol)el, Muscoda and Highland. Prof. Cla- 
sier believes that a man is never too old to 
learn, and for some years he has been a con- 
stant student. In April, lH51,he was married 
to .Jane Klizabeth IJosworlh, a native of New 
York. These parents have been blessed 
with nine children — Willis H., Fannie K., Cora 
A., Charles ,1., Edwin S., Johnson J., Arthur !>., 
Gilson G. and Edith L. 

W. W. Baker was born in Ohio in 1840, and 
resided in his native State until twenty years of 
age, then came to Wisconsin and settled at 
Richland Center. Here he at first clerked and 
subsequently was engaged in business, being a 
member of the firm of Pease & liaker. In 
1S63 he married Vira L. Pease. In !868 he 
left Richland Center and engaged in the light- 
ning-rod business at Columbus and Cincinnati, 
Ohio, New York, and still later at Chicago, 
where his death took place ^^Farcli I, I''?.';. 
Mrs. Baker returned to Richland Center, and 
in the fall of IKTit, in partnei'sliip with .Afrs. Fi- 
delia Pease, established a general inereanlile 
busincs.* of which Mrs BakiT is now the sole pro- 
prietor, and is carrying on the same with 
marked success. Mrs. Baker is the mother of 
four children, two now living — Rena V.and W. 
W. 

E. Pe.ise settled at Richland Center on the 
nth day of April, 1 800. He had just arrived 
from the State of Vermont where he ha<l been 
engaged in dairy farming, and, as he had about 
§10,000 in cash, ho loaned money, anil for sev- 
eral years did quite a brokerage business. He 
now owns a large number of cows and sheep, 
which he has let on shares to farmers about 
Richland county. Mr. Pease was born in Ben- 
nington Co., Vt. in 1803, and in 1832 m.irried 
Lncinda Glasier. He was a poor man but got a 
start in life by selling goods around Boston, 
and then engaged in dairy farminu' in Vermont, 
in which busini'ss he met with marked success. 
Mr. and Mrs. Pease have reared five children — 



120C 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Dexter E., D. G., Vira L., Myron C, deceased, 
and Clarence N., deceased. 

W. F. Doudna, of tlie firm of Strang & 
Doudna, was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Feb. 
22, 18.54. Ili.s parents are Isaac and Martlia 
Doudna. Ill 1861 tbe family came to Wiscon- 
sin and settled in Marshall, Richland county, 
where the parents still reside and are engaged 
in farming. In 1872 he entered the etnploy of 
of James Bros., learned the tinners trade, and 
in 1875 engaged in hardware business at Viola. 
In 1878 he removed his stock to Richland 
Center, formed a partnership with George 
Strang, and has since continued the hardware 
business under the above firm name. Mr. 
Doudna was united in marriage in 1876 with 
Mary Brewer, daughter of James >{rewer. 
They have two children — Eddie and Oscar. 
Mr. Doudna is politically a democrat and is 
chairman of the democratic county committee. 
He is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

A. C. Parfrey, proprietor of the Richland 
Center mills, is a son of Edward and Elizabeth 
(Crane) Parfrey. He was born in England, 
Jan. 31, 1839. He learned the milling business 
in his native country, and in 1857, with his 
parents, emigrated to the United States, and 
came to Richland county. In 1863 he became 
interested in the mills of which he is now the 
owner. In 1864, in partnership with J. C. 
Nichols, he built an upright saw-mill on the 
opposite side of the river from the grist-mill, 
and in 1865 changed it to a rotary mill, and has 
since operated the same, or had it leased to 
other parties. In 1865 he built a bedstead fac- 
tory, which employed from sixteen to thirty- 
five hands, but discontinued the business in 
1871. In 1871, with D. E. Pease as partner, he 
erected a stave factory and the present flouring 
mills which they operated with good success 
four years; they then discontinued the stave 
factory business on account of the scarcity of 
timber. Thus it can be seen that Mr. Parfrey 
has been one of Richland Center's most enter- 
prising and wide awake citizens. Before the 



railroad was built to the village, Mr. Parfrey 
paid as high as $9,000 in a year for hauling 
freight, flour, lumber and bedsteads to Lone 
Rock, and his business amounted to $131,000 
annually. lie is unpretentious in his manners 
and a shrewd business man. In October, 1865, 
Margaret A. Fries became his wife. She is a 
daughter of Judge H. W. Fries. They have 
had seven children born to tbem, six of whom 
are now living — E. H., Rena, Jennie, Maggie, 
Charles and Henry. 

Edward Parfrey came to this county in 1861, 
and leased the Richland Center grist-mill, and 
operated the same until 1863, when he removed 
to Dane county. In April, 1864, he returned to 
Richland county and purchased the Ithaca mill, 
which he operated until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1867. He left a wife and four chil- 
dren — Mary Ann, now the wife of Henry Toms, 
A. C, Youngs (deceased) and Fred. Mrs. Par- 
frey died in January, 1883. Mr. Parfrey was a 
native of England. He was a miller by trade, 
as was also his father. He married Elizabeth 
Crane. In 1857 they emigrated to the United 
States and spent the first winter in Milwaukee, 
then settled in Dane county, from whence they 
came to Richland Center. 

Obadiah Driskill was born in Cayuga Co., N. 
Y., Nov. 8, 1840. His mothordied in 1844, and 
his father subsequently married again. In 1848 
the family moved to Michigan. The subjectof 
this sketch, however, did not remain there, but 
returned to his native Slate, and lived there 
until 1855, then went to Illinois, and at Chicago 
in 1861 enlisted with "Barker's Dragoons" for 
three months. At the expiration of that time, 
he enlisted in company B, 8th Illinois regiment. 
He was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, 
and discharged from service, Aug. 2, 1862. In 
1863 he came to Richland Co., Wis., and Jan. 
18, 1864, enlisted in company A, 4th Wisconsin 
Cavalry, in which lie served until April 15, 
1866. Thus it can be seen that he was deter- 
mined to serve his country to the best of his 
ability. Since the war he has been a resident 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1207 



of tliis county, and lias been extensively en- 
gaged in dealing in livestock. For two years 
he carried on a general store. In J 88.3 he 
established a livery business at Richland Cen- 
ter, and now carries on the same. He was 
uiiiteil in marriage. May 2(), 18G(i, with Mary 
Reed. They liave two children — Luella and 
JJetijamin. Mr. Driskill is a member of the 
democratic party, also of the I. O. O. F. 

George E. Bennett, clerk of the circuit court, 
is a native of Scotland, born Oct. 25, 1S28. His 
father was a farmer and (4eorge E. hel|)ed till 
the soil and resided in liis native country until 
1840, then emigrat( d to the United States, and 
first stopped in Washington Co., Penn. In 1852 
he removed to Hickman, Ky , where he remained 
three years, then went to Henry Co., Tenn., 
manufacturing tobacco, and sometime subse- 
quently to Memphis, where he was engaged in 
the commission business. He was commission 
clerk and tobacco inspector until October, 18G3. 
He then came to Wisconsin, and in October 
settled near Lone Rock and engaged in farm- 
ing, which he pursued until Jan. 3, 1881, wlien 
he entered upon the duties of his present office, 
and is now serving his second term. While a 
resident of Buena Vista he served as town clerk 
eleven years and justice of the peace two years. 
He is a republican in politics, a member of the 
I. O. O. F., and a member of the Congregational 
Church, being deacon of the society at Lone 
Rock. Mr. Bennett has been twice married. 
In 1856 to Ellen Tully, a native of South 
Carolina. She died in March, 1858, leaving 
one son — John E. O., who now resides at BritI, 
Hancock Co., Iowa. In 18G5 lie married Mrs. 
Harriet Turner xee Clark. They have an adopted 
daughter — Alice. 

Lee McMurtrey came to the county in 1804, 
an<l,in partnership with his brother, establishetl 
a meat market. In 18G8 he purchased his 
brother's interest and continued the business 
alone until 18'i'4, since which he has continued 
his trade and now has charge of the meat mar- 
ket of F. P. Bowen. Mr. McMurtrey was born 



in La Fafayette county, April ]5, 184fi, ami has 
always been a resident of the State. In 1801 
he enlisted in company H, of the 3d Wisconsin 
regiment, and serveil three years. Jan. 0, 18G", 
he was married to Maria J. Liiidley, and they 
have two chihlren - Amabelle Lureiia and IMar- 
viii Lee. Mr. McMurtrey is a member of the 
A. F. & A. M. and G. A. R. 

M.L.Sherman « as born in Wyoming Co., 
N. Y., Jan. G. 1831. His early life was spent 
on a farm, and in 1844, he removed with his par- 
ents to Kane Co., 111. At eighti'en years of 
age he commenced work al tlie harness trade, 
and in 1852 went to the Pacific slope ami re- 
mained six years. In 1801 he enlisted in com- 
pany K, 52d Illinois and served three years. He 
then came to this c jinity and has since been 
engaged in tlie harness business, and is now the 
oldest harness-maker in the |ilaci'. In ls.")«lic 
married Miss V. S. Ellithorpe, a native of \'er- 
mont. They have seven children — EsVelle, 
Carrie, Herbert, Edith, Eugene, Katie and 
Bertha. Politically, Jlr. Sherman is a demo- 
crat, and an earnest temperance worker, being 
a member of the Temple of Honor, also a mem- 
ber of the G. A. R. 

Jesse G. Biinell was born in the village of 
Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 15, l.s47. 
His parents were Jesse and Eliza (Crawley) 
Bunell. When three years of age his parents 
removed to New York city, where he resided 
with them until June, 1801, when he took up 
his home with his aunt in Mi<ldlese.\ Co., Cana- 
da, until April, 1802, when he came to Rich- 
land county, and in August of that year en- 
listed in comjiany B, 2oth regiment, Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry, and served until tlie close 
of the Rebellion. After his return he was en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of 
Westford, in Richland county, until the fall of 
1874, when he was eb'cted county clerk and 
twice re-elected, his time expiring Jan. I, 1881, 
since which time he has been employed aa 
book-kee]>er and assistant ]>ostmasler by D. G. 
James, of Richland Center. He was married 



1208 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Oct. 20, 1867, to Sophronia Moody, daugbter of 
Joseph Moody, of Westford, Wis., and they 
now have four children living — Alice, Charles, 
Bessie and an infant daughter. Mr. Bunell 
is a member of Boscobel chapter, Royal Arch 
Masons, and at present master of Richland 
Lodge No. 66, A. F. & A. M. He is a republi- 
can in politics and identified with the G. A. R. 
Major A. M. Crumbecker is not one of the 
pioneers but is one of the leading farmers in 
Richland county, having settled on section 34, 
Richland town, in the spring of 1865. He has 
given attention to tilling the soil and now owns 
335 acres of land, with excellent improvements, 
and his location for a farm is one of the best 
in the county. Mr. Crumbecker was born in 
Carroll Co., Ohio, July 14, 1829. His parents, 
Isaac and Hannah Crumbecker, were natives of 
Maryland, but settled in Ohio many years ago 
and engaged in farming. The subject of this 
sketch, in 1853, was married to Mary C. Eakiu. 
She died, leaving one daughter — Florence. In 
1859 he was married to Hannah Pennock, and 
by this union five children have been born — 
Lenora, Estella, Mary, Harry and Winifred. 
In August, 1861, A.M. Crumbacker enlisted as 
a private in company A, 32d, Ohio Infantry. 
He was at once commissioned first lieutenant, 
and a few months later promoted to the raiik of 
captain. In the spring of 1863 he became 
major of the regiment and served in that ca- 
pacity until October, 1864, at which time a pro- 
tion of the regiment re-enlisted, and Major 
Crumbecker, having served the full term of his 
enlistment, resigned his commission, after hav- 
ing participated in all the battles, marches and 
skirmishes of the regiment. He then returned 
to his home, and in 1865 came to Wisconsin, as 
before stated. He always votes the republican 
ticket, takes an interest in the welfare of the 
party, but does not aspire to office. He is a 
member of the Masonic fraternit}^ and highly 
respected as a citizen. During the war Major 
Crumbecker was a good soldier, and had the 
confidence and respect of his command. He 



was among those who enlisted purely from a 
love of country and the right, and has always 
been actuated and governed in his intercourse 
with his fellow-men by honest and commenda- 
ble convictions, and he is a worthy re])resenta- 
tive of the best class of Richland county citi- 
zens. 

George L. Spangler, city marshal, was born 
in Adams Co., Ind., Feb. 11, 1853. His father 
died in IBS'?, and he then lived in the family 
of his uncle, James Essex, with whom, in March, 
1866, he came to Wisconsin and settled in the 
town of Bloom. In 1873 Mr. Essex removed 
to Kansas. In the spri)ig of 1872 the subject of 
this sketch was married to Eliza Allbaugli. He 
then purchased eighty acres of land and engaged 
in farming. He spent one season lumbering on 
the Mississippi river, and for several years 
operated a clover huUer. This latter enterprise 
proved a great misfortune, for, on the 30th of 
January, 1880, while feeding the machine,, his 
right hand came in contact with the cylinder 
and was so badly mangled that amputation 
above the wrist was necessary. After meeting 
with this misfortune Mr. Spangler left the farm 
and removed to Richland Center and for two 
years served as deputy sheriff. He has been 
city marshal since 1881, and is a member of 
the encampment of the I. O. O. F. Mr. and 
Mrs. Spangler have two children — Etta Lenora 
and Ira Leonard. 

James Dove is proprietor of the oldest black- 
smith business in Richland Center, having 
established the same in 18G0. He is also a 
member of the firm of Dove Bros., dealers in 
furniture, etc. Mr. Dove was born in St. Law- 
rence Co., N. Y., Oct. 13, 1825. His parents 
being Charles and Mary Dove. He learned the 
trade of blacksmith and in 1854 came west, resid- 
ing in northern Illinois and southern Wiscon- 
sin until 1866, when as before stated, he came 
to Richland Center. In October, 1864, he was 
married to Anna Johnson, and they have one 
I daughter — Hattie. Mr. Dove is a man who 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1309 



attends strictly to his own business and is re- 
spected as a citizen. 

FreJ P. Lawrence was born at Hear Creek in 
the town of Ithaca, Richland county, March 4, 
1860. His parents were C. A. and Maria 
(Carpenter) Lawrence; his father at that time 
being ens;aged in farming. In 1867 the family 
removed to Richland Center. Fred P. attende<l 
school at I5ear Creek one year, and upon moving 
the county seat, continued in school until six- 
teen years of age. In 1876 he commenced 
work for A. H. Krouskop, and continued witli 
him for three years when he went into the 
hardware business, which he still follows, now 
being in the employ of Strang & Doudna, at 
Richland Center. Mr. Lawrence was married on 
the 16th of February, 1882, to Grace A. Chand- 
ler, daughter of D. O. Chandler, of Richland 
Center. They have one child — Myra, born 
Feb. 7, 1883. 

F. D. Fowler, in April, 1867, settled on sec- 
tion .36, town of Ricliland, having purchased 
the land in 1865. Here he i-esided (with his 
exception of three years when he rented his 
farm) until 1882. He however worked most of 
the time at his trade, carpenter and joiner. In 
1882 he removed to Richland Center, where 
in 1883 lie built for himself a spacious dwelling 
house, and is now well situated to enjoy life. 
He still owns his farm which contains 160 acres. 
Mr. Fowler was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., 
Jan. 3, 182.5. His father was a tanner but also 
owned a small farm on which the f.amily resid- 
ed. In 1841 the subject of this sketch left 
home and followed a sea-faring life until 1848, 
sailing on the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian 
oceans and visiting ports in all parts of the 
globe. Returning to his native State, he at- 
tended school and also tatight .school, and 
learned his trade. He was married in 1852 to 
Maria A. Cole, who was a native of Jefferson 
Co., N. Y. In 1S55 they came to Wisconsin 
and resideil in Dodge county until they came to 
Richland. In 1862 Mr. Fowler enlisted in 
company A, 24th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 



He was wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro 
and disabled from service. He was honorably 
discharged in June, 1863. Returning to Dodge 
county, he sold his property, went back to New 
York and in July, 1864, enlisted in company E, 
20th New York Cavalry, aod served until mus- 
tered out of service at the close of the war. 
lie then came again to Wisconsin and lived in 
Dodge county until 1867. Mr. Fowler has been 
identified with the republican party since its or- 
ganization. In his religious views he is liberal. 
Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have had five children 
born to them, four of whom are now living — 
Frank, Edgar E., Irwin S. and Chester A. 

Frank Sanford came to Richland county in 
1867, and |)urchased a tannery located west of 
Richland Center, and operated the same about 
three years, since which time it has been idle. 
Mr. Sanford was not engaged in any regular 
business until 1878, wlien he built a livery 
and feed barn and established a livery busi- 
ness, which he sold out in February, 1879, 
and re-purchased in 1881, and has since carried 
on an extensive livery business besides opera- 
ting the stage lines between Richland Center 
and Viola, West Lima and Cazenovia. Mr. 
Sanford was born in Mercer Co., Penn., Dec. 
14, 1830. The f.amily in 1833 removed to Mich- 
igan, where the father di^d in 1S45, and as the 
family were lelt in moderate circumstances, the 
subject of this sketch worked al variou.'* em- 
ployments during llie summer seasons, and at- 
tended school winters. He went to Galena, 
111., in 1848, and in 1851 came to Wisconsin and 
had charge of a lead furnace until 1856, when 
on account of failing eyesight, he s|)ent a sea- 
son in St. Louis. In IS-S" he returned to Min- 
eral Point and engaged in the livery busines."". 
In 1862 he went to Maho aiul wrked at mining 
four years, then again returned to Mineral 
Point, where he was em!)loyed in the tanning 
business, coining from thence tn this county in 
1867, as before statetl. He was married in 1858 
to Caroline Clems; they have five children — 



1210 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



George, Lewis, Ella, Caroline and Anna. Mr. 
San ford is a Royal Arch Mason. 

J. D. riarring was born in Wauke.slia county, 
Jan. 0, 18+7. His parents were J. G. and Jane 
C. (Butler) Ilarring. His motlier died in 1852, 
and his father then, witli his children, emigrated 
to Michigan, where he married Mary E. Mer- 
rett. He returned to Wisconsin and in 1868 
came to Richland county. The subject of this 
sketch was married in 1873 to Miss C. A. Der. 
rickson, and now resides on section 12, town of 
Richland, where he now owns 200 acres. His 
farm at the lime of his purchase was unim- 
proved, and covered with timber. Mr. Harring 
is politically a republican, and has been a mem- 
ber of the town board, four years, and chairman 
one year. Mr. and Mrs. Harring are the parents 
of three children — Ismay, Nellie and J. G. Mr. 
Harring's parents now live in Juneau county. 

George H. Strang was born in Janesville, 
Rock Co., Wis., Sept. 7, 18-50. lie is a son of 
Isaac and Elizabeth (Spoon) Strang. In 1854 
the family removed to Sauk county and engaged 
in farming. In 1883 the parents emigrated to 
Charles City, Iowa, where they now leside. 
George H. Strang came to Richland Center in 
1868, entered the employ of James Bros., and 
learned the tinner trade. In 1878 he went in 
partnership with W. F. Doudna, and has since 
been engaged in tlm liardware business, tlie 
name of the firm being Strang & Doudna. Mr. 
Strang was married in 1873 to Lizzie E. James, 
daughter of George IT. James. They have three 
sons — Bert, Rupert and Scott. Mr. Strang is 
a republican in his jjolitics, and has held local 
office. 

J. A. Cleveland established his present drug 
business, in May, 1881. His residence, in the 
east part of the village, is one of the best in 
town. Mr. Cleveland was born in Chenango 
Co., N. Y., in November, 1846, and resided in 
his native State, until twenty years of age. He 
then went to Story Co., Iowa, from whence lie 
came to Wisconsin. He was mai-ried in 1872 
to Minnie J. Beubow, daughter of Benjamin 



Benbow, of Ithaca. They have one son — Frank. 
Mr. Cleveland is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, a shrewd business man, and a good 
citizen. 

August Larson was born in Stockholm, 
Sweden, Aug. 2, 1842. He learned his trade, 
(cabinet maker) and resided in his native city, 
until 1866. He then emigrated to the United 
States and first stopped at New York city, where 
he worked at his trade about eighteen months. 
He then worked one year in Chicago. He subse- 
quently, at different intervals, worked at St. 
Paul, Minn., La (Jrosse, Ontario, and Milwau- 
kee, Wis., Buffalo, N. Y., Windsor, Canada, 
and Detroit, Mich. He then returned to On- 
tario, Wis., from whence, in 1873, he came to 
Richland Center. Here he entered the em- 
ploy of Capt. Henry Toms, whom he served 
(with the exception of six months spent in Da- 
kota) until 1880. He established liimself in the 
furniture business, July 1, 1881, in which he is 
meeting with marked success. Mr. Larson is a 
first-class mechanic, and a man who attends 
strictly to liis own business. On Nov. 19, 1874, 
lie was married to Rosa Maytield, daughter of 
David Mayfield, and they now have one son — 
Albert, born Feb. 18, 1882. 

Oliver G. Munson was born in Howard Co., 
Iowa, March 2, 1S56. His parents being C. M. 
and M. R. (Taft) Munson. lie was educated in 
the common schools, and in 1871 commenced 
newspaper work in the Plain Dealer ofh'ce at 
Cresco, Iowa. He was subsequently in the 
Times office at said place. He served in 
every capacity, sweeping the office, setting 
type, doing job work and writing editorials, 
thus becoming a practical printer. In 1876 
he came to Ricliland Center, and soon after- 
wards became associated as partner with W. M. 
Fogo in the publication of the JiejiKblican, 
afteward changed to Republican and Observer, 
Mr. Munson was married Dec. 15, 1881, to Josie 
(;. Downs, daughter of W. H. Downs, and they 
now have one daughter. He is a member of 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1211 



the A. F. & A. M., tbe I. O. O. F. and the 
Temple of Honor. 

R. N. McKay was born in Ireland, Oct. 22, 
1851. His parents were VViiliain and Margaret 
McKay. The family emigrated to the United 
States in 1852, and first settled in Ozaukee Co., 
Wis., and engaged in farming. They after- 
ward moved to Dodge county, where the father 
died in 1860. The m^other now resides in 
in Richland county. Six of the children are 
still living — Agnes, AV. J., James, R. N., Sarah 
and Mary. R. N. McKay was married in 1875 
to Laura Davis, a daughter of J. L. Davis, of 
Vernon county. In 1877 he came Richland 
Center. He had charge of the county poor 
farm for two years, and was engaged in farming 
until 1880, since which time hehas been engag- 
ed in a grocery, provision and crockery trade. 
Mr. and Mi's. McKay have two children — Alice 
and Ro.xey. 

B. N. Smith was born in Pennsylvania, March 
20, 1838. In 1852 the family removed to Catta- 
raugus Co., N. Y. He here commenced work 
at liis trade, that of blacksmith. In 1850 he 
went to Missouri, where he followed his trade, 
taught school and studied medicine. In 1859-60 
he attended tiie niedijal department of the 
State University, at Keokuk, Iowa, In ISUl he 
enlisted in company B, 29th Ohio, was after- 
wards commissioned second lieutenant of com- 
])auy K, and still later was on the brigade staff 
of the second division of the 12th Army Corps. 
He was mustered out in 1864, but was in the 
quartermaster's department until 1865. After 
the war he spent some time, as well as money, 
in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, ke])t hotel in 
Ohio, constructed five miles of railroad in Illi- 
nois, manufactured mining tools in Indiana, and 
was subsequently in Chicago, from whence he 
came to Wisconsin. He is now engaged in a 
general blacksmith business at Richland Cen- 
ter. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 

Whitney Smith is not an old resident of ilie 
county, but there are so many historical incidents 



connected with the history of his parents that a 
short sketch will prove of interest to all. 
Whitney Smith was born in the town of Wilkes- 
H:irre, Wyoming Valley, Penn., July 14, 1804, 
his parents being Jonathan and Anna (Trues- 
dale) Smith. His grandfather, William Smith, 
was a native of Connecticut, and a shij) builder 
by occupation. He accumulated quite a fortune, 
married and reared a family of children, and 
then removed to Wyoming Valley, where he 
purchased property and soon had good improve- 
ments. But alas, one day they were sur|)rised 
by the Indians, compelled to flee from ilieir 
home, and before they were out of sight 
the buildings were in flames. The family suf- 
fered terribly, as it was obliged to i)ass through 
the swamp known as the •'Shades of Death," 
and travel a distance of sixty miles before 
reaching a white settlement. They returned to 
Connecticut, where they resided until peace 
again prevailed in Wyoming Valley, when they 
again removed thither, but no sooner had they 
become nicely settled than the Indians again 
drove them from their homes and destroyeil 
the property. None of the family were killed, 
but forty jirisoners were taken, and among the 
number was Jonathan Smith, who was then a 
boy of fifteen years. The Iiiilians soon com- 
menced killing the prisoners, and as young 
Smith di<l not choose to be shot down like a 
dog, he started to run down tlie hillside, but he 
soon saw himself surrounded by Imlians an<l so 
halted. Thrice the savages threw tornaliawks 
at him, but he dodged the weapons. At last 
the chief of the tribe appeared, an<l staled that 
as the boy had been shot at three times, a gun 
snapped three times, and a tomahawk thrown 
at him three times, it was plain to be seen that 
he was protected by the Great Spirit, and it 
would surely be death to any Inilian who would 
take his life. !!<■ was then taken with the 
tribe, and at last, on account of his bravery, 
was adopted as the ciiief's son. He remained 
with the tribe five years an<l si.\ nionihs, and 
the manner of his escape was thus: Thu In- 



1212 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



diaiiR were about to hold a war dance, and on 
such occasions they partook freely of whisky, 
and it was their usual custom to kill a prisoner; 
therefore, as young Smith was the only captive, 
he was somewhat afraid that, notwithstanding 
his being a great favorite of the tribe, in a fit 
of drunkenness they might kill him, so he asked 
permission of his mother, the chief's wife, to 
go to Montreal, near which place the tribe was 
encamped, until the war dance was over, and 
was granted the permission. He went to said 
city, dressed and painted in true savage style, 
and passed along the streets without any one 
taking any particular notice of him. At last he 
met a negro, to whom he related his experience. 
The negro informed an officer, who at once laid 
plans to release Smith from his bondage. lie 
accordingly had Smith appear sick, and when 
the chief's wife came after liim, Smith pre- 
tended to be very sick and in great agony, 
whereupon the officer told her that the boy was 
sure to die, and that she had better make what 
she could out of him. Slie at last consented to 
release her claims for two gallons of whisky, 
which was granted her, and Smith returned to 
his friends, and afterwards again resided in the 
valley where he was taken prisoner. Wiiitney 
Smith served an apprenticeship at the tanning 
trade, and then engaged in the business. He 
subsequently carried on a mercantile business 
in his native town, where he was married. In 
1836 he emigrated to Illinois, and settled in 
what is now Stark county. He gave the name 
to the town of. Wyoming, in that county, and 
was postmaster at that place for several years. 
In 1844 he came to Wisconsin and located at 
Mineral Point, was at first engaged in mercan- 
tile, and afterward in tanning business. In the 
fall of 1876 he removed to Chicago, and in the 
spring of 1878 came to Richland Center, where 
he is no * living a retired life. Mr. Smith has 
been twice married, the second time, Feb. 28, 
1849, to Anna Maria Cleines. She is a native 
of England. They have reared four children, 
only one of whom is living — Frank C, who 



is now assistant professor of chemistry and 
minerology in the university at Ann Arbor, 
Mich. Mr. Smith is a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church, of which he is one of the 
elders. William Smith and family were driven 
from their home in Wyoming Valley by the 
Indians three times. The family .twice returned 
to Connecticut, and upon their return William 
Smith died before the Indians made the last 
raid. 

H. B. Allen, druggist, bookseller and grocer, 
is a son of Harvey and Fannie E. Allen, and 
was born in Walworth Co., Wis., Dec. 20, 1846. 
He commenced mercantile life as clerk at the 
age of thirteen, and in 1862 went to Beloit, 
where he learned the drug business. In Octo- 
ber, 1879, he came to Richland Center and pur- 
chased a half interest in the business of F. P. 
Bowen. In March, 1883, he becanre sole pro- 
prietor, and is now doing a leading business. 
In 1869 he was married to Neatie Shue, daugh- 
ter of Ira T; Shue, of Beloit. They have two 
children — Frank H. and Lottie G. Mr. Allen 
is an enterprising citizen, a republican in poli- 
tics, a Knight Templar in the Masonic frater- 
nity, and a member of the I. O. O. F. 

L. W. Ba.\ter represents the profession of 
dentistry at Richland Center. He located here 
May 18, 1880, at which date he opened his 
office in the Krouskop block, where he remained 
until the same was destroj'ed by fire. His office 
is now pleasantly located on the second floor of 
the Pier block, and is supplied with all con- 
veniences to do first-class work. Dr. Baxter 
was born in Waukesha Co., Wis., June 15, 1853. 
He received a good common school education, 
and assisted his father in tilling the soil until 
1879. In that year he commenced the study 
and practice of his profession under the guid- 
ance of Dr. G. A. Sinclair, of New Lisbon, 
with whom he continued until he came to Rich- 
land Center. He was married Jan. 8, 1882, to 
Alice Burnham, daughter of H. L. Burnham. 

W. J. Hillman is |)ermanently located and en- 
gaged in photography in Richland Center. He 




^. 



^ . d;j, i)nrw^ 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1215 



established tliis business in October, 1881. Mr. 
Hillman was born in tlie State of New York, 
April 17, 1849. The family soon removed to 
Massachusetts, and in 1856 went to Cannon 
Falls, Minn., where the mother still resides. 
The father died in 1861. Mr. Hillman enlisted 
at St. Paul, Minn., April 3, 1865, being scarcely 
sixteen years of age, and was assigned to the 
2d Mitinesoia Volunteer Infantry, going south 
April 12 and joining the regiment at Wash- 
ington. He was mustered out at Louisville, 
Ky., July 14, the war being over. He then 
returned to Minnesota, and spent the time in 
farming and going to school until twenty years 
of age, teaching school two terms. Since that 
time he has devoted his attention principally to 
the art of photography. He is a skilled artist 
and successful in his business. He was married 
in 1871 to Caro W. Barnes. They have two 
children — Mabel, born June 6, 1875, and Charles, 
born Aug. 14, 1878. 



C. W. Slocum, the former landlord of the 
Park Hotel, became connected with the same 
in January, 1882, and served as its clerk until 
the following October. He then had charge of 
a hotel at Owatonna, Minn,, four months, when 
he again returned to the "Park", and in May, 
1883, became proprietor. Mr. Slocum was born 
in Windham Co., Vt., Oct. 22, 1857. He is the 
son of James and Margette (Robinson) Slocum. 
In 1856 the family emigrated to Wisconsin and 
settled at Mazomanie, where the parents still 
reside, and here the subject of this sketch 
helped till the soil until he embarked in the 
hotel business. He is courteous and accommo- 
dating, and under his management the "Park" 

became a favorite with the traveling public. 
Ilis connection with said hotel ceased about 
Nov. 1, 1883, when he removed to Ipswich, 
Dak., and is there engaged in the same 
business. 




73 



1216 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXX 



TOWN OF RICHWOOD. 



The town of Richwood forms the southwest 
corner of Richland county, eniljracing township 
9 and a portion of township 8, range 2 west. 
The southern portion of the town is compara- 
tively level and the soil is somewhat sandy. 
This portion of the town includes what is 
known as Sand Prairie. North of this the 
surface is somewhat diversified, in some places 
being quite rough. As a whole, however, 
Richwood is among the very best towns in 
Richland county. 

Knapp's creek enters Richwood by way of 
section 6 and traverses the entire length of the 
town on its way to the Wisconsin river. It 
furnishes numerous water priveleges, several of 
which have been improved. The creek derived 
its name from a trapper of that name, who liad 
a cabin a few miles from the mouth of the creek, 
and followed hunting and trapping through this 
region before the territory was inhabited by 
permanent settlers. He returned to the county 
once, after John Coumbe had settled within the 
limits of Richwood, for the purpose of getting 
some traps that he had buried on a former 
visit. This is about all that is known of the 
man. No one knew from whence he came or 
whither he went. Byrd's creek traverses the 
eastern portion of the town. These streams, 
with their numerous spring tributaries, furnish 
an abundant supply of water for farming and 
household purposes, as well as power for driv- 
ing a vast amount of machinery. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settler within the limits now com- 
prising the town of Richwood was John 



Coumbe, the first actual settler in Richland 
county. Mr. Coumbe first came to the county 
in 1838 and erected a log cabin on section 35, 
town 9, range 2 west, but as the Indians were 
rather numerous and as Mr. Coumbe did not 
admire them as his only neighbors he returned 
to the south side of the Wisconsin river, and 
again the territory which now comjirises Rich- 
land county was uninhabited by any white per- 
son. In 1840, however, Mr. Coumbe again 
crossed the river and took up his abode in the 
cabin he had erected two years previously, and 
here he gave his attention to agricultural i)ur- 
suits until the time of his death. He was a 
good neighbor and an honored citizen. 

Edward Coumbe came to the county shortly 
after his brother, John, and settled on Sand 
Prairie. He remained there until 1648, when 
he traded his property to Thomas Elliott, and 
returned to Grant county. He was elected a 
delegate from Richland county to the first State 
convention, called to draft a constitution for the 
State of Wisconsin, which assembled at Madi- 
son on the 5th of October, 1846. 

John McKinney came in 1841 and selected 
land on section 27, bringing hi.«s family in the 
fall of the same year. Mr. MoKinney was a 
valuable citizen and neighbor; for instead of 
hunting, fishing and trapping, he at once com- 
menced improving his land and raising food 
upon which to subsist. He obtained a small set 
of buhrs, with which, by means of a horse 
power, he ground not only his own corn, but 
also that of his neighbors. He was a native of 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



laiT 



Virginia, and came of an industrious and hon- 
est race, but he was an unsuccessful manager or 
poor financier. He resided in the county about 
eisjlit years, tlien moved to the south side of 
the river for tlie purpose of educating liis chil- 
dren. He afterwards returned to the county; 
but his death occurred at Muscoda in February, 
\6S-2. 

Peter Kinder, a native of Kentucky, came 
here in 1844 and located on section 26, where 
he lived until the lime of his death. He was a 
successful farmer, a good neighbor and gained 
a large circle of friends as well as the respect 
of all who knew him. In early days he was 
noted as a public benefactor. No one in need 
ever went to him in vain, and his uniform kind- 
ness and feeling for others became almost pro- 
verbial. 

. Adam Byrd was also one of the first settlers 
in the town. He was an Ohio man. He loca- 
ted on section l'8 near the creek which hears 
his name, ami erected the first saw-mill in the 
town of Rich wood. He retrained here about 
twelve years when he removed to Oregon. 

Vincent IJ. Morgan anil GeurgeC. White also 
came at a v^-ry early day. Morga.'i was a na- 
tive of Georgia, and was a good uatured, wliole- 
souled fellow, weighing about 225 pounds. He 
took a claim on section 34, but never did much 
farming, preferring to hunt and fish. He died 
here in lS5:i. 

George C. White was a Pennsylvania Ger- 
man, and had the usual good qualities of that 
class of people, industry and good manage- 
ment. He located on section 34, where he 
lived until the war broke out, when he and his 
only son enlisted in the 1 1th Wisconsin regi- 
ment and both fill .soldier's graves. Mr. White 
was one of the first to fill the oflice of sheriff 
for Richland county. 

D. M. Shore settled in Richhand county on 
the 30th of August, 1840, and one year later 
came to the town of Richwood and settled on 



section 26. Here he lived, following farming, 
until his death, which occurred in 1883. Ho 
was born in Kentucky in 1S16; moved with his 
parents to Illinois, where he was married to 
Nancy J. Parker, and from thence came to this 
county as stated. 

E. Ash came here in 1848 (or 1849) and lo- 
cated on the northwest quarter of section 27. 
He resided here about seven years when he re- 
moved to Iowa. He only improved al)oul 
twenty acres of his farm here. 

George Rea came at about the same time and 
lived with O. Carson until 1851, when he pur- 
chased the northeast quarter of section 20. 
This was his home for about thirty years when 
he removed to Kansas. He now lives at 
Springfield, Mo. • 

Rev. William H. Iloskins was the first min- 
ister of the gospel to settle in Kichlamr county. 
He represented the United Drethren denomi- 
n:iti()ii. In 1853 he came here and settled on 
Sand Prairie and preached at Crow Hollow, 
.Sand Prairie, Spring Green, Lone Rock and 
Pea Ri<lge (now Sandusky), a circuit of sixty 
ni'les in length. He traveled on horseback, 
making each appointment every two weeks. In 
1864 he purchased forty acres of land on section 
17, erected a saw mill and thus laid the foun- 
ilati'in of Excelsior. Later he became superan- 
uated as a ])reacher and engaged in farming. 
Mr. Iloskiiis was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., 
Sept. II, 1817. In 1838 he was married to Mary 
Winton, came to Wisconsin and settled in Dane 
county, coming to Richland county in 1853, as 
stated. 

After this time the settlement was more 
rapid. Many more of the <>I<1 settlers are treated 
at length in other connections. 

FIRST KVKNTS. 

The first death in the town was that of the 
wife of James Moore. Her remains were bur- 
ied rtu the southeast quarter of section 33, on 
land afterward owned by (■!. M. Clark. 

The first marriage in the town was that of 
Daniel Byrd to Harriet Parker. 



1218 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The first religious services in the town were 
heltl at the house of Edward Ash on section 27. 
Rev. William Kanoyer, a United Brethren, offici- 
ated. 

The first birth that occurred in the town was 
that of Melinda Morgan, whose nativity in April, 
1843, entitles her to the laurels of being the 
first child born in the county as well as town. 

The second marriage in the county also oc- 
curred here on this pioneer ground. This was 
the marriage of W. G. Parker to Emily McKin 
ney, in the spring of 1848. 

The first frame barn in the town was erected 
by Myron Whilcomb in 1852. The lumber was 
sawed at Rockbridge and the shingles were 
shaved and nearly one half an inch in thickness. 
New siding was put on the barn in 1883 but the 
roof was still in good condition. The barn is 
40x50 fe^t in size with 16 feet post. The tim- 
ber was framed by Noah Titus and consisted 
solely of pine. 

The first house erected in the territory which 
now comprises the town of Ricliwood, was also 
the first in the county. It was the log cabin 
erected by John Coumbe, in 1838, on sec- 
tion 35. 

The first horse team brought into the county 
were brought into the town of Richwood, in 
1841, by Thomas Andrews. 

The first brick residence in the town of Rich- 
wood was erected in 1855 by Henry Miller, on 
section 26. This building was enlarged in 1879, 
by S. B. Marsh, to a two story building, and in 
1883 it was the only brick residence in the 
town. 

The first mill in the town was built by Adam 
Byrd, on Byrd's creek. Its history will be 
found elsewhere in this volume. 

The first postofiice in the town was estab- 
lished on Sand Prairie, in 1848-9, with John- 
ston Young as first postmaster. Several years 
later the oflice was removed to Port Andrews, 
and Dr. R. M. Miller was commissioned as post- 
master. He was succeeded in turn by William 



Harper, L. Jan ney, R. L. Carver and J. R. 
Carver, the latter being the present incumbent. 
Mail is received tri-weekly from Muscoda. 

The first orchard in Richland county was set 
out by Myron Whitcomb, in this town, in 1851. 
The trees were purchased from Henry Conner, 
who had brought them from Indiana. This 
first orchard numbered fifty ai>ple trees, but 
they soon withered and died. But Mr. Whit- 
comb did not despair, and the next year he pur- 
chased 800 trees, 100 of which he set out him- 
self and the balance he sold to the neighbors. 
The majority of those set out by him lived and 
he now has a good orchard. 

The first chestnut trees were set out by Ed- 
ward Clark. 

INDUSTRIAL ENTEEPBISBR. 

Knapp's creek, on its passage through section 
20j furnishes an excellent water privilege; eight 
feet head of water. Alonzo Carson was the 
first to utilize and improve this power. He 
purchased the property in 1855 and erected a 
saw-mill. In April, 1866, a freshet washed the 
mill away, and he at once rebuilt. In 1868 or 
1869 he sold to Avery & Langdon, and in 1870, 
A. H. Avery became sole proprietor. In 1871 
he built a grist-mill, at a cost of about §5,000, 
equipping it with two run of buhrs. Mr. 
Avery died in 1879, and the property was soon 
afterward purchased by B. F. Washburn. Sam- 
uel Yeager owned an interest in this property 
for several years and operated a chair factory 
in connection. 

The Ellsworth Mills are located on section 6. 
They were erected by J. S. Ellsworth in 1856, 
and are still his property, but since 1876 they 
have been operated by his son, M. D. Ellsworth. 
The mills do general sawing, planing, matching, 
and band-sawing, the principal products being 
material for wagons and agricultural imple- 
ments. 

In 1867 Thomas J. Ellsworth erected a tan- 
nery near Ellsworth mills, and operated the 
same for about ten years. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1210 



In 1848 Melendeth Whit settled on Byrd's 
creek, and put in sliape a device for crusbinf; 
hominy. It was so arranged tliat by tlie use of 
a water-wheel a weight would be raised and 
let fall into a wooden mortar. In the mortar 
about a peck of corn could be placed, and this 
would be crushed to meal in a day's time. The 
only trouble Mr. Whit com])lained of was that 
the crows would occasionally carry off the corn 
before it was ground. 

Adam Byrd came to Richland county in 
1844 and settled on section 25, in the town of 
Richwood, near the creek which bears liis 
name. He erected the first saw-mill in the 
town, and had the .same in operation in 1S4.">. 
The property subsequently passed into the 
bands of John Courabe, who in turn sold to 
Coleman & Carver. These gentlemen erected 
a new mill, but as they became somewhat finan- 
cially embarrassed, John Coumbe again became 
owner of the property. In 1865 David Dewey, 
in company with two other gentlemen, pur- 
chased the property, but Mr. Dewey soon became 
sole proprietor. In 1875 he built a steam mill, 
using some of the machinery that had been 
used in the old water mill, which is now in dis- 
use. The steam mill is driven by a twenty- 
horse power engine. 

The first buhrs for grinding corn in the 
county were brought into the town of Rich- 
wood, in May, 184G, by John McKinney. They 
were run by horse power. 

In 1879 II. I>. Ellsworth leased the water 
privilege which Knajjp's creek furnishes on 
section 17, and set a carding mill in operation. 
He afterw.ard added a saw-mill and general wood- 
working <le]>artment, manufacturing broom 
handles, table legs, sled runners, etc. 

RELTGIOUS. 

The Christian Church was organized at the 
school hou.se of district No. 4, in 1 87P, with Revs. 
M. Sheffield and J.acob Felton, officiating. 
Among the first members were S. B. Marsh, wife 
and child ; William Ritchie and wife; J. W. 
Jones and wife ; Mrs. Jane Shores, D. Field, 



Emma Richardson and Mrs. Ilowland. The 
church is in good condition, the pastors h.ave 
been: Revs. Lewis, Ilines, Martin and Buroker. 
The Norwegian M. E. Church is located on 
section 12. It is a log building which was 
erected in 1802, but the society was organized 
sometime previous to that time. Among the 
first members were: H. G. Collier and family, 
George Sheldon and family, Andrew Andersf)n 
and family, Ole Paulson and family, Ole John- 
son and family, A. Bergam and family and 
John Olson and family. The first pastor was 
Abe Knudtson. 

CEMETERIES. 

The first cemetery in the town w.as laid out 
on the southwest quarter of section 35, the land 
being donated by John Coumbe. The first body 
interred here was that of James Carson, whose 
death took place in 1851. The coffin was made 
by James Jones, or, as he was usually called, by 
ETiglish Jones. 

Wright's cemetery is located on section 24, 
upon land which was donated by I. J. Wright. 

Sand Prairie cemetery is located on st-ction 
34. The land was donated by Edmund Clark. 

Shore's cemetery is located on section ."0. 
Coates' burial ground is located on section 5. 
There is also one burial ground on section 5, 
one on section 2, one on section 11, and another 
on section 29. 

FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL IN RICHLAND COUNTY. 

The first school board elected in tiie county 
consisted of J. R. Smith, Thomas Matthews and 
Jackson Darnell, who, in 1848, took steps to 
erect a log school house at Orion. Mr. Darnell 
started out in search of a teacher and soon em- 
ployed Mary F. Mulamphy, now Mrs. Josepli 
Elliott, of Highland, Iowa county, to teach a term 
of three months at if2-i per month. She, on 
the 5th of June, of said year, came to the county. 
The school house was not yet completed, but 
as it was necessary to commence immediately 
in order to receive the public money, Mjss 
Mulam]'hy oj)ened school at the house of J. R. 
Smith. In a few weeks, however, the school 



1220 



HISTORY„OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



house was completed, and the scliool then }iad 
more room. As the new building had seats 
around the edge of the room and the desks 
consisted of boards laid on pins driven into the 
wall, so that when the students were writing 
they were obliged to face the wall and thus 
turn their backs to the teacher; but the school 
progressed finely and the students, twenty-five 
in number, were greatly benefited by attending. 
Tlie teacher gave good satisfaction and was 
thus employed to teach the second term in 1849. 

RICHWOOD SCHOOLS. 

The first school in this town was taught at 
the house of Peter Kinder in 1S48-9. This was 
a subscription school. William Diirren was 
the teacher. 

The first public school in the town was taught 
during the same season in a log school house 
located on the northeast corner of section 35. 
Elizabeth Conner was the teacher. 

At an early day a man named Hunter taught 
a subscription school on Sand Prairie. 
In 1857 Richwood had four schools. 

In 1884 there were ten schools in the town, 
all in successful operation, having comfortable 
school buildings. One of these is a free high 
school at Port Andrew. 

OFFICIAL MATTERS. 

The first election in this region was held at 
the house of Matthew Alexander in 1847, to 
choose delegates to the constitutional conven- 
tion. There were thirty-eight votes cast, there 
being scarcely any restriction upon the right of 
suffrage. 

On A])ril 2, 1850, was held the first election 
for town officers in Richwood, it having just 
been organized as a separate town and election 
precinct. The meeting was held at the house 
of Peter Kinder and resulted in tke choice of 
the following officers: Adam Byrd, William 
Kincannon and Samuel Fleck, supervisors; 
Johnston Young, clerk; Myron Whitcomb, 
treasurer; George C. White, superintendent of 
town schools; W. R. Kincannon, assessor; V. 



]i. Morgan, overseer of the poor. Johnson 
Young, Alvin B. Slaughter and Mark A. Byrd 
were elected justices of the peace, but only 
Young qualified and gave bond of $r>00, having 
for sureties G. C. White and V. B. Morgan. 
At the same election Alonzo Cave and John 
Coumbe were chosen constables. Although no 
record exists of the number of votes cast at 
this election, at the ballot taken June 4, same 
year, we find twenty-six votes taken. 

The present officers of the town, elected in 
the spring of 1883, are: Supervisors, L. M. 
Thorp, chairman, W. R. Garner and Chris. 
Peterson; clerk, E. J. Langdon; treasurer, John 
Brown; assessor, James Appleby; justices, Hen- 
ry Conner, C. J. Moore, W. H. Haskins and N. 
B. Miller; constables, T. C. Wallace, Thomas 
Ellsworth and Orrin Jones. Since the organi- 
zation nothing has occurred to mar the tran- 
quility of Rich wood's official career. Good 
men have been chosen to fill the offices and 
public matters have been efficiently cared for. 
Among those who have been prominent in town 
affairs and have filled town offices are the fol- 
lowing: Thomas Ewing, Henry Connor, H. P. 
Coates, Levi Persinger, I. J. Wright, I. N. 
Miller, J. D. Dosch, Nathan Winton.L. M. 
Thorpe, R. S. Carvei-, John Coumbe, S. B. 
Marsh, J. H. Tilley, J. W. Jones, H. J. Clark, 
R. N. Young, J. S. Ellsworth, Robert Buchan- 
an, H. F. Washburn. J. S. Clark and W. R. 
Garner. 

PORT ANDREWS. 

This village was named in honor of Capt. 
Thomas Andrews, who settled on the southeast 
corner of section 35 in 1841. He afterward 
kept a small store and succeeded in having the 
postoffice moved to this place from Sand Prairie. 
In 1850 he laid out four blocks of village lots. 
On the 14th of November, 1854, the plat was 
enlarged by what was known as the Andrews 
& Miller addition, which contained fourteen 
blocks, some of which, however, were fraction- 
al. In 1856 Port Andrews h.ad grown to be a 
flourishing, wide-awake village, with several 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1221 



stores, hhops, groceries, saloons, schools, 
churches, etc; but the railroad was built on the 
south side of the river, steamboats ceased to 
ply the river, and the place gradually ran down, 
until in 1884 the place had almost become a 
thing of the past, containing only two stores, a 
blacksmith shop, shoe sliop, high school and 
church. 

The first school at Port Andrews was kept by 
Thomas Andrews. 

The second store was oi)ened in 1850 by R. 
M. and I. N. Miller in a small building which 
had been erected by William Kincannon. 

The third general store was kept liy Palmer 
& McClure. 

The first blacksmith here was Hardin Morse. 

In an early day every house was open to 

strangers and travelers. The first hotel was 

opened by Mr. Isham. He sold to Joseph 

Elliott. 

The first school house in Port Andrews was 
erected in 1854. 

The first religious society organized at Port 
Andrews was the Methodist Episcopal, which 
denomination effected an organization in 1854. 
Meetings were held in the school house. 

Thomas Andrews, usually called Capt. An- 
drews, was born near Quincy, 111., in 1823. 
His parents were natives of Ireland but were 
reared in South Carolina. The father died and 
the motlier married .again, and in 1830 came to 
Wisconsin and settled near Mineral Point. 
Here Thomas followed mining until 1841, when 
he crossed the Wisconsin river and settled at 
tlie port which afterward took his name. Capt. 
Andrews served as pilot on the river and after- 
ward purchased the boat Wixcoiisin. He next 
built the Zouave, which he traded for the 
Minnehaha. He spent the most of his time 
upon tlie river until the time of his death, 
March 22, 1880. He was a man of but little 
education, and in after life often regretted 
the fact. He was a good citizen and was re- 
spected by all. On the 4th of June, 1848, he was 



married to Charlotta Coiimbe, a sister of John 
Coumbe. They reared three children — Mary, 
Christa and Elizabeth S. 

EXCELSIOR. 

The first m.in to cut brush for tlie purpose of 
improving in the vicinity of E.xcelsior was W. 
II. Haskins. In 1854 he purchased the south- 
west quarter of section 16, at which place 
Knapp's creek furnished an excellent water 
power, and here he erected a saw-mill. The 
place was named by W. H. Coates on the 
same day on wliich the frame work of the 
grist mill was erected. A postoflice was es- 
tablished in 1857 and Knowlton & Coates kept 
a general store, but there was not much of an 
impetus given to the growth of the place until 
1807, in which year the village was platted. 
Myron Whitcomb and Samuel Noble laid out 
four blocks on the southwest quarter of the 
southeast quarter of section 16, and C. C.Whit- 
comb and J. M. Craigo laid out eight blocks on 
the southeast quarter of section 17. C. C. 
Whitcomb subsequently made an addition of 
two blocks. The village is pleasantly situated 
on the west side of Knapp's creek, which fur- 
nished two excellent water privileges at this 
point. It is surrounded by a good farming 
country, and its growth, although not remarka- 
bly rapid, has been steady. In 1884 the village 
contained four general stores, one grocery 
store, one drug store, one grist mill, one saw- 
mill, one carding mill, one harness shop, one 
shoe shop, two blacksmith and wagon shops, one 
furniture store,postoffice, public school,one hotel, 
one millinery store, lodges of I. O. O. F.,I. 0.(4. 
T., and G. A. R. and a Methodist Episcopal 
Church organization. 

The first store at Excelsior was opened by 
Knowlton & Coates. 

R. P. & W. Matthews opened a store in 1800 
and closed out in 1808. 

William McKitrick opened a store in Novem- 
ber, I80C. The year following he sold to Henry 
I Ilenthorn, who closed out in 1809. 



1222 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



The first furnituve dealer here was William 
Howell. He established business in 1881, and 
in 1882 was succeeded by John S. McKinney. 

The first blacksmith at Excelsior was Wil- 
liam Haskins, who opened a shop here in 1867. 
Henry Coney opened a shop in 1869. C. J. 
Moore opened a wagon and carriage shop here 
in 1879. 

The first harness shop was opened by R. 
Buchanan, Jr., in 1870. 

B. F. Washburn established a general mer- 
cantile business in September, 1 870, T. P. Logan 
being his partner for about four months. 

The general merchandise business of Logan 
& Coumbe was established by T. P. Logan and 
J. Robert Coumbe, in 1 878. They are thorough 
business men and have a large trade. 

J. J. Brown engaged in the general merchan- 
dise business in 1871. 

In February, 18S3,E. Dosh purchased the dry 
goods department of B. F. Washburn's store, 
and established business. 

Dr. J. T. Coates was the first to open a store 
devoted exclusively to drugs. In February, 1882, 
he sold to D. M. & O. F. David. The firm is 
now David & Co. 

B. F. Washburn opened a wagon shop in 
1873 and employed men to run it. In 1876 he 
sold to Couey & Pearson. The shop is now 
owned by B. F. Washburn. 

In 1878 a newspaper was started at this village 
by Ira D. Hurlburt. This paper was greenback 
in proclivities and was called The Excelsior 
Press. It was not a successful venture, and 
collapsed after running along for about ten 
months' time. Mr. Ilurlburt is now connected 
with the Prairie du Chien Union. 

In 1870 C. C. Whitcomb erected a dwelling, 
which he afterwards enlarged and opened it to 
the public as the Excelsior Hotel. This was 
the first regular hotel in the village, although 
this was not upon the village plat. Mr. Whit 
comb was landlord for some time, then leased 
the property. In 1883 L. E. Atkinson was land- 
lord. 



The first school in the village of Excelsior 
was taught by Elder Harvey in the winter of 
1867-8, in C. C. Whitcomb's hall. William 
Durren was the teacher. The following sum- 
mer the first school house in the village was 
erected. Annie Fay was the first teacher in 
this house. 

In 1880 the people of Excelsior, needing 
more school room, erected a two-story school 
house at a cost of over $1,000, and have since 
employed two teachers. The first principal 
was Prof. Keys. He was succeeded in turn by 
Profs. Clark, Jacobs and Huff. 

The postoflice at Excelsior was established in 
1857, with D. C. Stewart as the first postmaster. 
Mail" was received once each week from Orion. 
Mr. Stewart was in turn succeeded by William 
Coates, H. F. Coates, George Powell, Daniel 
Noble, R. P. Matthews, L J. Harvey, B. F. 
Washburn and T. P. Logan. The latter is the 
present postmaster. The office became a money 
order office in August, 1882. The first order 
was drawn Aug. 9, 1882, by Robert Buch- 
anan, Jr., in favor of Benjamin Young & Son, 
of Milwaukee, for $20. The first order paid 
was to S. M. Buchanan. During the year end- 
ing Aug. 1, 1883, there were 234 orders issued 
and thirty-nine were paid. The income of 
the office was about $200. Mail is received 
three times each week from Muscoda, and once 
a week from Sugar Grove. 

In 1854 W. H. Haskins purchased the south- 
west quarter of the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 16, at which point Knapp's creek furnishes 
an excellent water power. Here Mr. Haskins 
erected a saw-mill, equipping it with an old- 
fashioned sash saw. He sold the property to 
Rouse & Chapman, and they sold to Knowlton 
& Coates. In 1856 and 1857 these gentlemen 
erected a grist-mill, and on the day the frame 
was raised Mr. Coates suggested "Excelsior" as 
the name by which the place should be known 
in the future. In 1864 Myron Whitcomb and 
Samuel Noble purchased the property and 
operated the same until 1871, when Mr. Whit- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1223 



comb sold his interest to W. G. Mosliier, who, 
in January, 1873, became sole proprietor. In 
November, 1881, Mr. Moshier sold to A. M. 
Stratton, who improved the property so as to 
make it the best in this part of the county. 
The saw-mill is also owned and operated by 
Mr. Stratton. The old sash saw has been super- 
seded by a rotary saw, and the machinery is in 
good order. The' grist-mill has two run of 
stone, and is run as a custom and merchant 
mill. 

Richwood Lodge, No. 27G, I. O. O. F., was 
organized March 5, 1878, with the following 
officers and charter members: James Lewis, 
N. G.; James Bachtenkircher, V. G.; A. 11. 
Avery, secretary; Levi Persinger, treasurer; H. 
F. Coates and W. B. Grass. The following 
members have served as noble grands: James 
Lewis, A. H. Avery, James Bachtenkircher, B. 
F. Washburn, R. Buchanan, Jr., J. C. Thorp, 
H. F. Coates, W. M. Buchanan and G. W. 
Buchanan. Those who have served as vice- 
grands are : James Bachtenkircher, B. F. 
Washburn, R. Buchanan, Jr., J. C. Thorp, II. 
F. Coates, E. J. Langdon, H. C. Kyger and G. 
W. Buchanan. The secretaries have been: A. 
II. Avery, B. F. Washburn, R. Buchanan, Jr., 
J. C. Thorp, W. M. Buchanan, J. T. Coates, II. 
C. Kyger, G. W. Buchanan and J. Brown. The 
treasurers have been: Levi Persinger and 
Robert Buchanan, Sr. The total membership 
of the lodge from its organization to Nov. 1, 
1S83, was sixty-one. The present membership 
is about forty-five. Tiic lodge meets every 
Saturday night and is in good working condi- 
tion. 

William Wright Post, No. 51, of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, at ?l\celsior, was organ- 
ized Oct. 27, 1882 ; but previous to this time 
there was a meeting hehl for the purpose of tak- 
ing steps to secure the organization of a post 
al this jilace. Tlie following named were pres- 
ent at this meeting: Malon W. Lewis, cora- 
jiany G, 19th Wisconsin Volunteers; E. W. Pear- 
sou, company B, 25th Wisconsin Volunteers; J. 



W. Garner, company G, .")7th Indiana Volun- 
teers ; Ira T. Dilley, company K, 12th Wiscon- 
sin Volunteers; Craton Kincannon, company B, 
49th Wisconsin Volunteers; II. S. I5rown, com- 
pany II, 11th Wisconsin Volunteers; A. Bren- 
naman, company K, 3d Wisconsin Volunteers ; 
Alex. B. Faith, company II, 44th Wisconsin 
Volunteers; W. J. Owens, company F, 44th 
Wisconsin Volunteers ; Edward Ilaskins, com- 
pany A, 59th Wisconsin Volunteers; Henry 
Gray, 4th Wisconsin Battery ; Thomas Davis, 
company G, 33d Wisconsin Volunteers; W. S. 
Dyer, com])any A, llGlii Ohio Volunteers; 
Thomas Elliott, company 15, 49th Wisconsin 
Volunteers. The following names ap])ear upon 
the charter: B. F. Washburn, A. M. Stratton, 
C. J. Moore, Samuel Yeager, William E. Mor- 
gan, D. G. Watters, H. S Brown, Edward 
Smith, David Clark, A. B. Shannon, Lewis 
Craigo, William Gulliford, Edward Dosch and 
Alonzo Packer. The first officers were: C. J. 
Moore, commander; Lewis Craigo, senior vice 
commander; Edward Smith, junior vice com- 
mander; Edward Dosch, adjutant; H. S. l5rown, 
surgeon; A. Shannon, chaplain; A. M. Strat- 
ton, f|uarterraaster; William IVIorgan, officer of 
the day; William Gulliford, officer of the 
guard; David Clark, quartermaster-sergeant; 
Alonzo Packer, sergeant-major. The })0st in 
November, 1883, had a membersliip of fifty- 
three, and held its meetings on the first and 
third Saturday evenings of each montli. Wil- 
liam Wright, the gallant young soldier in 
whose honor the post was named, was a son of 
I. J. Wright, and was born in the State of 
Ohio. He came witli his parents to Richland 
county and assisted in tilling the soil. When 
the Civil War broke out lie enlistiid in com])any 
B, 25th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer In- 
fantry, and served until mustered out of service. 
Returning home, he attended school at Sexton- 
viile. lie united in marriage with Mary liarnes, 
and was subsequently engaged in farming until 
his death. Mr. Wright was a whole sotiled, 
good hearted fellow, surrounded by a large cir- 



1224 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



cle of friends. His name was chosen as the 
name of Post No. 51, at the suggestion of 
Edward Dosch, who was his "clium" in early 
life. 

The Excelsior Cornet Band was organized 
Aug. 25, 1881. The following are the members 
thereof: C. S. Hamilton, E flat and leader ; 
George Hamilton, 2d E flat ; Myron Noble, B 
flat; Oscar David, alto ; Myron Brown, alto; 
Homer Winton, baritone ; Harry Ellsworth, 
tuba; J. Pierson, tenor drum; Velours Coates, 
bass drum. 

The Pioneer Silver Cornet Band, of Sand 
Prairie, was organized Oct. 21, 1879, and is a 
live institution. The roster is as follows: J. 
S. Clark, E flat and leader ; Luther Appleby, 
2d E flat; V. Hubanks, 1st B flat and musical 
director; W. R. Gamer, 1st alto; Peter Eaton, 
2d alto and treasurer; L. Brown, tenor; A. Hu- 
banks, baritone; J. M. Appleby, E flat bass and 
secretary; Theodore Kincannon, tenor drum ; 
C. Atkinson, bass drum. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

In giving biographical sketches of the early 
settlers and prominent citizens of Richland 
county, we find none more deserving of special 
mention than the following well known citizens 
of Richwood: 

C. C. Whitcomb, son of Myron Whitcomb, 
was born in Jo Daviess Co., 111., Oct. 3, 1843. 
When only a year old, he came with his parents 
to the towi\ of Richwood, Richland county. His 
early life was spent in assisting his father to till 
the soil, and afterwards in learning the trades 
of carpenter and wheelwright. He was consid- 
ered a good mechanic. In 1863 he enlisted in 
the United States service and served in the 
quartermaster's department until May 1, 1864, 
at which date he was discharged, on account of 
sickness. Returning home, he, in partnership 
with J. M. Craigo, purchased the southeast 
quarter of section 17, a portion of which they af- 
terwards laid out in town lots, that now constitute 
the site of Excelsior. They were also engaged 
in merchandising from 1867 to 18(i8. Mr. 



Whitcomb then purchased his partner's inter- 
est, and closed out the merchandise in 1869, to 
Thomas Andrews. In 1874 he built the Excel- 
sior House, and kept hotel until June, lS82,then 
leased tlie property. He afterwards traveled in 
the west for about a year. He was married Dec. 
25, 1868, to Mahala Engert. They had two 
children, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. 
and Mrs. Whitcomb live in Excelsior at the 
present time. 

Peter Kinder deserves particular mention 
among the pioneers of Richland county, for no 
man was more beloved and res])ected than he. 
His home was ever a welcome retreat for the 
weary stranger, and many a settler has had oc- 
casion to thank him for kindly service in time of 
need. Strong and resolute himself, he seemed 
to impart those characteristics to persons with 
whom he came in contact, not only giving them 
encouragement by words of cheer, but without 
money or charge, assisting them in cutting roads, 
building cabins, securing food and attending to 
their every want. It may be truly said of him 
that he was entirely free from selfish motives 
in these acts of kindness. He came here at a 
time when some more selfish persons took a"d- 
vantage of the situation to assist themselves, 
when an opportunity offered, and might have 
made money through the misfortunes of others; 
but any such action was entirely foreign to his 
nature, and his life was one of unbounded lib- 
erality and kindness, extending not only among 
hi.? neighbors and friends, but to all whom he 
might render assistance, in times of poverty, 
danger or aflliction. He was a native of Ken- 
tucky, born near Louisville, Feb. 7, 1799. His 
father was a farmer, but he commenced active 
life as an engineer on boats, on the lower Mis- 
sissippi river. He was married to Mrs. Sarah 
(Parker) Hartwell, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, 
and then followed farming in his native State, 
whence he removed to Indiana, and one year 
later, to Jo Daviess Co., 111., where he was en- 
gaged in mining until 1845, in the spring of 
which year, with his family, consisting of wife 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1225 



and two children, lie came to Riclilaiid county 
and pufcliascd a claim on section 2b, Ricliwood 
town, and was here engaged in farming until 
the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 
7, 1873. Peter Kinder was twice married, first, 
to a Miss Meek, who died leaving five children. 
His second wife died in June, 1875, leaving two 
children — Julia, now Mrs. J. W. Jones, and Sol- 
omon, who was horn in Jo Diiviess C(>., 111., 
Nov. 17, 1844, but as his parents came to this 
county in 1845, he may be called a Wisconsin 
boy. He lived with his parents until their death 
and now may be found at the old homestead. 
He was married Dec. 10, 1863, to Mary E. Elder, 
a daughter of Frank Elder. They have had six 
children — William, Lissie, Alice and Ida, now 
living; Mary J. and Ora deceased. 

Myron Whitcomb, in 1844, came to the 
county and soon selected land on section.s 26 and 
35, which was claimed by another man whom he 
had to pay $150 to release his claim. In Jan- 
uary, 1845, he brought his family, wife and 
tliree children. His personal [)roperty consist- 
ed of an old horse, an old cow, an old sow and 
three pigs and twenty-five cents in cash; tlius 
ho started his pioneer life. He was a good 
shot with a rifle, and in tramping over the hills 
he became well accpiainted with the country, so 
that he proved a valuable assistant to newcom- 
ers who wished to enter land. The first year 
he raised five acres of corn, a few potatoes and 
a small amount of other eatables. He gave his 
princijjal attention to farming and as he was 
industrious and economical, he soon found him- 
self in moderate circumstances. But this re- 
quired toil and he was obliged to withstand 
numerous privations. June 12, 1852, he raised 
his barn, which was the first frame barn erected 
in the county. From-1864 to 1870 he owned a 
half interest in the Excelsior mills ami is now 
one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. 
Mr. Whitcomb was born in Onondaga Co., N. 
Y., Aug. 30, 1817. At eighteen years of .age lie 
bid his parents good by and for several years 
traveled in various parts of the United Stales. 



Hehewed the first stick of timber fortlie capitol 
building of the State of Texas. In I84U, in 
Tippecanoe Co., Ind., he united in mairiage 
with Margaret Ann Carson. He then followed 
farming one year in Jo Daviess Co., III., then 
came to Iowa Co., Wis., from whence he came 
to this county. In 1870 he visited his native 
State, which he had left thirty-six years pre- 
vious, lie is a democr.at in politics and has 
served as township treasurer. lie is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity, and a man who does 
strictly as he agrees. He is not a large man, 
but well developed, strong and very active. He 
was one of the a])praisers of the school lands in 
the county. Mr. and Mr. Whitcomb have nine 
children -Margaret A., Charles. C, Aloiizo L., 
Rebecca, familiarly called Doll, Sarah E., De- 
lia A., John M., George W. and William G. 

William M. Kineannon was one of the early 
pioneers of Richland Co., Wis. He was born 
in Washington Co., Va.. in the year 1800. 
When eleven years old his parents moved to 
Ti-nnessee, where he learned the tanner's trade. 
He was united in marriage to Lucy B. Col- 
linsworth of Knoxville, Tenn. He then mov- 
ed to Alabama where he was engaged in tlie 
tanning busirtess four years. He then moved 
to Frankfort, III., where he was engaged at his 
trade for eleven years. He removed froni there 
to Alton, where he engaged in coal mining sev- 
eral years. He removed from Alton to Laf.ay- 
ette Co., Wis., in 1841, and followed mining for 
lead till 1847. He removed to the town of 
Ricliwood, Richland Co., Wis., where he in- 
tended to erect a tan yard, but finding the bark 
of an inferior quality, he abandoned the pro- 
ject and engaged in farming till the time of his 
death, which occurred Nov. 27, 1857. Mrs. 
Kineannon was born in Tennessee, in 1803, and 
in 1884 resided in Ricliwood town. They 
reared ten sons — George C, who preceded his 
father to Richland one year, went to California 
in 1849, anil died in Placcrville, Cal., in 1850; 
one son died when tliree years old; LouisC. died 
in 1855, aged twenty-two; Andrew I. died in 



1236 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



185S; James C, M. Crayton, Marion M. and the 
twins are still living, with the exception of 
James, in Wisconsin. William K. went to 
California in ] 852, came hack to Wisconsin in 
1856, returned to California in 1857, was last 
heard from in Idaho in 1864. The Kincannon 
boy's grandfather's were both in the Revolu- 
tionary War. 

Marion M. Kincannon was born in Alton, 111., 
in 1839, and came with his parents to Richland 
county, in 1847, and has since resided in the 
town of Richwood. He is a farmer by occu- 
tion. In 1870 he was married to Ellen Stelle. 
They have five children — Calvin, George C, 
Manie, Archibald and William. In 1865 Mr. 
Kincannon enlisted in company B, 49th Wiscon- 
sin, and served nntil June 24, when he was dis- 
charged on account of sickness. He is a musi- 
cian and often plays for dancing. 

Joseph Elliott, a representative and promi- 
nent citizen of Richland county, was born in 
Sangamon Co., 111., Nov. 1, 1829. In 1835 he 
removed to Lancaster, Grant Co., Wis. He came 
with his parents, Thomas and Sarah Elliott, 
to Richland county, in 1848, where he has since 
resided. In 1851 he was married to Mary 
Mulamphy. In 1859 he engaged in general 
merchandising at Port Andrews, which he contin- 
ued until 1874, then settled on his farm, which 
contained 240 acres. His improvements are 
the best in the town. His residence is large 
and convenient, and surrounded by a natural 
grove of oak. He is engaged mainly in stock 
farming. He is a democrat in politics, but takes 
no interest farther than to vote. He would 
make a good public officer, but never places 
himself in the way of anything of tfeat charac- 
ter. Of the eleven children, seven are still 
living — Jennie, Caddie, Adelia, Kansar, Gilbert 
A., Alice and Charles Elden. Mr. Elliott is a 
man who has the respect of his fellow-men to 
a remarkable degree. His reputation for hon- 
esty and integrity are undisputed and he has 
many friends. 



Randolph Elliott was born in western Ten 
nessee, Sept. 14, 1827. He came with his par- 
ents, in 1836, to Wisconsin, and in 1848 was 
married in Grant county, to Moramie Sperry. 
Then lie came to Richland county, and settled 
on what is called Sand Prairie. In 1850 he 
removed to Crawford county and lived in the 
town of Scott twelve years. Returning to 
Richland county, he resided in the town of 
Richwood until 1874, then with bis family emi- 
grated to California and remained three years, 
then again returned to this town. The children 
are— William D., Ella, Maiy Etta, Joseph W., 
Francis M., Gilmour W. and Reuben F., who 
was born in California in 1874. 

H. B. Ellsworth is a son of J. S. Ellsworth, 
and was born in Licking Co., Ohio, in 1850. 
When quite young he came to this county with 
his parents. Exhibiting considerable ingenuity, 
he run his father's mill several years, when he 
went to La Crosse and took charge of a saw in a 
mill which he run two years. In 1879 he leased 
a power on section 17, and built a mill in which 
he is running a carding machine, saw-mill and 
general woodwork. He is also the inventor of 
the combination Ellsworth clothes rack, crib 
and table. Mr. Ellsworth has been married 
three times. His first wife died leaving two 
children — Amy and Cora. His second wife 
left no children. His third wife was formerly 
Maggie Winton. They have two children — 
Verne and Carrol. 

Alonzo Carson, deceased, became a resident 
of Wisconsin about 1845. He lived about 
two years on the south side of the river, then 
came .with his father to Richland county 
and purchased land, but soon returned to In- 
diana. In 1850 he came back to Wisconsin and 
settled on section 34, Richwood. In 1851 Eliza 
J. Armstrong became his wife. In 1855 he 
purchased a water-power on Knapp's creek and 
built a saw-mill which he operated about five 
years; he then leased the property. The mill 
was afterwards washed away by the floods, but 
Mr. Carson at once rebuilt and sold it to Mr. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1227 



Langdon. He then returned to his farm, but 
two years later moved to Boscobel, wliere lie 
died in 1876. Mr. Carson was born in Ohio, 
Dec. 6, 1822. When five years old he moved 
with his parents, Lott and Margaret Carson, to 
Indiana, and resided in Tippecanoe county, 
from whence he came to Wisconsin. Mrs. Car- 
son was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Arm- 
strong. She was born in Muscoda, Grant Co., 
Wis., April 1, 1832, and came to Richland 
county in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Carson were the 
parents of seven children — Carrie C, wife of 
Lysander Matthews ; Maggie E, who died at 
the age of twenty-six years ; Sarah, the wife of 
John Stoddard ; Rebecca I., George L., Addie 
M. and Hubert K. Soon after Mr. Carson's 
deatb, the family returned to the homestead, 
where they now reside. Mr. Carson was a 
good citizen, cnter])rising, honest in his deal- 
ings, and respected by his neighbors. lie left 
his family in good circumstances. 

Nels Ilaiison was one of the first Norwe- 
gians to settle in the county, and as he has kept 
pace with the times, he is now one of the lead- 
ing and influential men among the people of his 
nationality. lie came here in 1850, and pur- 
chased forty acres of land on section 2, Rich- 
wood, erected a log cabin and a small shop in 
which to work at blacksmithing. He was the 
first and only blacksmith who located in this 
vicinity for many years. He was industrious 
and economical, and so was able, from time to 
time, to add acres to liis farm until he now has 
220, with first-class improvements. His relig- 
ious connections are with the Lutheran Church. 
He donated land and it was through his efforts 
that a church of that denomination was erected. 
Mr. Hanson was born March 2.3, 1818. He 
learned his trade and followed the same in his 
own country until 1849, when he emigrated to 
the United States, leaving Norway June 9, and 
arriving in New York August 8. He immedi- 
ately came on to Wisconsin, arriving at High- 
land October 8. He united in marriage with 



Carrie Larson. They have four children — 
Magnus, Nettie, Guss and Charles. 

Henry Miller (deceased) was a native of 
Kentucky. He united in marriage with Mar- 
garet Sharp, and in 1828 removed to Tippecanoe 
Co., Ind. He was a farmer by occupation. He 
came to Richland county in 1851, becoming one 
of its pioneers. He settled on section 26, 
where he died in I860. Mrs. Miller died Oct. 
10, 188.3. They were the parents of seven 
children, four of whom are living — Mary Jane, 
wife of L. M. Thorp; Martha Ann, wife of 
Rev. J. J. Wright; Rebecca, wife of S. B. 
Marsh, and Andrew J. Mr. Miller was a con- 
sistent Christian, having been a member of the 
Presbyterian Church for thirty years. He was 
a charitable, imlustrious and honest man. 

Hon. Henry Conner was the first man elected 
to represent Richland county in the State As- 
sembly. He was the candidate of the demo- 
cratic party, and his opponent was Sexton. He 
served the people one term and gave good sat- 
isfaction, but has since had but little to do with 
politics. He has, however, held the office of 
justice of the peace almost continually for 
thirty years, also served as chairman of the 
town board. Mr. Conner was born in Virginia 
in 179S, learned the tanner's trade, and in 1827 
united in marriage with Jane Colton. In 1832 
he moved to Ohio and one year later to Johns- 
ton Co., Ind., from whence lie came to Wiscon- 
sin and has since been engaged in farming in 
the town of Richwood. He is a Presbyterian 
in his religious views, and a man who lias the 
esteem of all who know him. His wife died 
Oct. 23, 1878. She had given birth to nine 
children, five of whom survived her in life — 
William II., Mary E., Margaret S., Rebecca C. 
and Nancy A. 

L. M. Thorp first visited Richland county 
during the month of May, 1849, and spent a lit- 
tle time looking over the country. On the 2d 
day of June following he entered IGO acres on 
section 24, Richwood town, so that he was 
among the pioneers iu making selection of a lo- 



1228 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



cation. He then returned to Indiana. In 1851 
be brouglit liis family, consisting of a wife and 
three children, and settled on the land he had 
entered, making the trip with teams. In 1854 
he rertioved to section 6, where he accumulated 
a large body of land and became a well-to-do 
farmer. Upon his arrival in the county his 
earthly possessions consisted of one team 
and wagon, and $100 in cash, so it may be con- 
cluded he was an industrious man and a good 
manager. After securing his provisions for 
the winter he found himself with but $5 in 
money, and nothing coming in, as is always the 
case in a new country the first year, so he 
taught school and spent what time he could 
upon the farm, and thus made a start in life. 
At one time he was extensively engaged in the 
culture of hops, which promised large returns, 
but prices unexpectedly declined to such an ex- 
tent as to involve him in serious loss. Discour- 
aging as was the result of tliis enterprise, lie 
did not falter or spend any unnecessary time in 
complaint, but with characteristic energy 
])ushed forward and recovered himself from pe- 
cuniary difBculty. Mr. Thorp was a member of 
the fii-st republican convention held in the 
county, and was prominently identified with 
that parly until 1878. Being aman who thinks 
for himself, he was among those who could not 
be held by party ties, and since that time, gov- 
erned by high and honorable motives, he has 
acted independently of party. He has held 
from time to time positions of trust, and in 1856 
was elected county sheriff, and again elected to 
the same oftice in 1862. He was a candidate on 
the greenback ticket, in 1878, for member of 
the Assembly, and made a good canvass, polling 
a strong vote, but was nevertheless defeated 
with the rest of that ticket. The subject of 
this sketch was born in Connecticut, Dec. 24, 
1816, whore he received a good education and 
taught school thirty-nine term's. In 1840 he 
went to Indiana, where in 1847 he was married 
to Mary Jane Miller, a daughter of Henry Mil- 
lei-, who settled in the county in 1852. Mr. 



and Mrs. Thorp have reared eleven children — 
Janette, Julius C, Henry M., Lawrence M., who 
died at the age of twenty-four years; Mary J., 
who died at the age of twenty-two years; Oc- 
tavia, who married A. H. Floaten; James A., 
Louisa, Levina, Ida M. and Florence. In addi- 
tion to other good qualities, Mr. Thorp is a 
temperance worker and a woman's rights man. 
He is not a narrow minded bigot. A man of 
his calibre and thought could not well be such, 
and his religious views are liberal. When the 
county seat removal question was agitated, Mr. 
Thorp, feeling that Richland Center was the 
pro])er and desirable ])lace, worked for its loca- 
tion at that point, and through his influence 
one-half the vote of the town was cast in favor 
of such removal. 

Levi Persinger settled in. the county 'in 1851 
and soon ]jurchased land on section 17, where 
he made improvements, and in 1858 located on 
the same. He continued farniingand now owns 
240 acres. From 1861 to 1883 he acted as mail 
carrier, and although the country was rough 
and the roads bad, yet he never missed having 
the mail reach its destination at the appointed 
time. Mr. Persinger was born in Virginia, in 
1816; moved with his parents to Cincinnati 
when nine years of age. From Ohio he went 
to Indiana and in Johnston county, in 1838, 
Christena Brunnemer became his wife. The 
children are — Margaret, Levi, died at the age of 
thirty-five years; Catharine, died at the age of 
thirty-three years ; William, Joseph and Mary. 
Politically he is a republican. Mr. Persinger 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

J. S. Ellsworth was a native of Vermont, 
born in August, 1808. He learned the shoe- 
maker's trade, moved to Ohio and thence, in 1 852, 
came to Wisconsin and settled in this county, 
and followed farming, also kept a small store 
at Independence, between Lone Rock and Rich- 
land City, In' 1856 he purchased a water power 
on Knapp's creek and built the Ellsworth mills 
and operated the same until 1882, then moved 
to Benton Co., Mo. He was twice married, first 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1229 



to Didama Buxton. She died in Ohio leaving 
two children — Diana and Oliver. lie then 
married Amy B. Stockwell, and by this union 
reared three children — Thomas J., M. D. and 
H. B. Politically he is a democrat. 

M.D.Ellsworth was born in Ohio in 1847 
and came with his parents to this county. He 
assisted his father on the farm and about the 
mill until 1816, since which he has operated 
the Ellsworth mills, of which mention is made 
elsewhere in this book. In 1875 ho was mar- 
ried to Miss A. L. Hodgins. They have three 
children — Fannie, Lelia and Mabel. 

Thomas J. Ellsworth was born at Johnstown, 
Licking Co., Ohio, April 20,1842. He came to 
Richland county with his parents in the spring 
of 18,5]. He remained with his father until the 
summer of 1859, when he left home to seek his 
fortune elsewhere, taking the advice of Hor- 
ace Greeley to "go west, young man." He 
brought up in Kansas and was at Fort Scott at 
the breaking out of the Civil War, engaged in 
carrying the mail from Fort Scott to Greenfield, 
Mo. He enlisted in August, 1861, in company 
B, 6th regiment, Kansas Home Guards. Tlie 
company was mustered out of the service March 
7, 1862, and on the 9lh of the same month he 
enlisted in company F, of the 2d Ohio Cavalry, 
for three years or during the war. Becoming 
disabled in the riglit knee, while drilling on 
horseback, he was discharged at Columbus, 
Ohio, where the regiment had been sent to re- 
mount. He then came home, sick and a cripple, 
and with little liopes of getting well, but thanks 
to a good constilution not broken down by bad 
habits, and plenty of tlie article called grit, he 
did get well enough to be drafted in the fall of 
1864, but he had l)r<)ken his leg a few weeks 
before, while engaged in getting out saw logs 
for his father. As soon as the bone was liealed 
sufficient to pass muster he again enlisted, this 
time in company II, 44lh Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infiintry, ('apt. lloutz's company, in which he 
served as corporal ami was detailed as company 
clerk, but before he had served one month an- 



other accident overtook him and his leg was 
once more broken, this time in a playful scuffle 
with a comrade, and lie was again sent to the 
hospital where the surrender of Lee at Aiii)0- 
matax found him, and he was sent home under 
the general order discharging all men in hos- 
pital. In the year 1867 he started a tannery in 
the town of Richwood, in which he was fairly 
successful, but failing health forced him to 
to quit hard labor so he quit the business, hav- 
ing by honesty, industry and fair dealing ac- 
quired sufficient of this world's good to be com- 
fortably situated at present. In the year 1875, 
on the 30th of May, he was married to Mrs. 
Ellen (Cosgrove) Burns, by whom he has one 
child — Ada Augusta, aged eight years. In 
politics he is independent, having taken quite an 
active part in both the democratic and green- 
back ])arties, and in 18S0 was the candidate on 
the tickets of both those parties for county 
clerk, but party spirit run very high and he 
could not overcome the large republican major- 
ity in the county; yet he had the satisfaction 
of running ahead of his ticket in both his own 
town and that of his opi)onent. He favors 
free trade, free schools, free religion and free 
men, and plenty of greenback legal tender 
money. In religion he is a pronounced mate- 
rialist; his motto, "do good." 

Jeremiah Dingman is another early pioneer, 
he having chosen Ricrhland county as his resi- 
dence in 1853. He was an unmarried man, and 
thus worked for various parties until 1861. He 
then enlisted in company H, lltli Wisconsin, 
and served three years and three months. Re- 
turning home, he purchased eighty acres on 
section 25, and in 1866 united in matrimony 
with Permelia liergham, and has since followed 
farming as an occupation. The children are — 
Emmett F., Pearl and Edmund C. Mr. Ding- 
mam is a member of the G. A. R. 

A. M. Stratton, on first coming to the county, 
located at Cazenovia, where- lie was connected 
with the mill for one year. He then had charge 
of the mill at Sextonville four years, and 



1230 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Bowen's mill six years, after which he came to 
Excelsior, purchased the mill property and 
operated both grist and saw-mills. Mr. Strat- 
ton was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., July 8, 1843, 
and came with his parents to Berlin, Wis., in 
1854. He enlisted in 1862, in company G, 32d 
Wisconsin, and served until the regiment was 
mustered out of service. Returning home, he, 
with H. Searles, raised a part of a company, 
which was assigned to the 50th Wisconsin, and 
served until June, 1866. After the war he en- 
gaged in milling at Lemonware, Wis., where he 
remained three years, then spent a short time 
in Iowa, after which he came to Richland coun- 
ty. Mr. Stratton was married in 1865 to Jes- 
tinie Buck, and about a week afterwards re- 
turned to the ranks of his regiment. The 
children of Mr. and Mrs. Stratton are— Ella G., 
Cassius M., May Belle, Robert T. and Guy L. 
Mr. Stratton is a good business man, courteous 
to all, and highly respected. 

David Dewey, one of the pioneers of 1854, 
settled on section 2, town of Richwood, where 
he entered eighty acres. One year later he 
removed to Sheboygan county and there en- 
gaged in operating saw-mills about three years, 
then went to the State of Ohio and continued 
in the same business. In 1860 he returned to 
Richland county and lived for a short time on 
the land he had entered, then removed to Port 
Andrews and served as engineer on river boats 
until 1865, when he purchased the mill property 
on Byrd's creek, of which mention is made else- 
where. Mr. Dewey was born in Rutland Co., 
Vt., May 5, 1833. When he was very young 
the family moved to Ohio. At the age of six- 
teen years he left his father's farm and com- 
menced work in a saw-mill. He also served as 
fireman of a railroad engine. In 1854 he went 
to Iowa, and there was married to Ann Dud- 
geon. The same year he came to this county. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dewey have had three children, 
two of whom are living — Lydia and Zilpha. 
Mr. Dewey is politically a republican, and has 



held local offices. He is a member of the I. O. 
O. F. 

E. D. Clark was born in Sullivan Co., N. Y., 
Oct. 12, 1813, and the winter following removed 
with his parents to Berkshire Co., Mass., where 
he lived until he was sixteen years old, when 
he moved to Steuben Co., N. Y. He was a 
natural mechanic and always performed his 
own carpenter work. Dec. 28, 1834, Mary Ann 
Clark became his wife. He came to Wisconsin 
in 1856 and soon purchased land on section 3-i, 
Richwood town, and turned his attention to 
farming, in which he met with moderate suc- 
cess. He is a man with many friends. Mr. 
and Mrs. Clark had three sons — Ansel H., who 
died at the age of twenty-seven years; George 
and Joseph S. 

J. S. Clark was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., 
Sept. 17, 1848, and and in the year 1855 re- 
moved with his parents to Richland Co., Wis., 
where he was raised on a farm, receiving a com- 
mon school education. He is a natural mechanic, 
having inherited it from his father. March 28, 
1 868, he was married to Ellen S. Elliott, and in 
the following winter gave up farming entirely, 
and commenced learning the jeweler's trade in 
the village of Excelsior, but found that the man 
he was learning from was not thoroughly posted 
in all the Intricacies of this trade, so the follow- 
ing winter went to St. Paul, Minn,, and there 
took a thorough course of instruction in watch 
repairing, and the manufacturing of jewelry. 
After leaving St. Paul Mr. Clark went to Lans- 
ing, Iowa, and there took more thorough instruc- 
tion in the art of making jewelry, and Oct. 12, 
1871, he moved back to Richland county, where 
he now lives, and has established a business 
second to none in the county, for the repairing 
of watches, and manufacture of jewelry. He 
has all the work he can do, orders coming from 
from a circuit of twenty-five miles around. Mr. 
and Mrs. Clark had seven children, five boys 
and two girls, four of which are now living — 
Emory J., Roy E., Myrtle E. and Glen; the 
other three died when quite small. Mr. Clark's 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



12:11 



social staiiiling is goml, liaving' a wide circle of 
frifiiils, and lie lias been frequently honored with 
tlie small local oflices, and is a member of De 
Molai Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templars, 
Boscobel, Wis. 

J. ttobert Counibe, of the firm of Logan & 
Coumbe, is a son of John Coumbe. He was 
born in IS55. He received a common school 
education and helped t'll the soil until 1878, 
when he eiigageil in the general merchandise 
business. On Oct. 31, icsa, he was married to 
a daughter of George Krouskop. 

Warrington Jones, in the spring of 1853, pur- 
chased land on section 7, but did not move till 
the s])ring of 1855, and tluis became the first 
settler on the west branch of Knapp's creek. 
lie engaged in farming, and continued the oc- 
cupation. He was born in Georgia, May 14, 
1811. He went to Tennessee, where he was 
married to Minerva Howard, and in 1847 came 
to Wisconsin. He first engaged in mining, after 
which lie came to this county. His wife died 
in 1874. Slie had reared seven eliildren, all o( 
whicli are living at litis time — Hannah, Sarah, 
James W., Miianda, Felix, John D. and Martha. 
He is a member of the Christian Church and of 
the I. O. O. F. He is strictly temperate in all 
of liis lial)its; not using intoxicants, or tobacco 
in any sliape. He is liberal in all his views. 

J. W. Jones, son of Warrington and Miiurva 
Jones, came with liis parents to this county in 
1855. In 185(j lie was married to Julia A. Kin- 
der, daughter of Peter Kinder. Mr. Jones was 
born in Tennessee, Nov. 3, 1836, came to Wis- 
consin in 1847, and followed raining until he 
came to this coutily. He is now a successful 
farmer, resides on seiiion 27, and owns over 
300 acres of land. His politics are democratic 
and although his parly was greatly in the mi- 
nority, he lias been ofien elected to local otlice. 
He is a member of the Christian Church and of 
the I. O. O. F. 

.Tohii D. Jones was born in Iowa Co., Wis., 
near Mineral Point, Nov. 4, 1849. He came to 
Richland county with his parents, Warringf^n 



and Minerva Jones, in 1855, and has lived here 
ever since. In 1870 he was married to Libbie 
Turk, daughter of James and Sarah Turk, of 
Crawford county. This union has been blessed 
with four children — Charley P., Frank J., Sadie 
E. and John E. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church and of the I. O. 
G. T. 

S. H. Marsh arrived in the county May 18, 
1855, and as he was yet an unmarried man, lie 
worked for other parties. Aug. 3, 1855, he 
chose Rebecca Miller, daughter of Henry Mil- 
ler, as his wife. He then removed to land previ- 
ously purchased on section 30, town of Eagle, 
where he resided until 1861, then purchased 
the estate of Henry Miller, located on section 
26, town of Richwood, and he now owns 220 
acres. He is a successful farmer and a highly 
resj)ected citizen, ranking for honesty and in- 
tegrity among the best. Mr. Marsh is a native 
of Indiana, born Dec. 8, 1830, and resided in 
his native State until he came to Wisconsin. 
Politically he is a re]>ublicau. He is a member 
of the Christian Church and the I. O. O. F. 
.Mr. and Mrs. Marsh have had six children, five 
of whom are living — James A., Lenora, Mary, 
Maggie and Albert. Alvin H. was born July 
20, 1875, and died Aug. 20, 1870. Mr. Marsh 
received a limited educalion in the district 
school; attending school during the winter 
months and working on the farm in summer, 
lie raises some stock, but his attention is prin- 
cipally given to grain farming. 

Edmund Clark came to Richland county in 
the fall of 185G, and in the spring of 1857 set- 
tled on section 34, where lie liad ]iurchased 
eighty acres of land. He was industrious, and 
soon his log cabin gave way to a large frame 
residence, and he increased his real estate to 
several hundred acres. He gave his entire at- 
tention to farming, and thus made a success of 
life. He is a native of Massachusetts, born 
May 12, 1817. When fourteen years of age he 
moved with his parents to Schuyler Co., N. Y., 
where, on Oct. 11, 1845, be was married to Sally 



74 



1232 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Benson. They reared three children, one of 
whom is living — Homer J. His wife died, and 
in 1854 he was married to Rosetta Ann Benson. 
By this union one child was born, but died in 
infancy. Mr. Clark is unpretentious in his ap- 
pearance, honorable in his dealings, hospitable to 
strangers, and highly esteemed. 

Nathan Winton, settled in the town of 
Rich wood in 1856, and first purchased land on 
section 21. He continued farming in the town, 
and in 1875 settled on section 17. His resi- 
dence was destroyed by fire in August, 1880, 
which was a severe blow to Mr. Winton, as he 
was carrying no insurance. Mr. Winton was 
born in Crawford Co., Penn., June 17, 1818. 
His father owned a saw mill about which young 
Winton assisted, also taught school. In 1846 
he started for the far west, visiteji Iowa, and in 
1847 came to Wisconsin and fitst stopped in 
Dane county. In 1848 he married Mary Otto. 
He afterwards resided near Reedsburg about 
three years, then came to this county. Mr. 
Winton is a good citizen, served as town super- 
intendent of schools, town clerk, assessor and 
justice of the peace. Mr. and Mrs. Winton 
have six children — Viola, Omer E., David, 
Dora, John and Maggie. 

H. F. Coates was born in Canada, Jan. 1, 
18.35, moved with his parents to Ohio in 1837, 
and to Grant Co., Wis., in 1851, from whence 
in 1856 he came to Richland county, and for 
thirteen years spent most of his time operating 
saw-mills. In 1859 he was married to Nancy 
Connor, daughter of Hon. Henry Connor. In 
1860 he settled on section 18, where he at first 
pui'ohased eighty acres, but has since made ad 
ditions, until his farm now contains over 400 
acres. He is engaged in raising stock. Mr. 
and Mrs. Coates have reai'ed the following 
named children — Vellorus, Frank, Adny, Elmer, 
Nora, Myrtie, Clara and Lester. Mr. Coates 
acts with the republican party, has held local 
offices, and for a number of years was post- 
master at Excelsior. He is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. 



W. H. Coates, in 1855, formed a partnership 
with S. W. Knowlton and purchased the water 
power and rriill property of William Haskins. 
They soon erected a grist-mill, and on the day 
they raised the mil! Mr. Coates named the 
place "Excelsior," a full history of which ap- 
pears elsewhere. lie was instrumental in hav- 
ing the postoflice established, an active temper- 
ance worker, and an enterprising and influential 
citizen. In 1864 he sold out, moved to Iowa, 
and engaged in hardware and agricultural im- 
plement trade. Mr. Coates wAs a brother of 
Dr. J. T. Coates. He was born in Canada. 
His wife was a daughter of S. W. Knowlton. 

J. T. Coates, M. D., is a native of Trumbull 
Co., Ohio, born June 18, 1840. His father, 
Francis Coates, was a native of England, and 
his mother, Eunice E. (Harvey) Coates, was 
born in Canada. In 1854 the family came to 
Wisconsin and settled in Grant county, where 
the father died in 1858. J. T. Coates first came 
to Richland county in 1857, and for some time 
had charge of the postoflice, also assisted his 
brother, W. H. Coates, about the mill. In 1861 
he enlisted in the 1st Minnesota Volunteer In- 
fantry and served three months. He then re- 
enlisted and was mustered into service with the 
2d Minnesota Sharp Shooters. He was wounded 
at the battle of Antietam, which disabled him 
so that he was discharged in February, 186-3. 
He afterwards served as first lieutenant of a 
company stationed in the northwest to ward off 
the Indians, but resigned his commission and 
returned to Excelsior. He soon went to Iowa 
and engaged in mercantile trade, which did 
not seem congenial to his tastes, he having 
from early boyhood had a desire to study medi- 
cine. He first entered the university at Iowa 
City, and afterwards graduated in the College 
of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk. He 
commenced practice in 1871 at Excelsior, was 
afterwards at Miiscoda and Montfort, but in 
1883 returned to Excelsior. In 1876 Sarah S. 
Kite became his wife. They have one son —J. 
Floyd. Dr. Coates is a democrat in politics, a 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1233 



member of the I. O. O. F., the I. O. G. T., the 
G. A. R., the State Medical Society and the 
Southwestern Wisconsin Medical Association. 

L. E. Atkinson was born in Minnesota, Jan. 
22, ]858, and came with his parents to this 
county in 1859. At the age of twelve years he 
commenced work at tlie blacksmith trade, which 
he followed most of the time, until 1883. In 
April of tiiat year he leased the Excelsior 
House and engaged in hotel keeping. Oct. 6, 
1882, Rebecca J. Whitcomb became his wife. 
She is a daughter of Myron Whitcomb. Mr. 
Atkinson is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

George H. Hillberry, son of George and 
Catharine (Roberts) Hillberry, was born in 
Huntingdon Co., Penn., Aug. 2f, 1836. His 
parents moved to Virginia, when he was very 
young, and afterwards to Monroe Co., Ohio, 
where he attained his education in the common 
school. He came to Richland county with his 
parents, with wliom he livi'd until 1803. In 
November of ihal year he was married to Mary, 
daugliter of (ieorge W. and Sarah (Johnson) 
Wallei'. In the spring of 1804 they went t(' 
Colorado, and were absent from Richland 
county until the fall of lSt(,5, then returned and 
purchased land in the town of Riciiwood, the 
southwest of the northeast and the luirtliwesl 
of the southeast of section 2.5. He erected a 
log house and began clearing. He lived tliere 
five years and improved quite a tract of land. 
He then jmrchased the northeast of the north- 
east of tliesamc section, on which was a small 
log house. One year later he purchased the 
southeast of the southeast of section 24. He 
improved a farm and lived here six years. At 
the end of thai lime he i)ought the farm on 
which he now lives, on section 24. There was 
a frame house on this ])lace, located on the 
northeast of the southwest ijuarler. He has 
since moved it to the southwest of the same 
quarter, and built an addition. In 1883 he 
erected a frame barn, 32xoi) fret, with a stone 
basement. He is considcreil one of tlie best 
farmers in the town, and is largely engaged in 



raising stock and grain. His farm now con- 
tains 425 acres, and is located on sections 23, 24 
and 25. Mr. and Mrs. Hillberry are the parents 
of five children— David W., Sarah M., Philip 
A., John H. and Wade H. 

James Logan was born in Knox (Jo., Tenn., 
and resided in his native State until after his 
marriage with Margaret McComas. He then 
removed to Ohio, thence to Illinois, and from 
there to Wisconsin, and settled in Rock county. 
In 1864 he came to Richland county and en 
gaged in farming on Willow creek, in the town 
of Ithaca. His wife died Oct. 21, 1869, and he 
died July 23, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Logan were 
earnest Christians, and consistent members of 
the Baptist Church for many years. They 
reared twelve children, eight surviving them in 
life. 

T. P. Logan was born in Illinois, Sept. 12, 
1844. He came with his parents, James and 
Margaret Logan, to this county in 1864. He 
was educated at Sextonville and subsequently 
followed teaching. In 1870 he commenced 
inerc:intile life as clerk, and was afterwards in 
partnership with B. F. Washburn for a short 
time. In 1878 he became associated with J. 
R. Coumbe as partner, and established the busi- 
ness of Logan & Coumbe. Mr. Logan is a 
good business man, active in the cause of tem- 
l)erance, and a member of the I. O. G. T. He 
was married Dec. 23, 1874, to Elizabetli An- 
drews, daughter of Thomas Andrews. 'J'hey 
have two children — Alta Lula and Clyde R. 
Mr. Logan was appointed postmaster in 1880, 
and has served as town treasurer. 

Robert Buchanan is a native of Ireland, born 
Sept. 2, 1809. He emigrated to Canada in 
1832, on account of cholera in the old country. 
He did not remain long in Canada, l)ut went to 
Ot.sego Co., N. Y., and in 1835 to New York 
city, where he served an apprenticesliip to learn 
the trade of mason, which lie followed in the 
cities of New York .iiid IJronklyn abcmt twenty 
vears. In 1855 he moved to Scholiaric cniinty, 
and three years later to McHenry Co., III.. 



1234 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



wbere he engaged in farming. In 1 864 he came 
to Wisconsin and became a resident of Rich- 
land county, settling on section 8, of Ricliwood, 
wliere he accumulated 400 acres of land. Mr. 
Buchanan is a republican in politics; has served 
as chairman four years, and treasurer two years, 
of his town. He was a member of the fra- 
ternity of Odd Fellows over forty years, 
always taking an active interest in the work of 
the society. He was married in 1838. His 
wife, formerly Mary Shannon, was a native of 
the north of Ireland. They reared nine chil- 
dren — "William M., Mary A., Robert Jr., Sarah 
J., James T., Samuel M., John, George W. and 
Edward H. 

Robert Buchanan, Jr., the first man to en- 
gage in the harness trade in Excelsior, was born 
in Brooklyn, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1843. He resided 
with his parents until 1862, when he enlisted 
iu company C, 95th Illinois. He was wounded 
at the battle of Vicksburg by a piece of shell 
striking him on the forhead, and also one year 
later at the battle of Yellow Bayou, where he 
received a gun-shot wound in the right arm. 
He served, however, until the regiment was 
mustered out of service. After the war he 
learned the harness maker's trade, and in 1869 
established business at Excelsior. He was 
united in marriage in 1873 with Belle Hawkins. 
Their children are — Ella B., Frank and Albert. 
Mr. Buchanan is a member of the I. O. O. F., 
A. O. U. W. and I. O. G. T. 

Samuel Noble arrived in the town of Rich- 
wood May 23, 1864, and soon afterwards pur- 
chased property of Stephen Knowlton, located 
on section 16, where he settled on tiie 16th day 
of July following. He also purchased a one- 
half interest in the Excelsior "mills, which 
property he held until January, 1873, when he 
gave attention to farming and dealing in real 
estate. He served as town treasurer ten years, 
but takes little interest in politics, aside from 
casting his vote according to his own judgment. 
Mr. Noble is a native of Ohio, born Nov. 2, 
1830. His parents were natives of the same 



State, his grandfather having guttled in Wash- 
ington county in 1798. He was married in 1S61 
to Miranda Ackley, and followed farming until 
he came to Wisconsin. They have three chil- 
dren — Myron, Rebecca and Maria. 

The first physician to locate at Excelsior was 
Dr. O. Ross. He was born in Lawrence Co., 
Penn., March 17, 1834. His father was a farmer 
and civil engineer. In 1837 the family moved 
into the State of Ohio, when, at the age of fif- 
teen, the subject of this sketch commenced the 
study of medicine. During the winter of 1851-2 
he attended school at Hiram, with James A. 
Garfield as school-mate. In 1856 he graduated 
at the Ohio State Medical School at Cincinnati, 
and in 1857 commenced practice in Hancock 
county of said State, but on account of poor 
health he afterwards located on a farm, and for 
two years dealt in live stock. In 1860 he re- 
sumed practice in Van Wert county, from 
whence, in 1864, he came to Excelsior, wliere he 
has since continued to reside, with the excep- 
tion of one year, which lie spent in the State of 
Missouri. Dr. Ross has had a large practice, in 
which he has treated a large number of cases of 
small pox, and is able to say that he never lost 
a patient by that disease, so much dreaded. The 
date of his marriage is 1853, in which year he 
chose as his companion for life Amanda Agin, 
and by this union nine children were born, six 
of whom are now living — Ransford, Milissa, 
Charlie, Levi B., Isaac M. and Emery H. Po- 
litically, Dr. Ross is a democrat, and has fre- 
quently stumjjed his district for other persons, 
but has never sought office himself. He is an 
active temperance worker, being a member of 
the I. O. G. T. 

Edward Smith, the only man engaged in gen- 
eral merchandising at Port Aiulrew, in 1883, is 
a son of William and Matilda Smith, and was 
born in Jo Daviess Co., III., June 23, 1845. His 
father owned property in Port Andrew, where 
the family resided a portion of the time, and the 
remainder in Illinois. In 1858 the father died, 
and his mother afterward married T. J. How- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1235 



land, and now resides in the town of Ricliwood. 
In 1864 Edward Smith enlisted in company F, 
33d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served 
until July 17, 1865. He afterward dealt in live 
stock and followed farming until he engaged in 
n>erchandising at Port Andrew. He has been 
twice married, March 22, 1866, to Matilda Elder, 
who died leaving two children — Ann Nettie and 
Edward. Jan. 18, 1874, Maria Toney became 
his wife. They have four children — William 
T., George C, Fred C. and Ella M. He is a 
member of the G. A. R. 

J. W. Garner was born ii\ Delaware Co., Ind., 
Jan. 10, 1840. In April, 1861, he enlisted in 
company D, 6th Indiana regiment, and served 
three months, after which he re-enlisted in the 
57th Indiana, with which he served until Jan- 
uary, 1866. Mr. Garner participated in thirty- 
seven hard fought battles, and was never 
wounded, but of the 109 in company D, in 
which he first enlisted, only nine lived to return 
home. He was taken prisoner at Johnson- 
ville, Tenn. He was a brave soldier, and his 
record one of which he may be justly proud. 
Returning home, on the 1st day of January, 
1866, he was married to Mary Endicolte. He 
then came to Wisconsin, and has since followed 
farming in Richland county. His residence is 
on section 33, Rich wood, where ho owns 160 
acres. Mr. and Mrs. Garner are the pai-ents of 
the following named children — Noia, Laura, 
Becca, Emma, who died in itifanc}'; Gertie, 
Luclla and Carrie. Mr. Garner is a republican, 
politically, and a member of the G. A. R. 

H. F. Washburn, in the nutnth of .March, 
1869, purchased six lots on block 7, and Sept. 
It', 1870, he established a general mercantile 
business. He had a partner for a few months, 
after which he continued alone. Mr. Wash- 
burn was born in Lake Co., 111., Oct. 15, 1842. 
His father bore the same name and was a native 
of the State of Vermont. He was a farmer by 
occupation, and when the Civil War broke out 
he enlisted in company C, 20th Wisconsin. He 



was wounded at the battle of Prairie Grove 
so as to cause death soon afterwards. His 
mother, Elizabeth (Ruth)Washburn,was a native 
of Pennsylvania. After the death of her hus- 
band she came to Richland county, and became 
the wife of Dempsey Field. The subject of 
this sketch came with his parents to Grant Co., 
Wis., in J 857. He resided on the farm until 
seventeen years of age, then went to Minnesota 
and clerked at Mazeppa for two years. He 
then returned to Grant county, where, in 1864, 
he enlisted in company I, l7th Wisconsin, and 
served until mustered out of service. Return- 
ing to Grant county in August, 1 865, he united 
in marriage with Miss M. J. Hawkins. He was 
there engaged in farming until he came to Ex- 
celsior. Mr. Washburn is a thorough business 
man and the largest real estate owner in the 
town of Richwood. He is a strict republican 
in politics, served as postmaster at Excelsior 
for several years, and in 1875 represented his 
district in the Assembly. He is a member of 
the I. O. O. F., the I. O. G. T., and the G. A. R. 
C. J. Moore, commander of William Wright 
Post, No. 51, is a native of Erie Co., N. Y., born 
July 30, 1840. His early life was spent on a 
farm, during which time he received a good 
common school education, and afterward taught 
school. He enlisted in 1862 in the 27lh New 
York Independent Battery, and served nearly 
three years. Returning to his native State, he 
resumed teaching school and also read law, but 
his health failing, he was obliged to abandon 
his studies. In 1869 he went to Indiana, and 
two years later came to Wisconsin. He at first 
lived in Grant county and there, in 1877, he 
was married to Sophrona Sabins. He then 
came to Richland county, located in E.xcelsior, 
and has since followed the trade of carriage 
and wagon-maker. Mr. Moore is a believer in 
the Christian religion, and was formerlj^ a mem- 
ber of the Bai)tisl Church. He is a republican 
in politics and a member of the fraternity of 
Good Templars. In 1883 he was elected a 
justice of the peace. 



1236 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



O. F. David was born in Grant county, Nov. 
26, 1858. His parents were Isaac F. and 
Cicelia (Rewark) David. His early life was 
spent on his father's farm and attending district 
schools. When sixteen years of age he en- 
tered the high school department at Muscoda, 
where he took a four years' course. He then 
followed civil engineering in Dakota two years, 
after which, in February, 1882, with his brother, 



D. M. David, as partner, he established a drug 
business at Excelsior, the firm name being D. 
M. & O. F. David, which, in July, 1883, was 
changed to David & Co. Mr. David is a mem- 
ber of the fraternity of Odd Fellows, and is well 
qualified for the business in which he is en- 
gaged. Nov. 24, 1883, he was united in matri- 
mony with Maria Noble. She is a daughter of 
Samuel Noble. 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1237 



CHAPTER XXXI 



TOWN OF ROCKBRIDGE. 



This territory comprises township 11 north, 
and range 1 east, and is bounded on the north by 
Henrietta, on the east by Willow, on the south 
by Richland, and on the west by Marshall. 
Like all towns in this section of the county, the 
surface is much broken, and hills, rocks and ab- 
rupt breaks are quite common. The scenery is 
varied and interesting. Among the more 
prominent natural features of interest is the 
rock bridge spanning the Pine river, an account 
of which appears in the general history of this 
work. Immense ledges of rock, forming some- 
times a perpendicular wall of great height, rise 
abruptly from the highway; beautiful springs 
of pure, limpid water gush from the hills, and, 
playfully leaping from terrace to terrace, fur- 
nish ever-tlowing streams, gratifying to both 
man and beast.' The people of the town have, 
with characteristic benevolence, provided water- 
ing troughs near the roads and easily accessible, 
through which tliis sparkling water flows, af- 
fording an opportunity for the weary or heated 
horse to slake his thirst and the traveler to re- 
fresh himself. So abundant are these never- 
failing fountains that hardly a quarter section 
of laud is without its unstinted supply. The 
soil is variable from a dark loam to a light 
sand in a small part of the town, but in most 
places there is a mixture of the proper consis- 
tency to furnish most excellent farming lands, 
so that agriculture is the main pursuit. How- 
ever, the farmers in many instances are ad- 
ding little by little each year to their herds, 
and in a short time the stock industry will 
be liie leading feature among agricultur- 



ists. In this respect Rockbridge already 
compares favorably with other towns, and a 
glance at the report of the County Agricultural 
Society will show a goodly number of pre- 
miums awarded Rockbridge citizens for sujierior 
slock. Formerly this town was abundantly 
supplied with a heavy growth of most excellent 
timber, but her forests have been reduced by 
the woodman's ax until good timber is becom- 
ing valuable. It is settled by a thrifty class of 
people, mostly American, a few of whom are 
of Scotch descent. 

EARLY SETTLEMENl. 

This is the oldest settled town in the north- 
ern part of the county, the first move in that 
direction having been made by Samuel Swine- 
hart in 1844, when he made a claim on the pres- 
ent site of the village of Rockbridge and built 
a cabin of poles. He sold this claim to Harry 
Coles, a resident of Galena, III. In the spring 
of 1845 he (Coles) liired some men at Galena 
to come to this place and build a sawmill. The 
names of the men were: William Dooley, James 
Baxter, David Pettie and Mr. McCann, all 
single men, and David Currie, with his wife and 
two children. He was a cripple, and expected 
to board the men. The single men started with 
one team and wagon, and Mr. Currie and family 
with another. They drove to Muscoda, and 
crossed the river to the present site of the town 
of Orion. The following day, accompanied by 
Capt. Smith and 'J'homas Matthews, liiey stalled 
to cut a road to Rockbridge. They attempted 
to follow a ridge, thinking it would prove acon- 
tinuous elevation, but in this they were disap- 



1238 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



])ointe(1, and had proceeded but a few miles 
when they found themselves on the point of a 
bluff, where they camped for the night. In the 
morning Coles, with two or three others, started 
out to find a passage, but as none could be found 
they took the back trail, following the road they 
had cut the day before back to the river. They 
then concluded to leave tlie teams and make 
the trip by water, and accordingly embarked in 
canoes, as they were called, but, more pi'operly 
speaking, they were "dug-outs." They thus 
proceeded up the Wisconsin river to the mouth 
of the Pine, thence up that stream to their des- 
tination. It took them a week to make the trip. 
Near the mouth of Rock creek the banks of 
the river had evidently been cut away, present- 
ing the appearance of a ford, and upon in- 
quiry they ascertained from the Indians that at 
that place the troops crossed when in pursuit 
of Black Hawk. The first thing done after their 
arrival was to build an addition to the Swine- 
hart cabin, then work commenced on the mill. 
Capt. Smith and Thomas Matthew.s were em- 
ployed to get out timbers for the frame, and a 
team being a necessity, the first road up the 
river to the natural bridge was cut. It was on 
the west side, and winding around the bluffs 
and swamps, was much longer than the present 
one. The mill was not completed for nearly a 
year, and soon after Coles sold to Moore & 
Akan. He then went away and his where- 
abouts were unknown. It is supposed that he 
went to the Mexican War. He was a dissipated 
man of ill-repute, and was generally considered 
a rascal. The men whom he hired by the 
month never received pay, and from some of 
them he borrowed money which he failed to 
return. Mr. Currie was determined to have 
his pay and sent a sheriff from Jo Daviess Co., 
111., to levy on property, starting himself on 
horseback to attend the sale and bid on the 
property. He was met at the Pine river ford 
l)y a band of "bullies" who would not let him 
cross, and as no one attended the sale it was not 
effected, and the men to this day remain unpaid. 



This was aggravating and discouraging. The men 
had worked hard, and some of them even Sundays. 
They were, at the time of going into the woods, 
entire strangers, but soon became fast friends. 
Provisions would often run quite low, and then 
all would start out in search of game, which 
fortunately was abundant, and many deer and 
bear were killed and devoured by the little 
colony. Honey was plenty, but of milk and 
butter there was none. The first cow of the 
country was still in the future. In the spring 
of 184G David Pettie was taken sick. One of 
the party went to Highland in Iowa for a phy- 
sician, but he came too late, and Pettie was , 
soon dead. A consultation was held to deter- 
mine what should be done with his body. It 
was thought by them that this country would 
never be settled by white people, that as soon 
as the timber was stripped off the land would 
be left to the Indians, and it would be bar- 
barous to bury him in such a place, so his body 
was taken down the river and interred on land 
adjoining the town site of Orion. At this time 
the Winnebago Indians were numerous in this 
section and made frequent visits to the camp. 
Like most Indians they were fond of whisky 
and ready to trade anything in their possession 
for "fire-water." This man Cole once traded with 
a squaw giving two pints of whisky for a good 
lieavy Mackinaw blanket. She had a tincup 
holding a pint, which he filled and passed to 
her, which she drank at once, taking away the 
other pint for a reserve, when she might .again 
be thirsty. They never visited the camp^ with- 
out going to the natural bridge for worship, as 
that was regarded by them as a work of the 
Great Spirit. 

In 1849 Orrin Hazeltine and his son Ira came 
here from Waukesha county. They were na- 
tives of Vermont, and purchased the mill prop- 
erty and some land in this vicinity. Here 
Orrin made his home until the time of his 
death. Ira now lives in the State of Missouri. 

It is frequently difficult to obtain satisfactory 
information concerning the early settlement of 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1239 



a town. There is often a differeiu't' of opinion as 
lo dales and events. As good a history of 
Rockbridge's early settlement as could be ob- 
tained in addition to that already given, is here 
presented, and the dates are mentioned when- 
ever there is a good degree of certainty as to 
their correctness. 

Francis M. Stewart was an early settler. He 
lived at Rockbridge a while and then settled 
on the soutiiwest quarter of section 8. In l^.">4 
he sold out and afterward lived in different parts 
of the county. 

Isaac Talbot arrived in 1S.51, and located on 
section 32. He made his home here until after 
the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted 
arid died in the service. 

W. K. Smith came from Kentucky in 18.'j4, 
and bought the northeast quarter of the north- 
west quarter of section 30. He also enlisted 
and died in the army. 

Thomas Gray and his son Daniel came as 
early as 1853, and settled on the southeast 
quarter of section 6, where they remained until 
the breaking out of the "Great American Con- 
flict," when the old gentleman went to Minne- 
sota, and Daniel, who was by profession a 
clergyman, returned east. 

In 1850, Seth Butler, a native of New York, 
came here and made a selection on the north- 
east quarter of section 19. He remained about 
two years. 

Buddington Kinyon,a native of Rhode Island, 
was first seen here in 185.5. He settled on sec- 
tii>n 6, and still lives within the bi>iuid;uies of 
that territory. 

Donald Smith, a native of Scotland, came in 
1854 and purchased land on section 18, and 
made it his home until the time of his death. 
His family still occupy the homestead. 

Zenas and Ossian Satterlee were originally 
from Ohio, but came here from Illinois in 1851. 
Zciias entered land on section 20, where he 
m:ide some im|iri)Vemeiits an<l remained alpoiit 
two years, then returned to Illinois Ossi.m en- 
tered land on section 18, and lived here until 



1854, when he sold to Donald Smith and went 
to Henrietta. The season that he made this 
move, J. H. Little came and entered the west 
half of the northwest quarter of section 6, 
where he improved a farm and remained until 
about the close of the war, then removed to 
the town of Marshall. He now lives in the 
town of Bloom. 

The year following, Hugh Booher came, and 
settled on the northeast (juarter of section 8. 
In 1860 he went to Pike's Peak and spent the 
summer. He then returned and soon after re- 
moved to Green county. 

In 1854 James CotBn arrived and made settle- 
ment on the northeast of the southeast quarter 
of section 17. He remained until war times, 
then removed to section 16, and a few years 
later to "Steamboat Hollow," where he died in 
1882. 

Lyman Creed was an early settler, and made 
selection on the south half of the soutlnvest 
quarter of section 30. He now lives in the 
town of Richland. The same season, section 
31 received a settler by the name of Thomas 
Castello, who yet occupies the same place. 

In 1855 Jonathan R. Fullinglon, a native of 
Vermont, entered land on section 3, which he 
sold one year later to Morris Freeman and took 
up his abode on section 1, where he now lives. 

Robert Monteitli came from Richland Center 
about the same time and located on section 3. 
He remained but a few years, then sold out and 
went north. 

In 1854 another Verraonter made his appear- 
ance, by name of Samuel Coleburn. He selected 
a home on the northeast of the southeast quar- 
ter of section 9. He was noted for telling re- 
markably large stories. He remained a number 
of years, and at last accounts was in Iowa. 

J. L. Spears was from New York, and came 
here during the fall of 1855, settling in the vil- 
lage of Rockbridge and later on section 10. 

Amasa Hoskins was a prominent early settler, 
■.iw\ came here as early as 1850, from Illinois. 
He located on the northwest quarter of section 



1240 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



29. He remained in tlie town several years and 
then removed to Iowa, and has since been re- 
ported dead. 

Jules Preston, a native of York State, came 
the same year and settled on section 29, and re- 
mained two years. He was a very hospitable 
man, and travelers were always welcome. He 
sold this claim in 1852 to John Poole, and re- 
turned east. 

In 1851 William Dary came from Illinois 
during the summer, and entered land on sections 
28 and 29, where he cleared a farm and lived 
until war times, then he sold out and went to 
Sylvan, where he may now be found. 

Daniel McDonald came from Ohio in 1852 
and entered the northwest quarter of section 19, 
then he returned to Ohio. In 1855 he came 
again and made settlement. He started with a 
pair of horses on the 15th day of October and 
arrived the 15th day of November. Meanwhile 
a neighbor had erected a log house for him, into 
which he moved and lived until 1880, then 
built his present frame house. 

Peter Waggoner, of Pennsylvania, came here 
from Ohio in 1854 and entered laud on section 
32, where he cleared a farm and lived a number 
of years. He died in January, 188.3. 

Alden Hazeltine, formerly from Vermont, ar- 
rived in Rockbridge town in 1853, and entered 
the northwest quarter of section 15 and bought 
four lots in the town of Rockbridge. He made 
his home in the village until the time of his 
death, which occurred in February, 1883. His 
widow now lives in Richland Center. 

In 1854 John S. Scott, formerly of Pennsyl- 
vania, came here from Dane county and entered 
land on section 2, town 11, range 1 east. He 
then returned to Dane county and spent the 
winter. In March, 1855, he returned with the 
intention of settling on his place, but could 
only get as far as Rockbridge, as there was 
neither road or bridges. He therefore bought 
lots in the village, built a small frame house, 
where he lived until 1862, when he made settle- 



ment on his present farm, on the northeast 
quarter of section 2. 

Samuel Holloway was quite an early settler, 
and died in April, 1855. 

John Poole, a native of Pennsylvania, came 
in 1852 and located on section 29, wherein 1857 
he died. His widow is now the wife of Hiram 
Tadder, and lives on section 21. 

From Vermont in 1854 came Hiram Austin, 
and purchased land on sections 15 and 22, where 
he lived until the time of liis death, which oc- 
curred in 1869. 

Henry Waggoner, of Ohio, came from West 
Virginia in 1855 and made selection on sec- 
tion 32 and cleared a farm He now resides 
on section 33. 

During the fall of 1854 Richard L. White ar- 
rived from York State and entered land on sec- 
tion 3. He spent the winter in Avoca, and 
made a settlement on his place in 1855, vfhere 
he now lives. 

In 1851 Jacob Dury, of Virginia, came from 
Illinois and located on the northeast quarter of 
section 29, where he lived about ten years, then 
sold and removed to Sylvan, where he has 
since died. His widow is again married and 
still lives in that town. 

The year following came among others Nich- 
olas Pool, who was born in Ohio. He came 
direct from lUinoig and bought land on section 
29, town 11, range 1 tast. He now lives on 
section 21. 

The year previous (1851) also found Daniel 
Hoskins, a native of York State, on his way 
here from Ohio. Upon his arrival he stopped 
with his son Amasa. He is now dead. 

George W. Hancock, a native of Pennsylva- 
nia, came here from Dane county quite early 
in 1850, and first lived on the southeast quarter 
of section 19. In 1852 he bought the northeast 
quarter of section 17, and cleared a part of tiie 
land. He continued to live there two years 
and then moved to the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 8, where he lived a short time, then went 
to Vernon county where he has since died. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1241 



Reuben, a son of George W. Hancock, came 
here from California during the fall of 1852. 
He was not married and at first made his home 
with his father. In a short time he took unto 
himself a wife and settled on the northeast 
quarter of section 17, and built a log house and 
erected the first frame barn in the town, 
and probably the first in the northern part of 
the county. This was in 1853. He died the 
year following and was buried on the farm. 
His widow is now the wife of George Fogo. 

In November, 1851, German and Hiram Tad- 
der, natives of Vermont, came from Dane county. 
Hiram first settled on section 20, but now lives 
on section 21. German settled on the south- 
east quarter of section 17 where he cleared a 
small piece of ground, remained a short time 
and then sold out and bought land on section 
28. He enlisted in the army where he con- 
tracted a disease in consequence of which he 
drew a pension. In 1867 be sold his farm and 
removed to Richland Center, where he died 
some years later. 

Zena« Satcrlee, a native of Indiana, came 
from Illinois in 1851, and located on the 
southwest quarter of section 20. He en- 
tered the land, made some improvements, re- 
mained two or three years and then sold out 
and returned to Illinois. Zadok Hawkins 
boiiglit the farm and lived on it a few years, 
then purchased land on sections 29 and 32 
whicli he occupied until 1875, when he died. 
The family are now scattered through various 
parts of the country. 

In September, 1851, Abel P. Hyde of York 
State came from Dane county and first settled 
on section 24 of the town of Marshall. Two 
years afterward he removed to Richland Cen- 
ter and remained until 1855 when he made liis 
first settlement in Rockbridge on section 21. 
His home is now on section 10. 

The same year (1855) Morris Freeman, for- 
merly of Herkimer Co., N. Y., came here from 
Waukesha county and settled on section 3. He 
died in the village of Rockbridge in 1879. In 



1 854 another settler came in who made a settle- 
ment on the southeast quarter of section 8, where 
he still lives. His name is Samuel Marshall 
and he is a native of Jefferson Co., Ohio. 

Daniel Hinemon came from Dane county in 
1S55 and located on section 28. He now lives 
in Sauk county. 

Henry Leatherbcrry, from Jefferson Co., Ohio, 
came in 1854, and located on section 20, where 
he lived two years. He then moved to Henri- 
etta, wliere he had bought land on section 8. 
He died there on the 19th day of December, 
1882. 

Daniel and James Snow, natives of New 
York Stale, and Jefferson county, came here 
from Dodge county in 1857 and settled on sec- 
lion 1, where Daniel slill lives. James moved 
to the village in 1808, where he keeps a hotel, 
and is at present agent for the Singer Sewing 
Machine Company. About this time others 
came in from various sections of the country, 
but enough has been given to show the general 
character of the early settlement. 

ORGANIC. 

The town of Rockbridge was first organized 
in the spring of 1851. The first meeting was 
held at the village in a building owned by 
Orrin Ilazcltine. At that time the following 
officers were elected: Jules Preston, Asa Shel- 
don and Amasa Haskins, supervisors; A. E. 
Decker, clerk; Julius Preston, Amasa Haskins 
and Orrin Hazelline, justices of the peace; 
Robert Hawkins, assessor. The amount of lax 
raised from the levy of this year was |120. 
Illustrative of the difference between an elec- 
tion held then and now, in point of number of 
votes cast, a complete list of all persons voting 
at the election held in September, 1853, is here 
given. This was two years after the organiza- 
tion of the town, and while it comprised a 
larger extent of territ«)ry than now: George 
W. Hancock, Samuel Ilaloway, John Pool, 
Reuben Hancock, John Marshall, John Jeffrey, 
Alexander Sires, Francis M. Stewart, Moses 



1242 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Laws, Daniel Haskins, Alonzo E. Decker, Setli 
BuLler, Abner Aiken and Orrin Hazelline. 

The town assumed its present boundaries in 
1856. The annual town meeting was held at 
the house of Alden Hazeltine, April 21, 185(3, 
and the following officers were elected: J. S. 
Scott, chairman, Daniel Hiueman and Samuel 
Marshall, side supervisors; J. R. Fullington, 
justice of the peace; Gaylord Freeman, super- 
intendent of schools; Hiram^Austin, treasurer; 
Hiram Freeman, town clerk; Hiram Tadder, 
assessor; Joel P. Tadder and M. A. Davis, con- 
stables; Hiram Tadder, sealer of weights and 
measures. 

At the annual town meeting held at the town 
hall April 3, lS8<i, the following officers were 
elected: Harvey Fogo, town clerk; James 
Washburn, chairman, Samuel Hendricks and 
D. W. Huntington, supervisors; George Hines, 
assessor; Augustus Hoskins, Noble Lieurame and 
James Washburn, justices of the peace; H. W. 
Cate and George Collins, constables; L. N. Her- 
rington, treasurer. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The schools of this town may be called in fair 
condition. Some improvements could be made 
to advantage, yet no person can complain that 
an opportunity is not here afforded for obtain- 
ing a good education. There has been some 
school quarrels and unpleasant dissensions, but 
as a rule, the "department of learning" has re- 
ceived its share of attention. As early as 1853 
a school district was organized in the western 
part of the town, and a school taught by Jane 
Hazeltine in a house that was built by Zenas 
Saterlee, on the southwest quarter of section 20. 
Two or three years later, a school house was 
built on the northeast quarter of section 29. In 
this house John Lewis was the first teacher. 
There seemed to be considerable dissension 
among the citizens of this district, and in a short 
time the school building was burned; another 
was soon erected, but was not allowed to stand, 
and soon afterward went up in smoke. The terri- 
tory included in this district is now attached to 



other districts. A history is here given of the 
different school districts, so far as reliable in- 
formation could be obtained. 

In No. 1 the first school was taught by Adelia 
Hazeltine and Persis Hazeltine, in a slab shanty, 
on the village plat, in 185:3. This was a subscrip- 
tion school. The only scholars in the district 
were the children of Orrin and Alden Hazeltine 
and Jacob Halloway. The teachers took turns, 
keeping the school one week each at a time. 
School was taught in private houses until 1856, 
when a frame house was built, in which Sarah J. 
Smith was the first teacher. The present school 
building was erected in 1879, and ^in it Delia 
Knapp was the first teacher. The school at this 
time, (1884), is under the management of Laura 
Jenkins. 

During the winter of 1856-7 the first school 
house was built in districtNo. 3. It wa* located 
on the southwest of the northwest quarter of 
section 27. Gaylord Freeman was the first 
teacher. The district continued to use this 
Vniiling until 1872, when a frame house was 
erected on the old site, in which Jemima Mc- 
Namar was the first teacher. This position is 
now held by Maggie Welsh. 

In district No. 4 there was a log school house 
built in 1858, located on the northeast quarter 
of section 17, and that winter the first school 
wastaughtby William H. Lawrence. 'J'hisbuild- 
ing was in use until 1883, when a neat frame 
house was erected near the old site, in which 
John D. Fogo first taught a term of school. 

In district No. 5 the first school was taught 
by Phebe Skinner in 1857, in a log house belong- 
ing to Peter Waggoner. It was located on the 
northwest quarter of section 32. Two terms 
were taught in this building. In 1858 a log 
school house was built on the northwest of the 
northwest of section 32, which was in use until 
1882, when a frame house was built on the south- 
west of the northwest of section 32. Mary Ken- 
nedy was the first teacher there. The present 
teacher is Mamie Foley. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1243 



In district No. 7 the first school was taught by 
Wilson Saterlee, in a house belonging t(^ Elihu 
Pease, in the town of Henrietta. This was in 
18.57. Al)out 1859 a commodious building was 
erected on the northwest quarter of section 5, on 
the town line, but in Rockbridge town. In that 
bouse Joel Judkins was the first teacher. 

In district No. the first school was taught in 
a log house belonging to Hronson Greaves, in the 
northeast corner of section 22. This was in the 
winter of 1859-60, and the teacher was Lucy 
Smith. She is now the wife of James Snow. In 
1860 a log house was built on the same quarter, 
and within its walls. Amy McMurtry first kei)t 
school. In 1881 a large frame house was buill 
on the old site, in which Abbie Joslyn was the 
first teacher. In district No. 10 the first school 
was taught by Lucy Snow, in a log house be- 
longing to J. S. Scott, located on the northeast 
quarter of section 2, in 1866. That same fall a 
school house was built on the northwest of tlic 
northeast quarter of section 2. Lucy Snow was 
the first teacher in the house. Bridget Kennedy 
is now employed as instructor in tliis district. 

In district No. 1 1 the first school was taught in 
a log house belonging to Nathan Schoono\ er, in 
the winter of 1808-69, by Jemima McNamar. In 
the fall of 1869 a log school house was built on 
the northeast quarter of section 34, in which 
Florence Washburn taught the first school. In 
1883 a frame liouse was erected on the north- 
west quarter of section 34, at a cost of S4C0. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The actual first time when a religious service 
of any character was held in this town cannot 
be determined. If the first party of settlers 
who went up Pine river in 1845 ever lield any 
religious meeting, they have not left a record 
of it. Prayer meetings were occasionally held 
years afterward in different places, but the 
pioneers of Rockbridge were without Church 
privileges for many years, and many of its in- 
habitants of the i>resent day go outside the 
boundary lines of the town to attend Church. 



A Method I St Episcopal class was organized 
at the house of Henry Leatherberry on section 
20, in 1854, by Rev. Buck. Henry Leatherberry 
and wife, John Poole and wife, John Waddel 
and wife, Elizabeth and Margaret Leatherberry 
were among the members. Henry Leatherberry 
was class leader. Meetings were held in ])ri- 
vate houses until the school house was built. 
The society continued in existence a few years 
when some of the nienil)ers moving away, it 
disbanded or "died out." In 1856 the first re- • 
ligious service in the village of Rockbridge 
was held in a slab shanty. The exercises were 
conducted by Rev.Hugliart,a Methodistdivine. 
Ministers of different denominations preached 
there from time to time, but no organization 
was effected until 1879 when a Methodist Epis- 
copal class was formed by Elder J. T. Bryan. 
The following were among the members: Ly- 
man Ilazeltine and wife and R. L. White and 
wife. The society has not flourished and meet- 
ings are held only occasionally. During the 
winter of 1857-8, Rev. Timby, a preacher of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, held a relig- 
ious meeting in the school house on the north- 
west quarter of section '.^9, and organized a 
class. Setli Butler and wife, John Waddle and 
wife, Israel Janiiey and wife, Mrs. John Poole. 
James Cofran an>l wife, and Solomon Pruner 
and wife were among the members. Solomon 
Pruner was the class leader. The were sup- 
plied by preachers from Richland Center, but 
during the war the organization became very 
nearly, if not quite, extinct. 

POSTOFPICKS. 

Janney's postoffice was established in 1870, 
and Israel Janney was the first postmaster. 
i^Ie kept the office about one year, when upon 
his resignation Angus Smith received the ap- 
pointment, anil kept it at his residence on sec- 
tion 19 about three years, when at his reipiest 
it was discontinueil. It was on the route from 
Richland Center to Viroqua and mail was re- 
ceived three limes each week. 



1244 



HISTORY OP RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Buck Creek postoffice was first established the 
same year and P. M. Clark appointed postmaster. 
The office was kept at his house on section 22. It 
was on the route from Richland Center to West 
Lima and mail was received every day. Two 
years later it was discontinued. In March, 1881, 
it was re-established with Mrs. Ann Clark, 
widow of P. M. Clark, as postmistress. She 
lias the office at her store on section 22. There 
is a tri-weekly mail. 

ITEMS OF INTEREST. 

An early birth in this town was a son (Daniel) 
to Amasa and Jane (Murdock) Haskins, born in 
January, 1850. He is now married and lives in 
Buena Vista. 

Reuben Hancock was among the first to die, 
which event occurred in July, 1854. He was 
buried on his farm on the northeast quarter of 
section 7. 

The first steam saw-mill in the county was 
put up in this town by J. J Sluiraaker &Co., in 
1856, and was located on the northwest quarter 
of section 29. It had a number of saws, and 
lathes, fence pickets and lumber were manfac- 
tured. In 1857 Israel Janney purchased this 
mill, and sold it in 1863 to John Walworth, who 
two or three years later moved it to Richland 
Center, where it was afterward destroyed by 
fire. 

The first wedding united the destinies of 
Wallace Joslyn and Emeline, daughter of Lu- 
man and Mary Thompson. This occurred in 
May, 1851, in the village of Rockbridge. 

In 1854 a grist-mill was built by Alden Hazel- 
tine, on the west side of the river near the natu- 
ral bridge. 'J'he power was derived from the 
west branch of Pine river. A dam was built at 
the mouth of the tunnel, and a head of ten feet 
was thus obtained. It was furnished with one 
set of buhrs for grinding corn and cracking 
wheat. The people came to this mill for many 
miles around and it did a nourishing business. 

VILLAGE OF ROCKBRIDGE. 

This is the only village in the town md was 
laid out by Ira Hazeltine in June, 1851. It is 



located on the northwest quarter of section 10. 
The saw-mill and the first frame house were al- 
ready built. The postoffice was established 
here in 1855, and D. E. Pease was the first 
postmaster. He kept the office in his store. He 
was succeeded by Alden Hazeltine, who held the 
office until the time of his death, when his son 
Lyman, the present incumbent, was commis- 
sioned. When first established it was on the 
route from Richland Center to Fancy Creek, 
and was carried horseback. At this time ( 1884) 
it is on the route from Richland Center to 
West Lima and has a daily mail. There is also 
a mail to Hillsborough three times each week. 

Desler E. & D. G. Pease opened the first 
store in 1855; they kept a general stock and 
had a good trade. They continued in business 
three or four years, and then moved their goods 
to Richland Center. The village was? then 
without a store for some years. M. II. B. Cun- 
ningham engaged in trade here in April, 1807, 
first keeping store in a building owned by D. 
G. Pease. In 1870 he put up a building 22.y40 
feet. 

The first blacksmith was Abner Aiken, and 
his shop was built with poles, and his anvil 
placed upon a stump. He was engaged at work 
in the saw-mill and did not do much work in 
the shop. That business is now represented by 
George Collins and Orson Devoe. 

The traveling public were for years enter- 
tained by Alden Hazeltine at his private resi- 
dence. Ira Campbell opened the first hotel in 

1876 and called it the Rockbridge House. In 

1877 he sold to T.J. Smith who was landlord 
until 1879, when he left and the property fell 
into the hands of a party in Kansas. In 1880 
Stephen Smith bought the property. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Israel Janney, one of Richland county's pio- 
neers, was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Oct. 17, 
1820. When he was but four years of age, his 
parents moved to Logan Co.-, Ohio, and there 
purchased 250 acres of land. They lived 
there but three or four years, and returned 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1246 



to Virginia, where they lived until 1830. 
They then moved to Detroit, Mich., and there 
his fathei- died in 1833. His mother, with her 
eight children, returned to Oliio and settled upon 
the land which his father had previously pur- 
chased. Here the subject of this sketch grew 
to manhood. Taking advantage of the facilities 
then offered, he acqi'ired a fair education. He 
was united in marriage on the 3d of December, 
1840, to Elizabeth Miller, who was born at Fort 
McCarty, Hardin Co., Ohio, May 20, 1824. He 
then settled on land which he had inherited 
from his father's estate in Logan county. 
He lived there till 1846, and then came to 
Richland county, which was then an almost 
unexplored wilderness, inhabited by Indians and 
wild beasts. He located in township 9, range 
2 east, now known as Buena Vista. He first 
made a claim on a quarter of section 32 or 33, 
of town 9 north, of range 2 east, now occupied 
by the cemetery, and to the west of the Matte- 
son and Button farms, built a log house, broke 
and fenced about twenty-five acres. In the fall 
of 1848 he sold this claim and entered 100 acres 
on section 17, of the same town, built a log house, 
18x22 feet, cleared forty-five acres, and three 
years later built a frame house and lived in it 
until 1854. That year he was appointed by the 
governor as register of ileeds, to fill a vacancy 
caused by the death of Charles McC^orkle, and 
moved to Richland Center. That fall he was 
elected to that position and afterward re-elected. 
In 1856 he was elected a delegate to the repub- 
lican convention at Madison, the first ever held 
in the State. In 1857 he ])urchased a farm on 
section 29, town of Rockbridge. There was a 
saw mill upon this land, which he purchased 
and engaged in the lumber Ijusiness a.s well as 
in farming. In 1860 he went to Colorado for 
his health, and engaged in mining, remaining 
there until 1867, making frequent visits during 
the time to his home in Rockbridge. In 1S75 
he entered the employ of A. II. Krouskop at 
Richland Center, selling goods for one year, 
then went to West Lima and remained one year, 



then returned to his farm. He has cleared a 
large portion of his land, built a neat frame 
house and barn, and now, in this comfortable 
home, enjoys the fruits of his labor. Mr. and 
Mrs. Janney were the parents of thirteen chil- 
dren, nine of whom are now living — Lot T., 
Mary J., Jacob, Sophia M., Elibabeth, John F., 
Israel M., Abial K. and Josephine. IsaacM. 
was born Oct. 15, 1843, and died Jan. 15, 
1844, in Ohio; William H. was born Feb. 
15, 1845, and died June 18, 1849; George K. 
was born Aug. 17, 1852, and died July 14, 1853; 
Oscar was born May 21, 1854, and died Oct. 12, 
1855. Both Mr. Janney and his wife united with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church in their 
younger days, but at the present time are mem- 
bers of the Church of United Brethren at Pleas- 
ant Valley. 

Their son, John F., was born in Richland 
Center, Feb. 3, 1857, and received his education 
in the district schools of Rockbridge, except 
one year at Richland Center. He was mar- 
ried in December, 1879, to Eva, daughter of 
William and Mary (Thompson) Francis. They 
have one child — Wilford. He settled at the 
time of his marriage upon his present farm on 
section 29. 

Orin Hazeltine, a native of Vermont, came 
here in 1850 from Dane county. He, in com- 
pany with his son Ira, bought the northwest 
quarter of section 10. In October they moved 
here, starting from Bl.ack Earth with three ox 
teams, loaded with gooils. They came by way 
of Sextonville, cutting a road up the east side 
of the river to their now home. The company 
consisted of Orin Hazeltine and his son, Allen, 
Dexter Carlton and two strangers, one named 
Talbot, who afterward lived on section 32. Mr. 
Hazeltine built the first frame house in the 
town in 1851. It was built of slabs which were 
stood on end with the flat side in. 

A. P. Hyde, one of the pioneers of Richland 
county, was born in the town and county of Ot- 
sego, N. Y., and there attained his majority and 
was brought up on a farm. In t845 he came to 



1246 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Wisconsin and located in Lafayette town, 
Walwortli county, where he was married in 
1846 to Elvira Singletery. In 1848 he went to 
Dane county, purchased forty acres of land, and 
remained tliere until 1851, when, duriiig the 
moiilh of September, he came to Richland 
County, and settled in what is now the town of 
Marshall. He has been considerable of a rover 
and has lived in a numlier of places within and 
without the county since that time. In 1860 he 
went to Pike's Piiak and engaged in mining .n 
few months, tlien returned to Rockbridge. In 
18S-2 he went to Dakota and made a claim in 
Miner county, remained one year, solil out, and 
again returned. His wife was a native of Graf- 
ton, Worcester Co., Mass. She died, leaving 
three children —Ellen Lucinda, Charles and Ira. 
His second wife, to whom he was married Nov. 
1, 1853, was Sarah Dary, a native of Virginia. 
They have one child — Delila. He is a verit- 
able pioneer, is well known as a hunter and 
a good shot, and even now is fond of the rifle. 
He has been prominent in town affairs and 
has filled many important offices. His pres- 
ent home is on section 10. 

M. H. B. Cunningham, a merchant at Rock- 
bridge, was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., 
April 11, 1842. When he was but an infant his 
parents removed to Illinois, and lived in Adams 
county four years, then came to Wisconsin, and 
lived in Potosi, Grant county, five years, and 
in Wingville, eighteen months, then moved to 
Iowa county, where his father purchased a 
farm. Here the subject of this sketch grew up, 
making his home with his parents until nineteen 
years old. 'I'hen in December, 1861, he enlisted 
in the 18th Wisconsin, company B, and imme- 
diately went to the front. He was engaged in 
the battle of Shiloh, and taken prisoner. He 
was confined in the prisons at Tuscaloosa, Mo- 
bile, Montgomery and Macon, Ga. He was 
])aroled from Libby prison after a confinement 
of six months, and thirteen days. He joined 
the regiment in April, 1863, in Louisiana. 
Among the more important battles in which he 



participated the following are mentioned: Ray- 
mond, Miss., Jackson, Miss., Champion Hills and 
siege of Vicksburg. During this siege his reg- 
iment went to Mechanicsburg and participated 
in the battle there. After the fall of Vicks- 
burg he was detailed to do guard duty at the 
depot two months. The regiment then went 
to Dixon's Station to repair the railroad; thence 
west to Chattanooga, taking part in the battle 
of Missionary Ridge and Allatoona Pass; joined 
Sherman at Atlanta, and was with him on his 
march to the sea. lie was relieved from duty 
a* Savannah in March, 1865, after having 
served three months more than his time. He 
returned to Madison and was there dischai-ged. 
He then went to l>lanchardville, Lafayette 
county, and worked at farming a fe * months, 
then opened a restaurant in Blanchardville, 
remaining there until 1867, when he came to 
Rockbridge, as before stated, where he has 
since conducted a successful mercantile trade. 
In 1883 he bought a steam saw-mill, which he 
put up at Rockbridge, and has been engaged in 
the lumber trade. He has been twice married. 
Tiie first time, in 1865, to Hannah Cliiie. They 
had six children, four living — William, John, 
Frank and Fred. Two daughters died in 1877. 
Mrs. Cunningham died Oct. 24, 1877. His 
second wife was Luela Licurance. They have 
one child — Bernie. 

George Fogo, son of John and Jane (Dreg- 
horn) Fogo, was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, 
June 14, 1837 and came to Wisconsin with his 
parents in 1853, where he made his home until 
1859. In March of that year he was married to 
Caroline, daughter of Harvey and Mary (E i ing) 
Dilingham. He then settled on section 17, town 
of Rockbridge, and commenced to clear a farm. 
He has been successful, has purchased more 
land adjoining until now his farm contains 240 
acres, about one half of which is cleared. He 
has built a frame house and stable, and is engag- 
ed in raising grain, sheep, horses and cattle. He 
has been prominent in town and county affairs, 
has been a member of the board, and filled 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



124'; 



offices of trust in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Fogo 
have seven children — Ilarvey, John I)., Etta, 
Ornisly F., Jennie, Alice and Georgia. Mr. 
Fogo is among tlie best class of Richland county 
citizens, is a gocd business man, and has de- 
servedly been successful in his undertakings. 

Ilirara Austin, one of the early settlors of 
Rockbridge, was born in Franklin, Vt., May 0, 
1822, and there grew to manhood. AVhen a 
young man he learned llie trade of blacksmith, 
at which he worked in his native State until 
1854, when he came west to seek a home. He 
came to Richland county and purchased land 
on sections 21 and 15, of township 11, range 1 
east, now known as the town of Rockbridge, and 
immediately commenced to clear a farm, and 
made thi.s his liome until the time of his death, 
March 14, 1809. He was a natural mechanic, 
and could do almost any kind of work. A 
great part of the time here he worked as car- 
|ieiiter and joiner. He met his death by acci- 
dent. 'While teaming logs the chain broke and 
the logs were unloaded on him, crushing liini in 
a frightful manner. He was conveyed to his 
home, and di<(l a few hours later, surrounded 
by his family and friends. He was twice mar- 
ried. The first time, in 1842, to Laui'a Dassanse. 
She died March 3,1849, leaving two children. 
— Herbert an<l Marietta. His second wife, to 
whom he was married Dec. T, 1856, was Mary 
E., daughter of Micliael and Catharine (.Min 
nech) Slatser. She was born in Washington 
Co., Va., April 12, ls;5l. When she was eigh- 
teen years of age lier parents removed to Wis- 
consin and settled in Iowa countj% where she 
married, at twenty-ono years of age, William 
Ethridge. Her husband died after Laving been 
married three weeks Eight children blessed 
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Austin, seven of 
whom are now living — Charles L., Edward K., 
Irvin, Douglas, Florence, Minnie and Hiram. 
Mrs. Austin's mother lives with her. She lias 
been so unfortunate as to lose lier eyesight. 
She is now sevenly-si.\ years of age, ami enjoys 
good health. 



George Benton, son of Joseph and Janet 
(Davidson) Henton, jiioneers of Richland coun- 
ty, was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Oct. 25, 
1841, and was twelve years old when his par- 
ents emigrated to Richland county, and settled 
in township 11, range 1 west, now known as Mai* 
shall. Here lie grew to manhood, assisting his 
father in clearing land, and attending the 
pioneer schools. He enlisted in February, 1804, 
in the 11th Wisconsin, company D, and joined 
the regiment near New Orleans. For a time 
this regiment was detailed to guard railroads, 
after which they entered active service, partici- 
pating in many minor engagements and skii- 
mishps. Th(' most important battle was Fort 
Ulakely. He served until after the close of the 
war, and was discharged with the regiment in 
September, 1805, when he returned to his home. 
He remained on the homestead until 1870, when 
he came to Rockbridge and settled on a farm 
which he had purchased in 1867, located on 
section 16. He lived in a log house until 1879, 
when he built the commodious frame house 
which he now occupies. He has since pur- 
chased adjoining land, and his farm now con- 
tains 170 acres, 100 of which is cleared. He 
has been twice married. The first time, Feb. 22, 
is6ii, to Mary E. Dickason, of Ohio. She died 
in April, IS67. His second wife was Keziah 
Robbins, to whom he was married Oct. 2, 1868. 
She was l)orn in Carroll Co., Ohio, and has also 
been twice married. Her first husband was 
Hamilton Davis. They lived in IJelmont Co., 
Ohio, where he died Oct. 14, 1867. Mr. and 
Mrs. Benton have an adopted daughter — Mary E. 

John Stayton, one of the |)ioneers of Ricii- 
land county, is a native of Delaware, born Nov. 
15, 1820. When lie «as five years of age, liis 
iiareiits removed to Ohio, and settled in Fay- 
ette county. They resided there seven years 
and then removed to White Co., Ind., where 
his father rented a faim ;uiil lived one year. 
then removed to 'J'ippecaiioe Co., Ind , and 
lived there one year, and then removed to Ful- 



1248 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ton Co., Ind., where the father entered land, 
and tliey were among the early settlers. On 
that farm the subject of tiiis sketch began his 
pioneer life. He assisted his father in clearing 
the land, and continued to live with his parents 
until the time of his marriage, July 7, 1849, to 
Nancy C, daughter of Isaac and Phebe (Lewis) 
McMahau. She was born in Champaign Co., 
Ohio, and her parents were also pioneers of 
Fulton Co., Ind. Mr. Stayton lived in Fulton 
county until 1854, and then, taking his family, 
started with a span of horses and wagon to 
join friends in Richland Co., Wis. They 
camped out on the way, arriving at their desti- 
nation on the 4th of October. He entered land 
on section 23, town 12, range 1 west, in what is 
now the town of Bloom. The family lived 
with Mrs. Stayton's father until he could build 
a log house. He then began clearing a farm. 
In 1864 he enlisted in company G, i6th regi- 
ment, Wisconsin Volunteers, and went south 
and joined the regiment. He served until the 
close of the war, and was discharged in June, 
1865. In the fall of the same year, he sold his 
farm in Bloom town and removed to Rock- 
bridge, where he purchased a farm on section 
21, town 11, range 1 cast. Here the family 
lived in the pioneer log cabin until 1881, when 
he built his present comfortable frame resi- 
dence. Mr. and Mrs. Staytou are the parents 
of eleven children, ten of whom are living — 
Margaret A., Pliebe J., James H., Robert T., 
ElizabL'th A., David S., Carson R., George M., 
Lilly M., Isaac E. and William A. Margaret 
married J. W. Cook, and is living in the town 
of Rockbridge. Phebe married D. W. Hutchi- 
son, a resident of Berrien Co , Mich., and Robert 
is married and living in Day Co., Dak. David 
died May 10, 1861. 

Stephen W. Chesemore, (deceased) an early 
settler of Rockbridge, was born in Rhode 
Island, May 10, 1799. When he was but ten 
years ol<l his parents removed to Vermont, and 
became ]iioneers in Orleans county. His father 
purchased wild land in what is now the town of 



I 



Troy, cleared a farm and made this his home 
until the time of his death. The subject of 
this sketch was here brought up, and married 
Betsy Colburn, who was born in Rhode Island. 
Her parents were early settlers in the town of 
Glover, Orleans county. Twelve children 
blessed this union. They lived in Orleans 
county until 1854, then came to Wisconsin and 
located in Johnstown, Rock county. That 
same year he came to Rockbridge and purchased 
the south half of the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 9. In 1856 he commenced to make im- 
provements and built a house, into which, in 
January, 1857, he moved his family. Here he 
made his home until the time of his death, 
which occurred Sept. 4, 1877. His widow died 
in April, 1881. His son, Newton, was born in 
the town of Troy, Orleans Co., Vt., April 5, 
18.36. He was brought up on the farm, receiv- 
ing his education in the common schools. He 
came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1854, 
and to Rockbridge with them in 1857, where lie 
remained a few months, then went back to 
Rock county, remained until 1859, then came 
back to Rockbridge. He enlisted in August, 
1802, in the 25th VVisconsin, company B, and 
went to Fort Snelling, spent a few months in 
Minnesota, then went south and was with Sher- 
man on his grand march to the sea, through tlie 
Carolinas, and thence to Washington, partici- 
pating in many of the important battles of 
that remarkable campaign. lie was discharged 
with the regiment in June, 1805, and returned 
to Rockbridge. He then purchased the south 
one-half of the southwest quarter of section 10, 
and commenced clearing his present farm. He 
was married in 1866 to Mary Fogo, widow of 
John Tippin. They have two children —Genie 
F. and John Stephen Wheeler. His son, Digh- 
ton was also born in the town of Troy, Oi-leans 
Co., Vt., in December, 1837. He came to Wis- 
consin with his parents in 1854, and that year 
he visited Richland county, made a short slay, 
and returned to Rock county. In the fall of 
1S55 he went into the pineries and spent the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1240 



winter lumbering. The foUmviiig suninier lie 
was employed rafting ilown the river and also 
each succeeding siininier until isoi, when he 
enlisted in the lltli Wisconsin, company D, and 
went south. Among the many battles in which 
he participated, are mentioned the following : 
Siege of Vicksburg, Cotton Plantation, Jackson, 
Mobile, Fort Blakely and Montgomery. Here- 
enlisted in 1SC4, and served until after the 
close of the war, and was discharged in Sep- 
tember, 18C5, then came to Rockbridge. lie 
was married in 1S68 to Delia Huzeltine. Me 
first purchased land on section 4, town of Rock- 
bridge, cleared a small portion of it, and traded 
it for land on sections 4 and 5, where he cleared 
a farm and made his home until 1881. His 
wife died the 9th of September of that year, 
leaving three children — Lee, Guly and Pearl. 
He has rented his farm and now makes his 
luinie in Rockbridge. 

Moses B. West, one of the pioneers of Rich- 
land county, is a native of the Empire Stale, 
born at Deerticid Corners, Oneida county, in 
1S14. \\'licii lie was but <ine year old, his ])ar- 
ents moved to 'Aayiie county, where they were 
early settlers. His father was a land s|iccul:i- 
toi- and purchased a large tract of land aixl 
coiiuueiiced to improve several farms. Here 
the subject of our sketch made his home with 
his parents until twelve years of age, then en- 
gaged nn the Erie Canal as (!a!)in boy, and 
worked in this capacity until eighteen years of 
age, tlieii took charge of a boat, and was thus 
employed until 1^^')4, w-heii he started west to 
seek a home. Coming to Richland county, he 
purchased 160 acres of land on section 21, and 
commenced clearing a farm. He first built a 
log house, but in 18s:t erected the frame house 
in which he iu)w lives. He has engaged in 
raising stock and horses. He is a lover ol Hue 
horses and always keeps a good team. He was 
married in 1840 to Nancy T.idder. Tliey have 
eight chil.lren living,— Drlpliiua, Ada, Emma, 
Moses, Augusta, Florenec, Sarah and Ruth. 



Morris Freeman (deceased), an early settler 
of the town of Rockbridge, was born in Herki- 
mer Co., N. Y., in December, 180.3. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Mary Snell, was also a 
native of the same county. In 1S4C they emi- 
grated to Wisconsin and settled in Waukesha 
county, remaining there until 185.5, when they 
came to Richland county and located in the 
town of Rockbridge, as before stated. He livetl 
on a farm but a few years, when he moved t<> 
the village, where he remained until his death, 
which occurred Jan. 29, 1879. Mrs. Freeman 
died March 4, 1883. They were the parents of 
thirteen children, seven of whom are now living 
— Hiram, Gaylord, Elizabeth, now the wife o( 
C. H. Smith; Marietta, now tlie wife of I). G. 
Pease; Charlotte, now the wife of E. P. Austin; 
Norman and Levi B. 

Angus Smith, son of Alexander and Eliza- 
beth (McDonald) Smith, was born in Yellow 
Creek township, Columbiana Co., Ohio, on Sej)t. 
2, 1832. His younger days were spent in school 
and on a farm. In 185.5 he paid a visit to Rich- 
land county, in company with his uncle, Daniel 
McDonald. He remained but a short time, and 
started on his return, going to Highland, thirty 
miles distant, on foot. He traveled from there 
lo Warren, III., by stage, and the remainder of 
the journey by rail. He was married Jan. 3, 
1856, to Matilda Hart, also a native of Colum- 
biana county, and in 1859 starteil with his fam- 
ily for Richland county. His family then con- 
sisted of his wife and two children, liis motlier 
and sister. He purchased his present farm on 
section 19, town of Rockbridge. It contained 
140 acres, the greater part of wliich was limbered. 
He has since purchased adjoining land, and now 
has 230 acres, 130 of which are cleared. He 
has i)aid considerable attention to the raising 
of sheep, of which he has a large flock, also to 
the raising of tine grades of horses and horned 
cattle. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are tiie parents of 
five children— Lydia Ann, John A., Elizabeth 
Alice, who died al the age of four, Maggie and 
Phila. Mr. Smith's parents were natives of 



1250 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



Scotland, and came to America in 1806. They 
were early settlers in Columbiana Co., Ohio, 
where his father bought land and cleared a 
farm, making it his home till the time of his 
death, in 1853. His mother is still living at the 
home of her daughter, in the town of Marshall. 

Daniel McDonald, one of the pioneers of 
Rockbridge, was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, 
in 1813. He is of Scotch descent, his parents 
having both been born in Scotland. They emi- 
grated to America in 1806 and settled in Colum- 
biana county, where they lived until the time of 
their death. The subject of this sketch was 
reared to .agricultural pursuits, receiving his 
education in the pioneer schools of his native 
county, where he remained until 1855, when he 
came to Richland county, as before stated. He 
had previously, in 1852, visited this county, and 
entered land on section 19, town ^\, range 1 
east, now known as the town of Rockbridge, 
and had employed one of the settlers to build a 
log house for him. His aunt and sister pre- 
ceded him on the way, having come by cars 
and stage, and were at the log cabin to give 
him welcome. He immediately commenced to 
cut a farm out of the heavy timber, an under- 
taking of considerable magnitude a)id requiring 
energy and perseverance. His farm now con- 
tains 203 acres, one-half of which is cleared. 
At first he made a specialty of raising grain, in 
a few years added a sheep husbandry, and now 
raises horses and cattle. His aunt died in 1861, 
and his sister in 1868. He is a bachelor, has a 
good frame house and comfortable home. 

Budington Kinyon,one of the pioneers of 
Rockbridge, was born in the town of Richmond, 
Washington Co., R. I., Aug. 19, 1800. He 
made his home with his parents until twenty 
years old, when he went to Connecticut and en- 
gaged in farming, stone-cutting and mason work 
in New London county until 1832, when he went 
to Illinois and purchased prairie and timber 
land in Edwards county, where he improved a 
farm, which lie sold in 1855. The 1st day of 
May of that year, in company with his family. 



he started with a team for Wisconsin. On the 
3d of June he arrived in Iowa county and re- 
mained until August, then came to Richland 
county. He purchased the northwest of the 
southwest of section 6, town of Rockbridge, 
built a log house and cleared a part of the land, 
living there two years, when he bought his pres- 
ent farm — the south half of the southeast, and 
the southeast of the southwest of section 6. 
He has been twice married. The first time, to 
Mary Ann Price, in 1826, who was born in Long 
Island, York State. They had six children, two 
of whom are now living — Mercy and James. 
She died in 1840. His second wife was Eliza 
Morrell, a native of the State of Maine. 'I'hey 
iiad ten children, four now living — George, Jede- 
diah, Elmond and Budington K. She died July 
11, 1875. Mr. Kinyon, now in his eighty fourth 
year, is a hale, hearty man, with strong 7nind 
and good memory, a remarkable person for his 
age. His son, George, with whom he now 
makes his home, was born in Ed*ards Co., 111., 
March 9, 1846; came to Wisconsin with his 
parents and made his home with them until 
twenty-one years old, meanwhile attending the 
pioneer schools and assisting his father in clear- 
ing a farm. He was joined in marriage with 
Alberta Braithwaite Sept. 12, 18T4. She was 
born in Richmond Co , Va. They have four 
children — Clara Delle, Charles E., Lottie L. and 
Martha Eliza. In 1877 he settled on the old 
homestead. 

Herman T. Hamilton, son of an early sett'er 
of Richland county, was born in the town of 
Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y., March 22, 
1828. His younger days were spent in school 
and upon the farm. He came to Richland Co., 
Wis., in the summer of 1855, settled in Rich- 
land Center, bought four lots and built a house. 
In 1855-6-7, he was engaged in teaming from 
Madison and Galena to Richland Center, then 
the nearest railroa<l station. In 185V) he bought 
land on section 29, town of Richlaiid, where he 
resided three years. He then sold and returned 
to Richland Center, where he remained one year. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



J251 



In 1865 he bouglit the west half of the north- 
west quarter of section 13, town of Rockbridge, 
and engaged in farming. In 1872 hi.s house 
with all its contents was consumed by fire. lie 
then removed to his present farm, the east half 
of the same quarter. He has since cleared 
about twenty acres of the land, and built the 
liouse in which he now resides. Mr. Hamilton 
was married in 1852 to Mary .J. Kimball, a na- 
tive of Onondaga Co., N. Y. She died at 
Richland Center in April, 1856, leaving one 
child — Wilfred. He was again married in 1858 
to Marian Kinney, dauglitor of Thomas Kinney 
and early settler of Richland comity, who came 
to Richland Center with her father's family in 
February, 1855. In the summer of 1850, she 
taught one of the first schools in the town of 
Henrietta, receiving six dollars a njontli and 
"boarding around." She was born in Sidney 
Co., Nova Scotia, Feb. 21, 1838, and has four 
children — Jennie May, Oicutt S., Edward R. 
and Essie Bell. 

O. S. Welton, one of the early settlers of 
Richland county, is a native of the State of 
New York, born Aug. ID, 1821. When he was 
eight years old his |>arents moved to Medina 
Co., Ohio, remained there eight years, then 
moved west and settled in Fulton Co., Iiid., 
when he was nineteen years old. He afterward 
went back to Ohio and learned the trade of car- 
penter and joiner and followed the same in In- 
diana until 1855, when he came to Richland 
county and located at Richland Center, where 
lie worked at his trade until 1858, when he went 
to Henrietta and purchased land on section 17. 
He cleared a pnrt of this land and lived here 
three years, when he traded for land on the 
northeast quarter of section 22, town of Rock- 
bridge and moved there. He enlisted in De- 
cember, 1861, in the 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, 
company F, and went south. He re-enlisted in 
1864 and served until the close of the war. 
After his return he sold the farm in Rockbridge, 
and went again to Henrietta and bought a farm 
on section 20, where he lived for about ten 



years, then sold out and purchased his present 
place on the southeast quarter of section 22, 
town of Rockbridge. Since that time he has 
engaged principally in farming, occasionally 
working at his trade. He has a good farm con- 
taining 114 acres. In 1882 he built the frame 
house in which he now lives. He was married 
in 1858 to Caroline, daughter of Thomas and 
Elizabeth (Stevens) Kinney. They have had si.\ 
children — Eliza, Alvin, William, Ada, Clara and 
Millard. 

Richard Wade Hampton, one of the ]iioneers 
(if Richland county, was Vjorn in Richmond, Va., 
April 24, 1807. When he was a young man he 
learned the carpenter's trade. He was married 
in 1829 to Sarah Smith who was born in Gooch- 
land Co., Va., Dec. 26, 1800. They lived in 
Richmond until 18:?2, then when the cholera 
raged they fled the city, and went to Fluvanna 
county where he engaged in farming until 1849, 
then moved to Lewis Co., W. Va., and tliere 
worked at his trade until 1856, when he came to 
Richland county and settled in town 11, range 
1 west, bought land on section 24 and lived here 
until the time of his death which occurred Nov. 
18, 1862. His widow died in March, 1880, while 
on a visit to her daughter in Missouri. They 
had seven children, three of whom are now 
living — Elizabeth, now the wife of Samuel 
Schoonover, lives in Rockbridge; Sarah Ann, 
now the wife of Thomas Schoonover, now lives 
in Missouri; and Wade R., the only son, who 
was born in Fluvanna Co., Va., Feb. 24, 1837. 
He came to Wisconsin with his parents and 
made his home with his mother until 1865, when 
he purch.ased a tract of timber land on section 
30, town of Rockbridge anil commencetl clearing 
a farm. He now lias 183 acres of land, eighty- 
five of which is in a good state of cultivation. 
He was married in 1859 to Sarah Collins, who 
was born in Gilmore Co., W. Va. They have 
eight children — John, Richard, Nancy E., Al- 
varetta.William, James, George W. and .Mary A. 

Isaac Johnson, Sr., (deceased) a pioneer of 
Richland county, was born in Virginia, June 9, 



1252 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



1800. While he was quite young, his father 
died and he was apprenticed to a miller to 
learn the trade. At the age of twenty-one, he 
went to Fredericksburg, where he was employed 
in a rioiuing mill. In 1830 he was married to 
Elizabeth Calhoun, a second eou.sin of John C. 
Calhoun. She was born in CUilpepper Co., Va., 
Feb. 19, 1810. They remained in Culpepper 
county where he was engaged in running a Hour 
mill on the Rappahannock river, nine years. 
They then went to Ohio and settled in Logan 
County, where he bought a farm, and lived till 
1856, then came to Wisconsin and settled on 
section .32, of the town of Rockbridge. lie pur- 
cliased timber land which lie cleared ami made 
his home till the time of his death, July 1.5, 
1873. Mr. and Mrs Johnson had thirteen chil- 
dren born to them, ten of whom lived to attain 
their majority — Robert Calhoun, Mary, Wil- 
liam, Martha, Enoch, Ann, Isa.ac, Ilattie, Cleve- 
land and Willis H. Their son William was 
born July 23, 1835, and came to Wisconsin with 
his parents. He enlisted in the 11th Wisconsin, 
company D, on Jan. 4, 1864, and went to the 
front. He died in Brazee City, La., in Sep- 
tember, 1864. He had been married but two 
weeks when he enlisted. His widow is mar- 
ried and lives in Iowa. Enoch was born Aug. 
5,1840. He enlisted in 1864 in the 6th Wis- 
consin, company B, and died at Iluntsville, Ala., 
in June, 1864. His widow now lives at Red- 
wing, Minn. Isaac was born Oct. 2, 1845, and 
was reared to .agricultural pursuits, receiving 
his education in tlie district school. He was 
married in 187.5 to Ida, daughter of .lohn C. and 
ILarriet (Stockwell) Davis. They have four 
children — Martha, William C, Harry and Isaac. 
He now occupies the homestead with his mother. 
John S. Scott, one of the pioneers of Rock- 
bridge, was born in Erie Co., Penn., July 5, 
1806. When he was but one day old liis father 
died, having been accidentallj' killed. When 
lie was three vears old his mother died. He 
tiien went to make his home with an uncle 
named John Shaddock, in Erie countv. Here 



lie was well cared for and given an opportunity 
to obtain an education. When he was but 
fifteen years old he went to New York State 
and worked on the Erie canal, at Lockport, 
one summer. He then returned home and 
labored at farming for two years; then went 
east, labored and taught school one year in 
Herkimei' Co., N. Y., then visited Philadelphia 
and other places and tauglit school in North- 
ampton Co., Penn., and acted as book-keeper 
for a contractor on the IVIauch Cliunk & Schuyl- 
kill Railroad Company for over one year. 
After an absence of five years he returned 
home and engaged in the mercantile trade in 
Erie county, in company with his cousin, two 
years, then went to Erie City and clerked two 
vears. He then engaged in an iron foundry as 
book-keeper and general manager until 1843, 
when he came to Wisconsin and visited differ- 
ent parts of the State. In the spring of 1844 
he went to Walworth county and puichased 
land in the town of Iliidsun, where he built a 
house, ini[)roved a farm, and lived until 1848, 
when he sold out and removed to Dane county, 
purchased land in the town of Oregon, and im- 
proved another farm. In 1854 he sold out 
there and came to Richland county, prospect- 
ing as before stated. He has been twice mar- 
ried. His first wife was Ann Whitmore, and 
they were married in J 848. She was born in 
New York State, and died in Rockbridge, in 
December, 1860. His second wife, to whom 
he was married Jan. 1, 1862, was Martha 
Thompson, who was born in Bakersfield, Frank- 
lin Co., Vt. They had one child— Ida May. A 
young lad named George Handy has made his 
home with them since six years old. 

Edward Murphy came to Rockbridge in 1856. 
Being an unmarried man at the time he did not 
immediately settle, but engaged to operate a 
steam saw-mill, on section 29. In 1 858 he went 
to Iowa and spent a few months in Allamakee 
and VV^inneshiek counties, then returned to 
Richland. In 1864 he went to Colorado and 
engaged in mining at Pike's Peak, sevftnty-two 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1253 



days. He spent two years in tlie territory 
prospecting ami niillini,', tlu'ii returned and 
went to West Virginia, where he remained one 
and a lialf years. At the end of that time he 
catne back to Ricliland county and purchased 
forty acres of land on section Si. After com- 
pleting a log house with a shake roof, he com- 
menced to clear the land. He has, since that 
time, bought other laud and now has 200 acres, 
sixty of which are cleared. He has a large 
frame house and barn. Mr. Murphy is a n.itive 
of Frederick Co., Md., born Feb. 2(j, 18.37. 
Wiiile lie was very young his pai'ents moved to 
West Virginia and settled in Lewis county, 
where he grew to manhood, obtaining his edu- 
cation in a subscription school, and living there 
till 1856. He was married in 1859 to Cynthia, 
daughter of Peter and Sarah (Oswalt) Wag- 
goner. Ten children have been born to them — 
James William, Jose])h Warren, Mary A., 
Margaret, Alice, Robert, Cora, Eldora, Lewis 
and Simon. Mr. Murphy is well known 
throughout the county and has served as a 
member of the county board. 

Jacob Anderson, one of the early settlers of 
Richland county, was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, 
Feb. 1, 1822. Wiien he was eighteen years old 
his parents moved to Indiana and settled in 
Allen county, where they purchased timber land, 
cleared a farm of 120 acres, and his father died. 
The subject of this sketch assisted his father in 
clearing this farm, and made his home there 
until 1853. On the 1st day of September, that 
year, he was married to Elizabeth M. Kever, 
who was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Nov. 21, 
1825. They remained in Allen county until 
185P, then came to Richland county, bought a 
house and lot in Ricliland Center, and lived 
there until the spring of 1857, when he engaged 
in farming on rented land in the town of Ithaca. 
In 1850 he purchased timber land on section 36, 
town of Rockbridge, but did not settle on it 
until 1866, until which time he was in the em- 
ploy of William Bowen. In 1866 he erected a 
good log house and commenced clearing his 



present farm. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the 
parents of four children — Hugh Wiley, Ma- 
tilda C, Cyrus Newton and John M. Mr. An- 
derson has been a member of the town board, 
clerk of school district, and served a number of 
terms as school director. 

Enoch Gray, one of the early settlers of Rich- 
land county, is a native of Maine, born in Wal- 
do county, June 2, 1835. He received a com- 
mon school education. When young he learned 
the cooper's trade. In 1856 he started west to 
seek a home, came to Richland county and 
rented land in Ithaca and commenced farming. 
In 1858 he took a pre-emption on section .'55, 
town of Ithaca, but sold without making any 
improvements, and again rented land. He en- 
listed in August, 1862, in the 25th Wisconsin, 
company B, and went south. He served eleven 
months, and was then discharged on account of 
disability and returned home. He again en- 
listed in September, 1864, in the 4:5d Wisconsin, 
company F, and returned south. Among the 
more important engagements in wliich he jiar- 
ticipatcd were the battles of Johnsonvilie and 
Nashville, Tenn. He served with the regiment 
until the close of the war, and was discharged 
with them in June, 1865. While he was in the 
army his family settled on section 25, town of 
Rockbridge, where he had bought forty acres 
of land previous to his enlistment. Since his 
return from the army this has been his home. 
He has since purchased other land, and his farm 
now contains eighty acres. He was married in 
March, 1856, to Ruth Spaulding, also a native 
of Waldo county. Tiiey have nine children- 
John, Charles, Eben, Enocli, Steven, Frank, 
Burt, Lillian and Melvin. 

Silas L. Carjieiiter, son of Halsey and Sarah 
(Vannetter) Carpenter, was born in Chautauqua 
Co., N. Y., April 8, 1835*. He made his home 
with his parents in York State and the eastern 
part of Wisconsin, and came to Rockbridge 
with them in 1856. He was then but seventeen 
years old and started out for himself, .ind by 
energy, industry and i^oiiomy has secured a 



1254 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND C OUNTY. 



good home. lie first went to Lone Rock and 
engaged in farming. Ife was married to Clar- 
issa E., daiiglitev of Steplien and Sarah (Glazier) 
Sinit!i. She was born in Windliatn Co., Vt. 
They spent the winter in Rockljridge. In tlie 
fall of I8G4 he enlisted in the 16th Wisconsin, 
company II, went south and joined the regi- 
ment at Marietta, was with Sherman on his 
march to the sea and through tlie Carolinas to 
Washington, where he was discharged witli the 
regiment in June, 1805. In tlie fall he bought 
land on section 10, town of Rockbridge, joining 
the village plat. lie buili a log house, in which 
he livt^l until 1861), when he erected the frame 
Iiouse in which he now lives. His farm con- 
tains seventy acres, si.xty of which are cleared 
and in a good state of cultivation. His wife 
died Sept. 29, ISTO, leaving si.x chihlren — Leroy, 
Alice, Fred, Elma, Nellie and Edith. His sec- 
ond wife, to whom lie was married March 29, 
1880, was Delia, daughter of Tilas and Hannah 
(McCann) Knapp, early settlers of Marshall. 

Albert J. Straight (deceased), an early settler 
of Richland Center, was born in Dover town, 
Athens Co., Ohio, in 1829. He was the son of 
lienjamin Straight, who was born in Dutchess 
Co., N. Y., in 1797, and moved to Athens county 
in 1816, and in ;856 came to Richland Center, 
where he died, Oct. 27, 1874. His widow still 
lives there. Albert, the subject of this sketch, 
also came to Richland Center in 18.")6. He was 
married in 1867 to Mary, daughter of Daniel 
and Maria (Bristol) .Mosher, and settled on his 
farm on section -32, town of Rockbridge, which 
was his home until the time of his death, Dec. 
31, 1872. He left a widow and three children — 
Victor, Edward and Flavius. Mrs. Straight now 
carries on the farm, which is one of the best in 
the town, and is in a good state of cultivation. 
She has a good frame house and a large frame 
barn. 

William Francis was an early settler of the 
town of Sylvan, coming there in 1856. He 
bought 280 acres of land on section 9, cleared 
about thirty acres, and lived there until 1860, 



when he sold out and purchased his present 
farm, which contains 167 i acres, a ])art being 
in the town of Rockbridge, and a part extend- 
ing over the line into Marshall. He has 145 
acres of cleared land, making one of the best 
farms in the county. In 1883 he built a large 
frame Iiouse. He is a native of York State; 
was born in Essex county April 24, 1826. When 
ho was tive years old his parents moved to Erie 
Co., Penn. His father purchased timber land 
in the town of Girai-d, cleared a farm and made 
this his home until the time of his death. The 
subject of this sketch made his home with his 
parents until eighteen years old. He was mar 
ried the August following to ^[ary Thom]ison, 
who was boin in Swansey, N. II. He then lo- 
cated in Fairvievv, Erie county, and engaged to 
learn the shoemaker's trade, which having ac- 
complished he went to liockport, Erie county, 
opened a sho]) and carried on the shoe business 
until 1855, when he moved to Wisconsin, lived 
in Dane county and worked at his trade in the 
town of Rutland until 1856. Mr. and Mrs. 
Francis have had eleven children, ten of whom 
are now living — Orren, Saloma, Salin.i, William 
Rush, Alice, Ida, Evaline. Charles, Calvin and 
Prudence. One child, naineil Millie, died in 
infancy. 

Abraham Anderson was born in Carroll coun- 
ty Nov. 24, 1828, and was thirteen years old 
when his parents moved to Allen Co., Ind. In 
1854 he was joined in marriage with Rebecca 
Blythe, who was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, 
Feb. 9, 1836. They remained in Allen county 
until 1856, and then came to Richland county. 
They have had thirteen children, eleven of 
whom are now living — Jane, David G., Henry, 
Lina E., Ellen, Carrie, Mary F., Amanda, Eliza 
R., Charlotte and George E. 

David Anderson, in 1856, with three brothers 
named Jacob, Abraham and William, natives of 
Ohio, came to Richland county from Allen Co., 
Ind., starting from there with five horse teams 
and driving twenty-six head of cattle. They 
were twenty-six days on the road, and arrived in 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1255 



Ricliland Center October 18. David was born 
in Carroll Co., Ohio, Aug. 21, 18:i4, and was six 
years old when his parents moved to Indiana; 
here he grew to manhood, making his home 
with tiu'tn until Is.'jG, when he came to Wiscon- 
sin, lie was a single man at that lime and made 
his home with his brothers UTitil 1800, whiin he 
went to Colorado and engaged in mining and 
farming, lemaining until the tall of ls(i4, when 
he returned east and siKMilthe winter visiting in 
Indiana, Ohio and Richland county. In the 
spring of 1865 he settled in t hampaign Co., III., 
and rented land until 1800, wiien he m:ide a pur- 
chase and settled tliereon. lie was married in 
18{)7 to Jennie Blaker, who was born in Logan 
Co., Ind. 'I'liey had five children —Annie, Helle, 
Wiiliain, Mary L. and Charles. He remained 
in (Champaign county until 1880, when he sold 
his farm there and returned to Richland county 
and |>uichased a farm of 160 acres on sections 17 
ami 20, town of Rockbridge, where he now lives, 
engaged in raising stock and grain. 

Richard Pratt, one of the early settlers of 
Rockbridge, was born in the city of Albany, N. 
Y., in November, 1815, where he lived until fif- 
teen years of age, then went to Kalamazoo, 
Mich., and subsequently came to Wisconsin, lo- 
cating in Iowa county, in November, 1837, where 
he was one of the early siitllers. He was married 
there, in 1848, to Sarah Cray, wlio was born in 
Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio. '1 hey remained 
in Iowa county until 1856, then came to Rich- 
land county and piircliased timber land on sec- 
tions 5 and 6, town of Rockbridge, making his 
way here with horse and ox teams. He first 
erected a log house and commenced to clear a 
farm. That same year he purchased a saw mill 
and engaged in the lumber business. This was 
during the hardest times ever experienced in 
this county. People who wanted lumber were 
not in circumstances to buy, and the enterprise 
proved a failure. Then he again gave his at- 
tention to farming, cleared a good place, Iniilta 
good frame hoUNe and made il lii.s home until 
the time of his deutli, which occurred mi March, 



1880, leaving a widow and two sons. The eld- 
est son, James T., lives in the town of Ileniielta. 
He was married in 1873 to Emma, daughter of 
Thomas C. Clark. His farm is located on sec- 
tion 31, in sight of the «)ld homestead. The 
younger son, George IJenjamin, occupies the old 
homestead with his mother. 

Daniel Snow, son of Horatio and Sarah (Cole) 
Snow, an early settler of Rockbridge, was born 
in Jefferson Co., N. Y., July 18, 1834. When he 
was but eight year.< old, his parents emigiated 
west and settled in Dodge Co., Wis., where they 
were among the pioneers. His father purchased 
land in what is now the town of Kmmet, im- 
proved a farm and made this his home, until the 
time of his death. Hi-) vviilow is a resident of 
Watertown, Jefferson i'o., Wis. The subject of 
our sketch here grew to manliooil, receiving his 
education in the public scho(ds. In December, 
1857, in company with his brother, James, he 
started with an ox team for Richland county. 
After eight days of travel, they arriveilat Rock- 
bridge and entered land on section 1, of that 
town. Tliey were both single men at this time 
and kejit "old batch," in a log house with a 
"shake" roof, which they erected on the south- 
east of section I, until 1851). That year, on the 
4th of September, Daniel was married to Annie, 
daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Robinson) 
Simpson, early settlers of Henrietta. They have 
six children — William, Victor, Paul, Vira, Scott 
and Frank. He now owns 165 acres of land, 
about thirty of which is cleared. He has taken 
pains to preserve his best timber, and now has 
some of the most valuable land in this section 
of the country. 

John Clarson first came to Rockbridge in 
1858 and ])urchased land on section 14. Atlliat 
time he was without a family and boarded witli 
Hiram Austin a few months. In November of 
tliat year he went to England and there was 
married to Anna Cook. In February, 1859, he 
returned with his wife to tlieir new home where 
he has cleared quite a tract of laml, built 
a comfortable log house, and yet remains. He 



1256 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



was born in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England, 
Dec. 0, 1836. When sixteen years old he en- 
tered the employ of a draper and learned that 
trade, which in this country would be called the 
dry goods trade. He served until twenty-one 
years old and then came to America. He landed 
in New York and immediately came to Wiscon- 
sin, spent a few months in Waukesha county 
and then came to Richland as before stated. 
Mrs. Clarson was born in Weitheystaky, Staf- 
fordshire, England, Jan. 17, 1839, and died in 
Rockbridge, Richland Co., Oct. 27, 1876, leav- 
ing five children — John Sidney, Robert Henry, 
Annie May, John and Charles Arthur. 

Charles Stuart settled in the town of Rock- 
bridge ill the fall of 1859. He purchased tim- 
ber land on section 17, built a neat hewed log 
house, cleared a farm and here made his home 
until the time of his death which occurred Oct. 
31, 1877. lie was a native of Scotland, born in 
Aberdeenshire, Aug. 5, 1820, and was brought 
up on a farm. He was joined in marriage in 
1847 with Mary Brown, also a native of Aber- 
deenshire and emigrated to America in 1854. 
They had two children — Maggie and Mary. 
Mrs. Stuart and her two daughters now occupy 
the homestead. 

William Wiley was a pioneer at Milwaukee, 
having settled there as early as 1835. At that 
time Milwaukee was but a small settlement, and 
people traveled from there to Chicago on foot, 
carrying their provisions on their backs. He 
remained there until 1859, when he came to 
Richland county and purchased land on section 
20, of the town of Rockbridge, and commenced 
to clear a farm. He was joined in marriage, in 
1862, to Mary, daughter of Israel and Elizabeth 
(Miller) Janney. They lived in a log house 
until 1S71 when he built the good frame house 
in which they now live. He has engaged in 
raising slock and grain, keeps a dairy and has 
paid considerable attention to fruit growing. 
He is also a great lover of flowers and has more 
than 800 varieties of garden and house plants, 
all of which show the care of a skilled florist. 



Peter Waggoner, one of the early settlers 
of Richland county, was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, born in Adams county, March 4, 1795. 
When he was twenty-one years of age he emi- 
grated to Ohio and settled in Stark county, 
where he was an early settler. He was married 
thereto Sarah Oswalt. In 1835 he moved to 
West Virginia and lived there until 1851, when 
he returned to Ohio and lived there until 1854, 
then came to Richland county and settled in 
the town of Rockbridge, and purchased land 
on section 32. He improved a farm and 
made his home here until 1871. His wile 
died in July of that year. His latter days he 
spent with his son, Peter W., and died at his 
home Jan. 16, 1883. He was a man with a 
strong will and an iron constitution and retained 
his faculties in a remarkable degree until the 
time of his death. He left five children — 
Michael, Henry, Peter W., Elizabeth, now the 
wife of Henry Lint; and Cynthia, now the wife 
of Edward Murphy. His son, Peter W., was 
born in Stark Co., Ohio, May 13, 1833. He 
always. made his home with his parents, never 
having been separated from them until the time 
of their death. He was married in 1871 to 
Harriet Warren, also a native of Ohio. They 
have three children — Minnie May, Cynthia 
and Mary Ann. His farm is on section 32. 

Alexander Chisholm, (deceased) settled in 
Rockbridge in 1864. He purchased land on 
Fancy creek, on sections 19 and 30, in the town 
of Rreckbridge, and adjoining land on sections 
24 and 25 in the town of Marshall. He built a 
frame house on section 19, and unfortunately, 
located it too near the creek, so that when the 
water was high it was surrounded, and the fam- 
ily were obliged to leave in a boat. The house 
was moved to its present location on higlier 
ground. Mr. Chisholm cleared a large tract of 
land and made this his home until the time of 
his death, Sept. 8, 1870. He was a native of 
Columbiana Co., Ohio, born in January, 1827. 
When a young man he learned the trade of 
stone mason, at which he worked some years. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1 257 



He was marrii'd in May, 1850, to jNIarjory Mc- 
Bane, who was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, 
Aug. 14, 1835. Two chihlren blessed ihis 
nnion — Daniel Alexander and Elizabeth .len- 
iiett. Mrs. Chisholm and the children now live 
at the homestead. 

P. M. Clark, the first postmaster of Buck 
Creek postoilice, wa.s born in Lewis Co., N. Y., 
April 5, 1819. Wlien he was Kfteen years old 
he went to Canada and there learned I lie car- 
penter trade; remained a few years, returned to 
York Slate where he worked at his trade until 
1844, when he returned to Canada. He was 
married there in 1846 to Ann Kinney, who was 
liorn in Sidney Co., Nova Scotia, Aug. 3, 1829. 
'I'liey remained in Canada until 18(i3, tiien 
moved to Tiockport, N. Y., where lie en- 
gaged in his trade until 1865, when he came to 
Richland Center. There his liealth failed him, 
and in the spring of 1878, he moved to the town 
of Ithaca, where he died July 5 of that year. 
He left a widow and nine children to mourn his 
loss. The children are — Charles T., George M., 
Sarah M., Albert, James Victor, Haltie M., Lil- 
lian, Knima F. and Minnie. In the fall of 1878 
Mrs. Clark with the family returned to llicli- 
laud Center and lived until 1881, when they re- 
turned to Rockbridge, settled on section 22, and 
opened a store where she now keeps a good as- 
sortment of articles in general use. She is 
postmistress of IJuek Creek postoffice. 

Samuel Hendricks settled in Richland county 
in 1805. He first purchased eighty acres of 
timber laud in the town of Henrietta on section 
31, tile greater part of which he cleared and 
fenced In 1809 he sold this farm and pur- 
chased 120 acres on section 21, town of Rock- 
bridge, where he moved and commenced clear- 
ing a farm. He has since purchased adjoining 
land and now has 210 acres, 118 of which is 
cleared. Here he has built a house, barn and 
granary, and is engaged in raising stock and 
grain. He was born in Westmoreland Co., 
I'enn., Feb. 19, 1820. When he was three 
years old his parents moved to Ohio and settled 



in Columbiana county, where his father ])ur- 
chased timber hind and cieai'ed a farm. Here 
his mother died soon after making seltlement, 
and his fatlier married again. \Vhcn he was 
nine years old his father sold out here aiul 
moved to Michigan, settling in Kalamazoo 
county, where he was among the first settlers. 
When seventeen years old his father died, and 
he was obliged to look out for himself, and re- 
turned to Ohio where an uncle was living. The 
following winter he attended school in New 
Lisbon, and the ne.vt summer engaged in farm- 
ing near Wellsville, attending school tlie next 
winter again. He afterwards learned the shoe- 
makers trade. He was married in 1843toSarali 
IJrande Bey of Columbianacounty. Ht- rented 
land and engaged in farming, and also worked 
at his trade in Ohio until 1840, then went to 
Michigan and purchased an inijn-oved farm of 
forty acres in Kalamazoo county, 'i'wo years 
later he sold this farm and liought 204 acres of 
timber land, and commenced to clear a farm. 
In 1857 he sold out and started for Iowa. He 
located at Iowa City and there engaged in 
teaming, reinaineil until 1^04, when he pur- 
chased some horses and started overland for 
California. lie changed his mind on the way, 
anil went to Viiginia City, Idaho. 'I'here lie 
sold his horses, bought a pair of mules and 
started for home bringing three passengers with 
him. arriving at length after an absence of six 
months. A few weeks later he made an over- 
land tri]) to Leavenworth, Kan., returning to 
Iowa City he remained until the spring of 1865, 
when he came to Richland county. His wife 
(lii'd in 1S57 leaving four children — Janie, Eliza- 
beth, James Madison and James Monroe. His 
second wife, to whom he was married in lH.5i, 
was Levina Ream, also a native of Columbiana 
county. Tlu'V have seven children — Nathan, 
Jacob, Adda, Annie, Samuel, JIary and Lellie. 
Mr. Henderson has been a republican in jxdi- 
lics since the organization of that party. He 
cast his first vote for Harrison for President. 
He is a member of the town board, and has 



1258 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



been prominent in public aflfairs, and is a man 
to be relied upon in administration of aifairs 
public or private. 

E. P. Austin settled in Rockbridge in 1865. 
He is a brother of Hiram Austin, and was born 
in the town of Franklin, Franklin Co.,Vt., Feb. 
28, 1830. His education was obtained at the 
district school, and two terms at the Franklin 
acidemy. In 1852 he came to Wisconsin and 
located in that part of Marquette county, now 
known as Green Lake county, where he worked 
in a saw-mill and at farming until 1855, when 
he commenced driving stage and continued it 
until 1858. He then engaged to travel with a 
circus, which he followed till 1863, when he 
went to Dunleith, where he was employed by 
a transport company, engaged in transferring 
goods across the Mississippi river. He enlisted 
in 1864 in the 10th Illinois Cavalry, and joined 
the army of the southwest in Arkansas, serving 
until the close of the war. He was honorably 
discharged at New Orleans, in June, 1805, and 
returned to Dunleith, remained a short time 
and then came to Rockbridge. He was mar- 
ried in the fall of 1865 to Charlotte, daughter 
of Morris and Mary Freeman, who was a widow 
at this time. Her lirst husband, ^\ ho was Loring 
Davis, had enlisted a few months after mar- 
riage, and died in the service. Mr. and Mrs. 
Austin are the parents of eight children — David 
Grant, Everett, Herbert, Hiram, Lena, Martha, 
Loring and Mary. At the time of their mar- 
riage they settled on the farm formerly oc- 
cupied by Mr. Davis, on section 10. He has 
since bought and horaesteaded other land, and 
his farm now contains 160 acres on sections 10 
and II. The frame house, in which they now 
live, was built in 1869. 

Christopher SclioU settled on his present 
farm in 1866. He purchased timber land on 
section 34 town of Rockbridge. He first built 
a log house and stable of the same material. 
Since that time he has made great improve- 
ments, having cleared quite a tract of land and 
built the neat frame nouse which he now oc- 



cupies. He was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., 
Dec. 25, 1839. When he was eleven years old 
he went to Madison county and lived until his 
eighteenth year when he returned to his home 
in Oneida county and lived two years. Then 
in 1859 he came to Wisconsin and located at 
Whitewater, where he engaged to learn the 
cooper trade. He enlisted in August, 1862, in the 
28th Wisconsin, company D,and went south. His 
health failing he was discharged on account of 
disability in March, 1863, returned to Wisconsin 
and resumed work at his trade in Whitewater 
until 1866, the date of his settlement in Rock- 
bridge. He was married in 1864 to Mary Balch 
a native of New Hampshire. They have three 
children— Hattie B., Emma May and Alice. 

Philij) Shookman settled on his present farm 
in 1867. It is located on section 25. There was 
a log cabin on the place at the time and but a 
small clearing. He has since cleared quite a tract 
of land and built a commodious frame house. 
He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Frank- 
lin Co., Jan. 1, 1834. Here his younger days 
were spent in school and on the farm. In 1847 
he emigrated to Indiana and located in Allen 
county and engaged in farming, living tliere 
until 1867, when he came to Rockbridge as 
before stated. He was joined in marriage in 
1854 to Lydia Youse, a native of Ohio. They 
have four children — William M., Samuel F., 
Marshall E. and Eliza J. 

Col. James Washburn came to Richland coun- 
ty in April, 1868. He there bought timber land 
on section 15, town of Rockbridge. He was 
born in the town of Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. 
Y., Aug. 15, 1821. He received a good educa- 
tion in the public schools in that county. When 
fourteen years old he went to work with his 
father, who was a carpenter, and from him 
learned that trade, which he followed in that 
State until 1853, when he removed to Monroe 
Co., Ohio, and there worked at his trade until 
the breaking out of the "great American con- 
flict," when he enlisted in the 25th Ohio, com- 
pany B, and served as captain until 18&2, when 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1259 



for gallant and meritorious conduct, he was pro- 
moted to the rank of colonel, and took immedi- 
ate command of the 11 6th Ohio Volunteers. 
He was severely wounded at the battle of 
Snicke's Ferry, July 18, 1864, and was at home 
sixty days, when he joined the regiment, but 
was not again able to do active service. (le 
was discharged July 7, 1865, and returned to 
Ohio, where he remained until 1868, when he 
came to Richland county. He has since cleared 
a large tract of laud, erected a good set of 
buildings, and now enjoys all the comforts of an 
eastern home. Pie has taken a lively interest in 
the welfare of his adopted county, and is one of 
its best and most favorably known citizens. He 
has filled offices of trust, having been chairman 
of the board several years. He has also served 
a number of terms on the county board, and 
was a member of the Assembly in 1882. He was 
married in Novemoer, 1845, to Maria Jewett, 
who was born in Deerfield, Franklin Co., Mass. 
They have five children — Florence, Lucy R., 
Murray, Mary and Jewett. 

John G. Sand.s came to Richland county in 
1868, and entered the employ of J. W. Howen, 
remaining with him two and' a half years. In 
1870 he ])urcliascd timber land on section 34, of 
the town of Dayton, cleared twenty-five acres, 
ami lived there till 1881, when he sold, and 
bought his present farm on section .34, town of 
Rockbridge. He is a native of the north of 
Ireland, his family being of the Scotch Presby- 
terian persuasion, and was V)orn in tlie county 
of Antrim, in 1846. He was there brought up 
upon a farm, and obtained a liberal eilucation 
in the public schools. At the age of nineteen 
he left his native land" and came to America; 
landed at New York and went to Ohio, where 
he spent one year in Mahoning and one in Trum- 
bull county, coming from there to Richland 
county in 1868. He waf. married in 1870 to 
MaryA., daughter of Henry and ilatilda (Tan- 
ner) Waggoner. They have six children — Wil- 
liam IF., Frank, Herbert, Julia, Peter and Nona. 

F. M. Stevenson, proprietor of a steam saw- 
mill, was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Jan. 3, 



1830. When he was but an infant, his parents 
moved to Allen county, where he grew to man's 
estate, being reared upon a farm and obtaining 
his education in the district school. At the age 
of si-xteen, he went to work in a saw-mill and 
learned to be a sawyer. In 1847 he was mar- 
ried to Maria Donol, wlio was born in Logan 
county. After marriage he engaged in farming 
in Allen county. In 1859 he went to California 
and spent four years, after which he returned to 
Allen county and remained until 1868, when he 
came to Richland county and worked upon a 
farm in West Lima until 1875. He then moved 
to Woodstock and worked in a saw-mill for a 
time, theu engaged in farming till 1880. In 
that year became to Rockbridge and went into 
the lumber business in which he is still engaged. 
Mrs. Stevenson died in 1855, and he was again 
married in 1804 to Elizabeth Spyker, widow of 
Frederick Uoyd. Two children have blessed 
this union — Delia and Eihvard. Delia died at 
the age of thirteen. Mrs. Stevenson has two 
children by her former husband — Orrin G. and 
Zittic.* Mr. Stevenson has built a large frame 
house and is clearing a farm as he takes oflf the 
lumber. 

II. W. Cate settled in Rockbridge in 1870, 
and purchased land on section 22, a small part 
of which was cleared. He has since cleared 
([uite a tract, built a neat frame house and otiier 
buildings and now has a ])lea8ant iiome. He is 
a native of the Green Mountain State, born in 
Orange county in July, 1833, and was there 
brought up on a dairy farm. When he was 
eighteen years old lie engaged with a carpenter 
and joiner to learn the trade. In is.v4 he came 
west and spent three and one half years in 
Cleveland, Ohio, working at his trade, ami on 
board boats on the lake. He came from there 
to Dane county and purchased land in the town 
of Verona which he improved and wliere he 
lived until 1870 when he came to Rockbridge as 
before stateil. Mr. Cate was married in 1853 
to Violelle Annis, born in Orleans Co., Vt., Jan. 
i 7, 1836. Tlicy have one child — Benjamin Fred- 
I die, born March 5, 1876. 



1260 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXII 



TOWN OF SYLVAN. 



The town of Sylvan lies in ihe western tier 
of Riehlanil ooiiiily's sub-divisions, and em- 
braces the teriilory of eonfj;i-essioiial township 
1 1 north, range 2 west. It is bounded on the 
iioitli by tie town of Forest, on tl\e east by 
Marshall, on the south by Akaii, and on the 
west by Crawford and Vernon counties. Like 
most of the county, the town of Sylvan has a 
pleasing and diversified surface, being made up 
of alternate ridges and valleys, bo;h of which 
are very productive when brouglit under the 
dominion of the plow. The town is well wa- 
tered. Mill creek runs along its eastern border, 
and the west branch of the same alflng the 
southern border. Elk creek rises near the cen- 
ter and traverses half of the town, running in a 
general northwesterly course. These water 
courses, together with the numerous rivulets 
and springs — and some of the latter are quite 
large — furnish an abundant supply of water for 
all farm, dairy and household purposes. Much 
of the town is quite heavily timbered, the prin- 
cipal varieties beiiig white, burr and red oak, 
basswood, ash, maple, both hard and soft, and 
butternut. Of course, like all of Richland 
county, the town of Sylvan at the time of settle- 
ment was an unbioken wilderness, ami the face 
of the earth was covered with the primeval for- 
est of centuries growth; but the a.x; of the hardy 
pioneer soon cleared the place for his farm, and 
the improvements have kept pace with the rap- 
idly increasing population. 

George II. Babb, in a letter in the Obseri'ei; 
says of the natural scenery of the town: 



"There arc in some localities bold rocks ciop- 
ping out from the points of hills, that have pil- 
lars of rock on them that rise to a height of 
twelve or fifteen feet above the level of the hill; 
upon which, if you take your stand, gives you a 
view of the surrounding country, which is de- 
lightfully picturesque. 

"There is a locality known as the big rocks, 
on section 16, which is very singular. The 
ground rises gradually from the north for about 
thirty rods, when it abruptly breaks and forms 
a perpendicular wall of about 100 feet in height, 
then runs to the south in a gentle slope, form- 
ing quite a valley. There are, in the southern 
part of the town, several caves of considerable 
size, one of which' has been ex|>lored to the dis- 
tance of a third of a mile; and all are beauti- 
fully hung with stalactites, and have the floors 
covered with rising stalagmites of all sizes."' 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Early in the spring of 1853 the first att(;m])t 
was made at settlement within the confines of 
this town, by E. B. Tenncy and William ()gden, 
who came from Grant county. Mr. Ogden set- 
tled on tlie south half of the southeast quarter 
of section If, where he still lives. Mr. 'i'enney 
located on the southwest quarter of section 18, 
where he lived until after the war, then went to 
Ka,nsas. 

William Wood, an eastern man, also came in 
18.53, and entered 120 acres of land on section 
30. He remained a resident of the town until 
the time of his death. His widow still occujiies 
the place. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1261 



Lyman Matliews came to Sylvan in ] 853 from 
Kinsman, Ohio, and located on section 27. A 
number of years later he sold iiis place and went 
to Richwood. Later, he removed to Albert 
Lea, Minn., and he now lives in Minneapolis. 

In April, 1854, Silas Benjamin, a native of 
New Hampshire, came, and entered eighty acres 
of land on section 20. lie only remained a few 
years when he removed to Rock county. lie 
now lives in New York State. 

Asahel Savage came during the same year, 
and entered 120 acres of land on section 19, 
where he still resides. 

Mathias Merrill, a native of Ohio, came here 
in 1854, and entered land on section 14, where 
he lived until the time of his death. He was a 
Disciple preacher and held the first services for 
the people of that denomination in the town 

Ills sons', Thomas and William, came at the 
same time, and settled on section 24. They 
lived there for some years. 

Jacob C Cliandler, cime a little later in the 
same year, and entered eighty acres of land on 
sections 19 and 20. Mr. Chandler is now a resi- 
dent of Grant Co., Wis. 

Aaron Shepard came heie from Ohio, in IS'i-lj 
and settled the IGO acres on sections 2 and ;i, 
which he still makes his home. 

John Guess, also came from Ohio, during the 
same year and entered an eighty acre tract of 
land on .sectiori 11. In 1857 he went to (Jliio. 
When the war broke out, he enlisted and ilied 
in the service. 

Isaac White, another pioneer of 1854, came 
from Ohio, and entered eighty acres on section 
24. He lived in the town until his death. 

Harvey Bacon, a Vermonter, came at about 
the same time, and entered eighty acres of land 
on section 19. He lived there a number of years 
and finally removed to Sauk county, where lie 
died. 

Hezekiah Slayback, came from Indiana, with 
his large family, in 18.54, and entered 160 acres 
of land on sections 32 and 33. About 1872, he 
removed to Kansas, and has since died there. 



Jacob Glick came in 1855, and entered eighty 
acres of land on section 33, which is still his 
home. 

Oliver Guess? came in 1854, and entered eighty 
acres of land on section 11, where he still re- 
sides. 

George Aid rich came here from Keene, N. 
II., in 1855, and located on section 29. He was 
a man of fine attainments, and a school teacher; 
and for a number of years was identified with 
educational matters in this vicinity, as a teacher, 
lie remained several years, when he solil nut 
his place and returned to New Hampshire, where 
he is now engaged in the insurance business. 

Joseph McDaniel came here in the fall of 
1855, an^i settled on section 11, where he lived 
until the time of his death. His widow married 
again and is still a resident of the town. 

George Ilillberry, came from the southerti 
part of Ohio, with his large family, in lS5U,aiid 
settled upon a farm a short distance south of 
Sylvan Corner's. He remained there for some 
yiars, and finally removed to the southern j>or- 
lioii of the county, where he died, in 1879. His 
family are still residents of the county. 

George II. Babb came in the spring of 185(!, 
■.ind selected IGO acres of land on section 14. 
.Mr. Babb still lives on the old homestead. 

Nathaniel Grim came during the same year 
and purchased 120 acres of land on section 21, 
where he now resides. 

James Twaddle came from the northern part 
of Ohio in 1857, and located on section 15, 
where he still resides. 

George Ohaver came from Indiana in ISoO 
and settled in the southern part of the town, 
upon a farm now owned by Patrick Frowley. 
He remained here a number of years, then re- 
moved to the town of Eagle. 

Emanuel Taylor came iiere from Indiana in 
IS5G and located on section 17. He livcil in 
the town until a few years ago. 

In June, IH57, Ephraim Williams came with 
his family from New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. 
Williams first came to Sylvan in 1853 and en- 



1262 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



tered about 320 acres of land on sections 22 and 
28. He then returned to Ohio, and in the sum- 
mer of 1857 again started for the far west, ac- 
companied by his family, with ox teams. They 
were unfortunate on the way, one of the chil- 
dren being run over by the wagon near Chicago 
and some of the oxen took sick and died. The 
trip consumed six weeks. When they arrived 
in Sylvan they lived under the wagons until a 
log cabin, 12x14 feet in size, was erected on 
section 28. Mr. Williams remained upon this 
place for about fifteen years, when he moved 
about three miles east, and purchased the mill 
property now owned by Oliver Guess. He ran 
the mill about four years, when he sold the 
property and removed to Vernon county, where 
he was killed by an accident with a team. One 
of his daughters, Mrs. Henry Mathews, still 
lives in the town. 

In September, 1857, Fred Mathews, a native 
of Pennsylvania, came from the town of Forest 
and settled on section 20, where he at once put 
up a dwelling house. In December (if the same 
year he was married to Hattie E., a daughter 
ot Ephraim Williams, and they settled on sec- 
tion 20. They remained thereuntil 1873, when 
they removed to Richland Center, where they 
still live. 

Simon Laffer came to the town at an early 
day and located upon a farm half a mile west 
of Sylvan corners. 

VARIOUS MATTERS. 

The first house in the town was erected by E. 
B. Tenney, in 1853, on section 18. 

The first school house in the town was erected 
on section 18 in 1855. 

The first school in Sylvan was taught in 185.') 
by Olive Mathews, now a resident of Minnesota. 

One of the first sermons in the town was 
preached by Rev. Paine in 18.')0, at the school 
house on section 18. 

The first child born was Jacob G., a son of 
Asahel and Mary Savage, born in 1856. 

The first marriage in the town was that of 
Fred Mathews to Hattie E. Williams, which 



took place Dec. 17, 1857. The couple lived in 
Sylvan until 1873, when they removed to Rich- 
land Center, where they still reside. 

The first death in the town was that of an in- 
fant daughter of Hezekiah and Hannah Slay- 
back, which occurred in 1855. 

In 1855 O. Guess built a saw-mill on Eagle 
creek (Mill creek), which was indebted for its 
motive power to what is called a flutter-wheel. 
This mill supplied, to a large extent, the early 
pioneers with the requisite lumber for building 
purposes. It has long since been rebuilt and en- 
larged, and the old wheel replaced by an im- 
proved one, and the old-fashioned sash saw by 
a rotary . 

In the same year a Mr. Nixon opened a gen- 
eral store at what was, that early, called Sylvan 
Corners. This store has since |iassed thi'ougli 
the hands of several parties. Stephen Hen- 
thorn and son bought the store in 1864. The 
son, William, has been sole proprietor since the 
death of the father. He keeps a general stfick 
of goods. 
i In the winter of 1856-7 William Hicks ojiened 
a store in a little log building. 

Sylvan Lodge 164, Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, was organized in 1862, George Krous- 
kop acting as D. D. G. W. M. The first officers 
of the institution were: O. H. Mallette, N. G.; 
Jacob Sandmire, V. G.; J. H. Hutton, secretary; 
William Hall, treasurer. The lodge organized 
with ten members, and held meetings in the 
hall of the Methodist church, which had been 
erected the same year. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school taught in the town, as well as 
the first school house erected, has already been 
given. In 1883 there were nine schools in suc- 
cessful operation in the town, each district hav- 
ing a fair, and some an extra good school build- 
ing, the total value of which was $3,650. The 
school population of the town was 442. 

CEMETERIES. 

There are two cemeteries in this town, located 
respectively on sections 14 and 36. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1263 



RELIGIOUS. 

There are in Sylvan three hewn log church 
buildings of the Methodist, and one frame build- 
ing of the Disciples. 

The Disciples or Christian Church was organ- 
ized in 1S.5S l»y Rov. A. Williams, Mathias Mer- 
I'ill and Rev George H. Babb. The first ser 
nion was preaclied by Abram Williams at the 
residence of Mathias Merrill. The first elders 
were Mathias Jlerrill and John HiggenbothanV. 
Among the first preachers were: Revs. George 
II. Babb, Daniel Gray and A. Williams The 
present membership of the ('liurch is about 
forty. Rev. W.S Ividd is the present minister. 

ORGANIC. 

For many years the territory now comprising 
the town of Sylvan was an integral part of the 
town of Ricliwood, and later of Forest. It 
was detached from the latter in 1854. The 
first election was held on the 7th of Ajiril, 1855, 
at the residence of William Ogden. 'J'he fol- 
lowing were the first officers elected: Snpervi 
sors, Horace Cook, chairman, Oliver Guess am' 
William II. Stewart; clerk, L) man Mathewt:. 
treasurer, William Ogden ; assessor, Asahc 
Savage. The number of votes polled wiis 
thirty-two. 

The following is a list of the present officers 
of the town, elected the spring of 188.3: Super- 
visors, George Ilentliorn, chairman, J. II. Ilag- 
gerty and Benjamin Slarkey; clerk, N. Iligin- 
botliam; treasurer, Calvin Ilall; assessor, Thon- 
as Cranson; justices, Joseph Rawson, Joseph 
G. Ewers and J. N. F^orter. 

In 1ST3 a town hall was erected on section 15. 
1 1 is a neat frame building and cost #250. 

SYI.VAS POSTOKFICK. 

The Sylvan postoffice was established in 1856, 
with Asahel Savage as postmaster; but it was 
over a year after the establishment of the office 
before any mail was received. The first post- 
master to handle any mail was D. E. Clingcn- 
smitli. The office is now located at Sylvan 
Corners and William Ilenthoru is postmaster. 



The office is on the mail route from Muscoda 
to Viroqua; mail being received tri-weekly. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

William Ogden, the first settler of the town 
of Sylvan, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 
1822. In 1830 his parents moved to Niagara 
county and there lived until 1837. In that 
year he enlisted in the regular army of the 
United States, remaining in the service until 
1841, when he was discharged and returned to 
the State of New York. Soon after he went to 
Genesee Co., Mich., where he remained until 
1848, then moved to Rock Co., Wis., and there 
engaged in farming until 1852, thence to Grant 
county, living there one year, and then coming 
to the town of Sylvan April 27, 1853. He 
entered 160 acres on sections 18 and tO, his 
present home. He has increased his farm t'l 
187 acres. He was married in 1842 to Minerva 
F. Lyon, 'i hey had three children, two now- 
living — Marian and Marettie. Mrs. Ogden died 
in 1863, and Mr. Ogden was married again the 
same year, to Abigail Hriggs, who is a native of 
Orleans Co., N. Y. Eight children have been 
born to them — William, Lewis, Naomi, Sheri- 
dan, Mary E., Charlotte, Helen and Malvina, 
Marettie is now married to Josando Miller and 
Marian to Jane McKitrick. Mr. Ogden was a 
member of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry. He 
enlisted in 1861, and was discharged the fol- 
lowing year, re-enlisted in 18(j5, in tlie 46th 
Wisconsin, company II, and was discharged the 
same year. Politically he is a republican and 
is a member of the Baptist Church. 

Oliver Guess, one of the pioneer settlers of 
the town of Sylvan, was bi>rn in Cidumbiana 
Co., Ohio, in 1825, where he resided until the 
year 1854, when he moved to the town of Syl- 
van, in the second year of its settlement, and 
entered 160 .acres of land on section 11, range 
2 west, which he now owns. Mr. Guess was 
married in 1846 to Henrietta Adams, by whom 
he had four children— Albert W., Jolin K., 
Betsy A. and Georg.- H. Mrs. Guess died in 
1857. Mr. Guess again married, that same year, 



1264 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Nancy J. Totten, by whom he had seven 
cliildren — Margaret J., Henrietta, Oliver, Frank- 
lin, Elmer, Flora M. and William D. His sec- 
ond wife died in 1877, and be was again married 
that year to Mrs. Rachel McDonald. Albert 
W. is now married to Ellen Fifer; John K. is 
married to Miss S. E. Lawton; Betsy is married 
to Albert Carpenter; George to Lucinda Sum- 
mers; and Henrietta to John McDaniels. Mr. 
Guess was a member of the 20th Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted in the year 
1862, and was discharged the year following on 
account of sickness. He afterward re-enlisted 
in the 46th Wisconsin Volunteers, and served 
until close of the war. He was a member of 
the board of supervisors of the town for six 
years, and a justice of the peace about eight 
years. Mr. Guess was originally a whig, and 
drifted into the republican party upon its or- 
ganization, but in 1862 made a change and now 
adheres to the principles of the democratic 
party. 

Levi Millison, a son of George and Anna 
Millison, was born in Mercer Co., Penn., March 
4, 1852, and came to Wisconsin with his parents 
• in 1855, settling in the town of Sylvan, Rich- 
land county, where the year following, hi.s 
father died. The family were left in very 
limited circumstances, and tlie older children 
were obliged to get employment where best 
they could, to gain a livelihood. Levi being 
only four years old, went to live with Chauncey 
Lawton, their closest neighbor. He remained 
with Mr. Lawton until 1861, when he started 
out for himself. He was employed by farmers 
and lumber men in Richland and Vernon 
counties for several years, and in the mean time 
tried engineering a while; could do any kind of 
work or anything that he ever tried. During 
this time he had acquired a fair education by 
going to school and working mornings and 
evenings for his board. In 1880 he engaged in 
the mercantile trade at liowen's mills, Richland 
county, continuing in trade there until March, 
1883, when he removed to Slarj Veruou county, 



where he is now engaged in trade. He kee])S a 
good stock of dry goods, groceries, clothing, 
etc. In 1872 he was married to Mary Emma, 
daughter of Jacob and Anna Dosch, early set- 
tlers of Richland county. Four children have 
blessed this union — Ida,Nora, Eddie and Harry. 

John Ewers, one of the early settlers of Syl- 
van, was born in the year 182-3, in Knox Co., 
Ohio, and resided there only one year when bis 
parents moved to Belmont county. After liv- 
ing there twenty-one years, they became dissat- 
isfied and moved to Washington county, where 
they remained until 1855. In that year Mr. 
Ewers moved to Richland Co., Wis., and set- 
tled in the town of Marshall, and entered eighty 
acres of land on section 86, in the town of Syl- 
van, on which he now resides. He also owns 
a half interest in a flouring mill, situated on 
section 31, with two run of buhrs and a capac- 
ity of 100 bushels per day. Mr. Ewers was mar- 
ried in 1845 to Mary Thomas, by whom he had 
four children — Orlando, Almira, N. L. and Asa. 
Mrs. Ewers died in 1855 and in 1860 Mr. Ewers 
married Marietta Barnes. They have three 
children — Romeo, Orlen and Mary. Orlando 
is now married to Julia McKy; Almira to John 
McKy; and N. L. to Rebecca Briggs. Mr. 
Ewers has been assessor of the towns of Mar- 
shall and Sylvan, each one year, and justice of 
the peace eight years. N. L. Ewers was town 
clerk of Sylvan in 1878. 

Samuel Groves, one of the prominent farmers 
of the town of Sylvan, was born in .lefferson 
Co., Ohio, in 1828, where he resided until 1855, 
then moved to the town of Sylvan, and entered 
200 acres of land on section 11, where be now 
lives. He now owns 160 acres. Jlr. Groves 
was married in 1849 to Mary Biackledge. They 
have seven children— Peter, Martha E., Violet 
C, Rachel E., Victorene A., Samuel and Wil- 
liam. Mrs. Groves died in 1878, and Mr. 
Groves married Mary Dovoe. Peter is now 
married to Miss Saudmire; Martha to John 
Twadell; Violet to Russell Blown; Rachel to 
Joshua Buraker; Victorene to William Baxter; 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1265 



and William to Barbarv Sabin. Mr. Grove en- 
listed in 1863 in the 20tii Wisconsin Infantry, 
and was discharged in 1804 on account of disa- 
bility. 

George II. Babb was born in 1815 in Clinton 
Co., Ohio, where ho resided until the year 
1840. He then moved to Delaware Co., Ind., 
where he engaged in farming and millwright- 
ing, and remained tliere until 1856. He came to 
Richland county in that year, and settled in the 
town of Sylvan. He entered 160 acres of land 
on section 14, which he has since increased to 
18.3^- acres, where he now lives. Mr. Babb 
was married in Delaware Co., Ind., in 1841, to 
Elizabeth Jordan, who was born in Wayne 
county in 1823. They have eight children — 
Nancy J., Timothy S., Margaret A., William H., 
Elisha C, John H., James D. and Ida B. Nancy 
J is now the wife of David Smith; William II. 
is married to Laura Drake. Mr. Babb was one 
of the county commissioners, for three years; 
chairman of the town board, live years; asses- 
sor, one year; justice of the peace, one year; 
census taker in 1880. Besides farming, lie has 
been a minister of the gospel for the past 
thirty years iu the Christian Church. Timo- 
thy S., his .son, was a member of the 14th 
Army Corps. He enlisted in 1864 in company 
F, 3<1 regiment, Wisconsin Veterans, and was 
discharged in 1865. Mr. Babb was formerly a 
democrat, but has been identified with the re- 
publican party since its organization. 

N. Iligginbothara, the present town clerk of 
Sylvan, was born in Delaware Co., Ind., in 1848. 
When he was two years old his parents moved to 
Illinois, where they resided until 1855, when they 
came to Sylvan and located on section 13, where 
his father entered land, forty acres in Sylvan, 
and 160 on section IS, of the town of Marshall. 
Mr. Higginbotham now owns 239 acres of land 
on sections 13 and 14. He was married in 1808 
to Deborah \Valler,who was born in IMonroe Co., 
(Jliio, in 1847, and came to Sylvan in 1863 with 
her parents. They have seven children — Fran- 
cis O., George W., Daisy A., Lilly O., Ada, 



Sarah J. and Clyde. Mr. Higginbotham lias 
held the office of town clerk for two years. 

Nathaniel Grim is one of the pioneer settlers 
of Sylvan town, as well as one of its successful 
farmers. He now owns 240 acres of land, 160 
acres on section 21, forty on section 20, and 
forty on section 17. He now lives on section 
21. His farm is one of the finest in the town. 
Mr. Grim was born in Jeflferson Co., Oiiio, Sept. 
6, 1826, where he lived until 1832. His parents 
moved in that year to Harrison county, where 
they lived until 1842, and then removed to 
Monroe county and engaged in farming until 
1851. The subject of this sketch then went to 
Elkhart Co., Ind., and in 1852 returned to Mon- 
roe Co., Ohio, and remained there until 1 856. 
In that year he moved to the town of Sylvan 
and bought a farm of 120 acres on section 21. 
He was married in 1850 to Sarah Allen, who 
was born in 1829, in Monroe Co., Ohio. Mi'. 
and Mrs. Grim have eight children — Emmn, 
John W., Philip, Margaret A., Mary L., Horatio 
S., Oscar F. and Charles H. Emma is now the 
wife of A. W. Savage. John is married to 
Alice Mayfield; Philipto Mary Rowson; .Marga- 
ret is the wife of John I. Shilts; and Mary of 
William Probert. Mr. Grim was a member of 
the llth Wisconsin Infantr}', entering the ser- 
vice iit 18G5, and was honorably discharged the 
same year. He has been chairman of the town 
board three years, and a member of the side 
board four years, and school clerk for twenty 
years. He .came by railroad to Freeport, HI., 
thence by team of his father-in-law. When he 
arrived he camped out one week, during whicii 
time he had built a snug log cabin, into whicii 
they moved. There they lived about eight 
years, then moved into a hewn log house, which 
was some considerable improvement on the old 
one, where he lived until 1872, when he erected 
a large frame house, in which he now resides. 
Like all farms in this section, this was covered 
with a heavy growth of large timber, which he 
comnicnced clearing at once upon his arrival, 
and coutiuued to clear until be has now about 



1266 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



]00 acres of good land under cultivation. This 
liart of the country now presents an appearance 
of thrift and enterprise, which slate of affairs is 
due to the industry and energy of such men as 
Mr. Grim during those early days, and all 
honor is due those men and women who thus 
contributed toward the development of this 
county. Politically Mr. Grim has always ad- 
hered to the principles of the democratic party. 
Mr. Grim is not a member of any Church, but 
believes that honesty and integrity is the sort 
of religion calculated to meet the- wants of hu- 
manity, and he is an exponent of these charac- 
teristics, having a reputation for fair dealing 
among all men. 

David Smith, one of the best farmers and a 
representative man in the town of Sylvan, was 
born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, where he resided 
until 1856, when his mother who was a widow 
moved to Wisconsin, Richland county, town of 
Sylvan, purchased 120 acres of land and e;ave 
it to David, her only son and sole support. In 
1862 Mr. Smith was married to Nancy J. Babb, 
a daughter of George H. and Emily Babb, who 
are now their near neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith have six children — Elizabeth C, Ulysses 
G., Anna I., Mary L., Nellie J. and George M. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith by industry and economy 
have added to the original farm, until th'ey now 
have 218 acres of land, finely improved, with 
good farm buildings, and everything desirable 
for a comfortable home, and have in a re- 
markable degree the confidence .and esteem 
of their neighbors, and the entire community, 
Mr. Smith's father, Jacob, died in 1843. His 
mother died in the town of Sylvan in Septem- 
ber, 1883. She was born Nov. 6, 1800, in Ohio. 
Mr. Smith is not a politician, but exercises 
the right of suffrage intelligently, and adheres to 
the principles of the rejjulilican parly. He be- 
longs to the Church organization called Dis- 
ciples. 

James Watt, one of Sylvau's most prominent 
farmers, was born in the year 1839 in Jefferson 
Co., Ohi(i, whei'e he received an academic edu- 



cation. After he had finished his seliooling 
he engaged in teaching for some years, and 
then engaged in farming until 1861, when he 
moved to the town of Sylvan and purchased a 
farm of eighty acres of land on section 14, 
which farm he has increased to 240 acres. Mr. 
Watt was united in marriage in 1865 to Alma 
Brown, who was born in Grant Co., Wis., in 
1845. Mr. and Mrs. Watt have nine children 
— James A, Franklin, Clara, Wilber F., Jennie, 
Agnes, Edna and Edith twins, and Carl W. 
Mr. Watt was a member of the 12tli Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted in 1861, and 
was discharged in 1864. Mr. Watt was clerk of 
the town for eleven years. 

William Ilentborn, one of Sylvan's most 
prosperous men, was born in Monroe Co., Ohio, 
in 1837 and where he resided until 1864. He 
came to Sylvan in that year with his parents. 
His father bought 280 acres of land on section 
17, where William now resides, and he now 
owns 799 acres, situated on sections 16, 17, 20 
and 21. He is also engaged in the mercantile 
trade at Sylvan Corners, carrying a general 
stock of merchandise, valued at about $2,500. 
He also owns a one-third interest in a portable 
steam saw-mill, situated on section 17. Mr. 
Henthorn was married in 1863 to Louisa B. 
Woodford, who was born in 1845. They have 
five children living — Clement A., Clara M., 
Loren L., William E. and Jasper O. Charles II. 
died in 1872, and CoraE. in 1879. Mr Henthorn 
enlisted in the United States service in 1865, 
and was discharged the same year. Besides be- 
ing extensively engaged in farming and mercan- 
tile trade, he is the owner of some of tlie best 
blooded cattle of the county, having two Short- 
horned heifers, two years old, weighing over 
1,400 pounds each, and which cost him #270; 
also the fine Shorthorned bull "Masterpiece, 
46,577," bred by II. Y. Attrill,Goderich, Ontario, 
Canada, which cost him $100 when a year old; 
also a Southdown ram "Lexington 449," which 
cost $60 when a year old; two Southdown ewes 
"Miss Bundy 317, and "Belle of Sylvan 450" 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1267 



wliioh he values at SoO each. Mr. Ilenthorii 
was assessor of the town for one year, and has 
been postmaster at Sylvan since 1866. 

Calvin Hall was born in Monroe Co., Ohio, in 
1S42, where he livetl until 1866. In that year 
he came to Sylvan and purchased eighty acres 
of land, in section 16, where he now lives. He 
has purchased more land, and his farm now con- 
tains 160 acres. He was married in 1865 to 
Mary E. Barrett, who was born in Monroe Co., 
Ohio. They are the parents of six children — 
Albert F.. Adelbert A., James S., Emma M., 
Flora M. and William O. Mr. Hall inlisted in 
18GI in the 36th Ohio regiment, and was dis- 
charged in 1865. He was taken prisoner at the 
battle of Curn's Town, W. Va., enduring the 
terrible hardships of rebel prison life for eight 
long months. Mr. Hall is the present town 
treasurer. 

William Ileal was born in Washington town- 
ship, Delaware Co., Ind., Feb. 19, 1832, where 
he resided on a farm until the death of his father 
in 1847. He then went to Jefferson township, 
Grant Co., Ind., and lived with his brother-iu- 
law, Joel Littler, on a farm, till the latter's 
death in 1853. He engacccd in farming until 
1856' and then commenced to learn the joiner's 
trade with his brother, James McDced Heal, 
which occupation he followed until May, 1861. 
He enlisted at this date, in company II, 12th 
regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under 
Capt. Thomas Doane. He was discharged at 
Washington City, in May, 1862, and returned 
to Wisconsin. In tlie spring of 1864 he re- 
turned to Indiana, and in 1867 came once more 
to Wisconsin, and bought eighty acres of land 
on section 7, town of Sylvan, Richland county, 
wliicii farm he has increased to 177 acres. He 
settled on this farm July 4, 1807, where he still 
resided in iss4. He has improved the farm and 
built a saw-mill. He erected the first town house 
in Richland county. On the 14th of January, 
1884, his house burned, with almost its entire 
contents. The house was rebuilt the same week, 
with the assistance of neighbors, who heartily 



responded with cheerful and substantial aid. 
Mr. Heal was married, in 1850, to Martha Ann 
Nottingham, of Delaware Co., Ind., by whom he 
had one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Heal 
died in 1857, near l\[uncie, Ind. Mr. Heal again 
maaried in Grant Co., Ind., in 1863, to Marga- 
ret E Reeder, by whom he had two children — 
John F., and one child that died in infancy. 
His second wife departed this life in 1865, in 
Jefferson township, Ind. Mr. Heal married 
again in Richland Co., Wis., in 1868, to Mary E. 
Burt, by whom he has seven children, four now 
living — Harriet Alice, Bffie Norene, George 
Eugene and William Ernest. 

Thomas Harn, one of the prominent business 
men and pioneers of the town of Sylvan, was 
born in Tyler Co., Va., in 1820. He lived there 
ten years and then his parents moved to Monroe 
Co., Ohio., where he obtained a common school 
education, and learned the moulder's trade, at 
which he worked for three years. He was then 
obliged to abandon it on account of his eyes. 
He then followed boating, on the Mississippi 
river, first in the capacity of cook, then watch- 
man, next as second male, and finally as mate, 
until 1844, when he returned to Monroe Co., 
Ohio, and engaged in farming, which he contin- 
ued till 1861, when he enlisted in the service of 
the 2d Virginia Cavalry, and was honorably 
discharged in 1864. In 1885 he moved to Wash- 
ington county, and remained three years. In 
1868 he moved to Wisconsin, town of Sylvan, 
and purchased eighty acres of land on section 4, 
on which he now resides. Mr. Harn was united 
in marriage with Catharine Dougherty, who was 
born in Monroe Co., Ohio, in 1821. They are 
the parents of four children living and three 
dead — Margaret, now the wife of James Lath- 
ram; John D., now m.trried to Susan Bender; 
Rebecca, now the wife of Eugene Vincent; and 
Stephen, now living at home. .Mr. Harn was a 
member of the 2.1 Virginia Cavalry, haying in- 
listed in 1861. He was wounded three times, at 
Charleston, at Wytheville and at Loop Creek, 
West Virginia. He has been chairman of the 
town board, two years, and is now engaged in 
arming. 



1268 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XX XIII. 



TOWN OF WESTFORD. 



The town of Westford forms tlie northeastern 
corner of Richland county, embracing the ter- 
ritory of townsliip 12, range 2 east. On the 
north and east it is bounded by Sauk county, 
while the towns of Henrietta and Willow lie to 
the west and south. The general surface of the 
town, in common with the rest of the county, is 
of a hilly nature, although but a small share of 
the land is unfit for cultivation. The town is 
well settled with a good class of people, who 
are well to do, thrifty and intelligent. The 
town is watered by the upper Willow and in 
part by the Little Baraboo river and its tribu- 
taries. Both of these streams head in this town. 

EARLT SETTLEMENT. 

The honor of the first settlement in this town 
belongs to Allen Perkins, a native of Madison 
Co., N. Y. He came here from Walworth Co., 
Wis., in 1848, and entered a large tract ot land 
in Westford, including the present site of the 
village of Cazenovia. He settled here in 185.3 
and erected a house on the southeastern part of 
section 12. In 1865 he sold all his interest in 
the village of Cazenovia, and moved to Mis- 
souri. In 1867 he settled in Laclede county, 
that State, where it is thought he still lives 
engaged at farming. Allen Perkins wa.s an 
honest man, and held the respect of all who 
knew him. 

Henry Fuller, a native of England, came from 
the State of New York, in 1S53, and entered 
land in this town, claiming the south half of 
northwest quarter of section 12. He .settled 
here in 1856 and remained until about 1880, 



when he rented his farm and removed to Sauk 
county. 

William Y. Barron, a native of England, and 
his father-in-law, Thomas Woodford, also came 
in 1853. Mr. BaTron entered land on section 
1 -t. He sold out as early as 1867 and removed 
to Cazenovia, where he opened a wagon shop. 
Two or three years later he went to Lime 
Ridge. He is now a resident of Eau Claire, 
Wis. 

Thomas Woodford entered the east half of 
the northwest quarter of section 14, where he 
erected a house and HvimI until the time of his 
death in 1856. He was burieil at Ironton. 

In 1854 there were many more arrivals than 
in the previous year. Cyrus Stowe came frc^m 
the State of New York, by way of Dane county, 
early in the winter of this year, and settled pir 
the present site of Cazenovia, erecting a house 
on what is now block 8. He was a blacksmith 
by trade and opened the first shop in Cazen- 
ovia. He now lives, retired from business, on 
Sun Prairie, Dane county, where he followed 
his trade for many years. 

Levi and Asa Lincoln, natives of the town of 
Westford, Otsego Co., N. Y., also came early in 
the winter of 1854, and settled upon block 1, of 
the present site of the village of Cazenovia. 
Hcie they erected a log building and put in 
a, small stock of merchandise. They con- 
tinued in trade for about three years, when Asa 
went back to Dane county. Levi went to Sank 
county and engaged in farming. Later he 
went to Dakota, where he died, in 1882. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1209 



O. L. Gleason was also one of the arrivals in 
1854. He was a native of Massacliuselts, but 
came here from Dane county, and entered land 
on section 13, taking the east half of the south- 
east quarter. He now lives in Cazenovia. 

George Dennis came early in the spring of 
1854 and entered the north half of the north- 
west quarter of section 12. In the fall he sold 
to Joseph Dann and moved away. Mr. Dann 
spent the winter here and then returned to 
Whitewater, Wis. 

In the fall of 1854 four families of native 
Tennesseans, John Frye, John H. Clary, James 
French and William Smelier, came from Indi- 
ana. They came overland, with teams, bring- 
ing their household goods with them. Mr. 
Fryt entered the southeast of the southwest (juar- 
ter of section 36; Mr. Clary the west half of the 
southwest quarter of the same section, and 
Smelier and French located in the town of Wil- 
low. Mr. Frye still owns the land he first 
claimed; Mr. Clary joined the army toward the 
close of the war and died in the service. His 
son, Isaac M. Clary, is now living in Willow. 
Tlie widow married again and now lives in 
Iowa. 

N. R. Kline, :i native of New York State, 
came here from Ohio, late in 1854, and bought 
the northeast quarter of section 15. In 188.3 he 
sold his place and moved to Dakota. Another 
arrival of 1854, was William Davalt, a native 
of Trumbull Co., Ohio, who came from Dane 
Co., Wis. He settled on section 32, where he 
still resides. 

Frederick Deitelhoff, a German, came here 
in 1854 and settled on the west half of the 
northwest quarter of section 14. He lived here 
until the time of his death, and his wiilow, hav- 
ing married again, still occupies the old home- 
stead. 

In the fall of the same year (1854) John Don- 
ahue, a native of Ireland, came Irom Ohio, and 
entered land on sections' 22 and 27. He then 
returned to Ohio and spent the winter, return- 
ing the following spring with his family and 



locating upon the place he had entered, where 
he still lives. 

G. W. Montgomery, a native of New York 
State, came in 1855 and entered the southwest 
quarter of section 9. He remained there for 
about three years, when he sold out and removed 
to Sauk county. He now resides in Walworth 
Co., Wis. During the war he served in the 3d 
Wisconsin Cavalry. 

Allen Tinker, also a native of New York 
State, came during the same )'ear as did Mont- 
gomery, from Jefferson Co., Wis., and loca- 
ted on section 9. He now lives in Cazenovia, 
where he is following his trade, blacksniithing. 

S. S. Moon, a native of Indiana, came here in 
1 855, and entered land. He lived upon the land 
about two years, then sold out and removed to 
the village of Cazenovia, where for a time he 
worked in Perkin's mill. He then went to Sauk 
county and purchased a mill. He is now dead. 

Edward West, a native of New York Stat(-, 
came from there in 1855 and bought the north- 
west quarter of section 12. He improved the 
farm; but now lives Cazenovia. 

Jesse Carpenter, a native of Ohio, made his 
appearance in the town of Westford in 1855 and 
entered the northwest quarter of section 21, 
and the northwest quarter of the northwest 
(juarter of section 28. lie erected a house on 
section '/l and remained two years when lie sold 
out and returned to Ohio. 

In the fall of 1855 another batch' of natives 
of Tennessee came. They were : Moses Bible, 
Zachi Clary and Jonathan Smelier. Like the 
former party they all came from Indi.ma, over- 
land, with horse teams, bringing their families 
and household goods with them, and also drove 
some stock. They were about three weeks on 
the road. Moses Bible entered the southwest 
quarter of section 35 and the north half of the 
northwest quarter of the same section. The 
last piece was for his son, Rufus M. Bible. Ho 
erected his house on the southwest (jiiarter of 
section 35 and still lives there. Zachi ' Clary 



1270 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



entered the east half of the southwest quarter 
of section 23. He made his liorae there until 
he died. His son, William, still occupies the 
old homestead. Smelier settled in Sauk county. 

Ltidger Phoenix, a Canadian, came here from 
the Stat" of New York in the fall of this year 
and bought land on section 1 1. 

Elijah Williams came at about the same time, 
in 1855, and entered the west half of the north- 
west quarter of section 2-3. He died there in 
1867 and the family are scattered. 

C'ornelius Sweeney, a native of Ii'eland, came 
in the spring of 1855 and entered tiie north half 
of the southeast quarter of section 22, and the 
northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of 
section 22. He erected his dwelling on section 
23 and still makes that his home. 

Peter Jax, a German, came here from Fond 
du Lac in 1855 and bought State land on section 
15 — the southwest quarter. He has improved 
the farm and still lives there. 

William Duren, a native of Prussia, came 
from that country in )856 and entered land on 
section 3. He lived there until 1866, when he 
bought laud on section 14 where he still lives. 

Theodore Moll, a native of Germany, came 
during 1856, and set his home stakes on section 
2. He improved the farm and made it his home 
until his death in 1877. 

William M. Beeson, acompanied by his brother 
and William Mann, came from Indiana at an 
early day. Beeson settled on section 1. The 
Mann family settled in Sauk county, and Lewis 
Mann located on section 2. The latter sold out 
in 1880 and removed to Nebraska. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

One of the first marriages in the town was 
that of William Burman to Eliza Russell. The 
ceremony was performed in 1856, at the resi- 
dence of the bride's parents on section 14, by 
Frank Jones, justice of the peace. 'Squire 
Jones was "new at the busines.^," and fearing 
ha might have made some mistake, he after- 
ward called on the jjarties at their home to 
rectify the mistake if any had been made. 



Tiie first birth in the town was that of George 
Barron, son of William and Charlotte ( Wood- 
ford) Barron, in January, 1857. He was killed 
at Otter creek, Eau Claire Co., Wis., when about 
sixteen years old, by a stroke of lightning. 

The second marriage that took place in the 
town, was that of Simeon Lincoln to Jane 
Kline, which took place in 1857, at the resi- 
dence of the bride's parents. Rev. Augustus 
Hall officiating. 

In the earlier days it was a great hardship to 
go within a mile of Baraboo to mill, a distance of 
thirty miles, and many tell of taking six and 
seven days to make the trip, having such poor 
cattle from want of fodder, ihat no faster time 
could be made. Wild grass, and that of a 
poor quality, would not make cattle strong 
enough for haid work, and it was all the hardy 
pioneers had to give them. 

In 1858 breadstuffs became scarce in this re- 
gion. Allen Tinker and Cyrus Stowe, members 
of the school board, took money from the school 
treasury, giving their notes for the same. Tiiey 
then employed a man to go to Spring Green for 
corn, which was then selling for eighty-seven 
cents per bushel. This relieved the wants of 
the people and all was settled up satisfactory. 

Dr. J. M. Flautt, a native of Ohio, was the 
first physician to locate in the town. He came 
here in I'-'SS and located on section 15, where 
he remained until during the war. 

ORGANIC. 

The town of Westford was organized in 
April, 1857, at a meeting held at Lincoln's store, 
in the village of Cazenovia. The following 
were the first officers elected: William Bur- 
man, clerk ; Allen Tinker, chairman of town 
board of supervisors; Moses Bible and John 
Russell, associate supervisors ; Zachi C'lary, 
treasurer; Allen Perkins and Frank Jones, jus- 
tices of the peace. 

At the animal town meeting held at Cazen- 
ovia, in April, 1883, tHe following town officials 
were elected: John Keane, clerk; Henry Mitchel, 
assessor ; board of supervisors, B. M. Jarvis, 



HISTORY OF KICHLAND COUNTY. 



1271 



cliairinan, (he moved from the town and Allen 
Tinker was appointed) John Donahoe and An- 
drew Johnson; Converse Pierce, Allen Tinker, 
Andrew Jolinson and John Frye, justices of 
the peace; Tliomas Moody, constable; Converse 
Pierce, treasurer. 

duren's mill 
In 1868 William Duren erected a saw-mill on 
tlie southwest quarter of the northeast quarter 
of section 14, on the Little Baraboo river. The 
mill is eqnipped witli an up and down saw, a 
circular saw for cutting off, a rib saw and a 
felly saw, making three circular saws and a 
band saw. A turning lathe was also put in. 
The mill manufactures stock for wagons, sleighs, 
harrows, etc. A dirt and stone dam was thrown 
across the river, giving eight feet fall of water. 
Upon the completion of the saw-mill, Mr. 
Duren put in one run of stone for grinding feed. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school house in the Woodman dis- 
trict, was commenced in 1857, and completed 
during the following year. Theressa Carr was 
the first teacher in this house. Tlie old build- 
ing remained in use until 1878, when the pres- 
ent structure was erected near tlie old site on 
the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter 
of section .32. Lettie Smith was tlie first teacher 
in this building. 

The first school in district No. 2 was taught 
in a log house belonging to John Donahoe, on 
section 22, in the winter of 1856-7. The 
teacher was George Flautt. In 1857 a log 
school house was built on the northeast quarter 
of section 22, in which James Urown taught 
the first school. During the war a frame house 
was erected upon the same site, and in this 
building Peter White taught the first school. 
A few years later this school liouse wa.>' moved 
near the church, and has since heen moved to 
its present location on the southeast quarter of 
section 22. 

The first school in district No. 8 was taught 
in Allen Perkin's log l)uilding across the stream 
north of (azenovia, l>y William A. Perkins. 



In 1857 a frame scliool house was erected upon 
block 4, in the village of Cazenovia, which is 
still in use. 

In district No. 4 the first school was taught 
in 185G by a Mr. Crisp, in a log carpenter shop 
belonging to N. R. Cline. In 1857 a log school 
house was built on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 15. In 1869 a two story frame building 
was erected on the southeast quarter of the 
southwest quarter of section 11, at a cost of 
about $1,500. This building is still in use. 

About IStJO a school house was erected in dis- 
trict No. 5, on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 19. Kate McCarthy was one of the first 
teachers in tliis building. Several terms of 
school were taught in this house when (he dis- 
trict was split up, and tlie territory annexed to 
other districts. In 1875 another house was 
erected in the southwestern part of the noriii- 
east quarter of section 20. Hugh Fitch was 
one of the first teachers in this building. 

The first school in district No. 7 was held in 
a log house belonging to John Clary, on section 
:50, in IXiio. Katie Krouse was the teacher. '1 he 
next school was held in Mr. Bible's tannery. In 
1867 a hewn log scliool building was erected on 
the northeast quarter of section 35. W. C. S. 
Barron was the first teacher in this house. This 
is known as the "block school house." 

In 1864 a school house was erected on the 
southeast corner of the northeast quarter of 
section 7, in which James McVees was the first 
teacher. The house is still in use. 

BELIGIOUS. 

Thefirst mass forthe German Catholic Church 
in Westford, was held at the house of Jacob 
Marts, and said by Father Gaertner, then a resi- 
dent of Sauk City, who had cliarge of several 
counties in this part of Wisconsin. The first 
resident priest was Father Bernerd. He was 
succeeded l)y Father Beau, then came i'ather 
Metzler and finally Father Grosse, the present 
priest. For a lime the German Catholics wor- 
shiped in the Irish Catholic Church; luit in 
1858 and 1859 they erected a church on seciiuii 



1272 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



14. In 1883 the society were making prepara- 
tions to build a frame structure, witli brick 
vaneer, 40x90 feet in size, to cost about $5,000. 
The Congregation now numbers about seventy 
German families. 

St. Bridget's Catholic Church, of Westford. 
Father Slliale was the first priest to visit the Cath- 
olics that form the congregation of this church. 
He was here first in December, 1855, and held 
mass at the house of John Donahoe. He in- 
duced the people to build a church. In 1856 
the erection of a log church on the northwest 
quarter of section 22, wag commenced which 
was completed in 1857. Father Sthalewas the 
first to say mass in this edifice. The log church 
was in use until the present edifice was com- 
pleted in 1881. It was dedicated in September, 
of that year. Father John B. Metzler was the 
first to hold mass in this church, and it was 
mainly owing to his exertions that the new 
church was erected. The congregation now 
numbers about fifty Irish families. 

Near the church is the cemetery of this con- 
gregation. Dennis Murphy, who died in April, 
1856, was the first buried here. His wife was 
interred near him in July, following. The 
land originally belonged to John Donahoe, who 
donated five acres to the church, and the ceme- 
tary was regularly platted in 18G3. It was 
dedicated by Father Bernard a few years later. 

CAZENOVIA VILLAGE. 

The land upon which the village of Cazenovia 
is now located was entered in 1848 by Allen 
Perkins. The village was surveyed in Febru- 
ary, 1855, by Solon Rushmore, for Mr. Perkins. 
The first frame house upon the site was erected 
by Samuel Colby, in 1854. The first log house 
was erected by the Lincoln brothers the same 
year. In this building they opened the first 
store in the village. They remained in trade 
but a few years. 

Richard Mann was the next to engage in trade 
here. He remained but a short time, when he 
sold out and removed to Sauk county. 



Alois Ficks bought out Mann and carried on 
the business alone for one year, when he sold a 
half interest to Sebastian Wenker. They con- 
tinuid in trade five months, when Wenker 
bought the Stowe property. This was in 1866. 
Mr. Wenker took his share of the stock and set 
up the business on his newly acquired premises. 
In 1877 he erected a building, 22x46 feet in 
size, two stories high. 

The first blacksmith in the village was Cyrus 
Stowe, who opened a shop here in 1855. He 
remained here but a few years, when he re- 
moved to Sun Prairie. Allen Tinker was the 
next blacksmith. He opened a shop here in 
the spring of 1858, and is still in business. 

For many years Cazenovia was without a 
hotel, and the traveling public were taken care 
of very satisfactorily by Allen Tinker. In 1875 
J. W. Thompson opened the first hotel. He 
was landlord until March, 1876, when he sold 
to Mrs. Carrie M. Atkins, who is still the pro- 
prietor. 

Andrew J. Stibbins was the first shoemaker 
to locate in Cazenovia, opening a shop here in 
1855. He remained but a few years. Henry 
Bushman, the present shoemaker, commenced 
business in 1868. 

The first millinery establishment here was 
opened in 1867 by Addie Boyd, at the house of 
Allen Tinker. She ran the shop but a short 
time. This branch of trade is now represented 
by Ida Nuss, who opened her shop in 1881. 

Dr. J. J. Worthy, was the first resident pliy- 
siciau at Cazenovia, locating here during the 
war. He remained a number of years. 

INDUSTRIAL KNTERPEISBS. 

Allen Perkins erected a saw-mill in 1 853, the 
power being derived from the south branch of 
the Little Baraboo river. The mill was 
equipped with an "up aud down saw," and for 
several years did a good business. The dam 
was built with log cribs, filled with dirt and 
stone. The first dam was washed out before 
the war. It was replaced by another dam, 
which soon followed the first dam down the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



127a 



stream. Mr. Perkins then sold tlie power and 
mill to George Jarvis. 

In 1854 Allen Perkins started a grist-mill, 
erecting a large building and equipping it witli 
one run of stone. Mr. Jarvis bought this mill 
with the other property. While Mr. Jarvis 
owned the mills the dam went out onCe; but he 
quickly repaired it. In 1866 Mr. Jarvis com. 
jileted the present mill. The building is 30x.50 
feet in size, two stories high. It is furnished 
with two run of stone, and all the necessary 
machinery for the manufacture of first-class 
floui-, while the water power is one of the be.st 
in the Slate. B. M. Jarvis is the |)rescnt )iro- 
prietor. 

CAZENOVIA POSTOFFICE. 

The postoflice at this place was established 
in 1856, with Cyrus Stowe as postmaster. He 
kept the office at his house. It was then a 
sj)ecial office, and the mail carrier was ])aid by 
subscription from the citizens. Jlail was re- 
ceived once a week from Sextonville, and later 
from Ironton. In 188.3 mail was received three 
times each week from Richland Center and daily 
from Le Valle. Allen Tinker succeeded Mr. 
Stowe as ])ostmaster. Then in succession came: 
M. O. Tracy, George Jarvis, Edward Kiniber, 
J. C. Spencer, B. M. Jarvis and Wenzel .1. 
Ilanzllk. Mr. Ilanzlik is the present ))(>stmas- 
ter, and keeps the office at his store. He was 
ajipdinted June 28, 1883. 

REi.iciors. 

Religious meetings were held at the house of 
N. R. Kline as early as 18.50. Rev. Wood, a 
Wesleyan Methodist, was the first minister, 
but he did not organize. 

The first Methodist Episcopal preacher was 
Rev. Augustus Hall, who, in 1857, preached at 
Lincoln's store. He organized a class there 
with twenty-six members. Among the mem- 
l>ers were — Ludger PIkpiiIx and wife, Allen 
Tinker and wife, Andrew Tinker, John Russell, 
Mrs. Henry Fidler, Nathaniel Catnp and wife, 
(leorge J'erkins, George Montgomery and wife, 
\Villiam V. Barron and wife, ALnry J. Russell, 



Mary J. Tinker, W. C. O.sborne and wife, Sarah 
J. Low, N. R. Kline and wife, Clara Perkins, 
Levi Lincoln and wife, and James Kinney and 
wife. Allen Tinker was the first class leader. 
Rev. Augustus Hall was the first pastor. Ho 
lived in Sauk county and had several charges in 
this region. The following named ministers 
have at different times preached for tlie class 
at Cazenovia, since Rev. Hall: Rev. E. Yocum, 
the first presiding elder; Revs. S. D. Bassinger, 
W. D. Atwater, R. M. De Lap, Mathew lien- 
nett, M. F. Clu-ster, W. W. Wheaton, J. T. 
Bryan, Mr. Conway, J. J. Walker, Mr. Dudley, 
George Tyacke, R. W. Nicholas and II. D. 
Jeucks. Hev. Jencks, the present pastor, resides 
at Ironton and has charge of four classes: Iron- 
ton, Cazenovia, Sandusky and Washington. He 
holds services at Cazenovia once every two 
weeks. The Cazenovia class met at the school 
house for worshiji until 18T8, when they erected 
a frame church on the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 12. Rev. George Tyacke was the first 
minister to hold services in this building. Allen 
Tinker was the first leader of the clas-;, ami 
held that })osition for many years. Ludger 
Phirnix is the ]>resent leader. The class now 
has fourteen numbers. A Sabbath school was 
organized at about the same time as the class, 
with Allen Tinker as superintendent. 'i'he 
school meets every Sunday. Frank Pha'nix is 
the present superintendent. 

In 18,57 a Wesleyan Methodist class was or- 
ganized, at Lincoln's store, by the Rev. Mr. 
Wood. It had about twenty members, among 
whom were — Jonathan Wriglit and wife, Cyrus 
Stowe, Henry Fuller and wife, and Daniel Carr 
and wife. As none of the members of this class 
are now living in the town, a full history of it 
cannot be collected. The class only continued 
in existence a few years. 

IliOX INTKRESTS. 

In 1!S"4 Josejib Culver, from Madison, came 
to Westford, secured the services of Joseph 
Moll, and leased land from him and also Josepli 
Dresen and John Cobblcdick, on sections -2 and 3. 



1274 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Mr. Moll was employed to prospect for iron ore, 
coraniencing first on the northwest quarter of 
section 2. They soon found ore sixteen feet 
below the surface of the earth. In the fall of 
1&75 a shaft was sunk on section 2, about forty- 
eight feet deep, and afterward several other 
shafts were sunk near by. In 1876 a company 
was formed, consisting of Joseph Culver, Gen. 
Limd and James Gunn. The company contin- 
ued operating the mines, and piled up the ore 
upon the ground. The vein became larger as 
they progressed, and finally Culver, Lund & 
Gunn sold out their interests to the Iron Ridge 
Iron Company, of which Leonard Bean was 
president. This company built a furnace at 
Cazenovia, and during the the summer of 1877 
erected a foundry. Numerous shafts were sunk 
on sections 2, 3, and 4, and large quantities of 
good ore were taken from these shafts. The 
Iron Ridge Iron Company carried on the busi- 
ness until 1879, when they stopped work, and 
about one year later sold the buildings to C. E. 
Bohn, of Ironton, who converted it into a stave 
factory, for which purpose the buildings are 
still used. 

CAZENOVIA CEMBTEET. 

The cemetery at Cazenovia was laid out in 
July, 1862, by Josiah McCaskey, surveyor. It 
was laid out under the supervision of the town 
board of supervisors. The land was donated 
to the town by Allen Perkins. Mrs. Gad Pome- 
roy was the first person buried here. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Otis L. Gleason, one of the first settlers of 
Cazenovia, was born tn Northampton Co., Mass., 
Oct. 20, 1811. When he was but four years old 
his parents emigrated to York State and set- 
tled in Ontario county, town of Ogden, making 
the journey thither with teams, in the winter. 
He made his home with his parents until eleven 
years old, when he started out traveling in 
company with an older brother, selling jewelry 
and notions, visiting several different States. 
At twenty-two years old he engaged at work on 
board a boat, and run the river two seasons. 



He afterward went to Cleveland, Ohio, and 
there engaged to learn the mason trade. Here 
he worked until 1846, then M'ent to Michigan 
and bought government land in Ingham county. 
Eight months later he sold this and went to 
Kalamazoo, and worked at teaming on the rail- 
road, and thence to Chicago, where he engaged 
to go to "Big Bull" pineries, Wisconsin, making 
his way there with a team. In 1848 he went to 
Dane county and took government land in the 
town of Burke, remaining there until 1854, 
when he came to Richland county. He is a 
natural mechanic, and since coming here has 
worked as brick mason, and plasterer carpenter 
and joiner, etc. He is now living a retired life 
at Cazenovia. He was married in 1849 to Miia 
Butterfiield, widow of David Fuller. They 
have one child — Efiie May. Formerly Jlr. 
Gleason was a democrat, but since the war has 
been a republican. 

George Jarvis, an early settler in Richland 
county, was born in Staffordshire, England, in 
1817. When a young man he came to America 
and settled at Columbus, Ohio, where he was 
married to Sarah Brockelhurst, and settled in 
Delaware county, where he was station agent at 
Orange station, remaining there until 1852, 
when he removed to Sauk county and lived un- 
til 18.55, then came to Richland county and lo- 
cated at Richland City. In If 66 he removed to 
Cazenovia and made that his home until 1883. 
He is now at Redfield, Spink Co., Dak., where 
he has a land oflice. He was an attorney by 
profession, having been admitted to the bar in 
Ohio, and practiced in Richland county. He 
served as postmaster at Cazenovia.' He has six 
children living — George, Birney M., Sarah, 
Martha, Emma and Fannie. Birney M., the 
owner of the flouring mill and water power at 
Cazenovia, was born in the town of Africa, 
Delaware Co, Ohio, in 1846, and was nine 
years old when his parents moved to Richland 
county. His early education was received at 
the district school and advanced at the State 
University at Madison. He enlisted in August, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1275 



1862, in company A., 23d Wisconsin, and served 
with the regiment until the close of the war, 
participating in the following battles: Arkansas 
Post, siege and battle of Vicksburg, Jackson, 
Miss., on the Red River expedition, and with 
Banks and Fort Blakely, near Mobile. He was 
discharged with the regiment at Madison July 
25, 1865. The following fall he bought the 
mill property at Cazenovia, where he has since 
made his home. He has greatly improved the 
property by building a new mill. lie was a 
member of the Wisconsin Legislature in 1881. 
He was married in 1869 to Janette Moore, of 
Michigan. They have five children — William, 
Birney, Moody Sankey, Carrie and Fannie. 

John M. Jax, deputy sheriff, was born at Fond 
du Lac, Wis., Feb. 5, 1862, and was three yea.is 
old when his parents came to Richland county 
and settled in the town of Westford. Here his 
childhood and youth were spent. His education 
was obtained in the public schools. He was 
married in 1875 to Annie Timlin, a native of 
Ireland. He settled in Cazenovia and engaged 
in farming two years, and then in the manufac- 
ture and trade of hoop-poles and hand shaved 
hoops, in which he is stUl engaged at Cazenovia 
and Lavalle, doing a business of about $12,000 
per year. He has served as town clerk of the 
town of Westford, and is now serving his .sec- 
ond term as deputy sheriff, having been first ap- 
pointed in 1 881. Mr. and Mrs. Jax are the 
parents of four children — Theodore T., John 
R., George P. and Joseph F. 

John Donalioe, one of the pioneers of the 
town of Westford, was born in county Cavan, 
Ireland, Dec. 28, 1818, where lie was reared to 
agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in 
a private school. He came to America in 1845, 
landing in Boston May 10 of that year. lie 
there worked in a chemical factory till the fall 
of 1846, when he went to New Orleans, return- 
ing to Boston in tlie spring. He continued to 
spend the summers in lioston and winlns Iti 
New Orleans until the year 1840, when he was 
married in the latter city to Mary Murphy, a 



native of county Fermanagh, Ireland. He had 
a contract there to construct a levee and ditch, 
and employed men on this work until 1852, 
then removed to Perry Co., Ohio, and bought a 
farm, living there until 1855, when he removed 
to Richland county and settled upon the farm 
where he now resides. He immediately began 
clearing, and built the log iiouse in which they 
lived until 1868. In that year he built the 
good frame house now occu])ied by the family- 
He enlisted Nov. II, 1861, in the 3d Wisconsin 
Cavalry, company F, serving with the regiment 
until his discharge, Feb. IV, 1865. His regi- 
ment participated in many engagements and 
skirmishes. Among the more important are 
the following: Prairie Grove, Cabin Creek, Lit- 
tle Blue, Kansas City and Le.vington, Mo. For 
the past few years Mr. Donahoe has devoted 
his attention to stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. 
Donahoe are the parents of five children — John 
J., Ann, Owen, Mary and Dennis. Mr. Dona- 
hoe has been prominent in public affairs, has 
held offices of trust, having served as asscs.sor 
and supervisor, and has been clerk and treasurer 
of the school district. 

Ludger Plncnix, one of the early settlers of 
Westford, is a native of Canada, born at Riche- 
lieu, province of Quebec, Sept. 20, 1831. When 
he was seventeen years of age he came to the 
States and engaged in farming near Troy, N. 
Y., for one year. Then for one .season he was 
employed in running a ferry-boat across the 
Hudson, between east and west Troy. He then 
worked at lumbering till 1855, excepting one 
season that he was engaged in raftinj; lumber 
from Oneida lake to Albany. In the spring of 
1855 he came to Wisconsin and engaged in 
farming witii Richard Frost, near Madison, re 
maiiiing there until September of that year, 
when he came to Richland county and purchased 
the southwest quarter of section 11, town 12, 
range 2 east, now known as Westford. He 
built a smalllog house and tii'-n returmd to 
Madison, and was there married to Mary Tool, y, 
and came back to his new home with his bride. 



12713 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



who shaieil with him the hardships of pioneer 
life, ever ready to assist liim in every way that 
slie could. She died in January, 1869. Seven 
children had been born to them, three of whom 
are now living — Franklin P., George E. and 
Alice E. His second wife, to whom he was 
married in 1870, was Eliza Lutz. She has three 
children — Charles E., Rosa N. and Lillie M. 
In 1S65 Mr. Phoenix became agent for the 
^Etiia Insurance Company, of Hartford, Conn. 
He now represents the Home and Continental 
companies, of New York; Hecla, of Jladison; 
Rockford, of Illinois; Boston Underwriters, and 
Nortliwestern Mutual Life, of Milwaukee, and 
is now farmer and insurance agent. Mr. and 
Mrs. Phoenix are members of the M. E. class at 
Cazenovia, as was also his first wife. 

Moses Jiible, one of the pioneers of Weslford 
town, is a native of Tennessi'e, born in '-Jreen 
county, April T, 1(<08. He was brought up on a 
farm. At twenty years of age lie engaged with 
a blacksmith to learn the trade, with whom he 
remained five months, then followed that busi- 
ne.ss one year with another paity, when he re- 
sumed farming. In 1834 he erected a grist- 
mill, doing the work himself, whicii he con- 
tinued to operate until 1846, when he sold out 
and removed to Indiana, taking his family, and 
traveling with a four horse team. They located 
in Clinton county, rented land and there re- 
mained until 1855, when he again started to 
seek a new home in the northwest, came to 
Westford and settled on the site of his j)resenl 
farm. lie was married in 1830 to Catharine 
Clary, who was born in Jefferson Co., Tenn., 
Dec. 14, 1812. She died June 8, 18V3, leaving 
seven children — Martha, Rufus, George, Joshua, 
Newton, Moses and Sarah. Francis, Darius 
and Susanna were also born to them, but are 
now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Jiible were both mem- 
bers of the United Brethren Church, and were 
consistent Christian people. He was a member 
of the first board of supervisors for the t(}wn of 
Westford. 



Edward West, an early settler of Westford, 
was born in Schenectady Co., N. Y., on the 
17th of January, 1824. Here his childhood and 
youth were spent in going to school and work- 
ing upon a farm. He was united in marriage 
with Sarah A. Fuller in April, 1848. She was 
a native of Oneida county. The same year he 
came to Wisconsin and located at Janesville, 
where he was engaged in farming and black- 
smithing until 1850, when he started for Cali- 
fornia overland, and arrived at his destination 
at the end of six months. He worked in the 
mines there until 1853. In that year he re- 
turned to New York State by the way of tlie 
isthmus of Panama, remained five nuuiths, then 
went again to California and resumed working 
in the mines, which he continued until 1855, 
then came back to New York, and iil'ter stop- 
ping there a short time came to Richlan<l coun- 
ty and settled on section 1. In 1863 he bought 
a house and lot in Cazenovia and moved his 
family there. After making them comfortable 
in their new home he enlisted in company I, 
3d Wisconsin Infantry, went south, joined Sher- 
man at Chattanooga, was with him on his march 
to the sea and to AVashington, ]>articipating 
with his regiment in the many important bat- 
tles of that campaign. He was discharged at 
Madison, Wis., at the close of the war, and le- 
turned to Cazenovia. Since that time he has 
worked as brick mason, and plasterer also as car- 
penter and joiner. Mr. and Mrs. West have 
three children — Thomas, Warren ard Birtsle. 

Allen Tinker, one of the pioneers of Ricldend 
county, was born in Chenanga Co., State of 
New York, April 2, 1815. When he was but 
ten years old his parents died. He made his 
home in the same county until sixteen years 
of age when he moved to Otsego county and 
was there married in 1835 to Betsy Montgom- 
ery who was born in that county Dec. 29, 1812. 
Here he engaged in farmiiig until 1843 then 
worked with a blicksmith at Cannonsville, Dela- 
ware county, to learn the trade and there contin- 
ued until 1849 when he e" igrated to Wiscon- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1277 



sin and settled in Jefferson county, erected a 
shop at Koshkonong, where he worked at his 
trade till 1855, when he came to Richland coun- 
ty and settled on section 9, township 12, range 
2 east, now known as Westford with the inten- 
tion of becoming a farmer. lie built a black- 
smith shop for his own convenience, but people 
came from miles around with work and he was 
kept busy at his trade. In February, IBS'?, he 
went to La Crosse and spent a few weeks. 
During his absence the town of Westford was 
organized and he was chosen chairman of the 
board. In the spring of 1858 he moved to 
Cazenovia built a shop and has since worked 
there at his trade. He has been prominent in 
public affairs and filled many offices of trust 
and honor, and is at this time justice of the 
peace. He has always taken a great interest in 
school and Church affairs, and was among the 
first members of the M. E. Church at this point 
and for many years class leader. Mr. and Mrs. 
Tinker are the parents of three children now 
living —Andrew M., Mary J. and William 
Henry. The oldest son, Andrew M., was born 
in York State, Feb. 24, 1839, and came to Wis- 
consin with his parents. When a young man 
lie learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. 
He was married in 18.')9 to Mary J. Russell and 
settled in Cazenovia. He served duri7ig the 
war in the 42d regiment, company I. He now 
lives in Eau Clare county. Charles M. was born 
in York State, Oct. 4, 1845, anil made his 
home with his parents until 1861, when he en- 
listed in the .3d Wisconsin, comj^any F, and 
went south. He died in the service at Fort 
Scott, Kan., Nov. 24, 1862. William Henry was 
also born in York State, March 27, 1847, and 
was eiglit years old when he came to Richland 
county with liis parents. He commenced when 
quite young to learn the trade of blacksmilli 
with his father. He enlisted in March, 1865, in 
the 50th Wisconsin, company H. and went south. 
He was dischargeil.Tul)- 25, 18G5,from the hospi- 
tal, where he was sick. He then returned home 
and resumed work at his trade, which he has 



since followed, excepting eight months in 1881, 
during which time he was in the employ of a 
Milwaukee firm selling groceries on the road. 
He was married Nov. 5, 1871, to Nellie Nichols, 
a native of York State. They have five chil- 
dren — Amasa L., William H., Fred A., Maud 
I. and Luella. They also have a daughter 
Mary J., the wife of Joshua Bible, who lives in 
Sauk county, near Cazenovia. Allen Tinker 
politically belongs to the democratic i)arty, hut 
is not so bound by party ties, as to always vote 
for any candidate regardless of his personal fit- 
ness for the position, but is among tliose who 
exercise the right of suffrage intelligently, and 
always votes the democratic ticket, when good 
men are brought forward. He cannot be con- 
sidered a politician in any sense, and never 
solicited man's vote, either for him.self or other 
persons. Electioneering for office is a thing of 
which he never was guilty, although an honest 
]>ublic servant whenever entrusted with public 
office in any capacity. 

Joseph Moody, an early settler in tlie State of 
Wisconsin, was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Sept. 
12, 1821, where he received a common school 
education. When he was seventeen years old, 
liis parents moved to Hancock county and he 
ma<le his home with them'iinlil 1841, in which 
year he was married to Sarah Milledge, who 
was born in Franklin county. In 1844 he came 
to Wisconsin and settled in Waukcsiia county, 
purchased forty acres of land which he occupied 
until 1848, then he traded it for a land warrant, 
which he ])laced on land in Mt. Pleasant, Green 
county, which was at that time a new country. 
He improved a farm, which, in 185^, he traded 
for limber laiul in the town of Westford, on sec- 
tion 34. Here he cleared a valuable farm, 
planted an orchard, and is one of the few suc- 
cessful fruit growers in the town. He built a 
two story log iiouse, a large frame barn and was 
engaged in raising both grain and slo<k. He 
enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, in company H, 25th regi- 
tnent Wisconsin Volunteers, and went to Min- 
nesota to meet the Indians, remaining there 



1278 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



until Febniaiy, 1863, then went south and joined 
the 16th Army Corps. He was with Slierman 
on Ills march to the sea, and through tlie Caro- 
linas to Wasliington, participating in the many 
battles of that ever memorable camjiaign. lie 
was discharged with the regiment at Washing- 
ton June 7, 1865, and returned liome. lie was 
an exemplary citizen and i)roniinerit in town af- 
fairs, filling many offices of trust — havingserved 
as assessor and chairman of the board. Mr. 
and Mrs. Moody were tlie parents of eight chil- 
dren — Si>ijiironia, Elizabeth J., Lewis (' , Wil- 
liam ]i., Louisa v., James I!., Thomas F. an<l 
Ephraim L. In tlie early part of December, 
1883, IMr. Moody was stricken down with a com- 
plication of diseases, and suffered greatly from 
the outset, until the night of Jan. 25, 1884, when 
surrounded by many friends and relatives, ihe 
soul took its departure, and (in the 2Ttli, the 
body was conveyed to its final resting place, 
under the auspices of the I. O. O. F., assisted by 
the G. A. R. 

Wenzel J. Hanzlik, postmaster at Cazenovia, 
received his appointment, June 28, 1883, which 
position he had filled, as deputy, for six years, 
previously. He is a native of Bohemia, born 
in September, 1838. When he was twelve years 
years of age, his parents emigrated to America, 
and located in New York city, where he lived 
six years, then came to Hillsborough, Vernon 
county and worked upon a farm till 1861; then 
at the first call for three years men, enlisted in 
the 6th Wisconsin, company I, and with the 
regiment, joined the Army of the Potomac. He 
was discharged at Arlington Heights, Jan. 16, 
1862, on account of disability. He returned to 
Ironton, Sauk county, and, as soon as able to 
work, engaged to learn the trade of moulder. 
Feb. 15, 18')5, he re-enlisted in the 12th Wis- 
consin, company H, and went to Raleigh, N. C, 
to join Sherman's army, and served till after the 
close of the war. His regiment was discharged 
Aug. 0, 1865, when he returned to Ironton and 
resumed working at his tra-le as moulder. He 
remained there until 1877, when he came to 



Cazenovia to take charge of a store for E. & 
N. G. Blakeslee. He has continued in the same 
business until the present time, and has built up 
an extensive trade. He was married on the 10th 
of February, 1861, to Kate M. Dressen, a native 
of Prussia. They are the parents of eight chil- 
dren — Joseph W., Annie T., Martin II., Frank 
W., Ilaltie E., Eva M., Katie M. and William A. 
John Keane, town clerk of Westford, first 
came to Richland county in 18<i2, and purchased 
land on section 36. At that time much of ihe 
land of the town was owned l>y speculators, 
who employed him to act as agent for their 
sale, Being extensively acquainted, he soon 
disposed of considerable land, ami in the mean- 
time partly improved his own, which he sold 
in 1867, and purchased his present farm on 
section 25. Mr. Keane is a native of Ireland, 
born in county Clare, in December, 1829. Here 
liis younger days were spent on a farm and in 
school. He spent two years attending the 
graded school, at the village of Kilkee. At 
the age of nineteen, he left his native soil and 
came to America, and at first located at Mont- 
pelier, Vt., where he engaged in farming. 
After remaining there four years, he came to 
Wisconsin and was employed for six years 
as clerk in the executive department at Madi- 
son, under Govs. Bashford and Randall, con- 
tinuing there until 1862, when he came to 
Westford. He was married to Bridget Faren, 
in 1851. Eight children have been born to 
them — Mary, James, Kate, Jane, Margaret, John 
Edward and .Simon. Mary is a native of Ver- 
mont ; the other children of Wisconsin. Mr. 
Keane has been in office the greater part of the 
time since coming to Westford, having served 
as clerk several years, and also as assessor and 
chairman of the town board. Mrs. Keane is a 
native of county Clare, Ireland. Tiiey were 
married at Burlington, Vt., by the Rev. Father 
O'Caligan. Mr. Keane's parents always lived 
at the place of his birth. His father died April 
22, 1883, at the age of eighty-seven. His 
mother is still living. The town of Westi'ord 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



12T0 



owes much of her prosperity and early settle- 
ment to Mr. Keane, through his earnest and 
upright manner in selling lands and bringing 
in settlers. 

Sebastian Wenker, merchant at Cazenovia. 
came to tliis village in December, 1865, and 
purchased a one-half interest in the store of A. 
Fix. In March, 1806, they dissolved partner- 
ship, Mr. Wenker becoming sole proprietor. He 
is a good business man and has been successfid 
in building up a large trade. He still continues 
business here and carries a good stock of goods. 
He was born in Alsace, when it was a part of 
Fi-ance, Aug. 20, 1833. Whenhe was twelve years 
old his parents emigrated to America and loca- 
ted in Uodge Co., Wis., where they were among 
the early settlers. His fatlier took government 
land and he assisted him in clearing a farm. He 
was joined in marriage when twenty-four years 
old, with Eva Derr, a native of Bavaria. He 
then settled on the old homestead and remained 
until 1862, then removed to Dane county and 
engaged in farming in the town of Bristol, re- 
maining there until 1865, then came to Caze- 
novia. Mr. and Mrs. Wenker have had six 
children, four of whom are now living — Mary, 
Teressa, Anna and Sebastian. A daughter, 
Ellen, was born May 5, 1861, and died Jan. 11, 
1875. Eva was born June 3, 1862, and died 
Jan. 26, 1875. Mr. Wenker has always thus 
far adhered to the democratic party. 

Converse Pierce, town treasurer and justice 
of the peace, came to ('azenovia in 1866 and en- 
gaged in mercantile trade in company with M. 
O. Tracy, continued in that business one year, 
then sold out and engaged in farming. In 1869 
he purchased Perkins' addition, consisting of 
twenty-four lots, wliere he built the frame house 
he now occupies, and has also erected a good 
frame barn. He was born in the town of Ham- 
burg, Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 11, 1832, where he 
grew to manhood. His early education was ob- 
tained at the district school, supplemented by 
two terms in the Oberlin Utiiversity, at Oberiin, 
Ohio. In 1859 he moved to Wisconsin, lived 



in Green county one year, tlioii moved to Mc- 
Henry Co., 111., where he bought a farm of 120 
acres. In 1866 he sold out and came to Caze- 
novia, as before stated. He was married in 
1855 to Ellen E. Coon, also born in Eriecnunty. 
They have one child — Glen Irving. His father, 
Dryden Pierce, was born in Hartford, Conn., in 
1805. When he was two years old his jiarcnls 
emigrated to York State and settled in the 
town of Flamburg. When a young man he 
went to Vermont, where he was married to Me- 
linda Hamblin, who was born in Utica, N. Y. 
They now live with their only son. Converse, 
in Cazenovia. 

James Moyes came to Richland county in 
1867 and opened a blacksmith shop at Cazenovia. 
In 1870 he bouglit a lot in block 2, and built 
the frame dwelling in which lie now lives. He 
sold his blacksmith shop in 1875 and purchased 
a farm of eighty acres, on section 7, of the town 
of Ironton, Sauk county, and has since that 
lime engaged in farming. He was born in 
Devonsliire, England, in 1842, and brought uj« 
on a farm. At the age of seventeen he en- 
gaged with a blacksmith to learn the trade, 
served four years, and then went to Soutli 
NVales to work at his trade, remaining there till 
1 867, when, as before stated, he came to America 
and to Richland county. He was mawicd in 
1865 to Mary Marshall, also a native of Devon- 
shire. 

Mrs. Carrie M. Atkins, the proprietor of llie • 
Iiotel at Cazenovia, was born in the town of Or- 
leans, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1842. She 
was joined in marriage in 1858 to Sanfurd Col- 
lins. He was born in the town of Orleans in 
April, 1839. Eight children blessed this union, 
six of whom are now living — San ford, Cliloe L., 
Sturgis F., Birney A., Burton and Lula M. He 
was a machinist by trade, at which he worked 
in York State until 1867, when he came to Wis- 
consin and purchased a farm on section 7, town 
of Ironton, Sauk county. Here lie made his 
home until the time of liis death, which occurred 
Nov. 30, 1874. Her second husband, to whom 



1280 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



she was married Oct. 11, 1877, was Thornton 
Lee Atkins. One child — Nellie May — was born. 
Mr. Atkins was born in the town of Garnavillo, 
Clayton Co., Iowa, in 1848. His father, whose 
name was Elial Atkins, was a native of Ver- 
mont, settled in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1845, and 
moved from there in 1848 to Garnavillo. In 
1852 he went to California, and his wife, with 
her two children, returned to Vermont and 
lived there five years, then returned to Garna- 
villo, where the subject of our sketch grew to 
manhood. When he was sixteen years of age 
he engaged in the brick city machine shop at 
Claremont, Iowa, and there learned the trade. 
The past few years he has been engaged as en- 
gineer. In the summer of 1883 he run the 
engine of the steamer Red Star, at Minuetonka, 
in H«nnepin Co., Minn. 

Father Herman Grosse, resident pastor in 
Westford, was born in Saxony, Germany, April 
24, 1842. He attended a common school until 
the age of eleven, then entered the college at 
Heiligenstadt, where he studied lor nine years. 
He then passed examination and entered the 
university at Munich. After completing the 
course there, he attended at Vienna, and after- 
ward at Munster in Westphalia, Paderborn. 
He was ordained by the Right Reverend Bishop 
Martin in 1865, and came to the United States, 
where he received the last ordination at Mil- 
waukee, from Bishop Henni, and was sent to 
Kansas City, Mo. He remained there five years, 
then returned to Wisconsin to take charge of 
St. Mary's Church in Monroe county, remaining 
there seven and a half years. He was then at 



Sauk City four and a half years, after which he 
came to Cazenovia. He now has charge of four 
Churches, including the two in Westford, one 
in Henrietta and another at Ironton. He is a 
gentleman of pleasing address and one who 
commands the respect of all. 

Oscar B., son of Levi J. and Fanny (Allen) 
Lincoln, was born at North Windham, Wind- 
ham Co., Conn., Aug. 31, 1854. He came to 
Wisconsin with his pai-ents, a sketch of whom 
appears in the history of Ithaca town. Oscar 
B. remained at home until twenty years of age, 
alternately attending school and working on 
the homestead farm. He then went to Madi- 
son, Wis., and was employed by his uncle to 
assist him in well drilling, lie remained there 
two years, and then procured a set of drilling 
tools and returned home, since which lime he 
has made a business of well drilling in Rich- 
land, Sauk and Juneau counties. In 1881 he 
came to Cazenovia, July 1, and established 
the "Yankee" blacksmith shop, employing a 
man to attend to the custom. Since becoming 
a resident of Cazenovia, he has been engaged 
in selling agricultural implements, and in con- 
nection with the business of well drilling, 
keeps on hand a good stock of jjumjis and pipe. 
Mr. Lincoln is energetic and enterprising, and 
has been fairly sticcessful in business. He was 
married at Muscoda, Wis., July 3, 1879, to Nan- 
nie Adams, a native of Crow Wing, Minn. 
Two sons have been given to tliem — Burr T. 
and Buford G. The former was born at Nep- 
tune, Sept. 8, 1880, and died in April, 1 881. 
The latter was born at Cazenovia, June 5, 1883, 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1281 



CHAPTER XXXIV 



TCWN OF WILLOW. 



This is a full contrressional township, being 
11 north, rantf^ 2 east of fourth principal meri- 
dian. It is botiniled on liie north hy Westfovd, 
on the east by Sank county, on tiie soutli by 
Ithaca, and on the west by Rockbridge. It is 
well watered by Big and Little Willow creeks and 
their tributaries, which flow through the town in 
asoutlierly direction. It is j)rincipally an agri 
cultural town, and has many good farms both 
in the valleys and on the ridges. There is con- 
siderable waste land on account of abrupt l)reaks. 
but in this paticular it compares favorably witl 
other portions of the county. Unfortunately 
the early records of the town have been losl. 
and a list of the officers could not be obtained 
'I'he following is a partial list: E. L. D. Moody 
cliiiinnan, .Joiiii Ilake, side supervisor; Iliran 
Hitchcock, clerk; Hiram J>ritton and .John Shaw, 
justices of the peace; Cyrus Stowe, treasurer; D 
O. Chandler, superintendent of schools. The offi- 
cers for 18S3 were as follows: .John R. Smyth, 
chairman, J. A. Mercer and C. C. McNamar, 
si<le supervisors; Anlone Rollet, clerk; T. J. 
.McNurlin, assessor; Albert Hake, treasurer; 
Marion Hart, Matthew White, Samuel Doolittle 
.'uid .J. 0. Frye, justices of the peaco. 

K.VULV SETTLEMENT. 

Many interesting features cluster around the 
first settlement of a country. Among the many 
difficulties, privations and hardships always at- 
tending the lirst develoi)ment, there are bright 
spots along the pioneer life, standing out some- 
timcH in bold relief against a background of 
• larknoss and distress. Tin; mutual heljifulness, 
almost universal kindness, and interest in each 



other's welfare apparent in those days, were 
things to be the more appreciated as time ])asscd 
on. The social circle, although necessarily 
limited as to numbers, had not its present limit 
as to classification, and the disagreeabb' for- 
malities of the present day were unknown. A 
treatise on etiquette was not a necessity in every 
family, and tlie peculiar twist of a handker- 
chief, or fold of a shawl, were not matters re- 
quiring especial thought and careful manipula- 
tion. Comfort and happiness were uiitranielled 
by fashion and formalism. In sucli respects 
many in later days have had occasion to wish 
for the good old times. 

The first settlement in the town was made in 
•Tune, 1852, by John Hake, a native of York 
State, who came here from Rock county. Pre- 
viously two of his sous had been here and en- 
tered land on the southeast quarter of section 
4. This locality now bears the name of Hake 
Hollow. Here Mr. Hake cleared quite a farm, 
and lived a number of years. He died at Sex- 
tonville in December, 1883. 

The next settler was Henjainin Smith, who 
came into the town for the first time when .Mr. 
Hake moved here with his family. He selected 
land on section 23, where he still resides. 

D. O. Chandler, now a promineni citizen of 
Richland Center, was among llie earliest set- 
tlers of this town. lie was a native of Erie 
Co., N. Y., and came here from HufTalo in 1H5S, 
and settled on section !>, where he entered 160 
acres and cleared abi>iil forty. In IS.^.O he re- 
moved to Loyd and engaged in mercantile busi- 



1382 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ness until 1865, when he removed to Richland 
Center and engaged in the hardware business. 

Another settler of 1853 was Henry Cushman, 
from New England. He settled in Hake Hol- 
low, remained a short time and went to Iowa. 

Jacob Fellows and Byron Telfair came the 
same year and settled on section 2, where they 
erected the first cabin in the north part of the 
town. They made some improvements, and in 
1854 sold to Ephraim Moody. Fellows moved 
to Loyd and bought an interest in a saw-mill, in 
which place he died a few years later. Telfair 
was a lawyer, and a brother of Dr. Telfair, of 
Lone Rock. . He settled in Buena Vista, en- 
listed in the army and contracted disease, from 
the effects of which he died a few years later. 

The next year (1854) Russell Carpenter came 
from York State and settled at Loyd. He was 
by trade a clock-tinker, and kept boarding- 
house. In 1864 he removed to Sauk county, 
where he was living at last accounts. 

Another settler of this season was Ephraim 
Moody, a native of Ohio. He emigrated from 
Green county and settled on section 2. He was 
a land speculator, and was elected county sheriff; 
removed to the county seat, where he died in 
1861. 

From the same county, about the same time, 
came August Lampher and located on the north- 
east quarter of section 1. In 1859 he removed 
to the Kickapoo. In 1861 he enlisted in the 
army and served until the close of the war. 
At last report he was in Nebraska. 

Section 10 received a settler this year in the 
person of Dr. Hitchcock, from Greene county. 
He was a practicing physician and quite an 
elderly man. He sold out to Joseph Stout, a na- 
tive of New Jersey, and in 1855 removed to 
Reedsburg. 

During the winter of 1854-5 Alonzo Burdick 
came from Dane Co., N. Y., and settled on sec- 
tion 2. He died in 1868. His widow now lives 
in Viola. 

Edward C. Walker came from Greene Co., 
N. Y., in 1855, and bought laud on the north- 



west quarter of section 1. He has cleared a 
farm, which he still owns. 

James French, a native of Tennessee, lives 
on section 2, where he settled in 1854. 

Patrick Smith, a native of Ireland, came 
here in 1855 and bought land on section 2.3, 
where he lived a few years, and moved west. 

Valentine Stoddard, a native of Connecticut, 
came here from New York State in 1854 and 
bought land on section 31, where he settled the 
following year, and still lives. 

Daniel Stoddard, also a native of Connecticut, 
came from New York in 1854 and settled on 
section ;iO. He was an old batchelor and by 
profession a school teacher. He died in Feb- 
ruary, 1868. His widow still occupies the 
homestead. 

Philip McNaraara was a settler of 1857. He 
was a native of West Virginia and came from 
Iowa and lived first on Mill creek, then, in 185'?, 
he came to Willow and settled on his present 
farm on section 19. 

The next year, during the month of Septem- 
ber, Watson A. Hatch came from New York 
State and settled in the village of Loyd, where 
he now lives. 

Amos Stafford also came in 1856 from Chen- 
ango Co., N. Y. He came in the fall and spent 
the winter in Loyd. The following spring he 
settled on section 26, where he lived a few 
few years, then traded his farm for forty acres 
on section 15. He there built a mill, [)nt in a 
turning lathe and manufactured household fur- 
niture. He was a natural mechanic, a good 
workman, and continued in that business some 
time and cleared a farm. He died here during 
the war. 

John Rosenbaum and Aaron Bowman came 
from Ohio in 1856 and located on section 1, 
where they made a little improvement and re- 
mained a few years, then moved to Weslford. 

David Wildermurth, a native of Ohio, came 
from Iowa county in 1855 and entered land on 
section 7. In 1856 he settled and has since re- 
mained. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1283 



New York State furnished aiiotlier settler 
this year in the person of Daniel Graves, who 
made settlement on the southeast quarter of 
section 10. He enlisted in the army and con- 
tracted a disease from which he died soon after 
his return. There is one son now living of this 
family who, at last accounts, was in New York 
State. 

Edward M. Alward, a native of New Jersey, 
came here in 1853 and entered land on sections 
18, 19 and 20. He did not settle, however, 
until 1857. He now lives on section 16. 

Bartholomew Shea is a native of Ireland and 
came here in 1855 and located on the southeast 
quarter of section 20, where he still lives. 

Samuel Fuller was from Ohio and came from 
Green county in 1855 and settled on section 5, 
where he now lives. 

Ralph Ward, an Englishman, came to Willow 
as early as 1854 and selected a home on section 
9. After a few years he removed to Iowa, but 
has since returned, and now lives on section 7. 
Another early settler was William Butler, a 
iiait'-blood Indian, formerly from Onondaga 
Co., N. Y. He came from Ithaca probably 
about 1853 and settled on th southwest quarter 
of section 31. He was quite an elderly man 
and bad a white woman for a wife. He was a 
gooil farmer and quite industrious. He was, in 
common with all of bis race, very fond of bunt- 
ing, and among lii.s exploits during one winter 
killed seventy deer. He cleared quite a farm 
ami remained here a number of years. He was 
(juite a character in iiis way and served in the 
W^ar of 1812. He drew a pension during his 
declining years and lived to the mature age of 
ninety-nine years. He had but one child, a 
daughter, now dead. There are two grandsons 
now living in Dakota. 

Another early settler was Jefferson Shaver, 
a native of Kentucky, and of African descent. 
He fir.'^t came to the county in 1852 and lived in 
the town of Ithaca two years. In 1854 he came 
to the Little Willow valley. He had bought 
eighty acres of land, one-half of which was in 



the town of Willow and the other in Rock- 
bridge. He first built a house on the town line. 
His present house is on section 31, town of 
Willow. 

David Wood arrived here in 1854 and settled 
on the southwest quarter of section 29, where 
he died. Two of his sons entered the army 
and sacrificed their lives in the cause of their 
country. The rest of the family are scattered 
and their whereabouts unknown. 

Harvey Wells and Henry Short came in 1855 
and settled in Wheat Hollow, where they im- 
proved farms. They removed to Nebraska in 
1870. 

Preserved Wheat came from Michigan in 
1855 and located on section 28. The valley in 
which he lived took his name and is called 
Wheat hollow. About 1870 he sold out and at 
last accounts was in California. 

A man from New York State, Henry J I. 
Butts, came here in 1856 and located on section 
23, where he still lives. 

Mrs. Jane Warren came from the same State 
the same year and died here in 1862. 

In 1855 John Drought, a native of Ireland, 
came. He was from Jefferson county and set- 
tled in the village of Loyd. He bad purchaiod 
land on section 15, which he still occupies. 

S. v. Carpenter was a native of York State, 
and came here during the winter of 1854-55 
and settled on section 11, which place is still 
his home. 

In 1856 a Vermonter by the name of Joseph 
Marden, settled in "Harden Hollow" where he 
yet makes his home. 

Charles Herzing, Sr., a native of Germany, 
a weaver by trade, settled in the village of 
Loyd in 1856, where he o])er.ited a small factory 
and died in 1881. His son, Charles, settled on 
section 27, where he cleared a good farm. In 
1870 he removed to Nebraska. 

In 1855 there was a settler came here by 
name of John Romack. He made his selection 
on section 25, where he cleared a farm and 
I lived some years. He is now dead. 



1284 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Tiie same year Josepli Stout came from New 
Jersey and settled on section 10. He is now 
dead. His sons Merritt and Jonathan now oc- 
cupy the homestead. 

Myriis Rarasdale, a native of Vermont, was 
also a settler of 1855, and selected the .south- 
west quarter of section 10. He was a black- 
smith, worked at his trade and cleared a farm 
He died about 1872, and the whereabouts of his 
family are unknown. 

Another settler of this year was Romine 
Shaw, a native of Alleghany Co., N. Y. He 
located on tlie northwest quarter of section 15, 
and remained until 1804, when lie returned to 
York State, and now lives in Cattaraugus 
county. 

An earlier settler was I. A. Chandler, a na- 
tive of Erie county, who came probably as early 
as 1853, and made a claim on the southwest 
quarter of section 9. In 1855 he sold out and 
worked at his trade of carpenter at Pike's 
Peak. He is now in Texas. 

EOUCATIONAL. 

The citizens of Willow town have not been 
unmindful of the educational wants of the 
children within her borders, and have provid- 
ed from time to time, necessary facilities for 
imparting instruction, and giving all an oppor- 
tunity to receive a fair education. The town 
is now divided into school districts calculated 
to meet the wants of the people. Some changes 
might be made to advantage, which would bet- 
ter accommodate some sections, and in these 
matters the wants of the people being duly con- 
sidered, changes will doubtless be effected in 
time. As early as 1857, a school was taught in 
a log house located on the southeast quarter of 
section 9, and owned by D. O. Chandler. This 
is called district No. 4 and Annie Fellows was 
the first teacher. A ninaber of terras were 
taught in this building. In I 860 a log school 
house was built which is still in use. Margaret 
Larey was the first teacher in the new building. 
The same year a school was commenced in what 
is called district No. 7, and was taught by Jem- 



ima Hake in a log building belonging to John 
Hake, located on the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 34. The same year a school building was 
erected, and painted a bright red after the cus- 
tom of those days. It was located on the soutli- 
east corner of the southwest quarter of section 
34. Anna Fellows was the first teacher in this 
building. The house has since been sold and is 
now used for a wagon shop in Ithaca. In 1872 
the present house was built, located on the 
southwest of the northeast quarter of section 
34, and Clara Campbell taught the first school 
therein. The teacher at this time (1884) is 
Nallie Railton. Before these schools were or- 
ganized, Mrj. A. Hitchcock taught in what is 
known as district No 1. This was in 1855, and 
the house was located on block 4, of the vil- 
lage plat of Loyd. The same year a frame 
building was erected on block 3. In this 
house Charlotte Smith was the Hrst teacher. In 
1876 a new house was built on block 10, in 
which Mary Cass taught the first scliool. The 
teacher for 1884 was Lizzie Markliam. That 
same year (1855) in what is called district No. 
2 a school was taught by Harriet Smiley in a 
log shanty owned by E. L. D. Moody, located 
on the southeast quarter of section 2. The 
year following the first school house was built 
in this district and Velisa Godfrey was the first 
teacher within its walls. She had previously 
commenced a term in Mr. Moody's barn, but 
completed it in the school building. In 1882 a 
more commodious house was erected and fur- 
nished at a cost of §000. Margaret A. Ander- 
son was the first teacher in this building. In 
1884 a school was here being taught by James 
U. Moody. The first school taught in what is 
called district No. 5 was by Emily Grover in 
1859, during which year the house was built, lo- 
cated on the southwest of the northwest quar- 
ter of section 23. This building was burned in 
1867 and the present house erected on the old 
site. In the latter building Edward Long was 
the first teacher. District No. 6 was organized 
in 1859 and a school building erected the same 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1285 



year, located on the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 31. Mary Worth was the first teacher. In 
1880 the district sold this house to Valentine 
Stoddard, and built a new house on the south- 
west quai'ter of section 30, where John Steven- 
son was the first teacher. This building is 
supplied with modern furniture, and the school 
in 1884 was under management of Ilessie Rail- 
ton. In 1S58 a school building was erected in 
district No. 10, on the southwest of the north- 
west quarter of section 7. It was constructed 
of logs, and Cordelia Wood was one of the first 
teachers. Afterward anotner log house was 
built on the southeast quarter of section 6 in 
which Jemima McNamar was the first teacher. 
In 1879 this house was burned and two terms of 
school were taught in David Wildermuth's hop 
house. In 1880 a neat frime house was built 
on the southwest quarter of the northwest quar- 
ter of section 8, in which Lillie Wood was the 
first teacher. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The sjdritual wants of the people of Willow 
have not been altogether neglected, although 
many, in an early day, very much desired Church 
privileges beyond what they were able to obtain, 
and as a consequence Churches were organized, 
societies formed, and the attention of the peo- 
ple directed toward matters which appertained 
to their spiritual welfare. Prayer meetings and 
occasional services were held in some of the 
houses of the early settlers, and as to the date 
of the first meeting of such a character, there is 
some difference of oi)inioii, and it is uncertain 
at what jilace or by whom the actual first meet- 
ing was held. The historian ascertained dates, 
and facts, so far as they could be given, and the 
same are hereby presented: During the winter 
of 1857-58, revival meetings were held at the 
school house in Loyd, conducted by different 
preaciiers, and quite a number of the people 
were converted. The ministers were of the 
United Brolhren order, among whom were: Rev. 
Frederick Outcalt, James Howard and G. G. 
Nickey. The latter was a presiding elder. At 



the close of this series of meetings, a class was 
organized with about tiiirty members. The 
following were among the members: Amos 
Stafford and wife, W. A. Hatch and wife, Joseph 
Stout and wife, T. R. Rollins and wife, George 
Wright and wife, John Shaw and wife, Edward 
Long and wife, Levi Stafford and William Shaw- 
Edward Long was chosen class lea<leran(] W. A. 
Hatch steward. The following named preachers 
administered to the spiritual wantsof this class: 
Frederick Outcalt, James Howard, Revs. 
Harrison, Smith, Sutton and Alderman. During, 
the preaching of the latter meetings were dis- 
continued. 

In 1856 Rev. Kilbourne, of the M. E. Church 
hold services in different parts of the town 
but did not succeed in effecting any organiza- 
tion. The first United Brethren society organ" 
ized in this section of the county, was at the 
residence of Moses Bible, on section 35, town of 
Westford, in the spring of 1857, by Rev. Fred- 
erick Outcalt. The class contained fifteen mem- 
bers, among whom were the following: Moses 
Bible and wife, William Smelier and wife, James 
French and wife, John Frye and wife, John 
Clary and wife, William Thornburg and wife, 
Henry Trobough and William Carr and wife. 
James French was class leader. They met for 
worship in the Moody school house on section 
2, town of Willow, for some years, but now hold 
meetings at the Block school house in the town 
of Westford. In January, 1884, they were mak- 
ing preparation to build a church to be located 
on the southeast quarter of section 2. The class 
now numbers about thirty members, and Ash- 
bury Smelier is class leader. There wa.s an- 
other organization of this denomination affected 
at the residence of David Wood, on section 29, 
in 1858, with eight members. Amongtlie num- 
ber, were: David Wood and wife, Moses Call 
and wife and Alpheus Smith and wife. David 
Wood was class leader, and during his life the 
organization was continued, but disbanded soon 
after his death. About the same time Rev. 
Outcalt organized another class in "Hake Hoi- 



1286 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



low" with the following members: Cornelius 
Hake and wife, John Hake and wife, A. Van- 
alien and wife, George Hake and wife, and Mr. 
Romack and wife. John Hake was* the class 
leader. This society continued in existence 
about four years, by which lime, most of the 
members had moved away. The Christian 
Church of West Willow, was organized about 
.1870, by Rev. William Cammick. The follow- 
ing were among the members: J. R. Davis and 
wife, Samuel Jones and wife, Enoch Gray and 
wife and Mary and Rachel Davis. J. R.Davis 
was elder and clerk. Euocii Gray was class 
leader. In 1881 the society purchased the school 
lioiise in which it was organized, and continued 
to hold service in that building. Among those 
who have preached there are the following: A. 
Rogers, David Wood, John Walworth and 
James M. Keepers, the present pastor. George 
Jones clerk, and J. R. Davis deacon. They have 
preaching regularly once a month. In 1874 
Rev. Thayer, a United Brethren preacher, or- 
ganized a society at Ezra Reagles' house with 
five members, as follows: Ezra Reagles and 
wife, F. L. Smith and wife and Rosanna Beggs. 
Ezra Reagles was class leader and F. L. Smith 
steward. This society continued to hold meet- 
ings in private houses until 1877, when a log 
church was built, on the southwest of the south- 
east quarter of section 7. The following named 
pastors have preached to this society: Rev. 
Potts, McReynolds, Aldrich, Mabbitt, Young, 
Snell and Erwin, the present pastor. This or- 
ganization has flourished, and now numbers 
seventy-three members. Jesse Hatch is the 
present class leader and Ezra Reagles steward. 
A Sabbath school was organized in 1875, with 
Harrison J. Kirkpalrick as superintendent. This 
school flourishes during the summer months 
only. In 1878 Rev. F. B. Moullon, from Itliaca 
came to Loyd and preached in Rollet's hall. He 
continued to supply the pulpit here from time 
to time, until 1880, without any organization. 
In February of that year, he held a series of 
protracted meetings, at which time considerable 



interest was manifested, and a Free-Will Bap- 
tist Church was organized with fourteen mem- 
bers, as follows: J. W. Burnham and wife, 
with three children, A. Rollet and wife, with 
two children, J. W. Roberts, with his wife and 
son, and J. W.Bryant and wife. J. W. Burnham 
and J. W. Bryant, were chosen deacons, and 
J. W. Roberts, clerk. Mr. Moulton is still pas- 
tor of the society. In connection with this 
Church there is a Sabbath school, of which J. C. 
Hatch is superintendent. 

HISTORICAL ITEMS. 

The first birth in the town of Willow was 
that of Lucy Lorain Smith, a da\igliter to Ben- 
jamin and Phoebe (Price) Smith, born in De- 
cember, 1852. Slie was niarrie<l to Albert Tut- 
tle, and died in Richland Center in November, 
1876, leaving two childien. 

The first death was that of H. Z. Britton, 
who died at the village of Loy<l in 1855, where 
he was buried, but has since been removed to 
the cemetery. 

MILLS. 

About 1807 Daniel W. Dodge built a saw- 
mill on the northwest quarter of section S4, 
having an "up and down" saw. The dam was 
built of timber and dirt. In 1871 he sold this 
jiroperty to Augustus Tap'in, who operated it 
for four years, when it reverted to Mr. Dodge, 
and was burned the same year. He immedi- 
ately rebuilt, and it is now owned by Davis & 
Poole. It is furnished with a muley and lathe 
saw, and the proprietors are doing a fair busi- 
ness. Earlier than this, in 1855, John Wood 
erected a saw-mill on section 15, on Willow 
creek. It was constructed on the old pattern, 
having an "up and down" saw. In a few years 
he sold this property to Mr. Sexton, who in 1868 
sold it again to Samuel McCorkle, and he in 
turn t<i Robert McCorkle, who put in a circular 
saw. In 1879 he sold a one-half interest to his 
brothers, Samuel and William. The new firm 
built a grist-mill with two run of stone, and put 
in all necsssary machinery for the manufacture 
of first-class flour. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1287 



CEMETERY. 

Ill I860 a cemetery was laid out in this town 
by tlie United l>rethreii C'hmcli society, on llie 
nortliwest (jiirirter of the nortiiwest (juarter of 
section 2. The site Iiad I)een used as a ])lace to 
hiiry the dead previously. The first interment 
on these grounds consigned to the eartti the re- 
mains of Edeline Clary in 1859. At that time 
tlie land was owned by James French, who a 
few years later deeded it to the United Ureth- 
ren society. 

VILLAGE OF LOYD. 

This tlie only village in the townsliip, and 
was platted in 1854 by R. B. Stewart and E.M. 
Sexton. Joseph Irish was tlie surveyor and 
gave the village its name. It is located on the 
northeast of the northwest quarter of section 
22. Tiiere was at the time one log house within 
the limits of the plat, erected by E. M. Sexton, 
for the accommodation of the men at work on 
tlie saw mill, which was built by Stewart & 
Sexton in 1854. About two years later Stewart 
sold his interest in the mill to E. M. Sexton, 
who in turn sold to Samuel McCorkle in 1868, 
who tore down the old structure and built a 
new and better mill. 

The first store in the village was opened 
by Nelson A. Hawks in 1855. He kept a gen- 
eral stock and had a good trade. He remained 
only about one year and removed to Sexton- 
ville. He was followed in business in Loyd by 
E. M. Sexton and he in turn by J. W. Lybrand. 
D. O. Chandler was the next to engage in trade 
at this place. 

W. A. Hatch opened a blacksmith shop in 
1856 and continued the business until 1873. 
Previously a Frenchman had put up a shop to 
make the irons for the saw-mill, which was 
closed about one year after the completion of 
the mill. This branch of business is now rep- 
resented by Frederick Moyes, wlio commenced 
in April, 1876. 

A man named Veard opened a blacksmith 
shoj) in 1S55, and continued some years, w'hen 
he removed to Fancy crevk, and is now dead. 



POSTOKFICE. 

Loyd postoffice was first established in 1855, 
with II. Z. Biitton as postmaster. He w as suc- 
ceeded by R. C Carpenter, then W . A. Ilatdi 
was commissioned who was followed by 1). O. 
Chandler. In 1865 Antoine Rollet was appointed 
and has since held the office. At first, mail was 
received week'y from Sextonville. Now there is 
a daily mail, the office being on the route from 
from Richland Center to Cazenovia. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

R. 15. Stewart, a pioneer of Richlainl county, 
first settled here in 1840 when he entered land 
on section 19, of town 9, range two east, now 
included in the town of IJueua Vista. lie made 
some improvements and remained here until 
1854 when he sold out and came to wliat is now 
known as the town of Willow, ])urchased land 
on section 22, and in comi)any with E. M. Sex- 
ton platted the village of Loyd and erected a 
saw-mill. lie operated this saw-mill two years 
then sold out aud engaged in farming. His 
farm is located in Willow creek valley, on sec- 
tion 22, and contains 160 acres, ami is well 
adapted to raising grain and stock, in which 
business he is engaged. He has erected a good 
frame house and barn. He was married in 
1849 to Helen L. Sexton. They have four 
children — Laureutine, Charles, Robert and Ed- 
ward M. 

Daniel Murphy, son of Daniel and Elizabeth 
(O'Brien) Murphy, early settlers of Willow was 
born in county Meath, Ireland, Feb. 2, 1849. 
When he was eighteen months old his ])arent8 
emigrated to America and located in York State 
for a short time and then came to Richland 
county, where he grew to manhood, obtaining 
his education in the public schools. He was 
married in 1874 to Nora, daugliter o( Bartholo- 
mew and Mary ( Tahan) Shea. They have two 
children — Nellie and Winifred. At the time 
of his marriage he settled on his present old 
farm on sections 2 and 3, which contains 330 



1288 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



acres. He has given his attention to raising 
grain, stock and dairying. His wife has earned 
the reputation of being a first class butter malcer. 

James French was one of the pioneers of 
Willow, coming here in September, 1854, and 
entering forty acres of land on section 2, where 
he built a log house and commenced to clear a 
farm. He was successful, has since purchased 
more land and built a hewed log house with 
a frame house addition, 16x20 feet, also has 
a log barn 30x50 feet, and is now engaged in 
raising grain and stock. He was born in Greene 
Co., Tenn., Nov. 11, 1823, where he was mar- 
ried in 1842 to Margaret Lonas also born in 
Greene county, Sept. 29, 1823. They remained 
in Tennessee until Oct. 11, 1853, when the en- 
tire family consisting of six children started in 
one wagon drawn by one span of horses, con- 
taining themselves and household goods, to 
seek a new home. They went to Indiana and 
stopped in Clinton county until September, 
1 854, when they again loaded up and started for 
Wisconsin. They carried provisions witii them 
and camped along the road arriving in Richland 
county in twenty days. His property then con- 
sisted of the team, one cow and S40 in money. 
For the first few years they experienced many 
h.ardships, incident to this country at that time, 
but by energy and industry they at last secured 
a comfortable home, and are now well prepared 
to spend their declining days in comfort. Mr! 
and Mrs. French were the parents of eleven 
children, seven of whom are now living-.Stephen 
A., Martha, John W., Sallie C, Margaret E., 
James A. and Darwin P. These are all mar- 
ried except the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. French 
are both members of the United Brethren 
Churcli. Mr. French is not a member of any 
political party, but exercises the right of suffrage 
intelligently, voting for whom he considers the 
l)est man. 

Jules Francois, one of the early settlers of 
Richland county, is a native of France, born in 
March, 1838. In 1853 he left his native land 
in company with an uncle and came to America. 



They spent two or three months in Illinois, then 
came to Wisconsin and spent the winter in 
Janesville. In the spring of 1854 he came to 
Richland county. His uncle (J. B. Poinset) 
entered a large tract of land in town 1 1, range 
2 east, now known as the town of Willow, on 
sections 19, 21, 22, 27 and 28. Here they built 
a log house and commenced to clear a farm. 
Mr. Poinset was a bachelor and a man of good 
education. He died here in 1875. The subject 
of our sketch was married in 1867 to Clara 
Sawyer, who was born in York State. They 
had two children — Josie and Kola. He now 
has a farm of 220 acres in Willow creek valley. 
In 1870 he erected a frame barn and in 1873 a 
large frame house. He has one of the best 
farms in the town. 

John Wright, one of the pioneer settlers of 
Willow, first came from Ohio in 1844, and 
located in that part of Iowa now known as 
Lafayette county, where he engaged in mining 
until 1850, then went to Greene county, and set- 
tled on land which he had entered in 1846. 
Here he built a log cal)in and improved a por- 
tion of the land remaining until 1855, when he 
sold out and came to Richland county. He 
purchased 500 a<-res of land, a part of it in 
Rockbridge, the remainder in Willow. He 
erected a log cabin on section 26, town of Wil- 
low, and has since made this his home. Here 
he has cleared a farm, built a frame house and 
barn, and is now engaged in raising stock and 
grain. He is a native of Yoik State, born 
Marclf 20, 1S19. When he was six months old, 
his parents moved to Ohio, and settled in Rich- 
land county, where he grew to manhood, receiv- 
ing his education in the district schools. In 
1839 he moved to Illinois and lived in Jackson 
county until 1844, when he came to Wisconsin 
as before stated. He was married in 1863 to 
Rachel Smith, a native of Ohio. She died 
Sept. 7, 1883, leaving six children — James, 
Joshua, Mary, Katie, Francis and Jesse. 

Valentine Stoddard, one of the pioneers of 
Willow, is a native of Connecticut, born in 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



12S9 



Litelifielrl, July 25, 1810. When lie was five 
year okl, his parents emii;rated Id Ontario Co , 
N. Y. They maJe the journey in the winter 
season ami took their household goods upon a 
sled drawn by two pairs of oxen, and were 
thirty-one days upon the road, a distance of 
300 miles. His father purchased a farm in the 
town of Riclimond, and here the subject of this 
sketch gr(!w to matihood. lie was married in 
Marcli, is:i3, to Joanna Davison, a native of 
Ontario county, and purchased a farm in the 
town of Canadice, where they lived until 1855. 
In that year they came to Richland county and 
settled on section 31. He first built a log cabin 
and then l)egan clearing his present farm, 
which is situatetl in Little Willow valley. He 
has cleared and fenced seventy-five acres, 
erected a large frame house and other buildings. 
His wife died in February, 1859, leaving eight 
children, six of whom are now living — Jane, 
now the wife of George McCrossin ; George, 
now living in Kansas; John, Harlow and Jesse 
live in Richland county; Jennette, the wife of 
Setli Frost, lives in Michigan. Mr. Stoddard 
was married the second time in 1S60, to Re- 
becca Sippy, daughter of Joseph and Martha 
(Cogswell) Sii>py. She was married in 1850 to 
Robert McCloud, who died in 185S, while on 
his way to California. He left one child — 
Laura, now the wife of Monroe Slater. There 
is one child by the last union — Frank. 

David Wildermuth was one of the early set- 
tlers in Willow, having moved here with his 
family ill the spring of 1856. He was born in 
Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1803. He was the 
son of David and Elizabeth (Wagoner) Wilder- 
muth, both natives of Pennsylvania, and early 
settlers in Fairfield county where they located 
in 1777. There were but thirteen families there 
before them. Here the subject of our sketch 
grew to maidiood, receiving his education in a 
subscription school, as this was before the days 
of free schools. He was married in 1831 to 
Annie Newkirk, born in Fairfield county, March 
3, 1814 In 1835 they started overland with 



horse teams for the then far west, and located 
in Coles Co., III., which was at that time i>n the 
frontier. Here he purchaseil land which he 
iraproveil, remaining until Is+S, when he again 
loaded up his goods, and driving to Wisconsin 
settled in that part of Iowa county now known 
as Lafayette county. He purchased land in 
what is now known as Fayette town. Here lie 
engaged in farming and mining and lived until 
1855, then removed to the Stale of Iowa remain- 
ing till the fall of that year when he returned to 
Fayette and lived until the spring of 1S5G, when 
he started with o.v teams foi- Richland county, 
where he had entered laud. He has since 
cleared a farm, erected buildings and now makes 
this his home. Mr. and Mrs. Wildernur h are 
the parents of six living children — Edwin C, 
EliM., Clarissa, Cordia, Louisa and Daniel. 

John Salisbury, one of the early settlers of 
Willow, was born in Summit Co., Ohio, May 1 1, 
1828, where he was brought up on a farm, re- 
ceiving his education in the public-schools. He 
was married the 1 4th of -March, 1850, to Ko- 
sanua Willey also a native of Summit county, 
born May 10, 1828. They remained in this 
county until 1856, then started west to seek .1 
home. He purchaseil land on the soutlie.ast 
ipiarter of section 35, built a log house in 
the woods, took his ax and commenced to 
clear a farm. In 1864 he purchased land on the 
southwest (juarter of the same section which 
had been entered by Henry Cushman. He 
moved on to this place and occuj)ied the log 
house built by .Mr. Cushman until \>*x:i, when he 
built the large frame house he now occupies. 
He has been an industrious, hard-working man, 
and this, combined with good judgment, has 
now placed him in ea.sy circumstances. He lias 
280 acres of land, a good frame barn and other 
needed buildings for stock and farming tools. 
In February, 1865, he was drafted in company 
D, lltli Wisconsin, and went south to Mont- 
gomery, Ala. In June he was taken sick ami 
the following month taken to the ho.«pilal. As 
soon as sufficiently recovered he was grauted a 



1290 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



furlough and came home. He was discharged 
at Madison September 29, and went to Ohio on 
a visit; returning soon after lie resumed farm- 
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury are the parents of 
six children^Nancy, Ida J., Laura, Adeline, 
Nellie and William S. Nancy died March 17, 
1852, aged one year, one month and three days. 
George N. Mickel first came to Richland 
county in 1856 and stopped at Neptune with 
friends a short time, then, leaving his family 
there, he wejit to Minnesota to seels a home and 
made a claim near Glencoe in McLeod county, 
erected a small house, and spent the winter 
there. In the spring he returned to Neptune 
for his family, but finding them in poor health 
delayed. Meanwhile, his claim in Minnesota 
was jumped, and he concluded to settle in 
Richland Center, where he engaged at his 
trade of boot and shoemaker until 1861, when 
he enlisted in company D, 11th Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry and went south. He was 
twice severely wounded at the battle of Cache 
river, in Arkansas, July 7, 1862. He was sent to 
the hospital at Jefferson barracks, near St. 
Louis, where he slowly recovered and was hon- 
orably discharged on account of gunshot 
wounds Feb. 3, 1863, and returned to Richland 
county. As soon as he was able he engaged in 
mercantile business, in company with his 
brother, C. G. Mickel, keeping a general assort- 
ment of dry goods and groceries, boots and 
shoes, leather and findings. His health was 
poor and two or three years later he sold his 
interest in the business and returned to New 
York State, visiting friends and relatives, re- 
maining there nearly a year, when he again re- 
turned to Richland Center, where he lived until 
1881. Bis business meanwhile was of a specu- 
lative nature. In 1881 lie ])urcliased a farm on 
section 27, of th.e town of Willow. This place 
is situated in the Willow creek valley and is 
well improved, having a nice frame house and 
barn. He is a native of New York State, born 
in Rensselaer county, in May, 1829. His father, 
Andrew Mickel, was also a native of the same 



county, and was a volunteer in the War of 
1812. When the subject of this sketch was 
twelve years old his parents, with their family 
of twelve children, six boys and six girls, 
moved to Lewis county, which, at that time, 
was but sparsely settled, the nearest school 
house being three miles. Here his father died 
and two years later his mother again married. 
He then started out for himself. Going to Col- 
linsville he engaged with Dean Hoodly to work 
for his board and schooling. Here he remained 
one year, then went to Forestville, Chautauqua 
county, where he engaged with Dr. Sexton as 
clerk in his store, remained there one year,then 
worked with William Gardner, a boot and shoe- 
maker, to learn the trade and remained with 
him two years, then returned to Lewis county 
and worked at his trade. In 1852 he opened a shop 
in Peach Orchard, Tompkins county, remaining 
in business there until 1854, when he sold out 
and removed to Illinois, spent two years in 
Livingston county, and from there came to 
Richland county, as before stated. He was 
married in 1853 to Maria Hodges. They have 
had five children — Adella, Edwin, Burt, Minnie 
and Gracie. 

EJward M. Alwood, one of the early settlers 
of Willow, was born in Morris Co., N. J., in 
1821. Here his younger days were spent in 
school and on the farm. While yet quite young 
he took charge of a boat on the Morris canal 
and engaged in freighting between the Lehigh 
coal mines and New York city and continued 
this business for some years. In 1853 he came 
to Wisconsin and entered land in township 11, 
range 2 east, now known as the town of Wil- 
low. However, he did not settle here until 
1857, when he erected a log house and stables. 
He has since built a large frame barn and in 
1883 erected a two and one-half story frame 
house of commodious dimensions and good ap- 
pearance. His farm now contains 440 acres. 
He formerly engaged in raising hops, but of 
late years has turned his attention to grain and 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



1291 



stock. He was married in 1860 to Mary Stout. 
They have two children— Henry and Sarah. 

Samuel Cline, one of the early settlers of 
Willow, was born in Marion Co., Ohio, May 22, 
182.5. When he was eleven years of age, his 
parents moved to Indiana when they were early 
settlers of Cass county. Here the subject of 
this sketch began his pioneer life. The family 
remained in Cass county four 3'ear8, then moved 
to Illinois and settled in Coles county where they 
were again among the pioneers. He remained 
with his parents for a short time, then returned to 
Indiana, and was there married, in 1847, to Celia 
A. Gates, a native of Ohio, Darke county. They 
remained in Indiana until 1854, when they came 
to Wisconsin and spent two years in La Fayette 
county, coming to Richland county in 1856. 
He purchased land on section 6, of township 11, 
range 2 east, in the present town of Willow, 
and immediately began clearing a farm. He 
lived in a log house until 18T0, when he built 
the frame house he now occupies. Eleven 
children have been born to them, of whom three 
are living — Edward, Henry and Stephen. 

William Murray, another early settler of Wil- 
low, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Sept. 
22,1827. When a young man he engaged to 
learn the trade of stone mason, he served three 
years, then worked as journeyman one year, 
then in 1852 came to America and lived in Con- 
necticut, New York and New Jersey until 1855, 
then came to Madison and worked at his trade 
until 1858 at which time he settled on his pres- 
ent farm on section 31, town of Westford and 
and section 6, town of Willow. This land he 
had entered in 1855. He first built a log iiouse 
on section 31, where he lived until 1868 when 
he erected a neat frame liouse on section 6. 
He is now quite an extensive farmer, raising 
grain and stock. He was married in 1855 to 
Jane D. Rea, from Forfershire Scotland. They 
have eight cl'.ildren — John, William, Ella, Nora, 
Charles, George, Frank and Myron. 

Ezra Reagles j)urchased the land on which he 
now lives, in 1857. He did not settle on it 



however, until 1861. He then built a log cabin 
12x14, with a dirt and stick chimney on theout- 
side. This humble abode was his home until 
1868, when he built a small frame house, to 
which, three years later, he built a large addi- 
tion. He is a native of Ohio, born in Medina 
county, in 1834. When he was six years of 
age, his parents moved to Indiana and fir^t 
lived at Wolf Lake then in Kosciusko county, 
and afterward in Wabash county. Here he 
was married in 1861 , to Susfine Mayewinkle, an<l 
two weeks later came to Richland county. Mrs. 
Reagles died in March, 1877. He was again 
married March 18, 1878, to Mary E. Lewis, a 
native of Pennsylvania. They have three chil- 
dred — Clyde A., Mary O., Tartar A.; also an 
adopted son, Hiram E. 

John R. Smyth, the present chairman of the 
board of supervisors of the town of Willow, 
settled here in 1863, purchasing at that time 
his present farm on section 23. It had upon it 
then about twenty acres of cleared land and a 
small frame house. He now has 120 acres 
under improvement, has built two large frame 
barns and a commodious frame house. He has 
engaged in raising bolh stock and grain. His 
farm is one of the best in the town. He is a 
native of Ireland, born in county Cavan, Nov. 
12, 1830. His family were believers in the 
Episcopal faith. Ilis younger days were spent 
in school and on the farm. In 1H49 he left his 
native land and came to America, located in 
Washington Co., N. Y., town of Argyle, and 
lived there two years, employed in fanning 
summers and in attending school winters. He 
then went to Hadley, Saratoga county, and 
worked upon a farm summers, and at lumber- 
ing winters, until the year IS03, when he came 
to Willow. He has taken a lively interest in 
town and county affairs, and has served several 
terms as chairman of the town board. He has 
also been treasurer in the school district several 
years. He was married Nov. 27, IK6(i, to Eli/.a 
Brien. They have six children— William H., 



1292 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Maggie A., Joseph L., John R., Edward J. and 
Dora N. 

Edward Markham first came to Richland 
county in 1S6S. He was directly from England, 
where he had been engaged in a bakery, and 
knew nothing about farming. He first rented 
land ill the town of Rockbridge three years, 
»hen purchased forty acres in the town of Ricii- 
land. Two years later he traded this land for 
his present farm on section 34, town of Willow, 
where he has since made his home. He was 
boin in Iiuckinghamshire, England, Nov. 6, 
IS34. When quite young, his p 'rents moved to 
Bedfordshire, where he was brought np and 
educated in the public schools. At thirteen 
years of age he was apprenticed to a baker to 
learn the trade and served seven year.s. He 
then establislied himself in that business, in the 
town of Ampthill, remaining there until 1868, 
when he sold the business and rented the prem- 
ises, came to America and settled in Richland 
county, as before stated. He was married in 
1803 to Lucy Brightnian. She was born in Bed- 
fordshire. They have had si.\ children — Henry, 
Lizzie, Charles, Arthur, James and Kittie. 
Henry, the first born, died when fourteen 
mouths old. 

James Johnston was a soldier iti the Unison 
Army. He enlisted Dec. 23, 1863, in the 1st 
Wisconsin Cavalry, company E, and went to 
Nashville, Tenn., and from tliere to east Ten- 
nessee, where he joined Sherman's command in 
Fel>ruary, 1864, and started with him on his 
march through Georgia, participating in many 
important engagements on the way to Atlanta. 
In a charge at Burnt Hickory, Ga., May 26, 
1S64, his horse was shot from under him and ho 
was himself severely wounded, a rifle ball hav- 
ing passed through his right lung. He was in 
the field hospital for a time, and was then taken 
to Marietta, Ga., and from there to Nashville, 
Tenn., from there to Joe Holt hospital at Jef- 
ferson, Ind.; from there to Prairie du Chien, 
Wis., where, under skillful treatment, lie par- 
tially recovered and was advised by the physi- 



cians to join the invalid corps. This he de- 
clined to do, and went to the front and joined 
his regiment, although not siifliciently recovered 
to do active duty. He was with the command 
on the Wilson raid to Macon, Ga., and was dis- 
charged with the regiment July 19, 1865, and 
returned to his home in Sauk county. July, 
1865, he purchased his present farm, which was 
then but little improved. He has since cleared 
quite a tract of land, erected a fine frame liouse, 
granary and log barn, and n(^ «• has a comforta- 
ble home. He was born in the ])rovince of 
Ontario, Canada, Oct. 14, 1842. When he was 
very young his parents came to the United 
States and lived in York State two years, then 
came to Dane Co., Wis., remained there two 
years, thence to Rock county. In 1856 they 
went to Sauk county and settled near the coiuily 
line of Richland county, and here he remained 
with his parents until the time of his enlist- 
ment. He returned to the parental roi'f at tlie 
time of his discharge, making it his home until 
the time of settlement in Willow. He was 
married in 1871 to Julia A. Wright, a native of 
Ohio. They have three children — William H., 
Florence, Adelle and James F. 

John Leiber settled on his present farm in 
1872. It is located on section 32. He is a native 
of Germany, born Nov. 10, 1829. He attended 
school until fifteen years of age, and then 
worked upon a farm. At the age of twenty-one 
he came to America and engaged as helper in a 
blacksmith shop in New York city, rema'ning 
there until 1853, when he went to St. Louis and 
lived one year, and from there to Chicago, where 
he engaged as blacksmith in the Illinois Cen- 
tral railroad shops, and has continued in that 
employment the greater part of the time ever 
since. He was married in 1855 to Elizabeth 
Perry, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio. She was 
first married, at the age of eighteen, to Thomas 
Dye, who died in 1852, leaving two children — 
Charles W. and Julia N. Mr. and Mrs. Leiber 
have eight children — Thomas Henry, Fredolin, 
Jo.sepli A., Frances, Elizabeth H., Augusta J., 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1293 



Christina F. and John W. Since purchasing 
the farm, Mr. Leibor ha8 cotitiimod to work in 
Chicago, leaving hiH family in charge, his eldest 
son taking the lead in managing the t»rni. 
Tliey liave erected good frame buildings, and 
have engaged in raising stock and grain. 

Benjamin B. Brownell first came to Richland 
county in 1855, and entered land on section 3, 
town II, range 2 east, now known as the town 
of Willow. He, however, did not settle here 
until 1872. He has since cleared thirty-five 
acres of land,built a two-story hewed-log house, 
a good stable and other out buildings, He was 
born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 24, 183i. 
When he was two years old his ])arents moved 
to Wyoming county, where his father died 
when he was eight years old. He remained 
with his mother four years, and then went to 
live with a neighbor, who agreed to board, 
clothe and school him in consideration of the 
work he could do. He remained there four 
years, and then came to Wisconsin with a friend 
who lived in Green county. He had no monej-, 
but his friend paid his expenses, he agreeing to 
work for him to pay it back. The second sum- 
mer he worked at farming for ^10.25 permonlh, 
and out of his wages saved enough to enter 
forty acres of land. He remained in the west 
four years, three of which were spent in Wis- 
consin and one in Illinois. He then returned to 
New York, remained two years, after which lie 
returned to Green county and rented his broth- 
er's farm one year. He ne.\t went to the pine- 
ries and engaged in lumbering two winters, and 
building rafts on the river in the summer. In 
1859 he started for Pike's Peak, but was taken 
sick at Leavenworth, Kansas, and came back to 
Green county and resumed farming. In August, 
1862, he enlisted in the -Slst Wisconsin, com- 
pany F. The regiment went to Kentucky, 
where they performed garrison duty at Fort 
Halleck. In July, 1803, they were sent to Ten- 
nessee, to guard the railroacl from Nashville to 
Tullahoma, where they remained till July, 18«4, 
then joined Sherman at Marietta, Ga., and were 



with him on his grand march to the sea and 
through the Carolinas ])articipating in the manj' 
important battles of that noted campaign. He 
was discharged with the regiment in July, 1865, 
and returned to Green coiinly, rented land and 
lived until 1872, when he came to Willow. He 
was married, Jan. 6, 1860, to Sallie Brayton, 
who was born in La I'orte Co., Ind. Two chil- 
dren have been born to them — Frank E. and 
Mary P. 

Jehiel W. Roberts settled in Willow town 
in November, 1875. He purchased limber land 
on sections 14 and 15, where he built a good 
log house and has cleared quite a tract of land. 
He was born in the town of Locke, Cayuga Co., 
N. Y., Jan. 2, 1815. He was there brought up 
on a farm, securing his education in the district 
school. At sixteen years of age, jhe was con- 
verted, and one year later joined the regular 
Baptist Church. When he was twenty years 
old, he commenced to learn the cooper's trade, 
and a few years later went to Steuben county 
in the same State. He was there married, 
May 18, 1841, to Sarah Ann Smith, born in 
Steuben county, Nov. 29, 1820. From there 
tliey moved to Otsego Co., N. Y., where they 
lived two years, thence to Delaware county, re- 
mainingthere until 18c3,thence to Wisconsin and 
settled in Koshkonong, Jefferson county, where 
the husband engaged in farming and worked at 
his trade. He there received license to preach in 
the Methodist Ei)iscopal Church. He remained 
in Jefferson county until 1875, when he came to 
Willow as before slated. At this time there 
was a M. E. class at Loyd, which he joined. 
Wlien the greater part of the members had 
moved away, this organization became extinct, 
and he joined the Free Will Baptist Church 
at Ithaca, and was there licensed as a preacliir 
in that denomination, Nov. 15, 1879. When 
afterward an organization of this character 
was effected at Loyd he look letters from Ithaca 
and became a member there. Mr. and Mrs. 
Roberts have six children- Edwin, Alluil, 
''harles, Melissa, Wesley and George C. 



1294 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



John W. Willis settled on his present farm 
in 1879. It, is located on section 13, of the town 
of Willow, and contains 160 acres, eighty of 
which are cleared and in a good state of culti- 
vation. It was formerly occupied by Rev. 
Timby, and is considered one of the choice farms 
of the town. He is native of Missouri, born in 
Lincoln county. May 8, 18.30. In 1839 his father, 
James Willis.' with his family, consisting of a 
wife and five children, came to Wisconsin and 
settled in Grant county, wiiere they were among 



the pioneers. Here the subject of this sketch 
spent his younger days assisting his father in 
clearing a farm. He was married in 1850 to 
Mary Jordan, a native of Posey Co., Ind. One 
year later, his father died and he took charge 
of the farm. In 1879 he sold his interest there 
and came to Richland county and located as be- 
fore stated. Mr. and Mrs. Willis are the parents 
of eight children — Mahala,Armilda and Serilda, 
twins, Castela, George M., Abraham, Melissa 
and John W. 




HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1205 



CHAPTER XXXV 



EARLY EVENTS IN RICHLAND COUNTY. 

BY JAMES 11. WAGGONER. 



A fervent "God blcas you!" rinses in my ears, 
and I again witness a leave-taking of thirty 
years ago, as I essay, hastily, to recall incidents 
and events of the intervening period for the 
selection of a few for the History of Richland 
County. It was near the close of a beautiful 
day in June, at the home of my grandfather, in 
eastern Ohio — where my father was born and 
reared to man's estate. Good-bye had been 
said to brothers and sisters and other relatives, 
and to the companions and friends of youth 
and manhood. The last good-bye of a dutifnl 
son to an aged and honored father was to be 
said and the final farewell of the father to be 
uttered. As they lingered at the gate, with un- 
covered heads, hand clasped in hand for the 
last time, the silver locks and benign counte- 
nance of the elder and the reverent deference of 
the younger conspired with the glorious sunset 
and the beautiful surroundings of a happy and 
comfoilable home to make a picture which none 
could witness and forget. To my boyish mind, 
ami to my senses of maturer years, it expressed 
the full measure of paternal and filial affection, 
subordinated to implicit trust in thi! Most 
High. 

BIOGRAPHY. 

Caleb Waggoner, the fifth son and one of 
twelve cliildren of VViiliam and Sarah Jackson 
Waggoner, was born Sei)teniber 18, 181.3. His 
father was a pioneer in Jefferson county, Ohio. 
The patent for the land, then covered with giant 
oaks, of which he and his sons in due lime 
made a valuable farm and attractive home, was 
executed by President Madison, under date of 



May 8, 1806. There were no schools in my 
father's childhood and only winter evening 
schools maintained in his advanced youth, and 
of books there were few; but he acquired a 
practical knowledge of the ru<linients, which 
served him well in a long and useful life. When 
he attained his majority he had mastered the 
trade of wagonmaker, which was then more 
intricate and important than now, as every con- 
siderable village sustained a wagon and carriage 
factory, witli a master mechanic at its head. 
He subsequently learned also the trade of watch- 
maker and jeweler. 

In 18.37, Feb. 9tli, he married Nancy Jenkins, 
daughter of Solomon and Sarah Jackson Jen- 
kins, also pioneers, and who still survive him. 
They made a home in East Siiringfield, erecting 
a dwelling house which yet otands as a land 
mark of the village, and for some years my 
father successfully conducled a wagon and car- 
riage factory. Many of tlie older resident* in 
that vicinity now proudly exhibit the work 
which came from his sho]). Failing health 
however obliged him to relinquish his chosen 
vocation, and for a time before coming west he 
was engaged in merchandising in the village of 
Salem, a few miles from S|)riiiglicld. 

In the winter of U53-4, a younger brother, 
who had been one of a small party to penetrate 
the wilds of Wisconsin to purchase government 
lands, returned, with glowing accounts of the 
western El Dorado. The glittering prospect 
was alluring to a man witli growing family, for 
which lie cherished fond liopes. My father at 



1296 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



I 



onco bought of his brother one of the two 
tracts of land in Richland county purchased by 
the latter, and a few months later looked over his 
new possession and bought more land and sev- 
eral village lots in the then new plat of Rich- 
laud Center. On July 2, 1854, about a week 
after the incident depicted in the opening para- 
graph of this article — he returned to the Cen- 
ter, with his family and personal effects, and 
from that day until he was summoned to the 
Beyond, of which he entertained cheering 
hopes and joyful expectations, it was his home. 
Of his participation in the earlier and rapid 
development of the village and county, more 
will be said elsewhere. 

My father was not a man who could seem to 
be what he was not — not a man who could be 
plausible in defiance of his convictions. While 
he was ambitious of the approbation of others, 
he could not subordiate the promptings of right 
or duty to the acquirement of favor or regard. 
Perhaps he was sometimes over-jealous of his 
convictions or too tenacious of the right; but if 
a fault, it is rare enough to be regarded as a 
virtue. It however served to disqualify him 
for that public recognition which waits upon 
fortuitous circumstances and happy combina- 
tions and defeated his aspirations — two or three 
times expressed — to become county treasurer. 
Nevertheless, he was frequently assured of the 
esteem of his neighbors — in both his old and 
new homes — by being called to the discharge of 
the duties of the town and village offices, such 
as supervisor, assessor, justice of the peace, 
trustee, etc. 

In domestic life, he was a model of tender- 
ness and consideration, and in social and busi- 
ness relations an exemplar of integrity and 
honesty. For half a century, he was a consist- 
ent professor of religion, most of that period a 
devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and for nearly thirty years one of its ruling 
elders. His active interest and participation in 
the affairs of the Presbyterian Church of the 
Center dates back to its organization and the 



erection of the neat little edifice which- stands 
as a monument to the zeal and liberality of its 
handful of founders. His diffidence and abhor- 
rence of ostentation sometimes put him at dis- 
advantage, but he never faltered in his aim to 
do unto others as he would be done by. I con- 
template his whole life with reverential pride 
and profound satisfaction. 

On the 13th of September, 1883, in company 
with his son William and the latter's little 
daughter Rena, he set out for a second visit to 
the relatives and friends still living in Ohio, 
and particularly to participate in a family re- 
union at the old homestead on the 19th of that 
month. There were present on that occasion 
seventy-five of blood kindred, of whom five 
were his brothers and four his sisters — the 
youngest of them being 54 and the oldest 78. 
My brother William and daughter and myself 
and wife and two daughters were among those 
so highly favored. 

It was while he was yet enjoying the sweet 
communion with relatives and friends, but with 
the purpose of returning home the week fol- 
lowing, that he was unexpectedly stricken down. 
He died at the home of a brother. Dr. Josej^h 
Waggoner, in Ravenna, on the night of the 
15th of October, with expressions of love for 
all and firm reliance in the promises of his Re- 
deemer. He had passed the allotted three 
score years and ten by twenty-seven days — the 
last aniversary of his birthday having occurred 
the day before the ever-memorable family re- 
union. His son, William, was also present at 
his deafli, and nothing of which medical skill 
or fraternal affection was capable was wanting 
to prolong his days or contribute to the peace- 
fulness of the flight of his spirit. On the 
evening of the following Thursday, as the sun 
was going down, his body was laid at rest in 
the Richland Center cemetery, which he had 
been active in providing for such sad uses, 
after appropriate obsequies, conducted by the 
pastor of the Church in the Center to which he 
had sustained much the same relations as did 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1297 



his father before him to that whicli for so many 
years stood in the clmrcliyanl where his body 
was laid at rest soon after the removal of my 
father to Wisconsin, and which we together 
visited only three short weeks before he was 
called to his eternal home. 



COMING WEST— RICHLAND CENTER IN 
1854 AND AFTERWARDS. 

THE PREPARATION AND THE .lOUENET. 

The families of the pioneers in Richland 
county know what it was to "come west." 
Every member was an active participant in the 
preparation. The experience was almost uni- 
versally the same. Sacrifices of property were 
cheerfully made; the auctioneer was permitted 
to sell, at any price, articles of greatest value 
in the new home, and persistently watched lest 
he should " knock down" a ponderous bureau or 
high-post bedstead; every available helper was 
employed in packing the reserved household 
effects, and the anguish of parting with aged 
parents and loved friends was assuaged by the 
bright expectations for the future. 

The journey from Salineville, Ohio, to Rich- 
land Center, in 18.54, was tedious and tiresome 
for my father and mother, with their four chil- 
dit,,, — the youngest a babe and the oldest four- 
teen years of age. The railway was exchanged 
for the steamboat at Cleveland and resumed at 
Detroit, to be agiin exchanged at Chicago and 
again resumed at Milwaukee. A very rough 
tr:u-k was then laid between Milwaukee 
and Madison, and from Aladison the journey 
was concluded by livery. The midnight ride 
over the insidious corduroy, at Madison, be- 
tween the depot and the old United States Ho- 
tel, at the east corner of the capilnl park, was 
anew experience, and sufliciently aroused us all 
to pass the remainder of the night in vigorous 
defense against a new found enemy — the mos- 
quito. 

'I'he journey from Madison afforded a succes- 
sion of surprises. Wild .as were the sights at 
the outset, they were t.ime in comparison with 



those nearer the Center. The rude log houses 
and the breaking-plows to which four yokes of 
stags were hitched — the latter urged on by 
honest yoemen well up in the vernacular of 
"Big Jack Small" — were as evidences of ad- 
vanced civilization, in comparison with the 
blazed and little-trodden track through the 
dense forest between Sextonville and the Center. 

ARRIVAL AT THE CENTER. 

The sun was receding from sight, behind the 
bluff which marks the western limit of the vil- 
lage, and the valley — with its half-dozen houses 
and profusion of hazel-brush and scattering 
diminutive oaks and poplars "arrayed in living 
green" — was a beautiful and impressive pros- 
pect. But there was an other sight in store 
for us, which surprised us most. It was Sunday 
evening, and we had left a land not only rich 
in its products and abounding with creature 
comforts, but had parted from a ]>eople indo 
trinated in religious precepts, among whom 
reverence for the Sabbath was a cardinal virtue. 
Here was gathered all of the available force of 
the new settlement — a score of men, half a 
lozen yokes of stags, and a joiner's kit — em- 
ployed in the construction and erection of a 
Liberty Pole, the first to bear our country's flag, 
two days later, on the seventy-eighth anniver- 
sary of American independence, in the political 
capital of Richland county. 

AS IT WAS ON .lULY 2, 1854. 

A dozen structures in all greeted the eyes of 
the new comers. They were the two public 
houses, (one the original part of the American 
House which was destroyed by fire in 1874, 
and the other the original part of the now- 
larger Peck's Hotel, the former then kept 
by Ira S. Haseltine and tiie latter by Ilascal 
Ilaseltine) ; the little store and dwelling 
of S. H. Austin, near the site of the brick 
dwelling yet known as the Austin House, now 
one of Mr. Walworth's collection of tenement 
buildings across the street; part of the flour- 
ing mill, now used for otiier purposes, on the 
cM-i"inal or main channel of Pine river, and a 



1298 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, 



frame made to serve the purposes of a saw- 
mill, close beside it; a rude blacksmith shop 
nearly opposite Austin's store and a small dwell- 
ing on the east side of the same block (that in 
which the Krouskop buildings stand), belong- 
ing to Ralph Neff ; the main part of the pres- 
ent Tom & Jerry store, then near the present 
site of Pier's wagon shop, used for county pur- 
poses ; the log house not long since removed by 
H. T. Bailey, stood nearly in front of his new 
dwelling, then occupied by Davfid Stickland ; a 
smaller loghouse on the site of Mrs. M. C. Pease's 
residence, occupied by a hunter, by the name of 
Wilson, whose two children, after his death, 
some years later, were adopted by Albert S. 
NefF; the little cottage at the foot of the East 
bluff, until within a few years undisturbed, oc- 
cupied by Dr. L. D. Gage as a residence, and 
from which he also distributed Uncle Sam's 
mails and dispensed physic ; a .smaller dwell- 
ing in the southwest, the home of Sidney Rose; 
and the dwelling opposite Hascal Haseltine's 
public house (lately moved a little south of its 
original site by Dr. Mitchell), owned and occu- 
pied by a Mr. Sheldon, a brother in-law of the 
Haseltines. 

A DISAPPOINTMENT. 

When ray father had decided to locate at the 
Center, he contracted wiith one Albert Stan- 
nard to construct the building but recently re- 
moved by H. T. Bailey to make way for his new 
store. It was to have been completed before 
our arrival, but part of the material only was on 
the ground. Father at once brought to the aid 
of the contractor, in the capacities, respectively, 
of excavator, mason and joiner and plasterer, 
that never-to-be-forgotten patriot and politician 
of Irish birth, Cornelius McCarthy; R. C. Haw- 
kins, who.se pre-emption claim of a quarter-sec- 
tion east of the village father had bought ; and 
Robert Akan, so long the owner of the fertile 
quarter-section at the mouth of Brush creek, and 
who was elected to the Legislature of 1856, — and 
the new home was soon made ready for occu- 
pancy. A couple of years later father bought 



the improvement begun at the foot of the bluff 
by D. B. Priest, and completed it ; and it was 
ever afterward his home, and is yet the home of 
my mother. The building first erected by him 
underwent little change, except from natural 
wear and decay, during the twenty-nine ye<arsit 
stood where Bailey's store now is. 

An incident in house-furnishing in 1854 will 
illustrate the inconveniences of that period: 
The Casses, at the mills which soon afterward 
became the property of the Bowen's, and which 
bear the name of the latter, manufactured plain 
wood-bottom chairs. Father, William, Edwin 
and myself made the expedition on foot, return- 
ing with as many chairs as we could well carry. 
The rests were frequent, and particularly agiee- 
able under the shade of the little trees in the 
vicinity of the Catholic Church site. 

RAPID fiROWTU OF THB CENTER. 

Until the effect of the financial de])vession 
of ISSV became general, the population of "the 
little nest among the hills," as Amos Nuild 
described the Center, was rapidly increased by 
immigration, and its growth in buildings "kept 
pace with the increase of population. Conspic- 
uous among the settlers of that period were D. 
B. Priest, James H. Miner, Amos Nudd, B. J. 
Tenney, George H. James, Alonzo G. James, 
Rev. J. IT. Mathers, W. H. and A. L. Wilson, 
William Ilill, A. S. Neff, Israel Sanderson, 
Daniel Rice, John S. Wilson, G. N. Matteson, 
A. C. Eastland, W. H. Downs, C W. Hunting- 
ton, L. Dillingham. Charles Nelson, Patrick 
Meehan, James Holden, James Moroney, J. S. 
Thompson, and others. Each filled a place and 
performed a part in the growth and development 
of the village. 

C. WAGGONER AS A PIONEER. 

It was in the earlier days of the Center that 
my father erected, besides the dwelling houses 
already mentioned, the two store buildings on 
what is now known as the Ilill corner, the 
smaller of which he occupied for several years 
for merchandising. He was also one of the 
largest contributors, if not the largest, to the 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



J 290 



erection of tbe neat little edifice of the Presby- 
terian Church, which yet stands as a monument 
to the religious zeal and pecuniary generosity of 
the handful of Presbyterians who had become 
residents of the village as early as 1855-G. He 
was also actively identified with the efforts 
which resulted in the erection of the White 
School House — the crowning event of that pe- 
riod. 

On leaving Ohio, it wasliis purpose to engage 
permanently in merchandising. VV iih that view, 
the building he first erected was planited, and 
he forwarded a good assortment of dry-goods 
and notions for the trade of the new settlement. 
But my mother strenuously opposed that pur- 
pose, not without reason, and after disposing of 
the first stock, he bought and sold real estate 
for a time. As a merchant, in Ohio, he iiad 
been more generous to others than just to him- 
self. A larger number of guests were seated at 
our tables than at the tables of the village hotel 
— a circumstance which imposed heavy burdens 
u[)()n my mother, besides absorbing the profits 
of trade. He bought and sold lands at small 
margins, and helped many of the settlers north 
of the Center to the best selections. I well re- 
member the advent of the Wagners, of Horse 
creek, between whom and my father's family — 
partly on account of the similarity of the names 
— perj)otiial good will has existed. They soon 
admitted into their name the additional letters, 
g-o, making it Waggoner, probably because it 
was so spelled by those wlio had become more 
familiar with father's name. I also remember 
the "flittings" of Elijah Barto, Moses West, and 
others, of whose services in the developnient of 
the county I w-oulil gladly make mention, but 
forbear, for want of time, and because otliers 
will probably discharge that duty. I must how- 
ever remark that Moses West seemed to me so 
small in stature that I wondered what he could 
do with the monster trees that covered the eighty 
on which he settled. 

The hard times of ISHl caught my father with 
a large amount of real estate — unimproved lands 



and village lots — bought at the advanced prices 
made by the boom of the few years previous, 
from the effect of which he never fully recov- 
ered. With no productive property and little 
income from any source, he experienced for some 
years all that was meant by hard times. Money 
was scarce, taxes were high, and there was al- 
most universal despondency. When buyers 
could be found at all, he sold from time to time 
tracts of land to pay taxes on what he had left 
until his holdings were materially lessened and 
of no greater relative value than when the hard 
times set in. In that crisis, the prudent and ex- 
cellent management of household affairs by my 
mother was invaluable, and served to tide us 
over to better times. 

AN HISTORIC BUILDING. 

One of the first of the buildings erected after 
our arrival was that known as the Pease & 
Baker store. It was put up near the middle of 
the west side of the same block, by J. S. Thomp- 
son, and was the model for subse(juerit improve- 
ments. It was christened by a 4th of July 
ball, which was attended by a large number of 
the pioneers of the county, many of whom are 
yet living to enjoy the comforts obtained by the 
labor of their own hands. As I remember it, 
it was a fascinating and much enjoyed social 
party. 

The next remarkable incident associated with 
it was a county convention of the rejmblican 
party, over which the now venerable, but then 
as wliite-haired, 'Squire Dixon j)resided. The 
struggle for the j)arly favors was jirotracted 
until midnight, and every boy in the village, as 
will as his father, was awakened to deep anxi- 
ety concerning its labors. That convention 
made politicians of many persons who were 
thereafter more or less prominent in the poli- 
tics of the county. 

A little later one J. J. Shoemaker opened in 
it — using every available nook and (corner — a 
large and attractive stock of merchandise. His 
also was the genius which sent a steam saw- 
mill north of the Center, to a point he called 



1800 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Marysville, afterwards Jaiuiey's Mills, on Fancy 
creek. But J. J. Slioeniaker was too large for 
the occasion, so to speak. His career was 
brief — too brief for his creditors, but profitable, 
it was thought, for himself. He "vauished" 
between two days, and the Richland Center eye 
hath not since seen or its ear since heard of 
him. "It's an ill wind that blows nobody 
good." The wind which brought J. J. Shoe- 
maker to Richland was probably not exceptional; 
yet no regret has been expressed that small 
shadows only of the genius he displayed have 
since darkened the horizon of the village. One 
of these appeared soon after his departure, and 
may be mentioned in this connection. That 
was Sam McCuUoch, who figured as a grocer 
and dazzled the eyes of the girls. * riiamented 
by the "stubs" which he coaxed from George 
Lybrand, he was a stunner, and possibly the 
girls obliged him to neglect his business so that 
the sheriff soon took charge of it for him. He 
"kept store" in the front room of G. H. James' 
house. 

TWO SCUOOL HOUSES. 

The first public school was kept in the u)> 
right part of the present dwelling of Alfred S. 
Fries, and was taught by a niece of I. S. llasel- 
tine. The room — neither lathed nor plastered — 
was used for Sunday schools, religious services, 
and other public gatherings. Not a few stormy 
discussions over religious differences, or the 
policy of the new community respecting af- 
fairs of Church, took place there; and it is possi- 
ble that differences which divided the people 
for years afterwards were first manifested there. 

The second school house was the upright 
also — and also without lath or plaster — of the 
present dwelling of Mrs. Maria Lawrence. 
Judge Miner, then a new-comer, at the threshold 
of his useful and honorable career in Richland 
county, was the teacher of tiie school of the 
winter of 1855-6. Tiio room was crowded to its 
utmost capacity with restless, fun-loving boys 
and girls — the future men and women of the 
village and county. That winter was cold, and 



piles of wood were required to make the room 
habitable. The James boys and the Waggoner 
boys, Henry Wood and his sister, the children 
of Ira Haseltine, P. E. Brewer, "Jimmy" Mo- 
roney and "Johnny" Agin, the Huntington girls 
and the Nelson girls, and Leroy and Josie 
Gage, "Melick" Ilankins and Matt. Neff, and 
others, were there, with less interest in their 
books, perhaps, than in the frolics natural to 
the surroundings. But the teacher skillfully 
handled the incongruous elements and obliged 
each to drink from the fountains of knowledge. 
There were occasional rebellions, led by a dar- 
ing captain — "a little but old-looking fellow," 
with irrepressible' tenacity of purpose; not 
wicked, but persistently mischievous, often 
with painful results to others. Oft repeated en- 
treaty and mild persuasion having failed, the 
schoolmaster at length summoned to his aid a 
bunch of well selected hazel brush, with the an- 
nouncement that all should be sacrificed in the 
interest of good order. The belligerent bade 
defiance, and made tight; but he succumbed ere 
the bunch was half u.«td uji, and became oneof 
the most obedient of the school. "J'hat use of 
the rod was timely and salutar}'. Thereafter it 
was much easier to control that school. 

The up])er floor, besides being used as a 
school room the next summer, was the lodge 
room of the Masons, faithfully patronized by 
William Short, Dr. Gage, W. F. Crawford, 
Miner, Priest, '"Indian" Butler, and other old 
settlers. 

The first floor was used for public meetings 
of all kinds. There Perry A. Dayton first re- 
vealed to the young ideas the beauties of his 
magic lantern and discoursed to an awe-stricken 
throng npon the mysteries of the solar-system, 
by the aid of his well-worn planetarium. There 
the itinerant phrenologist examined heads and 
taught that the man as he should be could be 
made from the boy. There, too, the entertain- 
ing teacher of music chalked the long and short 
notes on the blackboard and taught the recep- 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 



1301 



tive mind "John Brown had a little Injun," 
"Scotland's burning, etc. 

Perhaps the most noteworlliy of the notable 
events of that epoch, within those weather- 
boarded walls, was a Iceltire on woman's rights 
by Lucy Stone Blackwell, wlio was accompanied 
by her husband. Next in importance was a 
"lecture," one Sunday, by a colored man, for 
his oppressed race. Richland Center was posi- 
tively anti-slavery in sentiment, and the colored 
man receiyed a cordial welcome. Amos Nudd 
chaperoned him, and at the appointed hour ten- 
derly introduced him to the waiting audience. 
That advance-guard of emancipation took a 
text from the Bible— -"Faith, hope and charity; 
but the greatest of these is charity." He bounded 
like a quarter-horse over Faith, revelled a mo- 
ment only in the realms of Hope, to find — with 
the apostle — that "the greatest of these is Char- 
ity," of which he himself was in particular and 
distressing need. Priest and Rice and Craw- 
ford "caught on," as the boys now say, and 
passed their hats, collecting a small amount for 
the crafty Ethiopian. His "lecture" was thus 
closed in less than five minutes, but lie had 
accomplished his object, and the audience 
laughed heartily over the sell. 

THK WHITE SCH001.-H0USE. 

The "children of school ages" had outgrown 
the little red school house before another was 
provided. A protracted struggle preceded tlie 
erection of the White School-House — at the 
lime regarded by some as many years in ad- 
vance of the necessities of the village. The 
champions of the movement were Messrs. 
Priest, Miner, my father, Rice, and the James's, 
with Priest as chief spokesman. Several meet- 
ings were held and the forces on both sides were 
skillfully manipulated. Each successive meet- 
ing was an interesting and exciting dcbating- 
school, in which wit and humor, sarcasm and 
invective, were permitted full jilay. But the 
end came, and a little later the new school 
house, which proved to be none too large. 



THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The first church edifice erected in the Center 
was that unobtrusive little one still used by the 
Presbyterian society. The Rev. J. H. ALathers, 
a liome missionary of that society, had lieen 
preaching in the hall belonging to Hascal Has- 
eltine, and there orgaized the Richlaiid Center 
Church, in the winter of 1855-50. Tlie church 
building was erected the following summer, at a 
cost of about ^900, contributed in material, labor 
and money. The Wilsons and Mr. Hill did the 
carpenter work, and they and my father were 
among the largest contributors — half a dozen in 
all bearing fully half the expense. Mr. Mathers 
was also a liberal contributor of money as well 
as of time. He preached also to congregations 
at Richland City and on Fancy Creek. 

A FEW PERSONALS. 

None of the early settlers are more kindl) 
remembered than the young Presbyterian min- 
ister and his much esteemed wife, and their 
return to Pennsylvania, ten years later, was 
deeply regretted by a circle of friends co-exten- 
sive with the boundaries of the county. Mr. 
and Mrs. Mathers were essential to the enjoy- 
ment of every social festivity, and Elder 
Mathers was an important factor in every 
public gathering. He was the first county su- 
perintendent of schools, and first and foremost 
in almost every public enterprise. His horse 
"Sam" was known all over the county, and re- 
spected for his own good qualities and those of 
his owner. 

A writer of history is not permitted to speak 
of the living and present in terms of praise, 
but I will transgress the unwritten law so much 
as to say, that of the pioneer.* of the Center, 
no other has acquired a wider or better inlbi- 
ence, or been more deservingly honored, than 
James H. Miner. The esteem and confidence 
reposed in him by his fellow-citizens, expressed 
through the ballot box and otherwise during 
his thirty years of active participation in public 
affairs, will sustain the highest comraend.ation 
of which words are capable. 



1302 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



Tlie removal of D. B. Priest, to Viroqua, 
soon after his settlement in the Center, was an 
irreparable loss. No man, in so short a time, 
acquired so sti'ong a hold upon his associates, 
and no other has bequeathed to the political 
lore of the county so rich a fund of campaign 
anecdotes. One might disagree with Priest, 
but he could not dislike him. He was generous 
to a foe and unalterably faithful to a friend. 

It would afford me much pleasure to extend 
tliis list — to include many other names to me 
known to merit particular mention fi^r invalu- 
able services in the development of tln' vilLage. 
Indeed I would like to include also the names 
of many deserving friends in other parts of the 
county ; but this I must forego, assured that 
the names of all such will be iluly enrolled in 
this History by others. 

ABATING THE SALE OF LIQUORS AS A NUISANCE. 

At one time, in the early day, Pat Meehan, on 
the J. L. Fogo corner, and Michael Carmichael, 
at the bowling-alley near the Sid Rose house, 
as vendors of intoxicants, ivere persistently be- 
sieged by most of their neighbors to forsake 
their calling. Appeal and numerous legal pros- 
ecutions had been unavailing. At that juncture, 
A. C. Eastland came to them with a new doc- 
trine, which he expounded with so much ability 
as to enlist the co-operation of almost the entire 
community. It was that of "abating the sale of 
intoxicating liquors as a nuisance," under the 
authority of the boanl of health The then ven- 
erable E. P. Young, a Presbyterian elder, and 
the Rev. B. L. Jackson, pastor of the Methodist 
Church, at that time ex-officio members of the 
board, became his zealous coadjutors and trusted 
lieutenants. The lodge of Good Templars was 
also committed to the doctrine. A deputy sheriff 
(David Ellsworth) was armed with the proper 
order and fortified by an indemnifying bond. 
With a small posse, he laid hold upcn Meehan's 
'■s[)irits" and moistened the ground with them, 
but not without conflict. The ball of a rifle in 
the iiands of the good -wife of the supposed of- 
fender against the peace and dignity of the State 



of Wisconsin inflicted a flesh wound in the arm 
of the valiant deputy. I will leave it to others 
— perhaps to Mr. Eastland himself — to finish 
this story, except to say that the sale of intoxi- 
cating liquors was "abated as a nuisance" for a 
few days only. 

Michael Carmichael was more diplomatic. He 
yielded to the entreaties of the ladies. One 
beautiful summer morning, followed by the 
brave men and flanked by the ever-watchfnl 
boys, the ladies of the village, led by Mrs. James 
Holden — a lady of fine presence and superior 
tact — marched upon his establishment. He re- 
ceived them with gr.acious courtesy and patiently 
listened to the address by Mrs. llolden — to quit 
the traffic and claim his pl.ace among the best 
and foremost of good and useful men, etc. In 
response, he declared his willingness to do and 
to be, according to the request, but protested 
that he could not, in justice to himself, make 
the proposed sacrifice of his stock. Negotia- 
tions were promptly concluded for its purchase, 
and the soil of the Hamilton settlement received 
a baptism of fire-water. But Carmichael's re- 
tirement from the unhallowed vocation was of 
short duration. 



THE PRESS OF THE COUNTY. 

RICHLAND COUNTY OBSERVER. 

A thrill of delight pervaded the new village 
of Richland Center one day in October, 18.5.5, 
when the material from which the Oliserve7- was 
to be printed was unloaded at the back door of 
Nelson's store, now the corner building of Wal- 
worth's collection of tenement houses. Only 
those who lived in that period can fully appre- 
ciate what a publication of a newspaper at 
home then meant. The inhabitants of a new- 
born town could not then read at breakfast the 
news of the preceding day, or at their supper- 
tables learn from the evening papers what had 
transpired in the busy world while they were 
employed in their pursuits of the day not yet 
ended. "Patent insides" and "plate" were yet 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1303 



unknown, and newspapers could not be planted 
lit every cross roads as easily as now. 

The founder of the Observev — at first a six- 
cnluinn folio — Israel Sanderson, was a man who 
could ovcicome obstacles. I sliall never forget 
a ]iliiase in liis salutatory. He "started the 
Observer^'' he said, "witliout a bonus or tlie 
promise of one." Bonus, short as it is, was a 
big word, but Mr. S.'s use of it furnished an in- 
dex to liis character. He was positive in his 
convictions, courageous and independent in 
su)i])ort of them, and above all superior to that 
belittling sort of financial hel)) which too often 
curses the press. An inventory of the piintitig 
materiaJ he bought and brought to the Center, 
rather tlian be under obligations to any one, 
will impart a knowledge of the man, besides 
being interesting in a specific way: The press 
for the paper was the only article whicli had 
not been cast aside by otliers. It was a first- 
class Adams, and is still in use, in Mineral Point. 
He had collected the type from a cast-off dress 
of the Chicago Tribune, and he produced as 
good work from it as has ever been shown in 
the county. His job press was a Ramage, of 
small size — an invention of long ago. It too 
had seen its best days, but Mr. Sanderson did 
good work on it. He was an excellent printer 
and a versatile editor. 

In order to follow the Ramage — then as now 
an historic thing — to its present post of ser- 
vice, a digression will be timely. 

The Ramage and much of the original out- 
tit of the 0/>.wryer— then part of the Observer 
newspaper office — became my property ten 
years later. About nine years after that (in 
1874), I "retired" the Ramage, but subsequently 
intrusted it to a friend and foinier foreman — 
C. F. Trevitt, a justice of the peace at IJlanch- 
ardville,LaFayetle county, who is yet, I believe, 
printing on it justice court blanks, etc. 

Mr. Sanderson sold the Observer, in the sum- 
mer of 1857, to J. Walworth, with whom he 
liad been associated in business in Monroe, who 
published it until November 19, 18G3. Hy him 



it was tlien sold to Gilbert L. Laws, Samuel C. 
Hyatt and William J. Waggoner — the latter 
my elder brother. Those gentlemen had been 
in the army. Neither was a practical j)rinter, 
but they were fast friends and hard workers, 
and did well with the enterprise while they 
were connected with it. 

On May 12, 1SG4, I purchased the interest ol 
Mr. Laws, and a week later my brother and 1 
purchased Mr. Hyatt's interest. Thereafter, 
until July, 18C5, the (9/»»-tr(vr was published by 
W. J. <fe J. H. Waggoner. At that time, by 
exchange of joint mercantile and newspaper 
interests, he became merchant and I the sole 
proprietor of the Obnerrer. My first intimate 
knowledge of or personal interest in the news- 
papers of the county, however, dates back to 
January 14, 1857, when I entered the Observer 
office as "printer's devil." When Sanderson 
sold to Walworth, I remained with the latter 
a few months — climbing from "devil" to "fore- 
man," by the change. My contract with Mr. 
Sanderson will indicate something of the 
changes of a quarter of a century, particularly 
in the matter of apprenticeships to trades : For 
the first year I was to be "boarded" and clothed; 
for the second, to receive ^5 per month instead 
of clothing; for the third, $7 per month in- 
stead of clothing. Butat the end of six months 
Mr. S., who had voluntarily expended in that 
time four dollars for clothing for me, also vol- 
untarily advanced my compensation to ^4 per 
month, for the remaiinler of the year, instead 
of clothing; and with Mr. Walworth's advent, 
a month or two later, I obtained the remunera- 
tion per month promised for the third year ! 
I should also obserTe here thai at the lime of 
acquiring ])r<iprietary interest in the Observer, 
in 1804, I was yet in the army (on duty at Mad- 
ison as acting quartermaster for ll)c then active 
recruiting service), and look little or no jiart in 
its vexatious responsibilities tintil I became its 
sole proprietor, the following year. 

My first experience .is editor and jiiiblishcr of 
the Observer was destined to be brief. Oclo- 



1S04 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ber 26, 1865, I sold it to W. M. Fogo and J. M. 
Hoskins, on account of the recurrence of inflam- 
mation of the eyes, which has twice since driven 
me from newspaper work. Those gentlemen 
admitted Mr. Walworth to the partnership, from 
which Mr. Hoskins soon retired, and Walworth 
& Fogo continued the publication until Aug- 
ust 8, 1867, when the Observer was consolidated 
with The Live Hepiiblican — the two papers tak- 
ing the name Richland Countj Republican. 

RICHLAND COUNTY REPUBLICAN. 

The first issue of the consolidated paper, 
under the new name, was made August 15, 1867. 
The consolidation, owing to peculiar circum- 
stances, entailed upon me a financial burden of 
which I did not see the end for five years. 
During that period I was the editor and man- 
ager and lialf-owner of the Hepublican. C. H. 
Smith and G. L. Laws were half-owners a few 
months, to be succeeded by Geo. D. Stevens, 
whose interest I bought November 28, 1872, 
and was again sole proprietor. 

On December 11, 1878, I admitted W. M. 
Fogo into partnership, and Waggoner & Fogo 
conducted the business until September 1, 1874, 
when I was again compelled to relinquish 
newspaper work. I sold to G. L. Laws, who 
was succeeded a couple of years later by O. G. 
Munson. The Republican was published by 
Fogo & Munson until January 1, 1881, when 
it was consolidated with the Observer, the con- 
solidated papers taking the name — the Repub- 
lican and Observer. 

THE REPUBLICAN AND OBSERVER. 

Fogo & Munson became and have since re- 
mained the editors and proprietors of the con- 
solidated papers, representing the only continu- 
ous publication in the county dating back to 
that cold November evening, in 1855, when 
Israel Sanderson issued the first edition of the 
Observer. Tiie Republican and Observer is 
double the size of the parent, and is otherwise 
vastly improved upon the Richland County 
Obterver ol \^bb. It is creditable alike to the 
publishers and the widely and favorably-known 



commercial mart of which it is a faithful repre- 
sentative. 

RICHLAND COUNTT DEMOCRAT. 

The election of a democrat or two to county 
offices invested with printing patronage encour- 
aged the founding, late in the fall of 1857, of 
the Richland County Democrat, by Wm. Pitt 
Furey, a zealous and able champion of democ- 
racy. The residence of the editor and the oftice 
of the democrat were in the main part of the 
Bulard dwelling-house, which then fronted 
north, on the same lot. But Richland county 
afforded poor picking for two papers ; besides, 
it was radically republican in political senti- 
ment, and the Democrat yielded up tlje ghost 
with the expiration of its lease upon the public 
printing. During its existence, however, a 
ferocious struggle was made for the county 
printing, which was two or three times after- 
wards imitated — with positive damage to the 
interests of the publishers and actual loss to 
the patrons of the local newspapers. 

THE ZOUAVE. 

Soon after the demise of the democrat, the 
material on which it had been printed was used 
in the publication of The Zouave, by a Mr. God- 
frey. A lady whose pseudonym was Lisle Les- 
ter, and who had considerable reputation for 
literary work, was the editress. That paper 
was also short-lived. 

THE RICHLAND PRESS, 

by D. T. Lindley, was the next newspaper ven- 
ture, with the same printing material for its 
basis. The initial number was issued Novem- 
ber 1, 1860, and it was typographically neat and 
spicy in its local news. It soon surrendered, 
however, to the inevitable, and the printing 
material which was practically responsible for 
the inception of the two papers last named was 
thereafter sold to Prairie du Chien and Mineral 
Point parties, thereby abridging the opportuni- 
ties of ambitious printers and others in Rich- 
land county to wield the pen, j)ro bono publico, 
for some years to come. 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1305 



THE LIVE REPl-BI.ICAN. 

A combination of circumstances conducive to 
mutual interest in the enterprise made Ira S. 
ITaseltine and myself editors and proprietors 
of The Live liepuhlicati, tiie publication of 
wliich was begun December 13, IHCrt, and ter- 
minated August 8, 1867, by consolidation with 
the Ohaereer. As the republican nominee for 
the assembly, in the fall of '06, Mr. II. was 
spoken of as "an unwelcome necessity" liy the 
Observer — the avowed republican organ. That 
made him — notwithstanding his election — am- 
bitious of a seat on the editorial tiipod, and I 
was desirous of resuming iiewsp:ipei' work. 
After we had decided upon uniting forces, and 
u hell I was on the way to Maz.omanie to pur- 
chase the printing material for the office, we 
chanced to meet under the little tree which yet 
stands, I believe, on the knoll in the Se.vton- 
ville road near the Hiram W'elton house, on 
either side of which a wagon track is maintained. 
"What .-hall we name our paper?" he enquired. 
] had not got that far, and rei)lied accordingly. 
'What do you say to calling it The Lire lie- 
ptiblicati?" he then asked. The name seemed 
to me to be at once appropriate and talismanic, 
and it was unanimously adopted! Mr. H.'s 
characteristic contributions to the pajier, and 
his industry and zeal in canvassing for it, did 
much to establish it; but with the consolidation 
before mentioned, he went out of the newspaper 
business. 

KICIILAND COUNTY .SENTINICL. 

In 1S09, (about two years after the consoli- 
dation of the 0/)s<>rrer a.i\d Tne Lire Rcptiblicun), 
Walworth & Fogo began the jiublication of the 
Sentinel, of which Mr. Walworth retained con- 
trol until the i)rinling material of the office was 
transferred to Hoscobel, two or three years 
later, when ^Sfr. W.'s connection with the ]>rcs8 
of the county eease<l. Mr. Fogo soon retired 
from the Sentinel, and his i)lace as as.soeiate 
editor and manager was afterwards lilleil in 
turn by E. E. Piekard, C. \i. Walworth, and 
perhaps others. The SenUnd was the ora ;le of 



a local "retrencliment and reform" party and 
made a vigonis fight for the county printing 
and the county offices. It is within the recol- 
lection of the people of the county that the 
newspaper war of tliat period was not well cal- 
culated to promote the Christian virtues. I 
may say this because I was one of the combat- 
ants, and because I have long since forgiven 
and repented of what should have been left out 
of print. 

A I.OXE ROCK PAPER. 

For some months in the years '75-0, Fogo & 
Laws issued from the office of the Republieuu a 
paper for circulation in Lone Rock and vicinity, 
called the Lone Rock I'llut, of which J. W. 
Fuller was the local representative. Tlie en- 
terprise was creditable to all concerned in it, 
but not remunerative enough to become a per- 
manent thing. 

THE OBSERVER. 

After two years of rest and restlessness, I 
again enlisted in journalism by founding The 
Obterrer, the first number of which was issued 
on Deceniber 21, 1H7G. The venture was a 
marked success. The Observer achieved a 
larger circulation, and did a larger business, 
the first year, than I had previously been 
awarded in my newsj)aper exjierience in the 
county, in a single year. It was published 
a little more than four years, when it was 
consolidated with the liei'iihticnn, as iiere- 
inbefore staled. In its fourth year I admitted 
N. 15. Burtch to a proprietary interest, and he 
was the responsible publisher and the local edi- 
tor. C. E. and C. J. Glasier were its printers 
and publishers the third year, and I the owner, 
as I had been from the first. I was the respon- 
sible editor throughout the four years; but 
having, at the end of its first year, been ap- 
pointed to the position of chief clerk of the 
State land office, at Madison, to the duties of 
which I gave personal attention, I necessarily 
availed myself of the assistance of others in the 
local and business departments of the paper 
until the consolidation was made which re- 



1306 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



lieved me of a burdensome care and undoubt- 
edly terminated my connection with the press 
of Richland county. Mr. IJurlch and the Gla- 
siers, and others, labored with zeal, in their 
several relations to the paper, for which those 
named were compensated by generous patron- 
age. I have not forgotten that a few friends 
made contributions of laborand goodwill which 
placed me under life-long obligations. 

LATER-DAY NEWSPAPBES. 

Brief mention of the later-day newspapers 
will be required to complete this sketch. 

The Richland Rustic of to-day, by J. A. 
Smith, as I remember the chain, is the succes- 
sor to the Richland Democrat of '79 or '80, 
which took the place of Sat's Pine River Pilot, 
started in the spring of '79. Sat (M. Fletcher 
Satterlee) received his first lessons in the art 
preservative in the Observer office, in 180-1-5, 
and was employed at various times in the news- 
paper offices in the Center, lie is full of wit 
and humor, and a first-class pressman and 
printer. But the odds were against him and 
he was obliged to quit the field in a few months, 
leaving it to Otis H. Brand to publish for a 
short time the Richland Democrat. Mr. Smith 
gathered up the fragments and soon established 
the liuslic, which is abundantly able to speak 
for itself. 

There was started, in Excelsior, in 1879, a 
small paper — The Teacher's Press, I think— by 
Ira D. Ilurlburt. Its circulation was local and 
it did not long survive the vicissitudes of jour- 
nalism. After a short time it wandered into 
the greenback fold, and died with its party. 

The Richland Union Democrat is a recent 
and the last of the newspaper ventures of the 
county. As I have seen but a single issue, I 
can say only that it made a good ajjpearance 
and gave promise of long life. 

POLITICAL AND OTHBK DISTINCTIONS. 

Of course, every newspaper in the county 
dead or alive, was and is "devoted to the inter- 
est of the people;" and that all have deserved 
w«dl of the people, and have exerted a vast in- 



fluence, is attested by the recognized industry, 
sobriety, intelligence and prosperity of the in- 
habitants of the county. But, according to the 
spirit of the age, each was and is more or less 
pronounced in political opinions. I have already 
indicated the political proclivities of most of 
them, but the value of the history of the past 
will be increased by a brief classification here. 
The Richland County Observer, The Live Me- 
publican, the Richland County Republican and 
The Observer, were advocates of the principles 
of the republican party, as is The Rep%(bUcun 
and Observer of to-day; the Richland County 
Democrat and the Richland Democrat were, as 
is the Richland Union Democrat, democratic in 
politics — the names indicating their political 
complexions. The Zouave, the Richland Press 
and iSafs Pine River Pilot, like the Richland 
Rustic, floated non-partisan flag, as did also the 
Lone Rock paper; the Richland County Sentinel, 
with republican predilections, championed cer- 
tain local projects; and the Excelsior Teachers 
Press drifted into greenback company, as be- 
fore stated. 

UNRECORDED NAMES. 

Mr. Sanderson was efKciently and ably as- 
sisted in founding the Richland County Ob- 
server by William Nelson, who, as a printer and 
counselor, rendered invaluable service. He 
was Mr. S.'s brother-in-law — a young man of 
enviable physical perfection and mental powers. 
His robust frame, his indifference to conven- 
tionalities, and his iron will, attracted favorable 
comment. Very soon after Mr. S.'s sale of the 
Observer, he also departed. He was also Mr. 
S.'s lieutenant in founding the Grant County 
Witness, at Platteville, in 1859, and in 1860 he 
and I published, for six months or more, the 
Wisconsin State Rights, at Monroe. He bore 
an honorable part in the war for the Union — 
being brevetted captain for heroic conduct; 
was a prisoner of war for eighteen months — en- 
during the privations which killed hundreds 
and even thousands of his fellow prisoners. 
After the Viroqua tornado, in 1865, he became 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



1307 



the editor of the Vernon County Censor, was 
elected to the state senate in 1871; became edi- 
tor of the LaCrosse Leader (daily and weekly) 
in 1873, and was appointed United States mar- 
shal of Utah in 1875. He resigned that office 
in two or three years and has since been editor 
of the Salt Lake Tribtme. 

The connection of my brother William J. 
with the press of the county was not limited to 
the period heretofore mentioned. During two 
or three winters of my absence, when chief 
clerk of the State senate, at Madison, he liad 
immediate charge of the Republican office. He 
has twice been county superintendent of schools, 
and for some years past has been merchant, 
miller, farmer and postmaster at Viola. My 
brothers Edwin B. and Joseph M. were also 
valuable lielpers of the county newspapers. 
Edwin B. has also been interested in an Iowa 
paper, and in 1877-8 was editor and publisher 
of the Whitehall Times, in this State. lie was 
also in his country's service — enlisting when 
eighteen years oM. With a large number of 
fellow-soldiers, some of them also from Rich- 
land, he was made a prisoner of war at the bat- 
tle of Atlanta, Georgia, and endured seven 
months of the cruelties and hardships of Ander- 
sonville and Florence. He was commissioned 
a lieutenant of his company about that time, 
but of course could not be mustered. Joseph 
M., when able to work, was a superior composi- 
tor and a faithful and scealous heli)er. 

Jay Hamilton, who had learned the trade in 
the office of the Jiepublican, was for a short 
time local editor of that paper and afterwards 
for a short time local editor of The Observer. 

SUBSEQUENT CAREER AND PRESENT WHEREABOUTS 
OF THE EARLIER-PAY .TOURNALISTS. 

Soon after leaving the Center, Israel Sander- 
derson founded the Grant County WUimss, at 
Plalteville, employing the same industry, i>ru- 
dence and courage that served him so well in 
founding the Richland County Observer. A 
few years later, he established a jobprintiTjg 
office in the city of Decatur, Illinois; and when 



next and last I heard from him, he was engaged 
in market-gardening in Du Quoin, Illinois. 
About that time, D. IJ. Priest, who had moved 
to Sparta, became the owner of the Sparta 
Eagle. Be tendered to Mr. Sanderson such in- 
terest in the enterprise as the latter might de- 
sire. Mr. S. replied, in substance, that he "was 
not then and never expected to be again poor 
enough to resume journalistic work." Only 
those persons who have spent the better years 
of their lives as faithful and honest editors and 
publishers can correctly interpret and feelingly 
appreciate the sentiment underlying Mr. San- 
derson's reply 

William P. Furey, of the Democrat of '.57, 
afterwards published a jiajier in Mauch Chunk, 
Pennsylvania, and was two or three times an 
officer of the Pennsylvania assembly — demo- 
cratic, of course. My impression is that he 
died some years ago. 'I'lie "Lisle Lester" of 
The Zouave went to California, where she added 
to her reputation as a writer. I am unable to 
say more of her, or anything of Mr. Godfrey, 
tlie publisher of The Zouave. 

D. T. Lindley has had a varied experience, 
always to his credit as a printer, and mostly in 
Northwestern Wisconsin. He is now and has 
been for some time the editor and publisher of 
the Elroy Tribune. 

Of Mr. Walworth and the others wlio are yet 
living in the Center, or not far away, I will not 
be expected to make parlic:dar mention, as each 
is entitled to and will certainly be accorded due 
prominence elsewhere in the History of Rich- 
land County. 

Several months prior to the expiration of my 
term of office at the stale capilol, viz., in July, 
1881, I bought some shares of slock in the Free 
Press Company, of the city of Eau Claire, witli 
the purpose of becoming the editor of the daily 
and weekly issues of the Free Press. In due 
time, I moved lo ihis city, to mnke it my per- 
manent home, and for the last two years have 
discharged the duties incumbent upon tliv presi- 
dent of Free Press Company and the responsi- 



1308 



HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ble editor of the Free Frees. I have also largely 
increased my original interest in the Free Press 
property, and it seems more than probable that 
Time with his scythe will find me here, by the 
desk in the inner sanctum on whicli this con- 
tribution to the History of Richland County 
has been written by the hand of another, at my 
dictation. 



I believe this sketch of the press and the 
other historical matter herewith contributed, 
under various headings — although drawn almost 
entirely from memory — to be substantially, if 
not precisely, accurate. In writing so much of 
detail, I have yielded to the urgent requests of 
many old friends, whom to serve is a personal 
gratification. 




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